The Trekking Pawns' Diary

Hey there, fellow adventurers and book lovers! It's one of The Trekking Pawns here, and I recently am in the mist of reading the enchanting novel Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. As someone who loves to explore the world through the lens of literature, I am captivated by the story of Casiopea Tun and her thrilling journey across Mexico. This tale beautifully blends historical fiction with Mayan mythology, taking readers on a journey from the dusty town of Uukumil to the vibrant streets of Mexico City and beyond. Inspired by Casiopea's adventures, I couldn't help but daydream about visiting the places featured in the book. So, let's dive into a travel itinerary inspired by this captivating story! ( Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.) Uukumil: A Quiet Beginning Our journey begins in the small, fictional town of Uuk

  Hello, fellow book lovers and travel enthusiasts! As one half of The Trekking Pawns, I have a particular passion for finding books set in the places we visit. There's something magical about reading a story and then seeing those locations come to life before your eyes. Our latest trip took to Paris , but this novel too me from the opulent mansions of New York's Fifth Avenue to the battlefields of war-torn France, all through the pages of Danielle Steel's "A Good Woman." This historical novel follows the incredible journey of Annabelle Worthington, a woman whose life is forever changed by tragedy, love, and resilience. New York: A World of Privilege and Loss Annabelle's story begins in the glamorous world of early 20th-century New York society. Raised among the elite, she lives in the luxurious homes on Fifth Avenue and the summer estates of Newport, Rhode Island. The descriptions of these settings are lush and vivid, painting a picture of a world of privile

  Greetings, fellow wanderlusters! The Trekking Pawns are back with tales from the frontlines of travel planning, where the elusive plane ticket has become our ultimate quest, a quest that unfolds like a comedy of errors. The Dilemma Deepens: Round Trip vs. One Way Picture this: The clickety-clack of keys, the glow of screens, and the constant hum of airline engines in our dreams. We've delved into the mysterious realm of plane tickets, attempting the daring feat of booking separate one-way tickets. The result? A perplexing revelation that they might actually cost more than a well-behaved round trip! Who knew airfare math could be so amusingly perplexing? Airport Roulette: To Drive or Not to Drive? Ever tried spinning the airport roulette wheel? We have. Different airports, different vibes, and apparently, different ticket prices. But, and it's a big but (and we cannot lie), is it worth the journey – both in gas and sanity – to save a meager $30? The struggle is real, folks.

Hey, fellow globetrotters! The Trekking Pawns here, caught in the comical chaos of travel planning. Currently in the oh-so-thrilling gap between trips, we find ourselves in a perpetual loop of checking Expedia, hoping to snag that elusive sweet deal on plane tickets. The Dilemma: To Buy or Not to Buy? So, here's the million-dollar question (or should we say the "buy-the-right-ticket" question): How far in advance do we hit that 'Book Now' button? Growing up, the wisdom passed down was like sacred travel scripture – wait for the last two weeks for domestic flights and plan international escapades a whopping 3+ months ahead. Simple, right? Oh, the simplicity of it all! Our Hilarious Reality: Constantly Checking, Constantly Guessing Here we are, glued to our screens, checking prices more frequently than one checks the fridge for snacks (and trust us, that's saying something). Every ping from Expedia is a moment of excitement and a dash of anxiety. Are the price

  We're traveling to London soon with a stop to Seattle and I am so curious as to how the holiday markets compare!  So, I did some searching, and this is what I found... (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.) If you’re looking for some holiday cheer and a chance to shop for unique gifts, you might be tempted to visit a Christmas market. These festive events are popular in many cities around the world, offering a variety of crafts, food, entertainment, and decorations. But how do they differ from one place to another? In this post, we’ll compare the Seattle Christmas Market, a new addition to the Pacific Northwest, with some of the best Christmas markets in London, a city known for its winter wonderland. And when I actually visit, I'll be sure to keep you updated! Location and atmosphere The Seattle Christmas Market is located at the Seattl

  Journey Through “Purple Lotus” - A Travelogue Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel to the places that inspired a novel? If you are a fan of Purple Lotus by Veena Rao , you might be curious about the locations that shaped the story of Tara, a courageous woman who escapes an abusive marriage and finds love and freedom in her childhood home. The story is  a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through the life of Tara, a woman who navigates the complexities of cultural expectations, personal growth, and self-discovery. I n this blog post, I will take you on a journey to explore the three main settings of the novel: Atlanta, Mangalore, and Dubai. Along the way, I will share some insights into the culture, history, and cuisine of each place, as well as some tips on what to see and do.  (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Than

Spooky Seattle: A Guide to Halloween Activities in 2023 Hello, fellow thrill-seekers! Halloween is just around the corner and Seattle is ready to celebrate in style. If you’re looking for some spine-chilling fun, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the most popular Halloween activities in Seattle that you won’t want to miss. (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.) 1. Seattle: Terrors and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour Travel back in time and experience Seattle’s tragic events, lawless characters, and spooky places on a guided walking ghost tour. You’ll dive deep into Seattle’s past to discover why these ghosts still walk their specific haunts. Expect to be spooked, fascinated, and entertained all at once. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting, this history-packed journey through downtown Seattle is sure to be a hit. 2. Pike P