Sport climbers from all over the world are heading to Kalymnos to take on its challenging topography. Rock climbing in Kalymnos has changed the tourism sphere here completely. Kalymnos has been named as one of the world’s best rock climbing locations, and it’s easy to see why by just looking up at the monumental limestone crags that cover the island.

Kalymnos hosts the annual North Face Kalymnos Climbing Festival. This three-day event draws in international professional climbers competing for prize money and climbing gear. But you don’t have to be an expert to try sport climbing for yourself. Even if you haven’t practiced on a climbing wall before, Kalymnos is the perfect place for beginners to learn. There are more than 2,000 bolted routes to take, with most of them located near the town of Massouri. Make sure to take lessons with a certified instructor. We recommend Simon Montmory, a French-born mountaineer and professional rock climber. He and his wife Myriam Caissy have years of experience. They loved the climbing here so much they decided to make Kalymnos their home. Simon and Myriam are among the few local guides that offer beginner’s level courses. For information or reservations, visit their Website or E-mail: kalymnos.climbing@gmail.com.

Learning the Basics

For anyone interested in rock climbing in Kalymnos, it is necessary to bring the “climbing Bible,” A.K.A. Rock Climbing Kalymnos Guidebook. This 360-page book is written by professional climber, Aris Theodoropoulos.

Aris and Katie Theodoropoulos

Along with others, Theodoropoulos bolted many of the 1,000+ routes featured in his book. Theodoropoulos is renown in the climbing world for his valuable contributions to the sport and in helping Kalymnos become one of the world’s leading climbing destinations.

Taking in the View of Telendos Island

With all the recent media attention focused on Kalymnos, many of the locals seem puzzled as to why people come to the island just to climb. In the meantime they are thrilled to see Kalymnos coming back to life again in the midst of an economic crisis. Some even enjoy observing the climbers… from a distance.

Climbing inside Grande Grotta

For more information about Greece, check out our our Blog Posts and Videos.

I would like to give a special thank you to ScotteVest Travel Clothing for helping make this trip possible. I would also like to thank Spiros Kipreos Rent a Car for their support.

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1. Delphi

The Delphi Sanctuary is perhaps one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece. It is where the Oracle of Delphi lived and prophesized about the future of the world. It was also home to many temples dedicated to the cults of Apollo and Athena.

Ancient Greeks believed that the Delphi was the navel of the universe, or the Omphalos. They held festivals and athletic games in honor of Apollo, which is why they built a theater and stadium, both of which can still be seen. The Delphi Archaeological Museum is a must-visit while on the site. It contains impressive important artifacts uncovered at Delphi. When hunger pains strike, head into town and have lunch at Epikouros Taverna in Delphi Town.

2. Sounion

This sleepy town, just 40 miles from Athens, has some of the most beautiful sunsets in Greece (pictured above.) And there is no better place to catch the sunset than from Sounion’s biggest attraction, the Temple of Poseidon (god of the sea). The Temple of Poseidon looks out over Cape Sounion like a sentinel. According to Greek mythology, Cape Sounion is where Aegeus, king of Athens, leapt to his death after believing his son Theseus had been killed by the Minotaur. Before leaving for Crete to battle the beast, Theseus promised his father that he would return with a white sail on his ship if he indeed had survived, but Theseus forgot about his promise and returned with a black sail instead.

The sad story of King Aegeus is where the Aegean Sea got its name. The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is surrounded by water on three sides and has a phenomenal sunset. Afterwards, have a satisfying dinner at one of the local fish tavernas along the highway.

3. Ancient Corinth

Ancient Corinth, or Corinthos, is located near the modern town of Corinth on a narrow stretch of land joining Peloponnesus to mainland Greece. In classical times, Corinth was a powerful city-state that rivaled Athens in wealth. Corinth was situated along a major trade route, had two major ports and even minted its own coins.

Corinth is mentioned several times in the New Testament of the Bible as a place visited by Paul the Apostle. The New Testament also contains Paul’s two letters to the Corinthians. Nowadays, Ancient Corinth is an archaeological site with a small museum. It’s most prominent structure is the Temple of Apollo.

