Dominican Republic, Beyond the Historic Capital

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Janette

Although most of the trip was spent in the historic district visiting old forts and church ruins, I also ventured outside the area to explore more deeply. One stop was the Columbus Lighthouse, a massive cross-shaped monument said to house the remains of Christopher Columbus. Whether or not that claim is true, the structure was impressive and surrounded by an interesting history.

Next was Los Tres Ojos (“the Three Eyes”), a cave system containing beautiful freshwater pools. Locals once swam here, but today the area is part of the national park system, so visitors simply hike down to enjoy the scenery.

There was a quick pitstop to see La Caleta Beach, a spacious public park with a small sandy area. The waves were rough against the rocky shoreline, so I didn’t feel comfortable swimming there, but it was still worth the visit to see the gorgeous water.

My favorite stop was La Boca Chica, where a distant breakwater creates a large, shallow lagoon with calm, waist-deep water. The warm temperature felt amazing and the high salt content made it effortless to float. I could have spent the entire day there – it truly felt like a slice of paradise.

The food throughout the trip was another highlight. Whether it was grilled fish on the beach, mofongo, or sancocho, everything I tried was flavorful, unique, and delicious.

After 17 years of traveling, I’m so glad I finally visited the Caribbean, and the Dominican Republic exceeded my expectations. The people were welcoming, the culture was vibrant, and the location was affordable. I would gladly return one day.

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Land of Larimar

Posted on August 1, 2026 by Janette

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, in the eastern portion of the Greater Antilles. Known for its tropical climate and gorgeous beaches, I traveled here not to spend time at a resort, but to explore Santo Domingo, the country’s capital. The view out the plane window offered amazing views as we approached.

I enjoy discovering unique aspects of each place I visit. While Larimar wasn’t the sole reason for the destination, the country’s national stone certainly piqued my interest and I couldn’t wait to go hunting for some jewelry.

The city was wonderful, and my hotel was in the middle of the historic district, steps from El Conde, a lively pedestrian-only street. Before arriving, I hadn’t heard of El Conde, so I was pleasantly surprised to find it lined with hundreds of souvenir shops, cafes, and local businesses. Walking west down El Conde brought me to Independence Park, which was free to visit. There, you can see where the outer wall connects to the original city wall, built in the 1500s.

Walking east along El Conde took me past Parque Colon, a beautiful square surrounded by restaurants and anchored by a stunning church. Just beyond the park is the riverfront, also lined with cafes and interesting places to explore.

I ended up purchasing several pieces of Larimar jewelry from the various gift shops and the Mercado Modelo, the city’s large artisan market.

The KAH KOW Experience was a fun activity that I highly recommend. The tour provides the history of chocolate as it spread throughout the world before allowing visitors to create their own chocolate bar. While our chocolate cooled, we sampled delicious treats from the cafe and browsed the fantastic gift shop.

Other discoveries included church ruins and an old fort, all within walking distance from our hotel. The area offered so much to explore without the cost of taxis or shared transportation.

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Random Remembrances – What No One Tells You About Expat Life

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Janette

Living and working 10,000 miles away from home, literally halfway around the world, is not something most people adjust to overnight, if they ever fully do. Living abroad is vastly different from simply visiting on vacation. Instead of booking flights, organizing basic logistics, and planning excursions, daily life becomes filled with far more complex considerations.

From securing government visas and work contracts to navigating workplace policies, banking systems, and shopping in another language, even routine tasks can become significant challenges.

As an American living in Southeast Asia, one unexpected hurdle was finding clothing and shoes in comfortable sizes. Fortunately, I quickly discovered that purchasing fabric and visiting a tailor for custom-made clothing was both common and affordable – a practical and welcome solution.

Various cultural differences were especially surprising. Opening a bank account required declaring a religion, as banking regulations varied depending on religious affiliation. Women were frequently asked personal questions about their age and marital status, and Caucasians were often asked if their noses were real.

One aspect of tropical life near the coasts I could easily appreciate was the occasional outdoor bathroom. Showering outdoors in the tropical heat felt very refreshing, though using the toilet at night was something I chose to avoid.

Food was another adventure, and living abroad requires an open mind to give everything a try. One of the most unusual culinary discoveries I encountered was how locals enjoyed putting shredded cheese on chocolate items. I still don’t understand it, but shredded cheese (over-processed and very bland) is often found as a topping on an iced chocolate drink (think chocolate milkshake but thinner).

Other differences only become apparent when you live somewhere for a long time. For instance, locals in Indonesia often pay a simple admission price for historic locations, while foreigners pay a significantly higher price. Since I had a work visa, I could sometimes benefit from the cheaper admission prices, but not always.

No guidebook can fully prepare you for life in another country. Along the way you find the joy in unexpected challenges, humorous cultural differences, and aspects that require you to stay flexible. I truly believe these details make up some of the most unforgettable parts of the experience, if you dare to live in a country where you don’t speak the language.

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Random Remembrances – Spoiled by the Costs!

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Janette

No matter where you travel, costs are relative to your location. Still, it’s only natural to compare what you would pay for a product or service in your home country to what it costs somewhere new – especially while living as an Expat.

