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  I have been to Argentina before (2014), while I loved it, I really had no intentions of coming back. But my friend Sarantos begged me. (I am not good at saying “No”).

Surprisingly, I loved it. I feel like it is a new city again. There are so many new things and the city is now so much cleaner, and more organized. Hotels are more upscale and restaurants, too. The city have undergone a massive makeover.

The downside- the prices have more than doubled since 2014. Hotels in Buenos Aires used to average $70/night. That’s gone now. Want to stay at the Four Seasons? That’s $650/night.

I stayed at 725 Continental Hotel just a few blocks from the Obelisk and enjoyed its central location.

But one thing remains – people here are still
insanely beautiful and kind. People always ask me, “Where do you think people are the prettiest?” I would say Argentinians always rank on my Top 5. I think it’s in the water.

Glad to be back! And I will come back again

If you’re ever in Buenos Aires and have an extra day, a trip to Colonia, Uruguay can be a good idea.you’re ever in Buenos Aires and have an extra day, a trip to Colonia, Uruguay can be a good idea.

You can visit its UNESCO World Heritage Site old town and have a taste of Uruguay cuisine.

The Banque Bus ferry takes about an hour and a half and it is a pretty decent ship (spring for first class if you can). They sell food on the ferry and have very clean washrooms. It even has a duty free store.

The ferry costs about $90 round trip, and about $125 if you want to Include a walking tour.

From Colonia, there are beautiful, modern buses that can take you to Montevideo if you want to explore further.

Not gonna lie- you have to check in (takes 20 min) and stand in line at immigration (another 20 to 30 minutes or so) in both countries. I wish they can streamline this process.

Five hours At Colonia Uruguay should be plenty of time to walk around and enjoy a nice lunch by the ocean.

We met this lovely and hilarious American woman, Charlotte, on the boat. She was a hoot! We love her!

At Old Town Colonia

This light house is the focal point of the small fortress village.

These antique plates were so beautiful

Beautiful handcrafted hats by the locals

Okay, the water isn’t exactly crystal clear or emerald. But it is still a charming town.

There are so many stray dogs- but they all look healthy and were very friendly.

Iguazu Falls seems like a world away, and to be honest, it kinda is. But it is definitely worth the trip.

You can reach Iguazu via a 2 hour plane ride from Buenos Aires or an hour flight from Rio Brazil.

There are many tour groups available from either countries, but to be honest, you don’t really need to join a tour group. The town of Iguazu is very small and it is very easy to get around.

My friend Sarantos and I flew from Buenos Aires, his dream destination. But as soon as we landed in Iguazu, he quickly said “Iguazu is a lot more magical than Buenos Aires.” And it is true.

Many Argentinians don’t speak English (I speak a little Spanish). But we got lucky and our taxi driver Carlos, who drove us from the airport in Iguazu to our hotel, was so kind and friendly.

He was so kind, friendly and nice that we bonded immediately. I asked for his Instagram account and we asked him again to drive us into the town later that evening.

He was soooooo sweet, he showed us around the town and helped us run errands too.

He took us around several places which was great. Because the following day, we had to bolt out of Iguazu to go home to the Philippines for my mom. So it was great that we got to see quite a bit.

He drove us around to show us where the locals live, the other hotels, and to a park where the borders of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina meets.

As a thank you, we took him to a nice restaurant. When the bill came, this 22 year old kid asked us how much his share was for his meal (it would have cost him his entire day’s wage). He was such a class act.
He was such an amazing kid- so nice, fun, trustworthy and well mannered. We will definitely stay in touch.

The following day, he drove us to the Iguazu park. It costs about $12 to get in. Wear hiking shoes because you will need to walk around the park through pathways, bridges and rocky paths to get around the park.

Tip- try to get to the park on weekdays, or exactly at 8 am when it opens! You will have the entire park to yourself!

There are two sides to the waterfall- the Argentina side or the Brazil side.

