Author Archives: julie
Mariachi music in Mexico
Text & Video: Julie Schwietert Collazo ** Last week, I was in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, for the country’s annual travel and trade show, Tianguis Turistico. The opening night event featured acrobats, aerialists, and Cirque du Soleil style performers… and, of course, mariachis. I’m currently organizing video for Francisco to edit into a … Continue reading
Til gear do us part
Text: Julie Schwietert Collazo Photos: Courtesy of Hummingbird and Klean Kanteen ** I chalk it up to him having come to the US from Cuba on a boat that was overcrowded with passengers, none of whom had bags. Now he’s overcompensating for the past. Francisco loves gear. Whether we’re headed out of town for a … Continue reading
24 hours in Zurich
Text & Photos: Julie Schwietert Collazo ** 24 hours is about all many of us could afford in Zurich, which consistently ranks among the top 3 of the world’s most expensive cities. Make the most of it. 3:00 PM: Arrive–finally– at Zurich International Airport after missing a flight from Amsterdam because your train from Centraal … Continue reading
The myth of five-star luxury
Text & Photos: Julie Schwietert Collazo ** “So, what is the average room rate for high season and low season?” I ask the general manager. “Well, your room–doesn’t it have an incredible view?–is $900 a night, and the suite we’re going to see now runs around $1,800.” $1,800. That’s more than the monthly rent for … Continue reading
Postcards from Mexico’s Tianguis Turistico
Text & Photos: Julie Schwietert Collazo ** Tonight, Mexico’s 37th Tianguis Turistico, an annual travel and trade show, kicked off in Puerto Vallarta with un tremendo espectaculo of circus performers and mariachis, of a scale and quality worthy of a small Olympics. For me, Tianguis is a great opportunity to connect with old friends and … Continue reading