"February, the month where love is in the air, unless you're single, then it's just the draft from the open window."----- anonymous
Aside from the humor, February is a month of awareness and inclusivity, which we need more now than ever. For those who live up north, February is also one of the coldest months of the year. Its coldness is symbolic of what we, as a nation are experiencing today. I worry about what is coming in the next several months and whether it can be stopped; I am surely hopeful. For now, I have only prayers and the will to do what I can to help those most impacted by this chaos.
Next month Limitedlimitlessliving.com will turn 5 years old. We are making some changes which includes saying goodbye to MailChimp. We are now with Kit Inc. We decided to launch it now to test it and make any modifications in the coming month. Let us know if you like it.
This month’s newsletter features three stories that summarize much of what has happened over the last several months. The first story details my six weeks in Cartagena, Colombia. A city that reminds me so much of San Juan, Puerto Rico. I used most of my time in Cartagena to reclaim my well-being as I get ready for another year of nonstop travel.
The second story focuses on an indigenous community known as the Wayuu tribe, one of many in Colombia, whose way of life is being threatened. I walked away from this experience, both enlightened and inspired.
Lastly, the third story is about my return to the US and time spent in two very Renaissance neighborhoods, Fishtown and Hell’s Kitchen, their transformation and what I most loved about my time in both these places.
I have left Cartagena and am now in Bogota for a week, ending my time in Colombia with plans to go to Quito, Ecuador and to the Galapagos Islands, more on this in next month’s newsletter.
If you’re planning to travel to Europe, be aware of the new automated requirements as more countries are trying to control who enter/exit their ports noted below.
Final note, let me wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day, as we also celebrate the contributions of every countries’ Black heritage.
As always, your help in introducing the newsletter to others is deeply appreciated. Let me know if you would like to meet or do a zoom chat. Below is my scheduling link so we can avoid the back and forth of finding a mutual convenient time. Looking forward to connecting with you soon. 💝
Immersed in Cartagena: History, Culture, and the Caribbean Spirit
As I embark on my second year of travel, this time going south, my first stop is Cartagena, Colombia. Here I remained for six weeks as I mapped out the first several months of my travels. Cartagena is both a port, and a historic walled city situated on the Caribbean coast on the northern tip of South America. The city reminds me so much of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico from its fortress to its people, cuisine, Spanish colonial architecture, music and customs. Quite picturesque with its tropical year-around weather and festive Latin culture. Here is what I learned about its history, culture and Caribbean spirit….
Echoes from La Guajira and the Wayuu Tribe of Colombia
During my stay in Colombia, I traveled for several days to the northern coast of Colombia known as La Guajira Peninsula, part desert where the indigenous community, the Wayuu Tribe has lived for centuries. Wayuu are semi-nomadic herders and traders also known as the people of sun, sand and wind. They mostly inhabited lands in the coastal areas of northern Colombia and Venezuela. Today, the Wayuu ancient way of life is being threatened by climate change and the consequences of the outside world.….
Two Months, Two Cities: A Tale of Hell’s Kitchen and Fishtown
The neighborhoods of Hell's Kitchen in New York City and Fishtown in Philadelphia, both have a unique history, gentrified over several decades becoming preferred places to visit or live. During my return from my yearlong nomadic travels, I stayed in both these neighborhoods each for an entire month, loving every minute. Both are cultural hotspots, part of an urban evolution that has changed its architecture, culture and demographics. Here is my take on how they compare and which one you may want to visit….
2024 Year in Review: The Best and Worst Events in a Tumultuous Year
Art Basel 2024 …. An immersion of the Art World and all its Excesses
Today's Thought and Inspiration⛅
Who could have imagined the chaos that has consumed the White House in less than a month and the fear that it has perpetuated throughout the nation. There is more confusion and divisiveness to come. Where do we go for some relief and inspiration? Who better than Rev. Martin Luther King as we also celebrate Black History Month and the contributions and sacrifices made by so many. I leave you with this thought….
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” “Be a bush if you can't be a tree. If you can't be a highway, just be a trail. If you can't be a sun, be a star”
-Martin Luther King
My PhotoGraphy of the Month
Part of the joy of travel is my passion for photography seeking to capture the daily lives of the people and the places that I visit. We will post monthly our favorites. If interested in any of our photos, visit the Photo Print Gallery, Click here.
This photo of this young couple celebrating their love was taken in Istanbul, Turkey,2024
Happy Valentine's Day
February is the month for lovers, although love really knows no season. Remember happiness and love can also be found in moments shared with friends, family, and four-legged creatures.
For Art Lovers… Starting the Year with a Boost of Creativity
There are plenty of art shows coming up both in February and March. If you happen to be traveling and/or looking for some inspiration, here are the following art fairs to plan ahead:
Oh no! More Entry/ Exit requirements to travel. This time it's the United Kingdom.
Starting January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for short visits, tourism, or business, including those just passing through UK airports, will need an electronic travel authorization ETA unless they have a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. Similar to the European union's 2025 ET IAS requirements. Click below to learn more. Also posted on our Resource page.
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“It’s never too late to be what you want to be, unless you want to be younger” ... Anonymous Well, while this is very true, having a youthful mindset and outlook on life has no age limit (I’ll take that any day). This month, I will turn 72 and my blog will enter its fifth-year anniversary. Together, we plan to celebrate another year exploring life while being purposeful. Health continues to be on top of my priority list as I continue to be challenged. One thing I’ve learned, getting old,...
