Sage Travelers
Sage Travelers
Birds of Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands offer abundant opportunities for bird-watching, and Alexander was able to "shoot" some beautiful specimens during our recent trip. These were spotted on the islands of Maui, Hawaii (Big Island), Kauai, and Oahu. The description appears above each photo:
Black-Crowned Night Heron:
Wandering Tattler:
House Finch:
The Hawaii state bird is the Nene, or Hawaiian Goose:
Hawaiian Duck:
Hawaiian Coot:
Common Waxwing:
Common Myna:
Zebra Dove:
Spotted Dove:
White Rock Dove:
Yellow-Fronted Canary:
Red Whiskered Bulbul:
Red Vented Bulbul:
Nutmeg Mannikin:
Red Crested Cardinal:
Northern Cardinal:
Java Sparrow:
House Sparrow:
Hawaiian House Sparrow:
Japanese White Eye:
Cattle Egret:
Common Moorhen:
Ruddy Turnstone:
Hawaiian Stilt:
And last but not least, Red Junglefowl:
~ Lisa
Black-Crowned Night Heron:
Wandering Tattler:
House Finch:
The Hawaii state bird is the Nene, or Hawaiian Goose:
Hawaiian Duck:
Hawaiian Coot:
Common Waxwing:
Common Myna:
Zebra Dove:
Spotted Dove:
White Rock Dove:
Yellow-Fronted Canary:
Red Whiskered Bulbul:
Red Vented Bulbul:
Nutmeg Mannikin:
Red Crested Cardinal:
Northern Cardinal:
Java Sparrow:
House Sparrow:
Hawaiian House Sparrow:
Japanese White Eye:
Cattle Egret:
Common Moorhen:
Ruddy Turnstone:
Hawaiian Stilt:
And last but not least, Red Junglefowl:
~ Lisa
Mahalo and Aloha
Two weeks in Hawaii is simply not long enough to see all our 50th state has to offer, but we gave it a whirl. In June and July, Alexander and I, along with my sister and brother-in-law, made it to Maui, Hawaii (aka: Big Island), Kauai, and Oahu.
The first week was spent aboard the Pride of America, enabling us to tour Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai. The second week was spent in a timeshare-exchange condo on Waikiki Beach. The near-perfect weather enhanced our experience but the pictures do not do justice to the beauty of Hawaii. Here are some of my favorites... with captions above each picture.
The breathtaking view from the Mt. Haleakala, Maui, visitors center (elevation 9,740 ft.):
The amazing Banyan tree in downtown Lahaina, Maui:
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens , Hilo, are exquisite...
...and provide a tropical tapestry of colors and textures that delight the senses:
These gekos are well-camouflaged in this lush rainforest:
The botanical specimens are diverse and well-labeled:
This "white bat plant" reminds me of an alien:
Plan at least two hours at the gardens that are located on Onomea Bay:
Next day... a visit to Umauma Falls...
... and in the afternoon, a visit Akaka Falls State Park:
An orchid farm on the Big Island:
At our last port of call, in Kauai, we rented a car and made it to the Fern Grotto. It was disappointing that visitors are no longer allowed into the grotto, but it is still a serene and popular setting for weddings:
Having the car gave us lots of flexibility. We even made it to Walmart where they have the best prices for souvenirs, coffee, and macadamia nuts.
From our stateroom we had an excellent view of the Naapali coastline as our ship sailed away from Kauai enroute to Oahu:
Although I'd previously been to Maui and Kauai, I was not expecting to like Oahu as much as I did. We will definitely go back and spend more time in this lovely city.
Wailkiki Beach is delightful... by day...
... and at sunset:
I loved our sunset walks, watching locals and tourists alike frolicking in the sea:
Fourth of July on Waikiki provided a spectacular free show:
For our week in Oahu, we got a great deal through Hotwire for a comfortable rental car. We had the luxury of planning our days according to our whims and our condo, located about two blocks from Waikiki Beach provided free parking. We sure packed a lot into our week on Oahu!
