Last weekend I hoped a flight to Atlanta meet my new baby cousin, Alexander.
It was a family reunion of sorts. My great aunt whom i hadn't seen in nearly 20 years and my cousin, were visiting my other cousin, Alex's father, whom I hadn't seen in more than 5 years. (That sentence is confusing but the bottom line is...I hadn't seen my family in forever).
Travel is not some exclusive, elitist club whose membership is based on how many stamps you've got in your passport and it shouldn't be made into such a thing. It's not about how many countries you've been to. It's not about how many monuments you've taken pictures with. It's not about how many followers you have on Instagram.
It's hard to put into words, but New Orleans is a city that is bursting at the seams with culture, from the food and music to the architecture. When I'm there, I instantly feel connected to my creole roots, distant though they may be.
As part of the pre-travel research (and I always do this), I tried to determine if it would be better to pre-book some activities. Pre-booking is good when you're short on time, when there's a possibility that excursions will be sold out and/or if you want to have some structure to your trip. I've also found that trip structure is key when traveling in groups larger than two and people who have differing opinions on timeliness, etc.
If you Google Natadola Beach, you'll find that its "situated on arguably the best beach in Fiji". Its ranked #2 of 23 things to do in Sigatoka on TripAdvisor (it should be #1). According to TravelChannel.com, its the most beautiful white sand beach in Fiji where you can snorkel in the cerulean sea (I love all the different varieties of blue used to describe the water).
Then, there I was, after a little over 10 hours in flight, staring out the window to one of the most beautiful sights I'd ever set my eyes on while my friend Chidi was catching a few more z's before landing.
Rewind for a sec: Sometimes...I just feel the need to get the heck out of town. The feeling usually creeps in monthly. So, I was perusing flight deals like I normally do and Southwest Airlines was having one of their infamous sales (like they're having right now until 5/7/15). Long story short, my flight to Chicago was about $11 and some change (with the help of my accumulated miles). *insert praise break here*
I guess that's one of the reasons why I started this blog, I get a kick out of infecting others with wanderlust. I know that sounds weird but....it does something for me, and I think I told you guys this story, but to invite people on a trip with me and see them go thru the process of preparing for the trip...getting their visa, researching the destination and getting all excited...just like I do and all because I extended the invitation.
I have never been so cold in my whole black life.
That is, until I went to Breckenridge, Colorado for the weekend. I mean...I anticipated cold, but this was a cold unlike any I'd ever experienced. This was pierce to the core of your soul cold. I wasn't ready.
Since taking on the hobby of travel blogging, my life has been way more interesting. I've been exploring so many things! And of course I want this to be FUN for me and you! I want my experiences to inspire my readers to get out and do...if not the same thing I'm doing...then something more awesome and even better.
On Friday, my friends and I spent a night at the museum....no, the exhibits didn't come to life...but it was lively nonetheless (ha).
I swear I should have been born in New Orleans (close second after Brazil). I don't know much about the city but when I visit, I always feel at home. There's something about the culture and the people....its hard to explain.