Turks and Caicos

My holiday to Turks & Caicos was absolutely perfect. I loved that place so much, I was actually depressed when I got back home, and I do not think I have ever felt that way despite the places I have traveled to in the past that I have enjoyed. It was paradise. I went with my sister and a BFF who luckily was able to come along and celebrate her birthday. Let me tell you about this place if you haven't been; if you have plans, do not make them. I would go here and immerse yourself into your surroundings and wing it, and go from there. Time will not exist for you unless you are looking to do something that actually requires keeping time, like a scheduled excursion or dining out.

We rented a small cottage that was very very close to one of Providenciales' most popular beaches, Grace Bay, which is world renown, by the way. It is absolutely stunning, to date, I have never been in water so clear and calm, you can walk in without freezing to death and you can look down and see your feet, even when you walk further out into the ocean. There are so many things I can rant on and on about this island, but, I will keep it short....my only advice other than not coming with a watch is making sure you have a stash of cash for dining. As I stated before I have been several places in my life that I could call expensive, but, T&C makes New York City look like a third world country when it comes to eating, it is VERY expensive! I luckily did alot of research and the owners of the cottage gave me a tidbit of advice before our arrival to bring our own snacks and shop at the grocery store when we made it to cut costs. We did go to Graceway, the island's chain store, and were able to get a few things like sandwich meat and what not, but, if you can bring these things on the place, my advice is to do so, and save the grocery store for things you cant travel with like water. I kid you not when I say it is expensive, smh. Dining out for us was ok, you experience your "usual" Caribbean fare here, but, the delicacy you MUST try is CONCH! Save a day and go to Da Conch Shack in Blue Hills. It is costly but you will not be disappointed. Other than that, there are little places here and there you can go, and you can try dining at the resorts or eating out. I was told that the best places to eat are the little hole-in-the-wall type places, and that those would be the least expensive, although I wasn't able to test this out, due to experience other places, I am certain this is true.

If you can, go to Scooter Bob's, rent a car for a day and travel the island. It is quite easy to get around and venturing off to explore the other beaches and scenery make for a great experience.

I did notice that alot of families were there, so I take it that it is preferably a family friendly island, especially since this is not a place to come to if you are looking for nightlife, it is just not a party scene. Granted there are a few places to "go out" but if you are looking for, say, Jamaican or Mexican type partying, then this is not the place for you. You go to Provo to relax. Plain and simple. I had in my mind several things I wanted to do and as soon as I got there, all of that changed. We beach bummed all day, snorkeled some, and took a day to explore the island with a rental car.

Everyone is pretty friendly as well and you wont experience any haggling. If you appear to be stranded or in need of help, people will stop and ask you, so be courteous and decline if you are ok. Use common sense, as with any place, and be cautious, but I felt safe in T&C the whole time. If you need any help do not be afraid to ask for it. It is easy getting through customs coming into the country, but coming back, can be rather frustrating so be prepared to wait in lines and deal with fellow travelers being irate or inconsiderate. This is just part of it. The airport is very small so if you are especially leaving on a day that everyone else is leaving you can expect to feel like a sardine in a can for awhile.

All in all, I will definitely be back, and I hope to spend a little more time there, because it has a very homely vibe. Not alot of people live here so it doesn't feel crowded and the beaches will not be crowded for the most part at any given time from what I understand. Truly a place you would like to learn more about. And you CAN go on a budget, but you have to be very wise and shop around!

Still gathering myself

I am still working on several projects, trying to consolidate some things so I can have a life for a little while again.  I just came back from Palo Alto, California from a visit to Stanford U. Stanford is BEAUTIFUL, I love college towns, and I think this one has trumped the ones I have visited so far. Unfortunately I left my camera at home ( I know, what kind of straggler am I?) BUT, I did get my sister to snap a few on her cellphone which takes pretty good pics, so I will add them to my album soon.  The weather was a nice change from what I am accustomed to during the summer, which is hot, humid days and nights. There it was hot during the day, but dry with a nice breeze (which is nice for the hair and skin) and considerably cool during the evening, since we were in an arid area. I could also breathe!!!! :-D So I enjoyed walking in the pedestrian friendly town, and took in the wide of array of dining and shopping. I look forward to going back when I have a little more free time.

