evening stroll

A few pics from a late summer stroll up the path behind my cabin shortly before I left Oregon. Magic?

hot hot hot!

I took this photo of my cayenne peppers on my last day on the farm in Oregon. It's the first place I've lived that I could really grow these spicy little heat-lovers. I'm now home in Halifax, NS and the lovely fall we had been having has turned bitterly cold! Just thinking about that long hot summer takes away a bit of the chill...

what i've been up to...

Hello there! It has been awhile. I have been away from home for over 8 months now and traveling without my laptop. What started out as a 3 month trip to Ecuador, turned into Nicaragua and Costa Rica and then a 9 week internship in  Oregon and 4.5 months later here I still am in this lovely little village in the wilds of Oregon. Since the internship in herbal medicine and farming I've been staying in this lovely little octagonal cabin on an old farm at the very edge of the forest. I'll be soon heading home to Halifax, NS but I'd like to share some of my travels, and my life at the moment. Here are a few snaps:

my bath tub

my backyard 

a wild turkey saunters by

upper forest meadow

the farm

Tulum!

My little adventure is fast approaching (15 days!) and since I'm flying into Cancun and making my way down the coast to Belize, my first stop is in Tulum, Mexico. I spent a day here with my dear friend Jenn when I was in Mexico last April and was astounded by the paradise we found along the beach road below the famous seaside Mayan ruins. 10 km of stunning beaches fronted by mostly thatch roofed cabanas and very small hotels; this stretch is completely off the grid. Several resorts are candlelight only while others have electricity during set hours from generators, solar panels and wind turbines. My day trip was filled with delightful moments and the place felt really powerful- I've been itching to get back. I've heard rumours of development- possibly a nearby airport and a cruise ship dock- and want to spend some quality time there in the meantime.

My first night is booked at Copal part of Ecotulum. This place features cabanas on a jungle cliff overlooking the beach and doesn't have electricity. It's also clothing optional, but I'm a bit on the shy side and am traveling solo, so I won't be jumping on that train. I've heard the place has really good vibes and is close to everything, I've also been told to expect wildlife- geckoes, iguanas and crabs- in the cabana. Regardless, I'm excited for the experience. I'm spending 2 additional nights in Tulum that I haven't booked yet, so I'm open to suggestions!

While in Tulum I also hope to explore cenotes , rent a bike and check out ruins at nearby Coba , do morning yoga on the beach, eat lots of yummy Mexican food, lounge in hammocks, do a tetzamul (traditional Mayan sweat lodge) and spend lots of time on the beach reading, sketching and stargazing... then I'm off on a long bus ride to Caye Caulker in Belize where I hope to check out the reggae vibes and take it real slow.

belize it is!

I just have to share this coincidence! I mentioned last week that I was considering an enviro-education tour of Belize that would look at land planning, agriculture and ecology while touring the rain forests, temples and coastline. I can be really indecisive, and have been meaning to do a bit more research and review my budget before submitting my application. 

I just read my Astrotwins weekly horoscope and I quote "Add a spiritual-slash-educational component to any vacation you take. Study Mayan temples in Belize..." I believe in listening to signs so I think that just made my decision for me!

winter wanderlust

I am in the process of figuring out my winter holiday plans. Nova Scotia is really beautiful in the summer and I come down with a bad case of SAD most winters so I've saved my holiday time for then. I did a resort week in Mexico for the first time last winter and had a great time but I'm looking for something a little more cultural and educational, while still getting relaxing beach time.

I've heard about an ecological education tour in Belize that looks at land planning, agriculture and ecology while taking you on a tour of the country. I'm really interested, but would probably add a couple of beach days on the end. I'm also considering WWOOFing and longer term volunteer opportunities. I'm really excited but indecisive and need to make up my mind soon if I want to get my timing right. Have you had an experience with this type of travel you'd like to share?

new york, new york

As if the High Line doesn't have me hankering for a trip to New York. These dreamy photos by Marc Yankus sure do. {via what possessed me }

Wanderlust

I just saw this photo of a geothermal pool in Iceland and it brought out my travel instinct. I really need to get on some serious trip-planning. {via what possessed me}