La Aventura Blog Has Moved!
La Aventura Blog has grown and will now be housed on Substack. Join us for more adventures on a new platform!
Note: Current subscribers will continue to receive new posts by email. Emails will come via Substack. Please check your spam to ensure that you don’t miss out on an adventure!
January 26, 2026
48 Hours of Fun in Cape Town, South Africa
January 23, 2026
For the second year in a row South Africa has been the stopover country when in route to my annual winter vacation in Africa. Fortunately, this past year, after spending a week in Namibia, I had a few extra days to spare and decided to spend them exploring Cape Town, South Africa. This city is impossible to enjoy to the fullest in 48-hours, but here are a few of my highlights that you can use to get your itinerary started:
Try a New Do!
One of my favorite things about venturing to Africa is getting my hair braided. No matter what African country you find yourself in, you can always find a skilled braider to get you right! I am pretty shy about trying new hairstyles back home, but the speed and prices of braids on the continent make worth giving a new style a try. We decided on a salon called Beauty Bazaar, and we were in and out in ~6 hours. It was my first time trying french curl braids, and it is safe to say that this is my new favorite braid style. My best friend tried a popular braided sew-in look! Each of our styles cost us ~$60 USD.
Enjoy Sunset & Small Bites at The Bungalow
The Bungalow is a beachside restaurant and lounge in the Clifton neighborhood area of Cape Town. It is famous for its luxurious atmosphere, delicious food, and great sunset views. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, but we took a chance and were able to squeeze in at the bar and eventually slid our way into the lounge area. We loved this place so much we came back for lunch the next day!
Spend a Day at the Beach
Cape Town is a coastal city, so no matter where you are in the city, you are never too far from the beach. Grab your swimsuit and towel and head to one of the gorgeous public beaches for a swim. Unfortunately, it was still a little too chilly to swim while I was there, so I just enjoyed a walk on the beach and admired the nearby mountains and enormous beach boulders. The landscape alone in Cape Town is breathtaking so it is easy to spend hours on the beach admiring the views.
Visit Bo-Kaap – A Historical Neighborhood
South Africa is rich in history, so make sure to learn something during your stay. Since I was short on time, the Bo-Kapp neighborhood was a great place to visit and learn some of Cape Town’s history. Originally built as a neighborhood to house Malay slaves (people from Malaysia, Indonesia, and other parts of Africa) in the mid 1700’s, the area eventually became known as the Malay Quarters. This neighborhood has been both a place of refuge, resilience and resistance for various communities throughout history, especially during the apartheid. The brightly colored buildings serve as a symbol of the diverse communities that have resided in this neighborhood.
Cheers to A Year of Adventures! – La Aventura Turns 1
January 1, 2026
La Aventura [“The Adventure,” Spanish] began in December 2024 after I returned from one of my most, dare I say, adventurous trips. I had gone to Zambia, a country in Africa that had never been on my travel bucket list, but by the end of my short time there had become one of my favorite destinations to this day. I had had the time of my life admiring and embracing nature in a way in which I had never done before. I even did a handful of dare devilish activities while there, like hanging off the edge of the Great Victoria Falls – something I will never forget, or do again!
I came home thinking, “I want to share these stories with others, but in a genuine way. I want to capture all of these beautiful experiences in more than just a reel or a curated photo. I want to inspire others to get out and see more of our wonderful world, while giving them the knowledge to feel confident while doing so…” And thus La Aventura was born.
I hope you have enjoyed traveling around this beautiful Earth with me this year. I hope you have felt curious, inspired and motivated to make your travel bucket list a little longer, to plan that next trip, or simply, to just add a sprinkle of adventure to your everyday life. Thank you for reading, sharing, and being apart of the adventure. Happy New Year!
The Isaacs Take Dubai – An Epic Family Vacation
December 6, 2025
One of my favorite family traditions is our annual, international vacation. Growing up, my mom always planned local family adventures and outings, but at least once a year she would try to take us somewhere outside of the US. From Europe to the Caribbean, she was never shy about exposing us to new countries or cultures. These family vacations are one of the reasons that traveling became a passion of mine, and for that I am so grateful!
Now that both my sister and I are grown, working adults, family vacations can be a little more bougie, so this year we hopped the Atlantic and went to Dubai. Here are some of the highlights from our epic family vacation…
Visit the Burj Khalifa, The World’s Tallest Building
What is a trip to Dubai without visiting THE World’s Tallest Building? In the heart of downtown Dubai, overlooking the Dubai Mall and Fountain, the Burj Khalifa stands 2,722 ft tall (8299 meters). Of the 163 floors, ~116 of them are occupied by residents – I can’t even imagine how much rent cost! Just like other famous skyscrapers in the world, the Burj has an indoor and outdoor observatory deck, where tourist can check out the city from above. Don’t look down for too long or you will get dizzy! Getting to the top of the Burj is a breeze, however, getting back down can be a little slow. Go on a weekday or when they first open to avoid the crowds. Tickets for the Burj can be purchased in advance on Viator, be sure your ticket includes “at the top” access (deck levels 124 and 125). These levels have the best views and photo spots. Check out my parents enjoying the view from level 124!
Splurge on a High Tea Experience
It is customary in Arabic culture to enjoy tea after a meal, especially when guests are present It is a symbol of hospitality and social connection. It is impossible not to have some great conversation over a cup of tea. Dubai has remixed after dinner tea to create unique afternoon tea experiences. There are numerous hotels and cafes that offer high tea experiences, where guests can enjoy bougie bites and unlimited tea and coffee for a few hours. My sister chose the SocialBee High Tea Experience at the SocialBee cafe inside of the Hilton Palm Jumeriah Hotel. This is a luxurious experience that I highly recommend to beat the heat in Dubai. It is a great way to enjoy some delicious treats and meaningful conversation with your travel companions to either kick off or finish out your trip. You can read more about this experience in my previous post.
Pool? Beach? or Both!
Whether you are a beach bum or a pool girlie, Dubai has something for everyone! While our hotel had a pool, I wanted to visit one with a spectacular view. Located on the 50th floor of the Palm Tower Hotel, Aura Sky Pool is a luxurious 360-view infinity pool club where you can enjoy stellar service and views. Book a day pass and enjoy a private lounger and a complimentary goodie bag. Swim around the entire building and enjoy the view of the city and the Palm. Day passes start at 250AED ($68 USD).
If you prefer to be on solid ground and enjoy the beach, head over to Jumeriah Beach and soak up some sun. My sister was staying at the Hilton Palm Jumeriah, so we hung out at her hotel, which had direct beach access, for the day. You can also book a day pass at a beach club in the area if your hotel does not have direct beach access.
Shop & Dine at the Dubai Mall
After seeing the Dubai Mall and Fountain from above in the Burj Khalifa, come back down to earth and explore them up close! Get your steps in walking the enormous Dubai Mall and check out some of your favorite designer and general stores. If you get tired find a restaurant or cafe that has balcony views of the Dubai Fountain and the Burj. I recommend Joe’s Cafe! They have one of the best balcony views! The service and food were great and our waiter knew all the best photo angles! I recommend making a reservation to ensure you get a balcony table!
Take a Day Trip to Abu Dhabi
Book a day trip to Abu Dhabi and see the Grand Mosque. Just a few hours drive from Dubai you can see one of the most beautiful mosques in the world! My parents did this excursion on a free day of our vacation. If you are a woman, come prepared with modest clothing so that you are permitted to enter the mosque.
Bargain for Gold & Spices at the Souks
Sugar, spice, and everything nice! The Souks (traditional markets) in Dubai are the place to be if you are looking for quality spices and gold to take back home. Take a trip back in time and roam the market square looking for deals. Be ready to bargain and haggle for the best price. Be sure to buy some camel milk chocolate dipped dates. The shop we bought spices from gave us a handful for free and I ate them all! So delicious!
Sunsets, Sailboats & All Things Santorini – Dreamy Activities Not to Miss
November 29, 2025
Writing about my favorite stays in the Greek Islands last week still has me reminiscing about my trip to Santorini, so here is another post about that dreamy Greek island…
Catch “The World’s Most Famous Sunset”
Yep, thats right! The island of Santorini is known for having “The World’s Most Famous Sunset.” The island’s sunset has been featured in magazines, paintings, and photography around the world, but there is no better place to see it then on the island itself. During our time on the island, we stayed in the town of Oia, which is home to the infamous caldera (rocky cliffs) and blue-domed buildings. The Oia Castle is the best place in town to catch the sunset, as it offers panoramic views of the caldera and surrounding area. Be sure to head there early to grab a good spot – it can get really crowded!
Visit & Dine at Ammoudí Bay
Follow the winding steps down to Ammoudí Bay and enjoy a meal by the water. The trek to Ammoudí Bay is easily a couple hundred rocky steps, so be ready to break a sweat! As you descend down to the bay, enjoy the scenic views and adorable porches of homes built into the cliff. When you reach the bay, grab a table at one of the nearby restaurants and treat yourself to a fresh seafood meal – I had seafood pasta and calamari, and it was delicious! Don’t feel guilty about how much food you enjoy because you will work it off during your climb back up from the bay. If you are too tired and can’t make it back up, locals do offer donkeys rides for a cheap price, but the best experience is on foot!
Sail Around the Island of Santorini
Sail around the magical island of Santorini and view the caldera from afar via a catamaran cruise. Jump off the boat and swim in the Aegean Sea, admire the unique clay and shale cliffs, or simply enjoy a delicious traditional Greek lunch on the boat deck – I tried Greek olive leaves for the first time on this trip and I fell in love! Bring a speaker and your cutest bathing suit and soak up some Greek sun and an afternoon of fun! Catamaran cruises with lunch run between $100-$150 USD and can be easily booked via Viator or organized through your hotel/villa.
Enjoy a Luxury Stay on the Caldera
One of the best parts of vacationing in the Greek Islands are the luxurious stays. White-washed walls, stone bathtubs, private pools, and immaculate service, the hotels/villas, especially in Santorini, have it all! During our stay in Oia town we stayed in two places along the caldera – The Big Blue Villa, and Armenaki. My favorite was the Big Blue Villa and the pictures below don’t do it any justice! Find out more about this stay and others in the Greek Islands in my previous post.
With a friend or lover, Santorini is always dreamy, so definitely add this destination to your bucket list in 2026. You already know all the cool things you should do while there, so what are you waiting for!?
My best friend Vanessa and I – Santorini, Greece 2021
Sleeping in Paradise – Dreamy Stays in the Cyclades (Greek Islands)
November 16, 2025
Ostraco Suites – Mykonos Island
If you are looking for a luxurious oasis close to the Chora town center, then Ostraco Suites is the perfect place to call home while vacationing on the island of Mykonos. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea from your suite or head to the free form pool and terrace to soak up some Grecian sun. This boutique, luxury hotel features an onsite spa, poolside bar, and restaurant.
Sip a bougie cocktail poolside and after head to your private suite to freshen up. Each suite reflects the Mykonos island aesthetic with white-washed walls, a stone bathtub/shower, and stylish furniture.
Wind down your evening with a stroll to the town center, which is just a 10-min walk from the hotel. Prices range from $85 – $160 USD per night, depending on the season.
Big Blue Villa – Santorini Island
In my decade of travel, the Big Blue Villa is one of my all time favorite stays. Nestled on the iconic caldera (rocky volcanic cliffs) of the village of Oia, the Big Blue Villa has everything you need for a dreamy Santorini vacation. The two-story villa features a living/dining room area and a kitchenette on the upper floor and a bedroom suite on the lower floor. While the villa itself is amazing, the real gem is the balcony with the pool and absolutely stunning views of the infamous Santorini caldera.
Unlike most of the hotels/villas along the caldera, the Big Blue Villa’s elevated balcony gives guests a birds-eye view of the Aegean Sea and the winding cliffside. It also provides privacy, as there are walking paths that weave through all of the lower level villas along the cliff. The villa has on call staff to help guests book excursions and arrange transportation. Prices range from $500 – $800 USD per night, depending on the season.
Eat. Pray. Love. – Bold Balinese Adventures
November 12, 2025
The experiences and recommendations in this post are within the two cities that I stayed in during my trip to Bali – Ubud (a jungle town location) and Canggu (a beach town location).
Explore Ancient Hindu Temples
Go on a real-life temple run exploring Bali’s ancient Hindu temples! These sacred places of worship can be found any and everywhere on the island, and are frequented by both locals and tourists alike. Before entering a temple, all visitors are required to wrap a sarong around their waist; this is considered a symbol of purity and respect. Tourists often visit temples to engage in some of the Balinese and Hindu spiritual practices and rituals. A popular one is the Water Purification Ceremony, which involves a series of prayers and chants, by a priest, immersion into the scared water basin (seen below), and then a period of reflection. The ceremony is said to cleanse one’s body, mind and spirit.
Get Lost in the Rice Terraces
Rice is a staple in Indonesian cuisine and is the most farmed crop on the island of Bali. While rice paddy fields and terraces can be found anywhere on the island, the Tegalalang Rice Terrace is the most famous! This terrace features endless rows of rice, all of which are watered via the traditional Balinese sabuk irrigation system – a gravity based irrigation system where water is drawn from a nearby river and then cascaded down to water each level of the rice terrace. After wandering through the fields, enjoy one of the many activities offered on the grounds, such as a flying dress photo shoot or the Bali Swing. Check out my previous post for the inside scoop on those activities!
Chase Waterfalls
Bali is the perfect island to become one with nature. With over 50 different waterfalls on the island, there is a lot to explore! We visited Ulu Petanu Waterfall. This beautiful cascade can be easily accessed via a short hike down a mountain and into the jungle. Follow the path down the mountain, through the jungle, and over the river full of koi fish to Ulu Petanu. Jump right in to cool down from your hike!
Go ATV-ing through the Jungle
Are you an adrenaline junkie!? Whether solo or with a friend, an ATV adventure through the Balinese jungle is a must while on the island! Bob and weave through the dense jungle understory as you follow your guide on the rugged trails. We did our ATV tour with Dadi Bali Adventures. They gave us a quick training and then we were off into the jungle. We bumped and jumped through the trails, riding up steep hills and through rivers and dark tunnels. Towards the end of the tour, the guide let us free ride around a muddy racing loop in the nearby paddy fields. We channeled are inner biker babe, popping wheelies, drifting, and riding standing up. It was a blast!