Pearl Harbor:
The USS Arizona Memorial:
Polynesian Cultural Center:
The view from the top of Diamond Head was superb...
...so the rather strenuous climb was worth it:
Our friend Richard insisted we try malasadas from Leonard's Bakery and they are incredibly delicious!
There was so much more... our evening coffee at the Halekulani Hotel , the Dole Plantation, the Honolulu Zoo, and the Hanauma Bay Marine Preserve to name a few. I can't wait to go back!
Aloha!
~ Lisa
The first week was spent aboard the Pride of America, enabling us to tour Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai. The second week was spent in a timeshare-exchange condo on Waikiki Beach. The near-perfect weather enhanced our experience but the pictures do not do justice to the beauty of Hawaii. Here are some of my favorites... with captions above each picture.
The breathtaking view from the Mt. Haleakala, Maui, visitors center (elevation 9,740 ft.):
The amazing Banyan tree in downtown Lahaina, Maui:
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens , Hilo, are exquisite...
...and provide a tropical tapestry of colors and textures that delight the senses:
These gekos are well-camouflaged in this lush rainforest:
The botanical specimens are diverse and well-labeled:
This "white bat plant" reminds me of an alien:
Plan at least two hours at the gardens that are located on Onomea Bay:
Next day... a visit to Umauma Falls...
... and in the afternoon, a visit Akaka Falls State Park:
An orchid farm on the Big Island:
At our last port of call, in Kauai, we rented a car and made it to the Fern Grotto. It was disappointing that visitors are no longer allowed into the grotto, but it is still a serene and popular setting for weddings:
Having the car gave us lots of flexibility. We even made it to Walmart where they have the best prices for souvenirs, coffee, and macadamia nuts.
From our stateroom we had an excellent view of the Naapali coastline as our ship sailed away from Kauai enroute to Oahu:
Although I'd previously been to Maui and Kauai, I was not expecting to like Oahu as much as I did. We will definitely go back and spend more time in this lovely city.
Wailkiki Beach is delightful... by day...
... and at sunset:
I loved our sunset walks, watching locals and tourists alike frolicking in the sea:
Fourth of July on Waikiki provided a spectacular free show:
For our week in Oahu, we got a great deal through Hotwire for a comfortable rental car. We had the luxury of planning our days according to our whims and our condo, located about two blocks from Waikiki Beach provided free parking. We sure packed a lot into our week on Oahu!
Pearl Harbor:
The USS Arizona Memorial:
Polynesian Cultural Center:
The view from the top of Diamond Head was superb...
...so the rather strenuous climb was worth it:
Our friend Richard insisted we try malasadas from Leonard's Bakery and they are incredibly delicious!
There was so much more... our evening coffee at the Halekulani Hotel , the Dole Plantation, the Honolulu Zoo, and the Hanauma Bay Marine Preserve to name a few. I can't wait to go back!
~ Lisa
Birds of Mexico: Tabasco
Our trip to Mexico provided abundant opportunities for bird-watching. In the state of Tabasco, in and around Villahermosa, Alex was able to photograph hundreds of birds. Following are some of my favorites... the description is above each picture:
Yellow-headed Parrot:
Wood Storks:
Vermillion Flycatcher:
White Ibis:
White-collared Seedeater:
Tiger Egret:
Summer Tanager:
Social Flycatcher:
Snowy Egret:
Roseate Spoonbill:
Plain Chachalaca:
Least Tern:
Green Heron:
Green Parrot:
Little Blue Heron:
Great Egret:
Pale-vented Dove:
Great Kiskadee:
Great Blue Heron:
Double-crested Cormorant:
Black-capped Night Heron:
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks:
Belted Kingfisher:
Bat Falcon:
~ Lisa (Photos by Alexander)
Upcoming posts: Adventures in the Yucatan
Yellow-headed Parrot:
Wood Storks:
Vermillion Flycatcher:
White Ibis:
White-collared Seedeater:
Tiger Egret:
Summer Tanager:
Social Flycatcher:
Snowy Egret:
Roseate Spoonbill:
Plain Chachalaca:
Least Tern:
Green Heron:
Green Parrot:
Little Blue Heron:
Great Egret:
Pale-vented Dove:
Great Kiskadee:
Great Blue Heron:
Double-crested Cormorant:
Black-capped Night Heron:
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks:
Belted Kingfisher:
Bat Falcon:
~ Lisa (Photos by Alexander)
Upcoming posts: Adventures in the Yucatan
Yumká and La Venta
For a very reasonable fee of $72, Alex and I had a car and driver for the entire day. The car was a brand-new Toyota, driven by Carlos, a friendly young man who worked for the tour company. The tour included the entrance fees to both Yumká and La Venta Park.
