Gray-Haired Globetrotter

 We visited Alor in June 2025 and stayed at the Alami Dive and Snorkel Resort for 10 days. Alex, the manager, arranged for us to stop on our way to the resort to purchase vanilla.  It was definitely a cultural experience.  The vanilla was sitting on tarps next to the road, the only sunny spot around in a jungle of growth.  It was sold by the kilo, but when we saw the size of the vacuumed-packed bag, we begged for a half kg for $30 USD.  The shop sold many other items, most unknown and no one spoke English. I believe that the round nuts are betel that is chewed with lime and turns mouths, tongue and gums red.  We clearly entertained not only the shop keepers, but everyone going by on a scooter stopped to watch us shop and speak English. Google translate was very helpful.  Our driver, John and I with our .5kg of vacuumed packed vanilla. 

  Relaxology Kupang Imagine having a layover in Kupang and discovering a spa with over 5,000 reviews and a 4.9 score on Google? Open 11-9 if Google maps is accurate, they didn't answer their phone to book a reservation; we took a cab anyway to  Jl. Frans Seda No.5, Kayu Putih, Kec. Oebobo, Kota Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 85228, Indonesia and were immediately offered treatment. I chose the 2 hour Reflexology/Thai massage option for $12/50 USD.   Yanti gave me the best massage! I asked her to show her name so I could write a review. These photos make me smile and trigger happy, satisfied memories. Kupang   is the capital of the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara. 

 Updated August 2025  Fun fact: Old Town Fort Collins was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street USA. The charming, old buildings and stone-lined streets truly feel like a fantasyland, except the shops that line it are the real deal. (this and other ideas: https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-to-do-fort-collins-colorado-4129183) Explore outdoors For The Best Bike trails in Fort Collins Click HERE   Either rent from local bike shop or use Fort Collins bike share SPIN app  https://www.spin.app/ Poudre River Trail walk or bike Horsetooth Open Space (20 min from condo)  Reservoir Ridge (11min from condo) Michaud is better start (less prairie) Lory State Park (20min from condo) Poudre Canyon  Big South Trail, Dadd Gulch favs unless American Lakes is open RMNP Beaver Meadow Entrance: 1hr 15/Fall River Entrance 1 hr 10min DO YOU NEED AN ENTRANCE PASS?   https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910/ticket/10086912 Indian Peaks Wilderness/Brainard Rec a...

 Nudibranchs Alor Island Indonesia  Compared to the nudibranchs we saw around Gam Island in Raja Ampat Indonesia, Alor offered a wider variety of colors.  Nudibranch egg case 4-6 inch diameter!  so much bigger than every nudibranch we saw (1/2-1.5 inches)

    We visited Takpala, a traditional village on Alor Island in Indonesia.  We debated the $200 payment  for less than 2 hours to visit, not realizing that it was an entire village that would perform for us. Our guide Erwin teaches English at the college in Kalabahi, the biggest city and close the airport.  The leader of the community welcomed us, gathered his village who then performed the traditional welcome dance. Our guide would share some traditional information and then there was more song, music and dance to act out the stories we were told. The people have their own language, chew betel leaves with lime so have red lips & mouths and smoke in between the 3 dances they performed. Fascinating to witness.  Be prepared to join them in the final dance   Welcome greeting:   https://youtube.com/shorts/noTLckimBxo?feature=share Everyone was drawn together after the call led by the leader of the village. Mostly women present since the young...