Dec 19: How Oysters Create Pearls In Vietnam
“La Peregrina Pearl, the most expensive pearl ever sold, was auctioned in 2011 for a whopping $11.8 million. An oyster slowly turned one speck of sand into a gem over the course of years.
“La Peregrina Pearl, the most expensive pearl ever sold, was auctioned in 2011 for a whopping $11.8 million. An oyster slowly turned one speck of sand into a gem over the course of years.
Centuries ago, fishermen worked together to create self-sustaining systems. They learned to capture fresh water and grouped floating houses between karsts (small islands) to ensure calmer waters. Instead of living off the land, they evolved to live on the water.
How is the jewelry-making process carried out? Trained experts locate and destroy undetonated devices.
These pieces, borne from the ashes of conflict, are melted and skillfully crafted into earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and accessories.
Cafes, renowned for people-watching, take on an even more enchanting quality when infused with feline interactions. Despite being staunch ‘dog people,’ accustomed to befriending local dogs and amicable strays, the allure of pet therapy drew us toward the feline residents. Entering the world of cats turned out to be a serendipitous decision.
The Multifunctional Trunk
With a mind-boggling 40,000 muscles, this powerhouse appendage puts the human body’s 600 muscles to shame. An elephant can pluck a tree out the ground as if it were a carrot. But it’s not just about flexing; the elephant trunk is a Swiss Army knife in the animal world. From gracefully drawing up water for a drink to manipulating objects with surgical precision, emitting warning trumpets, and engaging in heartwarming greetings with fellow giants, the trunk is a true multitasking marvel.
African giant pouched rats (cuter than they sound) are trained to sniff out TNT explosives hiding underground. These rats are wicked smart, and must pass IQ tests before entering the training program, which takes about two years. It costs abut $7,000 to train each rat, after which they use their amazing sense of smell to bring safety to the Cambodian people.
At first glance, crossing the street looks riskier than jumping out of an airplane without a parachute.
Impossible is the only word that comes to mind as you face the onrushing motorbikes, weaving Tuk Tuks, and colossal buses, in a relentless battle for a mere inch of space on the unforgiving asphalt expanse.
In 1875, he set out from on a journey that would etch his name in history. Battling challenging tides, which delayed him for five long hours, and enduring the sting of a jellyfish, Webb finally emerged victorious after 21 hours and 45 minutes in the water.
Webb’s triumph inspired others, and over the years, nearly 80 failed attempts followed. It wasn’t until thirty-six years later that Thomas William Burgess became the second human to defy all odds.
Too embarrassed to ask what he meant by “quid,” I later researched the term through Google University. As it turns out, the UK police force does not require sea creatures as a form of payment. Rather, quid is just another name for pounds. Just as Americans call their dollars “bucks” all the time, the British use “quid” as slang. It’s as common as tea and crumpets.
Imagine you stroll up to a vending machine, your tummy rumbling for some Swiss goodness. This machine isn’t slinging chips; it’s dishing out the holy grail of Swiss cuisine. Craving some fondue to melt your heart? You got it. How about raclette that’ll have you singing in cheesy bliss? The machine’s got you covered. But hold on, the feast doesn’t stop there. You can snag the freshest bread and perfectly-sized potatoes. What about dessert? There’s always room, right? Do not fret. Push the right button and you will get…Meringue with double Creme.
As you look down, your heart races, thumping a staccato rhythm in the chest. Each shallow breath is a reminder of vulnerability, a sensation akin to holding one’s life in a fragile bubble. The fear, rooted in survival instincts, urges you to find solid ground.
Instead of seeking safety, you push your amygdala’s warnings aside.
Why!?
In Switzerland, the hills are alive with the sound of… cow bells. It’s like nature’s very own jam session. The musical sounds enhance every countryside walk, and bike ride. The constant reminder us of their presence. And somehow, the sound is ridiculously soothing. You could say they play the role of community emotional support animals.