Snorkel in the Penida Islands
Hop a boat and sail out to the Penida Islands to snorkel in crystal blue waters. Our boat captain was an experienced free diver and led us through the waters pointing out all kinds of sea life – like blue starfishes, sea urchins, and even sea turtles! We were so lucky that the sea turtle we were observing came up for air shortly after we spotted it. We were able to swim beside it as it glided up to the surface! What an experience!
You basically have a whole itinerary of activities to do in Bali. Now all you need to do is book your flight! Go ahead, just do it!
Where Books Meet Beauty – Exploring South Korea’s Starfield Libraries
November 3, 2025
Despite having left South Korea in 2021, my long distance love story continued to bring me back to the country every year. Each trip, I would spend my time visiting old friends, eating my favorite foods, and exploring new hotspots in Seoul and other cities.
From 2019-2021, I lived in Suwon, South Korea working as a preschool English teacher. Suwon is the capital of the Gyeonggi-do province and is located roughly 40 minutes outside of Seoul. Suwon is known for being the home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hwaseong Fortress, which showcases the city’s rich history, culture, and architecture. The city offers a unique blend of old and new Korea, making it the perfect location for expats to call home. Check out my previous post to read more about my time teaching in Korea, as well as info on how you can teach abroad!
Since my boyfriend (now husband) was living in Suwon, we decided to check out the newest hotspot in the city, the Starfield Library. Now, if you have ever seen one of those “Coolest Libraries in the World” posts on social media, I want you to know that those kinds of library actually do exist, and the Starfield Library is one of them! The original Starfield Library is located in the Coex Mall in Seoul, South Korea, and has been a popular tourist spot for years. I visited that library in 2019 while living abroad – see below.
In 2024, the Starfield brand opened another mall with an even more enchanting library in Suwon. My boyfriend and I decided to make a date of it and go explore the new mall and library! After getting lost, a few times, we finally found our way to the mall and wandered around admiring all the new stores and kiosks. We eventually ran right into the library, which is strategically integrated into each floor of the mall.
Wow! I could not believe my eyes! The library truly looked like an AI simulation. From floor to ceiling there were enormous shelves, each neatly filled with books. The bookshelves jutted out of the walls in different angles creating cozy reading nooks and balconies. The books were endless! From the ceiling hung artwork that resembled planets and moons, giving the space an other-worldly feel.
As we made our way up, each floor of the library had something unique to enjoy. A record store, a coffee shop, we even ran into a magic show in the children’s wing. We finally made it to the top floor and found a cozy corner to sit in and enjoy the view of the people checking out books below. How amazing!? Korea’s infrastructure, technology, and forward thinking never ceases to amaze me! I grabbed a coffee, a book, and settled into our corner to enjoy the library a little longer before leaving.
My husband and I, Suwon, South Korea – May 2025
California Girls – A Weekend on the West Coast
October 28, 2025
What better way to channel your inner Katy Perry “California Girl” then by going to LA with your best friend! There really is no other American city like Los Angeles – good food, great vibes, beautiful views, breezy beaches, a possible celebrity sighting?
While we did not see any celebrities during our time in LA, we did enjoy some of the city’s highlights. After just one weekend in the city, we were convinced that we wanted to move to LA permanently. If you want to convince yourself or someone else to move to LA, add these spots to your itinerary next time you are in the city.
Hike Runyon Canyon Park
Looking to enjoy the Hollywood Hills views? The Runyon Canyon Park hike is the perfect activity to kickstart your time in the city. Enjoy views of LA, the Hollywood sign, and even some million dollar mansions as you trek through the Santa Monica mountains and admire Runyon Canyon’s unique landscapes. This intermediate hike takes about 1.5-2hrs roundtrip.
There are various view points throughout the trail and plenty of benches where you can stop and take a break. Entrance to the park is free, and if your lucky, you may find a fresh pressed juice or fruit vendor at the entrance. Grab a green juice and get going!
Brunch in Beverly Hills
Embrace your Barbie girl dream by having brunch at The Beverly Hills Hotel. This iconic hotel is not only home to Hollywood luxury but also the Cabana Cafe. Hidden in the hotel gardens, the Cabana cafe offers poolside seating and a variety of brunch options. The cafe is open to both hotel guests and non-guests. Only with a cafe reservation can you be permitted to enter the hotel as a non-guest, but once inside, you are free to explore every nook and cranny of the hotel’s glamorous grounds. Find out more about this brunch experience and how to make a reservation in my previous post.
Find Your Favorite Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
What’s a trip to LA without taking a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame? We enjoyed looking for our favorite celebrities while taking in the evening liveliness of Hollywood Boulevard. Did you know that there are over 2,000 stars on the Walk of Fame!? In other words, bring your walking shoes!
Visit Venice Beach
Like Snoop said, “Venice Beach and Palm Springs, summertime is everything!” And there is no better way to enjoy summer than by spending a day at the beach. Venice Beach is a must do when in LA. The beach not only has a bustling boardwalk, but also winding walking paths along the beach front. One of the things I love the most about West coast beaches is that you can see the ocean and mountains together. Go lay out on the beach and soak up the sun! Afterwards, grab a slice of pizza at a nearby pizza shop!
Check Out the Nightlife
One thing me and my bestie love is a good bar with great cocktails! We checked out a popular, upscale bar called The Nice Guy. The bar’s aesthetic pays homage to the mafia era with its vintage decor and dim atmosphere. After a weird conversation with the doorman which included questions about our political views and why he should let us in with no reservation, we were allowed to enter. We grabbed a spot at the bar and enjoyed some cocktails and the most amazing mushroom pizza I’ve ever had!
Well, if you are not convinced that you should move to LA after reading this post, then you will just have to go there and see for yourself!
My best friend Vanessa and I, Los Angeles, California (Runyon Canyon Park) – October 2024
Sipping in Science Class – The Uncorked Wine Festival in Detroit, MI.
October 20, 2025
When I am not out galavanting around the globe, I enjoy spending time exploring my home state, Michigan, USA, and all that it has to offer. One of the best cities to visit in Michigan is Detroit. Home of the Detroit Lions, the rapper Eminem, and historic Motown music, there is always something going on in the “D.” This year, I promised myself I would frequent Detroit more and attend some of the city’s unique events, with my first one being the annual Uncorked Wine Festival.
The Uncorked Wine Festival is a traveling wine festival that pops up in major cities around the United States throughout the year. At the festival, guests can enjoy unlimited pours from some of the best wineries and vineyards across their state. The festivals are always held in unique venues that allow guests to sip, chat, and enjoy an entertaining atmosphere. This year’s festival was held in May at the Michigan Science Center in Downtown Detroit.
My best friend and I purchased general admission tickets online for ~$65 USD and secured our slots for the 7pm tasting. On the day of the festival, we made our way to the Science Center and were greeted with big smiles from the festival staff. They gave us each a tasting glass and a punch card and told us to enjoy!
We grabbed our glasses and began wandering around the various floors of the Science Center, stopping at each tasting booth for a wine sample and some brief info about the wine. As we sipped our samples, we were able to interact with some of the science exhibits – my favorites were the light tunnel, the tornado simulator, and the Mackinac Bridge replica (a famous bridge in Michigan that connects the upper and lower peninsulas of the state).
Our punch cards granted us 25 tastings, and best believe we used every single one of them – just kidding we didn’t! I am a light weight, so I only managed to have about 7 samples before I was done for the night, but they were all delicious! The festival ran until 10pm and time flew as we walked, talked and sipped our way around the Science Center.
We enjoyed our final drinks in the Science Center’s show room, where the science staff did some interactive experiments with dry ice and even launched a plastic rocket with a sodium bicarbonate mixture under pressure. We giggled as we watched some of the more indulgent wine drinkers shout and jump around in amazement at the rocket’s launch. Who knew sipping wine in science class could be so fun!
Visit the Uncorked Wine Festival website to find out when this festival will be in your area.
My best friend, Ariana and I, Detroit, Michigan – May 2025
Soaring Through Eternal Spring – Paragliding in Medellín, Colombia
October 11, 2025
“Yep… that’s me, floating mid-air above Aburrá Valley. You’re probably wondering how I got there, right? Well it all started on a random trip to Colombia with my best friend Mikey…”
Nestled in the Aburrá Valley of the Andes Mountain region, Medellín, Colombia is known as the City of Eternal Spring. No matter what month of the year it is, the weather always gives the feeling of a light, airy spring day. A favorite past time of locals and tourist in this city is admiring the stunning views of the valley from above. There are numerous view points in the city cliffs, such as bars, parks and restaurants, where one can enjoy the view – the most magical view is at night when the city lights illuminate the dark sky.
One of the best parts about traveling with friends is that they always push you to try new things. Mikey was determined to get the best view of the city while on our trip, and there is no better view than the one from above, so up we went! We booked our parapente (paragliding in Spanish) excursion with The Dream of Flying Company ($55 per person). On the day of our flight, the tour company picked us up from our hotel and we drove about 45-min. outside of the city to their cliffside take off zone. Once out of the car, we climbed about 100 winding, stone steps before arriving at an open, grassy field on the edge of the cliff.
We were ushered over to the training zone where we were suited up, taught the flight basics, and signed our waivers. The entire process took less than 30-min. and once done we were assigned a flight captain. This was probably the only time on vacation I wished a tour would be delayed or have some additional wait time. Before I even had time to tell Mikey “I don’t think I can do this,” I was being strapped to my flight captain and handed a go pro. I think they purposely make the prep process fast, so you don’t have time to chicken out!
My captain introduced himself while another staff member buckled me to him and checked my safety straps. I asked them both a few questions about the flight and even asked the staff member to double check my safety straps. The staff member laughed and in a thick Colombian accent said,”Is safe, no worry!”
I looked over and saw my friend Mikey running fearlessly, knees to chest, down the mountain with his flight captain behind him. They made it to the edge of the cliff and in the blink of an eye their parachute lifted and they were flying!
“You ready?” said my captain. “Well, if Mikey can do it, so can I!” I said to myself as I leaned forward and began to run with all my might. “Corre! Corre! Corre!” (run in Spanish) yelled the captain as we sprinted down the field. Our parachute slowly began to rise and catch wind as we neared the cliffs’ edge. “Okay, para!” (stop in Spanish) shouted the captain. I stopped running and shifted my weight backwards and up we went!
Wow! I could NOT believe that I was in the sky! Usually, I only find myself in the sky when I am in a metal tube with tiny windows, but there were no windows, doors, or a flight attendant asking “beef or chicken?” on this sky ride. We glided, twirled and swirled through the valley. I looked around wide eyed and amazed; the fear slowly started to disappear.
The captain explained how the valley provides the perfect winds for gliding because of the constant air flow off of the surrounding mountains. He shared about glider training and how he usually does 10-15 flights a day. “You couldn’t pay me to run off of that mountain again today,” I thought to myself. “Smile!” said the captain, as he snapped some shots of us with the go pro. After our brief photoshoot, the captain cranked on his radio and we jammed to some J. Balvin as we started our descent.
We circled back around to where we began our flight and slowly made our way down towards the ground “Feet up!” shouted the captain, as we floated downward rapidly to the landing area. My butt hit the ground and scooted a few inches. The parachute came down next in a puff and slowly started deflating. Finally, we were on the ground!
The staff helped me up and I giggled in amazement while jogging over to the equipment area to return my gear and find Mikey! “I can’t believe I just did that!”
My best friend Mikey and I, Medellín Colombia – May 2024
Everything is Bigger in Texas – A Mini Vacation in San Antonio
October 4, 2025
It is not too often that I find myself traveling around the United States, but since my husband is awaiting his green card (a document that will allow him to travel outside of the U.S. + other things), our adventures have been limited to within the 50 states. Despite our trip to Texas being for work, we still managed to find some time to explore San Antonio! Whether you are in San Antonio for work or leisure, here are some hot spots to add to your itinerary.
Stay at the Plaza San Antonio Resort & Spa
Usually, I find myself at a resort when on vacation in some tropical destination, but that was not the case this trip! This was my first time staying at a city resort, and surprisingly, I really enjoyed it! Plaza San Antonio Resort & Spa is in the heart of downtown San Antonio, and it is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy your time in the city. The hotel features an onsite restaurant, lounge, pool/bar, and spa. Guests receive a complimentary drink as well as a $25 credit to spend on food/drinks each day. Rooms run between $135-150 a night.
My favorite part of our stay was the room! It was VERY spacious and offered excellent views of the properties lush gardens. The hotel offers a variety of special activities, such as morning yoga and afternoon tea. If you are not a guest you can always stop by and grab a drink at the lounge, Aquana. or book one of their poolside cabanas.
Eat Texas BBQ at Pinkerton’s
Now, I am not going to argue who has the best BBQ in San Antonio, but I will tell you about how delicious Pinkerton’s BBQ was! I am originally from down South, so BBQ is nothing new to me, but it was so fun watching my husband experience Southern BBQ culture for the first time at Pinkerton’s.
There were so many choices, I won’t even bother trying to explain them all to you. You can check out the picture that I snapped of the menu to get an idea of what we were working with. First, we chose our sides: brisket mac and cheese, baked beans, and potato salad. Next we chose our meats: a slab of pork ribs and two slices of beef brisket – the staff were super generous and gave us a little extra of everything since it was the end of the night! Last, our dessert: none other than a cup of banana pudding.
We grabbed a table and dove right into our feast! All the memories of summer cookouts in North Carolina came flooding back to me on my first bite. Pinkerton’s ended up being our favorite meal of the entire trip.
Visit the Alamo, A Historic Battle Site
While I am not a history buff, it was really neat to visit a place that I had always heard of in elementary school history classes. The City of San Antonio has done an excellent job preserving this historic site and creating illustrative artwork and models to explain the history of the Alamo.
In short, a battle between the American settlers (Texians) and the Mexicans, who originally owned/occupied the lands of Texas, took place here. During this battle 1,500 Mexican troops stormed the Alamo. For thirteen days, 180 Texians, who had fortified themselves inside of the Alamo, were able to hold off the Mexican troops. On day thirteen, they were finally overtaken by the Mexican troops. Later, the phrase “Remember the Alamo” was coined to commemorate their efforts.
Explore Historic Market Square
Rich in history and delicious food, the Market Square was the place were Mexicans traders and vendors thrived in the 17 and 1800s. During the day, vendors would sell their produce and meats, but by nightfall a new set of sellers would arrive, “The Chili Queens.” This group of women would come and sell their unique spicy beef stew, which captured the hearts and stomachs of both the Mexicans and the Texians.