4. Theater of Epidavros

Epidavros was a small city of Ancient Greece known as the birthplace of Asklepius, healer god and son of Apollo. Citizens from all over the Greek world came to Epidavros in hopes of being cured of their ailments and sicknesses – it was believed that a night in the asclepeion of Epidavros would help them find a cure.

With plenty of visitors came an influx of money, which the people decided to use to build one of the best theaters of the ancient world. The Theater of Epidavros is a shining example of acoustic quality. Over 2,000 years later, it is still used for performances.

5. Ancient Mycenaea

The Mycenaean civilization (1,600 B.C. – 1,100 B.C.) predates the Archaic (800 B.C. – 480 B.C.) and Hellenistic, or Classical period (323 B.C. – 31 B.C.) of Greece. The ancient Mycenaeans conquered the Minoans and established themselves in cities around mainland Greece and Crete. Their Bronze-Age society was hierarchical – made up of the powerful ruling class and the common workers.

Sites like Ancient Mycenaea show that the Mycenaeans constructed fortified palaces on hilltops. They also built several types of houses, with the smallest belonging to the people of the lowest classes.

The city of Athens contains spectacular monuments of the Ancient Greek world, but their influence extended far beyond the city-state, which makes it worthwhile to venture out into other parts of Attica and Peloponnese. These 5 day trips from Athens are a great introduction to the unique world of the Greeks, and hopefully will whet your appetite for more historical sites around the country.

A special thanks to ScotteVest Travel Clothing, Avanti Rent-A-Car and the Athens Tourism Board  for their support.

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We’ve compiled our top 5 restaurants of Rhodes. Some are fancier than others, but all do great justice to the long-standing culinary traditions of the island.

Dinoris

This upscale restaurant, nestled in Rhodes Old Town, is situated in an old stable house used by the Knights of Saint John. Owned and operated by the Dinoris family for over 20 years, this charming restaurant serves up tasty salads, seafood platters, fresh fish and scrumptious desserts. Owner Stratos has recently “passed the torch” to his daughter Dimitra and her son George in hopes of keeping the family legacy alive (although you may find him hanging around from time to time.)

Freshest fish in Rhodes Old Town

Why we love it: Framed photos of international celebrities that have dined here, including actor Anthony Hopkins, adorn the walls.

Info: Platia Mousiou, Rhodes Old Town

Price range: € 45 – €65 per person

Mavrikos

Award winning and elegant, Mavrikos is conveniently located in the main plateia (square) of Lindos town, next to the taxi station. With beautiful ocean views and charming archways, the restaurant is both welcoming and tranquil. Don’t settle for tourist fare – instead head to Mavrikos for creative cuisine. This family restaurant has earned praise and recognition for its delicate dishes and super-fresh ingredients. Tell them David Hoffmann sent you! This is definitely one of the top restaurants in Rhodes, and arguably in the Dodecanese as well.

Smoked cheese and tomato salad

Why we love it: Mavrikos is a great escape from the crowded streets of Lindos town, plus the bulgur with minced octopus dish is to die for!

Info: Main Square, Lindos town

Price range: €13 – €26 per person (main dishes)

Mimakos

Perched high on a hill in Afantou village is Mimakos – a large, charismatic taverna well suited for large groups or families with young children. Named after its charming owner, Mimakos serves up good old-fashioned home-cooked meze like moussaka, mushrooms with feta cheese and zucchini fritters. All recipes are well-guarded family secrets. Dine outside to enjoy the breeze and do order a pitcher of the house wine to wash it all down.

Meze, anyone?

Why we love it: Mimakos hosts Greek nights. Local dancers perform to traditional Greek songs. Call ahead to make sure you reserve a table on a show night. Oh, and the smoked sausage with honey sauce is delicious (pictured above.)

Info: Kilometer 18 Rhodes-Lindos Highway, just before the Lindos Golf Course

Price range: €10 – €15 per person

Ta Kioupia

Master chef Mixalis Koubiatis shows off his creations at this upscale restaurant tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trap eateries in Rhodes Old Town. Traditional with a twist is the theme of the food. This isn’t a laid back taverna, instead it’s a gourmet journey through Greek cuisine. Chef Koubiatis is the recipient of many distinguished awards for his reinvention of Greek dishes, so be prepared for slightly higher than average prices. Good balance of seafood and meat dishes. Dinner reservations are recommended.

