The Trekking Pawns' Diary

Our stop in Roatán, the largest of Honduras' Bay Islands, was one we eagerly anticipated—especially with a submarine excursion booked through GetYourGuide .  (Booking on Getyourguide was cheaper than cruise excursion and we had plenty of hours on the Island so we were not worried about time.)  Known for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Roatán is a gem in the Caribbean. Despite the looming tropical storm, we remained hopeful for clear skies and packed our swim gear, ready for underwater exploration. (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.)  🚢 Arrival and Unexpected Changes Upon docking, gray skies greeted us, and the atmosphere was subdued. Navigating through the tourist dock, we noticed signs indicating cancellations of various activities due to the storm's aftermath. Following directions ...

Our visit to the Tulum Mayan Ruins was a sunny highlight of our NCL cruise stop in Cozumel, Mexico. After much debate about snorkeling, beach time, or diving into local culture, we chose a shore excursion to the historic ruins of Tulum , and we’re glad we did. While the snorkeling and beaches were tempting, the allure of ancient history won out this time! 🚌 Getting There: Cruise Convenience Meets Local Charm We boarded the early ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen , coordinated through our cruise line. From there, a smooth and comfortable bus ride whisked us to Tulum. Our local guide was full of fascinating insights about the Mayan people , their traditions, and how life might have been before Spanish colonization. We learned that Tulum was once a walled trading port city known as Zama (meaning “City of Dawn”), named for its beautiful sunrises. It was one of the last cities inhabited and built by the Maya, and its cliffside location overlooking the Caribbean Sea made it both ...

Cozumel was a tough call for us. With so many tempting options — snorkeling, beach lounging, or a historic journey to the Tulum Mayan Ruins — we debated our choices right up to the night before. (The activity that we really wanted to do was the Atlantis Submarine !)  Between Cozumel itself and the easy ferry access to Playa del Carmen on the mainland, this area felt like a destination in its own right. If we ever plan a trip off a cruise, this region is high on our list for a proper return visit. Since we had beach and snorkeling excursions planned at other stops, we decided to seize the opportunity and visit the famous Tulum ruins through a cruise ship-organized shore excursion. Yes, we knew it would be more cost-effective to go independently using local vendors or platforms like GetYourGuide. But with only 8 hours of dock time, we didn’t want to risk missing the ship. Too many unknowns = too much stress. And, as we learned, there were definitely some perks to booking throu...

We’re no strangers to kayaking — in fact, it’s one of our favorite weekend activities at the lake near our home. So when we travel, we usually ask ourselves: Is kayaking here really going to be different or special? It's the sort of question we asked when we were in San Diego. Instead of hopping into a kayak then, we went for a jet ski ride — a more fast-paced thrill. But on our Norwegian Cruise Line stop at Harvest Caye, Belize , we found ourselves reconsidering that question again. Surrounded by a peaceful lagoon and marshes with options like stand-up paddleboards, motorized sit-down boats, and kayaking, we ultimately chose what felt most familiar — the kayak. Why? Because it felt like the best way to get close to the water and observe what was beneath it. A Short Paddle, But Worth the Glide After a quick safety briefing and map overview, we set off with our paddles, expecting a longer route than we actually got. Harvest Caye is only about 1.5 miles long, so we figured we’d ge...

As part of our Caribbean adventure aboard the Norwegian Getaway, one of our much-anticipated stops was Harvest Caye , Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island paradise off the coast of southern Belize. While we were hoping for white sand and sun-soaked beach lounging, the weather had other plans — a tropical storm had just passed through, leaving behind chilly breezes and murky waters . Most guests opted to stay on the ship or venture only briefly into the island, especially since the ocean wasn’t ideal for swimming. A few brave souls still made it into the massive resort-style pool , which is impressively large and comes with a swim-up bar for those seeking a drink with their dip. While we skipped swimming, we decided to take a different approach to exploring… (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.)  Kayaking Through the Mangroves One of the h...

During our recent cruise, we couldn't help but admire the elegant hair sticks worn by the staff. These accessories not only added a touch of sophistication but also showcased a practical way to style hair. Inspired by this, we delved into the world of hair sticks to understand their benefits, drawbacks, and how they compare to other hair accessories.​ (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.)  Why Choose Hair Sticks? Hair sticks have been used for centuries across various cultures, offering a blend of functionality and style. Here are some reasons to consider incorporating them into your hair routine:​ Gentle on Hair : Unlike elastic bands or metal clips, hair sticks are typically gentle on the hair and do not cause breakage or damage. ​ Orangerium Versatile Styling : They can be used to create a variety of hairstyles, from simple bu...

Toor dal, also known as pigeon peas or arhar dal, is a cornerstone of Indian cuisine, especially in South Indian households. Its mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite for dishes like sambar, dal tadka, and Gujarati dal. When cooked with turmeric and a pinch of salt, it's often enjoyed with rice and a dollop of ghee—a nostalgic comfort food for many.( ​ Vegan Richa +4 The Times of India +4 Wikipedia +4 | Pricooked | ) 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.)  Nutritional Highlights of Toor Dal Toor dal is not just delicious; it's also packed with nutrients: ​( thinkyou.in ) Protein : Approximately 10.36 grams per cooked cup, making it an excellent plant-based protein source. ​( The Times of India ) Fiber : Around 8.7 grams per cup, aiding digestion and promoting satiety. ​( The Times of India ) Essential Minera...