Today, Historic Market Square is a place to not only eat delicious food and shop, but also to celebrate Mexican culture – many festivals, cultural events, and holidays are celebrated here. The market boasts vibrant colors in every corner, and a plethora of restaurants to indulge in traditional Mexican cuisine. It is also a great place for a cute pic!
See “The Saga” Art Show
The City of San Antonio is celebrating ten years of art and historic education with a special video-projection art show entitled “The Saga.” This whimsical art display, created by French artist Xavier de Richemont, is projected on the walls of the San Fernando Cathedral in the Main Plaza of downtown. The show “shares the story of the land, water, people, battles, and development of San Antonio, the Lone Star State, and United States history.” You can find a bench in the plaza and watch this show every Tuesday through Sunday night, at 9pm or 9:30pm.
Grab a Treat at La Panadería Bakery & Cafe
Looking for a cute place to grab an authentic Mexican snack? Well, La Panadería is the place to go! This bakery and cafe has become a well known spot in downtown San Antonio for pan dulce (sweet bread). We went there close to closing in search of their famous Conchas, a sweet brioche bread with a cookie crust, but they were all sold out!
Instead, we tried the CroLuna, a tequila almond croissant. I didn’t like the almond paste in the middle, but everything else was delicious! We also grabbed a classic cheesecake. La Panadería often has a line and sells out of their popular items before closing (3pm), so don’t delay on satisfying your sweet tooth!
I am surprised on how much I enjoyed San Antonio. We were lucky enough to go in late September, so the weather was just right for exploring, eating, and enjoying. If you find yourself in Texas, don’t hesitate to check out San Antonio. You won’t be disappointed!
My husband and I, San Antonio, Texas – September 2025
Luxury on the Lake – Enchanting Stays in Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala
September 22, 2025
This is the first blog post that I find myself more excited about choosing the pictures for the post than writing the post itself. The reason why is because each and everyone of these hotels that I am about to share are absolutely stunning…seriously, they are like something out of a story book.
Anyone who is planning a trip to Guatemala, knows that Lago de Atitlán (Lake Atitlán) should be on their itinerary! This beautiful volcanic, crater lake can be found in the Guatemalan Highlands of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Known as the deepest lake in Central America, Lake Atitlán is home to eleven unique villages, that are spread around the lake’s shore. The only way to travel between these villages is by water taxi. Travelers can enjoy immersing themselves in nature and culture through hiking, water excursions, or exploring the villages, however, one of the best parts of being on the lake is the unique stays that it offers. Here are a few of my favorites:
La Casa del Mundo
Nestled in the cliffs of the village of El Jaibalito, La Casa del Mundo is one of the most magical hotels on Lake Atitlán. A mix of traditional Guatemalan and medieval architecture, La Casa del Mundo makes one feel as if they have been transported into a fairy tale. The hotel has an onsite restaurant and offers a variety of outdoor excursions and water sports. Instead of a typical pool, the hotel has several balconies where guests can jump, dive, or simply relax lake side and enjoy the spectacular views.
I was so mesmerized by the beauty of this hotel and its’ grounds, that I forgot to take a picture of myself there! I just wanted to take it all in and store it in my long term memory. This was by far one of the most unique places I have ever stayed! Room rates range from $60-100 USD per night.
A pro tip: La Casa del Mundo is built high in the cliffs, which means there is a trek of about 100+ steps from the dock to the hotel main lobby. The staff are so kind and carry your bags, on their backs, up the steps, but not you! Be prepared to climb a couple flights of stairs.
Tzampoc Resort
Another gem along the lake is Tzampoc Resort. Located in Santa Catarina Palopó, a city in the cliffs above Lake Atitlán, Tzampoc is the place to be if you are looking for a luxe lake experience. While we did not stay at this hotel, we were still able to enjoy its’ pool, bar and views, by purchasing a day pass ($25 USD). Passes are limited each day, so be sure to purchase them in advance. We were so lucky we had the whole place to ourselves for several hours before others arrived! The resort offers stunning views of the Sierra Madre Mountain and Lake Atitlán, making it the perfect place to wind down after days of outdoors adventures.
A pro tip: Make sure your taxi drives you ALL the way up the hill to the resort’s main entrance and not just the hotel’s gate. Be sure to give the hotel a heads up that you are on the way, so they can keep an eye out for you. They can send some staff to the gate to drive you up via golf cart if your taxi driver will not.
La Fortuna
An eco-hotel located in Patzisotz Bay, between the villages of Panajachel and Santa Cruz, La Fortuna was my favorite stay during our time at Lake Atitlán. The hotel offers a one of a kind experience, with bungalow style rooms hidden within the property’s jungle. One of the coolest parts of the bungalows were their outdoor bathrooms. Well.. it was cool until it was 1am and I had to swat away BIG bugs while trying to pee. After night one, I learned my lesson and held it till morning for the rest of our stay ha-ha.
In the center of the property is the main office bungalow, where there is a bar, pool, and restaurant. This is truly a place to do nothing but enjoy good vibes and great company.
A pro tip: Wake up early! There are so many awesome view points at this hotel to watch the sunrise over the lake.
From Chicago, With Love – A Day Trip to the Windy City
September 12, 2025
One of the best things about living in central Michigan is how easy it is to pop over to Chicago. If you ever find yourself bored and yearning for some good food, city views, and great vibes, you can easily grab a cheap 3hr train or bus to Chicago. My husband and I found ourselves bored, hungry and in need of some good vibes this past week, so on a random Tuesday, off to Chicago we went! Arriving at 6am via bus and leaving at 6pm via train, we spent a beautiful fall day roaming the streets of Chicago.
Known as the Windy City, or Chi-town to the locals, Chicago is one of the largest and most diverse, cities in the Midwest United States. My favorite time to visit Chicago is in the early fall – the weather is just right for strolling around the city. Whether you are in Chicago for a day or a weekend here are some hot spots to add to your itinerary.
See “The Bean” at Sunrise
Did you know that the iconic “bean” in Millennium Park is actually called the The Cloud Gate? Although there are many art works in Millennium Park, The Cloud Gate has become the most famous. It’s reflective surface creates a beautiful mirror image of the city skyline as well as a trippy reflection of oneself when walking around and under it. While the bean is beautiful at all times of the day, sunrise is the best time to visit. The sun reflecting off of the bean makes the mirror image of the city skyline glow and shine. It really is a site to see! Also, you can see the entire mirror image clearly without it being speckled with people. When you finish admiring the bean be sure to explore the rest of the park! We checked out the other art installations and architecture.
Walk the Lakefront Trail
Chicago sits on Lake Michigan, which is one of the United State’s five great lakes. It’s close proximity to the lake is the reason that the city gets below freezing temperatures in the winter and strong winds in the spring and fall. When the lake is not causing whirlwind weather, it is very beautiful to look at! The Lakefront Trail is the perfect place to walk and talk or even have a seat and enjoy a snack. If you walk the entire trail you will end up at Navy Pier. We walked the trail half way and then enjoyed some snacks on a bench before turning back to head to the city center for our boat tour.
Take an Architectural River Boat Tour
While many come to Chicago for good food and great vibes, others come to admire its’ amazing architecture. Home to some of the top architectural design schools in the country, Chicago riverfront boasts some of the most intricately designed and tallest buildings in the United States. One can embark on a 45-min or 1.5hr river boat cruise to check out these works of art up close. A boat cruise is the perfect way to see the art and the city skyline, especially at night! I booked a 45-min tour via booking.com (~$45 per person).
Try Deep Dish Pizza
Chicago is home to the original deep dish pizza. I won’t try to convince you of the best place to get pizza, because there are so many “best” spots, but we tried Lou Malnati’s. I am not a fan of deep dish, but I had to give my husband the full experience on his first trip to Chicago. Wherever you decide to go make sure you make a reservation a day or so in advance. Deep dish pizza takes ~40 min to bake, so restaurants can have an hour+ long wait!
Get a Massage
After walking nearly 20,000 steps, we were exhausted! We spent the morning doing the highlights so that we could have a slow afternoon. I am a big fan of massages, especially Thai style. I called around to a few top rated places and was able to make a same day couples appointment for $160. It was the perfect way to start winding down our afternoon after a busy morning. We visited Thai Lotus Body Work, and the ladies put our bodies to work! It was amazing! I highly recommend.
Check Out a Rooftop Bar
There is no better way to wind down or wind up your evening in Chi-town then sipping a cocktail and soaking up the sky high city views. I had the London House rooftop bar on my wish list for years and luckily we were able to walk right in around 4pm and get a spot at the bar. Reservations are only necessary if you plan to dine, but for drinks only it is first come first serve. I would have loved to experience this bar and the view at night!
We made the most of our day trip, and had a blast! We headed to the train station around 5:30pm for our 6pm train and slept the whole way home.
Where Lava Meets Sky – Hiking Volcan Pacaya in Antigua, Guatemala
August 31, 2025
When my best friend and I first decided to go to Guatemala, the last thing I expected to do was to climb an active volcano, but alas, when do I not find myself doing something outrageously adventurous when traveling. Guatemala is a unique country with so much to offer, especially for those who love nature. Despite not being an outdoor enthusiast, I love some good cardio and was up for the challenge of hiking Volcan Pacaya.
Volcan Pacaya is an active stratovolcano that lies just outside of Antigua, Guatemala. A stratovolcano is a volcano that is formed through alternating layers of hardened lava and ash Their defining features are a cone-like shape and steep sides.
There are several volcanoes to hike throughout Guatemala, with the most popular and challenging being Volcan Acatenango and its’ neighbor, Volcan de Fuego. That hike takes multiple days and requires camping, but you are guaranteed to see lava light up the sky because Volcan de Fuego erupts daily at dawn like clockwork. Since we didn’t have much time to spare or the stamina to hike for days, we chose to hike Volcan Pacaya, which takes about 2hrs roundtrip.
A transfer bus picked us and a few others up from our hotel and we began our journey to Volcan Pacaya. When we arrived, we met our guide and he gave us the hiking rules:
- Drink water.
- Go at your own pace.
- Don’t forget to breath – so your body/lungs can regulate to the change of altitude as we ascend.
We grabbed our hiking sticks and a bottle of water and followed our guide. The hike would not be taking us to the summit of the volcano but to the lava fields along the sides of its’ cone.
We walked and talked as we made our way through first rubble and then forest. About 30-minuets in, the path began to shift into a steep incline. So steep that we had to use our sticks to push ourselves forward to prevent from sliding down. It was challenging, but we pressed forward huffing and puffing. The tour staff had brought along horses for people to ride if they were unable to continue on foot. A few people from our party took the horses, but we kept it pushing.
Halfway through the hike, we stopped to take a breather and enjoy the views. From afar, we could see the majestic Volcan Acetenango and Volcan de Fuego smoking in the distance. The epic views gave us a burst of energy to keep going.
Finally, we arrived at the lava fields. The earth and soil immediately changed from a dirty brown to a charcoal, sandy black. We walked the winding path to the main area of the lava fields, where we could feel heat radiating from the earth. Wow! We were standing on a real life volcano – how did I end up here?
We made our way over to the view point. It was magnificent! It literally felt like we were in heaven. The billowing clouds engulfed us and they shined fluorescent hues of blue and purple. It felt like we were floating in the sky! We sat on a pile of rocks and admired the view for awhile, before our guide came over and handed us a marshmallow and a stick.
He showed us a special pile of rocks that had a hole in the center. “Watch.” He stuck his marshmallow stick inside the hole and a few seconds later pulled it out. It was roasted! The heat rising from under the earth was so hot it could roast a marshmallow! Where was my s’mores kit when I needed it?
The guide told us that during the high season there is even a man who cooks pizza via the heated rocks and sells it to hikers. We giggled, enjoyed our marshmallows and admired the view once more before beginning our trek back. We definitely earned that marshmallow and a post hike massage!
My Best Friend Vanessa & I – Volcan Pacaya, Guatemala 2022
Disney As An Adult – 3 Magical Tips for Maximum Fun
August 24, 2025
My suggestions are based on my experience at Disneyland/Disney Adventure Park in Los Angeles, California.
Order Ears Online, in Advance
A trip to Disney is not complete without a pair of Mickey ears to wear throughout the park. Whether you are going alone, with friends or with your family, ears are a must! Ears can be purchased at any store/kiosk within the park, however, purchasing ears in the park will cost you at-least $50 a pair, and the styles will be limited.
The best Disney ear hack is to purchase ears online in advance from Etsy. Not only will you be able to save a few bucks, but also you will be able to choose from a variety of unique, custom designs. You can easily find a pair of ears that match your personality or showcase your favorite Disney character.
I purchased my custom Winne the Pooh ears from Minniemeandme’s Etsy shop. It took about 2-weeks to arrive, but they were worth the wait! I got so many compliments while walking around the park! They are the perfect keepsake to remember my trip to Disney!
Join the Single-Rider Line
The single-rider line is the best kept secret for adults doing Disney. Unlike the regular, group line, which can have wicked wait times, the single-rider line moves FAST! When a family/group from the regular line is placed on a ride and there is an empty seat or two in a cart, the staff will pull someone from the single rider line to fill the space.
There is always an empty seat or two on the ride, so single riders are constantly being pulled. I went to Disneyland with my mom and dad and we used the single rider line every time, especially on popular rides like: Radiator Springs Racers, the Incredicoaster and the Guardians of the Galaxy.
We often ended up together despite being in the single rider line. If you don’t have little ones or don’t mind braving a ride possibly alone, or with your friends/family a few seats behind you, the single rider line will help you maximize your day at the park without having to spend extra for a fast pass.
Save Room for Dessert
There are so many fun treats to try while in the park! Each park/land has a unique set of sugary treats and restaurants. If you are short on time or only in the park for a day, skip dessert at a sit down restaurant and grab treats as you venture through the park/lands. Some of my favorite treats were the churros, Ghirardelli caramel sundae, and the Hawaiian dole whip cooler.
My Mom and Dad – Disneyland, November 2024
Eat. Pray. Love. – Bougie Bali Experiences Not To Miss
August 20, 2025
The experiences and recommendations in this post are within the two cities that I stayed in during my trip to Bali – Ubud (a jungle town location) and Canggu (a beach town location).
