Welcome to Beyond Ordinary Guides, where we curate gorgeous imagery, locally cherished spots, and accessible stories. We hope you enjoy!
The storms happening across the US right now make us want to curl up with a blanket in front of a fireplace and read a good book with a mug of hot chocolate (or a glass of Petite Syrah).
In the fourth installment of "The Flancesca Chronicles", Fran talks about getting malaria, disciplining school children, and finally receiving hers and Libby's custom African dresses.
Your guide to a truly cosmopolitan city in Latin America that has great food, good nightlife and a variety of day trip and activity options.
This week's chronicle touches on malaria, the confusing Tanzanian school system, teacher's pets, and differing gender norms.
Balestrand is only three and half hours from Bergen and an easy detour from the popular Norway in a Nutshell tour. With a world class museum and plenty of plein air activities to enjoy, Balestrand is a worthy stop for history, art, and nature lovers.
In the second Chronicle, Fran talks about the beginning of school, what it's like to work out in rural Africa, and the complex issue of foreign aid in developing countries.
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.