Yumká is a wildlife park in the Mexican state of Tabasco, about a 30-minute drive from the city of Villhermosa. The 250 acre park is well-maintained and home to a large collection of exotic animals and a sanctuary for birds that roam freely. Visitors climb aboard a large, open truck that seats about 30 passengers and then you are taken on a "safari."
The exotic animals such as these zebras appeared content and well-nourished...
... and many like this giraffe roam free but keep their distance from the safari-mobile.
Some of the more dangerous animals are kept back by a barely visible hot-wire.
After the "safari" you are taken to the Visitors' Center that has many interesting displays, including several aviaries and many birds that roam the grounds freely.
Here is a termite nest that provides a constant supply of food for some birds.
The parrots at the Visitors Center were entertaining... they talked and did pirouettes for the visitors, but their wings are clipped.
After a great morning at Yumká we stopped for lunch at La Lupita, a popular sea food restaurant where I had an very good crab cocktail and Alex had freshly-caught grilled fish. Then we were off to La Venta Park which was within walking distance of our hotel. Carlos took us to the gates where we met our guide, Raul.
La Venta Park is not to be confused with La Venta archeological site which is located several hours from the city of Villahermosa, the capitol of Tabasco. We visited only La Venta Park which includes an outdoor museum and a zoo. The most important Olmec artifacts were moved years ago from the archeological site to the park to safeguard them from vandals. La Venta Park is dedicated to highlighting and preserving the Olmec "mother culture" of Mexico. There is much to see at La Venta, but here are just some of the highlights.
This colossal head, unlike the others found at La Venta, does not represent half-open lips, but portrays a harsh gesture and wears a helmet decorated with three petals (c. 700-400 B.C.).
This is the "Triumphal Altar," one of the best-preserved altars and of great iconographic meaning. A human face and jaguar jaws with a symbol of crossed bands which represent the spots of this feline, associated with power, can be made out in the central part of the cornice of this monument.
This colossal head is known as the "Young Warrior" (c. 700-600 B.C.) and was found lined up in northernmost La Venta. A familiar feature is the teeth-revealing open mouth. The basalt used for this head confirms the existence of many deposits exploited by the Olmecs in the Tuxtlas region of Veracruz.
This colossal head is known as "The Old Warrior" and is similar to other heads by its features. However, this governor-warrior represents different iconographic elements such as the helmet which is decorated with a claw, possibly of the harpy eagle.
This sculpture is known as the "Governor," a crossed-legged seated character who must have been a high-ranking dignitary based on the garments he is wearing, pectoral on his chest, divided headdress and decorations over his ears.
A large group of coatimundis live in the park, foraging freely... they are also adept at begging from visitors. They are known as "tejones" and will appear from nowhere to get a treat of dried bread.
~ Lisa
Yumká is a wildlife park in the Mexican state of Tabasco, about a 30-minute drive from the city of Villhermosa. The 250 acre park is well-maintained and home to a large collection of exotic animals and a sanctuary for birds that roam freely. Visitors climb aboard a large, open truck that seats about 30 passengers and then you are taken on a "safari."
The exotic animals such as these zebras appeared content and well-nourished...
... and many like this giraffe roam free but keep their distance from the safari-mobile.