Outside of Ta Kioupia

Why we love it: Guests can choose their food selections from a very tempting platter.

Info: Menekleous, 22 Rhodes Old Town

Price range: €25 – €50 per person

To Nissaki

Not every good restaurant is a fancy one. To Nissaki means “little island,” which refers to the small peninsula the restaurant is sitting on. Surrounded by crystalline waters, To Nissaki is a quaint, family-owned fish taverna that doesn’t need gimmicks to convince you of the quality of the food. It’s been around since 1954. The fish is fresh, the seafood is perfectly cooked and the prices are inexpensive. This no-fuss restaurant has tons of character, a scenic location and is very family-friendly.

Lunch by the sea

Why we love it: Traditional seafood meze like fried calamari and Symi shrimp, as well as a killer tzatziki sauce.

Info: Old port, Kolymbia

Price range: €8 – €15 per person, or €60 for a seafood platter for two

Whenever you see this, you know it's going to be good!

So there you have our top 5 restaurants in Rhodes, each with its own distinct charm and specialty dishes. Rhodes is a wonderful place for experiencing the gastronomic diversity of the iconic Greek islands. The ingredients haven’t changed much over the course of history, but it takes talented, dedicated people to bring the food culture to life. If you haven’t been to Rhodes yet, put it on your list. Your stomach will be glad you did.

I would like to thank my sponsor ScotteVest, as well as the Kolymbia Bay Art Hotel and the participating restaurants for graciously hosting me during my trip.

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I’ve been here for about a week now and have had the opportunity to explore the island’s diverse landscape, distinct culture and learn about its unique history. Although our Davidsbeenhere Rhodes Guide will contain all the nitty gritty, I’ve compiled my own top 5 list for Rhodes for you to get a taste of what this amazing island has in store for you!

5. Emponas and Siana

The traditional villages of Emponas and Siana are a must for foodies. Emponas is considered to be the wine capital of Rhodes. Surrounded by lush vineyards, Emponas is home to family-owned wineries that have opened their doors to visitors for tastings.

Kounaki Winery

Swirl and sip your way through Emponas at any winery that catches your eye. We recommend Kounaki, Alexandris and Merkouris. Each winery creates their signature blends using age-old techniques. The best part? You can buy bottles of your favorite wines. With an average price of €10 a bottle, what’s not to love? Head down the road and you’ll encounter Siana – the “honey village.” Park your car and walk down the main street to sample the local honeys. Like in Emponas, there is no pressure to buy, but you’ll certainly want to take a small jar of nature’s candy home with you.

One of the more popular flavors

4. Acropolis of Lindos

Sitting pretty along the eastern coast of Rhodes is the town of Lindos. A hillside of whitewashed houses culminates at the acropolis. This fortified complex was first constructed in the 4^th century B.C., but later strengthened and expanded by the Knights of St. John.

Lindos Acropolis from the highway

If you don’t feel like walking up to the acropolis, it’s €5 to take a donkey to the entrance. The panoramic views of Lindos town and the Aegean Sea are worth the bumpy ride.

Inside the Lindos Acropolis

Once you’re done exploring the acropolis, head down to the main square where the taxi station is to dine at one of the island’s award-winning restaurants, Mavrikos. Tell them David Hoffmann of Davidsbeenhere sent you!

3. Seven Springs

Nature lovers: this is the place for you! Rhodes is full of surprises. Just when you think there are only rocky cliffs and pebble beaches, you’ll find yourself in a cool, shaded forest crisscrossed by flowing streams.

Seven Springs

Epta Piges, or Seven Springs, is a patch of forest containing freshwater springs and a taverna restaurant bearing the same name. Park at the entrance by the highway and take the gravel path down to the stream. A ten-minute walk through a narrow tunnel will transport you to a placid lake. Bring water shoes or rubber flip-flops so you don’t miss the tunnel. It’s a one of a kind experience!

