Free Giveaway Just in Time for Summer Travel

I’m pleased to announce a free giveaway in conjunction with GPSMyCity, a travel app that provides offline GPS guided maps for numerous cities.

For a limited time (May 03, 2023 – May 10, 2023), you can get a free, one-year premium membership. The membership provides access to all guides and articles available within the app along with offline GPS guided maps.

Start with one of my recently published articles below or check out thousands of other guides and walking tours in the app.

It only takes a few steps to claim your free, one-year premium membership (an $18.99 value).

  1. Download the GPSMyCity app.
  2. Register for a GPSMyCity user account
  3. Go to the “More” Screen and “Feedback” to send an email with the following claim code: 24390503

Remember, you only have ONE WEEK to claim your premium membership.

Claim code: 24390503

TRY FOR FREE

Travel Photo Challenge Day 8 – Guatemala

I’ve been nominated by some fellow bloggers, Tony and Margie with Back Roads and Other Stories as well as Jyothi with Travel Explore Enjoy, to post one favorite travel picture a day for ten days without explanation, then to nominate someone else to participate.  That’s 10 days, 10 travel pictures, and 10 nominations.  It is my understanding that the idea behind the challenge is to expose audiences to new bloggers and vice versa.  I’m always up for helping fellow bloggers, so I have accepted the challenge. 

That said, my rule following self is going to follow Tony and Margie’s lead and break a handful of them.  First, while a picture paints a 1,000 words, I’m incapable of posting a photo without some explanation.  Sometimes the story makes the image that much more special.  Second, though not specified, I think the intent is to post 10 days in a row.  I’ll be lucky if I post 10 weeks in a row. I also may post more than one photo at times.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE!
Annie at Estabrook

Postcard Apps for Writing Notes from Afar

Given most of the world is in lockdown due to COVID, this is probably not the best time to write an article about postcard apps that let you mail a note with your own photo from all over the world.  At the same time, they may still be used to cheer someone up during this difficult time and for the holiday season.

When I began traveling internationally for extensive trips, I wanted an easy way to say “hello” to my friends and family back home without having to hunt for a postcard, find a post office, and get the appropriate postage.

SAY HELLO!

Top Things To Do In Casco Viejo

While visiting Panama, I attended two weeks of Spanish classes at Casco Antiguo Spanish School.  The school is located in Casco Viejo, a revitalized historic quarter of the city.  The popular UNESCO World Heritage Site features beautiful churches, nice plazas, a variety of museums, countless stores, and hip restaurants.  Every day after class, I took in a few sites.  Below is a list of things to do:

LET’S GO

The Plazas of Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is the old quarter in Panama City and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The hip and eclectic area features many restaurants, bars, shops, churches, and plazas.  While I was studying Spanish for two weeks at Casco Antiguo Spanish School, many times I spent 30 minutes either before or after class just taking in the scene.  Each plaza has a unique vibe.  See the differences below.

TAKE A SEAT

The Churches of Casco Viejo

While studying Spanish for two weeks at Casco Antiguo Spanish School in Casco Viejo, I spent much of my free time strolling the streets of the Old Town.  I loved taking in the different scenes which range from ruins to restored buildings and everything else in between.  Unlike many places in Europe, the churches are free to visit.

While I visited the churches at various times of the day, I found that popping in just before class between 7:30 and 8am or just after an early dinner before they close at 8pm are the most rewarding as the atmosphere is very tranquil.  Both the art and architecture vary in each place of worship making each visit interesting, even for the non-religious tourist.

Below is a list of the churches in Casco Viejo:

DISCOVER
panama city

Why Panamá?

I recently went to Panamá to study Spanish at the Casco Antiguo Spanish School.  Some Americans might ask why not Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Spain as these are popular places to visit for United States citizens. 

Of course, they all have draws, but having visited each country previously, I was pleasantly surprised by Panamá.  Below I’ve listed some wonderful conveniences about Panamá City. 

FIND OUT MORE
view of the panama canal from the causeway

Life at My Homestay in Panama

I recently spent two weeks in Panama studying Spanish at Casco Antiguo Spanish School.  While I could have stayed at a tourist hotel in Casco Viejo, I decided to experience a complete immersion in Panama.  As such, I stayed at Jamraka Homestay, an option among many included on the school’s website for places to stay.

The Jamraka Homestay, located in between Casco Viejo and the causeway which was great for sunset walks from the yacht club to the Biomuseo, is operated by Cachy and her son Ciro, and is a short $3 Uber ride away from the school.  Having said that, it is best to avoid the evening rush hour from 4pm to 7pm.

STAY AT A HOME

Learning Spanish at Casco Antiguo Spanish School

About one year ago, I visited Panama for one week.  I spent half my time in Panama City and the other half in Boquete.  I really enjoyed both places, so much so, that I returned to Panama City for the opportunity to improve my Spanish at Casco Antiguo Spanish School.

Though I didn’t learn of the school while in Panama, at the time I also wasn’t looking for classes despite feeling like Americans are the only people in the world that don’t know at least two languages.  Frustrated with only getting by, however, I ultimately reached out to David, the owner of the school.

LEARN SPANISH

W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal

On my way to Panama for a Spanish Immersion class, I stopped off in Costa Rica for a few days.  Somehow, despite having been to all seven continents, all 50 states, and around 60 countries, I had never made it to Costa Rica, despite its close proximity to the USA and my desire to visit.

RELAX AT THE W