Meet Us


Welcome to the travel stories of Jim and Alisa. In 2019, we sold our house and everything in it. We decided to see the world with only a carry-on. But, we couldn't give up the YODA which provides experiences closer to California, our home base with family. 

We both retired from public service and try to keep the vocation alive while traveling. 

Some of our stories are informative, others capture the incredible experiences we've had and the beautiful people we've met along the way, but all of them are written to hopefully inspire those that are on this journey with us, to take chances and live life to the fullest.

Popular posts from this blog

Mercado de Tlacolula

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Our time in Oaxaca has been mostly just typical days of living life: laundry, shopping, bills, learning Spanish, taking walks and just living. For me I am still trying to learn that this new life is not about cramming my days full of things to do, but more about learning the culture in which we are living.   Jim’s mom arrived in Oaxaca a couple of weeks ago and is staying across town; so we invited her to join us for our trip to Tlacolula Matamoros to visit the Mercado de Tlacolula. This is one of the oldest Sunday markets in Oaxaca. I reminded Jim and his mom that we needed to hail a colectivo that was empty so that we could all be in the back together, otherwise one of us would have to ride up front squished in the middle of the driver, a stick shift and another passenger. Jackpot, I hailed an empty colectivo that had Tlacolula on the window and after confirming with the driver, we all piled in the backseat. It was a pretty drive through the countryside and nice to get out o...
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Mazatlán, again..

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The price of airfare is important when we are choosing our next spot, however Mazatlán had nothing to do with cheap airfare and everything to do with timeshare points. Actually airfare to Mazatlán was the most expensive cost to our travel budget in the last year and a half and it came with an entire day of travel! A positive though, was that we have never made it through Customs and Immigration so quickly on a trip.  Priority Pass lounge We had an hour and a half layover in Mexico City and because it was a short connecting flight we were escorted past the long Custom's lines and went straight to an "express" line. That gave us about 45 minutes before we left. It just so happened the airport had a Priority Pass lounge that was right next to our gate, worked out perfectly, as Jim stated. But, not so much for me, I like to be at our gate about 35-45 minutes before boarding, but because I could see our gate from inside the lounge, why not?  We ordered a drink and a quick bite...
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Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico

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Zipolite is a small beach village nestled between the brilliant blues of the Pacific Ocean and the lush green canopy of the Sierra Madras. Highway 175 and the main roads near the beach are well maintained by Mexico standards. Taking these roads west will lead you to San Agustinillo and east to Puerto Angel, all within an hour or so of walking or ten minutes by taxi or collectivo.  Zipolite’s weather was unpredictable; storms of wind and rain, thunder and lightning, overcast days, beautiful sunny warm days and cooler nights. The temperatures and humidity stay consistent during the different times of the day. (Jim's Version):  Found this little gem, well... because it's a nude beach. It combines beach, sun and nada... What could be better? Inexpensive food and drinks you ask? Check. A killer view of the Pacific Ocean and the pounding waves beating down over the small sandy shore on unsuspecting tourists? Yep. But the sunsets will be what I take with me. Each and every one presen...
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