The lake at the end of the tunnel

2. Go to the Beach

Like all the Greek isles, Rhodes has plenty of gorgeous beaches to enjoy. Faliraki, Kolymbia, Tsampika, Afandou and Lindos each have crystal-clear water and amenities such as sun beds and restrooms.

Kolymbia Beach

A favorite among kite and wind surfers is Prasonisi Beach. This impressively large beach is unique in that both Mediterranean and Aegean Seas surround it. Strong winds make the Aegean side choppier – and where the pros go to practice their skills. Even if you don’t wind or kite surf, head down to Prasonisi anyway to watch the people who do. On any given day there are dozens of adrenaline junkies putting on a show for landlubbers.

Windsurfers at Prasonisi Beach

1. Rhodes Old Town

Beginning is 1309, the Knights of St. John, also known as the Knights Templar, took control of Rhodes. For the following 200 years they built, expanded upon and protected their island home. Their most amazing achievement was the walled city they created at the northern tip of the island. This medieval town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the island’s biggest tourist attraction.

The Knights Road in Rhodes Old Town

Rhodes Old Town is one of the largest medieval towns in Europe and is truly a site to behold. Majestic walls, an opulent Grand Master’s Palace and dramatic gates make Rhodes Old Town hauntingly beautiful. The walled city is a fascinating place – shops, cafés, restaurants, museums, monuments, squares, churches and private residences all coexist within the stone fortifications.

Traces of the Ottoman Period in Rhodes Old Town

When hunger strikes, head to Dinoris Restaurant in Museum Square for some of the best seafood on the island. Venture out of the old town into the port area to see where one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Colossus of Rhodes, once stood. It was built by the famed sculptor Chares, and stood over 30 meters high at the entrance to the harbor where it stood for 60 years. An earthquake brought the titan statue down in 226 B.C.

A special thanks to my sponsor, ScotteVest Travel Clothing and the Markopoulos Group of Hotels for hosting us during our stay in Rhodes.

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Davidsbeenhere recently visited Sant Sadurni d’Anoia – a small town in the Penedès region of Catalonia known for being the epicenter of cava production. Located just a short drive from Barcelona, Sant Sadurni d’Anoia is a charming town with excellent bodegas and fantastic restaurants. On our cava wine tour, we stopped at Codorníu, Colomer and Freixenet. While each has a distinct product, all are equally delicious.

Watch a re-cap of our visit here:

Codorníu, which is the oldest of the three, is the oldest family business in Spain.

The bodega is situated on a sprawling lush property and features beautiful modernist buildings that reflect the family’s entrepreneurial spirit. A tour of the old bodega reveals giant wooden barrels and antique machinery.

Colomer is a family-owned business that has been around since 1943.

Choosing quality over quantity, its mission has always been to cater to the local community. Colomer’s award-winning cavas are crisp and rival those produced by any of the larger bodegas in the area. When you’re there, you’re treated like family.

La Cava d’en Sergi is undoubtedly the best lunch spot in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia.

Known as the best restaurant in town, Chef Sergi Torres takes diners on a culinary ride through his vision of Catalan fusion food. The service is excellent, the venue is bright and airy, and the menu changes with the seasons. It’s a must!

Freixenet put cava on the map for Americans and Eastern Europeans alike.

They sell over 100 million bottles a year, with sales peaking during the Christmas season. Their underground network of tunnels is both extensive and impressive – something I have never seen! You’ll need to take a small train to get from one end to another. Freixenet is undoubtedly the world’s most popular cava brand and one of the best tours I’ve had the pleasure of taking.

So if you grow tired of bustling Barcelona, make the short drive or take the train to Sant Sadurni d’Anoia for the ultimate cava wine tour experience. You’ll leave with a greater knowledge and deeper respect about the cava-making process and what it means for the culture of the region. And don’t forget to tell them that David Hoffmann of Davidsbeenhere sent you!

¡Salud!

I would like to give a special thanks to ScotteVest Travel Clothing and Sixt Rent a Car.

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If I had my way, I would cruise around the Greek isles for months on end without a care in the world. But as with all places Davidsbeenhere covers, travel guides and videos must be created, so without any further ado, here’s what I’ll be up to for the next month or so.

