




I was only three months old when my mom decided to leave me with my grandma and enjoy her honeymoon in Split, Croatia. Fast forward to about 31 years; now I was able to experience the charming city as well with a few friends from Montreal, Canada.

A must for is to wander through market stalls in any new city I can. Fortunately, the Pazar Green Market, open every day from 7 am to 2 pm and is located near the ferry port. Items we picked up, fresh fruit, cheese, prosciutto, candied fruit.



Remember, it’s a market, this is the place to practice your negotiation skills 😉
Since restaurants will use fake flavored truffle flavored oil, you can get a good deal on these tasty morsels in the market, as the real thing is quite expensive!
Food is good but mostly touristy. A Croatian girl I had met earlier in Hvar recommended that I try pizza in Split. It is a bit different, not a greasy from thick layers of cheese. Instead, I picked a vegetarian one. Elena, the lady in a shop, said was her favorite, a cartoon portrait of her drawn on the pastry shop wall.



I imaged that since my parents chose Split for their romantic vacation, it would be a city full of romance. I think love was in the air, the love that comes from friendships, both new and old. We adopted two goofy and heart-warming male escorts from Florida on our last night in Hvar. Luckily for us, they were also on their way to Split and we were thrilled they could join us for some sightseeing, dining and dancing!

Where we stayed: Split Airbnb
And if I asked you to write me a letter today, could you fill a page with words of your play? Did you laugh, did you smile, and were you wondering if I’d thought of you awhile? In a text, thought is quick, not complex. I want something more; be open and explore. I think it will please us, to use print to release us.
The drum of your heart, pick up those feet, the world is beneath; get out of your seat! Come, let’s go faster, waves of connection, aren’t locked in your phone. It’s you with the wonder; let it stir up those bones! Of course I adore, every expression you make, but when I see it electronically, I know it’s a fake! You can’t bleed from a stone, nor love from some plastic, there something to be learned, us humans are fantastic!
You were the youngest, always pats on your head. All the attention, nothing wrong could be said. While I don’t show affirmation, I’m sure deep down, there’s room at your station. I was alone, with books, imagination. Though we’re so different, we can start. To learn about each other, even with our stubborn hearts.
I hope you understand, what I’m trying to regain. The happiness that once was, where my youth found reclaim. Dopamine, can you feel it, it’s less saturated by the day. Let’s mess up those brain waves, get out and let’s slay!
I know you find it odd, to travel to the past. But perhaps, you can image, a life without apps?
There’s treasure you possess, but that which is bought, can soon be forgot. Let’s catch a sunset, in a place we’ve yet met. Let our senses awaken; forget the selfies to be taken. While you may have fancy fashion, I hope to find out, what’s beneath, what’s your passion? And will you now match, with a hit of your racket, and ask me the same? Will you inquire, what it is, the spark to my flame?
You tell me I can’t, but are you so sure? The dynamics of your conversation has no allure. If it’s validation you seek, your approach is too weak.
I’ll help you uncover, what was once lost, charm of our childhoods, won’t have a cost. Although you may think, this could be disaster. Nothing of value comes with ease that you’re after.
Enjoying the rhythm of my banter? Try to pay attention, if its intellect you’re after!
And if it’s so that, you’re willing to bend, I’ll open up to you, my electronic friend…
Winter’s black, lifted back
The glow of opportunity floats
Warmth and light, breathe new life
With an auspicious air, curiosity flows
Around this new season, what will be your reason?
To leap into these brilliant days!
But sometimes moody, with frigid air
Or blinding bright,
Be patient, strip yourself
And reel in delight!
Spring’s here, my dear.
Well, spring is in the air! With the warmer weather and longer hours of daylight, I chose to spend more time outside enjoying good music. Let me leave you with a few tunes and a great quote:
“When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.” Ernest Hemingway
1. Kaleo- Way Down We Go
2. The Lumineers- Angela
3. Mark Farina – Dream Machine feat. Sean Hayes (Downtempo Mix)
4. (feat. Tove Lo) Nick Jonas- Close
5. (Ft. Son Mieux) The Him-Feels Like Home
6. Banks-Beggin For Thread
7. Ft. Bipolar Sunshine DJ Snake- Middle
8. The Arctic Monkeys- Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High
9. (Jane Doze Remix) Norman Laass-Pumping Blood
10. Chet Faker-No Diggity
Love and War (Aazar Remix)This month my next adventure takes place in Las Vegas, so I chose a few tunes to get into the dancing mood!
I’m documenting yet another ski trip where there was no limit to the amount of entertainment to be enjoyed. A lack of activity was inconceivable, whether spent the day skiing or boarding across the wide-open trails, indulging in culinary treats or scenic hikes.
With a beer in hand, a company ski trip was the perfect way to get to know my coworkers in their natural habitat! Instead of boring water cooler conversations, I was able to find out more exciting details about my fellow weekend warriors. Though some people may shy away from corporate events, I truly believe it’s more enjoyable to discuss their wipeouts and witness their mad dance skills during a corporate trip!



Inexpensive and a few blocks to walk into town!


The final day was spent enjoying the brunch buffet at my favorite Fairmont hotel, the Jasper Park Lodge. Although it can be a pricier option for lodging, it welcomes guests to come and walk their grounds, skate, or just have a hot chocolate in the rustic main lobby.
And then the easy hike in Maligne Canyon is treating for the eyes that shouldn’t be missed. Warning! Make sure you purchase or borrow boot covers to walk down into the ice-coated canyon, it’s slick!



Happy Valentines everyone, more heart felt songs coming your way!
I never pass up an opportunity to partake in a ski trip, always hoping for best case scenario snow report. This recent adventure took place in Fernie, British Columbia. At the top of the hill, you will be greeted by a striking landscape. Then it’s your choice of runs, to be accomplished at your level of speed and efficiency!



Although the tranquil landscape didn’t disappoint, I’m often in search of activities that make each ski destination unique. In Fernie, this was the ice bar, located on the hill, inside the Lizard Creek Lodge. Don your fur trimmed Helly Hansen parka, enter the frigid, colorful carved blocks of ice to sample a vast selection of premium vodkas. Smash your ice-made shot glass when you complete your vodka tastings feeling warm and tingly.

Where to Stay
Powder Mountain Lodge
http://powdermountainlodge.com/
Pros:
• Close drive to the hill, walking distance to restaurants and pubs.
• Inexpensive
Cons:
• Small Hot tub
• Easy to hear other guests

Where to Eat
Nevados- Scrumptious tapas style Mexican food with tasty margaritas to match
Where to drink
Since Flying into San Jose is typically less expensive than the city Liberia, some friends and I took advantage of a last minute flight special. If you have time to stay in the area, I would highly recommend a day or more rafting on the Pacuare River which I did on a separate visit to Costa Rica. From there we shared a shuttle to our first destination, Montverde, a small town tucked in a lush expanse of thick green forest. You can take a local bus which is way less expensive but can take more time. We stayed two nights in a bed and breakfast during the day drank delicious coffee, chose to do a zip line excursion in the cloud forest where we made some furry friends.


Our next stop was Tamarindo, a coastal surf town. The first day was spent relaxing on the beach, watching a beautiful sunset and eating fish tacos pared with pitchers of fresh sangria. The following day we chose to head out on the water on a catamaran tour.


The last destination was Santa Teresa, three nights, things to do:


Head back to San Jose to catch your flight home refreshed and recharged.