Do a Flying Dress Photoshoot
What is a trip to Bali without a flying dress photoshoot? There are several cliffside cafes throughout the Ubud rice patty fields where one can enjoy the view and book a flying dress photoshoot. First you pick your dress color and then the cafe attendants will help you get fitted – the wrap dresses are one-size fit all. Once dressed, you can take a stroll through the rice patty fields and explore all of the unique photo spots, cabanas, and swings. The staff know all of the best angles and will help you get some dreamy photos!
Book a Private Yoga Class
Your Bali eat, pray, love journey is not complete without doing some yoga! While yoga studios can be found throughout Bali, the best experience is booking a private yoga instructor to come to your villa. Our beautiful villa had a poolside garden that we transformed into our own personal yoga studio. We started our session bright and early with our instructor, who was a long-time yoga master. She led us gracefully through an hour session that included some beginner and intermediate poses. We ended our session with a sound bath, where some of us were able to reach a deep unconscious, suspension-like state….I just fell asleep. It was so peaceful!
Rent a Boat & Go Island Hopping
Instagramable islands like, Nusa Penida, Lombak and the Gillis are not connected to mainland Bali and are only accessible by boat. If you are feeling bougie, rent a private boat, with friends, to explore the mini-islands that surround Bali. Boats can be rented by the hour ($100-150 USD per hour) or by day ($500-1,500 USD). Whichever option you choose, be sure to head out early in the morning to beat the high tide and enjoy smooth sailing. Enjoy unique landscapes, snorkeling, and sunbathing in style as your captain takes you around to all of the hot spots! Don’t forget to bring your speaker! Depending on traffic, the boat port can be a 30min to 1 hour drive from the Canggu city center.
Enjoy a Spa Day
Bali is the perfect place to get pampered for a low price. On one of the rest days of our trip, I decided to treat myself to a spa day. I had always wanted to try an advance facial service, but the prices back home are wicked! My best friend, who had arrived to Bali early and already enjoyed several spa services, recommend a modern, chic facial bar called, Face Day. Face Day offers a variety of 90-min facials such as: lymphatic drainage, cryothearpy, infra red all for under $50. My friend Genelle and I went together and left Face Day with silky smooth skin and a big smile!
Hire a Private Chef
There is no better way to enjoy Indonesian cuisine then with a private chef! We were spoiled rotten on this trip, and had chef services for breakfast every morning and a few dinners. This service can be arranged by your villa staff. It is 100% worth it!
Be a Beach Club Barbie
Looking for a vibe? Check out one of the many beach clubs in Canggu. We hung out at The Lawn. Sip cocktails and listen to the DJ’s mix while basking in the sun poolside. When you are tired of the pool you can walk over and take a dip in the ocean. Be sure to stay until sunset because Bali sunsets are pure magic! Beach clubs typically require a minimum spend on food and drinks so come with an empty stomach. Whether solo or with friends, a beach club is always a great way to spend a day!
Treat Yourself to a Flower Bath or a Flower Pool
The flower bath is a unique to Bali experience. You can also easily organize one with your hotel or villa staff. Flower baths can range from $30-60 USD. My previous blog post highlights my flower bath experience. We were in Bali to celebrate my best friend’s 30th birthday, so I surprised her with a flower bath. The villa staff helped me pick the design and set up her room/bathroom while we were out sailing. You can also arrange a flower pool and even include a custom message. This is perfect for a birthday, engagment, honeymoon or… just because you deserve it! Below is my best friend’s flower pool design that she had done on one side of our villa pool.
You basically have a whole itinerary of activities to do in Bali. Now all you need to do is book your flight! Go ahead, just do it!
A Long Distance, International Love Story
August 14, 2025
I named my blog La Aventura [“The Adventure,” Spanish]. Although most of my stories have been about travel adventures, every once in awhile a life adventure story is warranted… because life, in itself, is an adventure, right? One of my greatest life adventures has been falling in love, however, it was also one of my hardest. It’s funny though, the hardest stories somehow always have the happiest endings.
On June 27, 2025, I married my seoul-mate, my best friend. 1,645 days we waited for each other. Across continents [South Korea to USA] we loved one another for five years. So many sacrifices, missed moments, unfair systemic immigration obstacles, and lonely nights, but we never gave up on one another. Finally, our dream came true. We are the Oforis.
Set Sail in Zanzibar – My Unforgettable Dhow Cruise Experience
July 29, 2025
The Indian Ocean’s crystal blue waters are not a myth! The same mesmerizing waters of the Maldives can be found off the coast of Zanzibar, and the best way to experience them is by going for a cruise on a dhow boat.
A dhow boat is a wooden boat with a large triangular sail. These unique boats date back to 600 BC and were originally used for trading, fishing, and carrying cargo or slaves. They are said to have been invented by the Arabs or Indians and can be seen throughout Africa traversing the waters transporting people or cargo even today. Dhow boats come in a variety of sizes, however, for this experience the fishing boat style dhow is recommend. These boats can hold about two to three people, in addition to the captain, and are perfect for a quick off shore cruise.
During my time in Zanzibar, I stumbled across a young fisherman on the beach and asked if he would be willing to take me out on his boat. After some brief bargaining, the man agreed and told me that we would set sail at lunch the following day. The next day we met and I watched, from the shore, as the fisherman and the captain pushed the boat into the water and raised the sails. The captain told us to hop in and we were off.
The dhow boat is fascinating and takes skill to maneuver. The captain stood on the ledges of the sail that protruded out and over the ocean and managed the sails. He moved them strategically to catch the wind and keep us gliding through the waters. The water was as transparent as glass. At any point you could look down and catch a glimpse of the colorful marine life dancing below as we glided by.
Once we reached a steady speed the captain invited us to step out and stand on the sail’s ledges – this was the best part! Gripping the sail’s rope and the captain’s hand, I hoisted myself up and out on the ledge. Balancing myself, I watched as the water lapped beneath me and inhaled the salty spray that kicked up from the boat. A magical moment to be out on the Indian Ocean admiring its various hues of blue – this is the Instagrammable moment! We continued our sail up and down the coast line for about fifteen minutes before returning to shore. We thanked and paid the fisherman and were on our way.
Makunduchi Beach: Zanzibar, Tanzania – December 2023
“Every Queen Needs a Palace” – Drag Brunch in Miami
July 23, 2025
Once upon a time, Jasmine’s passport was being renewed. This left her stuck in the non-international travel trenches for a few months. Despite being passport-less, Jasmine refused to stay put! Eager to satisfy her travel itch, she decided to take a domestic trip to Miami with her best buddy Mikey. While they went to enjoy the beautiful beaches, they had no idea that an epic drag brunch would become the highlight of their trip.
As a long time super fan of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, a drag brunch has always been on my bucket list. Apart from Las Vegas or Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, there is no better place to experience a drag brunch than at Miami Beach’s Palace bar and club. Several Drag Race stars have gotten their start at the Palace, making it such a treat to be having brunch with these baddies!
Mikey and I made a reservation at Palace a few days before our trip to ensure that we wouldn’t miss this activity. Palace offers drag brunch Friday – Sunday at 11am and 2pm. Brunch is ~65.00 USD and it includes bottomless mimosas, an entree, and unforgettable entertainment. We arrived early, because I was determined to get a good seat for the show!
The main entrance of Palace is, in fact, the stage. An outdoor patio area with tables and chairs are on both sides of the entrance, making the pathway up to the entrance a walkway/runway. The queens come out from the entrance and strut down this walkway as they entertain the crowd, so the best seats in the house are those nearest to the entrance with the neon “PALACE” sign above it. After checking in with the bar, we were able to snag some great seats – after a little negotiation with the staff.
The show began and out came a team of sexy waiters dancing and slapping their fans to the beat of the music.
They danced and twerked as the crowd screamed and giggled. The MC queen appeared next from the entrance and danced her way through the waiters, playful grabbing at them while twirling her fan. She finally made her way to the center of the patio, introduced herself, and then broke out in song. Throughout her song, she would snatch her wig off to reveal another colorful ensemble of hair underneath – I swear she must have snatched off at least eight wigs! As she performed, the waiters served us mimosas and took our food orders.
We sipped our mimosas and slapped our fans, as we sang along, screamed, and cheered for the queens as they performed. These ladies can put on a show! They climbed the patio banisters, stood on tables, death dropped, and even landed splits. A few times in the show they would interact with the crowd and flirt with some of the guys. It was always hilarious to see the guys get shy or play along when the queens would approach them.
The show was fierce, funny, and flirty. Everyone was having a blast! In drag culture, it is customary to give tips throughout the performance. Always come equipped with some dollars to slide into the queen’s waistband or bra. As, the show began to wind down, the waiters came back out and did a final number – shirtless! The queens also returned to the stage to say farewell and the crowd gave a big round of applause. Now time for a photo with our favorite queen!
If you find yourself in Miami and are looking for a fun time, definitely check out the drag brunch at Palace. Apart from brunch, Palace is also a club/bar by night. If you have never had a drag experience this is the perfect place for your first one. Go ahead! Try something new!
My best friend, Mikey, and I – September 2023
Thirty, Flirty & Fuego – A Celebration of Life in Puerto Escondido, Mexico (Part 3.)
July 16, 2025
You would be surprised to know that even though my birthday story is a three part series, all of these activities and adventures took place in just 48-hours. I did not have much PTO to spare around my birthday, but we made sure to maximize our time in Puerto Escondido and hit all the hot spots!
After spending my actual birthday being spoiled rotten, we still had another day to enjoy all that Puerto Escondido had to offer. We started our next day bright and early with a trip to Playa Carrizalillo. This small but popular beach is a local favorite, as it is one of the few beaches in Puerto Escondido that is safe enough to swim at. Unfortunately, many beaches in the area have waves and currents that are too strong for swimming.
Playa Carrizalillo is really a bay surrounded by rocky cliffs. In order to access the beach you must trek down ~100 steps – which doesn’t sound so bad until it is time to come back up! The beach is speckled with lawn chairs and umbrellas, which you can rent for $400 pesos ($20 USD), as well as a series of casual restaurants and pop up shops, where you can grab some simple bites such as: ceviche, tacos, and cocktails.
We made our way down to the beach, grabbed a bite to eat, and were lucky enough to snag a pair of chairs from a couple that was leaving out. We ordered a round of shots and cocktails and had some down time before taking a dip in the water. We rounded out our beach day with some more drinks, sunbathing, and a short nap – there is nothing like napping on the beach!
Now came time for the climb back up from the beach…
After a few (many) stops for water/to catch our breath, we made it! The trek was not bad at all, but with the sun blazing on your back and a full beach back on your shoulder, it is not for the faint of heart. Once at the top, we caught an Uber and headed home to the hotel to freshen up before our excursion.
The one thing (excursion) I was determined to do on my birthday trip was a baby sea turtle release. The west coast of Mexico is one of the best places to do this activity, but in all my past trips to Mexico, I was never there during the right season, but now I was! We booked a small group baby sea turtle release excursion for $80 USD as the final activity of the birthday trip!
We were picked up from our hotel and began our journey to the Boca Barra turtle camp at Playa de Navidad. Once there, we received a crash course about sea turtles. The guide educated us on the catching, hatching, and release process.
Did you know that…
- You should never touch baby sea turtles . Our skin contains oils that can harm them or their food sacs which nourish them.
- Although female sea turtles lay many eggs, only a few babies actually survive the journey from the sea shore to the ocean.
- Female sea turtles will often return to the same beach every year to lay eggs.
- The sex of a baby sea turtle is determined by the temperature in which the eggs are incubated (warmed).
After our baby sea turtle 101 course, we each received a small wooden bowl with two baby turtles inside. We followed our guide to the beach where he showed us the release area and instructed us on how to dump the turtles out, cheer them on, and watch for predators – like crabs and birds. My turtles made their way slowly but surely to the ocean. Vanessa’s ….well her’s were a special kind. They went every which way but toward the ocean. Eventually, she scooped them up and dropped them closer to the water.
We waved goodbye to our turtles as they crawled toward the ocean waves by the light of the sunset. Just like the turtles were headed toward their new life with eagerness, so was I toward my next decade. Cheers to 30!
Sunset at Playa Navidad – April 2025
Thirty, Flirty & Fuego – A Celebration of Life in Puerto Escondido, Mexico (Part 2.)
July 11, 2025
Where did I leave off?
Ah, yes! Birthday shots! There is no better way to begin a birthday trip in Mexico than by throwing back some shots of tequila! We downed our shots and took a few moments to admire the breathtaking view of the beach before heading downstairs to get ready for more birthday festivities.
Our first stop was Calma Spa, where we enjoyed 1-hour massages. The outdoor, rooftop spa offered a scenic view of the Zicatela neighborhood as well as the nearby beach. We were able to enjoy our massages while listening to the sounds of the ocean waves. The massage therapists were knowledgeable and worked out all of the aches and pains that I had from my long flight! We left feeling rejuvenated and ready for our next stop on my birthday adventure.
We caught an Uber and headed toward Playa Palmarito, a beach on the outskirts of the city center. Unlike other vacation destinations in Mexico, Puerto Escondido is still a hidden gem. It is primarily a vacation spot for locals and it is not oversaturated with resorts or tourists, which explains why our next destination was in the middle of nowhere! After about a thirty minute drive, we pulled up to a fabulous hotel/beach club. An attendant greeted and ushered us into the enormous arch entry way of the infamous El Origin Beach Club.
If you were to Google or TikTok search for “must-do” things during a vacation in Puerto Escondido, spending a day at El Origin Beach Club would be amongst the top two. This stunning hotel/beach club is nestled on the shores of Palmarito Beach. The beach club boasts a boho chic aesthetic with a stunning pool, bar, and in-house DJ – who knew there was amazing Spanish house and disco music! For $700 pesos (~$40.00 USD) you can enjoy an entire day there basking in the sun by the pool or on the beach. $500 of the $700 pesos (~$25.00 USD) can be used toward food and drinks throughout the day. Food and drinks ranged between $80-$150 pesos.
We grabbed a pair of chairs and began running up our tab! Cocktails, ceviche, tacos, and tequila were only a few of the things we enjoyed while relaxing by the pool. We explored the grounds and eventually made our way to the beach, where we witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets I had ever seen in all my travels! The day had flown by so fast! It always does when your having fun with friends. I frolicked along the beach with my best friend, twirling around in circles as the sunset kissed my cheeks and faded into the ocean waves. How blessed I felt to welcome thirty in this way.
