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The trip was designed to transport members of the MGTT travel squad to another world, both mentally and physically.
In so doing, it required showcasing the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Inherent in that beauty are experiences quite unfamiliar to most of us: wild animals, energy vortexes, and natural wonders hidden behind the veil of steep elevations.
As my guests learned on this trip, anything really worth seeing sometimes requires 1,000 steps to get to it.
Her story about her unplanned existential retreat in Costa Rica will have you wondering where it is that you need to go to experience your own transformation.
Please take a read. Tell me what you think. Personally, I love what she had to say:
I’ve been betrayed by every single mirror in my house… in the entire United States!
I said this to myself standing in front of the full length mirror in my hotel room. Tired. Sweaty. A little muddy. Completely disgusted with my reflection… with myself…
Just a few hours before I was on a full day of adventure through the rain forests and volcanic foothills of Costa Rica. Sandwiched between a five-mile nature hike with six hanging bridges and a 4-mile (round-trip) hike to climb volcanic rocks, was a trip to Catarata La Fortuna (La Fortuna Waterfall).
At the entrance of this tourist attraction, there is your typical gift shop, cafe, and restroom house along with a look-out platform where you can view the waterfall. From here, the waterfall looks miles away… a tiny white stitch on a large blanket of green. My thought: This is it? Actually, I think I said it out loud because our tour guide, Brandon, said “No, we are going to get much closer. We’re going to hike down there.” Okay… cool… been hiking all morning so, no big deal. Then he says… “To get to the waterfall, we have to walk down 500 steps.”
Here’s something you need to know about me…
I have a “thing” about steps. And by “thing” I mean a serious fear of them. I hate steps. HATE steps! Going up, not so bad… going down, complete terror. Whenever I approach a staircase, before I take that first step down… I see myself falling from top to bottom. True story. So every time I have to walk down stairs or even on an escalator, I have to take a quick deep breath, tell myself “you will not fall,” get a vice-grip on the railing, then take it one step at a time, exhaling panic the whole way down.
Photo by T. B. Smith
Now… back to the walking down 500 steps to see this waterfall…
My body is already fussing at me for the previous hike and now my mind has joined the protest. I practically lose my mind going down a standard flight which is only 16 steps… and I’m gonna attempt 500? Who does that?
“You don’t have to go,” says Brandon.
“You can stay up here and wait for us to come back. It’s ok.”
My travel squad, in agreement with him, say they understand as well. (sigh) And so begins the tug-o-war with myself. Wanting to have this adventure but the thought of those stairs paralyzing me. Feeling so stupid as I watch children and senior citizens eagerly and effortlessly descend. (big heavy sigh)
While staring at the tiny stitch of white off in the distance and contemplating “do or die (or both),” Tawanna comes up beside me…
“I feel you,” she says. “It’s a lot of steps. A. Lot. Of. Steps. But it’s worth it. Think about it, Christie… this isn’t like going to Florida. You can’t say ‘oh well, I’ll do it next time.’ Do you know when you’ll be back in Costa Rica? You’re here now… you might as well do it!
Who knows if you’ll get the chance again, right?”
Dammit! (deep breath) You will not fall. (exhale panic)
Ummm… Did I mention that these were no ordinary steps.
Of the 500, roughly 300 of them are actual steps… like made of concrete or wood and have something resembling real railings. The rest of them were stones or pavers with holes in them (that you have to step on just right or there goes your ankle or knee) with either a thin rope as a railing or no railing at all! But all 500 being a collective hot ass mess! Some wide. Some narrow. Some a couple of shoe-lengths long. Some you have to step sideways to get proper footing. Some that go in a straight or staircase-landing-staircase pattern. Some that curve in a half spiral or just drop off in a nearly 90 degree ladder-like angle. All of them fucking terrifying.
But… I did it.
I made it to the bottom to see the magnificent Catarata La Fortuna up close and personal. She was big and beautiful. Hard to believe that this was the tiny stitch of white I saw on the landing. So powerful, yet so calming. We sat on the rocks, dipped our aching feet in her cool, healing waters and watched the other tourists baptize themselves in her glory. The only thing left to do in this moment was to thank God… for pretty much everything.
