All posts tagged: travel

aerial photo cayman islands sunset house

Force Blue: On A Mission To Protect Coral Reefs

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“One Team, One Fight.” Force Blue is an innovative non-profit organization embarking on an unprecedented mission to change the lives of Combat Divers and Special Operations Force Veterans by repurposing their skill set to aid in the recovery and preservation of critical coral reefs.  By virtue, teaching the veterans to adapt their skills for the betterment of the environment acts as a form of therapy and helps to restore the lives of veterans dealing with PTS and depression.  Force Blue has carefully built the program focusing on improving the lives of vets and offering them an opportunity to continue living a life of purpose, giving them a new mission— saving critical coral reefs and ecosystems.  Veterans often struggle with the need to be part of a team and have a mission to accomplish and/or cause to fight for.  Force Blue has devised a way for veterans to maintain that core component of their lives by deploying them all over the world to help communities save their critical coral reefs.  Veterans taking part in the initiative …

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Cayman Islands: Coral Nursery Conservation Program

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  The caribbean has already lost 80% of its coral reefs. Grand Cayman Eco Divers in collaboration with the Cayman Islands Department of Environment and various local dive establishments have teamed up for over a year aspiring to maintain coral nurseries to aid in conservation, sustainability and restoration of Cayman’s coral reefs. The program has developed effective strategies for protecting and restoring damaged areas of coral reef.  In short, their innovative approach is to grow Staghorn coral in nurseries.  Coral fragments are grown on structures referred to as coral trees.  These “trees” are made from PVC and fiberglass rods.  The fragments of coral grow into colonies.  After significant growth they are then later removed from the tree and out planted onto damaged coral reef areas to aid in their recovery.  For longevity it is proven to provide a sustainable way to maintain healthy reefs.  The successful transplantation and growth of the coral fragments help create diversity in the ecosystem as well as more resilient  reefs. Cayman Eco Divers are seeking to expand the current Coral …

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Bella Noya

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  Talya Meltem is the founder of Bella Noya, a collection of beautiful handcrafted jewelry. Talya pursued her dream of having a career in fashion by studying at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Fransisco (FIDM) to later start her own jewelry line.  Her collection is greatly inspired by the Caribbean.  Talya in her own right is an artist as she handcrafts jewelry into works of art.  She takes great care in selecting materials, composing and curating the pieces that will be used in her collection(s).  At 27, Talya is an accomplished jewelry designer,  creating signature pieces that reflect her inspirations and influences at a particular moment in time.  She looks forward to creating a new collection to debut later this year, capturing the essence of new inspirations she draws from.  For Talya, jewelry making is her form of art.  As she grows as an artist/jewelry designer and continues to find new sources of inspiration her collections and style will reflect that. Q&A with Talya Meltem 1. What is the meaning behind …

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Wanderlust Wednesday: Why You Should Visit Garden Of The Gods

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Colorado, is one of the most beautiful places I have visited.  My absolute favorite spot is Garden of the Gods.  It has an incredible display of red rock formations— a true natural wonder of epic beauty.  I recommend all world travelers should visit this spectacular place at least once. Why You Should Visit Garden of the Gods Garden of the Gods is famous for is red rock formations.  Throughout this National Natural Landmark you have a multitude of dramatic scenic photo opportunities.  There is much serenity walking along the pathways and feeling connected to nature.  It is a great leisurely walk with striking views and vantage points.  One of the coolest vantage points for me was being able to see “The Incline” (Manitou Incline, Colorado Springs)  hiking trail in the distance.  It is a hiking trail that is most definitely on my bucket list. Colorado, is a wonderful place for hiking and Garden of the Gods is one of the easiest hikes with paved pathways.  Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. …

Wanderlust Wednesday: Travel Junkie’s Guide To Hiking The Quilotoa Loop

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Photo Credit: Antony Scott The Quilotoa loop is a hike in Ecuador that spans across the Cotopaxi province.  It is a relatively easy hike and you can even find families along the way.  The highlight of the trek is reaching the lake hidden beneath an extinct volcano, but you can also alternate and start at the lake and make your way backwards.  The indigenous people of the region believe that there are mystical powers from the bottomless lake. Expect to get lost Photo Credit: Antony Scott The route to Quilotoa is not very well marked, although this is quickly changing as it becomes more popular; but still expect to get lost.  It is inevitable, don’t lose faith if you do get lost and enjoy the detours in the meantime.  Try your best to plan your route, but be prepared to have to improvise.  At each of your stops speak to other hikers, passersby and the lodging staff.  Everyone will have something to offer or tips for what to do or avoid.  Also, remember that you don’t have to …

Wanderlust Wednesday: Travel Junkie’s Guide To A Weekend In Budapest

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  Photo Credit: Michelle Lockwood   Today’s Wanderlust Wednesday feature is by Michelle Lockwood   Perhaps one of the overlooked cities in Europe, Budapest has steadily gained ground as one of the most romantic cities.  Unlike Paris or London, Budapest is still relatively untravelled.  The beauty in this city is the fact that you can roam the streets without too much chance of hearing your native tongue.  There is something incredibly refreshing going to a city and plunging yourself head first without knowing what to expect.  You can still see evidence from the Eastern blockade around the city, but it hasn’t stopped the charm from growing.  Budapest is an incredible stop and an easy two hour train ride from Austria’s capital of Vienna.  Here you will find the top ways to fill your weekend in Budapest. Spend an evening at the Bath house The bath houses have come to be well known throughout Budapest.  It is a favourite pastime of both locals and tourists alike.  The warm waters offer relaxation and an opportunity to soak …