friendship – Diary of a PTO Vacationer

Halfway Mark – Aruba

June 24, 2023June 28, 2023Posted in TravelTagged Aruba, beach, food, friends, friendship, hotel, resort, restaurant, Travel, vacationLeave a comment

Well we officially reached the halfway mark of the trip.

Not much at all to share, yesterday was pretty low key. We really only had one thing on our agenda and that was switching from Renaissance Resort to the Holiday Inn Resort on the northern part of the island. We had some friends suggest we do this. And I’m so glad we took heed to the advice.

Our first resort was in Oranjestad and our second is in Noord, about a 15 minute drive. This is actually where we caught our sunset cruise from on Wednesday evening.

Noord is a much more lively side of the island. More shops and restaurants and resorts. And naturally more people.

Renaissance Resort is definitely on the more expensive side of the spectrum. So switching it up and staying at a less expensive place for the second half of the trip is nice.

We started our morning around 9:00am. The plan was to get dressed, pack up our luggage, checkout of the hotel, grab breakfast and head to Flamingo Island for the last time. And then lastly checking in to Holiday Inn. So our morning was a little more on the hectic side. But we made good time.

We did get to go to The Dutch Pancake House for breakfast. Had I known how good the food was, we would’ve been there every day. There was a long line again. But we apparently had very good timing and several parties left within 5 minutes.

10/10 would recommend eating here for breakfast. The service was fast. The food was so good!

Next we caught the boat to Flamingo Island for our last time this trip. We arrived by noon, just like on Wednesday. This time we checked out the adults only side of the island. There really was no difference from the family friendly side.

While enjoying the beach, this time, we connected with two different couples.

As antisocial as I can be at times, I do enjoy making “vacation friends”. One of the couples whose names we never caught were also celebrating their one year anniversary. The other couple, Adriane and Darius from Houston, were celebrating their 30th birthdays. We probably spent the most amount of time talking with Adriane in the water. She was so funny and we loved her vibes. We shared a bit of our backgrounds, connected on being young believers, and young married couples.

We spent about three hours on the island this time. And no exaggeration, two of those hours we spent swimming. Y’all I got so tan, my foundation is two shades too light. I haven’t been this tan since I was a kid in summer camp. Ray also got a little bit of color and a little sunburn. Yes even Nigerians can burn in this intense Aruban heat.

We went back to the hotel, grabbed our bags from the holding area and headed to Holiday Inn for the 4:00 PM check in. The drive was quick and only cost $13.

This resort is pretty massive. There are three towers, several pools, a gym, spa, gift shops, convenience stores, many restaurants, a salon, a jewelry store, and a casino. And the property is beachfront so we will be taking advantage of this beautiful slice of beach.

Once we were checked in we set down our bags, took showers and took a much-needed nap. we got up around 8:00PM to head to dinner.

Since I chose our dinner restaurant last night, I asked Ray what kind of food he would like to eat this evening and I would find a place that served whatever he was in the mood for. One thing about my husband is that he is very health conscious, and rarely, if ever indulges in sweets or junk food. But tonight he was in the mood for a burger.

I pulled up TikTok to try to find the best burgers on this side of the island. Smokey Joe’s Island Grill popped up. Now this place is known for their ribs, but instead we ordered a burger and shrimp platter with a side of rice and beans and coleslaw. Now I feel like rice and beans are pretty easy dishes to mess up. But when I tell you every morsel of bean and every grain of rice was seasoned to perfection, you know the main food also had to be amazing. We also ordered the fried mac & cheese balls as a starter. Ray told me specifically, “write about how good this food is “. It was the best dinner we’ve had here so far.

Right as we were finishing our last bites, we noticed it started to sprinkle. Which is no big deal, that happens from time to time. But within two minutes it became a torrential downpour and we had to go under the pavilion or shelter. All the staff was telling us how rare rain is here. All I could think about was my grandma saying this was God putting his seal on our trip.

We were absolutely stuffed at this point. And about this time everything was shutting down in the area. So we just headed back to our room and called it a night. I will say it was a little difficult to find sleep, because there is a very booming restaurant within earshot of our room on the beach side. And they were going up all night. That DJ was putting his soul into that music.

Cheers!

3 Days in DC

November 5, 2019November 27, 2019Posted in TravelTagged art, Bible, church, Day trip, food, friends, friendship, group, history, monument, museum, National Mall, New York City, PTO, restaurant, road trip, Travel, van, Washington DCLeave a comment

This was not my first trip to my nation’s capital, but I was still able to experience plenty of new things.