What goes down, must come up…
I was so focused on surviving going down the steps that I didn’t put any thought into going back up. That is until I was standing at the bottom and getting a really good look at how long and far we came. From this perspective, the reality that these steps cleverly disguised the fact that you just repelled down a mountain-side and now have to climb back up that bitch, smacks you all in the face. Seriously… How did this not sink in initially?
The weight of it all came crashing down on me. Literally the weight… my weight… all of it… and just how much of it I have gained over the last three years made me abundantly aware of its presence as we began our ascent.
My body in excruciating pain that increased with every step… begging me to stop the torture. My heart threatening to bust through my chest in arrest. Air clawing its way in and out of my lungs as I hoisted… yes, hoisted… my frame one shaky leg at a time. My companions ahead of me upon my urging and my reassuring them I was okay and to not wait on me. Truthfully, I just didn’t want them to see how un-okay I really was. Thank goodness for the sweat that masked my tears.
Half way up, there’s a portion of the staircase that is well constructed out of concrete and stone with a built in bench. I stopped for a moment to gather myself. Brandon stood nearby with a concerned watchful eye, telling me to take my time. He and I both knew that taking too long of a break would make this so much harder. And, God, this was so hard!
How did I let this happen?
How could I do this to myself, again? AGAIN!! Did I stop caring? When? When did I stop looking in mirrors, again? I fought so hard to see myself… to love myself… to feel good in my skin… When did I stop? Why?
“I am in really bad shape,” I said softly to Brandon.
“And it has absolutely nothing to do with how fat I am.”
He just looked sympathetically confused and said “Are you ready?”
He had no clue just how loaded that question is. The answer is yes… and the answer is no. But yes, is the only way back to the top.
So I’m standing in the hotel room looking at someone I resemble… but don’t recognize.
I swear, I didn’t seem this big, or look this sad, or feel this unhealthy before I got here… or did I? I’m convinced that Costa Rica is full of fun house mirrors. It’s either that or U.S. mirrors are all designed to give us a false sense of self.
Or maybe it’s none of that. Maybe I’m just seeing (and feeling) the truth. After all, I went on this trip to discover myself, right?
The body achieves what the mind believes.
Clearly, I have not been very kind to myself in all the ways one can be unkind.
Costa Rica wanted to show me who I really am… and maybe who I’m not. She wanted to show me who I’m going to be… and who I need to be when I leave.
“
Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless – like water.
Now, you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot.
Now, water can flow… or it can crash.
Be water, my friend.
— Bruce Lee
Living just 15 minutes away, I’m always looking for interesting things to do in Annapolis when I’m not traveling somewhere else.
Don’t you get excited when you stumble upon a cool local find?
That’s how I felt when I learned about Great Frogs Winery last year at a Maryland tourism event.
Something interesting to do “around the comer”
Great Frogs sits on acres of old tobacco farm land that dates back to 1691. The property was destined to be sold and turned into condominiums. However, winemaking duo and Cali natives, Nate and Andrea O’Shea, flew in to save the day.
The first vines were planted in 1999. The first wine produced from its soil was bottled and sold in 2013.
The property is tucked away on Harness Creek, just feet away from South River on one of many peninsulas you’ll find in Annapolis. This is characteristic of the Chesapeake Bay Area.
An ever-changing scene, I’ve been to the vineyard several times now. Every time I visit, my eyes spot something new.
Aside from the changing decor of the restored barn turned tasting room and wine shop, the outdoor scenery seems to constantly shift and transform. Sunsets and thunderstorms happen in technicolor, painting the landscape behind the property contrasting shades of blue, orange, or red.
This backdrop to the vines is one that even Monet would have drooled over.
My imagination wanders when I’m at the vineyard. I often forget that I’m still in Maryland (especially after a few glasses of their Meritage Red).
During a recent wine club event, the skies opened up above the farm and delivered one of the loudest cracks I’d ever heard.
