Food and travel seem to go hand in hand.  There is almost always memories that are associated with food and when travel is involved its almost inevitable. How often do we find ourselves remembering some great times and also saying "hey remember that amazing meal we had."

This got me thinking; I've had some of the best food of my life while I have been traveling. I'm constantly wishing I either had access to those amazing meals or how I could recreate it here in Rhode Island. Well the later is often difficult so here is the question I have for you; where would you travel for food? 

Since deciding to write this post I  have been thinking (drooling) about all the amazing food I've tasted in different parts of North and Central America.

What foods will make this list? Lets read on shall we...

Conch Fritters-Key West, FL 

I've visited Key West a handful of times and without fail I have to stop at the Hogs Breath. While this dive-like bar might not have a dress code they do make some amazing conch fritters.  What is a conch fritter you ask?  Conch, pronounced /ˈkɒŋk/ are sea snails. Snails? Did I really just say I love snails? Yep, I'm pretty sure I did, only when battered and deep fried.  They are delicious. For those of you in New England I would compare them to a clam cake.

Shake Shack Burger and Fries-New York City 

This might be the only item on my list that is actually doable to visit on a semi-regular basis. On my last visit to New York City, the Shake Shack was recommended by fellow travel bloggers. We stopped, we ate, we fell in love. Our must order when arriving was the Shack burger. Which is a cheeseburger covered in shack sauce, lettuce, and tomato. We also decided to indulge in cheese fries, which were deliciously covered in Shack cheddar and American cheese.  Amazing isn't even the word, thank you New York City.

Beer Battered Brown Bag Fish and Chips-Prince Edward Island

This may seem like I'm cheating on Rhode Island but I've gotta tell you, I've had some of the best fish and chips while visiting PEI. These are not traditional fish and chips. For starters the portion size was actually appropriate and they actually contained fish! After stopping at Gahan House in Charlottetown, I was hooked and preceded to order fish and chips on the rest of my tour of Halifax and St. John.  The fish is ridiculously fresh and there is just something about them arriving to your table in a brown bag that makes it all the better. Although trying to order sour cream with my fries made for some strange looks. (I think that's only a Lindsay thing)

Beavertails-Montreal 

Beavertails is a place where you can get dough-boys or in Canada Beavertails. These are the typical Rhode Island dough-boys  these are long, beaver tail shaped fried dough.  What makes these really unique is the toppings that are added to it. My personal favorite is a Beavertail with Nutella. The next best thing is a Beavertail with Nutella and bananas. It really doesn't get much better than that. Of course this can be duplicated here in Rhode Island but its just not the same.

Empanada's-Costa Rica

While I may be making an assumption here because Costa Rica is the only Hispanic country that I have visited but what they are doing with their Empanada's is amazing. After visiting Costa Rica this summer it was hands down the best food that I have ever tasted. If unfamiliar with Empanada's they are friend dough that is stuffed with meats and cheeses. Of if you prefer just cheese. My favorite is chicken and cheese. I also have to throw coffee into the mix in Costa Rica, second to Columbia they have the best coffee, I was lucky enough to bring some back and not a day goes by that I don't wish I had some more.

So are you getting hungry yet? I'm starving and this was starting to remind me of a Travel Channel show. Well nonetheless its fun to go down food memory lane and pinpoint some of your best meals and or snacks. What are some of yours? Sharing is caring so happy eating!

My Initial Thoughts

When I first entered the country was this place is straight up the Latino Philippines. From the house shacks to the crazy ass driving (saw three guys straddled on roadster motor cycle from the 80s today) to eve some of the food. Also a bit more expensive then originally thought even at the sodas etc in certain cities. Except for the landscape my god the hills craters mountains it feels sometimes like im in Avatar (no I don't remember the planets name sorry the story line sucked) or dragon ball Z just crazy mind blowing land. Of course these are just initial thoughts things change.

