I wish you were here

Costa Rica, a Central American treasure, offers a paradise for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. 

Renowned for its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and diverse wildlife, this vibrant country captivates every visitor with its unique experiences.

In November 2023, my wife and I spent nine blissful days exploring Costa Rica's natural wonders and engaging with its wonderful people. We quickly realized that nine days were hardly enough to fully appreciate the country's stunning nature, national parks, wildlife reserves, and commitment to eco-tourism.

The nation's dedication to conservation and sustainable tourism is apparent everywhere, from the misty cloud forests to the pristine coastlines, setting a commendable example for global environmental stewardship.

Over the years I frequented many restaurants around the city of San Diego and SD county in general. Here is a compilation of my favorite eateries:

Full Moon

A great place for Sushi lovers with unique Rolls, Sushi and Sashimi along with a full hot-dish menu and bar.

I tried the Full Moon and New Moon rolls. Both were very tasty and filling. I also enjoyed a flight of Sake with a good variety of flavor and texture.

Full Moon is on 5^th street in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Big Bear Valley is well known for its winter sports fun. But after the snow melts and the skiers flee the area, a whole new adventure awaits you.

During the summer months, the ski resorts offer more adventures like scenic chairlift rides, slides, and hiking trails.

The valley and mountains around it are full of hiking and biking trails waiting to be explored. Many trails start near the “Big Bear Discovery Center”. 

Victorian storefronts, leafy streets, and a creek running through the middle frame Los Gatos at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains. You can park once and spend a full day on foot, boutiques, cafes, tasting rooms, parks, and live music are clustered within a few blocks.

The town sits on former Ohlone land and grew around a flour mill built by James Alexander Forbes in 1854. It was incorporated in 1887.

The name “Los Gatos,” or “the cats,” comes from the wildcats and mountain lions once common in the nearby hills.

Today, the historic core, the Creekside trail, and easy access to county and open-space parks give the town an outdoors-meets-downtown vibe.

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolitan area with an amazing array of attractions and activities. The area is infamous for its long grids of streets and freeways and until recently it wasn’t very friendly to public transit.

But things are changing for the better. It is now possible to visit many of the iconic places in LA by rail or by express bus. So, get your backpack, phone and camera ready and follow me on this exploration tour.