The Adventurer Guru

Romeo Durscher - Director of Education for DJI 

I found it fitting to call my friend Romeo Durscher, The Adventurer Guru, for good reason.

Romeo has traveled the world many times over from far away places, like Vietnam, China, Europe, Russia and South Korea. 

I met Romeo on Facebook, during his employment with NASA, technical specialist with Little SDO, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory keeping a close eye on the solar activity of our Sun.  Romeo was also a big part of STEM, encouraging kids to pursue a career related to Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics. 

Romeo - The Adventure Guru - photo credit Romeo Durscher

Most recently, Romeo has taken on another adventure, as Educational Director for DJI Global, operated and owned by Frank Wang since 2006.

Within a month, his first excursion took him across the world to DJI main headquarters, in Shenzhen, Guangdong, province of China.  And not long after, Romeo was taking on the worldly adventure deep within the jungles of Vietnam.

You most likely saw Romeo's adventure on Good Morning America with host Ginger Zee, chief meteorologist at ABC News. As a matter of fact, when I wrote this article, Romeo had just spent the last seven days deep within the biggest cave in the world, mastering his skills and representing DJI Drone Global.

Part of the ABC Good Morning America with@ginger_zee and team @djiglobal with @ferdinandwolf 

Not only Romeo, but a team of experts embarked on a wild ride with a  Russian M-17 helicopter, trekking across the vast jungle, deep into the heart of the Sơn Đoòng Cave.

Read Romeo's Daily Journal.

The Russian  Mi-17 Helicopter - Wild Ride - Photo Credit : Romeo Durscher

Sơn Đoòng Cave quickly became famous world-wide, not only because it was just recently discovered in 2009, but, so far, it's classified as  the biggest cave, located in Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Bố Trạch District, Quảng Bình Province, Vietnam. 

Sơn Đoòng Cave - Photo Credit Romeo Durscher/ Ferdinand Wolf

Sơn Đoòng Cave reaches depths of 200 metres high, stretching over 5 kilometres in length and a remarkable 150 metres wide.*

Vietnam - Photo Credit Romeo Durscher

It was indeed an adventure, as said by Romeo himself,"

My Dear Friends,

30 minutes ago we landed on our Mi-17 helicopter and are now out of the jungle and now at Oxalis Adventure. 

I am sitting here eating a steak, stinking like I spent the last seven days in a cave...wait a minute...

For the next few days you will be hearing a lot about my two trips to Son Doong, a hidden wonder world !  This was an amazing project and we all wrote a little bit of history by live broadcasting from deep inside the jungle, with drones providing aerial views.

The entire ABC and DJI team worked wonders to make this happen.  And we had the help of the most amazing local people..."

Romeo also adds at the end,"...during the live broadcast...a storm was about to hit and interrupt our cons to New York twice."

Twitter was humming with activity,

 @JRobbMontana: Awesome @romeoch: The view  @DJIGlobal Inspire 1 inside the Sơn Đoòng Cave in Vietnam with @GMA - "Beam of Light”

And

@JRobbMontana: Very cool @romeoch @GMA: .@Ginger_Zee drones explore cave Vietnam jungle#HiddenWorldsGMA ”

Indeed, Romeo has sparked interest throughout his Twitter, Facebook, About me and Instagram accounts as the Director of Education for DJI, the world's leading drone company DJI Global. 

Photo Credit : Romeo Durscher 

Best way to describe Mr. Romeo Durscher? 

He's a kindhearted American, Swiss born bachelor from San Jose, California, devoted to his career and friends. 

Romeo (truly an avid adventurer) it was a no-brainier, when his long time friend, Mark Johnson introduced him to the DJI drones, filling their thirst for technology and exploring the vast outdoors throughout Europe, United States and Mexico. Before you knew it, their rapid growth of expertise in the field of drones was inevitable. 

Romeo Durscher and Mark Johnson - Visual-Aerials

Closer to home they were scouting the California countryside with this remarkable flying machine.  As quoted by DJI, "...it's the most advanced technology, comes together in an easy to use, all-in-one flying platform that empowers you to create the unforgettable."

Mark and Romeo quickly set up their own website, Visual Aerials, educating prospective drone pilots at the Adobe Photoshop World Las Vegas, September 3, 2014. 

Panorama View of Las Vegas highlighting The Wynn and Encore Las Vegas - Credit Photo Visual Aerials

With my interest in the film industry, it wasn't long before I met Romeo's Mark Johnson myself,(Principal Creative Chief Officer with Visual Law Group and Principal at Fat Monster Films).

Before you know it, I too was following their adventures throughout the social media, sharing their astounding photos on my Facebook Page, Vegas Reviews, a Vegas Lovers paradise of tips and photos. 