We gathered our things and made our way back to the hotel, where we freshened up and headed out for my birthday dinner at Restaurant Glou Glou. Located on the roof of the unique, boutique hotel, Casa TO, Glou Glou offers a culinary experience that will take your tastebuds on a journey through the history of Oaxaca, Mexico with a modern twist. We tried so many unique dishes such as: watermelon ceviche, shrimp gorditas, roti bread with garam masala butter, and many more things that I can’t remember their names but just that they were delicious! The plates were petite but powerful!
With full stomachs we made our way to the hotel lobby to admire the unique architecture and get some birthday pictures – note: always take your birthday pictures before eating a big meal! We snapped a few before the hotel attendants shooed us out of the lobby. Although my birthday day had come to a close. We still had another full day of adventure ahead of us!
To be continued…
Casa TO’s unique lobby pool – April 2025
Thirty, Flirty & Fuego – A Celebration of Life in Puerto Escondido, Mexico (Part 1.)
June 20, 2025
It took me some time to come around to writing this story, because I truly can’t believe that I am 30. What a blessing it is to have arrived at this grown and sexy age, and an even bigger blessing to celebrate it alongside the people that I love the most.
The birthday tradition has always been to go on a trip, usually with friends, but this year was going to be different! I was finally going to take a trip with my man! My long-distance partner had finally gotten his US Visa and was moving to the US from South Korea, so that we could start a life together. I was overflowing with excitement until the bad news arrived – it just wasn’t going to be possible for him to move to the US in time for my birthday. In fact, it wasn’t going to be possible for him to move for at least another few months.
Crushed, I gave up on celebrating my birthday. What was there to celebrate? I was stepping into a new decade of my life…alone…again. Despite feeling down, how lucky I was to even feel sad about having thirty years of life to celebrate, because life is not promised.
I had been chatting about my birthday woes with my best friend Vanessa. We have been friends for nearly 10-years, thus she knew how much I had been looking forward to spending this milestone birthday with my partner. Refusing to let me ring in this birthday sad and alone, she took it upon herself to organize and orchestrate a beautiful surprise celebration in one of my dream destinations, Puerto Escondido, Mexico.
On the morning of my birthday, I jetted out to join my best friend in Mexico – oh, did I mention she even flew me out! *cries ugly tears* I arrived in Puerto Escondido and a taxi was waiting for me outside of the airport to take me to my mystery hotel. I had no idea where it was or what it looked like. I didn’t even know what we would be doing during our trip!
I arrived to Casa Badu hotel and was greeted with an enormous hug from my best friend and shortly after a Happy Birthday serenade, which randomly turned into a techno dance party. We danced and laughed and once we finally settled down she motioned me over to her computer. There was an open Zoom call, and there, on the screen with a big smiling face, was my lovely partner, Henry.
He wished me the happiest of birthdays and shared that he had been working with Vanessa to plan this special weekend for me. Despite not being able to be there, he wanted me to know that I was loved and that he was looking forward to starting our life together in a few short months.
After crying my eyes out on Zoom. I finally got to admire all of the birthday decor. If there is one thing I can say about my best friend Vanessa, she has spectacular taste. The room had a beautiful boho chic aesthetic and even had a patio with a private pool. An array of balloons filled the bed and floor and a “Feliz Cumpleaños” (Happy Birthday in Spanish) banner was strung on the wall above. A bottle of Prosecco on ice was already set for us to enjoy and get the celebration started.
She motioned again for me to sit on the bed as she fired up the TV. A picture of me appeared on the screen with words that wished me a Happy Birthday and explained that there were some other people who also had some birthday wishes to share. One by one, all of my loved ones, from my family, to my hometown friends, to my students from my youth program in Michigan, all wished me a Happy Birthday and shared their thanks to me for being apart of their lives.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, I ugly cried my eyes out and listened intently. Who knew that all these weeks I was sad about not being able to spend my birthday with my loved one, that I would still end up spending my birthday covered in love. The final message was from my lovely Henry. Again, wishing me the best of birthdays and expressing his excitement for us to start our life together. While there is still so much to share about this birthday trip, I can’t miss a moment to express how grateful I am to my best friend, for making this birthday so special. The birthday video was truly one of the best parts of the trip. Thank you so much! I love you dearly.
After I finished watching the video and crying my lashes off, we headed upstairs to the rooftop pool, where we were welcomed by the owner who offered us some complimentary birthday shots! “Arriba, abajo, al centro, pa’ dentro!” we shouted our favorite Spanish drinking phrase as we chugged our shots. Let the birthday festivities begin!
To be continued…
View from the rooftop pool of Casa Badu Hotel – April 2025
Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Slide) in Santa Tecla, El Salvador
June 12, 2025
One of my favorite games growing up was Mario Kart. Something about drifting through the Mushroom Kingdom and tossing turtle shells at opponents was exhilarating! Every course was unique and designed around key lands and characters from the Mario universe. Of all of the courses, Rainbow Road was my favorite! The course was made up of a shimmering rainbow race track that floated magically in the middle of the galaxy. It was the most beautiful course of the entire game!
While I haven’t had much time for Mario Kart as an adult, I was able to find a real life Rainbow Road at the Picnic Steak House Restaurant in Santa Tecla, El Salvador. Located in the mountains of Santa Tecla, The Picnic Steak House Restaurant is a whimsical eatery that over looks the capital city of El Salvador, which is San Salvador.
The restaurant boasts a unique aesthetic – something like a universe crossover between Alice in Wonderland and your local pop-up circus. Garden hedge art, life-size statues of animals, and various fair rides, like a merry-go-round, are sprinkled between the restaurant’s picnic tables and grassy areas. While many people come to the Picnic Steak House Restaurant for the food and mountain views, what draws the most tourists is the infamous rainbow slide – which is exactly what I came for!
We arrived to the Picnic Steak House around mid-day. We had already eaten lunch, so we decided to just enjoy the grounds of the restaurant and make our way to the rainbow slide. We purchased a ticket for ~$5.00 USD and waited in a short line until it was our turn. As we watched people descend one by one down the slide, we began to notice some dark clouds moving across the sky. Finally, it was our turn! The slide attendant placed a shiny blue inner tube down on the rainbow pavement and motioned for me to get in. He instructed me to hold on tight as he started his countdown to the big push. 3…2… and before he could get to one, the sky opened up and it began to rain…HARD!
People ran to take cover from the rain as the attendant helped me get out of the tube. Unfortunately, the slide closes during the rain. When the slide is wet it becomes too slick for the inner tube to slide down at a safe speed. We watched and waited for the rain to clear up and when it did we eagerly ran back to the attendant and begged him to let us go down. My best friend, Vanessa is a master finesser – she told the man it was my last day here and we had come all this long way to do the slide. He sighed and said, “You can go, but you will go down fast.”…and oh, did I go fast!
He gave me a big push and I zoomed down the steep incline, soared over the two humps, and crashed into the cushioned wall at the end of the slide. I crashed so hard my glasses fell off of my face. As I recollected my glasses, my thoughts, and my inner tube, it began to rain again. I hoisted my inner tube above my head and began the climb back up to the top of the hill. When I finally reached the top, I was exhausted and soaked, but I couldn’t help but laugh. Well, he did say it would be fast!
If you are looking for a little adventure and some quick bites during your time in San Salvador, check out the Picnic Steak House. No reservation is needed to enjoy the restaurant’s enchanting grounds or rainbow slide.
View of the City of San Salvador from the Picnic Steak House Restaurant – September 2022
A Celebration of Flowers in Bali, Indonesia
June 5, 2025
Bali was the ONE place I regretted not visiting while living in South Korea in my early 20s. Unfortunately, a year after I moved to South Korea, COVID took the world by storm, and South Korea, like many other countries, locked down. Finally, years later, after numerous in-flight movies, lots of snacks, and 22-hours of flying, I arrived to the enchanting island of Bali, Indonesia – my first major trip of my 30s!
Located in South East Asia, Bali is one of the 15,000+ islands that make up the archipelago of the country of Indonesia. Bali has become a prime location for vacationers as well as digital nomads because of its’ beautiful beaches, captivating culture, and delicious food. The small island is a powerhouse for the production of rice, which is a staple food for locals. Unlike the majority of Indonesia, which is Muslim, Bali is predominately Hindu. The Hindi culture is proudly displayed in the island’s unique architecture and practices, such as lighting incense offerings on porches several times a day.
After nearly 24-hours of traveling, the first thing I wanted to do in Bali was relax and the Kaveri Spa was the perfect place to do so! Nestled amongst the rice fields of the city of Ubud, the Kaveri Spa is located inside of the infamous Udaya Resort. The spa offers a variety of services, but their most famous are their Celebrations of Flowers baths – a herbal soak that is decorated with an intricate floral design.
I booked the Indulgence Package (~$120 USD), which included a 90-min massage, a body scrub, and a Celebrations of Flowers bath. I booked online a few weeks before my trip and coupled the package with a three course meal, which could be enjoyed before or after my spa services. Shortly after securing my reservation, the spa emailed me with a selection of floral bath designs that I could choose from – it was so hard to choose, but checking out their Instagram page helped me come to my final decision.
When I arrived to the spa, I was greeted with a cup of ginger tea and several smiling faces. My massage therapist led me to the lobby and helped me choose my scrub and oil scents. All of the options were lovely, but I decided on lemongrass oil for my massage and a mango body scrub. She showed me to my room, where I got the first glimpse of my flower bath – it was so beautiful!
Typically, the flower bath is the last service of the package, but I had requested to enjoy it first! I changed into my bathing suit and the therapist assisted me getting into the pool. She instructed me to push the flowers gently back and slide in slowly. As soon as I did, the flowers drifted back to their original position effortlessly. The therapist helped me take some photos, and even directed me on posing. After our brief photoshoot, she left me alone to enjoy my soak for about 20min before returning and preparing me for my massage and body scrub. I truly felt rejuvenated after my spa treatments!
The Kaveri Spa is the perfect place to unwind and kick start your “Eat. Pray. Love.” journey in Bali. The facilities and service are amazing, and a flower bath is a unique experience both individually or with a partner. Be sure to book in advance!
Kaveri Spa: Bali, Indonesia – May 2025
Pizza, Pasta, & Positano – An Italian Summer Getaway
May 16, 2025
There is something about Italy that is so magical and dreamy. Delicious pastas, exquisite wines, and beautiful beaches, Italy is a bougie girl’s dream. While Italy is a country full of places to discover, a place not to miss is the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is a series of numerous picturesque towns along the southern coast of Italy. Each town features colorful buildings, breathtaking beaches and cliffside views. During my summer girl’s trip to Italy, I was able to explore the iconic and instagramable town of Positano.
The city of Naples, Italy, which is just up the coast from Positano, was our home base during our Italian getaway. Did you know that Naples is the birthplace of pizza? We sure did, and we made sure to eat pizza at least twice a day! From the Naples’ port, we were able to catch a ferry to the town of Positano. As we sailed to our destination, we enjoyed stunning views of both the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. It took about one hour and twenty minutes to arrive to the Positano port, where we then caught a bus to the nearby beach, Spiaggia Grande.
I will never forget our bus fiasco on this trip. Buses were limited and everyone was fighting to get on. After a long ferry ride, who is not eager to quickly get to the beach and relax? However, there were just not enough buses to accommodate all of the people who had just disembarked from not only our ferry but also a few others that were arriving. We pushed and shoved and were finally able to squeeze into the bus – we were packed in like sardines! Eventually, my friend and I ended up in the middle of the bus close to the exit steps. We decided to sit down on them and endure the bumpy ride to the beach.
When we arrived, we were the first ones off of the bus (because we were sitting on the exit steps), and we began our descent down the cliff, through the town and toward the beach. As we descended, we stopped to check out the cliffside views and explore the shops that lined the narrow rocky streets. The town was literally built into a cliff! Shops, markets and homes were all etched into the cliff. It was such an interesting site to see.
After about a fifteen minute walk down the cliff, we finally reached the infamous Spiaggia Grande! The beach was filled with rows of ombre blue and red beach chairs and umbrellas. We were quickly approached by a beach club staff, who ushered us toward the rows of chairs and gave us menus. He explained to us that chairs were 25 euros each, for the day, and that we could order food and drinks with him and he would bring them to us – we love some good service!
With big smiles we perused the rows of chairs looking for the perfect spot. We settled in and placed an order for some pizza and glasses of moscato – a well deserved meal after a ferry, a bus, and a long walk! We spent the day basking in the sun, floating in the warm Mediterranean Sea, and eating our body weight in pizza. What more could a girl ask for?
Amalfi Coast: Positano, Italy- August 2018
A Dare Devil’s Pool – Conquering the Great Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls) in Zambia
May 6, 2025
You would think that being thousands of miles away from home would make you more cautious of engaging in dangerous activities, but for some reason, when you are traveling, that is never the case. Out of all the unhinged things I have done on my travels, hanging off of the edge of Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, in Zambia, Africa, is amongst the top two…and it is not number two.
Mosi-oa-Tunya, or Victoria Falls, is one of the world’s largest waterfalls. Located in south central Africa, this world wonder can be found along the Great Zambezi River, which sits on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. The name Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “The Smoke that Thunders” in Lozi (the local language of Zambia), was given to the waterfall because of the billowing clouds of mist that the waterfall creates and the thunderous sound the water makes as it crashes down on the rocks below. The “smoke clouds” and thundering sounds of the falls are so large and loud that they can be seen and heard from miles away. The picture below is from our helicopter tour of Mosi-oa-Tunya and the Great Zambezi River.
We began our excursion bright and early at the tour office. There, we suited up in lifejackets and water shoes, signed waivers, and listened closely to our guide’s instructions. We would be going for a dip in the infamous Devil’s Pool. In short, Devil’s Pool is basically a small plunge pool that has formed at the edge of Victoria Falls. The water runs off the falls at a slower pace in this area, making it safe to wade around and hang out here. At the edge of the pool, the rocks form a raised curb like lip that has rivets that you can sit in and look out and over the falls, without toppling over the edge.
We piled into a speed boat and made our way downstream to Livingstone Island, which is a large area of land adjacent to the falls. We were greeted with welcome drinks and asked what we would take for breakfast after our adventure. Shortly after an additional safety debrief, we began our trek to the falls.
One of the funniest things about this excursion, was how calm everyone was. From the hotel concierge that helped us book the excursion, to the guide that picked us up in the morning, to the chef near the falls that asked us what we wanted to eat for breakfast before we went to go risk our lives, it was just another day in the life in Zambia for everyone. Meanwhile… I was sweating bullets, stressed!
