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Personal Page for
Maya Franciszkiewicz

Can't seem to kick this wanderlust. I've just returned home to Toronto from a year long venture in Australia and New Zealand. I had so many wonderful experiences and I can't wait to share a few. When at home I work as a Crisis Counsellor but am trying my hand at writing. My passion for travel has taken me to South and Central America as well as all over Europe, and it will hopefully be taking me to Nepal and India this coming Fall. I am looking forward to contributing more travel experiences as well as reading others. I think it's great how travel writing is making the world accessible to everyone and bringing people together, I'm proud to be part of it. Cheers!

Contributions

Swim with Wild Dolphins in Kaikoura, New Zealand

Created on April 10, 2013 by Maya Franciszkiewicz, Writer

As the sun begins to peek over the white capped Kaikoura mountains on the horizon, you board the boat, decked out in a thermal wet suit with a snorkel in hand. You get a sense that something very unique is about to happen. Kaikoura is small but lively town nestled between the sea and the Kaikoura mountain range. It is located 2.5 hours North of Christchurch and 2 hours South of Picton on the East side of the South Island in New Zealand. Kaikoura has become a must visit destination for travelers in NZ, offering many wild-life encounter opportunities. Most famously, visitors have the once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with the native Dusky Dolphins in their natural habitat. This coastal town is also ...

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Trek Australia's Legendary Blue Mountains

Created on July 30, 2011 by Maya Franciszkiewicz, Writer

Just an hour outside of the sprawling metropolis of Sydney, Australia, one can escape for the day or a few and become absorbed in Australia's rich history while taking a trek into the panoramic Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains get their name from the blueish hue which veils the mountains year round. This is caused by oils emitted from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree which grows in the area. The oils combine with airborne dust particles and water vapors to create the mist which gives the mountains their blue appearance. For those seeking a taste of an authentic Australian outdoor experience, these mountains are a must-do, with various trekking options for day trippers and serious campers alike. One of the most popular day trails ...

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Take a Trek to the Red Beach of Santorini, Greece

Created on January 14, 2011 by Maya Franciszkiewicz, Writer

There is an air of mysticism which surrounds the Greek Islands. As the setting for some of the oldest myths, it is no surprise that there is a powerful allure drawing tourists and travellers to these majestic islands. Some of the Greek Islands have become so popular that they have lost some of their authentic appeal and become tourist hotspots filled with hotels, gift shops and tourism agencies. The beautiful Island of Santorini, though a popular destination, has somehow maintained a low-key atmosphere with traditional villages and unique, breathtaking landscapes. Aside from the spectacular sunsets over sunken volcanic islands, one must-see site is the cliff-enclosed Red Beach. Cut off by striking red cliffs, reaching the beach on foot is an adventure all on its own. ...

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Turtle Rescue on the Black Sand Beaches of Monterrico, Guatemala

Created on January 14, 2011 by Maya Franciszkiewicz, Writer

Monterrico is situated on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala about 100 miles south of Guatemala City, the country’s capital. The sprawling black sand beaches are lined with inexpensive, brightly painted hostels (a hammock on the beach can be rented for a few bucks per night) and bars. In recent years Monterrico in Guatemala has become a mecca for backpackers and adventure seekers from around the world. The beaches of Monterrico have another frequent visitor that has become a far less common sight due to the fishing industry and an increasing population with a demand for a traditional, local delicacy. Sea turtles once came to these beaches by the thousands to lay their eggs from June to October. Sea turtle eggs are harvested along both the ...

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St. Peter's Basilica

Created on October 08, 2010 by Maya Franciszkiewicz, Writer

Visit the most prominent building in the Vatican City.

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Marvel at Gaudi's Masterpiece, the Stunning Sagrada Família Cathedral

Created on December 01, 2009 by Maya Franciszkiewicz, Writer

It is virtually impossible to visit the vibrant, art-infused city of Barcelona and not be drawn into the captivating world of Gaudi (Antoni Gaudi i Cornet), the creator of Spain's most famed monument: La Sagrada Familia. Your first taste of the historical significance held by this man and his work will be the hundreds of miniature replicas of La Sagrada familia, which are crammed onto shelves of the gift shops lining the main street of Barcelona: La Rambla. Apart from every hostel and hotel offering a “Gaudi Tour,” there were also the more in-depth and (dare I say more accurate) historical Sagrada Familia tours for those willing to spend a bit more for a museum-quality tour dedicated to Gaudi. You should be able to find ...

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The Mayan Ruins of Tikal, Guatemala: The Largest Archaeological Site in Central America

Created on August 20, 2009 by Maya Franciszkiewicz, Writer

Lying in the heart of the jungle region of Peten, in Northern Guatemala, Tikal offers a mystical journey into Mesoamerican history to the time of the great Mayan civilization. Tikal is the largest known archaeological site in Central America, spanning sixteen kilometers squared, and it contains some three thousand structures, most of which still lie uncovered in the dense jungle. Tikal became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, and has since become a national park and popular destination for travellers. At the heart of Tikal National Park, which spans about 570 square kilometers, is the Tikal epicenter which archaeologists have discovered was the capital of the most powerful Mayan state. The site dates back as early as the 4th Century B.C. but archaeological evidence ...

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maya is located in Woodbridge, Canada

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