Curiosities, Quirky Tidbits, Travel Hacks

EXPERIENCES

Visit One of the World’s Only Petrified Waterfalls

For thousands of years, water has percolated through the porous limestone at Hierve el Agua (“boiling water”), Mexico, calcifying over a mountain’s edge to create twin petrified waterfalls.

These large white stalactites “flow” over the cliffside, almost reaching the bottom of the narrow, forested valley floor below.

The phenomenon is so rare that it’s found in only one other place in the world: Pamukkale, Turkey.

The journey was part of the adventure in my case. My driver took me from the colonial city of Morelia in Oaxaca, past ancient petroglyphs and miles of agave plantations. Forty miles of scrubland and 90 minutes later, I finally arrived at Hierve el Agua.

Though it’s a well-known site for locals, tourists are more scant in this isolated region.

The road leads to an easy trail, from which you can reach several natural pools with mineral-rich turquoise waters, two artificial swimming pools, and changing rooms. One of the man-made pools, resting on a cliff, overlooks distant mountains.

Despite its name suggesting otherwise, the water at Hierve el Agua is cool, making for a delightful respite on a hot, sunny day.

A quick climb up a set of stairs brought me to the star of the show: the larger of the two waterfalls, the cascada grande, dropping nearly 200 feet.

For an even better view, you can hike to it. The 1.6 mile trek takes about 40 minutes, but be aware: the path is steep and can be challenging in the heat.

You can visit Hierve el Agua any time of the year. High season is between November and April, when the days are cool.

If you go in the summer, you’ll encounter fewer people… but I advise getting an early start to avoid the heat.

Rates vary depending on season, though you should expect to pay no more than a few bucks for entry. Access to swimming pools and changing facilities is included in the fee. —Wendy Justice

CURIOSITIES

Is This Sword the Real-Life Excalibur?

It’s one of the world’s most famous stories: a young King Arthur drawing the blade Excalibur from stone, marking him as the long-fabled ruler of England.

It’s a great tale, but I see your Excalibur and I raise you the real life story of the sword of Saint Galgano.

It’s the 12th century. War courses through Italy as city states squabble for power. There are plenty of battles for young knight Galgano Guidotti to fight… and even more war spoils to win.

The legend goes that one day the angel Michael appeared before the knight, demanding he cast aside his earthly belongings and devote his life to God. Galgano scoffed, saying that he’d have an easier time driving his sword through solid rock.

To prove his point, he plunged the blade into a boulder atop a hill outside of Chiusdino… and the weapon cut clean through the rock. Galgano was thus convinced to retreat to a life of religious solitude.

The sword, now housed at the 13th-century Capella di San Galgano a Montesiepi in Siena, does in fact date back to the 12th century… adding a level of credibility to the tall tale.

Visit the ruins of the Abbey of San Galgano to see where the sword was once buried before heading to the chapel to see it in the flesh. Fair warning: You won’t be able to do your best King Arthur impression, as the sword and stone are now encased in glass.

But that might be for the best, as the sword isn’t the only historical relic on site. Also on display are a pair of mummified hands, rumored to be that of a would-be thief who once tried to steal the blade.—John Wallace

Around the World in Stocking Stuffers

Add international flair to your holiday festivities this year by stuffing your loved ones’ stockings with surprises from distant cultures. The following are gift ideas from some of my favorite countries:

France: Delight the francophile in your life by gifting a travel-sized bottle of cologne, perfume, or French soap. Peruse Provençal scents from rose to lavender to verbena at Pré de Provence.

Italy: Consider gifting uniquely shaped pasta, artisanal olive oil, or torrone, the traditional Italian Christmas nougat made from egg whites, honey, and toasted nuts. Find authentic Italian treats at Eataly… or, for a more elevated gift, pick up some Venetian glass jewelry.

Japan: With patterned origami paper and step-by-step instructions, you can fold your way to zen with this beginner kit. Or, swap your usual Christmas treats for a snack box of Japanese desserts and green tea sets, available at Sakura.

Mexico: Seek out handcrafted Talavera pottery, spicy salsas, or embroidered textiles, such as handwoven bracelets or pouches, on Etsy. This margarita cocktail kit on Etsy is also sure to be a winner.

Peru: Add a touch of Andean culture to your wardrobe with artisan-made alpaca fiber socks, beanies, scarves, and more at Campo Alpaca. The best part: your purchase will help support a scholarship program for girls in Cusco.

Sweden: Browse Swedish chocolates and create your own snack box online at Swedish Candy Store. Don’t forget to include a few varieties of Knäckebröd, a crispy bread made from rye flour.

Turkey: Indulge in Turkish saffron, prized for its anti-inflammatory properties and versatility in savory and sweet dishes alike. Harvested by hand in the Safranbolu district of Turkey, it’s one of the most expensive spices in the world… but affordable in small, stocking stuffer-size quantities. —Kristin Wilson

EXPERIENCES

Experience Sound Like Never Before in the Costa Rican Jungle

Sound healing is an ancient practice that originated with Australian didgeridoos (a wind instrument) and Tibetan singing bowls… and one you’ve likely experienced, if you’ve ever listened to soothing instrumental music during a yoga session.

A hot trend in health and wellness—some claim that the resonance of certain sounds can promote relaxation—it’s especially popular in my home of Costa Rica. I recently attended a private sound journey with twenty fellow women, followed by farm-to-table French dining, at the La Senda wellness center.

La Senda sits on 74 acres of forest in Guanacaste, Costa Rica and is home to the world’s largest labyrinth, consisting of some 5,000 cacti.

We began with a walking meditation through the labyrinth before heading to the air-conditioned “Dome,” a room intended for meditation retreats. Here, the fractal ceiling soars overhead, and windows offer a glimpse into the surrounding forest.

We laid on our yoga mats while a guide used unique instruments, like crystal bowls, to create a resonant, relaxing soundtrack to our meditation. I became calm as the sounds of the indoors and outdoors merged, the thunder outside crashing with the first touch of the crystal bowl. Afterward, I felt rested and restored.

Earlier that day, a local French chef picked ingredients from La Senda’s on-site organic gardens to prepare our three-course dinner. We spent the rest of our evening indoors, safe and cozy from the storm. We laughed over brightly-colored vegetable purees, chicken breast, and cashew cheese, capped with a decadent lava cake and wine. The meal was light and fresh, and I relaxed further into the evening.

Even if you’re doubtful about sound healing, the beauty of the surroundings, the cozy camaraderie, and delicious eats make it a worthwhile experience.

The event runs from November to July and is open to the public once a month. La Senda is easy to reach—only a 15-minute drive from Playa Tamarindo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. —Bekah Bottone