Our trek to the falls did not actually require a lot of walking. We climbed over a few rocks, before coming face to face with the falls. It was absolutely breathtaking! Although we had found the falls, we still had to make a short journey through the river to actually reach Devil’s Pool. The water was deep and the current was strong. The guides encouraged us to swim, but if we couldn’t, we could use the rope of one of the nearby nets to pull ourselves along to the other side of the river. I tried a little bit of both, but eventually gave up and let one of the hunky guides carry me – princess treatment only, lol.
When we arrived at Devil’s Pool, I was speechless. We were literally at the edge of this magnificent, mighty waterfall. Gushes of blue water cascaded rapidly over the rocky edges and a double rainbow glistened in the misty clouds that floated above the falls. It was so captivating that it brought tears to my eyes. Victoria Falls was something I had only seen in my grade school geography books. Little Jasmine never dreamed big enough to believe that she would one day see it in person, yet there it was right in front of me. I remember thinking to myself, “How amazing is God to have made something like this! It’s impossible that this came about by chance!”
My tears of joy quickly turned into beads of sweat, as I heard the guide say, “Jasmine, it is your turn. Come on!” I had tried to put my turn off as long as possible, letting everyone else go ahead of me, but.. alas, it was finally my turn. “Well, here goes nothing,” I said. The guide grabbed my hand, led me down the rocks, and lowered me into the water. “Don’t get scared and jump when the little fish nibble on you, okay!? I don’t want you to fall over,” said the guide as he loosened his grip on my hand. “Wait, what!?” I said -fish will nibble at you while in the pool. It feels more like a pinch, but it is bearable.
Another guide, positioned by the curb-like edge of the pool, beckoned for me to swim over to him. I doggie paddled over and he instructed me on how to sit down in the curb’s rivets so that I could check out the view down below. I moved slowly and positioned myself in the rivet. Once I was comfortable, I waved to my best friend for a photo – “Hi Mom!”
It was finally time for the iconic lay over the falls edge moment. The tour guide helped me flip around and instructed me to scoot up to the edge as far as I could go. As I slowly inched forward, he firmly held my feet. I looked around, over, side to side, and of course, smiled for a photo as I hung off the edge of the great Mosi-oa-Tunya! After my near-death experience, the guide helped me find my way back to the center of the pool, where I waded around until it was time to make our trek and swim back over to Livingstone Island. There, we enjoyed a fresh, delicious breakfast by the chef of the island!
While Devil’s Pool is not for the faint of heart, it is a must do while in Zambia or Zimbabwe – it is an easy drive across the Zimbabwean border to do this activity. The guides for this tour are professional and ensure your safety the entire excursion! We booked our excursion through our hotel, Nkhosi Lodge, which I highly recommend for your next stay in Zambia! Don’t think to much, just do it! I am really glad that I did!
An Elephant Sanctuary Sleepover in Chiang Mai, Thailand
April 28, 2025
If you were to ask any person who has an interest in traveling to Thailand what are the top five activities that they want to do while there, I guarantee you that one of them would be an elephant encounter. While elephant encounters can be found all throughout Thailand, not all of them are ethical and treat elephants humanely.
Many elephant encounters abuse and train elephants to do tricks on command, restrict them from roaming freely, and allow tourists to ride them. It is very important to be careful which elephant encounter you choose to enjoy. Don’t worry! I’m here to give you the inside scoop on one of Thailand’s best kept elephant encounters, which can be found at Chai Lai Orchid Eco Lodge & Cafe. Save that name, because after reading this post you will definitely want to add this place to your bucket list!
Nestled in the jungle outside of the city of Chiang Mai, Chai Lai Orchid is the perfect place to enjoy ethical elephant encounters, as well as embrace your wild side and “camp out” in the Thai jungle. The lodge consists of seven wooden bungalows that allow visitors to stay overnight at the sanctuary and enjoy not only the elephants, but also various other on site cultural and outdoor activities. While the sanctuary has its’ boundaries, it is so large that the elephants can roam free and just “be elephants.” At Chai Lai Orchid Eco Lodge, you can truly enjoy observing elephants in their natural habitat.
I had the pleasure of enjoying Chai Lai Orchid back in 2019, before the Instagram and TikTok influencers overshared this gem. My best friend and I began our Thailand tour in Chiang Mai just for this! A driver from the lodge picked us up from our hotel in the city center and drove us out to the lodge, which was about one hour away. Upon arrival, we crossed over a river on foot via a wooden bridge and entered the sanctuary, the world of the elephants.
We booked a one-night stay for 3,200 Thai Baht (~$100 USD) at the lodge. We chose the Orchid bungalow, which featured a balcony that the elephants could walk up too. We also booked the Elephant Care 1/2 Day Experience for 2,500 Thai Baht (~$75 USD). The experience included a guided walk with the elephants through the jungle, a wooden raft cruise down the sanctuary’s main river, and a bath in the river with baby elephants.
I think I have said this in every blog post…I am not an animal person BUT when we travel, we always try new things! Despite my fear, I mustered up the courage to interact with the elephants, and as many people say these creatures truly are “gentle giants.” We began our guided walk with our mahout – an elephant handler. Our guided walk ended up being private! The mahout educated us on the history of the Thai elephants and some important facts about their life in the sanctuary:
- Bananas are basically candy for elephants. Their noses are so good they can smell them on you, so don’t be surprised if there is a nose in your back pocket.
- Do not ride elephants, especially rides offered with a metal chair. The chair puts pressure on a very sensitive area of the elephants spine. Ouch!
- Do not make loud noises or sudden movements around elephants. Always stand to the side so they can see you. They have a blindspot right in front of them – their large noses!
- Elephants use trees to scratch their backs!
After our lesson in Elephant 101, we were able to walk through the jungle with one of them, leading it with bananas, until we arrived at the river for our raft cruise. Now, when I say raft… it was really a raft. Six to eight bamboo rods were strung together to form a raft and a local was positioned at the front of the raft with a paddle and ready to take us down the river. We climbed aboard and enjoyed our cruise, observing the nature as we drifted downstream – the entire time I kept thinking, does Thailand have crocodiles?
Our river cruise ended in the river beneath the sanctuary’s main bridge near the entrance. There, two baby elephants were playing in the water with their mahout. He splashed them and they splashed back, spraying water on their backs and on him. He invited us to join in and there we played with and bathed our new friends.
My elephant’s name was Chai Lai, and she loved to give kisses with her nose. The tip of an elephant’s nose is similar to a dog’s, but bigger and wetter. The picture above is me after receiving my first elephant kiss. After getting use to it, I was all smiles. Bath time ended and we washed up and headed to the cafe to enjoy dinner. Dinner ended and a quiet, restful night was spent in our bungalow. It was truly an amazing day!
If you find yourself in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Chai Lai Orchid Eco Lodge & Cafe is a place and experience that you do not want to miss. Book early!
My best friend, Vanessa, and I – July 2019
Village Life 101 – Meeting the Maasai Tribe in Tanzania, Africa
April 23, 2025
One of the most fascinating parts of the African continent is the deep ties to its’ history and culture. Despite advances in technology and a new age of living, the culture and customs of the past have still been carried into the present. This can be seen in the traditions, dialects, and tribes of each country. During our time in Zanzibar, we had the opportunity to visit one of the Maasai Tribe villages. It was an interesting experience transiting from a luxurious hotel to a village of huts and wooden structures. However, we were welcomed with bright smiles and quickly whisked away to begin our course in Village Life 101.
The Maasai Tribe is one of the most well-known tribes in Africa. They inhabit the regions of East Africa specifically Kenya and Tanzania. Maa is the official language of the tribe. The Maasai are a nomadic tribe and are well known for their innovative customs and constructions such as the Maasai shelter, which is a hut made of dried cow dung and soil -which surprisingly keeps a pretty cool temperature inside.
The tribe is also known for their music and dance. Traditional songs are sung vocally and without instruments. Tribe members wear colorful beads during these spirituals and jumping rituals are performed as tribe members sing. The high jumps of the Maasai are known around the world!
Our day in the village was full of music and activities. When we arrived, we were clothed in beads and shukas (patterned cloths). The women and children of the tribe gathered around us and began showcasing their vocal skills. We watched as the men jumped to the beat of the songs and their beads jingled up and down. The women invited us to join hands and jump as well…. jumping in the hot African sun is no joke! I was tired after a few jumps but the joy that the children expressed jumping alongside us gave me the strength to carry on.
After our music and dance lesson, we tried our hand as Maasai warriors and practiced our bow and arrow skills…I sucked. Archery is definitely a talent and one that the Maasai use to capture predators who prey on their flocks or even to snag the tribe’s next meal. One of the tribe members shared that he had killed a lion a few days ago that had come close to the village… they are about that village life! We finished up our day in the village with a tour of the huts. It was fascinating to see how the people live and how much relief the huts provide from the sun.
The women and children led us to our last stop and enticed us to buy some beads and bracelets, which of course we did! We said our goodbyes and thanked the Maasai people for welcoming us into their home and showing us their way of life.
Me and a Maasai Tribe villager – December 2023
A Barbie Girl Dream at the Beverly Hills Hotel, California
April 9, 2025
Nestled on the hills of the infamous Sunset Boulevard, the Beverly Hills Hotel is not only an LA landmark, but also one of the world’s best-known hotels. Since the 1900s, the Beverly Hills Hotel has been a hotspot for celebrities because of its exclusivity, amenities, and unique architecture.
Now, as much as I would have loved to have had the full Beverly Hills Barbie girl experience – you know, a private tennis lesson, poolside high-tea, an exclusive trip to the Chanel store (through the private entrance) etc., I could not bring myself to give this beautiful hotel $1,600 for one night of star treatment. However, I did use this hack to explore and enjoy this iconic hotel for a fraction of the price.
The Beverly Hills Hotel is not only home to Hollywood luxury but also the Cabana Cafe. Hidden in the hotel gardens, the Cabana cafe offers poolside seating and a variety of brunch options. The cafe is open to both hotel guests and non-guests. Only with a cafe reservation can you be permitted to enter the hotel as a non-guest, but once inside, you are free to explore every nook and cranny of the hotel’s glamorous grounds.
Our Uber brought us to the front entrance of the hotel where we were welcomed by valet and ushered down the long red carpet to the main hotel lobby. Once inside, we were given directions to the cafe, but took our time exploring the hotel before going there. Did you know that everything inside the Beverly Hills Hotel is pink and green? – like everything, the walls, the furniture, the carpet…everything!
We were able to admire the stunning architecture, roam through the luxurious hotel lounges, and view the historic photo exhibits of the hotel’s history and the former celebrities who had stayed there. There were even display cases of Hollywood high fashions from the 1900’s and modern day fashions like limited edition Hermes Birkin bags! – Wow!
After exercising our nosiness to the fullest, we finally made our way through the gardens and to the poolside cafe. We enjoyed a delicious brunch and fresh-pressed juices while keeping our eyes peeled in hopes of siting a celebrity at the cafe or poolside. Although no photography is allowed in the pool area to respect the privacy of the exclusive guests, we still managed to sneak a few! The service was good and the food was bougie and pricey…you would expect nothing less, right? If you happen to be in LA, California and are looking for a bougie brunch experience and a chance to explore the iconic, historic Beverley Hills Hotel snag a reservation at the Cabana Cafe.
Cabana Cafe (Beverly Hills Hotel) – October 2024
East African Eats – Restaurants Not to Miss in Zanzibar, Tanzania
April 2, 2025
If you are a foodie, then this post is for you! Don’t miss these delicious East African eats on your next trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania – or maybe you can find them around your city!
Tanzanian cuisine is rich in flavor and culture. It was derived from a combination of East African and Indian influence. This influence came as a result of the country being on the coast, where people exchanged goods as well as culinary knowledge. Staple dishes include, chapati, pilau rice, and mild curries. Zanzibaris add a unique twist to these dishes and serve them with seafood – one of the many perks of living on an island!
Lukmaan Restaurant
If you find yourself in Zanzibar and are eager to take your taste buds on a scrumptious journey, get started at Lukmaan Restaurant. Located in Stone Town’s city center, Lukmaan offers a variety of Swahilian cuisines as well as an array of fresh fruit juices and smoothies. The restaurant features an open air kitchen and has a food court style feel, making it easy to see all of the food options before making a selection. The restaurant staff are very helpful and can assist you with ordering or make recommendations if you are unsure of what to eat – there are so many choices! The restaurant is also open air and has up and downstairs seating. Sitting up stairs is ideal if you are looking to be away from the hustle and bustle. The downstairs seating is adjacent to the kitchen/ordering area and can be very busy and crowded.
The Rock Restaurant
A trip to Zanzibar is not complete without visiting the infamous Rock Restaurant. Perched on a rocky mound, off the shores of Michamvi Pingwe Beach, the Rock Restaurant is truly a unique dining experience. One can either arrive to the restaurant’s front door on foot or by boat, depending on the tide. When the tide is in and covering the restaurant’s walking path, a small row boat is waiting to take people over to the dock, and when the tide is out and the path is visible, people can simply walk to the restaurant’s front steps.
The restaurant menu has mostly traditional dishes, such as seafood curries, and a variety of grilled meats. The menu also bodes a large selection of homemade pastas with both meat and veggie options, for those who may not be fond of meat. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor seating, on the balcony, offers a beautiful view of the ocean. You can unwind to the sound of the waves grazing the restaurant’s rocky base as you enjoy a delectable dish. The Rock Restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a meal with loved ones. A reservation is highly recommended and can be made online in advance.
Maasai Tribe villagers outside of The Rock Restaurant – December 2023
My First Safari – Chobe National Park Botswana, Africa
March 23, 2025
Growing up, my favorite Disney movie was the Lion King. The opening scenes of animals migrating toward Pride Rock, to welcome Simba, was and still is an iconic moment in Disney movie history. Since then, I always wondered what it would be like to go on a safari in Africa. Finally, after years of traveling, I had the opportunity to experience my very first safari in Botswana, Africa, at Chobe National Park!
So…if you are wondering if I traveled all the way to Botswana just for a safari then the answer is…well, kind of. I visited Botswana during my trip to Zambia. Zambia shares a border with Botswana and you can easily hop the border and visit not only Botswana, but also Zimbabwe, Namibia, or Angola. Acquiring a KAZA visa for $50 USD upon arrival, to any of these countries, will make border hopping a breeze.