We planned on seeing both but due to a personal emergency, we had to leave right away. This gives me reason to come back!

I have always wanted to explore Southwest Utah and Arizona’s National Parks but never had the chance. Living in LA, it’s oddly difficult to convince friends to drive anywhere north of Las Vegas. Finally I was able to drag my friend John – a National Parks junkie to come along for the ride.

Our first stopover was at Zion National Park. We started our trip from Los Angeles and left midday. From LA, it’s an eight-hour drive passing through the endless miles of desert scenery (which is always easier to bear with a good playlist). Halfway through, we stopped in Vegas for an early dinner and to refuel, then headed directly to Zion, which was another three hours away. Note to self: Every guide book will tell you that summer is the best time to visit the parks. I think it’s far too hot. Temps can reach up to a humidity-free heat of 110 degrees. It is arduous to hike in such conditions. Visiting in spring is ideal for me; the weather was bearable and the wildflowers abundant.

Greece is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. If you are planning a trip to Greece, here are some tips to help make your travels more enjoyable:

1. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO? To get the best deals, the best time to visit are the months of April and May, or Sept and October. Hotels are more affordable, weather is also a bit cooler and beaches won’t be as packed. June through August are the peak months and hotels are more expensive. Greece is pretty much closed for business from mid October through mid March.
2. BOOK AHEAD. To avoid long lines and overcrowded attractions, plan your trip in advance and book your accommodations, flights, and tours ahead of time. It is hard to go wrong with hotels on the islands. Greek locals and hoteliers have great taste when it comes to accommodations. They love to entertain and are obsessed with cleanliness. Even inexpensive hotels are beautiful and clean.
3. DRESS AND PACK LIGHT. Greece can get very hot during the summer months, so be sure to dress in light, breathable clothing. However, remember to dress appropriately when visiting religious sites, such as churches and monasteries, by covering your shoulders and legs. No need to bring special shoes – the official footwear in Greece are flip flops during the day and stylish sandals at night.
4. TRY THE LOCAL CUISINE. Greek cuisine is delicious and varied, so make sure to try as many local dishes as possible. From fresh seafood to souvlaki and tzatziki, the food in Greece is sure to delight your taste buds. Ask your hotel owner for suggestions. They know all the secret places that are good and inexpensive.
5. BRING CASH. While credit cards are widely accepted in larger cities and tourist areas, it’s always a good idea to carry cash with you. Many small shops and restaurants only accept cash, and some rural areas may not have ATMs.
6. LEARN BASIC GREEK WORDS. While many Greeks speak English, it’s always appreciated when tourists make an effort to speak the local language. Learn some basic Greek phrases such as “hello” (yasou), “thank you” (efharisto), and “please” (parakalo).
7. BE KIND AND GENEROUS. The tipping practice, according to handbooks, is “just leave your change” after dinner. WRONG! The American tourists ruined this for everyone. Always leave at least 10% for the staff (15% if you’re REALLY happy with your meal and service).
8. BE RESPECTFUL OF CUSTOMS. Greece is a surprisingly a conservative country, especially when it comes to public behavior. Always be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. At the beach, you can wear whatever you want. But when going out at night, dress nice.
9. BEFRIEND THE LOCALS. If a local invites you to dinner at their home- don’t even think about it, say “YES”. Greek people are such kind, hospitable and loving people. Once they welcome you to their home, you are FAMILY to them. They would give their own bed for you! An amazing Greek friend’s family insisted I stay at their house for 2 weeks. They also fed me non stop and loaned me their car during the duration of my stay.
10. EXPLORE BEYOND. While Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos are popular tourist destinations, Greece has much more to offer. Consider exploring some of the lesser-known islands, such as Patmos, Ios, Antiparos, Naxos or Paros, or visiting some of the smaller towns and villages on the mainland.
11. PACK FOR COMFORT. Wear your most comfortable outfits. Remember that whatever you bring, you have to haul this around from one island to another. I have traveled to Greece for a month with one small suitcase. I generally wash my clothes and they dry easily. They also have inexpensive laundry services around the island.
12. BE STYLISH! The Greek islands are probably one of the most instagrammable countries in the world, so BRING FABULOUS outfits! You will be the envy of all your friends. Everyone looks like an influencer here. LOL.
13. THE ATHENS AIRPORT IS VERY FAR FROM TOWN. It is an expensive cab ride ($50 to $60). So plan your trip accordingly. If you’re visiting the islands, it may be faster, easier and cheaper to take a ferry.
14. USE THE FERRY. The inter-island ferries between islands is absolutely beautiful (and generally safe). They are almost never on time, but they are beautiful inside. If you have an option between a large or a small ferry, go with the larger one. The larger the boat, the more amenities it has. GET TO THE FERRY 15 MIN BEFORE DEPARTURE. Most passengers think that they have to be there 1 hour before your ferry schedule. Arrive about only 15 minutes before arrival. You will just be burning under the sun. Most likely, the ferry will be late anyway. LOL.
15. YOU CAN HAGGLE. If you visit during off season, you can haggle. I have done this at rental car companies. You can get as much as 20% to 25% off if you have bargaining skills. “Hi, the other rental car company only charges 40 Euros a day (they are not LOL), but they don’t have the type of car I want. Can you match it?” If they have 10 cars on their lot, they will match it.
16. VISIT SANTORINI ANYWAY. Yes, Santorini is insanely touristy. But you have to visit it at least once in your lifetime. Stay in Akrotiri, a less touristy part of the island.
17. AVOID THE CROWD. If you want to avoid the crowd, walk around Oia and Fira (or any touristy town) from 7:00 am to 10:00 am. That is before all the cruise ship people show up, or from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, when all the cruise ship crowd are gone. It will be just you and the local cats. LOL.
18. BUY A SIMM CARD. There are many kiosks that sell them for under 10 Euros and they are good for 1 month. It will keep you connected to the world.
19. PARTY FIRST! If Mykonos is on your itinerary, visit Mykonos FIRST. You would most likely party a lot. And it is best to get the partying out of the way, and you can recover in other islands after. You won’t want to fly back to the US with a massive hangover.
20. ATTEND THE LOCAL EVENTS. If you find yourself in Greece during Easter Sunday, that is their most celebrated holiday. You are in for a treat! You can partake in this local, festive tradition and you can party and dine with the locals. They have many other holidays and cultural events (like dance or concerts) that are geared for locals. Try to ask your hotel owner or locals if they know of any events in town.