A few months back my cousin Kayla, whom my followers will remember from my Iceland and Miami trips, asked if I’d like to accompany her and some friends from church to Washington, DC for a long weekend.

Knowing I’d be newly finished with grad school, I was happy to sign up. It wasn’t until the week of the trip that I realized this was all organized around visiting the Museum of the Bible. And then it made sense why we’d be going with a subset of her church’s young adult ministry. Disclaimer: this was not a church sponsored event. It was merely just a group of church friends organizing a trip for themselves.

This was the first time I’d heard of this museum. And I was very excited to be visiting it.

Day 1

So we met at their church Friday morning for 9:30. Kayla and I were among the first to arrive. So as the rest of the group trickled in, I was introduced to everyone. There were 15 of us in total. As we loaded up the Sprinter van and played level 25 Tetris with all the luggage, I became more acquainted with some of the group members. I learned that they’re all a part of the creative team at the church. Either marketing, photography, or video production.

Pretty soon we prayed and were on the way to DC. The van ride was smooth. I was asleep for most of it since I’d been up since 4:30 in order to make it to NY from CT at a decent time. To be completely honest, I’m not sure what time we arrived at our Airbnb, but it couldn’t have been later than 15:30.

We picked our rooms and got settled in the house. Half the group left to grocery shop for breakfast and dinner for the following day. The other half held down the fort. But when the grocery crew took at little too long getting back (over 2 hours), we decided to head out for dinner. We were famished.

The main trip organizer, Melanie, already had a restaurant scoped out. We headed to Busboys and Poets which was a venue she’d previously patronized. It was part bookstore, part restaurant, and part poetry club. It had a very metropolitan vibe. The crowd there seemed to be mostly in their 20’s-30’s. I ordered a pasta dish that was pretty decent. Before we were served our entrees, the grocery store crew was seated nearby us. Dinner was filled with good conversation and hearty laughs.

After dinner, we browsed around the bookstore portion a bit before heading back to the Airbnb. Once there we played music, played card games, and talked before heading to bed.

Day 2

We got an early start on Saturday. I woke up to gospel music blaring from the family room and pans clanking in the kitchen.

As Pete and his sous chefs Angelica and Orlando prepared our made to order omelettes, the rest of the group gathered in the family room for devotion led by Aadia. As we read and discussed St. John chapter 17, we were served breakfast. We concluded with prayer and finished getting ready so we could get to the museum.

Museum of the Bible

The museum was only about 20 minutes from our Airbnb. So we arrived around 11:00. Everyone was in awe of the entrance. We took several pictures before heading inside.

After clearing security. Some of us browsed the gift shop, while others went to the cafe while waiting for Melanie to purchase our admission and JJ and Jocelyn to park the van.

We decided to split up into 2 groups. And then to meet at 15:00 for the Washington Revelations experience.

There was so much to see and experience in this museum. I couldn’t possibly see and absorb everything in the few hours I had there, but I’ll just highlight some of the most memorable exhibits.

George Washington Carver (Christian scientist)

I was so engulfed in the exhibits, that there are a lot of photos I didn’t even think to take. The very first exhibit, “Bible in America” stood out to me. It walks you through the history of the book in America. All the way from Plymouth Rock to the Civil Rights era. As an African American woman, it was interesting to see actual copies of the Slave Bible. A “Bible” modified by slave owners to keep slaves ignorant of freedom.

The museum was filled with many groups of Christians, obviously. We bumped into a choir singing the hymn “It is Well with my Soul” in the replica village area. It gave me the chills.

Hands down my favorite part of the museum was the Hebrew Bible experience. It’s an immersive experience which includes 360 degree animated videos, sculptures, sound effects, and lighting. It literally walks you through the first half of the Old Testament. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but my jaw was on the floor when there was burning bush 20 feet away from me.

Before we knew it, it was 15:00 and time to meet with the other group at Washington Revelations. This was a ride simulator which “flies” you over DC to highlight different biblical references engraved in different locations around the city. You feel the wind blowing in your face and everything.

After this we left and split up for lunch. We agreed to rendezvous at the National Mall area. After eating, everyone wanted to ride scooters to the National Mall. Uber and Lyft have rentable electric scooters riddled throughout the city. You just use their apps to locate and rent one, and then you’re on your way. It’s something like $0.25/per minute and you have a 15 mile range to travel. 3 of us unfortunately couldn’t find one charged up enough to get to the National Mall. But I wasn’t too disappointed. It’s been well over 10 years since I’ve been on a scooter 🛴, and I wasn’t sure I could manage one well enough on the road.

