Navigating social media can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth of facades where nothing is ever as it seems. Some people use it to escape into the lives of others, wishing they too could live the “fabulous” lives being projected; while others use it as a tool to connect and expose themselves to new people, places, opportunities, and experiences (I'd strongly suggest against the former - it's masochistic and the quickest way to feel inferior about your own life).
Read MorePURA VIDA
When trying to decide on any new travel destination, a major part of my final decision is based on what kinds of activities are available in the area. Laying out on the beach is really great, but after about an hour it can get pretty boring. Whether it's trying new foods, doing something daring, or just allowing myself to get lost in a new place, I tend to be much more interested in absorbing the culture of a place than absorbing sun rays. So when preparing for this particular trip I was very happy to learn Costa Rica is famous for its adrenaline inducing activities.
Read MoreBERMUDA: 50 SHADES OF BLUE
For my Dad's 60th birthday, my sisters and I decided to surprise him with a 5-day cruise to Bermuda. I initially thought saving up to pay for this gift would be the hardest part about planning the trip, turns out it was actually keeping it a secret from him for 8 months! Though one of my sisters had cruised before, the rest of us had never cruised before; so it turned out to be quite the bonding experience. From the ocean, skies, buildings, and homes, we were all consistently wowed by the vivid shades of varying blues.
Read MoreDOUALA, CAMEROON: A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
Home is where the heart is, and for me that's Douala, Cameroon. Located in western Africa, this "Africa in miniature" nation is any adventurers' dream: an active volcanic mountain, white and black sand beaches, varied wildlife, and THE most incredible food. Being among the chaos of the city's traffic (google "Bensikin"- lol!) along with the jovial nature of its people always transports me back to a simpler time of childhood. I don't get to go home as often as I would like, but whenever I do I take full advantage of it all.
Read MorePOSTCARDS FROM ZANZIBAR PART I
There are some very rare places that take your breath away, and Zanzibar was definitely that place for me. When my Mom told me she would be attending a work related conference there, I knew I HAD to figure out a way to go with her. Because, really, opportunities like this just don't come around often. I should probably mention that requesting a week's time off during your very first week at a job tends to be frowned upon. But YOLO, right?
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