A Seat with a View

A Seat with a View

Make your reservation for a seat with a view, or better yet, just stumble upon one. While long term travel isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, the world does offer up a spectacular array of beautiful views, and I thought I’d share some of my favorites with you from over a dozen countries around the world. You might not always be able to find or afford a room with a view, but you can usually find a seat with one, and more often than...

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More Oaxacan Wonders and Activities

More Oaxacan Wonders and Activities

One final post on Oaxacan sights and fun things to do, both in Centro and beyond, before I leave after almost 6 months in this colorful Mexican city. The historic center is great, but make sure you get out to the surrounding areas as well. For example, take a day trip out to the amazing pre-Columbian archaeological site of Monte Alban… Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll see this partially excavated civic-ceremonial...

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The Art of Travel Photography

The Art of Travel Photography

Do you want to see the famous sights of the world and bring back great photos to remember them by? Or maybe take better pictures when you head out camping or to the beach? Are flowers and food shots your thing when you travel? Puppies and kittens and critters you meet? Selfies or portraits of your new best friend? How about a few more interesting pics to share on social media like Facebook and Instagram? This isn’t a comprehensive guide...

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The Art of Making Rugs in Teotitlan del Valle

The Art of Making Rugs in Teotitlan del Valle

Teotitlan del Valle is a colorful village of rug-makers just outside of Oaxaca in southern Mexico where Zapotecs have produced rugs for many generations. How much time does it take to hand-make a rug? Answer – a lot! After sheep are sheared, wool is washed, carded, and spun into yarn, then the yarn must be dyed. Some weavers still use all natural materials for color, such as indigo for blue, nut shells for brown, marigolds for yellow, and...

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Wandering Oaxaca, Mexico

Wandering Oaxaca, Mexico

What is it about Oaxaca that entices visitors to come and to linger? Let’s wander around and see… The first thing that I noticed, being a painter and photographer, is that Oaxaca is a city of colors – color is everywhere! From the buildings on the bustling streets… …to the walls of graffiti – whimsical, playful, pretty, and political. Turn a corner, and what do you see? Balloon sellers in the Zocalo, along...

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