Some of the more dangerous animals are kept back by a barely visible hot-wire.
After the "safari" you are taken to the Visitors' Center that has many interesting displays, including several aviaries and many birds that roam the grounds freely.
Here is a termite nest that provides a constant supply of food for some birds.
The parrots at the Visitors Center were entertaining... they talked and did pirouettes for the visitors, but their wings are clipped.
After a great morning at Yumká we stopped for lunch at La Lupita, a popular sea food restaurant where I had an very good crab cocktail and Alex had freshly-caught grilled fish. Then we were off to La Venta Park which was within walking distance of our hotel. Carlos took us to the gates where we met our guide, Raul.
La Venta Park is not to be confused with La Venta archeological site which is located several hours from the city of Villahermosa, the capitol of Tabasco. We visited only La Venta Park which includes an outdoor museum and a zoo. The most important Olmec artifacts were moved years ago from the archeological site to the park to safeguard them from vandals. La Venta Park is dedicated to highlighting and preserving the Olmec "mother culture" of Mexico. There is much to see at La Venta, but here are just some of the highlights.
This colossal head, unlike the others found at La Venta, does not represent half-open lips, but portrays a harsh gesture and wears a helmet decorated with three petals (c. 700-400 B.C.).
This is the "Triumphal Altar," one of the best-preserved altars and of great iconographic meaning. A human face and jaguar jaws with a symbol of crossed bands which represent the spots of this feline, associated with power, can be made out in the central part of the cornice of this monument.
This colossal head is known as the "Young Warrior" (c. 700-600 B.C.) and was found lined up in northernmost La Venta. A familiar feature is the teeth-revealing open mouth. The basalt used for this head confirms the existence of many deposits exploited by the Olmecs in the Tuxtlas region of Veracruz.
This colossal head is known as "The Old Warrior" and is similar to other heads by its features. However, this governor-warrior represents different iconographic elements such as the helmet which is decorated with a claw, possibly of the harpy eagle.
This sculpture is known as the "Governor," a crossed-legged seated character who must have been a high-ranking dignitary based on the garments he is wearing, pectoral on his chest, divided headdress and decorations over his ears.
A large group of coatimundis live in the park, foraging freely... they are also adept at begging from visitors. They are known as "tejones" and will appear from nowhere to get a treat of dried bread.
~ Lisa
Pre-Hispanic City of Palenque
Our recent trip to Mexico took us to the Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque in the state of Chiapas, about a two-hour drive from Villahermosa. The history of Palenque is fascinating and it's easy to understand why it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. Palenque is an example of a Mayan sanctuary from the classical period. This city was at its height between 500 and 700 AD. It had been abandoned centuries before the arrival of Spanish priest, Pedro Lorenzo de Nada in 1567, who first wrote about it. In the 20th century, excavations at Palenque have shed light on the structure of the Mayan dynasties. In the centuries after it was abandoned, Palenque was swallowed by the jungle and only about 5% of the structures have been excavated and are able to be viewed by the public.
We booked a group tour from our hotel in Villahermosa at a cost of about $135 USD for the two of us, including the guide at Palenque but not tips or lunch. We ended up being the only two on the tour so we were assigned a small but new private car and a friendly driver. After the archeological site, our last stop was the Site Museum (Museo del Sitio) which was deliciously air conditioned, and then lunch at a recommended open-air restaurant called Los Liones. Alex, Carlos our driver, and I were the only guests... the food was decent but the best was yet to come. The excursion to Palenque took about 8 hours.