We arranged an all day excursion to Chobe National Park, Botswana, with the concierge of our hotel for roughly $200 USD. The excursion included, breakfast, transportation to and from the Botswanan border, a small-group land safari by jeep, lunch, and a river safari by boat.
Our driver picked us up at 6:30am from our hotel and we began our one hour drive to the Botswanan border, where we passed through immigration and continued our journey to the Chobe National Park entrance.
One of the funniest experiences during this trip was passing through immigration. Each time you enter or exit a country, you go inside of an immigration building at the border. On one side of the building lobby are windows with immigration officers who check your passport and stamp you “out” of one country [e.g. exiting Zambia]. After receiving your “exit” stamp, you must then walk to the other side of the lobby to another set of windows, where an officer will stamp you “in” to the other country [e.g. entering Botswana]. The same applies when you leave and head back to your hotel/point of origin [e.g. exiting Botswana and entering back to Zambia]. Our hotel home base was in Zambia, but we visited Zimbabwe twice and Botswana once during our stay – we had at least two pages worth of entry and exit stamps in our passports by the end of the trip.
At the entrance of the park, we met our guide, hopped into our jeep and began our safari. Unfortunately, it had been raining all morning. The tour guide informed us that rain causes animals to seek shelter, which makes them harder to spot. Despite the weather working against us, we rode the park trails for about 1.5 hours searching for animals. Luckily, we encountered quite a few such as, impalas, elephants, hippos, water buffalo, and warthogs. The animals paid us no attention and continued grazing as we observed them quietly. Each time we encountered an animal, the guide offered some interesting facts:
- Impalas are the McDonalds of the savannah – they are everywhere and an easy meal to grab for predators.
- If we [tourists] feed the animals we [park rangers] have to kill them. We don’t want them to learn to look to or attack humans for food. Please don’t feed the animals!
- Male hippos mark their territory with a technique called dung spraying – they poop and swing their tails so fast that it flings the dung around the areas they want to claim.
- Elephants travel in groups, so if you see one alone it may be dying soon or an outcast.
After taking the jeep for a spin around the park, we eventually returned to the entrance and drove a short distance to a luxurious hotel where we had a buffet lunch. The lunch was amazing and had an array of local foods. We even tried some exotic bites like crocodile tail – it tasted just like fish! Once lunch finished, we began our river safari. Our group piled into a small motor boat and began our cruise down the Zambezi River.
The Great Zambezi River runs through Botswana and a few other neighboring countries – Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Mozambique. It is the center of life for the animals that inhabit the lands of the national park. From the river, we spotted most of the same animals that we saw on land, but we were able to get some up close and personal time with pods of hippos and herds of water buffalo. We watched crocodiles sun bathe and slink into the water and spotted warthogs hanging out by the river bank. Every which way our boat turned we were surrounded by wildlife. We made our way back to the dock, gathered our things and started our long journey back across the Botswanan border to our hotel in Zambia.
It was truly an amazing experience to be able to admire animals in their natural habitat. No bars. No glass. No sedation. No cruel treatment. Just animals being animals. A safari is a fun, enriching excursion that I highly recommend for every traveler to experience while on the African continent.
My best friend, Vanessa, and I – December 2024
Chasing Cenotes in Tulum, Mexico
March 18, 2025
If you ask me what country in the world is my favorite to travel, the answer is and will always be, Mexico. A land rich in history, vibrant culture, delicious food, and beautiful beaches, it is impossible not to love Mexico! There is something for any and every kind of traveler in Mexico.
If you are ready to enter your boho era and become one with nature, then Tulum, Mexico is the perfect destination for your next trip. Located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo along the eastern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum offers more than just great margaritas and beautiful beaches.
Tulum boasts a boho chic aesthetic. The city center, hotels, and restaurants offer a luxurious, earthy experience, that will inspire anyone to want to start their “eat, pray, love” journey. The ancient city is rich in Mayan culture and is surrounded by a jungle where ruins, caves, and cenotes can be found.
Cenotes (sinkhole, Spanish) are deep pits in the ground where the earth’s bedrock has collapsed. These pits fill with ground water and create the perfect swimming holes. While sinkholes can occur anywhere in the world, they are common throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. In Tulum alone, there are over two hundred. You can enjoy an entire day chasing cenotes with just a beach towel, a bathing suit, and a few pesos in your pocket for park entry fees. Here are a few of my favorite cenotes to get you started!
Gran Cenote
Located only ten minutes from the city center, the Gran Cenote is one of the most popular and visited cenotes in Tulum. It is a great “first” cenote, as it offers an easy descent path via a wooden boardwalk and several shallow areas where you can wade around if you are not the strongest swimmer. The cenote is split into two areas and you can enter at either one. In order to travel between the two areas, you must swim through a cave. If you happen to look up while swimming through the cave, you are sure to see a few bats flying over head.
Cenote Suytan
Unlike other cenotes in the area, Cenote Suytan is completely underground. While a small hole in the cave ceiling allows light to shine down, the entire sinkhole is enclosed. One must descend over one hundred limestone steps to reach this swimming hole. In the center of the cenote is a stone pathway and an altar, which is said to have been a place where the Mayans performed rituals. You can take a dip and swim amongst the blind cave fish while admiring the stalactite speckled cave ceiling. This cenote is about an hour and a half by car from Tulum, in the neighboring city of Valladolid. You can hire a driver or catch an Uber to get there.
Cenote Oxman
My favorite and furthest cenote from the city center, Cenote Oxman is breathtaking and truly embodies a cenote. This deep pit has an enormous opening that leads down into a beautiful blue swimming hole. There are several jumping points and swings inside of the cenote to try out if you love an adrenaline rush. The descent down into the cenote can be slippery, so water shoes are advised. This cenote is also located near the city of Valladolid and can be reached by car or taxi.
Chasing cenotes is the perfect activity to beat the heat, explore nature, and get outside of your resort, no matter what your swimming abilities are – life jackets are provided at every entry. While these are my favorites there are so many more to explore. So, what are you waiting for?
Cenote Oxman – November 2022
Celebrating 32-Years of Black Love in Aruba, The Dutch Caribbean
March 12, 2025
“Do you want a wedding or do you want a house?” was the question that my dad posed to my mom as a young couple in their twenties just starting out – my dad an immigrant from the island of Antigua, West Indies, my mom a small town girl from Virginia, USA. While both would be ideal, they knew that at the time only one would be possible… my mom chose a house.
A life full of military deployments, traveling, kids, college, and all the curve balls that life throws never led them back to the idea of having a wedding until last year. For my parents thirty second wedding anniversary, they finally had the wedding (vow renewal) they never had, in the country of Aruba.
Aruba, a kingdom of the Netherlands (Dutch), is known as the “happy island.” Located in the Caribbean Sea, Aruba lies outside of the hurricane belt, making it a sunny, sandy, and safe destination for the perfect Caribbean vacation at any time of the year. The island’s most famous beach, Eagle Beach, has been voted the number one beach in the Caribbean, and ranked amongst the highest in the world, for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters. How could we not have chosen this location to have the perfect beach wedding?
Our family spent a total of five days on the island enjoying, exploring, and, of course, being happy! On the fourth day we had the wedding ceremony for my parents. We contracted the company Picnic Aruba, who organized everything from the officiant to the photographer. The company handled the day with care and created an intimate ceremony that ended with a beautiful three- course, luxury picnic dinner.
The wedding was just the four of us – my sister and I as the audience and my parents at the altar. It was a surreal moment watching my mom walk down the aisle just as in love with my father, if not more, than when they met. Although it was only the few of us, it was all we really needed. There was enough love at that ceremony to fill an entire football stadium.
My parents exchanged vows and kissed. Teary-eyed I jumped up and clapped – excited, even though I knew they would say yes to one another. I spent the next 45-min. helping my parents pose for the photographer. There were so many moments I caught myself staring at them in awe. My mother glowed basking in my father’s love. Pride and peace resonated from my father as he embraced my mother. This is the kind of love I want. How could I ever accept anything less?
As an adult, you would expect to find yourself at a friend’s wedding before your parents, however, it is a unique experience that I am humbled to have had. It is beautiful to watch the two people that you love the most love one another so boldly and fiercely. What an example…
How fortunate I am, that in my lifetime, I have been a witness to not only my parent’s wedding, but also an ultimate example of black love. Thank you mom and dad, you are my heroes.
The Isaac Family Vacation – September 2023
12-hours in Egypt – Maximizing A Long Layover
March 7, 2025
One of my best kept travel secrets is taking advantage of long layovers. Believe it or not, I will always choose a flight path that has a long layover, especially one in a European, African, or Asian city. While 12-24 hours is hardly enough time to see an entire country, it is just enough time to enjoy some local cuisine or check out a key attraction. I love using long layovers to explore a city that I have an interest in, but not enough interest to want to dedicate an entire trip to. The best part about flights with long layovers is that they are often significantly cheaper.
For my trip to Tanzania, Africa, I found a flight for $565 USD from New York to Tanzania, with a 12-hr layover in Cairo, Egypt. After a 10-hour flight, I arrived to Cairo at 5:30a.m. I decided to book a two night stay at the Great Pyramid Inn in the city center – two nights, so that I could enter the room as soon as I arrived at dawn, and not have to wait for an afternoon check in.
Great Pyramid Inn is a budget hotel that cost roughly $50 USD a night. The price was amazing, but the real bang for the buck was the spectacular rooftop view of the Great Pyramids of Giza. I arrived to the hotel around 7:30am, freshened up, and headed upstairs to the rooftop around 8:30am. I wanted to be the first one up to the rooftop, so that I could find the best seat to enjoy the breathtaking view – like seriously, check out that view! Breakfast was buffet style and had a variety of Western and local cuisines such as: dates, hummus, falafel, omelets, yogurt, and fresh pressed juices – I tried everything!
I finished breakfast around 9:15am, and made my way to my room to take a short nap before getting ready for my VIP Private Pyramid Tour at 11am. I chose a private tour for this trip because I wanted to enjoy the pyramids and get some great pictures without being rushed. The price for the private tour was $50 USD, and it included: hotel pickup/drop-off, a pyramid tour, a camel ride, lunch, and tour of some of the local markets.
My tour guide picked me up by car and we made our way to the pyramid dessert park entrance – which was only 10min. away from my hotel! Did you know that pyramids are actually the burial tombs of Pharaohs (Egyptian kings)!? It takes about 15-30 years to build one pyramid, so the construction of a pyramid would often begin when a new king was born. The Pyramids of Giza were constructed for Pharaoh Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. While the Pyramids of Giza are the largest set of pyramids in Egypt, there are numerous smaller pyramids that can be found all around Cairo.
After viewing and entering the pyramids, we drove around the dessert park to an area where there were a few smaller pyramids and a man offering camel rides. I was introduced to my camel, Michael Jordan, and I went for a guided ride around the pyramids. If you have never ridden a camel, it is quite an experience! They are so tall they have to bow and hinge at the knees to pick themselves up. You literally feel like you are going to fall as they lean forward and then shoot up in the air. You have to hold on tight because in an instant you are 6ft in the air! I was a little nervous, but on trips we always try new things and go outside of our comfort zone.
After a ride around the pyramids with Michael Jordan, we made our last stop in the park to see the Great Sphinx. In Greek history, this mythical creature, that has the head of a human and the body of a lion, was believed to offer protection. It was constructed in front of the Great Pyramids to guard the tombs of the kings.
We left the park around 1:00pm and made our way to a restaurant to enjoy some traditional Egyptian cuisine. We had Koshari, which is the national dish of Egypt. It is made of pasta, chickpeas, lentils, and rice – an interesting combination of foods, but delicious! We departed lunch at 2pm, and made our final stops of the tour which were the gold, perfume, and papyrus (paper) market. Most tours in Egypt will start or finish off at one of these markets, as the tour companies have contracts with them to bring tourists in efforts to boost their sales.
Around 3:00pm, we left the markets and I was dropped off at my hotel. My flight to Tanzania was at 7:30pm. I had just enough time to take a nap and freshen up before my 5:00pm taxi back to the airport. It was a 12-hrs well spent!
The Great Pyramids of Giza – December 2023
Swimming with Sea Turtles in Zanzibar, Africa
March 2, 2025
If you have ever dreamed of being a mermaid and swimming alongside majestic sea creatures, then Salaam Cave is the perfect place for you! Nestled on the shores of Kizimkazi Village, Salaam Cave is one of the newest sea turtle conservatories on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania, Africa. Sea turtles are rescued and are able to receive rehabilitation services at the conservatory before being returned to the ocean. The natural cave provides a tranquil environment for the turtles to rest and reset before they are released.
I visited Salaam Cave on an early morning with a small group. Upon arrival, the staff gave us a brief explanation of the conservatory and their rescue efforts. They also gave us a crash course in sea turtle etiquette and how to properly engage and swim with the animals. After the brief, we eagerly began our descent into the cave.
The steep descent was about twenty steps, with the final few requiring us to scale down a small wooden ladder. The ladder ended on a rocky ledge, where a lady stood tossing seaweed into the water. We watched as the turtles soared through the water in a herd racing to wherever the next clump of seaweed landed. We quickly scrambled to put our water shoes on and slide from the rocks into the water. The lady instructed us to wade out to the center of the cave and she began throwing seaweed for us to scoop up and sprinkle in the water. The turtles glided from all ends of the cave and began circling around us enjoying the bits of seaweed we had distributed. We pet them as they grazed and watched as the sunlight glistened off of their brown shells. We were able to enjoy swimming and feeding the turtles for about an hour before other groups began to arrive -it was truly a magical experience!
Unlike the famous Nungwi Sanctuary, Salaam Cave is still a hidden gem and offers a more intimate experience with the sea turtles. The cave’s crystal blue waters make it easy to spot not only the turtles as they glide through the water, but also any sharp rocks on the cave floor. The turtles, although harmless, are not afraid to give you a little nibble if you are slow on distributing the seaweed.
Water shoes are highly recommended for this activity. The conservatory can be reached via a tour group or hiring a private driver.
Nesufu Travels Group Trip – December 2023
Your Girlfriend’s Favorite Gay Bar in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
February 25, 2025
Since I was twenty-three, I have made it a tradition to always go on a trip for my birthday. There is no better way to celebrate another year around the sun than by exploring a new place, meeting new people, and enjoying some delicious food!