BackPackers

Just chattin' with some fellow backpackers

So one of the best parts of hostels is socializing with people from around the world. A couple of things I noticed way more girls especially from Europe strange even stranger or disturbing they know more about US politics and real news then most of us do. Met a guy from Holland smart savvy know exactly what going on in US and Europe. Met a girl from Germany and was asking me about the Israel pm visiting congress, certain lobbyist groups in the US etc. Now I knew what she was talking about but seriously doubt many Americans know about that or really get it or research it. I was amazed at how smart and informed these people are and they have nothing invested in it!

Even a Tico girl new so much about the North America trade agreement and so on. Every American I met here is just like back home just want to party or buy stuff talk about trending things this and that. Which almost made me think fuck it maybe we deserve whatever Palin, the Koch Brothers or just being screwed by corporations. If we don't care why should we if others countries citizens spend more time thinking about the important things that really matter in America. Do we deserve the classic American lifestyle and is that one of the reasons the American dream is eroding before my eyes. Just glad I could meet regular people who are not activists or political junkies that still get it, gives me hope. also they still are making sure they are informed about their own country.

Climbing down over 1000 stairs to the waterfall...
definitely need to be in shape to hang in this country!

Now this is an experience not a sweeping accusation I know people care in the US. US Uncut just started perfect example but its not enough. My point in all this is their is something to be learned about actively caring whats going on in the world and always looking to make it better for ALL OF US.

FYI warning

One thing I have learned really quickly is if you see all these pictures and think Ive got to go. Make sure you are in good shape and by that I don't mean be skinny or an athlete. Typically most places your going to miles and miles everyday. Then after all the walking for food fun drink etc then the activities hikes, canopy tours, cave tours you name it all of it takes endurance. I have been so since the second day I got here and I don't see that changing at all. Don't get me wrong out of shape people can come here but you either going to take a taxi everywhere all day and not do half the activities. On the other hand you can spend a crap load of money and stay at an all inclusive resort and have the most unauthentic time possible.

Tico Party

So last night we went to this bar saw a awesome cover band playing everything from Pink Floyd to Muse which was fucking awesome. Then things really got good mosh pit broke out I ran up in of course as soon as I saw a little shove. After it got going good I noticed that these girls were getting like a 5 foot head start and running in taking out people then would go out again. Well one of these crazy little Ticas took me and someone else out. I remember going up in the air then of course right before my head and back hit the ground 6 people grabbed me and threw back in... Fuck Yeah.

Saw this badass band & partied with locals til sunrise!

Then we got invited to a Tica's house for a party. We were the only non locals there. I am not going to go down to dirty details and ill leave it to your imagination but trust it was fucking crazy until sun up. I could not trade those conversations that night for anything not a zipline or massage etc. There is something so beautiful about people coming together to passionately get to know each others and their culture. You can just feel the energy and then at the end you all say your goodbyes give your hugs then on the next one. Traveling can be truly bittersweet sometimes but such is the cost of living life to the fullest.

And I Even Got
Derek To Give His Input:

All-in-all, I was unimpressed with Costa Rica. I guess I just had seen all the scenery before and felt like a lamb being led to slaughter amongst all the tourists. That and the fact locals quadruples the prices to foreigners. Gets real old real fast. Oh and the local food is bland and unappealing -- except for the ceviche of course. That and fresh fruit and eggs were at the core of my diet the entire time we were there.

But if you have never seen a volcano or hiked the jungle, if you have never experienced hot springs or tried a zipline, well then I am sure you will have a grand time in Costa Rica doing the touristy thing.

Trippin' In Puntarenas

The last full day in Costa Rica Jared and I went balls to the well and double-dipped into the world of Timothy Leary hehehehe ;) It was a daytrip and we spent it wandering around downtown Puntarenas and then out to the beach. Eventually after eating and just as we were returning back to Perla de Pacifico a huge lightning storm came in that lasted for a good six or eight hours.

Derek chattin' with Michael, owner of Perla del Pacifico

As the storm was raging all around us, Jared and I joined Michael and his wife and two Nicaraguan workers on the newly completed back pavilion. From our covered spot we had a grand old barbeque of some meat we had purchased from the local market that morning while the storm raged all around us. It was fantastic!

