It is hard to remember when my fascination with New World Archaeology began. I can recall my visit to the Yucatan Peninsula in the 1980’s and my first glimpse of El Castillo, Chitchen Itza. 

by Catherine Evans

There are events in life that create such an impact that you change your whole way of being and thinking. Such was the case when I first set foot on the island of Bali some 30 years ago.

To say I was excited about travelling to the Galapagos would be an understatement. I am certain I could actually feel the blood flowing through my veins as the LATAM Airline descended over a turquoise sea heading towards a flat earthen landing strip on Baltra Island.

Builders of the railroad to Churchill Manitoba probably had no idea that their new grain shipping port, which provided a link from the Prairies to the Arctic Ocean, lay just 40 km north of the world’s largest polar bear denning area. For millennia, the Arctic’s most iconic mammal has come ashore along the western coastline of Hudson Bay to wait out the time until the ice freezes again so that they may begin their annual seal hunt.

Ask any Ecuadorian and they will tell you that Cuenca is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Ecuador. Known for its colonial style, historical centre and natural surroundings, Cuenca is a place where you can spend days wandering the streets, exploring the riverbanks, and relaxing at one of the many beautiful coffee shops.

The location this year will be Quito, Ecuador.  Forty-one years ago, William H. Coleman, Inc. created the unique venue to provide Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations services for Travel to Latin America. 

Land of mountain peaks, ancient Buddhist culture and architecture, dense forests and spectacular valleys. Even before you have landed in the remote kingdom of Bhutan you know you are arriving at a very special destination.

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.