I also recently visited the Delta region of Mississippi to document the flooding and how things have changed since then. I assume in this particular area of the delta I visited that not too many people lost their homes or suffered extreme losses, outside of the crops and agriculture sector, I saw several acres of land still under water or burned from what I assume was to prepare damaged land for new crops. There were several government officials still in the area and some roads were still closed off. It was an enlightening experience, made me appreciate what I do have for sure, and made me thankful that I am exposed to the many opportunities that I have been afforded. Below are a few snaps I took.

In other news, I am headed to Turks and Caicos for the summer (yay!) What a great way to vacation, huh? It is my first time going but I look forward to taking in lots of culture as I plan on exploring the islands in addition to beach combing, one of my favorite past times.

Sun, Sand and Miami Heat!

Sorry for the late posting, I have been uber busy!
The trip to Miami was fab, of course. I did not get the opportunity to take the pictures that I wanted for documentation due to numerous travel delays, but that is no worry, Miami is a hop, skip and jump and I will be going back soon!

While most of the dining experiences I had left alot to be desired, one thing that I was pleased with was my stay at the Tempo Hotel, which is a Rock Resort if anyone is familiar with the brand. Tempo is ideally located on Biscayne Blvd. downtown, and is off of 95 and right across the street from American Airlines Arena and State Road A1A exit to South Beach. There is alot in this area if one doesn't have transportation, including Bayside Marketplace, which is an outside shopping center next to the arena. Now, I think this area is perfect for the business traveler, I know that the leisure traveler may come to the area wanting to stay on the beach, but for me, this place is perfect. I prefer being away from hustle and bustle and close to major roads so that I can get to where I want to go in a short amount of time. Also, the crazy spring breakers were off the radar for us in this area, which I loved. It took us about 10 minutes to get to and from the airport.

Anyhow, back to Tempo. This boutique style hotel is posh, with a hint of intimacy. Valet parking is included in a resort fee of $30.00 a day, which is mandated to my dismay, but I believe it is worth it especially if you get a nice price for your stay. The $30.00 includes access to the fitness center, daily choice of national or local newspaper and spring water in your room, which is presented in a logo glass canister (not for you to take home, by the way ;-)).

This room type was a double queen suite, we were actually given a complimentary upgrade due to a special I got off of Expedia. This room had a large balcony with chairs and table and a nice view of Biscayne Bay. The price was excellent too, so we were able to splurge and still have a little money to be flexible and shop and dine as we wanted. It took us about 10 minutes to get to South Beach also, which was good for us too. It was a pain finding parking in that area but other than that, everything else was a breeze.

I also visited the spa on property. I was able to call in at the last minute and get in, which was perfect. Everyone was friendly, the prices are moderate and the services were good. It is a very relaxing atmosphere, beautifully decorated and tucked away from the rest of the hotel. 

Now from what I understand, this property is fairly new, having been open since about October of 2010, so there were a few kinks, what some would be angry over but I view them as annoyances, but I am sure those things will work out as time goes on, because new properties have to have time to adjust. All and all I think this is a great place to stay and I believe that once they get everything ironed out, it will be even better. As I say with everything, service is paramount and the attention we received from the staff was excellent, I have absolutely no complaints on that end. We didn't have to wait for anything and if we ever needed anything or had any questions, the staff was extremely helpful.

This property is recommended for the business traveler and those who are traveling for anniversaries, sporting events and other local events in the downtown area.

Rest in Peace, Salt

Salt was guesstimated to be a little over the age of 2. We also believe he is a mix between poodle and Schnauzer (schnoodle). Because of him and his fury friend, whom we dubbed Pepper, a salt and pepper colored Schnauzer that somehow found her way tagging behind Salt when he wanted to get into trouble, we developed a love for Schnauzers.  He came to my mother and my siblings from the next door neighbors, who demonstrated they were not capable of caring for him, indicated by numerous events over a period of time. Eventually through prayer and persuasion, my mother was able to get him from them for good.