This photo taken from the Temple of the Foliated Cross shows the Temple of the Sun at left, the Palace in the center, and the Temple of the Cross, at right:
A closer view of the Palace as it looks today:
A replica of the Palace at the Site Museum shows what it looked like in it heyday:
The Temple of the Sun:
Looking up at the Temple of the Inscriptions, the burial place of Pacal, a Mayan king:
Alexander climbed to the top of the Temple of the Cross (he's on the left)... I watched from the shade of a big tree because it was over 100 degrees:
The Temple of the Foliated Cross is an easy climb:
Temple of the Foliated Cross is at right:
From a distance you can see the dense, lush jungle that envelopes Palenque:
Did I mention that 95% of Palenque has NOT been excavated? Visitors just have access to a mere 5% of the site. Here, barely visible beneath the overgrowth, is a structure yet to be excavated:
A structure under excavation, a process that takes years:
The Maya were an advanced society. To this day, the exact cause of their disappearance remains a mystery. Here you can see the aqueduct that was used to bring water to the city:
This is the impressive temple group near the entrance. The craft vendors are kept out of the park and visitors are free to enjoy this amazing place without being distracted:
The rain forest of Palenque contains diverse flora and fauna, a bird-lover's paradise. It looks cool and green, but cool it is not. The 100 degree heat was suffocating when combined with the humidity:
~ Lisa
We booked a group tour from our hotel in Villahermosa at a cost of about $135 USD for the two of us, including the guide at Palenque but not tips or lunch. We ended up being the only two on the tour so we were assigned a small but new private car and a friendly driver. After the archeological site, our last stop was the Site Museum (Museo del Sitio) which was deliciously air conditioned, and then lunch at a recommended open-air restaurant called Los Liones. Alex, Carlos our driver, and I were the only guests... the food was decent but the best was yet to come. The excursion to Palenque took about 8 hours.
This photo taken from the Temple of the Foliated Cross shows the Temple of the Sun at left, the Palace in the center, and the Temple of the Cross, at right:
A closer view of the Palace as it looks today:
A replica of the Palace at the Site Museum shows what it looked like in it heyday:
The Temple of the Sun:
Looking up at the Temple of the Inscriptions, the burial place of Pacal, a Mayan king:
Alexander climbed to the top of the Temple of the Cross (he's on the left)... I watched from the shade of a big tree because it was over 100 degrees:
The Temple of the Foliated Cross is an easy climb:
Temple of the Foliated Cross is at right:
From a distance you can see the dense, lush jungle that envelopes Palenque:
Did I mention that 95% of Palenque has NOT been excavated? Visitors just have access to a mere 5% of the site. Here, barely visible beneath the overgrowth, is a structure yet to be excavated:
A structure under excavation, a process that takes years:
The Maya were an advanced society. To this day, the exact cause of their disappearance remains a mystery. Here you can see the aqueduct that was used to bring water to the city:
This is the impressive temple group near the entrance. The craft vendors are kept out of the park and visitors are free to enjoy this amazing place without being distracted:
The rain forest of Palenque contains diverse flora and fauna, a bird-lover's paradise. It looks cool and green, but cool it is not. The 100 degree heat was suffocating when combined with the humidity:
~ Lisa
Bird Watching in Idaho
Spring is a beautiful time of year in Idaho. A recent visit to our second home provided great opportunities for viewing the abundant wildlife. My favorite place for easy viewing is Kathryn Albertson Park, a restored riparian habitat used as nesting grounds by Canadian geese and a variety of ducks. What's amazing is that it is near the heart of the city. Other good places for bird watching: Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area, Deer Flat Wildlife Management Area, MK Nature Center, Ann Morrison Park, and Julia Davis Park.
The following photos were taken by Alexander who is enjoying shooting birds... with his new camera, that is.
Wood Duck:
White-fronted Geese:
Northern Harrier (female):
Black-billed Magpie:
Snow Geese:
Great Blue Heron:
House Sparrow:
Northern Flicker:
Starlings:
Ring-billed Gull:
Chukar:
Mourning Doves:
Lesser Gold Finch:
White-crowned Sparrow:
Oregon Junco:
American Wigeon:
American Coot:
Other members of the family enjoy bird-watching, too!
~ Lisa
The following photos were taken by Alexander who is enjoying shooting birds... with his new camera, that is.