I tell you though, I love immersing myself in a foreign language that I hardly know and trying to communicate with someone else. The past couple weeks so much Spanish had been coming back to me (I took two years in high school but never used it since) but I tell you, trying to speak and understand a foreign language while tripping is a whole different ballgame! I pulled it off okay, but Jared definitely had a rough time. But then again he didn't take it in high school like I did.

This day and night made it for me, made he whole damn trip to Costa Rica worthwhile. And you know what? Shortly after returning home I realized I accidentally still had my front door key to the mansion. Guess that gives me an excuse to return to Puntarenas and see how Michael is doing somewhere down the road...

If you should find yourself near Arenal Volcano, I recommend that you visit the Venado Caves, which are located about a 45-min van-ride south of La Fortuna. Officially known in the cave registry under its original local Indian name, Caverna Gabinarraca (well, what has been explored so far) consists of over 2,700 meters and is believed to have been formed about 20 million years ago. Believe it or not these caves were not discovered until 1945, although it was almost 30 years later before any extensive exploration was done. Even to this day there are still unexplored portions, as you can see when you look at the close-up of the map below.

Map of the cave system. Click to enlarge.

Any of the local hostels / hotels / resorts / excursion companies can arrange it for you once you are in town. Hell, they will all be fighting for your business, so don’t waste time and money and extra fees pre-booking ANY excursions online. We booked through our hostel Arenal Backpackers Resort and paid $50/person despite hearing online that others were being charged as much as $70 each. Another blogger managed to arrange transportation both ways via pirate taxi, acquire supplies and pay their tour guide all for a grand total of $30 for his entire group. However that enterprising young chap was unable to fully enjoy his part in the expedition, as he was forced to translate for the rest of his group.

Bats, lots and lots of bats. Click to enlarge.

The drive up there is only 15 miles or so but will probably take around 45 minutes or so given the road quality towards the end. The final segment is slow going but then the home stretch is a glorified dirt rut and thus super-slow going. It is a pleasent Alajuela drive though, up through farm country and then past a couple small villages, and provides you with an opportunity to see a variety small houses and farms.

After arrival — well, technically upon signing of the waiver — you are provided with rubber boots and a hardhat with attached light. Just a forewarning: those who have a shoe size above 12 (US mens) may have some difficulty here. I am a size 13/14 depending upon the brand and only with water to help lubricate and the assistance of an employee were we finally able to force my boots on one at a time. They were painfully uncomfortable the entire expedition too, but I survived. Once everyone was suited up it was a brief hike past a field of cows and down the trail on into the valley below, where the first cave entrance lies in wait. All the while we struggled to listen as our guide described the history of the cave system. I was the first person behind our guide and as such was the only one able to catch more than the occasional word, so for this expedition try to get the guide with the loud booming voice if possible!

Upon reaching the entrance we paused to listen to the stereotypical introduction and warning spiel from our guide, as well as information on what type of creatures we could expect to see once inside. Basically this cave includes the usual spiders, bats, and bugs, but thanks to the water there is also an assortment of fish, crabs, frogs, and other small forms of aquatic life.

From the first few seconds in all the way until the end, this cave was basically non-stop amazement. I've explored a couple cave systems before but this one by far was the best! First off, they failed to mention just how much water you really see. From the start you are standing in 6-12 inches and the water level only goes up from there. Several times you are fully submerged and swimming to the next cavern. It was exciting and a lot of fun, to say the least. Definitely beat out traditional dry spelunking.

My buddy Jared got stuck, I laughed.

Guess who got stuck thirty seconds later?   Yup, me.

The whole thing took about an hour-and-a-half and included lots of waterfalls, stalactites, bats, and other interesting shit. Our guide showed us some interesting rocks that appear solid but are actually luminescent when hit with a flashlight, as well as others that sounded like metal when tapped (if only I could remember what they were called).

But there are also several crawl spaces that you need to make it through, so I will warn you with this: if you are taller than my 6'2" and/or weigh more than 200-225lbs, you probably should avoid this excursion. Even if you could make it through all the spaces, trust me, it will not be an enjoyable squeeze. I'm tall and relatively thin yet there was this one part in particular which I barely made it through.

