Been there, done that got the t-shirt. I am kind of embarrassed that we were that couple who wore matching t-shirts on our snorkeling adventure this past weekend. Andrew and I were both laughing thinking about how as you get older how little you really care about being cool anymore. We both sported those shirts loving life!
I live about an hour away from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and it had been my first time there exploring marine life. I had no idea that Key Largo had such beauty below the sea. We had such a great weekend just exploring my own back yard! I loved watching Andrew experience his first time seeing a Coral Reef! I had gone snorkeling before in the Bahamas, but this time around it was just such a new experience. We had unintentionally gotten on the 4 hour excursion but the time flew. The water was so blue and the fish were so gnarly! We laughed out how we had to go through the whole "tourist awkwardness" and how there's always that one guy whose got to just say something about everything...but honestly it was so fun! The water was crystal clear and I am not as good at snorkeling as I thought I was. When I first got in the equipment was just so fricken heavy and my goggles were so clouded and I wanted to cry because I thought I was going to have another episode of the Bahamas where I really don't remember even seeing any fish :( but we had the nicest captain who basically helped this Big Baby out. I finally got to swim around with the fish and do some exploring. It's a really neat experience as a couple. I'm not really romantic but I think we had a romantic moment at the underwater Jesus statue...Andrew..do you concur? Anyways, I recommend it to anyone looking to be one with the sea. It was an incredible experience and it was super cheap! I was shocked, $100 bucks for the two of us! Real quick, I was super ready to go hiking...well our hike ended as quickly as it started because the trails are literally that tiny LOL! So cute, I guess I am not used to it being from Michigan! We had the best weekend ever, I was a creep and kept watching Andrew smile and see how happy this made him too! PS!!! He landed his first front flip at Sky Zone this weekend too...so we're feeling all sorts of accomplished!
0 Comments
Puerto Rico was one of the first exotic/tropical islands that I have ever truly gotten to experience. I anticipated seeing what life looked like from a local's perspective. My roommate and her friend has last minute decided to book a trip to Puerto Rico. We all were in that mood where we wanted to get out of town, take a mental break an rejuvenate our mind set. I had gotten exhausted from my move and restarting my life in Miami so I was ready to take a little break.
Flying into Puerto Rico was a dream-the Caribbean is so colorful. I always get so happy being in the water especially in the Caribbean of all places. People's mindset is so different and time seems to move slower. My roommate's friend had family in PR which made our experience so much more fulfilled being amongst locals and getting out of the tourist traps. If you haven't figured out that I am not one for touristy activities-well then you know. Her cousin was the best-he showed us to all of the local places, invited us to a family gathering, and even drove us around to some of the most picturesque places in San Juan. We ate so much Caribbean food that 'til this day I still cook and buy platanos. Seeing Puerto Rico for me was such an incredible experience because I had never been to a rainforest before and El Yunque was such a spiritual journey for me. I left behind a lot of energy in which I did not want to be a part of my life any longer-so for me it was fitting to swim in the waterfall and stream. This was a personal time of my self discovery that has since left me feeling renewed. I swear the jungle has restorative powers beyond belief. We had spent some nights in Old San Juan and walked amongst locals, drank some beers, and ate some local meals. One of my favorite moments was running through a fountain and getting soaked with some kids...I like to live a life like that. Then hopping into an uber and setting forth to a night at a local joint to karaoke to some latino music! I had a blast singing songs and not even knowing what the heck I was saying...YO NO SOY MANANA! That song is still stuck in my head if I think about it... Anyways, we had booked a place in San Juan..Caribe Hilton. It's better off for tourists to stay in safe places, and just make your way around. We were lucky to be with Angie's cousin who guided us around. I still can't thank him and his family enough for opening up their home and life to welcome us in. We finished our last couple of days dining out and spending some time in the water as well as visiting The Museum of Art: Puerto Rico. I always acknowledge people to go see local art museums if they truly want to capture the realities and history of culture. Art captures so much more than history books can write. Leaving Puerto Rico was a little intense knowing Irma was hours away-I didn't think too much ahead with the timing of the trip, but luckily made the last flight out heading back to Miami. Considered myself lucky because the minute we landed in Florida I felt the panic of everyone around me for the category 5 cyclone! Luckily, I had a Michigander who gave me a flight home-and I had to make a split second decision to take up the offer and went straight home without luggage or anything to my name. I just thank my lucky stars that I was able to be with my family. Of all things, continue to travel and experience different cultures. Fortunately I was able to experience Puerto Rico before all of the devastation kicked in. I continue to think about the damage and only continue to have faith it will again be restored. Hey guys! I am back. Sorry, I know it's been a minute since I moved to Miami and have wanted to readjust to life here. I'll be updating you a little more and now I have partnered with my gal pal Megan to bring you more content. Here is a little something from NYC this past Halloween weekend! PS all I have to say right now is NEW YORK BAGEL! Check out the best spot.
My life has changed so much in these last few weeks, my last trip to Miami turned into an opportunity to chase a dream I've had for quite sometime. Something I have always dreamed of is being near to the ocean, I knew I would one day, but I didn't realize it would happen over the course of two weeks.
Life has been very busy lately, from a new career , traveling, moving, saying bye to my amazing friends & family celebrating my grandmothers's life, and at the same time maintaining a feeling of trust; that in fact, this is the right choice. I've always known that you pay a price when you chase a dream..whether that is giving up your comforts, your fears, time, money, etc. and knowing that you must tryst yourself along the journey <3 There is a lot to be said about Miami, but I have always been in love with this place. It's a mad, crazy, free, and wild place, but I think it's the right start for me. I love waking up each day not knowing where it will lead me, but trusting that a positive thought, a thankful heart, and the ability to appreciate each experience with a with an openness will get me through whatever it may be. Here, you see my friend Lydia trusting and practicing what makes her happy each day. We had a blast discovering and experiencing Miami, visiting the beaches, and just creating memories as they came along. It's worth cherishing the people you have around you, and the ability to open up your heart to welcome others in. Lydia and I brushed by each other, a very whimsical occurrence turned into a day of riding a yacht across the stretch of Miami, photoshoot, laying out on the beach, and lots of laughing. I hope you follow whatever it is that calls you <3 I would love to hear your thoughts. I've recently been hearing from people about their desires to travel and see new places. Always feel free to reach out to me, I love hearing your stories. XOXO |
Most Recent
May 2018
|