Experience the Amalfi Coast
My first time in Italy couldn't have been any more eventful. I had little interest or knowledge of the country beforehand, nor was it ever on my list to visit. Then, two things aligned. First, I recently took an international school job in the Netherlands, and my wife and I decided that we should see other European countries to take advantage of our proximity to other countries. Then, we decided to combine our Spring vacation and her birthday with experiencing Italy for the first time. We flew into Napoli, stayed in Pompeii (to save money), and rented a car to explore the coast. Here are the highlights.
Positano
Like most towns on the Amalfi Coast, Positano offers a perfect view of Italian buildings sandwiched between mountains and the Meditarian Sea. The drive to Positano was terrific; you could stop at lookouts to find yourself in a screensaver, seeing nature and habitats at their best. Once you get to Positano, it gets crowded and overpriced with tourists, though walking around the streets and experiencing a unique part of Europe was worth it.
Maiori
Among the many charming towns on the Amalfi Coast, Maoiri stood out for me. It offered a more affordable and less crowded experience, making it ideal for families. It had a beach and a playground, perfect for my toddler to enjoy. The prices for tourists were also more reasonable compared to Positano, where you could find similar food for almost half the price.
Ravello
Ravello was the other town that stood out on the Amalfi Coast. It is not directly on the coast but tucked up in the mountains. My fear of heights was surpassed by the striking views, which pictures do not give justice. Lemon Orchards sprinkled around the coast, isles in the distance, and a view of the whole coast is what Ravello offers.
Note to Drivers:
Southern Italian roads are, how do I say this...crazy. I highly suggest an experienced driver when renting a car, and make sure to rent a smaller car that can squeeze through the tight roads and small towns. The roads were similar to those of Honduras, so I felt at home and loved how it felt to drive. But, be careful for those who come from places like the US and Canada.
If you ever find yourself in Europe wanting screensaver photos, or as one of my friend's daughters said, "AI Travel Photos," consider experiencing the Amalfi Coast. Stay away from the tourist traps and as always, explore responsibly.
By: Rainier Lee
Berlin, City of Culture, Art, and Protest
Walking the streets of Berlin
Upon moving to the Netherlands, I was excited to live near multiple countries and cities. This time, I found myself in a city I had never thought to visit. Berlin. For context, I am an international school teacher. I currently work and live in Noord-Holland, Nederland. In my school, I teach many grade levels, ten being one of them. My history curriculum focuses on the Cold War and its significance. Naturally, this combined with a four-day trip to Berlin with my school's tenth-grade class to visit the Wall and many other sights. In the chaos and stacked itinerary, I took photos of the city and quickly fell in love with its streets.
The architecture and streets of Berlin are rich with history and grandeur. Founded as a fisherman's village, Berlin, the capital of Germany, now finds itself with century-old cathedrals, soviet style apartment buildings, and numerous antiquity-inspired constructions. Many of these buildings have been restored since bombings during WW2 and the bloody struggle between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany at the tale end of the World's most significant conflict.
What makes Berlin unique from other European cities is not only its history—graffiti tags almost every corner of the town. In the four days of walking and taking public transportation, I never saw a building that was spared besides religious institutions. The influence of street art came from Brooklyn, New York, through cultural exchange between US service members and Berliners, as images of protest, pain, and life sprung through installations around the city. This city's art culture is still shown, as although graffiti is illegal outside of specific areas, every inch of Berlin seems to be covered with it.
I cannot forget to mention is the lasting effect the Sho'ah (Holocaust) had on Berlin and Europe as a whole. When walking the streets of Berlin, you are often in awe of the sights around and above you. However, much of the history is seen below. It would be best if you gazed downward in many cities, towns, and villages across Europe. When doing so, you will find considerable amount of bronze plaques in front of residential and commercial buildings. Then, you will find the names of those who resided in that building, along with their dates of birth, and place of murder. A reminder that we should never forget those who perished during the Sho'ah.
If you ever find yourself in Berlin, irrespective of the weather, walk around the city. You will find culture, protest, history, and a unique metropolis that seems to have adapted to the many disasters of history. Have fun in Berlin, and as always, explore responsibly.
By: Rainier Lee
Exploring Honduras’ East Coast
Traveling Honduras’ coast as a local
Playa Miami, Tela
Breathtaking coastline. Lagoons joining the ocean. Colonial forts built to deter English pirates. Tropical mountains facing remote islands enclosed in the second-largest coral reef in the world. You might ask, where can I find this place? Bali? The Philipines? Costa Rica? Brazil? Not quite, though I am sure those places are lovely. I am talking about Honduras.
