The Sarasota-area TCC Chapter kicked off 2026 with a presentation by Washington, D.C. based member Olivia Carter-Pokras. Olivia spoke about a trip a month prior that she and her husband, Bob, took to Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. She shared what they learned about traveling in the Guianas, with especially helpful advice on using local companies, understanding visa policies, exploring local cuisine, and tips on visiting Kaieteur Falls. Olivia also talked about the region’s natural attractions, particularly birds, as she is a self-described “tranquilo birder.” In addition, she shared practical travel tips and explained how, as an epidemiologist, she researches medical concerns when planning international travel.
Our next meeting is on Thursday March 12, at noon at Popi’s IV in Ellenton. Bob and Cindy Collins will present on their trip visiting the remote islands of the Pacific. This includes Tuvalu, Nauru, Kiribati (they can explain how it is pronounced as it is not like it looks!), Micronesia, Niue, and Marshall Islands. Lots of remote islands here, some on the island hopper, some reached by less convenient routes. RSVP to amandatd@yahoo.com.
