Reuniting with my now wife Linsey in brazil

In November 2020, I flew to Brazil for a joyous reunion with Linsey, and our South American adventures began. We met in Sao Paulo and, a few days later, flew to Porto Alegre. There, we settled into our quaint apartment, celebrated Christmas together in Cambará do Sul. We rang in the new year in Bento Gonçalves, exploring wineries and chocolatiers.

Next, we flew to Florianopolis and settled near the beach. We hiked in Lagoinha do Leste and went horseback riding in Floripa, and visited tons of beaches. Our journey continued to Rio, where we met friends and explored tourist spots like Ipanema Beach, Christ the Redeemer, and Copacabana.

From Rio, we flew to Manaus, marking the start of our Amazon adventures. We swam with pink dolphins, fished for Pirarucu in the Rio Negro, and stayed in a lodge deep in the Amazon, where we fished for piranhas, ate capybara, spotted sloths, and made our own caipirinhas.

Our next stop was Paraná, home to the magnificent Iguazu Falls—the most amazing waterfalls I’ve ever seen. The helicopter ride over the falls was breathtaking.

We capped off our journey in Brazil with a final adventure in Lençóis Maranhenses. The breathtaking landscape, coupled with the absence of other tourists due to Covid, made it an unforgettable experience.

Discovering Latin America

After our stint in Brazil, we flew to Costa Rica—my first-ever Spanish-speaking country. It was interesting how some words were similar to my native language, Bisaya, from the Philippines. After a few weeks in Costa Rica, we crossed the border into Nicaragua and settled in Leon for two months.

During our time in Nicaragua, we went volcano boarding on Cerro Negro, canyoneering in Somoto Canyon, explored the Isletas de Granada, enjoyed beach nights in San Juan del Sur, and went horseback riding in Ometepe.

I even managed to process a Mexican visa in Managua. Before we knew it, we were landing in Cancun, Mexico—my first North American country.

whirlwind mexican adventures

In June 2021, we landed in Mexico and met up with Linsey’s mom, Donna, who traveled with us for 25 fun-filled days. We started in Holbox, enjoying horseback riding, experiencing bioluminescence, and relaxing on pristine beaches. Then, we moved on to Isla Mujeres for more beach time and breathtaking sunsets. Donna’s last stop was Cozumel, where we explored the beautiful Caribbean island, went scuba diving, and toured around in a jeep.

After Donna left, we settled in Playa del Carmen for 30 days, taking weekend trips to cenotes, Bacalar’s Blue Lagoon, and Tulum. We even had friends, Dave and Sally, join us for 10 days.

We spent nearly five months in Mexico, traveling from one state to another. In Mérida, I discovered many places named after my last name—avenues, hotels, restaurants, and even universities. It was a fascinating connection to the city. Our adventures included exploring Chichen Itza, cruising through Rio Lagartos, and enjoying a beach day in Campeche.

Later, we settled in Oaxaca, where we met a lovely local family. We spent weekends in Puerto Escondido, where Linsey ran a race in Huatulco, and in San José del Pacífico, where we participated in a traditional Temazcal ceremony. We also explored the Monte Albán archaeological site and soaked in the vibrant atmosphere of Oaxaca City.

Our last stop was Mexico City, where we had less than 24 hours to explore. The city’s energy left me in awe, and I wished we had more time. The next day, we continued our journey to Colombia, ready for the next adventure.

Discovering Latin America

After our stint in Brazil, we flew to Costa Rica—my first-ever Spanish-speaking country. It was interesting how some words were similar to my native language, Bisaya, from the Philippines. After a few weeks in Costa Rica, we crossed the border into Nicaragua and settled in Leon for two months.

During our time in Nicaragua, we went volcano boarding on Cerro Negro, canyoneering in Somoto Canyon, explored the Isletas de Granada, enjoyed beach nights in San Juan del Sur, and went horseback riding in Ometepe.

I even managed to process a Mexican visa in Managua. Before we knew it, we were landing in Cancun, Mexico—my first North American country.

whirlwind mexican adventures

In June 2021, we landed in Mexico and met up with Linsey’s mom, Donna, who traveled with us for 25 fun-filled days. We started in Holbox, enjoying horseback riding, experiencing bioluminescence, and relaxing on pristine beaches. Then, we moved on to Isla Mujeres for more beach time and breathtaking sunsets. Donna’s last stop was Cozumel, where we explored the beautiful Caribbean island, went scuba diving, and toured around in a jeep.

After Donna left, we settled in Playa del Carmen for 30 days, taking weekend trips to cenotes, Bacalar’s Blue Lagoon, and Tulum. We even had friends, Dave and Sally, join us for 10 days.

1We spent nearly five months in Mexico, traveling from one state to another. In Mérida, I discovered many places named after my last name—avenues, hotels, restaurants, and even universities. It was a fascinating connection to the city. Our adventures included exploring Chichen Itza, cruising through Rio Lagartos, and enjoying a beach day in Campeche.

Later, we settled in Oaxaca, where we met a lovely local family. We spent weekends in Puerto Escondido, where Linsey ran a race in Huatulco, and in San José del Pacífico, where we participated in a traditional Temazcal ceremony. We also explored the Monte Albán archaeological site and soaked in the vibrant atmosphere of Oaxaca City.

Our last stop was Mexico City, where we had less than 24 hours to explore. The city’s energy left me in awe, and I wished we had more time. The next day, we continued our journey to Colombia, ready for the next adventure.