San Pedro Sula
For personal context, I lived and worked in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, for a year as an international school teacher. San Pedro Sula holds recent and historical significance because it is the gate to the country's eastern harbors, where goods such as coffee, fruit, and textiles are processed and transported across the globe. Naturally, my curiosity about my surroundings brought me multiple times to follow the flow of goods and explore the ports, communities, and nature of Honduras' east coast. Here are some of my favorite spots.
Playa Miami
Playa Miami (Miami Beach) looks like it comes out of a Star Wars movie. The perfect contrast of a palm tree-lined beach with a saltwater lagoon and ocean on either side creates a unique view. Beneath the birds-eye view lays a distinctive culture and people known as the Garifuna. The Garifuna people in Honduras make up around 5% of the population. They are of African origin and typically congregate in communities on the eastern coastline of Honduras and the Bay Islands. In Playa Miami, you can have a wonderful experience with traditional Garifuna foods such as fried fish and 'rice and beans.' You can also purchase freshly baked coconut bread or squeezed coconut oil, a characteristic of their culinary expertise. Local Garifunas typically sell these products, packed in recycled bottles and put in their backpacks or baskets balanced on their heads as they travel the coast selling to locals and tourists on holiday enjoying the beach. I suggest visiting Playa Miami, though I warn you to take a larger car as a small car can get stuck in the dunes that sometimes engulf the roads (talking from experience).
Jeanette Kawas National Park
Jeanette Kawas was a Honduran environmentalist activist who was killed in 1995 for speaking out against injustice. After her murder, the Honduran government heard her steadfast call to create a large preserve of over 781 square kilometers. The wetlands offer an excellent experience for any lover of nature. You can find many species of birds, caimans, and even howler monkeys. In fact, Honduras has more natural land reserves than Costa Rica. These reserves are diverse and springing with wildlife.
One of my favorite parts of the park is where the saltwater Laguna de los Micos meets the ocean. You can hire a local boat to guide you across these unique views, and at night, they will spot a flashlight for you to see multitudes of caimans. Likewise, you can take a boat across the park's seaside, where you can swim at secluded beaches. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend hiring a local boat to take you around because most spots are only accessible by water.
Omoa
Omoa is a beautiful little colonial town with access to history, nature, and leisure. Fortaleza de San Fransisco is a sight to see. It was significant when Honduras was under Spain's influence because it halted British expansion. The welcoming locals are descendants of those brought from Tegucigalpa to build the fort and create a presence that helped Honduras lay claim to the surrounding area. Now, it is a great place to explore as history comes to life. Just a fifteen-minute drive away and a small hike, you can also find Salto de Omoa, a waterfall my friends and I enjoy swimming in. You can also go for a short walk, which gives you an overlook of the coastline engulfed in mountainous forests.
I have yet to visit La Ceiba, Sambo Creek, Cayos Cochinos, and the many preserves on the southern coast, but that will hopefully happen in the future. But, if you ever find yourself in Honduras, I highly suggest the east coast. Take in the beautiful nature, kind people, and history. And, as always, explore responsibly.
By: Rainier Lee
A Californian Roadtrip
Driving California’s 395 Highway
Highway 395
From high deserts filled with Joshua Trees to mountains topped with snow. Cities bustling with diversity and oceans filled with incredible wildlife. California has it all. For the last few years, I have visited California in the summer. Having an international school job allows me time each year to visit family, most of whom live in Los Angeles County. Each time I visit, I drive up Highway 395, exploring the rich itinerary of the Golden State with my family. These trips are restoring because nature and open land recharge me. In my blog post, I want to show the beauty of Highway 395 from Los Angeles County to Reno. Please take time to enjoy the beautiful sights with me.
Abandoned Homestead, 395
The road trip should only take around 7 hours, which is short for US standards. However, with many stops and hoping to enjoy the sights, my family and I split the trip into two days with car camping at Rest Stops (free!). On the first day, we decided to stop in three areas. The first was Red Rock Canyon. The desert mountains and plains were a sight, and the rock formations felt like they were out of this world. The beauty of the high desert came into focus upon seeing the fantastic rock formations at Red Rock Canyon. It was worth a short stop to stretch our legs and walk around the park
Rail Junction, 395
Red Rock Canyon, 395
After, we continued up the 395. The sights continued to shock as geological views changed. Dusty red rocks transformed into a landscape of stunning panoramas as either side of the road was lined with ranches and the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges as black volcanic rock sprinkled around the plains. The weather was still hot, which is typical for July. But I was shocked that the mountains were topped with snow from the winter. We then stopped for lunch in the town of Lone Pine and proceeded to explore Alabama Hills. Again, walking around Alabama Hills was an excellent way to stretch out our legs. Afterward, we left for car camping after passing a cute town called Bishop, which has the greatest and what felt like the most random Dutch Bakery called Schat's Bakery, a staple of the town's history.