Romeo is certainly the right candidate as Director of Education for DJI. You can follow him on Twitter @romeoch, along with @DJIGlobal and Instagram.

And be sure his amazing Daily Journal!

In conclusion. I'm so grateful for my friends Romeo Durscher and Mark Johnson.

By Bari Demers

Resources: 

DJI Global

Good Morning America, ABC

Visual Aerials

Sơn Đoòng Cave - Wikipedia 

Vegas Reviews

Screenwriter Bari Demers

Romeo's Daily Journal

Wordpress

  

Turtle Mountain, Vernon,B.C.

This is my home, Vernon,B.C. in the Okanagan Valley.  

Top of Turtle Mountain, Vernon B.C. by Bari Demers

The photo you see is on top of Turtle Mountain, where my childhood dreams would come alive. 

As you can see, the rich green orchards are a striking contrast to the original native desert habitat which once covered the Okanagan.  The Vernon area became a cattlemen's paradise, because of its vast ocean of grasslands.

Prefect for raising cattle.  

Believe it or not, but Turtle Mountain played an important historical role in making Vernon the city it is today. 

Grey Canal Trail Sign by Bari Demers

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND  

In the late 1800's a Scottish King, Lord Aberdeen and his Lady came to Canada. Their first visit from Scotland was mostly spent in the eastern Maritimes, but eventually they travel west, discovering Vernon, British Columbia.  

Lord Aberdeen

It was here the distinguished aristocrats fell in love with the Okanagan Valley.  Wasn't long after, they bought the Coldstream Ranch in 1890, settling in Canada once and for all. 

Owning Coldstream Ranch, cattle became its main resource of income, until one day, the Scottish King became interested in growing fruit orchards.   

Okanagan Cowboys and Ranchers of Okeefe Ranch  - Photo taken by Bari Demers at Okeefe Ranch

But he had a problem.

How were they going to bring the water to grow the orchards? 

In order to have fruit orchards, they need lots of water.  There was plenty of water around, like the vast 135 km ( 70 miles) long Okanagan Lake, including the once glacier feed turquoise Kalamaka,
 "Lake of many Colours" and Swan Lake to the North.

Northside of Turtle Mountain - Overlooking Swan Lake by Bari Demers

But, back then they didn't have electricity to operate pumps.  They had to rely on a gravity system, where water would flow downwards.  

After much thought, he convinced his fellow ranchers, like his friend Cornelius O'Keefe, to start building large wooden troughs, known as the Grey and South canals. Ironically, with all the water around them, they decided their best choice of water was from the high lakes above in  Monashee Mountains to the east. 

Northside of Canal Trail by Bari Demers

Interesting enough, it was Cornelius O'Keefe who convinced settlers to come to the Okanagan in the first place.  The tough Irishman was also responsible for the postal service, which ran a stagecoach (BC Express Stage Lines) from Cache Creek, along the dirt road from Fort Kamloops to O'Keefe Ranch.*

Historical Okeefe Ranch, Vernon B.C. - Picture by Okeefe Ranch - Photo taken by Bari Demers

This expensive project of building the Grey and South canals, started in 1905, costing a staggering $423,000.  In those early days, that kind of money would be equal to 4 million today.  

The water was carried down the Monashee Mountains, through the Coldstream Valley, circling Vernon by means of benchlands, to the top of Turtle Mountain.  It also crossed along the side hills to help feed, what is today, the Davison Orchards.

Scenic View from Turtle Mountain - overlooking the Valley below with Okanagan Lake in the far distance - Photo by Bari Demers

The ranchers of the Okanagan successful achieved sub-division of ranch lands and a rich resource of fruit orchards, which are flourishing to this very day.

Inside The Okeefe Ranch House - Photo by Bari Demers

Okeefe Ranch House Today - Photo by Bari Demers

TURTLE MOUNTAIN TODAY

Today, Turtle Mountain overlooks the beautiful valley, overlooking Okanagan Lake in the distance. The two Grey Canal Trails intertwines with prestigious subdivisions featuring luxury homes.  The green orchards below not only supply apples, cherries, peaches and assortment of veggies, it's also home to the Bella Vista Vineyard and Turtle Mountain Vineyards.

Luxury Homes on Turtle Mountain - Photo by Bari Demers

At 10 years old, I would climb to the top of Turtle Mountain, sometimes mistakenly sitting on a patch of Prickly Pears, the only native cactus in the Okanagan.  It was my place to explore and to admire the gorgeous view below. 

Canal Trails - Photo by Bari Demers

Canal Trails - Photo by Bari Demers

It was also where I found peace within myself, mediating, even when I didn't even know what meditation was.

