dcglobejotters

Travel. Explore. Experience. Repeat.

Granada: Passing with Flying Colors

My love affair with Central America began nearly fifteen years ago during a wonderful trip to Guatemala with my best friend, Amy. Since then, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to return to this amazing region many times…

travhillingglobejottersFebruary 2, 2016July 7, 2018 Central America, Granada Nicaragua 2 Comments

Bora, Brazil!

We absolutely loved Brazil. Okay, I know. I say this a lot. And it’s true. There are very few places that we’ve traveled to that I haven’t loved. But seriously, we really really loved Brazil. And how could we not? Vibrant.…

travhillingglobejottersJanuary 11, 2016July 29, 2017 Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, South America 3 Comments

You’re a Real Gem, Ireland. A Real Emerald Gem.

Ireland was really never on our travel radar. Sure, we had heard it was beautiful and green. People who have been to Ireland always like to say how green the countryside is, don’t they? Well now we have become those…

travhillingglobejottersJanuary 3, 2016April 4, 2017 Ireland 1 Comment

Don’t Stop Belizeing

Belize you me we loved us some Belize. Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself–way too easy. And yes. More Belize puns are coming. Our trip to Belize was unlike most of our trips in that we stayed in one place the entire…

travhillingglobejottersDecember 31, 2015May 20, 2017 Ambergris Caye, Belize, Central America 5 Comments

Bora Bora: Go Big or Go Home

April 2015 was a big month for the Hill’s. Not only did it mark our ten year wedding anniversary, but it also commemorated T’s fortieth birthday. Oh. And we impulsively decided to move from our Maryland townhouse back into D.C. and…

travhillingglobejottersDecember 26, 2015May 21, 2017 Bora Bora 3 Comments

Brussels: The Way to Our Hearts is Through Our Stomachs

Food and beer lovers, rejoice! Belgium is an epicure’s and beer enthusiast’s dream. Moules, frites, waffles, chocolate, beer, and so much more. I seriously think I gained ten pounds in less than a week while traveling around Belgium. I just couldn’t…

travhillingglobejottersDecember 23, 2015May 20, 2017 Brussels Food Drink, Europe 2 Comments

Prague: But You’re, Like, Really Pretty

After spending ten days traveling throughout Turkey, Prague was a welcomed reprieve from our exhausting itinerary. Make no mistake: we absolutely loved Turkey and it still remains one of our top three destinations ever (and I don’t make that claim…

travhillingglobejottersDecember 23, 2015November 2, 2016 Czech Republic, Europe, Prague 1 Comment

I Need a Spa Day. Actually, I’ll Take Five.

Beautiful, beautiful Bali. Have I mentioned that it’s beautiful? Bali is one of our all-time favorite destinations and trips. I have zero shame in admitting that I booked our trip to Bali, particularly focusing on Ubud, largely because of my love (okay,…

travhillingglobejottersDecember 21, 2015March 24, 2016 Bali Massages 4 Comments

Welcome! My name is JoAnn and I have lived with my husband Thalamus in Washington, DC for over 20 years. I am the author of the books Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, DC Scavenger, and Unique Eats and Eateries of Washington, DC (scheduled to release in April 2024).

I’ve written extensively about DC’s hidden histories and peculiarities, active pursuits, and vibrant food and drink scenes. My passion for food and adventure has led me to sharing stories and tips that satiate the hungry enthusiast and inspire the curious traveler. When I’m not writing, you will find me teaching fitness classes, enjoying a night at the theater, and exploring as much of the world as I possibly can.

Together with my husband, we’ve traveled to 59 countries and 47 U.S. states. We’ve smoked honey-dipped cigars in the tobacco fields of Cuba. We’ve belted out karaoke tunes with Japanese businessmen in Japan. We’ve slept in the frigid temperatures of the Sahara Desert. We’ve basked in the phenomenal splendor of the Northern Lights in Iceland. We’ve danced in the streets of India while celebrating the union of friends. We’ve hiked the verdant coffee fields nestled in the Andes Mountains in Colombia. We’ve swam alongside manta rays in the crystal blue waters of Bora Bora and nurse sharks in the diverse and vibrant reef system of Belize. We’ve marveled at extraordinary wildlife roaming the vast and varied landscapes of South Africa and Tanzania. We’ve been humbled by the sheer sight of ancient wonders like Machu Picchu in Peru, Petra in Jordan, and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. We’ve learned what it feels like to be weightless in the Dead Sea, paddle the exhilarating rapids of Idaho and Wyoming, surf in Costa Rica, practice the dance-like martial art of Capoeira in Brazil, and venture deep into the caves of Honduras.

We’ve been captivated by Whirling Dervishes in Turkey, tango dancers in Argentina, bagpipe players in Scotland, and opera singers in the Czech Republic. We’ve learned how to whip up chocolate truffles in Belgium, harvest rice in the lush fields of Bali, and cook delicious meals in a tagine in Morocco. We’ve discovered that heaven on Earth truly does exist while watching the sun set upon the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, the magic landscapes of the Amalfi Coast, and the expansive beaches of Nicaragua. We’ve hiked, biked, kayaked, and snorkeled our way across the United States, including 24 U.S. National Parks, Alaska, and Hawaii. And we continue to love and cherish every glorious minute of it.

Anywhere that seems interesting, unique, and/or beautiful is surely on our forever-growing traveling list. Whether from my backyard in our nation’s capital or across the world, I’m thrilled to be sharing travel and dining tips with all of you.

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”

-Eleanor Roosevelt