Perhaps this reflection is prompted by the rising costs we are experiencing today, but it is incredible to look back on what everyday expenses cost me while living in Indonesia about 10 years ago. As an Expat, I was fortunate to experience a fair bit of travel throughout the vast country, and while some prices varied by location, the comparisons to costs in the U.S. were remarkable.

Once I had acclimated to my surroundings, I set off to explore. In downtown Jakarta, I visited the national monument, known as MONAS. For about $0.50, I could enter the structure and view a detailed diorama of Indonesian history.

During a long weekend in the city of Bandung, some co-workers and I treated ourselves to an afternoon at the spa connected to our small hotel. Since we were over two hours outside Jakarta, prices for many aspects of life dropped significantly. I enjoyed a cream bath (a deep hair conditioning treatment) plus a manicure and pedicure, all for about $11.00! In town, you could grab a “hotdog” for just under $1.00.

On the island of Lombok (next to the overcrowded island of Bali) I could enjoy an amazing homestay, tucked away from the main road, including breakfast for about $20 a night.

A six-hour train journey cost around $30.00, a one-day motorcycle rental cost about $5.00, and a snack of fried bananas for breakfast on the way to work cost only $0.20.

Yes, costs always depend on where you travel, and while these prices are now somewhat outdated, it’s still astonishing to reflect on how affordable and simple life could be in another part of the world.

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Random Remembrances

Posted on March 15, 2026 by Janette

A look back on ten years since returning home

It’s hard to think back to the time when I returned home. Ten years seems like such a long time ago. I suppose it’s not surprising that after all this time, some details of that chapter have faded—my brain making room for the blur of new experiences back on home soil.

These years have been interesting. Returning to the U.S. didn’t simply mean going back to where I had left off. I had lived in New England for many years, so “coming back” meant settling near my hometown—an area I hadn’t lived in for quite some time and never expected to return to permanently.

That said, living here as an adult is completely different. After spending the previous decade in cities, returning to a more rural life may have been exactly what my soul needed, whether I realized it at the time or not. The privacy, quiet, and space to disappear are things I truly value now.

So, what has filled these last ten years? I started a new job, got married, earned a Master’s degree, and picked up a few new hobbies. The time has passed quickly through life’s ebbs and flows, relationships, and frequent travel.

Maybe it was because my subconscious sensed I was approaching a milestone that my thoughts kept returning to my time in Indonesia. I remember distinctly the difference between the heat and humidity in Jakarta the day I left and the bitter cold when I arrived in Canada to visit my sister before returning to the East Coast. Going from 90°F with 90% humidity to -40°F was quite a drastic change in January ten years ago.

Over the next few weeks, I plan to revisit my journals and reminisce about what life was like during that pivotal time. The minutiae of everyday life can cloud memories if we let it. Taking the time to relive past experiences helps keep those memories alive and maintain our connection to the people and places that matter most.

I wonder what I’ll find in those old notebooks. It should be fun.

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Side Quests in Portugal

Posted on January 25, 2026 by Janette

While anyone would be happy spending time in Lisbon or Porto, as both cities have so much to offer, Portugal shines when you venture beyond the major cities into smaller towns. During my vacation, I planned two side quests to historic destinations ripe for exploration – one to Sintra, and the other to see Braga and Guimaraes.

SINTRA

A quick 35-minute drive northwest of Lisbon sits Sintra. Known for its picturesque landscapes, Sintra is home to iconic landmarks like the red and yellow Pena Palace complex. Originally a monastery in the 12th century, the complex was transformed into a royal summer residence in the 1830s by King Ferdinand II.

Be sure to visit the Chapel of Our Lady of Pena and seek out the unique stained-glass window of Ferdinand holding a miniature palace in his hand. Afterwards, take the “Wall Walk” around the palace to admire the beautiful views of the Morish Castle on a neighboring hill dating back to the 8-9th century.

No trip would be complete without experiencing the Initiation Well of Quintada Regaleria a few minutes away. Designed for ceremonial purposes, the spiraling well symbolizes the nine levels of hell and is one of the site’s most intriguing features.

The Regaleria estate, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, may look old, but it was actually constructed in the early 1900’s. The property includes a palace, chapel, and gorgeous grounds, in addition to the well and grottos.

BRAGA

From Porto, we traveled about 45 minutes North to visit Braga, Portugal’s third-largest city and one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. At the top of a large hill sits Bom Jesus do Monte, a church with an iconic stair system 577 steps high. Keeping with the typical pilgrimage, we climbed the hill, admired the view of the valley below as we caught our breath, and then explored the church. We leisurely walked around the downtown area and grabbed a cappuccino before meeting our guide under the main arch.

GUIMARAES

Less than 30 minutes southeast of Braga lies Guimaraes, the last stop of our day-trip. Our guide arranged a local lunch including green (young) wine, cod fish croquettes, fried cod fillets, roasted chicken and pork, and multiple local desserts. My favorite was a yellow squash pie, which was simply delicious.

With full bellies, we walked around the local medieval castle and then explored the historic town square. The entire city is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Every street and building radiated old-world charm worth experiencing.

