Off Hours: A Woman’s Travel Guide to South America
September 1st, 2010I was strolling along Rio’s famous Copacabana Beach when suddenly I felt forceful yanking at my throat. I thought my assailant had gotten my backpack with valuable documents and money, but to my relief, I realised the miscreant had ripped a thin gold chain with a small diamond from my neck. He’d also gotten my faux gold earrings, all while riding a bike. “My diamond!” I screamed. Luckily he dropped the goods – I learned later that resisting can lead to bodily harm – and with the help of a wonderful ‘abuela’ (grandmother) I recovered my lost gems.
I was foolish to wear jewellery in Rio. Warnings abound in South America’s capital cities about street crime, largely committed by ‘favela’ kids so poor that theft is their only option. The threat of being accosted is real but can …
Off Hours: The Natural Life in Trinidad and Tobago
February 20th, 2010SOURCE: MotherNatureNetwork
On the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, oil drilling is helping eco-tourism. Yes, where there is oil extraction, there are always concerns about habitat destruction and catastrophic spills. But oil is the main reason that Trinidad and Tobago (TT, colloquially) has taken a different path from its Caribbean peers. The country does not have to rely on mainstream “resort” tourism for much of its income. Shoulder-to-shoulder beach resorts are popping up in some areas, but vast patches of sand are (reasonably) untouched. Especially on Tobago, bungalows and small hotels still reign.
TT has that attractive, laid-back island vibe that makes it a choice destination for beach bums. But the island also owes some of its attraction to geography. It sits a mere 40 miles from Venezuela’s coastline. This puts it outside of hurricane alley, making “low season” travel a bit less risky. The location also means that …
Magnificient, Stunning and Alluring: A Global Image Collection for Carnival 2010
February 17th, 2010// 
CARNIVAL 2010
Once more, it is Carnival Season in many countries around the world with a Roman Catholic heritage. Celebrations and parades are put on just prior to the observance …
A New Trend in Outsourcing: Getting Help with Your Love Life
January 21st, 2010I am a huge fan of online dating. I met my long-term boyfriend on Nerve.com and the majority of the weddings I’ve been to over the past few years have been between people who met online.
Though I still have friends who are reluctant to try it (you know who you are!), I encourage every single person looking for love to give it a whirl.
But even I raised an eyebrow last year when I read writer/comedian Carrie Seim’s New York Post story on how she entrusted her love life to a virtual assistant in India.
It’s one thing to weed out dudes using their blurry photos and attempts at wit; it’s quite another to have some stranger pick your dates for you. After suffering through too many disastrous fix-ups, I even stopped letting my friends set me up.
But Carrie had a good experience. Suresh, her VA, found her two …
A 64-Foot Sailboat Takes on the Americas
October 8th, 2009
If you live anywhere in the Americas – this story is for you and the place you call home.
A group of sailors, educators and scientists are doing something no one has ever done – they are taking a boat across the Oceans that surround our two magnificent continents.
The trip began in May when the ship, called the “Ocean Watch” set a Northerly course out of Seattle and began its climb to the upper reaches of North America. This week the crew is passing near South Florida, on its way to the Caribbean.
The scientifically-equipped sailboat will make 31 stopovers in 13 months to draw attention to the changing condition of the oceans.
Off Hours: Honduras a Hot Spot for Traveling Single Women
May 19th, 2009
Take time to check out the serene and spectacular Pico Bonito National Park where there are some beautiful natural swimming pools
Living a Balanced Life: Make The Most of Your Business Trip to Honduras
Central American countries continue to gain visibility in the minds of North American travelers – and for good reason – great cultures, great history and a sense of hospitality and friendliness throughout the region. If you’re headed to Honduras to check out newly emerging global services industries there – start by landing in San Pedro Sula – and we recommend you follow the advice of this seasoned traveler, who tailors her message specifically to single women travelers.
Off Hours: Sizzling Lineup for St. Kitts Music Festival
April 6th, 2009Performers for this year’s St. Kitts Music Festival -running from June 25-June 29 – have been announced. Stars include 
include singer Regina Belle, dancehall performer Mavado; singer-actor Keith David; soca stars Edwin Yearwood and Claudette Peters ; reggae great Burning Spear; legendary disco group KC and the Sunshine Band and hip-hop’s T-Pain. Detailed information can be found by checking out the St. Kitts Music Festival link.
The St Kitts Music Festival has risen to become known as one of the best Caribbean music festivals. Past entertainers include Brian McKnight, Shaggy, Xtatik, DMX, Hugh Masekala, Dennis Edwards & The Temptations Review, Chaka Khan, Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, Masud Sadiki, Eve, Ashanti, The Grand Masters, NuVybes, Busta Rhymes, Culture, Freddie McGregor, Carlene Davis, Dru Hill, Yolanda Adams, KC & Jo Jo, Crucial Bankie, Dennis Browne, Bobby Caldwell, Kool & The Gang, James Ingram, …
Off Hours: Soup Bowl in Barbados Gets High Marks from Surf Legend
March 28th, 2009
Soup Bowl on the East Coast of Barbados is 23 kilometers from Bridgetown
Much like parts of the North Shore on the main island of Hawaii, the East Coast of Barbados still has an atmosphere of remoteness. Single track roads with drive-up beer stalls, family run stores and spartan acommodations make these destinations appealing to anyone who wants refuge from the hyperkinetic first world societies. (BTW, Another quality getaway in this category would be the southeast section of Japan’s Kyushu island, home to the mini-surfing capital of Miyazaki.)
The overlooked east coast of Barbados is starting to get front page attention – like this piece in the Travel Section of the New York Times – and for good reason. Kelly Slater, one of the …
Off Hours Pick of the Week: Otherworldy Accomodations in St. Lucia
March 27th, 2009
Jade Mountain Resort is not your typical five-star Caribbean paradise. Situated among mountain peaks in tranquil Soufriere, St. Lucia, arriving at JMR is like parking your sandals on another planet. If you’re into infinity pools and otherworldly getaways, this is your place. Consulting Chef Allen Susser orchestrates the Mango Madness Festival from June 5-7, where the focus will be on the 1001 Things You Could Do To a Mango Before You Die. If you decide you need to get some real work done on St. Lucia, then you’re in luck. There are a couple of contact center operations based in St. Lucia – just call ahead if you plan to visit. At over US$1,000 a night, staying at JMR on a business trip will require of course some crafty handiwork on your expense account. For the full effect, check out the …
The legendary Cricket master Sir Vivian Richards has teamed with Johnnie Walker, the world’s best-selling brand of Scotch whisky, to stress the importance of knowing your limits. The campaign is an enlightened step and we applaud both Sir Richards and the Johnnie Walker marketing brand leaders for taking a visible role to help reduce drinking and driving hazards.
Now that we’ve addressed the serious issues, ease back and enjoy the skillful play of Sir Richards on the pitch.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E1nO_RigVE]
