PlanetEye

Monday, May 12th, 2008

Destination: Uruguay

Brendan

The Global Nomad

Beaches, beaches, beaches…and beef. With 500km of beach on three sides and an interior packed with cattle farms, sometimes it seems these are Uruguay’s only offerings. Sandwiched between Brazil and Argentina, tiny, progressive Uruguay has acted as more than just a physical buffer between the two South American behemoths. Dominated by sophisticated Montevideo, home to half the population, Uruguay represents a symbolic compromise: the best of both countries, with the sum larger than the parts. Today Uruguay’s fortunes—and prices—are chained to its two giant neighbours, which is good news for the traveller given the recent economic woes of both.

A short hop from Buenos Aires, the premier beach town of Punta del Este draws Argentina’s glitterati each summer for a seemingly endless paparazzi beach party. It may be full of tourists, but they’re all beautiful, and at least they’re all from Argentina.

• Posted in  Destination Overview, Uncategorized
• No Comments »

Sunday, April 6th, 2008

Destination: Brazil

Brendan

The Global Nomad

Sex, dancing and partying: it seems the Brazilians have made a science of all that is fun in life. The world champions of hedonism were no doubt aided by a lush land and steamy climate, but still there is something different about Brazilians. For one, they are the most diverse country in Latin America, not to mention the continent’s only former Portuguese colony. One of the largest countries in the world, Brazil certainly has plenty to see—the Amazon and Iguaçu falls come to mind—but more than anything it’s the Brazilian passion for life, epitomised in Rio’s Carnival celebrations, that will make you fall in love and want to return again.

• Posted in  Destination Overview
• Comments Off

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

Destination: Belize

Brendan

The Global Nomad

One of Central America’s anomalies, Belize feels like a piece of the Caribbean grafted to the mainland.

The only English speaking country in Central America, Belize’s food, music and culture have much more in common with its island neighbours than its Latin ones. That having been said, it has inherited an interesting mix of influences from its former British colonial overseers, its Latin neighbours and its varied native elements. Not overly cheap and short on ‘wow’ elements, some have asked “why Belize?” Aside from the fact that it is English-speaking (alone enough for the Xenoglossophobe…look that one up), my personal answer to that question is:

Diving
The entire length of Belize enjoys its own length of the second-largest barrier reef in the world, one that stretches from Mexico to Honduras. Divers and snorkelers come in droves for the clear water, abundant sea life and great visibility. There are a ton of affordable dive operators along the whole length of the country.

Caving
As much of the country has limestone under the surface, a massive cave system lies hidden ready for the spelunking. Tubing, caving, rappelling, etc all are great options for everyone from the afternoon warrior to the intrepid.

Birding
Killer birds. No really, I swear, they are really cool. Belize will make a birder out of anyone, with biodiversity and flashy species that put most of the world to shame.

Mayan Ruins
More about that to come.

Hot Sauce
Ok so this is my personal addition! I am obsessive about hot sauce, and Belize tops my very elite list of hot sauce capitals of the world. Two worlds: Marie Sharp’s.

• Posted in  Destination Overview
• Comments Off

Friday, January 18th, 2008

Stop One: Costa Rica

Brendan

The Global Nomad

An eco-tourist’s dream, Costa Rica has become synonymous with all an unspoiled tropical paradise can be. Rarely does reality measure up to hype, but Costa Rica certainly comes close.

The country’s quiet history as a backwater free of colonial excesses has today become a boon, and Costa Rica has cashed in on its purity. And not without merit: blessed with beaches and biodiversity to spare, this is a verdant land of misty volcanoes, roaring rivers and screeching jungles teeming with exotic fauna. Throw in the friendly, educated ticos (as Costa Ricans are known) and you can see why down here they call it “Pura Vida”—pure life.

• Posted in  Destination Overview, Overview
• Comments Off