Rustic, smart details dot the winery.
Startled by the thunder I jumped, screeching just a bit (yes, I screeched). My eyes immediately darted to the barn’s timbers over our heads, wondering if they’d protect us should something more dramatic like a tornado came our way. I thought of Toto, the Tin Man, Emerald City and a sparkly pair of red shoes.
Told you my imagination runs wild when I’m out there.
A wine and Mediterranean food tasting for Great Frogs wine club members.
Tastings at Great Frogs are always an adventure. Greek and Mediterranean inspired small plates paired with G.F. varietals entertained tastebuds at the private wine club event I described above.
Our first course: Summer Squash pizza from Well Crafted Pizza and Great Frog’s 2014 Chardonnay.
Fresh artisan pizzas hot from a refurbished Pickup food-truck paired effortlessly with a Chardonnay, Rose, red and dessert wine.
The Well Crafted Pizza food truck, based out of Baltimore.
Great Frogs has about a dozen varietals ranging from crisp whites aged in steel or Oak to full-bodied reds and dessert wines.
A beautiful bucket of Great Frog’s 2015 Rosè.
Once you’re done exploring the sites of historic Annapolis, feasting on sushi or seafood on Main Street, head over to Harness Creek for a few more unique things to do in Annapolis. Walk past well-manicured grape vines and taste a few glasses of local Annapolis wine.
While you’re at it, pull up a chair and watch the sky decide how it’s going to behave for the day.
Travel is supposed to be fun and relaxing, not about getting sick. Who wants to search for “where is Zika virus” as they plan their summer travels?
Nobody.
However, the reality is that you have to be aware. Last year travelers were worrying about being exposed to Ebola. In 2003 we were stressed about SARS. It seems that a new virus causes an international uproar every few years. So what’s a traveler to do? Educate, prepare and prevent.
Where is Zika virus being reported?
Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re traveling anywhere in the Caribbean and the Americas, you need to know the exact countries where the Zika virus is prevalent. You also need to know the symptoms to be aware of and most importantly, steps you can take for prevention.
Map of Countries & Territories with Active Zika Virus, photo courtesy of CDC.
Americas
Argentina Aruba Barbados Belize Bolivia Bonaire Brazil Columbia
Puerto Rico Costa Rica Cuba Curucao Dominica Dominican Republic
Ecuador El Salvador French Guiana Grenada Guadeloupe Guatemala
Guyana Haiti Honduras Jamaica Martinique Mexico Nicaragua
Panama Paraguay Peru Saint Barthélemy Saint Lucia Saint Martin
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Saint Maarten Suriname Trinidad & Tobago
U.S. Virgin Islands Venezuela
Oceania/Pacific Islands
American Samoa Fiji Kosrae Marshall Islands New Caledonia
Papua New Guinea Samoa Tonga
Africa
Cape Verde
Traveling to any of these countries in the near future? Then keep reading…
Listen to the audio below for traveler tips
Prevention is the second line of defense
When my sister and I traveled to Costa Rica last Fall, we weren’t aware of the Zika virus. However, we were well aware of how to protect ourselves from mosquito bites.
As I mention in the audio clip above, if you are traveling to a Zika identified country, be cautious and use conventional repellants that contain DEET unless you have an allergy to the chemical.
The CDC recommends using an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – registered repellant. You want to look for a product that contains any of the following ingredients in addition to DEET: picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol.
Except for the oil of lemon eucalyptus, each one of those active ingredients sounds harmful. As much as I love using natural oils, I didn’t take any chances on protecting myself trekking through the Costa Rican rain forest.
We put a natural oil concoction on our skin beneath our clothes as well as on sensitive skin like our face and neck. We placed the DEET product over our clothes and on areas like our ankles or wrists.
Here are alternatives to conventional mosquito repellant that have worked for me in the past:
Avon Skin So Soft (this is old school but it works and doesn’t smell bad)
Citronella essential oil
Lemongrass essential oil
Eucalyptus essential oil
Peppermint oil
You can either do a blend of the above oils with other ingredients such as lavender and sandalwood or you can purchase a blend from an essential oil company.
