Veronica James's Blog, page 167

Floating Down an Underground, Secret River in Mexico

So… a guy was chasing an iguana, and discovered this…

The Yucatan Peninsula is hiding miles and miles of secret rivers.

This was revealed to us just outside the Riviera Maya town of Playa del Carmen, Mexico when we descended beneath the surface and into Rio Secreto.

By into, we really mean in to… CONTINUE READING >>

Parasite "Kids"

What’s worse than a Boomerang “Kid?” A Parasite “Kid.”

While the Boomeranger comes home to rely on its host for room, board and Mama’s cooking, the Parasite will eventually kill its host — latching on and sucking dry retirement savings while out living on its own. Long distance leeching, in a manner of speaking.

In generations past only rich kids that acted this way. We are now seeing a new breed –the middle class Parasite Kid. These… CONTINUE READING >>

Kayaking the Australian Everglades like a Champ, well… with a Champ

There are several things about the Sunshine Coast of Australia that reminded us of Florida, beautiful beaches, near perfect weather, rousing waterfront resorts, and most surprising of all, everglades.

Yes, Queensland has its very own everglades, and we were lucky enough to spend a day exploring them by kayak….CONTINUE READING >>

A Day in the Australian Everglades

This was not something that we felt qualified to pursue on our own, so we joined former Australian kayaking champion Vivienne Golding on an adventure into Great Sandy National Park.

.. CONTINUE READING or enlarge video>>

A Visit to a Weaving Cooperative in Peru

In the tiny village of Chincheros, Peru we got a first-hand look at every step in the weaving process of the  people of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Join us as we learn about what goes into the dyes that create the brilliant colors (absolutely amazing and a “wee” bit off-putting!), the ingenious way the yarn is spun, and how the… CONTINUE READING >>

How Peruvian Rugs Are Made

We were invited to a weaving cooperative in the highlands of Peru in the village of Chincheros. You’ll never believe what is used to make the organic dyes!.. CONTINUE READING or enlarge video>>

Bling Me Back to Graceland, Home of the King

We were married on Elvis’ birthday. Hold on there big fellah, it was just a coincidence. 

I didn’t even realize it until I woke up in a champagne haze, with the TV still blaring on our wedding night.

I knew the Fates had conspired when I half-opened one eye and saw there on the news… CONTINUE READING >>

Heist Monkeys & Breathtaking Beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

This small preserve along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast has been rated by Forbes as one of the world’s 12 Most Beautiful National Parks.

Absolutely teeming with wildlife, Manuel Antonio is GypsyNester heaven on earth!

And we felt that way before we saw the most spectacular sunset of our lives… CONTINUE READING >>

Helping Your Aging Parents Move: A GypsyNester Guide

Helping your folks downsize and move as they get on in years can be a daunting task.

The emotions of leaving a place that has been home for many years — along with that elephant in the room, aging — are heavy burdens.

We have recently assisted with three moves with varying degrees of success, and have… CONTINUE READING >> 

A Glorious Stop in Alghero, Sardinia

It is always a striking experience to venture inside the walls of an historic Italian city but even more so in Alghero.

The mix of cultures over the centuries has left a truly unique place. We could hardly wait to explore… CONTINUE READING >>