Welcome to Beyond Ordinary Guides, where we curate gorgeous imagery, locally cherished spots, and accessible stories. We hope you enjoy!
In other words, 12 reasons to push you over the fence on why you need to visit this Scandanavian country. Flowers, berries, and sheep didn't make the list, but we love those things too.
In this first chronicle, Fran Daniels shares the start of her five months in Africa: getting to the remote village in Tanzania that she'll be teaching in.
Xenia Rollinson shares the secret to a relaxing, mostly undiscovered holiday. It requires a tiny part of Panama's coast named Santa Catalina.
"What do you mean ATMs are closed?" This was my first question to the taxi driver when we landed at 2:00am in La Habana that night of November 1st. They all close at 1:30am, after which you cannot get cash anywhere in town. Well this is going to be fun. How am I going to pay the casa particular and the cab? We’re in for an adventure!
You’ll want to roll down the windows of your rental car as soon as you turn out of the Honolulu International Airport to take in the ocean breeze. You immediately know you are in tropical paradise. While there are a variety of routes you could take to reach the North Shore, the hour long drive should not be rushed. Kamehameha Highway could be a destination in itself, with the ocean waves breaking over the road in some parts, and the Ko’olau mountain range impressively overlooking the road on the other side. As soon as you arrive, reach for your towel and head to the nearest beach, and you will feel yourself slowly relaxing to the pace of the island.
I will start by saying that Vancouver Island is truly worth your money + efforts. You'll find free spirited hippies throughout, ready to send you love + happiness; endless coffee shops full of entrepreneurs planning their next big gig; countless beaches dotted with sun lovers; and an abundant amount of surfers restlessly fighting to catch the perfect wave. The Island is a place to completely lose yourself in the natural state of wonder, constantly being in awe of what surrounds you. I've spent most days outside exploring my surroundings, trying to capture the beauty of it all and the Island has taught me to appreciate where I am, to take one day at a time, and to enjoy the simple things. Growing up here was truly a privilege.
Braids make sense here. The wind graciously blows the bugs away, but also plasters any hair wispies to skin made sticky from sunscreen and sweat. Braiding my hair tight against my scalp in rows makes practical sense.
Tony Bennett knew what he was talking about when he sang, "I left my heart in San Francisco." For us, there's no place quite like San Francisco. Wherever we go, our hearts will always be in the city by the Bay.
Traveling can be a bit of a pain sometimes, but we've learned over the years that we'll schlep ourselves to destinations far and inconvenient if it means experiencing a peek of gorgeous scenery.
Thanks to a vibrant craft brewery scene, we can now combine two of our favorite things when visiting San Diego: seafood & beer. Guided by foodie and San Diego local, Danielle Solomon, we hit up some lesser known spots.
When things go the opposite as planned.