Alabama Hills, 395
Mono Lake, 395
The next day we continued on Highway 395. The snow-capped mountain range continued as things got greener. The melting snow created beautiful waterfalls and streams. Due to the heavy snow and rainfall this year, we also saw lakes filled that last year looked bare. Lee Vining was a cute little town that we stopped by to get food, but before that, we passed the June Lake Loop, which gave us stunning views. Onward we went toward Lake Tahoe. We passed Mono Lake and were transported to the incredible scenery of rolling hills, streams, and mountains filled with pine trees. It is one of my favorite parts of California and a highlight of Highway 395.
Lee Vining, 395
June Lake Loop, 395
Upon reaching Lake Tahoe, we proceeded to go to the southwest of the lake to Emerald Bay before moving on to Reno. Emerald Bay offers some of the most stunning views of the lake. In the middle of the bay is an island called Fannette Island. After a mile walk down the bay, we found a Scandinavian Mansion built in the early 20th century by logging business people—a stunning experience accompanying nature, including a waterfall. The drive continued toward Reno on a beautiful day filled with nature exploration.
Emerald Bay, Tahoe
Fannette Island, Tahoe
If you ever find yourself in Southern California and the National Parks are too full, I suggest driving up Highway 395. You will find beautiful little towns, changing landscapes, and an endless drive across open land lined with stunning mountain ranges.
Til next time, California!
And, to anyone traveling California, explore responsibly.
By: Rainier Lee
Zwolle
A beautiful underrated town in the Netherlands
Located just northeast of the middle of the Netherlands and capital of the Overijssel province, Zwolle is a small Dutch city with a prominent personality. A canal surrounds the city's center, and the historical gatehouse, Sassenpoort, is a striking sight. Within the city center, there are many things to see. One of my favorite sites is Waanders in de Broeren, a church converted into a bookstore. A highlight is purchasing a travel book and reading it in their coffee shop. The quietness of a bookstore blends with the smell of coffee and views of the church organ. Art also shows itself through murals painted on the street. You can see these projects through the #ditiszwolle. My favorite is the Zonnenbloem. Another great view is the Peperbus, a gothic tower attached to a church called Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption. Although short for a modern city, the Peperbus towers over the other buildings in the city center. The historical atmosphere also blends with international and Dutch food. My favorite place is Visscher Seafood on Melkmarkt, which sells excellent haring sandwiches at an affordable price. Mama Luu also sells some great Vietnamese food, a restaurant my Oma often frequented.
I look forward to visiting Zwolle more often. Not only is it a cute Dutch town, but it's also my mother's hometown. Seeing family, walking around the city center, and learning its unique history make Zwolle come to life. I encourage those who want to skip the crowds of large Dutch cities to visit mijn kleine Zwolle and when exploring be responsible.
Until next time. Doei!
By: Rainier Lee
By: Rainier Lee
Islands of Jeju
Unheard of isles South of the Korean mainland
What do you see when you google Korea? Images of bustling cities, Autumn temples, BTS, or Kim-Jeong-Un? Although those encompass part of Korea's cultural, political, and social framework, my experience in Korea was different. I picture a beautiful peninsula sprinkled with unique islands, each with its own personality. The pictures you see are of a land I had the privilege to live in for two and a half years and, in time, a land I hope to return to.
Please take this time to reimagine Korea as a country of nature, conservation, and isles.
By: Rainier Lee
The Mighty Susquehanna River
A Pennsylvania River with stunning views
Pinnacle Overlook
The Susquehanna River is a mighty view to behold. As Pennsylvania's second-largest river, it glides through the state's eastern domain. It holds significance to me because, from 2017-2020, I lived in Eastern Pennsylvania while in a graduate program. To destress from a hectic day of studying or take a break after my long work days, I would drive through Lancaster county and find nature trails. One of my favorite finds was the Susquehanna River, whose width and isles reminded me of the Mississippi, a river I grew up around in Tennessee.
This past November, while working in Honduras, my school required me to obtain documentation from the states. I needed to get manuscripts from Philadelphia and Lancaster and apostille them in the state capital of Harrisburg. So, I grabbed my passport, packed my drone, and flew to Pennsylvania. Between the processing and paperwork, I took time to stop and take photos of one of my favorite rivers in the world, the Susquehanna. I stopped and took pictures in two places. My first visit was to Pinnacle Point, a lookout in West Lancaster County. The lookout point is lovely because it is elevated, contrasting the flat fields you typically see. Once at Pinnacle Point, you can walk different trails and get the prettiest river views through the overlook. I flew my drone and caught some of the best autumn colors I have ever seen in Pennsylvania. I was also shocked at how far my Mavic 3 drone flew as it went as far as Reed and Duncan island. Small isles are some of my favorite features of large rivers in the United States. They caught my curiosity as a child and, to this day, make me daydream of leisure away from the city.