Switzerland is consistently ranked among the top 3 countries in the world when it comes to quality of life.
“Why?,” you ask.
Is it the yodeling? Alpine lakes? Happy cows producing delicious cheese, milk, and ice cream?
Check. Check. Check.
Not to be confused with Kegel exercises, “Kegeln” is a German sport that translates into “pins.”
If you enjoy bowling, you’d love the nine pin version of the game.
“What the heck is a Schwebebahn?,” you ask?
It translates to “floating railway,” and it’s the main form of transportation in Wuppertal, Germany.
At the tender age of eight, Mozart unleashed his first symphony upon the world, leaving everyone scratching their heads and wondering what they had been doing with their lives.
There’s an even bigger noteworthy downside to living in Venice: Many homes flood with some frequency. In fact, many first floors of structures in Venice are uninhabitable due to salt water damage and corrosion.
Baguettes and croissants, flaky and divine, will transport your taste buds to cloud nine.
If you’re a hiking enthusiast like we are then you won’t want to miss a trip to Valbona and Theth National Parks. Valbona National Park No entrance fee required. Pack it in, Pack it out. Valbona National Park, located in Valbona, Albania, is a breathtaking natural paradise nestled in the Albanian Alps. Covering an area …
Looking out into the sea, you’ll see an impressive labyrinth of waterways bustling with ferries, yachts, and sailboats. They gracefully glide through the crystal-clear turquoise waters.
if you were to explore the streets of Mostar, you’d likely see bullet holes and scars from conflicts stemming from the not so distant past.
Sun, Sand, and Serenity: This gem in Southeastern Europe was the secret sauce for our recovery after coming down from the Albanian Alps.
As you hike through the terrain, you’ll enjoy rugged summits, glittering glacier lakes, and mystical forests with lush green trees. As you gain elevation, you’ll find stone cafés nestled among the mountain tops.
Considering Spain’s longitude, the country should be on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), along with England and Portugal. It was in fact in the correct time zone until 1940 when Spain changed to the Central European Time (CET).
If you find yourself in Central or South America, it’s worth hopping on a colectivo for a true taste of the culture.
All prices discussed in this post are as of May 2023. Remember prices will fluctuate, ESPECIALLY during HIGH season (June – August/September). yes, it’s totally possible AND WITHOUT A TENT TOO! You may be thinking…”Wow, I didn’t realize you could hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu without a guide…” because I definitely was, until …
The cuy (pronounced coo-ee) has served as a traditional and important source of protein in the Andes region for centuries.
Fifty miles. Five days and four nights. Maximum elevation over 15,000 feet. Total elevation gain of 11,663 ft. Every day was leg day and cardio day. The Salkantay Trek is a less crowded and more challenging alternative to the classic Inca Trail.
Jardin, Colombia After staying a day of walking around this cute colorful town it was no surprise that we extended our stay from 2 nights to 5 nights! And if you’re an outdoor enthusiast like us I recommend you do the same. How to get to jardin From Medellin: Make your way to Terminal Sur …
Your amazing human body can acclimate pretty darn well in just 48-72 hours according to most experts. What’s the key? Gradual, incremental increases.
The normal routine for buses, boats, trains, tuk-tuks, and off-road transportation. Somehow, it still shocks me every time they fill vehicles to what feels like 300% capacity.
En route to Jardin, Columbia: As a passenger, you travel along steep, narrow, winding two-lane road. As a natural result, you experience constant jerking motions from the repetitive braking and accelerating.
About ten minutes into a long bus ride, a young father stepped onto the packed bus. Baby boy in arms. He surveyed for open seats and found none.
