Let a gentle ocean breeze wash over you, peruse exquisite boutiques in town, or simply soak up the sun 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. Anything you can imagine, and anything related to relaxation, is waiting for you on the charming and isolated island of Nantucket. Nantucket is brimming with adventure and excitement in an atmosphere all its own, so hope aboard the ferry and set out for an actively invigorating getaway to this popular Massachusetts destination.

It is impossible to overstate the beauty of the pristine and stunning beaches that line the shore of this quaint little island. The sparkling stretches of sand along the north shore, including Children’s Beach, Dionis Beach, and Jetties Beach, are the perfect place for family-oriented excursion since they are protected by Nantucket Sound and generally have few waves. Swimming, shelling, and sunbathing are all available near the water in addition to sandcastle building competitions and Fourth of July fireworks at Jetties Beach and a playground at Children’s Beach.

In contrast to the relative calm of the north, the rest of Nantucket’s shoreline is susceptible to pounding surf and strong currents. The south and eastern shores, which feature Miacomet Beach, Cisco Beach, Surfside Beach, and Siasconset Beach, are particularly dangerous since the Atlantic’s waves flood into this area. Depending on the conditions, swimming is sometimes possible, but wading is usually a better bet along with surfing at Cisco Beach. On the western shore, Madaket Beach has very heavy surf along its lengthy banks and is the best place on the island to soak up a vibrant and breathtaking sunset.

Although the numerous public beaches cater to different crowds, the local attractions offer the perfect blend of history and ambiance to leave every visitor satisfied with their experience. Outdoor enthusiasts simply cannot miss a jaunt around the island on a harbor cruise that also features a lobstering demonstration, a popular pastime off the Massachusetts coast. Even more adventure awaits at the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, whose complex ecosystem is perfect for appreciating the great outdoors. Featuring miles of hiking trails, acres of maritime dunes and forest, and extensive white sand beaches, visitors can catch a glimpse of various wildlife, including egrets, osprey, harbor seals, and much more, or visit the historic Great Point Lighthouse.

With its rich history as the whaling capital of the world during the 1800s, a stop by the Whaling Museum is always in order during your stay on Nantucket. The awe-inspiring 43-foot skeleton of a finback whale is sure to delight children, while adults can certainly appreciate the paintings, portraits, and collection of scrimshaw in addition to the daily lectures, chock-full of colorful history, on the whaling industry. If the history of the island appeals to your senses, or you simply need to fill a rainy day, the Nantucket Life Saving Museum, with its stories of heroism, is always inspirational, and the Egan Maritime Foundation Museum offers interesting insight into the traditions, architecture, and history of Nantucket.

Since moving to Mexico, I have been struggling with something I never, in my wildest imaginings, thought would be an issue in living in Mexico. No, it was not the language, the culture, the food, the people, or all things Mexican. Don’t get me wrong. I have had to adjust to Mexico. Everybody does. But, what gave me, gives me, and will probably continue to give me fits is something that might surprise you:

Other gringos!

In my first book, The Plain Truth About Living in Mexico, I touched on this subject. I have written about this subject in various print and online publications. I write about it from time to time in my column with The American Chronicle. I feel bringing it up again is the proverbial “beating a dead horse” since I’ve written about it so often.

But, good God Miss Molly, I just cannot believe my eyes and ears when I have to deal with the American expat community at large as well as with the one in Guanajuato where my wife and I live. Furthermore, I can scarcely hold back what has happened in the city of Guanajuato proper. I’ve been predicting this for the past four years in my writing.

A little background: When we moved to the central Mexican town of Guanajuato, in the state of Guanajuato, there were maybe 150-200 gringos living in the city we chose as our expatriation home. This was lovely. In the midst of about 175,000 Mexicans, the gringos would be swallowed up and would make what happened in San Miguel de Allende impossible.

San Miguel de Allende is an artsy-fartsy town about an hour away from us. Gringos, mostly rich American ones, have bought the town. They are now the owners of a central Mexican town. You go there as a tourist and think, “Oh my God, what wonderful architecture and quaint little streets.” Then the light of day shines on you when you see American gringos, in their full profanity-laden Texan drawl, cursing out some Mexican vendor or chasing a beggar (I witnessed this) for daring to ask her for a peso.

How a genuine central Mexican town changed hands from the Mexican’s into the gringo’s is another story. Frankly, it is a long and tragic one. I outline the history in an up-and-coming manuscript entitled, An American Expat in Mexico’s Heartland: Essays The Good, The Bad, The Ugly. Watch for it in a bookstore near you.

Anyway, if you don’t want to wait for my book to see what happened to San Miguel de Allende to change it, you can find outright by coming to the city in which I live. Right now, as my trembling fingers type these words, and as I wipe the tears from my eyes (and I mean this…this is no joke), my adopted Mexican town of Guanajuato is transforming into an Americanized and Gentrified Gringo Enclave. The plans are set. The wheels have been set into motion. The gringos have some cultural officials in the town in the palms of their hands, and the next San Miguel de Allende is here. Meet Guanajuato--the New San Miguel!