If you travel to Portugal and have a free day or two to explore smaller cities, these locations are sure to keep you engaged and not disappoint.

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Porto: The Charms of Invicta

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Janette

Traveling north to Porto offered a chance to experience another major city with a distinct character and culture. Known as Invicta, or the “undefeated city,” Porto immediately feelt timeless. It’s historic architecture dominates the landscape, and while ongoing restoration was evident throughout the city, the efforts are serving to preserve Porto’s old-world charm.

The iconic Clerigos tower and church are impossible to miss. For a small fee, visitors can climb the 200+ steps to enjoy the sweeping views from the top. The church itself is equally impressive and deserves a visit if you have the time.

Another must-see is the Livraria Lello bookstore, often described as the most beautiful bookstore in the world. Famous for its intricate staircase, visitors line up for a glance, but only purchasing a timed ticket can get you a look inside. My advice would be to get a ticket for when they open, to be one of the first guests inside.

Bolsa Palace is also a must-see, though entry is only available with a guided tour and same-day tickets can be purchased in many languages. Operated by the local commerce association, the palace features grand spaces that are used for social gatherings including the grand staircase and richly decorated Arabian Room.

Beyond the major landmarks, the city’s seasonal Christmas markets added to the charm. I was fortunate to be in the country at the beginning of December when the markets first started popping up. The intricate ceramic facades and murals can be found on nearly every street corner, making walking around very exciting.

Easily accessible by plane or train, Porto should not be missed!

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Landing in Lisbon

Posted on January 11, 2026 by Janette

From the moment I landed, Lisbon felt like a city layered with stories. Portugal itself is remarkable, boasting the oldest defined borders in Europe, deep historical ties to the Knights Templar, and a culture shaped by centuries of exploration. It’s a place celebrated for Port wine, hand-crafted ceramics, pastries, sardines and cod, cork products, and filigree jewelry.

Excited to explore, I wasted no time purchasing my Lisboa transit and discount card, which proved invaluable over the next three days.

It’s hard to say what stood out to me most, because the city had so much to offer. The hotel was near Campo Pequeno, the old bullfighting ring, which has been turned into a mall and restaurant hub. Beyond that was the Estrela Basilica, my first introduction to the city’s many breathtaking churches.

Another highlight was Sao Roque, where wooden floors and ceilings were just as amazing as the gold-filled chapel alcoves. A stop to see the famous Pink Street was an excellent place to grab dinner and listen to conversations from people all over the world.

A showstopper for me was the Aguas Livres Aqueduct, home to the world’s longest pointed stone arch. Down the hill, at sea level, is the public square with many beautiful structures to admire, especially on a sunny day with the glistening water nearby.

One of my favorite spots in the city was the Castel de Sao Jorge, free to enter with the Lisboa card. The original structure dates to the 8th century BC, followed by centuries of additions. The views of the city below are well worth the climb (or transit) to the top. From there, it’s a scenic walk down the hill to Se de Lisboa, or the Lisbon Cathedral, also worth a visit if you have the time.

Whether you enjoy churches, parks, picturesque views, or unforgettable foods, Lisbon is an easy city to navigate and enjoy, with something for every kind of traveler.

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Do I Have a Pumpkin Problem?

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Janette

Let me first acknowledge that I do not work under “extreme decorating” principles. However, I do love pumpkin decorations, of all types, during the Fall.

Although I appreciate all pumpkin decorations, I am partial to glasswork.

Living in the Northeast US, I truly appreciate the Fall season. As soon as the weather turns the slightest bit chilly in September, my pumpkin decorations come out of storage. They stay in place until the end of November.

Of course, I have favorites, but I still like adding a few items to my collection each year. Some of my new additions for 2025 include the pumpkin wreath and pumpkin garland.

And who doesn’t love a simple blanket to snuggle under while sipping hot chocolate or pumpkin-spiced chai for the season?

I may have a pumpkin “thing”, but who can blame me? For two months of the year, I enjoy the visual reminders that I have an abundance of hygge, and there is much to be thankful for.

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Haulin’ in Hawley

Posted on November 16, 2025 by Janette

Set inside the gorgeous Pocono Mountain region of Pennsylvania is the small town of Hawley. You may ask, why you should have this town on your day-trip radar. My answer? Experiencing the Pennsylvania Rail Bike adventure!

Located at the Hawley Train Station, visitors can have a recreational adventure using electric rail bikes in tandem or quad-seat configurations. Bikes also have pedals, and guests start with all the rail bikes connected, so everyone pedals together to get through town. Once your group is away from the main roads, the guides unhook each car to space everyone out.

Keeping a safe distance, guests take in the scenery and enjoy the roughly five miles of track to the halfway point. We had the chance to hop off the bikes, stretch our legs, and use the porta-potty while the team switches the direction of the seats for the return journey. These guys were pros and took care of everything, ensuring we had a great experience.

Along the journey out and back, we saw gorgeous scenery. Although peak fall colors were in full bloom a week or two before we arrived in Hawley, we still appreciated the beautiful Fall day.

If you find yourself in the Pocono area, make a stop in Hawley, PA. It’s charming and it offers a very unique experience.

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