Athens (8 days)

• First three days experiencing old town sights and schmoozing with the likes of the mayor of Athens. We will be   participating in Travel Trade Athens  – an event organized by the city of Athens tourism board  and the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA)
• Five extra days to explore more of Athens and for day trips to some of the surrounding areas
• Hotels: O&B Boutique Hotel, St. George Boutique Hotel

Rhodes (7 days)

• Exploring wineries, beaches and ancient sites, also celebrating Greek Easter with my wife’s cousins’ cousins. It will be a real treat to celebrate it with family… hope they have enough kokoretsi for me!
• Day trip to  Symi
• Hotel: Kolymbia Bay Art

Kos  (4 days)

• Taking in the old town sights and archaeological treasures like the  Asclepion
• Hotel:  Aqua Blu Hotel

Kalymnos  (4 days)

• Discovering the natural beauty of this little island that is known for its sponge divers and world famous rock climbing
• Hotel:  Kalydna Island Hotel

Santorini (5 days)

• Really looking forward to this island’s iconic blue and white landscape and world renown sunsets.
• Fira, Oia and wineries, oh my!
• Hotel: Aqua Vista Hotel Villa

Thanks to the generosity of the Greek government, Davidsbeenhere will have unrestricted access to archaeological sites and monuments including Mycenae, Corinth, Nemea, the Epidauros, Sounion, Thebes and Delphi, all in order to create the highest quality footage and get the most up-to-date info for guides.

If you’ve traveled to this incredible country, please share your knowledge, tips and experience with us! Or if you have any useful links, please share. Until the next time, yia sou!

I would like to give a special thanks to Travel Trade Athens, Markopoulos Hotel Group and my sponsor, ScotteVest Travel Clothing.

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For months, I have been waiting for this moment. Now that it’s six days away, I am more excited than ever! My wife and I have decided to pack up everything we own and move Davidsbeenhere to Barcelona for 15 months.

It has been a dream of mine for a while now to move to Europe for easier travel to other countries. Coming back across the pond each time we left the U.S. was beginning to be a hassle. Davidsbeenhere will be based out of Barcelona, but we are actually covering several countries during our time abroad, including Eastern Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia. Some of our upcoming destinations are Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria and Rwanda, just to name a few. After the wedding and the chaos that was wedding planning, we are finally getting closer to the big move.

Parc Guell in Barcelona

An upgrade of equipment was a must! I have switched out my iPhone 4, Steadicam Smoothee and Nikon P-7100 for a Canon 6D, which will make Davidsbeenhere films and photos better than ever. I have also been working closely with ScotteVest and Drobo – two amazing companies – to make this venture possible.

My new toy

Five reasons why we chose Barcelona:

1. It’s central (direct flights to most destinations in Europe and proximity to hubs like London and Dubai for travel to Africa and Asia)

2. We speak Spanish, so that’s a plus

3. The food in Spain is just ridiculously good!

4. With so much art and history, Barcelona is a wonder in itself

5. We are on a mission to make 2013 the best year ever for Davidsbeenhere

In addition to the DBH City Guides we will be creating, some of our upcoming projects include a Barcelona restaurants book, documentary-style travel episodes and an exciting new travel planning service where I help others create their dream trips. As we always do, we try to bring our customers the best hotels, restaurants  and things to do in each city we visit. You can be sure that our guides will be packed with comprehensive descriptions, local travel tips and vital information for travelers.

So that pretty much wraps up the big news! Stay tuned for updates, new releases and tons of travel inspiration. As always, thank you for the continued support, your comments and suggestions.

Sincerely,

David Hoffmann

Cheers to 2013!

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This is your chance to win one of these Ah-mazing Drobo Storage devices for FREE! The  Drobo Mini is small, yet has as much power as its big brother, Drobo 5D. The Drobo Mini is lightweight, portable, and has a sleek design. Translation: it’s perfect for traveling or sitting pretty beside your desktop computer or laptop. I have traveled with my Drobo Mini to Mexico and plan to take it with me to several other countries this year. I was very pleased it hasn’t attracted unwanted TSA searches, nor was it bulky or heavy. Now you have the opportunity to get your own!