In case you are not in the “Oh, let’s all move to Mexico Expatriation Movement” loop, here is what it is all about:

For one reason or another, Americans are leaving the old Red, White, and Blue to the tune of about 300,000 people a year. Most end up moving to Mexico. Some move here because they see the handwriting on the wall that they will not be able to afford to retire in the States. I get that. Point granted. The modern 21st century American is moving to Mexico for financial reasons. Life has become too hard in America, financially. And, it is cheaper to live here if you try to live as much as possible as a Mexican and not an American. Want to live like a rich American in Mexico? It will cost you through the nose.

But, when Americans move here, for the most part they never cut the strings to America. They come here wanting to live as they did in America. When they find there’s this funny-sounding language called Spanish being spoken, they flip their ever-loving expatriate wigs. In addition, they suddenly find that Mexico is indeed a strange, and sometimes unforgiving, place with all manner of things one has to adjust to. There are not American brands available everywhere (unfortunately that’s changing). There is not always phone service or home Internet service available. And, you have to order your drinking water from some kid in the alley screaming “Water!” at eight in the morning.

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is the city of lights, dazzling and sparkling with life, spirit, and festivity. From a small trading center and port community, it has grown to be the economic capital of Thailand. It has become of the major tourist attraction spots and earns large revenue for the country.

Recently it has been in the news for the wrong reasons, because of the coup. But this has not stopped the tourists thronging the place. It is still one of the favorite visiting spots for them. Be it the sight of motorized rickshaws plying through the streets, or orange robe-clad monks, or elephants sauntering on congested roads, Bangkok offers you a myriad of diverse experiences.

If you are a food freak, you need to saunter on the roads to be pleasantly greeted by the aroma of delicious Thai food wafting from roadside food stalls. If you are a person of aesthetic and spiritual nature, then you must visit some of the major attractions of the place. To name one of them, you can visit Grand Palace, which is famous for the beautiful emerald Buddha, the oldest and largest Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

But, if you are on a shopping spree, then you must visit the weekend market selling a wide range of Thai handicrafts and household accessories, and many more. The beauty of Bangkok cannot be just penned down within a few words. It is worth the visit to experience the grandeur and the spirituality of the place.

Although I have yet to visit the United States the following are my top 7 man made attractions I must see when I get the chance.

Number One:-

The Capital - Washington D.C. Although this is not one attraction is it the many important monuments that I would like to visit. Including the White House of course - seat of the most powerful man in the world (despite not always being the most intelligent!), the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials as well as the Vietnam Memorial. Each one of these on there own would be worth a visit the fact they are in walking distance of each other is a bonus. Also I would pop into the Smithsonian and the other fine museums on offer.

Number Two:-

The Statue of Liberty - New York. Perhaps more for what is represents rather than for being a great piece of art. As one of the great symbols of freedom the statute of liberty is one of those places you must go to say you have been there - even if they no longer let anyone climb up the internal staircase.

Number Three:-

Disneyland - Florida. (also known as Walt Disney World).

This is self explanatory. From what I've read and heard from others a fun time for the whole family. The Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney MGM studios each would be worth a visit alone. That fact all three are right next to each other is a bonus. While there a visit to Florida beaches would be a great stop and if the timing right watching a liftoff from the Cape Canaveral would be a once in a lifetime experience.

Number Four:-

Universal Studios - Orlando, Florida or L.A. California. Either would be good. Again when it comes to theme parks I hear the ones in the U.S.A. are simply unbeatable. When any company invests ten's of millions on one ride, then thats a ride I want to take.

Number Five:-

San Antonio - Worth a visit to see the Alamo. I've watched that many movie versions it might be nice to visit the real place. San Antonio itself at night with the canals would also be worth a cruise, it looks very pretty.

Number Six:-

Viva Las Vegas - Nevada. Where else can you see Egypt, New York, Paris, Caesars Palace, and Treasure Island all in one place, as well as loose the shirt off your back. Previously regarded for gambling alone, Las Vegas has had billions poured into it to make it home to some of the largest hotels, come entertainment facilities. The fact that many of these are theme just adds to the excitement.

The following is my list of the top seven natural wonders of the U.S.A. Although I have yet to visit any - these are the top seven I want to visit.

Number One:

Niagara Falls. Three large waterfalls falling 61 meters with large amounts of water pouring over. A must see. The power of the water, the sound, the mist, the boat ride, the romance.

Number Two:

The Grand Canyon. Whether you believe it took millions of years or whether you believe its an obvious result of a great flood, its become irrelevant when you see the scale. The facts and figures as well as the photos look impressive. I'm sure in the flesh words do it no justice.

Number Three:

Yosemite National Park. The View of El Capitan the worlds largest piece of exposed granite alone would be worth the visit. The rivers, streams and animals just add to the beauty.

Number Four:

Redwood National Park. Having seen the beautiful Redwoods in Rotorua, New Zealand which are just over 100 years old, how much better to see ones over a thousand. The size and beauty of these trees is only bettered by having them all in one place creating the perfect cool environment with lots of fresh air. Living up to 2000 years old and reaching 105 meters in height is all impressive, but it is their width that really inspires.

Number Five:

Yellowstone National Park. I love Geothermal Wonders and Yellowstone has plenty over 10,000 hot springs and geysers. Throw in trees and a swim in hot pools and I'm in heaven. Seeing Bison in their natural setting would also be a reminder of America's past. Watching a bear - from a very safe distance - would also be a treat.