He was not with us a very long time but nonetheless he has left us with many memories. He changed our lives in ways that I think none of us could have imagined. He was a very playful pup, loved to get into things he need not get into and was very protective of us all. He was humble with a mix of Nepolean complex. I bet he is in a special place right now and I have a sneaking suspicion he is still with us, even if we cannot see him. This happened so unexpectedly and we are all grieving. The circumstances under which he passed were undoubtedly painful to him and although he will be missed, I would rather him be free from suffering that he may have been subject to had he survived. So, I hope that Salt's journeys are to a place with lots of Chik-Fil-A chicken strips and squeaky chew toys that he so adored. We love you Salt.

Americans are not traveling abroad?

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/02/04/americans.travel.domestically/

Wow. While I am not surprised at this in a way I am kind of disappointed, especially that only 30% of Americans have a passport. I know not everyone shares my values or even desire when it comes to international travel. Educating myself about the travel industry, there are even definitions for different types of travelers. America indeed is a beautiful country, with a variety of things to do and experience. However, part of me wishes that everyone HAS to leave the country at some point in their lives to go somewhere different, experience something beyond their comfort zone. I know there are a lot of obligations people face that may prevent them from doing some of the things they would like to do in terms of making trips, especially with the work culture. But geez, 30% of Americans have passports? Compared to 60% and 75% of Canada and UK, respectively????  I guess it is something that if you value you will make a regular part of your life just as anything else. I am not a billionaire (yet, ha!) but I make it a point to get away simply because I feel as though travel is so enriching. It is a natural high for me. Well, the stars were aligned in such a way when I was born that it is inevitable that I make it a part of my life, but I think a large part of that passion has been imprinted in me because of my upbringing.

So much to see, so much to learn, so much to do! Going the distance in search of whatever it is you may be searching for, the discovery that other people, while they may be of a different culture, religion, and ethnicity, you have more in common than you may think. Their stories are not that different. Their experiences are not that different either. I sometimes think about language barriers Americans may experience when we go other places or even come in contact with foreigners in our own country. I find it amazing that other cultures require English as a second language but that as *we*reside in a superpower of the world, it is common to see Americans frown on foreigners who cannot speak English. 

Without going any deeper, it is really my goal to bring at least one person that comes into my life at some point, OUT of their comfort zone. If I can find that one person who maybe has never even left their city limits and pull them away to another place for at least a day, I feel as though I would have made a huge accomplishment in life, even if they didn't see the point or don't enjoy it as much as I would. Seriously!

Ok, rant over.....

Spring Break 2011

Well, my friends, spring break is just around the corner! For some people it can be a blessing, others a nightmare! Students are on vacation during designated time frames throughout the nation between the (average) months of February and April. Well, I know that wherever I have been during these months in the past on vacation myself, I am prone to pass by families with small kids and/or teenagers, or simply run into teenagers and drunken college students who have never been away from home for such long periods of time without adult supervision. (Don't stone me, I was once this student ;)).

This season is a dream for the tourism industry as spring breakers flock to a variety of destinations, such as Mexico, New Orleans, Louisiana (for Mardi Gras), Florida coastal areas, and the Caribbean island of Aruba. With political and social unrest making news in several countries, it is also reported that this is not serving as a deterrent to many. According to the AP, spring break reservations are constant in Mexico despite the increasing drug violence throughout the country.

Although my young college days are over, and I am no longer the spring chicken, I still utilize spring break as a reason to travel. My husband and I toyed with going to Mexico ourselves, but I couldn't help but choke on the idea of being ran over by thousands of intoxicated kids howling for no reason and puking everywhere. Yeah, I know I think too much but for some reason the idea just turned me off.

Well, little do you know the hubs comes up with the idea of visiting Miami for a Heat game. I couldn't resist and gave in, forgetting everything about Miami being a very popular spring break spot. I love Florida and two of my favorite places are Destin and Miami, so I didn't think about the possible flux of spring breakers until later and by then the damage was done, everything was booked and well, the rest is history. So, in a few weeks, I will be documenting my trip,  I can't wait to grab a Cuban sandwich, shop and do whatever my heart desires. Who knows, maybe I will be in more of a party mode when I get there, I mean, it IS Miami after all. We should have went to Boca Raton for peace and quiet if that was the quest.