Welcome to J.S. Whaldo
From Europe’s ancient cities to San Diego’s sun-soaked sidewalks, I write about travel, everyday life, and the stories that live in between. You won’t find influencer gloss or clickbait lists here — just honest reflections, meaningful details, and the occasional link to a great stay or meal, shared simply to help fellow travelers.
This blog is part adventure log, part personal essay collection, and part love letter to the unexpected. If you’ve ever had a trip go sideways, felt the tug of a well-worn path, or paused mid-dog walk to marvel at something small — you’ll feel right at home.
Want more? Start with a story:
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Falling in Love with Costa Rica: Our First Visit and the Wild Journey That Hooked Us
My husband and I sat down on a shaded log for a water and snack break, watching their antics for a while. These mischievous little thieves were clearly here for a reason...
Hikers came and went, and those who stopped to jump in the water would lay down their backpacks and leave them unattended. No one worried about theft, at least not from people. But the monkeys? They were watching.
These clever little monkeys would watch the people, and as soon as someone went swimming, the monkeys would dart down, inspect the bag, and, if possible, open it. Some of them even knew how to work zippers!
By the time the swimmer noticed, the monkeys had already snatched what they could and taken off, just as the person came running up the beach.