Gate 1 – Carey & Donna's Travel Site

Sri Lanka – January/February 2023

Sri Lanka Independence Day Parade – Feb. 4, 2023

Donna and I embarked on a Gate 1 journey to Sri Lanka, accompanied by a group of five other travelers. Our guide Richard led us on a tour of the majority of the island, including several notable attractions. One such highlight was the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya, which required a climb of 1200 steps to get to the top. We also explored Polonnaruwa, a variety of temples, and a botanical garden. During our trip, we even managed to spot a leopard in Yala National Park and engage in a discussion with a Buddhist Monk. Our tour concluded with a trip to Galle Fort and a visit to a turtle hatchery.

Climbing the stairs at Sirigiya – a UNESCO World Heritage site

Mexico Trip – December 2022

Above – Video Clip – Entertainment on the Trajinera Boat at Mexico’s Xochimilco Canals

During a Gate 1 adventure, my friend Doug Borrett and I embarked on a journey from Mexico to Cancun to discover the rich history of the Olmec, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations, as well as their pyramids. Our itinerary included visits to several museums, temples, and churches, where we received detailed explanations from our archeologist tour guide, Julie Miller. Accompanied by 22 other travelers, we formed a cohesive group, enjoying each other’s company and engaging in meaningful discussions. We returned home just in time for Christmas, enriched by a fascinating and educational experience.

Click here to read the complete Trip Report

Riding on a Trajinera Boat at Mexico’s Xochimilco Canals

Uganda Safari – November 2022

Donna and I embarked on a thrilling Ugandan safari adventure with Gate 1, accompanied by a group of 13 individuals and three seasoned tour guides: Chris, Paul, and Enoch. Our expedition featured a mix of land and water-based safaris, but the absolute highlight was trekking through the jungle to photograph gorillas in their natural habitat. Along the way, we also had the opportunity to explore Murchinson Falls and visit the Batwa Pygmy village, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. After our safari journey, we extended our trip for an additional day in New York City, where we visited Rockefeller Center and Times Square before sharing a delightful lunch with our grandson Aydan.