For my 29th birthday, I decided to venture to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Located in the Jalisco state, Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant city that is known for its LGBTQ+ culture, clubs, bars, and beautiful beaches. I had no idea about that before I decided to choose this as a destination for my birthday. Ironically, I ended up inviting my best male friend, Mikey, who is gay, along with me. Needless to say, he was in paradise the whole trip!
After some typical birthday shenanigans, which consisted of dinner at a bougie restaurant with a stunning view, I was excited to go out for some drinks. I had spent the afternoon scouring TikTok for some options and had settled on a place called The Corner Bar. The TikTok videos featured hunky guys shaking up cocktails and serving them with a smile, and I thought, “Hey, why not? It’s my birthday!” And so, after an amazing dinner at La Cappella, we were off to The Corner Bar.
Now let me tell you something about me… I have the WORST gay-dar (your radar to clock that someone is gay). As we approached The Corner Bar, that was actually on a corner, we were greeted with a rainbow neon sign that featured a man in a martini glass. We opened the sliding doors of the bar and entered into an intimate, colorful space that had a beautiful bar that wrapped around the room. The bar had an 80s vibe. Cher was blasting from the speakers and the two televisions on either side of the bar were playing 80s music videos of all kinds.
The shirtless wait staff gave us a smile, showed us to the bar, and began giving us an overview of the drinks! The bar had an amazing selection of signature and hand-crafted cocktails with creative names. My favorite was the “Grab My Cucumber” -what a name for a drink! The manager of the bar, Johnny, even gave us a shot of tequila to celebrate my birthday! I remember thinking “Wow…this place is amazing! Great drinks, vibes, and the wait staff are all nice and SO handsome!”
Mikey leaned over and said “You know they’re all gay right?” I remember I was tickled pink laughing with my drink in my hand saying, “Well that makes sense!”
If you ever find yourself in Puerto Vallarta with your gay friend, a group of friends, or by yourself, The Corner Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a drink, meet some amazing people, and feel safe as a woman. I visited Puerto Vallarta three times in 2024, and the highlight of each trip was always enjoying a drink, some good conversation, and a great view at The Corner Bar. It is a 10/10 experience.
The Corner Bar manager, Johnny, and I – April 2024
Honeybees & High Tea in Dubai
February 20, 2025
When is the last time you had a tea party? Well, let me tell you about a magical tea party that I had on my trip to Dubai. In Middle Eastern culture, tea is a delicacy. A shot of tea is often served at the end of lunch or dinner -a shot because the tea is so strong! You can literally find a tea shop on any street corner and sample beautiful blends of herbs and spices and buy them by the pound/kg. Many hotels and cafes have put a fun spin on enjoying tea by offering high tea sessions, basically a luxurious tea party for you and your friends and family.
We enjoyed the SocialBee High Tea Experience at the SocialBee cafe inside of the Hilton Palm Jumeriah Hotel. The cafe is located inside of the hotel lobby, so anyone can enjoy the experience -a reservation is highly recommended! My sister was staying at this hotel during our Dubai vacation, so she booked a reservation for our family, on the last day of our trip, as a farewell activity.
The tea experience came with unlimited refills on either hot or iced tea. There were so many delicious options it was very hard to choose! The best part of the experience was the life sized honeycombs that were full of delicious bite sized treats. The wait staff wheeled our two honeycombs out on a cart that was engulfed in a cloud of dry ice smoke – so fancy! The honeycombs had a keyhole and four drawers. The wait staff presented us with a mini honeycomb and inside was a key to unlock the larger ones. Each drawer was filled with pastries, cakes, cookies, and mini sandwiches. It was so adorable! We feasted on treats and sipped our tea, reminiscing about our days in Dubai!
This is a luxurious experience that I highly recommend to beat the heat in Dubai. It is a great way to enjoy some delicious treats and meaningful conversation with your travel companions to either kick off or finish out your trip. The price for the SocialBee High Tea Experience is $99 USD per honeycomb (unlimited tea included). We ordered two honeycombs to share between the six of us and we had leftover treats to take back to our hotel. No matter what, make sure you seek out and snag a few carrot cake bites before everyone in your party finds out how good it is – you have been warned!
The Isaac Family Vacation – September 2024
“All You Need is Love” – How I Became an English Teacher in South Korea
February 12, 2025
Did you know that with a 4-year college degree, in any field, you can teach English abroad in countries like China, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia etc. and make a good salary with benefits and sometimes even paid housing? Let me tell you about how I did just that!
In 2019, I made one of the biggest decisions and transitions of my young adult life… I decided to move to South Korea… random right? Fresh out of college with zero job prospects, adult life was looking really ghetto. I had always heard about people going to teach English in other countries, but I had never imagined that for myself. Funnily enough, that became my reality for the next two years. I arrived in South Korea in February 2019 excited, curious, and clueless. I had always been fond of Asian culture, as I had worked in a Chinese restaurant all through high school and college, but I knew nothing about South Korea… like I didn’t even know about BTS, thats how clueless I was (BTS is the hottest male k-pop group in the world).
I was going to be a PRESCHOOL English teacher! And not just any English teacher, but one that was in charge of their own class! Now in South Korea, typically as an English teacher you float around the school teaching lessons to various grade levels, and if you are a preschool teacher than you may teach a special lesson about a topic, while the main Korean teacher takes a break. I was going to be the main teacher of a group of little people, for all class subjects, field trips, performances, potty breaks…everything! I began working at Sogang University Language Program (SLP) Preschool on March 1, 2019. I secured this job by working with Planet ESL recruitment agency, who submitted my resume to various schools and set up interviews with ones that were interested in me.
Our class name was LOVE, and our room was decked out in pink tables, chairs, and cubbies. I had twelve students, two boys and ten girls. I remember on the first day of school I just looked at them… and they looked back at me…wide-eyed. I said “Hello” and they immediately came running to me with smiles curiously looking at my hair, touching my skin, and saying “Jasmine Teacher.” And that was my new name for the next year. “Jasmine Teacher.” Well, if you say it with a Korean accent its more like “Ja-suh-min Tea-ch-uhhh” On that day we became LOVE class and we spent the next year loving, laughing, and learning English together.
Teaching English to preschoolers is complicated…most of my students didn’t speak any English. A few had done pre-preschool programs at SLP and knew the basics, but not enough to hold full conversations or express themselves. Luckily, in the Korean preschool setting there is always a Korean teachers’ aid who will translate or reexplain things to help the students understand something better. My aid’s names was Selena. A unique collaboration between English and Korean, the students, in a couple months, were asking questions, sharing about their weekends, and even making jokes in English. One of my favorite memories was when one of my students Ellie asked to go to the bathroom. I said “No,” and then cracked a smile. She looked confused, but I then told her to go ahead and go. A few months later I made the same joke and she said “Teacher you are making joke.” How clever had she become to recognize that this was indeed a joke in a different language.
We read, sang, spoke, wrote, danced, and even went on field trips. Each month the entire school would go on a field trip; one of my favorite was the aquarium. It was so cute watching the kids in awe of the sea creatures. It’s funny how when we are adults we forget how amazing it actually is to see those kinds of things. We also did monthly school wide birthdays assemblies. Each class would perform a special song to honor those who had a birthday that month. The parents would also bring cakes and gifts for their child’s respective class mates. Check out the cake that Ellie’s mom got for her birthday for our class… its literally fondant figurines of all of us – I am still convinced that birthday assembly days were for the parents to show off.
The school year began to wind down in February 2020 and we began preparing for graduation. I was almost brought to tears seeing my little ones in their graduation gowns getting their photos done. Is this what it is like when you have kids?
Unfortunately, we never had the ceremony. Late February, the entire school and world shutdown due to COVID-19. While South Korea managed the pandemic exceptionally, we were still forced to end all programs. Many schools shut their doors for months, including SLP. I never got to say goodbye to my students, but I am so proud to have been their teacher. I spent my next and final year in Korea teaching virtually at another academy, but that experience did not compare to the one that I had with LOVE class. Leaving behind my life in America to teach abroad was one of the best decisions I ever made. I discovered my passion for teaching and working with children, which was something I never imagined for myself. I remember feeling so unsure and anxious of what was next for my life post college. Who knew, all I really needed was LOVE.
“Love” Class Portrait – February 2019
A Letter Encouraging Black Women to Travel Everyday
February 5, 2025
Society and social media has conditioned us to believe that “traveling” means venturing to an exotic or luxurious destination. However, this describes only one of the many styles of travel. It does not take one to venture to the savannas of Botswana to have a life changing moment of self discovery or to feel emboldened to try something new. Travel is defined as moving from one place to another, with the place we are moving from, often time, being one in which we feel safe and comfortable. In other words, travel is anywhere we go outside of our usual comfort zone, and it is outside that comfort zone that we are forced to adapt, learn, change, and grow. Now, who wouldn’t want to do all that changing and growing while sipping a cocktail on a powdery white Caribbean beach. While that opportunity may present itself once or twice a year (maybe more for some) what about when we don’t find our selves somewhere abroad. Instead of only trying a new food, exhilarating activity, or befriending a stranger 1,000 miles from home, let us allow ourselves to travel outside of our comfort zone in our every day lives. Whether its indulging in nature, trying a new restaurant, or experimenting with an unconventional hobby let us push ourselves to travel everyday and explore the world around us, wherever we find ourselves in this world.
Karibu Zanzibar!
*Karibu (Swahili) – Welcome
February 5, 2025
“Karibu Zanzibar!” was a phrase I heard daily while in Zanzibar. This simple greeting is used to welcome someone or to let one know that they are welcome to a place. This phrase perfectly describes my time in Zanzibar, because it was impossible to not feel welcome on this beautiful island.
I had the pleasure of traveling to Zanzibar, Tanzania, with the group trip company Nesufu Travels. The company organized our transportation, hotel, and activities, however, because the owner is my best friend, I was able to arrive to Zanzibar early and enjoy a few extra days before the official trip began and the other travelers arrived.
One of the best parts about coming to “the continent” is the amazing prices on hair braiding. Both my best friend and I arrived with nappy, natural heads and were able to get BEAUTIFUL small knotless braids for roughly 40 USD. A style that would run us close to $250 USD or more back home in the states.
A local at our arrival hotel (Equalia Boutique Hotel) recommend Tina’s Hair Braiding to us while we were eating breakfast and we were there by lunch getting braided up. It took about seven hours but it was worth it. We were beautifully braided and ready to bask in the Zanzibari sun!
The next day the group trip began and we relocated to our official hotel, The Nest Style. The stunning hotel was beach front and had lush green grounds with lots of wildlife (and bugs!). The other ladies arrived and we did introductions and shared about our home countries over dinner. We had nine days of adventure and activities ahead of us, so we turned in early and excited!
The next few days were spent basking in the sun, enjoying beautiful beaches, and eating our body weight in fresh fruit. We were truly in paradise! Our first major outing was to Mnemba Island, a unique sandbank that sits in the middle of the ocean. Low tides cross at this point revealing a span of sandy ground where boats can dock and people can walk and wade around. This was my favorite activity during the trip. It was truly fascinating to be standing in the middle of the ocean while looking out at the ocean.
Our tour guide chopped up some fresh fruit and served us like queens as we frolicked in the water and walked from one end of the sandbank to the other searching for starfish – check out the starfish I found! When we returned to shore, we feasted on a delicious fried seafood platter… I still fantasize about that platter to this day!
We spent the next few days enjoying our hotel and fighting jet-lag. Beachside massages, dipping in the pool, and sipping mango juice is how we filled our rest days. In the evenings, we enjoyed some nightlife. The hotel’s activity manager recommended several local spots, with our favorite being Kae Beach! This open air bon-fire bumping beach party was the bomb (say that five times fast). The party had live acrobatic entertainment, a full-service bar, and easy access to jump into the warm Indian Ocean. It’s not a trip to Africa without a power outage and midway through the party everything went black, but we continued partying by the bonfire and swimming by the light of the sunset. Later in the trip we also enjoyed a local spot in the neighboring town of Paje called Summer Dream Lodge! – a 10/10 pool party experience!
While nightlife was fun, the highlights of my trip were learning about the history and culture of Zanzibar. We started off by visiting the East African Slave Trade Exhibit, in Stone Town. Our guide taught us the countries history, shared ancient stories, and even showed us the dungeons where the slaves were held. There were so many powerful parts of the exhibit, it was impossible to not be brought to tears thinking of those who were forced into slavery and suffering against their will.
We continued our learning with a tour of one of the many local Spice Farms. Spices are one of the island’s largest exports and we were able to enjoy spices to the fullest during our tour. An abundance of spice and fresh fruit samples were offered to us at every corner of the farm. We even enjoyed a fresh coconut, as one of the staff scaled a palm tree, collected, and hacked open the coconuts with a machete right in front of us!
At the end of the tour, we were all crowned spice queens with headdresses of flowers and spice leaves.
Our trip was full of history, culture, nature, and sun, but my favorite part of the trip was the cuisine. As a curry connoisseur, I thoroughly enjoyed the traditional stewed and curried dishes of the island, with my favorite being octopus curry. Towards the end of our trip, we were able to snag a reservation at the infamous Rock Restaurant and feast on traditional dishes and fine cuts of meat. A classic ginger soda called Stoney Tangawizi became my go to during the trip to quench my thirst and beat the heat… I’m a non soda drinker, but drank probably two of these a day. While in Zanzibar, I can assure you that there will never be a meal that you won’t enjoy.
As the days began winding down and departure was upon us we spent our final days enjoying our hotel and resting up for the long travel ahead. Several of the ladies were headed to other African countries, and others back to their home countries. I was off to Dubai for a few days and then to South Korea to meet my boyfriend. We began saying our goodbyes and leaving one by one. It was a one of a kind experience traveling with a group of women. Strangers from different countries and all walks of life, but bonding over our love for travel.. our love for Africa. Some of us still remain friends to this day! If you haven’t had the opportunity to go on a group trip, I highly encourage you to, especially to a location that you may not feel confident to brave alone.
My nine days in Zanzibar, Tanzania were truly spent in awe and wonder. There were so many moments where a sense of gratitude would wash over me – I couldn’t believe that I was actually in Africa! For so long I had had an “idea” of what I thought Africa was like. You know.. that idea that they sell us in our school text books and in the news. It was so refreshing to visit an African country and form my own ideas and opinions. I encourage you to do the same. Karibu Zanzibar! Now go book that flight!
Nesufu Travels Group Trip – December 2023