My second river shoot came in Harrisburg after getting my university degree apostilled at the capital building. I stopped by the Susquehanna river in downtown Harrisburg on returning to Lancaster. I was shocked at what I saw from the sky. My favorite view was City Island, a large isle in the middle of the river with a baseball and football field. With the autumn colors, the island looks like it comes out of a movie. These views reminded me of how happy I was living in Pennsylvania and how typically 'American' the state looked. If you ever want to see some fantastic sites that appear out of a 1950s American movie, I recommend visiting Central Pennsylvania because much of the state looks like this. After completing my photo shoots and paperwork, I returned to Honduras and wished Pennsylvania and its perfect autumn weather a farewell.
I hope you can one day appreciate the mighty Susquehanna as I do. If you ever find yourself in Pennsylvania, I highly recommend visiting the two places I photographed, Pinnacle Point, also called Pinnacle Overlook and Harrisburg. Or, make me jealous and follow the river on a Kayak, something I have always dreamed of doing. In the meantime, spread the word that Pennsylvanian nature is worth visiting. Pittsburg and Philadelphia get all the praise, but it is Central Pennsylvania where you can find some of the best people and places in the United States of America.
By: Rainier Lee
Snippets of Europe on Film
Unfortunately this post is not as the title suggests, it is not a collection of photographs from all over Europe but rather two cities in particular. In 2022 I was able to do a few more trips to Europe and visit some cities I had not yet explored. I decided to take my film camera with me instead of my main DSLR. Even though I was a bit disappointed with the results I still love the nostalgic, romantic feel of shooting Europe on film. I hope you enjoy my brief account of these two beautiful cities
The first city on my agenda was Amsterdam. I was only there for about 4 days, Thursday - Monday but it was such a special weekend filled with friends, canals and cafés. I arrived in Amsterdam in the late evening and went straight to my hostel, St. Christopher’s Inn The Winston. This is quite a party hostel so be warned, but it had a great vibe and it was very centrally located. After checking in I decided to walk around and get a feel for the city at night. As I walked through the main streets towards the many canals I started to realise why so many people are drawn to this city. The bridges strewn with flowers and the lights and houses reflected in the water created a magic I had never experienced before. This magic is also interestingly contrasted with the liveliness of the red light district and the flashing lights from a nearby rave. The next day I met up with three of my best friends, friends I made whilst living in Korea. We decided to have a mini reunion and it was just what I needed. We started the day with a late breakfast and then walked around the Jordaan district. Seeing the streets and canals in the daylight emphasised this little city’s charm even more. By late afternoon we knew we couldn’t end the day without a stroopwafel so we waited in line at the famous van Wonderen Stroopwafels. The warm, soft, caramel treat did not disappoint. Sugared up we spontaneously decided to do a sunset canal cruise. Unfortunately the clouds did not let up but we loved seeing Amsterdam from the water and learning a little bit more about the history of the canals, and the buildings that seem to be floating. We ended our short but very sweet day with cocktails at Tales and Spirits, a very intriguing bar with cocktails that each tell their own story.
The next day we explored the different markets around the city. From fresh fish, to cheese, to art and flowers. And spent time enjoying the canals, sitting on the decks watching the boats and bicycles go by. We also ventured a little out of the centre and took a ferry to visit the Eye Film Museum which is housed in a very futuristic building. It was interesting to learn about the history and art of film and worth it even just for the view. After more walking we decided it was time to try the famous apple pie at Winkel 43. Of course there was another line to wait in but soon we were seated outside and I felt like we were in the setting of a classic European movie.
I wish I had more time to soak up this magical place but I know it is a city I will return to in the future. It’s even a city I could see myself moving to one day, who knows.
A few weeks later I travelled to the north of Spain. I was lucky enough to visit the city of Oviedo with the family I was au pairing for (although to be honest I see them as my second family now) and we had a .great mini holiday. Oviedo is the capital of the Asturias region of Spain which is known for it’s mountains, cheese and cider. Oviedo is small but surprisingly charming. It is an old medieval city with lots of history which can be seen in the churches, buildings and museums. It also has great restaurants and bars where you can try the local cider (not for the faint hearted), Spanish wines and traditional tapas.
