Travel – Bean's Dream

A Sensory Travel Surprise!

jwbean — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 11:57:52 +0000

* Disclaimer: post may not be for all - meat market photos attached * My senses are alert as I meander down the streets in Greece, making choices based on curiosity not a map or clock dictating my direction. I smell flowers and cologne suspended midair as incense emits from local shops. Air conditioning fromContinueContinue reading

A Cold Greek Shower and Treasure In A Bag Had Me Questioning It All

jwbean — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 20:07:32 +0000

A piercing cold shower had me gasping for breath between lathers as I did a survival dance between droplets. I recognize a cold shower is a first world issue as shampoo clings to my hair. It is June in Greece, but feel like I have immersed myself into harbor water in Helsinki. In February. MyContinueContinue reading

Dodging An Eye Infection From A Bidet On St. Kitts…

jwbean — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 23:33:09 +0000

Swim-up bar cocktails were flowing, condensation from the cup danced over my hand, the sun was skipping light rays across the ocean's surface. A large white bird had stolen our fries and regurgitated meat on the table when we stepped away to take pictures. But hey!...life was good, we were giddy in a pool. IContinueContinue reading

These Empty Terminals Are Temporary

jwbean — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 15:16:53 +0000

As I walk through the empty terminal of Austin Bergstrom Airport I have to remind myself of one thing: This is temporary. You can hear a pin drop in the terminal. Aircraft engines are cold, jet bridges are empty, and wheels are chocked upon vacant tarmacs. Departure boards are red with cancelations, and social distancing is made easyContinue reading "These Empty Terminals Are Temporary"

Alto Progreso. A Shanty Town With A Ton Of Heart…

jwbean — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 02:51:14 +0000

Scenery changed to dirt, our cab weaved obstacles, and uphill we climbed. The bumpy ride jolted not only my body, but the awareness of my surroundings. My jaw fell to the floor of our rickety cab, viewing a landscape that mirrored a Third World. Wheels halted at the base of a narrow stairway which climbedContinue reading "Alto Progreso. A Shanty Town With A Ton Of Heart…"

Peruvians Are Loves

jwbean — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 12:49:29 +0000

First 24 hours south of the Equator...Day 1, Peru. I forgot kids sell goods on the street. I forgot running water, toilets, warm showers, and safe drinking water are amenities. I forgot that some have dirt sidewalks and only torn shoes. I forgot that people with less, sometimes have so much more... I realized dirtContinue reading "Peruvians Are Loves"

For A Cause Greater Than Myself…

jwbean — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 20:07:20 +0000

Please support me to empower a child while volunteering abroad next month. Your donation would greatly be appreciated. Please see the link below. No amount is too small. http://www.gofundme.com/mq27ctth Thank you for your time and consideration... https://beansdream.com/

South Korea Took Kimchi Bravery

jwbean — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 05:35:29 +0000

I could feel every eye on me as I boarded the public bus. Wishing for less attention, I discretely grabbed a hanging strap, and stood near a window. The red in my cheeks dissipated after coins clunked in the tray, guessing incorrect fare. The driver pulled from the curb. I was the only tourist onContinue reading "South Korea Took Kimchi Bravery"

My Love To Wander…Occasionally A Curse, Always A Blessing

jwbean — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 17:09:25 +0000

An inquiry from a new friend made me think about my current lifestyle, designed around adventure. The urge to explore is the restless baggage I carry, churning like a propeller within my soul. Internal turbulence is sometimes a curse, because I desire contentment in the present; my present. When life feels stagnant, as if inContinue reading "My Love To Wander…Occasionally A Curse, Always A Blessing"

Iceland Stole My Heart…

jwbean — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 07:00:43 +0000

Iceland stole my heart like a thousand Arctic ponies galloping through lush fields, pollinating flowers under a midnight sun. Shifting into first, off the grid I went. Solo, without a map, GPS, or cell, to ensure I could survive without assistance. Heading north on Route 1, adrenaline delivered me to Akranes, IS, the northern mostContinue reading "Iceland Stole My Heart…"