National Mall

For those who are unfamiliar, the National Mall, it isn’t an actual mall. It’s the name used to describe the area from The Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.

Those who successfully acquired scooters weren’t able to make it all the way there. They shut off right before the Mall. This was due to the parade being thrown in honor of the Washington Nationals winning the MLB World Series earlier that day. The Mall was FULL of people in red t-shirts, hats, and jackets. At first we thought it was some type of MAGA event, until we looked closer.

In the proceeding hours, we walked the entire length of the Mall. Starting at The Capitol, and ending at Lincoln Memorial.

As we were leaving the Washington Monument, a low flying helicopter went right over our heads. 1 minute later it landed in the front lawn of The White House. Was in the President? We don’t know. I unwittingly was recording a video at the time.

So that was it. By then it was night time. We went home around 20:00 and arrived to a family style dinner prepared by Pete and his sous chefs.

Day 3

Many stayed up to take advantage of the extra hour. Kayla and I went to bed to take advantage of the extra hour of sleep.

Another early start on Sunday. We had to check out of the Airbnb by 10:00. So we had to fit in showers, breakfast, and cleanup by then. Somehow we pulled it off and had the van loaded up by 9:45.

We attended church service at National Community Church held at Lincoln Theater. We arrived just a bit early for the 10:30 service. We congregated outside and took some pictures in the alley next door.

Service was absolutely beautiful. I wanted to take some pictures of the service, but I didn’t think it was appropriate. We were out around 12:00. We split up one last time for lunch and agreed that meet up at the van for 13:30. My group went to DC Noodles, just a few blocks down from the church. We shared a great meal and conversation. Afterwards we met at the van and made our way back to Brooklyn.

Overall this trip was a lot of fun. Sometimes it can be tricky traveling with a larger group. But everyone was able to stay unified throughout the trip. I look forward to traveling with this group again.

Cheers!

I’m Back!

October 29, 2019October 31, 2019Posted in TravelTagged friendship, Italy, planning, PTO, Travel, update, vacationLeave a comment

Hello to my lovely followers.

Selfie in front of the Trevi Fountain Rome, Italy

After my last trip to Italy, I took a bit of a break from traveling in order to focus on completing my Master’s degree. Well, I’ve officially graduated and I’ve got some trips coming up over the next few months! I’ve got a new job and plenty of paid time off to use before 12/31/19.

If you read my Travel Basics post, October through April is the cheapest time to travel almost anywhere (excluding end of year holidays).

This weekend I’ll be spending 3 days in my nation’s capital, Washington, DC. For December my OG travel buddy and newlywed, Eliza, has planned a surprise destination trip for us as my graduation present. And my last planned trip is to Vietnam and Thailand in January 2020.

I’m looking to book at least one other trip for April 2020. I have my eyes on Eastern Europe.

Stay tuned for new posts!

Cheers!

Destination Wedding

August 26, 2019October 30, 2019Posted in ItalyTagged ceremony, dancing, family, food, friendship, group, heat, Italy, love, marriage, party, photos, Travel, Tuscany, vacation, weddingLeave a comment

Two months ago my best friend got married in Italy 🇮🇹.

A lot of people assumed it was because she or her husband had some ties to the country. Nope. They just wanted a destination wedding.

I’ve been to several weddings in my lifetime. I can honestly say this was the most beautiful one I’ve attended.

The ceremony was outside on a 95 degree day. It was hot and dry, but thankfully there was a divine breeze keeping us cool.

Groom Jeremy waiting at the arch for his bride

The backdrop for the ceremony was the beautiful rolling Tuscan hills. The view was breathtaking. The officiant was wise and comical. And the bride and groom looked so happy.

After the ceremony, we spent about an hour taking pictures and enjoying cocktail hour while the staff set up for dinner. We enjoyed a lovely 3 course authentic Italian meal of eggplant Parmesan, vegetable lasagna, and then beef. My mouth is watering thinking about that eggplant parmigiana.

Before we were served our last course, the bride and groom had returned from their photo shoot in the sunset and it was time for the dances. First it was the bride and her dad. This was the only time I really lost it at the wedding. The song was so beautiful and it was so touching to see my best friend and her dad sharing that moment. A lot of people were crying now that I think about it. Then the groom and his mom shared a dance. Lastly the bride and groom had their first dance.

Before we knew it, it was time to cut the cake and dance the night away. The DJ was on point. Everyone had such a good time.

There were only 35 guests. So this made it a small and intimate celebration of family and close friends. Just as the bride and groom wanted.

Most of the guests made a trip out of it and stayed in Italy a few more days after the wedding. Since I lost my travel buddy, I only stayed one additional day in Rome, alone.

