Our Journey

Life is often described as a journey. Emphasizing the importance of the experiences we gather along the way, not just the final destination. When it comes to travel, this journey extends beyond reaching a place; it encompasses the thrill of planning and the adventures we encounter. There's immense pleasure in exploring the myriad options available and selecting those that promise genuine excitement and joy. Whether it's exchanging stories with well-traveled acquaintances about the latest must-see destinations or chatting with friends about their recent culinary discoveries, the planning phase itself is part of the adventure. Even the simple act of packing carries with it a sense of anticipation, as we imagine ourselves immersed in our dream locales or stumbling upon unexpected treasures.

Stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the uncertainties of travel requires boldness, but it's precisely these moments that often lead to the most memorable experiences. Rarely does a journey unfold without its share of unexpected events. These incidents become the stories we fondly recount upon our return — tales of survival, serendipitous discoveries in the midst of being lost, and the fascinating individuals we encounter along the way. By immersing ourselves in new cultures, we earn the privilege of indulging in the local delicacies and savoring the flavors of regional wines.

Upon returning home, it's tempting to dive straight back into the routines of daily life. However, there's a pause, a moment of reflection, as we sift through our collection of photographs and relive our adventures. We eagerly share our experiences with loved ones, recounting our triumphs and laughing at our mishaps. These stories are not just recollections but cherished memories to be savored and shared.

The act of sharing our experiences with family and friends, of embracing new encounters and breaking away from taking the beaten path, is invaluable. As we've learned over the past few years, it's essential not to lose sight of the freedom to pursue our dreams and find joy in each passing day. So, let us continue to cherish the journey, and embrace every opportunity to live our dreams to the fullest.

Joe Banez

Nuestro Viaje

La vida se describe a menudo como un viaje, enfatizando la importancia de las experiencias que acumulamos en el camino, no solo el destino final. Cuando se trata de viajar, este viaje va más allá de llegar a un lugar; abarca la emoción de planificar y las aventuras que encontramos. Hay un inmenso placer en explorar las múltiples opciones disponibles y seleccionar aquellas que prometen emoción y alegría genuinas. Ya sea intercambiando historias con conocidos bien viajados sobre los últimos destinos imprescindibles o charlando con amigos sobre sus descubrimientos culinarios recientes, la fase de planificación en sí misma es parte de la aventura. Incluso el simple acto de hacer la maleta lleva consigo una sensación de anticipación, mientras nos imaginamos inmersos en nuestros destinos soñados o tropezando con tesoros inesperados.

Salir de nuestra zona de confort y abrazar las incertidumbres del viaje requiere valentía, pero son precisamente estos momentos los que a menudo conducen a las experiencias más memorables. Rara vez se desarrolla un viaje sin su parte de eventos inesperados. Estos incidentes se convierten en las historias que recordamos con cariño al regresar: relatos de supervivencia, descubrimientos fortuitos en medio de estar perdidos y los fascinantes individuos que encontramos en el camino. Al sumergirnos en nuevas culturas, obtenemos el privilegio de deleitarnos con las delicias locales y saborear los sabores de los vinos regionales.

Al regresar a casa, es tentador sumergirse de inmediato en las rutinas de la vida cotidiana. Sin embargo, hay una pausa, un momento de reflexión, mientras revisamos nuestra colección de fotografías y revivimos nuestras aventuras. Compartimos nuestras experiencias con entusiasmo con nuestros seres queridos, relatando nuestros triunfos y riéndonos de nuestras desventuras. Estas historias no son solo recuerdos, sino recuerdos apreciados para saborear y compartir.

El acto de compartir nuestras experiencias con la familia y los amigos, de abrazar nuevos encuentros y romper con la monotonía de la rutina, es invaluable. Como hemos aprendido en los últimos años, es esencial no perder de vista la libertad de perseguir nuestros sueños y encontrar alegría en cada día que pasa. Entonces, queridos amigos y compañeros viajeros, sigamos valorando el viaje, aprovechando cada oportunidad para vivir nuestros sueños al máximo.

  • I’ve lived in 3 countries: Philippines, the U.S. and Spain.

  • Into the woods in Tangley Oaks either walking or biking.

  • I go with my big three: Catalonia, Aragón, and Pais Basco.

  • I’ll go with the capital — Madrid. It’s openness of people, gastronomy, still maintain authentic Spanish atmosphere in the past, and art.

  • Sant Jordi Day and Musica del Vi, a wine tasting event in Barcelona.

  • Roncesvalles to Pamplona in Camino Frances and Irún to San Sebastian in Camino del Norte.

  • Mountain biking, tennis and hiking.

  • Paella. I find this dish festive. Of course, with cava or champagne.

  • Recaredo. Unforgettable experience!

  • Loire River to Burgundy in France and the Camino de Santiago — Frances and Norte — in Spain.

  • Burgundy again. (Dijon — Couchey — Beaune — Chagny) and Dijon to Konstanz.

  • Canyoning with friends in Sierra de Guara and Three Kings celebration with the Almirall and Manjarin family in Barcelona.

  • Golden Ring Road and Going to St. Mary’s in Glacier National Park.

  • Canyoning, hiking and biking.

  • Sharing Too Much by Richard Paul Evans, The Ecological Gardener by Matt Rees-Warren, Into the Woods by Bill Bryson.

  • Biking to DPR (Des Plaines River)

  • Turin. Good food and wine, great place to stroll around, simple to get around (only one Metro), great flea market place, and the automobile museum.

  • Bike tour and camping.

  • Pico de Posets in Aragón and Muhlacen in southern Spain.

  • As of now, my soul is embedded in Spain. I love the people, the language, the food and the wine and the landscape. However, I love where I am staying right now — Lake Bluff. I got to stay where I am loved and comforted. It is a place to recover from the wounds of traveling.

  • Working with people — Collaboration and volunteering. Exploring places and working for the community and people. Gardening and farming — Ecotourism.

  • Glacier National Park, Kati NP, Denali NP, Kanai Fjord NP, Wrangell - St. Elias, Bike tour in France?

  • I always pick where I am at the moment. I like Lake Bluff because I am surrounded with nature and also my hosts are really caring and loving people. The wows of staying here are incessant in every season. The bike trails in the backyard, the trees, the squirrels, the changes of the seasons, and the bike trail of Des Plaines River (DPR).

  • There are many. Summer of 2022, the combination of Venice, Trieste, Postojna, Llujbjana, then Lake Bled was out of this world. Then, in 2023 — A Eurovelo 6 starting from Nantes to Dijon, then to the south to Lyon and Valence. In La Vuelta in Spain, Tarragona to Deltebre and Tortosa to Valderobles and Beceite.

  • Places surrounded by nature and gastronomy. Places such as Loire river, Sierra de Guara, and so on.

  • I like to be around with people who inspire me and raise up my level. I like seeing the hustle and bustle of a place.

  • It is the moment to be myself. I like writing and watch the sunrise. Today is a new day and an opportunity to make a difference even if a small thing.

  • Enjoying the present moment with myself and loved ones.

  • To be not at the present moment.

  • Not identifying and missing the details. Not consistent enough, and not following up on goals. o.

  • Resilience, flexibility, and connecting to people.

  • To make the best version of myself and to serve my family, friends, community, and the world.

  • To build a community of collaboration in sustainable living.