I left Panama City kicking and screaming — in just eight days, the metropolis had joined a lofty list of my favorite urban centers around the globe. And I’ve taken on spreading the word about this newly cherished destination as something of a personal cause. Far too many tourists only stay in Panama City long enough…

Five and a half months, twenty-three and a half weeks, one hundred and sixty-four days — however you say it, I’ve been away from the great state of New York for quite some time. I returned home a few short days ago to a blanket of snow and a flurry of bad news, but I’m here…

So far I think I’ve made it pretty clear that I’m obsessed with Panama, a passion that ignited in the Casco Viejo neighborhood of Panama City. One aspect of my infatuation? Great design is everywhere — and at every price. Panamericana Hostel When Anders and I first rolled into Panama City, we checked into the Panamericana…

There’s something utterly romantic about train travel, an allure that just simply does not translate to being stuffed into a crusty bus seat and staring out at bumper to bumper traffic on the freeway. Unfortunately, bus travel makes up the vast majority of my movements, with ferries and flights filling in most of the gaps. So…

Putting up Sunday’s Photo of the Week posts is always a great gauge of where my head is at. Sometimes I’m in a calm, satisfied place and time moves deliciously slowly; it will feel like at least a month has passed since I last posted. Other times, my schedule is insane, my to do list out…

I have learned from experience that “attending cultural dance performances” is not high on the priority list of most of my fellow backpackers. Don’t believe me? Test how fast the hostel dorm falls silent when you float the idea as a night of fun. Excuse me for loving being entertained! Yes, they can be cheesy, yes…