WELCOME TO 2-2-2 TUESDAY Here are 2 Cultural Highlights, 2 Quotes, and 2 Brief Stories for you to enjoy. Inspired by Medellín, Columbia 2 CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS 1. Columbian Fútbol Fun: There’s nothing quite like foreign fútbol matches. Tens of thousands of fans chant and sing at the top of their lungs. They jump up and …
welcome to 2-2-2 Tuesday Here are 2 Cultural Highlights, 2 Quotes, and 2 Brief Stories for you to enjoy.Inspired by Atitlan Lake, Guatemala 2 cultural highlights 1.The Deepest Lake in Central AmericaTomorrow, we fly to Columbia, but not before finishing one last Guatemalan swim at Atitlan Lake. Atitlan Lake, an endlessly impressive body of water, …
Welcome back to 2-2-2 Tuesday! Here are 2 Cultural Highlights, 2 Quotes, and 2 Brief Stories for you to enjoy.Inspired by Antigua, Guatemala 2 CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS 1.What’s Your Money Worth?:How do you keep your math skills sharp while traveling? Calculate currency exchange rates. Here’s a quick look at a few funny examples we’ve encountered up …
Do you love backpacking? Interested in seeing less touristy parts of Costa Rica? Ready for a rustic adventure in the jungle? Then this 2 day, 1 night backpacking trip should be on your list of Must-Dos while in Costa Rica! details Length: ~8 miles (~12km) Hiking Time: Day 1 (3-4 hours), Day 2 (3-4 hours) Difficulty: Moderate …
Welcome back to 2-2-2 Tuesday! Here are 2 Cultural Highlights, 2 Quotes, and 2 Brief Stories for you to enjoy. Inspired by Ramate and Tikal, Guatemala 2 CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS 1. A Bit of Mayan Magic. Last Sunday, Farah and I arrived in Flores, Guatemala prior to starting another medical trip. With our new friend, Olivario, …
Sloths set impressive records. On average, sloths travel less than half the length of a football field on any given day. I dare Usain Bolt to attempt such a feat.
Isla de Ometepe is an incredible island to visit and escape the hustle and bustle of the mainland of Nicaragua. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape of Nicaragua than I highly recommend you visit! Trust me you will love it! Know Before You Go Ometepe is an …
Welcome back to 2-2-2 Tuesday! Here are 2 Cultural Highlights, 2 Quotes, and 2 Brief Stories for you to enjoy.Inspired by Granada and Ometepe, Nicaragua 2 cultural Highlights: 1. Sharks and Swordfish in Lake Nicaragua:A really nice European young couple invited us to explore the islets of a unique freshwater lake of Granada. Lake Nicaragua …
If you are in San Salvador, El Salvador wondering what to do for the day than I have a GREAT day trip idea! Take a break from the city and go to one of El Salvador’s prettiest black sand beaches in El Zonte! Below, I will explain how to get to El Zonte from San …
If you are looking for something to do for a few hours outside of Antigua, Guatemala than hiking Pacaya Volcano may be a great choice! (Well that depends on who you ask…I’ll revisit this later). about Pacaya volcano Volcán Pacaya is a stratovolcano located in Guatemala, approximately 30 kilometers south of the capital city, Guatemala …
Welcome back to 2-2-2 Tuesday! Here are 2 cultural highlights, 2 quotes, and 2 brief stories for you to enjoy. Inspired by El Salvador (Santa Ana & San Salvador) 2 Cultural Highlights: 1. The Best Food US Dollars Can Buy!? We discovered PUPUSAS this week as we entered El Salvador. We’re hooked! What are pupusas? …
Welcome to 2-2-2 Tuesday and Happy Valentine’s Day! Here are 2 brief stories, 2 cultural highlights, and 2 quotes for you to enjoy. 2 Cultural Highlights: 1. Don’t flush the toilet paper: To prevent clogging In Central/South America, ALL soiled hygiene products go in the trash. Many bins lack lids, and sit without being emptied …
Welcome to 2-2-2 Tuesday! Here are 2 cultural highlights, and 2 quotes, and 2 brief stories for you to enjoy. 2 Cultural Highlights: 1. Underserved Guatemalans Appreciate Healthcare: Esmeralda was my first patient last week. An absolutely charming woman full of smiles and colorful clothing. Turns out, she got up two hours before the sun came up …