Overall, Greece is a beautiful and fascinating country that offers something for every type of traveler. With a little preparation and an open mind, your trip to Greece is sure to be a memorable one.

If you need a travel agent to help plan your trip- my friend Mina’s travel agency is one of the most reputable Greek travel agencies. Visit their website at: https://www.travelive.com/ or call 1-888-377-5483. They can help you in planning the most perfect itinerary that fits your budget. PLEASE TELL THEM THAT EDWIN REFERRED YOU! You will get an extra special attention!

I don’t know a single a person who went to Greece and did not have an amazing time.

My Greek posse in Paros! They are all so amazingly kind, generous and thoughtful. Top – Christos, Giannis and Nikos. Bottom row – Vasilis and Sarantos.

My two Greek BFFs who I met in Paros. I met Sarantos (right) one evening when he found my wallet at the restaurant he works at. I was island hopping during COVID and felt lonely halfway through the trip. “Come back here to Paros,” he said, “You have friends here.” So I came back and he introduced me to his family and friends (who later became my friends too). They have visited me in LA twice, and I have visited them in Greece twice.

The whole posse during my good bye dinner in Greece.

My Greek posse in Paros! They are all so amazingly kind, generous and thoughtful. Top – Christos, Giannis and Nikos. Bottom row – Vasilis and Sarantos.