My Drobo Mini in Riviera Maya, Mexico

Entering to win your Drobo Mini is easy as 1-2-3. Here’s what you have to do:

1. TWEET! Holler at me via Twitter (@Davidsbeenhere) in response to the question, Why do you want a #Drobo to protect your data? Your tweet must include #Drobo. (Example: “I need a reliable data storage device #Drobo”)
2. RETWEET the short link to this blog post: http://bit.ly/XeMt8F
3. Do steps 1 and 2 BEFORE Wednesday April 3^rd, 2013.

Don’t think you need a Drobo? Read my Drobo Mini product review HERE.

Terms & Conditions:

Sponsor: Davidsbeenhere.com & Drobo

Prizes:  Drobo Mini (Retail value:$649) awarded once on <April 3, 2013> after the winner has accepted. 

Eligibility: The contest is open to all legal residents of the United States of America 18 years or older. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  Employees of Drobo and their immediate family members, as well as individuals living in the same household as employees, are ineligible. The winner may be requested to sign an Affidavit and Release to claim a prize at the request of the Sponsor. This contest is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. By participating in this contest, entrants agree to these official contest rules. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Contest Period: The contest runs from March 27- April 3, 2013. Drobo will direct message the winner in Twitter on April 3 to obtain the information needed to deliver the prize. This information includes, but is not limited to their first and last name, email address and complete mailing address (street address, city, state and ZIP code—no P.O. boxes). The winner will then be given (24 hours) to respond to the direct message with complete delivery information. Once Drobo receives and verifies this information, Drobo will announce the contest winner via an announcement on the Drobo Facebook Page and by tweets through the Drobo Twitter account. 

Entry: Participants may enter the contest by fully tweeting their response to, “Why do you want a #Drobo to protect your data?” on Drobo’s Twitter page. Then, participants must retweet the link to the blog post announcing this contest. Click here to access the blog post. Participants must complete all steps to be eligible to win.  There is an entry limit of one unique entry per participant.

General Considerations: If the Drobo Mini cannot be delivered to the winner, due to his or her location, or by any prohibition of the selected prize under state, county or city code or ordinance, then the awarding of the prize shall be null and void, and we will select an alternate winner.  No monetary or other prize award shall be made in lieu of Drobo being unable to deliver the prize.  No substitutions, cash equivalents, or transfers of the prize are permitted. The winner is responsible for the payment of all applicable taxes and transfer fees.  Entry constitutes permission to use the winner’s name (first name, initial and last name, city, state) on Drobo’s websites and social platforms or otherwise, and in any statements about the contest for publication purposes, without additional compensation.

Privacy: Drobo reserves all rights, in its sole discretion, to use all information for promotional purposes in the future. See Drobo Privacy Policy.

Limitation of Liability: Drobo is not responsible for printing or typographical errors in any contest-related materials; stolen, lost, late, misdirected, damaged, incomplete, or illegible entries; any use or misuse of the prize; or transactions that are processed late or incorrectly or are lost due to computer or electronic malfunction.  Drobo reserves the right to cancel or modify the contest if fraud or technical failures compromise the integrity of contest as determined by Drobo in its sole discretion, or for any other reason, with or without prior written notice.

Disputes:  All disputes arising out of the contest shall be resolved only in the federal and state courts of Santa Clara, Calif., USA and all participants waive any rights or objections to the jurisdiction or venue of such courts.

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Since starting my company in 2007, I have had to save my photos, footage and information somewhere other than my computer. In the past, I have used Western Digital Passports and Lacie Rugged drives. Although small and convenient for traveling, I had some unfortunate hard drive failures. What happened to my Dominican Republic footage you ask? Well, let’s just say all I have left of that trip are sunny memories.

I have also used a Lacie RAID drive for storage in my office, but it has also failed on me and once the space is full, you must replace it with another. I had heard about Drobo from several photographers and fellow travel bloggers. I did some research and learned that Drobo is the only digital storage device in the world that allows you to store your data and expand it anytime you want. Basically, Drobo is a smart digital storage device that makes it almost impossible to lose your data. Naturally, I was intrigued.

