Posts by Jessie Festa
Hostel Review: Geko Hostel in Paraty, Brazil
In Paraty, Brazil, you will find a hostel that is more like a paradise than a budget accommodation. The Geko Paraty Hostel & Pousada is located directly on Praia do Pontal Beach, and whether you want to nurse a hangover, get a tan, or just take in some beautiful scenery you are literally steps away.…Read more...
Stonegrilled Cooking in a 19th Century Aruban Farmhouse
Papiamento. Yes, it’s the language spoken in the ABC islands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao but most importantly it’s the name of one of the best restaurants in Aruba. Papiamento Restaurant is a typical 19th century Aruban farmhouse that features delicious food and above-average service. On a rainy day, diners sit inside of the farmhouse where…Read more...
African Culture: Notes On Ghanaian Marriage Traditions
Editor’s note: This post was crafted based on my own experience, information I was given from the local people I met and internet research. It was written in 2011, and may need updating. If you see a fact within this post that is inaccurate, please email me at [email protected] with what update you think should…Read more...
Language Lessons of Aruba: 15 Phrases in Papiamento
While it’s true that most locals in Aruba know how to speak English, as well as Spanish and Dutch, it’s still always appreciated when tourists know at least a few words in the local language. Here is a short tutorial to help you at least make small talk in the local language of Papiamento (spoken…Read more...
Butterfly Valley, China: Where Visitors Become Family
“Mom, I can’t take it anymore! I need to get out of here!” I cry into the phone. I have just found three humungous spiders in my room, one of which was apparently an Olympic sprinter in a past life and thought it funny to chase me around the room until I squashed it with…Read more...
My Unwanted Paparazzi Moment on Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
I’d been teaching English in rural Thailand for three weeks and had gotten used to the small villages, the wooden bungalows, the tiny market stands and children playing soccer in the dirt. Then I got to Cat Ba Island, which, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam. Cat…Read more...
Tough Mudder Tri-State: Running Through Fire, Electroshock Thereapy, and Swallowing Mud
12 miles. 32 obstacles. I’m not sure what I was thinking when I signed up to take part in the Tri-State Tough Mudder 2011 in New Jersey. Well, actually, my friend had begged me to do it, and since I consider myself in-shape I figured it wouldn’t be too bad. I could definitely run 12…Read more...
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