Typical Zika virus symptoms
Conjunctivitis is one of several Zika virus symptoms
According to the Pan American Health Organization, a regional office for the Americas of the World Health Organization, symptoms of the virus include:
mild fever
rash
conjunctivitis (pink eye)
muscle pain
The PAHO reports that most people don’t develop symptoms from the disease. When they do, the symptoms are often mild and last between 2-7 days.
The population which should exhibit the most caution is pregnant women. It is strongly advised that if you are pregnant, you should not travel to countries with a high prevalence of the virus.
What are some of the ways that you protect yourself from mosquito bites? Have a favorite product or natural remedy that you’d like to share? Please do so in the comments below so that we can all travel safely.
This post contains affiliate links which help to keep this site running.
Plan on visiting the Baltimore Aquarium this summer?
Congratulations! You’ll be accompanied by millions of other visitors with the same plans. The Baltimore National Aquarium is the most popular attraction in all of Maryland, bringing in millions of visitors a year.
Watch this short Snapchat video to see inside the Baltimore Aquarium.
As you can imagine, summer months are very popular. Warm sunny weather commands high foot traffic at the Baltimore Harbor. Not only do you have other attractions to contend with but you also have daily performances that take place at the Harbor.
The offerings and location of the Baltimore aquarium make it a big draw for locals, summer camps, and visitors. And with the new Finding Dory movie out in theaters, expect larger crowds searching for the tank for the clown and blue tang fish.
We got our aquarium fix in for the season. We visited the Charleston aquarium during Spring Break and more recently visiting the Baltimore aquarium last month before the summer crowd was in full swing.
Historic Ships just outside the Baltimore Aquarium – something else to explore.
Although the number of people visiting the aquarium while we were there was manageable, I did make observations about how you could optimize your experience at the Baltimore Aquarium.
Get the Parking Panda app or check out their website to see what parking lots are available nearby. You might see prices range from $11-$31, all depending on where you park.
Are you planning a visit to the aquarium this summer? Which of these tips do you think you will use whether it’s the Baltimore Aquarium or your local aquarium?
Leave a comment below. And don’t forget to share this article with your followers and friends. Sharing is caring!
Looking for free things to do in Philadelphia this summer? Depending on how long you’ll be in town, you may find that there are more things to do in Philadelphia for free than you have time for.
If you’re driving into Philadelphia do yourself a favor, park your car. Both times that I visited with my boys I parked my truck in our hotel garage and left it there until it was time to go home. I found that this was a less stressful way for us to get around the city.
Enjoy the city by bus or foot. Hands down, public transportation or walking is the best way to find even more free or low cost things to do in Philadelphia.
In your normal day-to-day you probably drive around everywhere anyway, so why not give yourself a break. This will not only allow you to get a full sense of city life but it will also allow you to spot the little things you might not see while stuck in traffic.
Where to Stay in Philadelphia
I think Hotel Monaco by Kimpton is hands-down the best location for a visit to Philly. Besides having great views, it’s conveniently located across the street from Independence Hall and within walking distance from some great places to eat or stop for a treat.
Parking is by valet and will probably cost you upwards of $30 per day but it’s well worth it. It’s called peace of mind.
What are Free Things To Do In Philadelphia?
The Historic Sites
Experience early Philadelphia (and American) colonial history right downtown at Independence Mall.
1. Liberty Bell Center
Start on 6th and Market Streets to learn about the facts and myths surrounding the bell. You’ll learn about the history of the bell’s crack, eye historic documents, and hear how important groups in American history adopted the bell as a symbol of freedom.
Entrance to the Liberty Bell Center is free. You’ll have to undergo a security screening but thankfully the process is no comparison to what you go through at the airport.
Tip: Summertime the line tends to be insane so I’d suggest starting early at 9 a.m. when they first open their doors.
2. Independence Hall
Ever wanted to see the rooms where early constitutional negotiations were made? This is where you want to go. Independence Hall is a must! Admission is by tour only.
