Land of mountain peaks, ancient Buddhist culture and architecture, dense forests and spectacular valleys

In 1990 and with a total budget of $800, we pick up a Morris Minor from an auto dealer in Christchurch. This is where my husband, Matthew, spent his youth and where we first met and we are here for two months to visit this small nation in the South Pacific.

I am overlooking and nestled into the Andean Cloud Forest. Bio Habitat Hotel, located at the top of a mountain outside the town of Armenia offers me comfort for the night.

I had the good fortune of spending 8 days in Belize with legendary bird guide Roni Martinez who has been working as a natural history guide since 2004.

A mere 18 hours separates the icy streets of Vancouver (even less time from Toronto or the large American cities to the South) and the islands and islets that grace Belize’s Barrier Reef. Stretching from Mexico to Honduras, this is the world's second-longest Barrier Reef.

Photos by Greg Hemmings

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to attend an SIUA INUvation Showcase in Nuuk, Western Greenland for small and medium sized businesses.

My NZ tel number is 027 618 6384. It is the fourth mobile number for me in a year. I have enjoyed the convenience of purchasing a SIM card upon arrival in countries where I spend three or more weeks.

It’s known as Myanmar.  It’s also known as Burma – not just by colonists. Whatever you call it, I highly recommend that you get on the train here.  

If Salvador Dali were to chose one country in which to locate his dream world of unusual creatures, I’m certain is would be Australia.