We figured the northern coastline would fit the bill.
The northern coast is a very different experience from the Andes mountains, with warm sunny weather, freshly caught seafood and sandy beaches.
We flew to Trujillo and rented a car to drive about 600km (360 miles) north up the coast.
We passed through fertile farm land and also dry desert stretches to reach Mancora.
Being on the tip of the island there is a stunning coastline to walk and explore.
Boats can head out to sea to look for marine life.
There are an abundance of hiking and biking trails to keep fit.
There is just so much to love about Vancouver Island.
It has crystal-clear waters with a mix of golden sandy beaches and rugged cliffs.
The coastline of Cyprus has played a crucial role in the island’s history and culture.
Since ancient times, ports and harbors along the coast facilitated trade and cultural exchanges between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Larnaca was originally founded by the Mycenaeans in the 13th century BC, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Cyprus.
Over the centuries it was an important commercial and cultural center influenced by Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Venetian and Ottoman civilizations.
Is believed to have started during World War II when food shortages and overcrowding along the shores forced fishermen to find new ways to fish.
Instead of using boats they built stilts (poles) in shallow waters, allowing them to fish without disturbing the water.
I was worried about overcrowding and poverty.
But the friendliness and warmth of the people can not be described and my fears were quickly put to rest.
We met these schoolgirls coming out of the National Museum in Delhi on our first day.
They wanted us to take their pictures, shake our hands, say hello, know where we came from.
Teenagers! Wanting to talk to adults!
Welcome to India!
It is a natural rock formation that marks the confluence of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez (AKA the Gulf of California).
The arch was naturally carved over millions of years by wind and the constant pounding of the waves against the rock.
We decided to do some exploring.
We thought it would be pretty to drive up the east side of the peninsula, which is along the Gulf of California.
We chose a route that had a busy day for traffic.
It is one of the busiest and probably the most crowded towns on the Adriatic Sea.
It’s nicknamed “the Montenegrin Miami” or the “Miami of the Adriatic Sea”.
It attracts hordes of tourists intent on sunning themselves on the local beaches and partying until dawn at one of the many bars and clubs.
So we've been told. John and I are boring old retired folks, looking for the early-bird dinner specials, so we can’t personally speak to the busy night life.
Most of the poor Vietnamese fishermen could not afford the taxes so they came up with a new type of boat, the “Thung Chai” basket
boat.
It was made of bamboo in the shape of baskets so that it could not be counted as a boat.
The government reluctantly agreed and the local fishermen were spared any tax.
And ever since then these domed vessels have been a feature of the landscape in central Vietnam.
Historically, the island Phuket was situated on a major trading route between India and China.
It is considered among the world's best beach destinations with fine white sand and inviting clear warm waters.
We thought we had won the lottery.
With a Mediterranean climate, (dry, hot summers and temperate winters) an abundance of sunshine everyday, beautiful sandy beaches on 2 rivers and the Indian Ocean, it was an awesome place to call home.
We were super excited to return and walk down memory lane after 13 years.
The Gold Coast is located about an hour south of Brisbane while the Sunshine Coast is located about an hour north of the city.
Apparently they have been battling for years to be named the ‘best coast’.
Tamarindo has protected beaches where instinct drives green sea turtles to come back to the exact same beach where they were born, 15 years earlier, to lay their eggs.
With an accredited guide, visitors can come at night to witness nature and instinct come together.
(Only red flashlights are used as turtles are not affected by the red light.)
We love walking them because there is always something pretty.
Beyond the beaches are also many interesting things to see.
Tamarindo, and all of Costa Rico, is host to a very diverse eco system.
In Victoria, on Vancouver Island, the tradition is to take a plunge on New Year's Day in one of the many beaches in Victoria.
Some people consider it an invigorating start to the new year.
The coast sits on the Atlantic Ocean, but is influenced by a mix of water from the Mediterranean Ocean to the east.
It is popular with the Brits looking to escape the dull and dreary winters of the UK.
I can understand why it is popular with them.
