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.
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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.
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May 2018
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