Wood Duck:
White-fronted Geese:
Northern Harrier (female):
Black-billed Magpie:
Snow Geese:
Great Blue Heron:
House Sparrow:
Northern Flicker:
Starlings:
Ring-billed Gull:
Chukar:
Mourning Doves:
Lesser Gold Finch:
White-crowned Sparrow:
Oregon Junco:
American Wigeon:
American Coot:
Other members of the family enjoy bird-watching, too!
~ Lisa
Trek to the Sunshine State: Magic Kingdom and More
They say you're never too old to play like a kid, or maybe it's that we're in our second childhood, but play we did. A good part of our trip to Florida involved just having fun at the many attractions. After two weeks, it was time to go home and we still hadn't accomplished all there is to see and do. But, hey, this is a good excuse to go back! It helped that I researched the best days to go to the various attractions, so we never had to wait in line more than 5 minutes, so it really paid off.
Here are some of my favorite places...
EPCOT is an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. The International exhibits open at 11:00, but there is plenty to see before then.
The topiaries are delightful!
The rain and cold didn't dampen our spirits at Hollywood Studios!
The Silverbacks entertained us at Animal Kingdom...
...as did these frolicking flamingos.
My favorite place at Disney World... the Magic Kingdom! My favorite ride: Space Mountain!
Yes, without a doubt, the Magic Kingdom was my favorite. What an amazing place! Have you heard the rumor about the underground city at Magic Kingdom? Guess what, it's true. Check it out!
Everyone loves a parade... especially the children. The look on their faces is priceless!
Downtown Disney has free parking, lots of shops, restaurants, and some interesting displays, like this sea monster made of Leggos.
Another day it was off to Gatorland where you can see some extremely big alligators and more. Gator wresting is pretty easy...
Anyone can do it!
What can I say about St. Augustine? It's a beautiful place and the oldest city in North America. We will stay longer next time. Here is the harbor... you can see the light house in the distance.
Yours truly at the St. Augustine city gates.
Yes, we'll be back!
~ Lisa
Here are some of my favorite places...
EPCOT is an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. The International exhibits open at 11:00, but there is plenty to see before then.
The topiaries are delightful!
The rain and cold didn't dampen our spirits at Hollywood Studios!
The Silverbacks entertained us at Animal Kingdom...
...as did these frolicking flamingos.
My favorite place at Disney World... the Magic Kingdom! My favorite ride: Space Mountain!
Yes, without a doubt, the Magic Kingdom was my favorite. What an amazing place! Have you heard the rumor about the underground city at Magic Kingdom? Guess what, it's true. Check it out!
Everyone loves a parade... especially the children. The look on their faces is priceless!
Downtown Disney has free parking, lots of shops, restaurants, and some interesting displays, like this sea monster made of Leggos.
Another day it was off to Gatorland where you can see some extremely big alligators and more. Gator wresting is pretty easy...
Anyone can do it!
What can I say about St. Augustine? It's a beautiful place and the oldest city in North America. We will stay longer next time. Here is the harbor... you can see the light house in the distance.
Yours truly at the St. Augustine city gates.
Yes, we'll be back!
~ Lisa
Trek to the Sunshine State: Everglades
When our trip to Machu Picchu was canceled due to the torrential rains and the ensuing destruction of the railroad to Aguas Calientes, Alexander and I were left itching to go somewhere WARM.
Ever the history buff, Alexander wanted to see St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied city in the US, established in 1565. I was leaning more toward something like Disney World, so Orlando, Florida fit the bill perfectly. This is a good time for travel bargains. Traveling in the off-peak season is a benefit of being retired and we packed a lot into two weeks. Ironically, we did not encounter the warm weather we craved, but we did have fun. It was a great impromptu trip.
Our first weekend took us to the Everglades. An air boat ride provided excellent viewing, especially birds and alligators. The swampy Everglades are loaded with interesting flora and fauna, and happily, the cold weather meant NO MOSQUITOES.
Trees in the Everglades are abundantly draped with Spanish moss, an air plant (epiphyte), which means it does not use its host plant for food. It has no roots but attaches to the host using stems. The stems hang down from the host tree branches and collect moisture and nutrients from the air.