I’ll tell you about that experience in my next post.

Cheers!

The French Wedding

May 15, 2019June 12, 2019Posted in FranceTagged ceremony, dancing, family, food, France, friendship, Les Molières, love, marriage, Paris, party, Travel, vacation, weddingLeave a comment

Saturday was a highly emotional day for me. Filled with complete joy and happiness.

As I’m hoping you’ve read in my previous post, I was in France for a wedding. It was very important for me to attend this wedding. Because this couple means a lot to me.

Mr and Mrs Brack

It was a rainy morning in Paris. We woke up late due to jet lag and our general love for sleep. We had to get ready in a haste in order to check out on time. Somehow we pulled it off and were wedding ready by noon. As I explained, Eliza ingeniously placed us directly across the street from the ceremony venue. We had a little time to kill before the ceremony was set to begin at the Mayor’s Office. So we grabbed a pizza at the cafe downstairs because we knew we had a long day ahead of us.

The invitation said to be at the Mayor’s Office at 1:30, so we headed over at about 1:15. We ended up circling the building in the rain because we couldn’t figure out where to enter. We saw some other folks dressed up doing the same, so Eliza ran to ask them if they were there for the wedding. Thankfully they were, and we ended up waiting in front of 2 large red gates in the front of the building. More people began congregating with us. And a facilities worker from inside reluctantly let us in from the rain. He was stressed. Eliza said he was saying he’s not security so technically he should not have let us in.

Over the next hour more and more people began to come in the foyer of the building. It was apparent we were all there for Karen and Thomas’ wedding. Pretty soon some people started approaching us and introducing themselves. Immediately they knew we were Karen’s American friends.

And then the bride and groom arrived. Karen has never looked more happy to me.

We headed upstairs to a room that resembled a courtroom. It was gorgeous. Very old world, elegant, and classic. Not to mention the room was adorned with giant old paintings. The judge came out and spoke for a while. The whole ceremony was in French (obviously) so Eliza translated at times for context. It was a non-religious ceremony so the judge essentially recited the French laws of marriage. They then exchanged “I do’s”, hugged, signed their marriage license and kissed. Just like that they were married.

We filled into the hallway where we were told to stand on the stairs for a group picture. Before I could head over, I was intercepted by a semi-familiar face. It was Karen’s dad! All these years, and this was my first time meeting him. His English was very good. He gave me the biggest hug. He thanked me wholeheartedly and profusely for mine and my family’s hospitality to Karen. I was fighting back tears. I could really feel his love. I don’t even have all the words to explain this experience. But it was like reconnecting with a long lost family member. It was a very beautiful moment.

We filed back down the the foyer after the group picture. And we waited outside for the newlyweds to make their debut before heading to the reception venue. By then the sun was shining and it had turned into quite a beautiful day.

Karen told us her bridesmaid, Valentine, who Eliza and I already knew from last year, would be the one driving us to the reception venue. We quickly ran to the hotel to grab our luggage and packed up the car and took off. The reception was about an hour outside of Paris in a town called Les Molières. The venue was actually a GORGEOUS farm turned bed and breakfast called La ferme d’armenon.

While we waited for the newlyweds to arrive from their photo op in Paris, we were introduced to more family. We met aunts, cousins, uncles and Karen’s grandma who reminded me a lot of my own. They all knew who I was because one of her aunts translated my blog post explaining why I was going France. They all found it so touching. And I was honored. Eliza also got to flex her French speaking with the family while trying to advert a wardrobe malfunction. Everyone was impressed. But she ended up having to change. What’s a wedding without a wardrobe malfunction?

When Karen and Thomas arrived they pulled up in an antique car. My dad would be surprised that I didn’t take note of the make and model. Anyway, it was so fitting for their entrance. In France they throw lavender on the newlyweds as opposed to rice. So we all greeted them with the lavender shower.

Right after that we were able to steal a couple moments with Karen. Eliza’s a make up artist (on the side) and Karen had asked her in advance to touch up her makeup for the reception. So just the three of us went in to the house and exchanged some laughs and briefly caught up. I was telling Karen how I met all her family and was hoping to meet Marc, who started this all. She told me he unfortunately is battling MS and was unable to attend the wedding. I still hope to meet him one day.

