"E" -- The El Tovar, On the Edge of Wonder

Years ago, my husband and I took a cross-country trip from Virginia to California, and one of the stops along the way was the Grand Canyon where we stayed at the El Tovar. More trips followed for the Passenger to Paradise who never stopped being amazed by this rustic old hotel that opened in 1905 and sits right on the edge of the Grand Canyon. Sunsets viewed from the dining room of the El Tovar are dramatic and unforgettable.

I have visited the Grand Canyon and the El Tovar other times over the years and have taken many photographs, some of which I used to create working drawings for large acrylic paintings. The El Tovar became one of the 20 hotels in my coffee table book, Hotels to Remember.

A few years ago, a newspaper that carried an article I wrote about the El Tovar used the headline--"On the Edge of Wonder." I loved that headline which is so appropriate for this unique destination. Everyone should visit the Canyon one time and walk through the hotel to the dining room where magnificent windows reveal an unforgettable light display across multiple canyon facades..

"D" - Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica

"Budding Falls"  MM Sikes

Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica is another destination that the Passenger to Paradise loves. The first time we visited Jamaica, we took a side trip to the falls. I took dozens of photographs from the walkway and steps that border it. Then I developed a series of paintings from the photographs. I also wrote several travel articles later published in newspapers and magazines. Two of the paintings are 4 by 6 feet. One of those was purchased by the Marriott Hotel in Richmond; the other hangs in our bedroom. "Budding Falls" is smaller, about 42 by 54 inches, and from the same painting series.

We have visited the falls on subsequent trips to Jamaica and have been disappointed to see the commercialization growing all around. This is a unforgettable place of amazing natural beauty. It is a destination worthy of more than one visit.

"C" - Cozumel, the island of the Swallows

Cozumel (Mayan for island of the Swallows) is a favorite destination for the Passenger to Paradise and provides interesting and wonderful memories of crystal clear waters and a time of adventure. On our first trip there we visited Mayan ruins on the island and took a small plane to Chichen Itza to tour those Mayan ruins. I took lots of photographs at that site and later created a series of large acrylic paintings based on our visit there.

One of my most vivid memories from the trip came soon after we boarded the airplane in Cancun to fly over to Cozumel. Although people was still standing in the aisle and there were not enough seats for everyone, the airplane started to taxi for take-off. That was when I realized that safety is not important everywhere, especially in Mexico.

I have long had a fascination with silver jewelry created by Mexican jewelrymakers. During our week on the island, I found a cute little shop and purchased several silver bracelets and a necklace for gifts and souvenirs.

Cozumel is a destination the Passenger to Paradise would like to visit again.

"B" - Butterfly Conservatory in Key West

Beware of hitchhikers

As the Passenger to Paradise, I travel whenever possible to gather ideas for my books. One of my favorite trips was one last summer to the Butterfly Conservatory in Key West, Florida.

I know there are lots of butterfly conservatories around. On many occasions I've passed signs for one in St. Martin, but this is the first one I've actually visited.

Not only did I get some wonderful photo ops  for the beautiful and colorful butterflies, but the conservatory was filled with exotic birds and amazing tropical flora as well. Near the end of the day, most of the visitors left, and I enjoyed the opportunity to sit on a butterfly metal bench and meditate with the sounds of falling water in spectacular tropical surroundings.

So my travel "B" is for the Key West Butterfly Conservatory. Wonder what "C" will be?

"A" What Do You Remember from Your High School Days?

The Blog Challenge got me to thinking about posts to go with the letters. No one could be more surprised than I was when the first thought I got for the letter "A" was the title of a play I was in years ago when I was a sophomore in high school. The play was Now That April's Here. Although I don't recall any lines from the play, the significant point for me was that I had the role of Mrs. Harris and my husband (now) had the role of Mr. Harris.

Even then I enjoyed the excitement of drama and the thrill of opening night. Now that excitement has been replaced by the unforgettable experience of the release of a new book.

What unique or special memory do you have from your high school days?

As the "Passenger to Paradise" for the remainder of the A to Z Blog Challenge posts I plan to select travel destinations I've visited and loved or places I've dreamed of visiting. My blogs will tell you where and why.

Monti