Additionally, the caves do close periodically due to high water levels, primarily after heavy rainfalls during the wet season.

Below are a few photos from our expedition. Been spelunking before? What is your favorite cave system?

Have you been to the Venado Caves before? Know of any other hidden sights worth visiting that are nearby? Share your thoughts with the world!

Check out the map below for some of the best cities to visit in Costa Rica. Each of the markers is complete with information on what all that particular city offers.

View Places To Visit In Costa Rica in a larger map

Which one of these Costa Rican cities was your favorite and why? Tell us below!

Costa Rica's #1 Hidden Backpacker Gem Is The Perla del Pacifico

It is hands-down the country's best hostel and a must visit for any travel lover!

Located on a four-mile long sand peninsula, Puntarenas is a coastal fishing town that also supports a lot of tourism. While there we happened to stumble upon this magnificent mansion turned hostel on the northern shore, the Perla del Pacifico, my most highly recommended lodging option in all of Costa Rica. This place will shock and amaze you, instantly transporting you to a tranquil environment far from Central America -- you have to see it to believe it, there is no other way to put it.

As Puntarenas is lacking in both hostels and hotels, Perla del Pacifico is the only one you will find without having to taxi it back 30 minutes further deep into the mainland. Even more conveniently, it is located on the same block as the Calypso Cruises office and dock. Right after we came back from Tortuga Island we were able to walk 60 feet and be at our new home.

Outside on the wraparound balcony of the Perla. Click to enlarge.

Walking through the front doors you are greeted by a beautiful marble staircase that leads you either to the main level with the jacuzzi and outside courtyard, amongst other things, or upstairs to the kitchen and dining room, two guest rooms, and wrap-around balcony.

As if the house itself was not exquisite enough, it is stocked full of artwork and collectibles from all corners of the globe. This is undoubtedly due to the the owners, Michael and Elisabeth, connoisseurs of the world. Be it canvases of Audrey Hepburn, old Asian artwork, rare drawings, original pictures of Salvador Dali and his wife, or any one of a thousand other exquisite -- yet perfectly placed -- collectible pieces of artwork and sculpture, everything seems like it is in just the right spot.

Sound good? Well, it gets better. How do you become world connoisseurs? By traveling the world. And that is exactly what Michael and Elisabeth have done. From the minute we walked in the door the conversation just flowed endlessly! Michael has some of the most fantastic stories to tell, Jared and I frequently got lost in the most random yet intricate conversations with him and his wife. Regardless of whether you are a first-time traveler or cultural enthusiast, travel blogger or gap year adventurer, you will feel instantly at home here, I guarantee it. Make sure to view the many pictures below.

From the owners, Michael and Elizabeth

We - French/German artist couple - just finished restoring a historical mansion - national patrimony - that has been build in 1920 and graciously combines Venetian & Caribbean architecture. To support the project, we rent two exquisitely furnished bed rooms, each containing a modern bath room. You are going to have free use of our kitchen, dining room, salon, jacuzzi, a lovely garden with grill-pavilion and petanque-court and many other amenities of our palace.

I took way too many pictures while staying at Perla del Pacifico. This is but a fraction...

Noteworthy   I cannot stress enough how highly we recommend this place. If you are a fellow world traveler and you should find yourself in Costa Rica, I implore you to make a stop by Puntarenas, even if solely to swing by Perla del Pacifico and meet Michael and Elizabeth. The conversations alone are worth swinging out of your way to Puntarenas, we promise. You will not regret it, I assure you. I stake my name and reputation on it. Tell them Derek @ the HoliDaze sent you and you may even get a li'l extra loving ;)

Are you interested in making reservations or finding out more about the Perla del Pacifico and her fantastic hosts? Bypass the hostel booking sites and contact Michael directly via the official web site.

Also, if you are going to be in the neighborhood, read about our trip to Tortuga Island with Calypso Cruises. Their dock is located one building down from Pearla del Pacifico and its a great way to kill two birds with one stone.