View from Turtle Mountain, Vernon, B.C. - Photo by Bari Demers

By Bari Demers



ABOUT BARI 

Bari Demers is a freelance writer and screenwriter. His childhood was in Vernon, B.C. where  his parents owned the famous Spudnut Shop. He graduated at VSS ( Vernon Senior Secondary School), continuing his studies in Kelowna, at Okanagan College.  After Okanagan College, he went to Cariboo College in Kamloops to take a Drafting Technology Program, where is graduated as a Draftsman. His writing abilities comes from his time at Okanagan College.

You can read a collection of traveling reviews with his Facebook Blog - Vegas Reviews with over 1000 photos of Las Vegas.

Aria Resort and Casino, Las Vegas - Photo by Bari Demers

RESOURCE MATERIAL:

Turtle Mountain

Lord Aberdeen

Okeefe Ranch

Travel By Bari Demers

Who is Travel Costa Rica Now ?

Photo Credit: Travel Costa Rica Now

I had to write about these two cool guys from Travel Costa Rica Now. A down to earth sincere touring company in the heart of Costa Rica in La Fortune owned by two Americans, Michael and D'Angelo. 

Experience in Costa Rica Living comes to mind when I watch Michael and D'Angelo showcase their videos mixed with strong advice and a flare of entertainment.

I would classify them as the Truth Serum for those interested in staying in Costa Rica for a long period of time, from a few months to possibly becoming a perpetual tourist. 

They don't sugar-coat their videos giving the frank approach to the ways of Costa Rica, which is really good to hear. But most importantly they offer cool tour packages throughout Costa Rica. 

And, what about their advice on retiring in Costa Rica? 

Photo Credit: Travel Costa Rica Now

About Retirement in Costa Rica

Retirement for baby boomers, like myself, is a big step to consider. First and foremost, can you afford to retire? 

In Canada, it's becoming increasingly more expensive to live on an average expense income around $2500 per month with the understanding YOU are debt free! For those high in debt, working along on society's treadmill, is the only way to survive. 

But let's say you have a firm hand on your finances and are ready to retire.

Heading out to a country like Costa Rica will take a lot of planning, not to mention getting use to the Culture Shock. 
Don't expect things to be the same as in Canada or United States. The process of getting things done in Costa Rica isn't the expectations we are use to in Canada, so don't get discourage if it takes longer. According to Michael, seventy-five percent of those coming to Costa Rica to retire, end up going back home within a couple months to a few years. 

Photo Credit: Tianndra Demers

What have I learned from Michael Alan and D'Angelo ?

So, what I have learned from listening to these two cool guys living in Costa Rica, is this...

There are certain Rules to follow, saving you money and heartache. 

As Michael explains: 

Rule One : Don't listen to websites who's soul purpose is to sell you real estate property in Costa Rica. 

Rule Two : Never ever buy anything in Costa Rica until you have rented for at least one year. 

After all, Michael gives fair warning, you may not like it in Costa Rica. And then what? You're going to have to sell your property for half the price you bought it. 

And who's going to buy it? 

An unexpected Gringo; that's us! English speaking naive western tourists.

Rule Three : How to Rent in Costa Rica. It's not a good idea to rent off the internet. It's best to go down to Costa Rica for a two week holiday . Catch up with Michael and D'Angelo who will give you the best places to rent from and where, including re-location tours along with touring packages to suit your lifestyle.

But there's one exception to the rule here, I noticed on one of his YouTube Videos during his interview with one of his friendly expats.* (check below for the meaning to these terms)

The rental rule is still in place, however you can join a community group who already are set-up in a co-op Eco sustainable resort. There are two of these communities, OSA Mountain Village and their sister community, Serenity Gardens Eco Village, by co-founder Jim Gale.

As their website says," The community is located in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone along the pristine Pacific Coast, where the mountains meet the ocean. "

The above gives you a good rule-of- thumb approach. To me, Travel Costa Rica Now, offers sound advice you can take to the bank. 


Michael and D'Angelo go on giving a ton of valuable information, including the cost of living in Costa Rica for around $970 (US funds)per month. This includes rent, food, internet, phone, cable and electricity. 

This is over half the cost then living in my own country! It means you can live in Costa Rica for a longer period of time with a modest retirement income.

Their interesting blog explains from the Tico* Culture to how to start-up a Bank account. 

All the Travel Costa Rica Now YouTube Videos give valuable inside information for those thinking of living in Costa Rica and fun tour package adventures for the whole family.

In conclusion, it's best to give a quote by Michael and D'Angelo,"The good the bad and the ugly of living in Costa Rica with no agenda to sell you anything. Our goal is to offer our perspective, experience and expertise of living in Costa Rica so the folks who go on our tour, by the end, will know whether relocating to Costa Rica is a good idea for them or not. 
That's it. "

Are you thinking of retiring or vacationing in Costa Rica? Then it's time to check out Travel Costa Rica Now.