A few years ago, when I was a young, fresh backpacker, I travelled the south of Spain for a few weeks and although I enjoyed the beautiful coastline and alluring cities, I didn’t fall in love with Spain like I expected to. After spending time in Oviedo I feel very differently. I loved the history that radiated from every street and building I passed. I often began exploring without a destination or route in mind, but I was always pleasantly surprised with what I found.
Our regular cafe spot became Lopita & Co. which had great coffee, fresh orange juice and an array of delicious pastries. Their signature being a sweet mini croissant called a lopis. I will always be dreaming about these.
Oviedo is not a huge city and it is definitely limited on things to do. However, I don’t think this is always a bad thing. It means you can explore the city with ease and it allows you to slow down for a bit, settling into the local way of life, if only for a few days. If you do want to get out of the city it is also easy to explore the surrounding mountains and national parks, which offer incredible hikes, or drive 30 minutes to the coastal town of Gijón. In Gijón we visited the catholic church, Parroquia San Pedro, situated right on the waters edge and with its impressive mosaic walls it felt like the hidden gem of Asturias. We followed that with a walk along the beach, a stroll around the city and some of the best burgers we’ve ever had at Berty’s Burger.
Back in Oviedo we explored more of the old historic quarter. We visited the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias which is free to enter and houses some incredible art from the region and even a few pieces by Picasso and Dalí. One of my favourite things to do in many European cities is to wonder through the large, indoor food markets that have everything from fresh vegetables and meats to local delicacies and treats. Oviedo’s Mercado El Fontán did not let us down, we couldn’t resist trying the local chorizo and cheese and tried not to fill up too much before our (late) dinner.As we walked around waiting for the restaurants to start serving more than just wine, we passed kids playing football in the squares and families making there way out to enjoy the city at night.
After a few more delicious meals, glasses of wine and some churros on our last day, it was time to say goodbye to Oviedo.
By: Victoria Briggs
Utila Getaway
Jewel Cay, Utila
After taking a teaching job in Honduras, I was excited to visit Utila Islands' beautiful beaches and forests, especially knowing that this region gave Honduras the second-largest coral reef in the world. After living in Jeju-do, an island in South Korea, I was eager to get my feet back on land surrounded by water. My three-day excursion over Honduras' Dia de Independencia did not disappoint.
Utila is categorized as the smallest of Honduras' three primary Bay Islands (Roatan, Guanaja, Utila), which you can visit by airplane or ferry. I got there by ferry via La Ceiba after a four-hour drive from San Pedro Sula, which took longer than usual because of various town parades and celebrations. Once in Utila, I was shocked by the colorful homes, bluest water, and unique history. With a group of other teachers and a friend we met in La Ceiba, we quickly made our way to a hostel called "La Hamaca." I highly recommend staying there to any traveler as the terrace lets you freely jump into the water and experience stunning sunset views.
After taking a plunge into the ocean, we explored the nearest atm (most places only accept cash). We quickly ran into senior residents selling homemade food on a porch for church renovations. Their accents sounded similar to my East Indies family when they spoke English, which led me to ask them about the islands' history. To my surprise, they told me they were all of English and Dutch descent, and most of the island is a mix of those people, along with Spanish, Honduran, and recent retirees from the USA. A quick history lesson, to say the least, over dinner with local community members. The next days on the island followed with a trip to Water Cay, a remote island that we went to through a boating service called Bush's Bay Island Charters. At the cay, we passed beautiful islands with colorful homes, and once there, we had the best time enjoying the corals. I also had the opportunity to fly my drone and capture some views of the islands that we saw on the way. These islands are a must when visiting Utila, and the price for getting to Water Cay costs only $20.
The rest of the trip was packed with great experiences, such as tasting local chocolate from Utila's Chocolate Co. and swimming at Neptune's Beach. I was surprised, however, at the cost of paying to swim at beaches. I soon learned that many beaches in the Caribbean charge, which was a shock coming from Korea, where beaches are easily accessible to the public. Regardless, the island was fantastic. Closing my thoughts on Utila, I highly encourage people to visit. It is a stunning island with a mix of cultures and activities.
I look forward to staying again and am excited that Honduras includes these beautiful islands.
By: Rainier Lee
Korea in Photographs
My two years in South Korea were full of new people, new foods and new places. I fell in love with the country, with all its ups and even its downs. I wrote a longer blog post about my experiences living as an English teacher in Gwangju and Seoul which you can check out in our Nomadic Lens section or click here.
However, my favourite way to truly express a place is through photography. For this post I have put together some of my best shots from this incredible country, enjoy!
Naejangsa Temple
By: Victoria Briggs