https://theoptimistictraveller.com/submission-guidelines/2026-04-04T21:09:53+00:00weekly0.6https://theoptimistictraveller.com/2026/04/03/the-optimistic-and-independent-traveller/https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_6716-2.jpegIMG_6716https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_1236.jpegIMG_1236A nice bowl of ramen can be happily slurped alone.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_1181.jpegIMG_1181A flower on a trail I hiked solo in Wyoming.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_7212.jpegIMG_7212Sometimes you notice more when you're by yourself.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_5329.jpegIMG_5329A cute guest house in a yard, used as an AirBnB.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_5499-1.jpegIMG_5499 (1)A drink enjoyed alone, and slowly, is a treat.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_5443.jpegIMG_5443https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_5443-1.jpegIMG_5443 (1)https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ea5f9038-47aa-4481-9fdc-0b177902e76b.jpgEA5F9038-47AA-4481-9FDC-0B177902E76Bhttps://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_0588.jpgIMG_0588Blue rice? Count me in.2026-04-04T03:14:43+00:00monthlyhttps://theoptimistictraveller.com/about/https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image0.jpegimage02026-04-04T02:58:54+00:00weekly0.6https://theoptimistictraveller.com/2026/04/03/stern-views/https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_5051.jpegIMG_5051https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/e30d3209-e280-4137-88a3-a1a188dba89f.jpgE30D3209-E280-4137-88A3-A1A188DBA89Fhttps://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_5010.jpegIMG_5010Cake day is always anticipated and immensely enjoyed. The artistry in decoration is astounding. I usually try at least two pieces for a late breakfast.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_5007.jpegIMG_5007A typical salmon dish in the dining room -- delicious!https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_4998.jpegIMG_4998https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_4871.jpegIMG_4871A beautiful cruise ship illuminated in the sunset.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_4760.jpegIMG_4760You're forgiven for indulging once in a while.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_4753.jpegIMG_4753Dom Perignon was in abundance at a recent VIP casino event.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_6873.jpegIMG_6873A balcony view.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/reactnativeblobutiltmp_nxwccykis1mjezecr1b6i.jpegReactNativeBlobUtilTmp_nxwccykis1mjezecr1b6iHere I'm with "the captain." I couldn't resist!2026-04-03T19:23:56+00:00monthlyhttps://theoptimistictraveller.com/2026/04/03/barbados-waves/https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_2479.jpgIMG_2479https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_2497.jpgIMG_2497https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_1509-2.jpgIMG_1509 (2)https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_2563.jpgIMG_2563Wildlife and ruins in the Christchurch area of Barbados.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_8819.jpgIMG_8819Matthew went through some basic points in about 15 minutes. The real training was on the water.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_2557.jpgIMG_2557Doorways are always captivating to me.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_9070.jpgIMG_9070It turned out to be an incredible gift in many ways. Here we are dresses for a traditional Barbadian dinner.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_2340.jpgIMG_2340Our little white sand beach at the Soco Hotel.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_2280.jpgIMG_2280The view from the balcony of our simple resort in Barbados.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_2666.jpgIMG_2666Weird creatures abounded in Bridgetown.2026-04-03T18:12:13+00:00monthlyhttps://theoptimistictraveller.com/2026/04/02/i-have-a-cuban-s-car/https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_0539.jpegIMG_0539https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_0532.jpegIMG_0532A family-owned business, the cigar makers hosted us with a tour, demonstration, and tastes of all the good stuff.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_0402.jpegIMG_0402https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_0399.jpegIMG_0399https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_0508.jpegIMG_0508In the valley, where a small hut provided shelter and a family was generous with their rum-filled coconuts.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_0525.jpegIMG_0525Sunset on the tobacco farm.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_0486.jpegIMG_0486The outside of the incredible Cueva del Indio on a day when the caverns weren't flooded.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_0481.jpegIMG_0481https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_1325.jpgIMG_1325https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_1363.jpgIMG_13632026-04-02T21:24:42+00:00monthlyhttps://theoptimistictraveller.com/2026/04/02/angel-fish/https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_0192.jpegIMG_0192https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_1387.jpgIMG_1387https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image0.pngimage0https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_0940.jpgIMG_0940https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image3.jpegMosaic WallA face on a mosaic wall in the Jardin Ceramica on Santa Cruz island. https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image1-1.jpegimage1On the panga headed to our short-term "home" aboard the Fragata.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image0-1.jpegimage0https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image2.jpegimage2https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_0152.jpgIMG_0152https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/img_0151.jpgIMG_0151Our cabin and the beautiful vista provided a welcome respite after the long flight(s) to Bali.2026-04-02T21:01:17+00:00monthlyhttps://theoptimistictraveller.com/contact/2026-04-02T19:52:16+00:00weekly0.6https://theoptimistictraveller.com/2026/04/02/under-the-sea-below-the-deck/https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dsc08073.jpgDSC08073The joy of seeing our dream come true as a family: priceless.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dsc08184.jpgDSC08184Blue-footed boobies, a common Galapagos sight, always remarkable.https://theoptimistictraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/dsc08060.jpgDSC080602026-04-02T19:39:35+00:00monthlyhttps://theoptimistictraveller.com/guest-columns/2026-04-01T18:13:14+00:00weekly0.6https://theoptimistictraveller.comdaily1.02026-04-04T21:09:53+00:00