By Bari Demers


Bari Demers is not affiliated or related to Travel  Costa Rica Now. He writes only about the good things in life.

If you have something good you would like to write about in regards to traveling or experience of living in another country, ask me to do a small write-up about it for a nominal fee. Included are links to your website and Facebook page. 

A Canadian freelance writer/screenwriter who is also considered a Vegas Lover with his very own Facebook page : Vegas Reviews - If he experiences a great time or adventure, expect to hear about the fun he and his wife had,"Going to Vegas since 1989..."

Bari has worked on several screenplays, such as Agent Sky, Black Angels and Missing through James Montana Scripts.

He is presently looking into doing his own short film or collaborating with film makers for his screenplays. Check out his blogs on Vegas  and more on his Travel Blog.

Glossary Terms:

Expats - An expatriate is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country * http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expatriate

Gringo - A Spanish term used to categorize foreigner visitors.


Tico - A term used for native people of Costa Rica

Perpetual Tourist - are referred to as travelers living in another country unterthered to any restrictions as say a resident would.  Overall freedom of enjoying the same as any other tourist but live in the country more than 90 days.  The only draw back, they must head across the border before their 90 days are up to be reinstated into the country again for another 90 days.

Explore Southern Saskatchewan

Photo Credits: Tenho Tuomi Observatory

For those who haven't been to Saskatchewan you will still appreciate this film  by TSN.

Our family had the opportunity to live in Southern Saskatchewan for one year in Frontier, just a hop skip and jump to the Montana Border.

At the time we moved from Vernon, British Columbia for work as my trade back then was a draftsman.

My job consisted of producing mechanical plans for farm implements, such as cultivators for the Friggstad company.
The Honeybees now own this massive 100,000 sq ft industrial warehouse. Honey Bee Manufacturing Ltd. is a family owned business that was incorporated in 1979 by brothers Greg and Glenn Honey and their wives.

Back then I had the opportunity to be able to sit in the prototype Honey Bee Tractor. This massive friendly beast of a machine was like climbing 3 stories of a building. Inside it had all the luxuries you could think of including air-conditioning. We were one of the few to sign their log book.

Our family Jim & Pearl McILveen lived on a large farm just east of Frontier.

Coming from B.C. living in Saskatchewan really opened my eyes to what is actually out on the prairies.

I was surprised to see the abundance of wildlife with herds of deer and antelope with a count of over 75 to just one herd. It was a normal occurrence to come up on the back-roads to see the dirt road filled with wildlife. You had no choice but to stop and admire the view. Of course we didn't mind relishing the time and count how many in each herd.

Photo Credits: Tenho Tuomi Observatory

For stargazers Saskatchewan is a cosmic paradise with the only light of night being the stars and the full moon. The milky way would stretch across the open sky as crisp and clear as any 3D Movie.
You have first class seats to experience natures wonderment including the Northern Lights where they even have summer Star Parties in Cypress Hills.

The next impressive spot to visit in Southern Saskatchewan is the Cypress Hills Inter-provincial Park along with Fort Walsh. A lush green mountainous forest in the middle of nowhere.  A geological phenomenon stretching an area of 965 sq miles with the highest point at 1468 m above sea level (4816 ft) in comparison to the Rocky Mountains of 4401 m.
Cypress Hills is an isolated gem of mountainous region soaring a good 2000 ft above the surrounding area.

Photo Credits Courtesy of  Maximilian - future Canadian Paleontologist

If you haven't heard anything at all about Saskatchewan you would be hard press not to have heard of the prehistoric archaeological discoveries of dinosaurs species dominating in southern region filling over into Montana.

Saskatchewan is a vast ancient sea bed offering exploring travelers more than they would ever expect.

We were enlighten by the province of Saskatchewan and you will be too.

Written by Bari Demers

About Bari :

Bari is a screenwriter for Black Angels of Sirus 5 - a science fiction horror thriller based on intelligent ancient aliens visitors over 100,000 years ago.
Here are an example of  Science fiction stories and documentaries by Bari Demers:

• Dr. Who Meets Black Angels
• Alien Abduction Report 
• Robotics on Mars - Chapter One
• Robotics on Mars - Chapter Three
• The Power of Star Trek
• The Great Wizard of Titan - a children's story

He is also administration manager of these Facebook Pages:

• Explore Canadian Outdoors
• Vegas Reviews
• Christmas Cookbook
• Black Angels of Sirus 5

Check out more about Bari on LinkedIn

Photo Credit: Bari Demers