My two Greek BFFs who I met in Paros. I met Sarantos (right) one evening when he found my wallet at the restaurant he works at. I was island hopping during COVID and felt lonely halfway through the trip. “Come back here to Paros,” he said, “You have friends here.” So I came back and he introduced me to his family and friends (who later became my friends too). They have visited me in LA twice, and I have visited them in Greece twice.

The whole posse during my good bye dinner in Greece.

Nicole, her boyfriend of over 6 years Kris and her family, walked 60K in Montreal at the Weekend to End Women’s Cancers to help raise money and awareness for cancer. They flew all the way from BC to do this event in Montreal.  It was such a great day – they met some wonderful people, had a lot of fun (despite the scorching weather) and enjoyed the sights of Montreal. At the finish line, Nicole was so excited to have completed the 60K walk. Then, she got the surprise of her life.

https://vimeo.com/137151085

At the finish line, her mother nudged me and said, “You may want to take a picture of this! I did better, I got videos and photos. This you have to see.

Portraits of Hope’s latest community art project tossed over a thousand colorful, inflatable spheres in LA’s MacArthur Park Lake. All of the gigantic, playful balls were hand painted by 3,500 to 5,000 members of the community, both young and old. Entitled “Spheres at MacArthur Park,” this public art and civic initiative has been seven years in the making.

Los Angelenos were treated to this delightful exhibition early this week at MacArthur Park (Address: 2230 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90057). The inflatable floating spheres were painted in brightly colored floral and aquatic designs and ranged in size from 4 – 6 ft. in diameter making for fantastic vistas at the park.

https://vimeo.com/138131242

The minute I saw it, I just have to have it. The MonoRover is kind of like a Segway without the handlebar.  They range in price from $200 to $1000, but they’re pretty much all the same. I bought mine from Amazon at almost $300 and it took about 3 weeks to ship. They’re manufactured in China, so the instructions were in Chinese (I kid you not. LOL). But you don’t really need an instruction book to learn how to use it. You plug to charge, and a few minutes later, you can zoom around the neighborhood with it.

PS: Wear a helmet!

I asked 6 of my Australian friends which, in their opinion, is the most beautiful part of Australia. I would have bet my house they would all say the Great Barrier Reef or Whitsunday Island, but I couldn’t be more wrong. They unanimously voted Tasmania.

I was working in Melbourne and I had 4 days off between photo shoots, so I booked a flight to Tasmania. From Melbourne, it is a short 55 minute flight and several major airlines including Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia, flies to Hobart, the capital and most populous city of the Australian island.

I have my travel basics: My cameras, driver’s license, iPhone/GPS, hiking shoes, American Express cards and my passion for adventure. Once in a while, I like to travel this way; There was no set itinerary, no travel companion, no hotel reservations, and no agenda other than take gorgeous photos and enjoy the scenery.

For 4 days, I drove from Hobart to Swansea and Freycinet National Park. I would like to say that I saw so much of Tasmania. Unfortunately, 4 days wasn’t long enough. Over 40% of the island is protected in national parks and reserves and there is so much to see and explore.

The island is roughly the size of Switzerland and ranks as the 26^th largest island in the world. If you are interested in visiting, make sure you have the most essential element of all … time.

Here are a few images from the trip:

Any Kiwi will recommend you try New Zealand’s famous green-lipped mussel (or sometimes simply called the New Zealand mussel). That’s because you can only find them here in New Zealand and everyone’s proud of them.

While on the water taxi to my hotel in Raetihi, I asked the driver what makes them so famous and he offered to take a detour to take me to his very own mussel farm. “You should have a taste,” Pete insisted.

After our short adventure, he gave me all the mussels and told me I can give it to the hotel chef at Raetihi Lodge and they can prepare it for me in time for lunch.

WHAT AN AMAZING DAY! I had an amazing lunch and met an amazing guy- thank you Pete! (Kiwi hospitality at its finest).