Feb 7 2023: “Babies Need More Than Bananas and Water!” Read More »
Talk about a tough but incredibly rewarding hike! We started our hike around 3:00 pm after our bus dropped us off at the trailhead of Volcan Acatenango. (We started later in the day as we are wrapping up our medical mission in town. If I were to hike it again I would start earlier in …
Welcome to the FIRST edition of 2-2-2 Tuesday! Here are 2 cultural highlights, 2 quotes, and 2 brief stories for you to enjoy. 2 Cultural Highlights: 1. Guatmalens LOVE Fireworks. It’s not uncommon to hear their explosions at all hours of the day and night. Guatemalans light fire to the sky to celebrate birthdays, quinceañeras, …
Antigua, located in the central highlands of Guatemala, is a historic city that transports visitors back in time with its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture (remodeled by continuous tremors) and rich cultural heritage. Founded in 1524, Antigua was once the capital of the Spanish Kingdom of Guatemala and has since become a popular tourist destination, attracting …
Hiking superstition ridgeline This Hike is No Joke but SO Worth It! Be prepared to lose the trail at times, take snack breaks, take in Arizona’s incredible desert scenery, and work up a sweat! Below is some details and recommendations about the do’s and don’t recommended when deciding to tackle this hike. Details: Difficulty: …
Time to escape Arizona to experience the changing leaves, brisk temperatures, beautiful clear waters of Lake Tahoe, CA. Below you can find: -Things to do -Places to Stay -Places to Eat Things to do Hiking Moraine Trail (Easy) Length: 2.1mi RT (round-trip) Elevation Gain: 55ft Details: Dog friendly, Kid friendly. Beautiful EASY hike that follows Fallen …
It’s fall in arizonalet’s go hiking Want to go see the fall colors Arizona offers? Scroll down For great hiking trails that will lead you to some of the BEST hikes to experience fall colors in Arizona! Aspen Nature Loop Trail – Flagstaff, AZ Length: 2.7mi RT Difficulty: easy-moderate Details: dog and kid friendly Fall color …
Even though Arizona is known for its vast desert, it is home to 128 lakes providing multiple bodies of water to take your kayak and/or paddle board for a day out on the water. Below is a list of recommended lakes for a great day on the water soaking up that Arizona sunshine. https://farzak.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_8033.mov Saguaro …
Man oh Man…What An Adventure that we HIGHLY recommend to put on your bucket list! This adventure is worth carving out 3 days and 2 nights to experience it fully! If you love hot springs, kayaking, camping under the stars, this is an adventure you don’t want to miss! Read the article below for a …
I may be bias but Arizona has some of the most incredibly diverse back country canyoneering you can find! From exploring the red rocks of Sedona to bushwhacking through the forests of Payson, Arizona will keep you AWmazed. Below are a few of the incredible canyoneering and rappelling trips we highly recommend to check off …
Well, with last minute planning our Rim to Rim Grand Canyon hike from South Kaibab to North Kaibab Trail was a success! There were lots of picturesque sights, laughs, frustrations, sore muscles but in the end we made it! Below are a few tips and tricks to make your trek a success and one that …
Desert Hikes. Water Hikes. Mountain Hikes…Arizona has a trail for that! Below is a list of top recommended hikes in Arizona depending on what mood you are in that day. I LOVE using the AllTrails app as it provides great information about each trail with reviews! Type of Hikes Water Hikes Desert Hikes Mountain Hikes …
Want to kayak/paddle the salt river? Not sure the lengths of time needed for each stretch? Look Below: Water Users –> Pebble Beach: 30-40min Water Users –> Usery Pass (Salt river tubing) Exit: 1.5-2hrs Water Users –> Coons Bluff: 2.5-3hrs Water Users –> Phon D Sutton: 2.75-3.5hrs Water Users–> Granite Reef: 3.5hrs-4.5hrs Pebble Beach –> Usery Pass (salt river tubing) …