My first Drobo NAS

In 2012, I purchased a Drobo B800fs to consolidate my data into one machine, replacing my inefficient (and horribly labeled) stacks of rugged drives. I found it extremely easy to use with my i-Mac computer. Last summer, one of my hard drives failed and instead of losing my content, my Drobo SAN saved the day. I was able to order a hard drive from the internet and replace it one week later without losing a minute of footage.

My first Drobo

How Drobo works

The Drobo B800fs hooks up easily to any computer port and you can use any size (storage capacity) drive you need. Each Drobo model takes a different number of drives, depending on what you are storing. Drobos are a convenient and reliable way to access your information at any time. The Drobo B800fs is particularly user friendly. Once I have filled up each of the drives in my Drobo, all I do is simply replace the drive with the least capacity with a larger one. None of my information will be affected because Drobo is smart enough to save it until I insert a drive with more space. This is exactly the same technology it uses if one of the hard drives happen to fail – it spreads and saves the data throughout the remaining drives until I can replace the defective one.

Where the magic happens

Drobo calls this unique technology BeyondRAIDä. This “protected state” is what attracts thousands of loyal customers to the Drobo brand. Protected data storage is a huge technology concern with the SAN or NAS systems, but Drobo protects your data. Nobody likes losing data. Other traditional RAID products become permanently debilitated once they fail.

My newest addition

I recently got a Drobo Mini because I wanted to have a way to save my work while traveling. I take a lot of pictures and video, plus I amass a hefty load of contacts and press kit materials from various companies, so it is vital that my data is secure no matter where I am in the world. The best thing about a Drobo Mini is its size! It fits into a backpack or carry-on suitcase and unlike some of my equipment, doesn’t trigger annoying TSA searches. Drobo Mini is a NAS or SAN but in a compact data storage form.

The Drobo Mini is small and so easy to travel with!

____________________________________________________________________________________

Q&A with Mario Blandini, VP of Marketing for Drobo

1. Why is DROBO different than other digital data storage devices out there?

Protection from hard drive failure is what sets RAID systems apart from basic external hard drives.  Today’s digital media (your photos, memories) are very valuable, and protecting the first copy is very important.  Drobo is different than other RAID systems by being much easier to use while also having the most powerful and sophisticated storage protection available; anyone who knows traffic signals can manage a Drobo.

2. Why did DROBO decide to create the Mini?

>250,000 customers have been using Drobo storage systems since 2007, with the unique benefit of mixing and matching any capacity 3.5in hard drives for their centralized workstation or network storage.  Those users asked Drobo to bring that same technology to a portable array they could take with them while traveling, so we created Drobo Mini around 2.5in drives and portability, while including the latest high-speed thunderbolt and USB 3.0 connections.

3. Who could benefit from having a DROBO Mini?

Anyone that is creating a lot of media or memories will want to protect those files. Most laptops / ultrabooks have a very small local drive that is not protected.  Drobo Mini allows anyone to store and edit all of their files with assurance their data is protected, and easily take everything with them wherever they go.

At the beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico

 __________________________________________________________________________

Drobo is for EVERYONE

The truth is that any and every professional who has important data to store can benefit from owning a Drobo. The Drobo Mini is a convenient (and space-saving) machine ideal for a variety of things. Doctors, lawyers, photographers, bloggers, producers and journalists are just a handful of people that could benefit from owning a Drobo Mini.

Tips for using the Drobo Mini

• Purchase high capacity drives the first time around so that you won’t run out of space too quickly
• Use a Thunderbolt port to transfer data whenever possible – it’s super fast!
• For frequent travelers like myself, getting the Drobo Mini carrying case will keep it protected (available most places Drobos are sold)
• If you value your data as much as I do, get a second Drobo Mini as a precaution

Summary of my Drobo review

Drobo has significantly helped to streamline my data storage and retrieval process. For travel industry professionals like myself, it makes data storage easy, not to mention the constant peace of mind one gets from knowing that Drobo is hard at work keeping all their data safe and secure.

