Episode 9: Uncovering Nagasaki, Japan

In this episode, we being our adventures exploring Kyushu, Japan with an overnight stay in Nagasaki. Nagasaki enjoys a rich history as being one of the initial inroads for European explorers, culture and goods into Japan. In fact, prior to the Portuguese establishing a port there in the 16th century, Nagasaki was a small fishing village pretty much secluded from the rest of Japan. From there, Nagasaki grew in importance as one of the few open ports of trade between Japan and the rest of the world during Japan’s period of isolation.

Nagasaki offers a variety of amenities and attractions to suit any discerning traveler, from the mysterious Gunkanjima to the serene Glover Gardens and numerous parks and shrines. A beautiful port city surrounded by lush rolling mountains, Nagasaki boasts one of the most spectacular cityscapes, especially in the evening atop Mt. Inasayama which is considered one of the top vantage points in all of Japan. Of course, a visit to Nagasaki would not be complete without a stop at the Nagasaki Peace Park and Museum – a somber memorial to the tragic past of the city but also a strong message of hope for a better future.

Episode 8: Magical Kyushu, Japan

In this episode, we start our exploration of one of our favorite countries, Japan. Japan is comprised of over 6,000 islands, but the four main islands where the bulk of the population of Japan live are Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kyushu. Most travelers to Japan typically begin their adventures in Tokyo, Osaka or other large cities on the Honshu. We were fortunate to take a trek away from the typical and dive into Kyushu, the third largest and southern-most of the main Japanese islands.

Kyushu offers an amazing mix of old-world and modern Japanese culture nestled among dramatic seascapes, serene mountains, active volcanoes, and world-class “onsens” or hot springs to reinvigorate the soul. With this episode, we cover the basics on where to go, what to see, what to eat and even how to get around via rental car. Be sure to check out our Destinations page for pictures of some of the most interesting places we visited. If your travel plans include Japan, please consider a visit to Kyushu, enjoy!

Episode 7: Extraordinary Petra, Jordan

Every once in a while you’ve got to just go with your gut and take a chance on an opportunity. While in Eilat, we were torn between going scuba diving in the Red Sea or taking the entire family on a day trip into Jordan to visit Petra, famed for the Treasury and other amazing buildings carved right into stone (in fact, the Treasury was featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, right at the end, when they ride off after having saved the elder Jones and defeated the bad guys). For those of you who follow your gut, we hope this episode will inspire you to escape the ordinary and experience something extraordinary.

Petra is a significant historical site in South-western Jordan dating back to the 4th century BC.  It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, and the Treasury was voted as as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007. It is accessed by a gorge called the Siq which winds along a narrow canyon offering stunning views of ancient ruins and natural rock formations. If you can, highly recommend the walk – it’s about 1.2 kilometers – and takes you right to the Treasury. All of this and more await you in this episode. And, be sure to check out our pictures of Jordan in the Destinations tab of our site. Enjoy!

Episode 6: Enchanting Eilat, Israel

This episode concludes our adventures in Israel with a trip to its southern most city, Eilat. Eilat is situated on a small plot of land between Jordan and Egypt, surrounded by the Negav desert and Eilat mountains to the north and the Red Sea to the south. A coastal town with great amenities, Eilat is a perfect destination for enjoying the sun, swimming, food and fun – but beware, the summer is HOT!

Episode 5: Exploring Masada and the Dead Sea, Israel

In this episode, we continue our adventures in Israel with a day trip we took to the fortress of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Dead Sea. The sites themselves are impressive and must see destinations, but the ride along the Israeli highways into the Judea Desert was equally exciting. There is a distinct beauty in the desert that is only enhanced with the occasional herd of camels. Having driven extensively through the desert southwest of the United States, it was quite a site to be driving along a highway and see camels in the distance – you quickly realize that you are not in Kansas anymore! Finally, we learn why it’s never a good idea to run into and jump around in the Dead Sea . . . ouch!

Episode 4: Jerusalem, Israel

In this episode, we continue our adventures in Israel and discuss a day trip we took to Jerusalem. We started in Old Town and made our way through the Jaffa Gate to the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and many other spots. We also explore the shops in nearby Alrov Mamilla including a much needed stop for some great ice cream. Our day ended with a quick trip to have dinner with a friend near Gaza where we got a guided tour of his village including all the shelters in case we heard any sirens. What an experience!

Episode 3: Northern Israel Bus Tour

In this episode, we continue our exploration of Israel with a captivating guided bus tour along the Mediterranean coast of Northern Israel. The tour commenced in Tel Aviv and traced the breathtaking coastline, unfolding a fascinating tapestry of historical sites. Our first stop was the ancient city of Caesarea, followed by the vibrant city of Haifa. Next on our itinerary was the enchanting city of Akko (Acre), known for its rich cultural heritage. Lastly, we ventured to the mesmerizing grottoes of Rosh Hanikra, nestled along the Israeli and Lebanese border. Immerse yourself in the spellbinding beauty of the Israeli coast through the captivating Northern Israel Bus Tour pics available on the Destinations page. Enjoy!

Episode 2: Tel Aviv, Israel

In this episode, we talk about a recent trip that took us halfway around the world to Israel. Israel is so full of interesting places to see that we will be dedicating the next few episodes to all the different places we visited while in Israel, starting with this episode focused on Tel Aviv.

Tel Aviv is a bustling metropolitan city situated on the south-eastern Mediterranean shores. It boasts a variety of city, beach and historical sites and affords easy entry into and out of Israel. Download or stream this podcast episode on Tel Aviv to learn about the sites, sounds and tastes we experienced in Tel Aviv. For more of the sites, please visit the Israel picture gallery of our Destinations page.

Episode 1: Welcome to Pure Life Podcast

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Pure Life Podcast, your dose of all things travel, food and leisure. In this episode, we introduce our hosts and give you a feel for who they are, how they met and what inspires them to explore. We also break down the origins of Pure Life, or Pura Vida – where it comes from and what it means to us. Finally, we give you a taste of what’s to come throughout each episode.