Eliza had her makeup done in a jiffy. They took some more pictures and we got to speak to Karen’s aunt who was formerly an English teacher. We had a really nice conversation about the benefits of exchanges. And the beauty of those relationships. Then it was time for the ceremony. This was a unique experience. All the guests congregated into a barn styled room. The bride and groom sat on a vintage couch under a wedding arch. Then each member of their bridal party gave a short speech. There were many happy tears. And even a couple musical performances. Of course all of this was in French and Eliza leaned over to translate things throughout the ceremony. Last but not least the bride and groom thanked everyone for their words and attendance. Karen gave Eliza and I a special shoutout in English. Even Eliza, who I don’t think I’ve ever seen cry in 17 years of friendship, shed a tear at Karen’s address to us.

Then it was party time. There was a cocktail hour with MANY food options. And of course more pictures.

During cocktail hour we were approached by a young lady named Inès. She introduced herself as Karen’s cousin and asked if she could practice her English with us. Of course we were happy to oblige. She was only 16 but her English was EXCELLENT. My goodness she reminded me of myself at that age. It turns out we were seated at the same table. So we spoke to her and her younger sister quite extensively. We exchanged emails and I told her to contact me whenever she wants. And also that whenever she wants to come to the States, she’s more than welcome to stay with Eliza and I.

We had a lovely 3 course meal and then it was time to dance and mingle some more with the other guests. They played the shoe game and a music guessing game too.

The party ended around 4:30 am. Yeah. The French go hard.

So that was it. We went to our hotel and rested a bit before heading back for the 12pm brunch later that day.

Cheers!

The French Connection

May 7, 2019October 30, 2019Posted in France, TravelTagged foreign exchange, France, friendship, high school, New York City, Paris, spring, Travel, vacation, weddingLeave a comment

On the eve of my second trip to France, it makes sense to explain why I’m going.

Back when my dad and aunt were in high school (in the 80’s) they hosted a French exchange student, Marc. I think my dad was too busy with his extracurriculars senior year. So my aunt Carol is the one who had the stronger relationship with Marc. She explained that he initially was staying with a different host family. But then one of his grandparents passed away. And the initial host family couldn’t handle his grief. I’m not sure why the school then reached out to my family, neither my dad or aunt took French. But my grandparents being the kindhearted people they are, were happy to take him in. My aunt has a funny story about Marc’s reaction to Halloween. He really thought the whole thing was stupid. And kept asking what was the point of it all. Overall they enjoyed hosting him for the remainder of his time in the states.

Over the years they kept in touch via mail, email, and eventually social media. I remember my aunt taking me to the post office to send his children toys for their birthday one year. She always cherished that relationship.

Fast forward 20+ years. Marc reached out to my aunt telling her about his younger cousin. Her name was Karen and she was 19. I didn’t know this at the time but she was battling an illness. And one of her dreams was to come to the US. So her dad was happy to send her over, but wanted her to be safe. Marc explained the situation. He said he didn’t want to “send her to the wolves.” My aunt gladly agreed to host Karen. She was going to come for 2 weeks in the spring.

Since I was close to her age, my aunt thought it’d be a good idea for her to stay with my parents and I for the second week. We were super excited.

Thankfully I had a great relationship with my school’s Principal, and he was happy to allow Karen to shadow me for the week. And coincidentally my homeroom teacher was the only French teacher in the school. She and Karen connected immediately.

Karen was so sweet and polite. I was super impressed with her English speaking. She went with me to all my classes and softball practice after school. She went to church with us on Sunday. And she, Auntie Carol, and I spent a Saturday in NYC. She and my bestie Eliza even became fast friends. My parents were her parents for the week. And she from then on has been my French sister.

Karen and I at the Statue of Liberty 2009

One day I remember Karen being very sad. Not because she was homesick. But because she had just gone through a break up prior to her trip. That guy hurt her quite badly. I tried to comfort her as best I could. But as kind, intelligent, and beautiful as she, I knew she’d find someone who’d treat her like a queen. And she did!

A few years later she met Thomas, and the rest was history. They’ve been together for 7 years. And this weekend Eliza and I will be attending their wedding!

In 2012 Karen and Thomas came to NYC and we were able to meet up again for the first time in 3 years. We liked Thomas. He was a gentleman and we could tell our girl Karen was happy. He was a bit shy that first time we met. But over the years we have spent more time with them. And learned many good things about him. He’s a good man. And I’m so happy for my Frenchies!

Me, mom, Karen, Thomas and Eliza NYC 2012

10 years of friendship and I am honored to witness this very special moment in my French sister’s life.

Eliza, me, Karen, and Valentine NYC 2018

Foreign exchange programs can be a very beautiful thing. In my opinion, the good that comes from them far outweighs the potential risks. The relationships born from them can transcend time, space, and generations. And they make for an extremely unique human experience.