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Best Day with the Family: Xel-Ha

Xel-Ha is an expansive outdoor aquarium that will have everyone in the family entertained. Xel-Ha’s all-inclusive entrance fee covers meals, drinks and access to over 20 activities including inner tube floating, cave diving and zip lining. Xel-Ha is surrounded by lush jungle and dotted with natural lagoons. Exotic fish, birds and plants can be seen from Xel-Ha’s network of boardwalks. Dive into the cenotes, feed the resident Coati or float down a lazy river at your leisure. Visitors can also pre-book optional activities like swimming with dolphins, massages or a Snuba Tour. Xel-Ha is fun for everyone! http://www.xelha.com/

Best Dining Experience: Yaxche

Situated along Playa del Carmen’s effervescent La Quinta Avenida is the illustrious Yaxche Restaurant. Mayan cooking techniques, regional ingredients and a passion for conserving a living culture has made Yaxche a leader in modern Mayan gastronomy. Here, diners have the opportunity to sample age-old Mayan recipes in a beautiful, contemporary space. http://www.mayacuisine.com/

Best Hotel: Le Reve

Le Reve Hotel and Spa is ideally located just a 10-minute drive from Playa del Carmen, but boasts a quiet, romantic ambiance that is perfect for newlyweds and those seeking a little tranquility. This gorgeous boutique hotel features a white sand beach, al fresco dining and plenty of comfy nooks to catch up on some R&R. http://hotellereve.com/

Best Cultural Experience: Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Mayan culture is closely tied to nature, and the best place to learn about past and present Mayan culture is at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Visitors are led through ancient jungle paths to see the Mayan Temples of Muyil and learn about the area’s native plants and animals. Other tour options include floating and snorkeling in the canals and bird watching. http://www.siankaantours.org/en

Best Spa: Maroma by Orient Express

Maroma is a true oasis – a place where the blend of nature and architecture captivates you at every turn. What better way to let your stress melt away than with a luxury spa treatment in Maroma’s Kinan Spa? This world-renown spa is just what the doctor ordered…really. Kinan Spa has a seasoned staff of medical, fitness, beauty and homeopathic specialists ready to repair, restore and refresh you back to life. The Kinan Spa is the recipient of many prestigious awards including the ‘Best Spa in Mexico’ by Conde Nast Travel in 2011. http://www.maromahotel.com/web/ocan/kinan_spa_caribbean.jsp

Best Shopping: Road to Coba

The main road to/from Coba Archaeological Site has the best local crafts for sale in the Riviera Maya. Unlike the cheesy souvenir shops along La Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen, the crafts sold along the Coba road are authentic and significantly cheaper. Dream catchers, woven baskets, ceramics, masks and lamps are just a few of the items available for sale along this road. Tip: Bring cash and be ready to bargain with the vendors, although you probably will not find these handmade items cheaper anywhere else.

Best Day Trip: Tulum

The Tulum Archeological Site is the Riviera Maya’s top attraction. This ancient Mayan port city is situated on a pristine white sand beach and features the incredible ruins left behind by an elitist Mayan society. Tulum, which means “walled city” is exactly that – a fortress designed to keep high society in and the laborers out. Tulum is the best day trip of the Riviera Maya because one could really spend an entire day here discovering the temples, then taking a refreshing dip in the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Best Overall Experience: Snorkeling at Akumal Beach

Okay, we’ve already covered the best in dining and adventure, but there’s one experience that stands out above all others, and is what makes it the BEST overall experience in the Riviera Maya… Snorkeling with sea turtles at Akumal Beach! For guests of the Akumal Hotel Caribe, Akumal Beach becomes their temporary backyard. This stunning natural harbor is teeming with life. Here, several species of sea turtle come to feed on the nutrient-rich grass that grows along the sea bed. Non-guests of the hotel can also come to discover this natural phenomenon for themselves. The Akumal Dive Center is located feet from the water’s edge and offers guided snorkeling tours and equipment rentals to make sure you won’t leave without seeing the turtles, rays and Akumal’s many other reef residents.

The reason why snorkeling in Akumal Beach is the best overall experience in the Riviera Maya is that is shows us that natural beauty is everywhere, even if we do not realize it’s there.

I would like to give a special Thank You to the Riviera Maya Tourism Board and my sponsor, ScotteVest Travel Clothing. Also a big thanks to: La Reve Hotel, Maroma by Orient Express, Akumal Hotel Caribe, Yaxche Restaurant and Xel-Ha for providing complimentary services and hosting us during our stay.

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