Geo: 8.99427, -79.5188Wendy here, we went out with Captain Brian, he had to borrow a boat from another captain as his had broken down. It was a blessing to us as we had a lot of shade with this boat, not sure he had any on his and it really was mandatory with the sun and heat here! A beautiful boat ride out to some islands, some wildlife that we saw from the boat were: dolphins! Some sort of "rays"' a turtle, frigate birds, brown booby birds. Fish the others saw under the water were: spotted eagle ray, puffer fish, neon spotted fish, coral, some type of eel, trumpet fish. As you will be able to tell from the photos I did actually put on snorkel gear, got into the water, even put my face in ... read more

Geo: 8.24538, -81.8702Well, we left Panama City about 11 am yesterday, arrived here at about 6 pm. Made a few stops along the way, one stop was at a roadside bread store? That's not a real accurate description, they sold fruit drinks, and some other yummy looking things, as well as lotto type tickets. I Bought a loaf of their famous cheese bread and a loaf of crusty kalamata bread, both were great. We stopped in Santiago and bought some groceries then bought some chicken when we got to Las Lajas. Arrived at the house and we're greeted by the caretaker for the two houses and condos that are here, a very nice gal does this and showed us the house. We have 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms, a living room, dining room, and kitchen ... read more

Geo: 46.2741, -119.274I jotted down some thoughts on traveling solo:Traveling Solo:* is o.k...* but, it's nice to have someone to share your experiences with* you only have yourself to please* it can be boring at times* restaurants with people outside inviting people in ignore someone on their own ;-)* there is no one to watch your baggage for you* you talk to people & make friends you wouldn't otherwise make* can be more open to new experiences* it's definitely not something to be afraid of* probably won't be my first choice of travel in the future* you need to be o.k. with silence* wifi access is invaluable, it would be really boring with no access to email, internet, staying in touch* it's easier to get a seat upgrade when soloRandom Observations:* tons of smoking!!* lots of ... read more

Geo: 40.6263, 14.3757Had my last breakfast with my hostess at 8 am, she really was a delightful lady and I hope to see her again if possible. Left the apt a little before 9 to walk to the train station to make the 9:37 circumsuviana train to Napoli in order to catch the Frecciarossa train to Roma, I have a reserved seat leaving at 12:00. I had to stop at one point to take the backpack off, note to self: pack LIGHTER!! I have no idea how to do this as I only have the carry-on and smallish backpack... but if I can really want to take even less stuff.... Made it in plenty of time, bought the 4,10 euro ticket to Naples and sat on the train for 20 minutes waiting for it to take ... read more

Geo: 40.6263, 14.3757Buongiorno! Come stai?I have officially graduated from baby step 1 to baby step 2! We'll see if I can keep my studying up to stay there! However I did, it's been enjoyable and a real learning experience in several ways. Will make it short for the following reasons: 1. Have to try to sleep, have had a hard time the last few nights doing this...2. Am leaving early to make sure I have contingency plans in place in case the transit strike that was to end today, disrupts things tomorrow3. Should have time in the airports to do the blog tomorrow, unless running through the airport is involved4. See number one...Lots to tell you tomorrow, as the school saved the best outing for last...Am excited to be going home, a little over two weeks ... read more