Lush Spanish moss was used to stuff pillows and mattresses in the "olden days." It has a soft, spongy texture.
Beware of lurking alligators, not always easy to spot in the murky waters...
Bird-watching was greatly entertaining! Here is a Purple Gallinule (aka swamp chicken)...
... and a Great Egret on her nest. These egrets nest above alligator sanctuaries (aka gator holes) to keep predators from reaching their nests.
Any babies that fall out of the nest become alligator food, but the adults were often seen cautiously venturing close to the 'gators.
Whee.... "Look, ma, I can surf!"
An alert Great Blue Heron...
... beautiful!
Here a sweet-faced female Boat-tailed Grackle checks us out. The males are black.
A Black-crowned Night Heron...
...and a Snowy Egret getting feisty with another egret...
These homely Black Vultures have an important role in the ecosystem.
They are the "clean-up crew" just waiting for the next opportunity.
These turtles basking in the sun where as still as statues.
Our air boat was similar to this one, seen moving away from the dock. The noise made ear plugs necessary, but our guide stopped frequently for better viewing and much-appreciated quiet.
More on Florida to follow... see upcoming post.
~ Lisa
Ever the history buff, Alexander wanted to see St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied city in the US, established in 1565. I was leaning more toward something like Disney World, so Orlando, Florida fit the bill perfectly. This is a good time for travel bargains. Traveling in the off-peak season is a benefit of being retired and we packed a lot into two weeks. Ironically, we did not encounter the warm weather we craved, but we did have fun. It was a great impromptu trip.
Our first weekend took us to the Everglades. An air boat ride provided excellent viewing, especially birds and alligators. The swampy Everglades are loaded with interesting flora and fauna, and happily, the cold weather meant NO MOSQUITOES.
Trees in the Everglades are abundantly draped with Spanish moss, an air plant (epiphyte), which means it does not use its host plant for food. It has no roots but attaches to the host using stems. The stems hang down from the host tree branches and collect moisture and nutrients from the air.
Beware of lurking alligators, not always easy to spot in the murky waters...
Bird-watching was greatly entertaining! Here is a Purple Gallinule (aka swamp chicken)...
... and a Great Egret on her nest. These egrets nest above alligator sanctuaries (aka gator holes) to keep predators from reaching their nests.
Any babies that fall out of the nest become alligator food, but the adults were often seen cautiously venturing close to the 'gators.
An alert Great Blue Heron...
... beautiful!
A Black-crowned Night Heron...
...and a Snowy Egret getting feisty with another egret...
These homely Black Vultures have an important role in the ecosystem.
They are the "clean-up crew" just waiting for the next opportunity.
These turtles basking in the sun where as still as statues.
~ Lisa
Le Cirque is in Town!
Cirque du Soleil, that is. Last Tuesday, Alexander and I treated ourselves to Cirque du Soleil's OVA which is currently performing in San Jose through March 21. Check out their website for more information and tickets. The following photos are from their website as they do not allow flash photography. It was definitely worth the cost of the tickets.
The extravaganza takes place in the Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) which seats ~2,500. Here it is being set up, a process that takes several days.
The performers wear fabulous costumes, like this "ant"...
...and a grasshopper. The music and choreography were superb throughout the two and a half hour show.
We were mesmerized by acts such as the slack wire and amazed to see the extent to which the human body can contort!
Viva le cirque!
~ Lisa
The extravaganza takes place in the Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) which seats ~2,500. Here it is being set up, a process that takes several days.
The performers wear fabulous costumes, like this "ant"...
...and a grasshopper. The music and choreography were superb throughout the two and a half hour show.
We were mesmerized by acts such as the slack wire and amazed to see the extent to which the human body can contort!
Viva le cirque!
~ Lisa
Las Capuchinas, Antigua, Guatemala
A visit to Las Capuchinas or the Capuchin Convent, in the colonial city of Antigua, Guatemala, takes you back to an era of surprising customs and impressive architecture. The monument consists of restored sections that house offices and a museum, and other areas that are protected ruins. The entrance fee of ~ $4 USD is well worth the experience.
