……commentary from the road
(Photo above; Arequipa, Peru)... I’m 62, and it's been almost two years since I retired. From my experience, the bottom line is that you’ll likely want to budget between 105% to 115% of what you spend annually before you retire to be comfortable. I’d describe myself as meticulous with my finances and know or track... Continue Reading →
I'd say I come from an average-sized American family and have one brother, several cousins, etc. My wife, Katia, on the other hand, is one of 10+ children, and her parents were part of similar-sized families. Do the math, and that equates to dozens of cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles, taking the concept of... Continue Reading →
(Photo above; Praia Mole)... Florianopolis, or "Floripa,” as it is locally known, is a true gem in Brazil. We made two trips to the island last year, initially staying for four days out of curiosity and then, without debate, returning the following October for a solid month. Relatively unknown outside of South America, it’s become... Continue Reading →
Having never been to Chile and being prevented from visiting last year due to the pandemic, Santiago was a must-stop on our latest swing through South America. It was a natural extension after Peru and my fascination with Pizzao, the Conquistadores, and Pedro de Valdivia (and his mistress Inez de Suarez) march to the south.... Continue Reading →
(Photo above; Inca Princess)... No doubt for me that “Machu Picchu” in Peru’s eastern Inca region is one of the most impressive and well-managed attractions in the world. The pre-Columbian ruins are genuine and nestled within several spectacularly protective Andean peaks (namely Huayna and Machu). Post-visit, it’s clear why it’s considered a “must-see” and one... Continue Reading →
For the second time in 12 months, I decided to head north with the Road King through 8 States and 2,954 miles in search of America’s best motorcycle routes. The wife had given me a 10-day Hall Pass and a high school friend agreed to meet and ride with me. There’s an advantage to... Continue Reading →
Off the "beaten path", the Cidade Baixa area in Porto Alegre is an unexpected little “Bohemia” in southern Brasil. An original section of the city and home to a major university, the neighborhood has cleverly combined history, art, and culture. Without the annoying tourist façade, the area reflects the lifestyle of young and old Brasilians with an... Continue Reading →
I spent a few nights in Montevideo while traveling between Argentina and Brazil. Uruguay is a small country sandwiched between the two giants with mixed Portuguese and Spanish colonial influence. Marvelous and expansive farms and cattle ranches line the highway to the capital, so you know you are going to eat well. Montevideo is described in... Continue Reading →
The town of Bariloche lies at the foot of the Andes in northern Patagonia and is a well-known and desired Brazilian honeymoon destination. I’d never heard of the place, but my wife knew all about it as we planned our Argentine trip. The internet suggests Bariloche is also famous as the final destination for several WW2... Continue Reading →
(Photo above; Mt Fitz Roy)... One of the most beautiful places on earth when the skies are clear. El Chalten, nestled into the Andes and host to Mt. Fitz Roy and Las Torres, is surely the money shot for any Patagonia experience. The goal line for me was to visit "Laguna de Los Tres,” or the glacial... Continue Reading →