The guided park ranger tour of Independence Hall brings the history book to life. You’ll first go through an orientation before visiting the courtroom where lawyers met and argued. The Assembly Room is most impressive with George Washington’s “rising sun” chair commanding most of the attention.
On the second floor you’ll tour the Long Gallery as well as the Committee Room where committees met to discuss colonial policy.
Tip: Although tickets are free, you may want to consider paying the $1.50 for guaranteed timed tickets in advance, either online or by phone. You’ll avoid having to stand in the long walk-up ticket line. Sometimes it’s good to pay for convenience, especially when it’s hot and you’re traveling with kids.
3. Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation, which houses one of the most important collections of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modern paintings in the world, offers free admission and programming on the first Sunday of every month for its Free First Sundays, presented by PECO. The Barnes also has an art library located on the lower level, which is free to visit Monday through Saturday, as well as free audio tours.
4. Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site
The Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site was once home to the legendary writer who wrote short stories such as The Black Cat here. Visitors can explore his fascinating life and learn how Poe influenced today’s literary heavy-hitters. Tours are self-guided or led by a park ranger from Friday through Sunday.
5. National Museum of American Jewish History
On Independence Mall, the National Museum of American Jewish History invites people to enjoy one of its most popular exhibitions for free. The Only In America®Gallery/Hall of Fame celebrates the lives and achievements of 18 Jewish-Americans who show that America has provided individuals with extraordinary opportunities. The ground-floor gallery boasts some big-name artifacts: Albert Einstein’s pipe and Steven Spielberg’s Super 8 camera, among others.
6. United States Mint
During self-guided tours of the United States Mint, visitors watch coin production from 40 feet above the factory floor and see the nation’s first coining press. Audio and video stations explain currency’s history. Free.
7. Valley Forge National Historical Park
The site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of General George Washington and the Continental Army, Valley Forge National Historical Park offers a glimpse into the Revolutionary War with historic structures such as Washington’s Headquarters and commemorative monuments such as the National Memorial Arch. Visitors can explore the park by car, by bike or on foot guided by the park’s cell phone tour.
8. The Fabric Workshop and Museum
A contemporary art museum devoted to creating work in new media and new materials through its Artists-in-Residence program, The Fabric Workshop and Museum boasts an extensive permanent collection, in-house and touring exhibitions and comprehensive educational programming. Free.
9. Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is open to visitors who can pay what they wish to explore the entire main building, showcasing works by Marcel Duchamp, Salvador Dalí, Himalayan artists and many others. The museum offers free cell phone tours that add perspective to the collections.
10. Franklin Square
Franklin Square is one of five public parks designed by William Penn as he was creating the layout for Philadelphia. The park is free and has lots of great activities to do. There’s a miniature golf course, classic carousel, burger place, storytelling bench, picnic area and more.
Less Expensive Things To Do in Philadelphia
Ride the Philly Phlash on a $5 all day pass. You can hop on and off to 22 locations in the city to explore Philadelphia’s most popular cultural institutions.
Make sure to bring exact change. If you only need a single ride, it’ll cost you $2. You might as well get the all day pass and ride the full loop around the city. I did it with my kids when we were done hopping off and on to see sites.
It was a great way to see the sites and make a mental note of what we wanted to visit next time.
For some serious savings on Philadelphia’s most popular attractions, tour-goers can snag a CityPASSticket booklet, which includes four tickets to Philly favorites. Visitors can pick either Adventure Aquarium or ThePhiladelphia Zoo, but Philadelphia Trolley Works, The Franklin Institute and the brand-new One Liberty Observation Deck are always included.
As of March 1, 2016, the cost is $59 for adults and $39 for children ages 2 to 12—45% cheaper than full-price admission costs. The pass is valid for nine consecutive days beginning with the date of first use. What’s more, it allows holders to skip the main entrance ticket line at most attractions.
What are some of your favorite free things to Philadelphia in the summer? And while you’re at it, why not Pin this story on your board.
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