My Photography Wanderlust

Merida MX Series #1…Getting to Know Merida

I arrived in Merida for the first time for a 10-day visit to connect with a friend and to venture on my own. Driving from the airport to my destination, you get to experience a hidden gem of an old colonial city that has been through its fair share of economic struggles and is slowly becoming a place that is timeless and exceptionally gifted. This is a seven-storytelling series on the magic of Merida, Mexico rated as one of the best cities to travel to in 2022.

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My Photography Wanderlust

Merida MX Series #2… Yucatán’s Enchanting Cenotes

In Merida, there are tours to reach many of the Yucatán cenotes within an hour’s drive. I had planned to go to at least two cenotes, although I only managed to get to one. My friend highly recommended the Hacienda Mucuyche Cenote, which did not disappoint. Mucuyche is one of the most developed cenotes for tourism, having everything from a gift shop to a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool with lockers and many other amenities. Frankly, done of that matters once you climb down and you come face to face with the mystery, magic and beauty of this natural pit or sinkhole formed from the collapse of limestone bedrocks. Once you are in the water, you are dazzled, even spellbound, by the colors and the sparkles of the cave and the water. Doing this one time is just not enough….

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My Photography Wanderlust

Merida MX Series #3… The Mayapán Ruins and Mayan Culture

There are over 200 archaeological ruins throughout the Yucatán peninsula. In close proximity to the city of Merida, there are at least four Mayan ruins that you can do a day trip. The Mayapán ruins are less than an hour from Merida and are pretty impressive, as it was once considered the capital center of Mayan civilization in all of Yucatan. The ruins are quite extraordinary, allowing you to visualize what this community looked like in its heyday and to experience how Mayan culture persists to this day….

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My Photography Wanderlust

A Visit to the Lakota Sioux Tribe Reservation at the Badlands National Park

I recently came across an article about the Lakota Sioux tribe and immediately experienced a flashback of a group project that took us to a reservation in the Badlands National Park near Rapid City, South Dakota in 2019. Driving through the Badlands was a photographer’s dream, especially for an urban dweller. Meeting and learning so much from this American Native tribe was a phenomenal experience and one I would love to repeat.  Here’s why….

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My Photography Wanderlust

Visiting Cuba: Is Now a Good Time?

Good news for Cuba, President Joe Biden on June 1 of this year has finally gotten around to revoking a series of restrictions on flights to Cuba that were imposed by Donald Trump allowing US airlines to fly to all of Cuba’s airports. Unfortunately, this falls short of fully reinstating the Obama administration policies towards Cuba.  A bit disappointing for folks who would like to travel freely to the island. I was fortunate to visit Havana, Cuba in 2017 when President Obama had lifted US restrictions, allowing travelers to independently travel to Cuba without being part of an authorized travel program….

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Art Destinations My Photography Travel Tips Wanderlust

Spending a “Memorial” Weekend in New York City

  Nothing beats spending a weekend holiday in Manhattan followed by pleasant weather and a long list of things to do over two days. The crowds were intense, although the same could be said of most beaches during the Memorial weekend.  Best part was not having to get into your car or hop on the train to get back home after a long day of visiting the Met, watching a musical, dining and drinking.   If you are looking to plan a short weekend getaway here is what we managed to do….

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Art Destinations Arts/Culture My Photography

The Artist Abraham Cruzvillegas and his Latest Exhibition at the Bass Museum

In recent trip to Miami for a business meeting held at the Bass Museum I came across a rather unique exhibition from the Mexican Artist Abraham Cruzvillegas that provoked in me a desire to know more about this artist and the concept of “auto construcción”comprising of 80 pieces of recycled everyday painted objects practically floating in the air. This exhibition is part of a series of installations by Cruzvillegas on the  concept of “AutoConstruccion” that reflect the conditions of his modest upbringing  in Mexico and how it defines human nature and its impact on the environment. 

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My Photography Travel Tips Wanderlust

Spending the 4th of July Weekend in New York City

 With a forecast of a rainy weekend, my sister and I skipped the beach and decided to hangout in Manhattan. It was nice to see New York swing back to it’s Pre-Covid days.   We were able to book a hotel at a decent price within the Broadway district, in part because the theaters are mostly closed until the fall. We made plans to visit the Musuem of Moderan Art, Hudson Yards, the High Line and the Chelsea neighborhood to both shop and eat……

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My Photography Wanderlust

The Top Eight Most Fabulous Cities to Visit in Portugal

Are you itching to get on a plane and go international soon? Maybe this summer, now that many countries have opened their borders. May I suggest Portugal? Whether you go for a week, two or three it will still not be enough to fully appreciate this magnificent country full of vintage castles, beautiful coastlines, daunting vineyards, and sooo much history. Whether you get there through the Lisbon, Porto or Faro Airport, all three offer a variety of ground transportation to get you to your destinations. Here are my favorite picks and why….

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