Las Capuchinas was founded in 1725, and completed in 1736 as a convent for the cloistered Capuchin nuns from Spain. It was designed by Diego de Porres, a well-know colonial-era architect. Las Capuchinas was home to 28 novices, most of whom were banished to the cloistered life by their families, often for defiance, an intolerable offense in a time when a woman's role in society was defined by strict mores.
The novices lived in tiny cells arranged in a unique circular configuration. Yes, I asked... the cells had "toilets" similar to the outhouse concept, but made of stone. Waste was flushed by water from an underground spring emanating from the surrounding highlands. In a nearby bath chamber, heated water was routed to large stone tubs where the nuns would bathe while clothed in special garments.
Unlike other Catholic orders, Capuchin novitiates were not required to pay a dowry to enter the sisterhood, but they had to relinquish all their worldly possessions. Once they entered the cloistered life, they also renounced all contact with the outside world, not even with their families. Their days were devoted to prayer and meditation but they used their sewing skills to generate income for operating the convent.
Below the circular courtyard is a strange subterranean chamber with acoustics that permit certain notes to resonate with amazing clarity. It is thought this eerie chamber was used for special prayer sessions, but its exact use is unknown.
From the second level, one can access the nuns' choir loft which gives a good view of the nave of the chapel, now in ruins. The choir loft was built so those attending mass could hear the nuns sing, but they would never be able to see them.
Also from the second level, on a clear day you get an excellent view of the twin volcanoes, Fuego (to the left) and Acatenango. During our visit, the cloud cover obscured the volcanoes but I did get a good photo of Cerro de le Cruz, which looks down on the city.
Having been rebuilt after the earthquake of 1751, the convent was abandoned in 1773 after another severe temblor. The Capuchin nuns then relocated to Guatemala City, taking with them all religious artifacts and anything in the convent that could be transported.
Las Capuchinas is one of many monuments in beautiful Antigua, Guatemala. Antigua is was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
~ Lisa
Las Capuchinas was founded in 1725, and completed in 1736 as a convent for the cloistered Capuchin nuns from Spain. It was designed by Diego de Porres, a well-know colonial-era architect. Las Capuchinas was home to 28 novices, most of whom were banished to the cloistered life by their families, often for defiance, an intolerable offense in a time when a woman's role in society was defined by strict mores.
The novices lived in tiny cells arranged in a unique circular configuration. Yes, I asked... the cells had "toilets" similar to the outhouse concept, but made of stone. Waste was flushed by water from an underground spring emanating from the surrounding highlands. In a nearby bath chamber, heated water was routed to large stone tubs where the nuns would bathe while clothed in special garments.
Unlike other Catholic orders, Capuchin novitiates were not required to pay a dowry to enter the sisterhood, but they had to relinquish all their worldly possessions. Once they entered the cloistered life, they also renounced all contact with the outside world, not even with their families. Their days were devoted to prayer and meditation but they used their sewing skills to generate income for operating the convent.
Below the circular courtyard is a strange subterranean chamber with acoustics that permit certain notes to resonate with amazing clarity. It is thought this eerie chamber was used for special prayer sessions, but its exact use is unknown.
From the second level, one can access the nuns' choir loft which gives a good view of the nave of the chapel, now in ruins. The choir loft was built so those attending mass could hear the nuns sing, but they would never be able to see them.
Also from the second level, on a clear day you get an excellent view of the twin volcanoes, Fuego (to the left) and Acatenango. During our visit, the cloud cover obscured the volcanoes but I did get a good photo of Cerro de le Cruz, which looks down on the city.
Having been rebuilt after the earthquake of 1751, the convent was abandoned in 1773 after another severe temblor. The Capuchin nuns then relocated to Guatemala City, taking with them all religious artifacts and anything in the convent that could be transported.
Las Capuchinas is one of many monuments in beautiful Antigua, Guatemala. Antigua is was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
~ Lisa
