16 Hours in Cancun (Mariana’s in Mexico!)

A & I with Mom & Dad at the Tampa airport
A & I with Mom & Dad at the Tampa airport

First things first: we made it! After bidding farewell to my parents in Florida, enjoying some margaritas and chips at the Chile’s inside the terminal at TIA (it seemed appropriate) and two easy plane flights, we landed in Mexico safely. Horrah! Continue reading “16 Hours in Cancun (Mariana’s in Mexico!)”

Beaches, Blue Lagoons, & Swim-Up Bars in Cap Cana

On Christmas day our family group of 17 met inside the resort of Cap Cana to spend the day together at Juanillo Beach. Continue reading “Beaches, Blue Lagoons, & Swim-Up Bars in Cap Cana”

La Romana Hotel Review: Casa de Campo

When I was a kid, I spent many summer weeks in this sprawling resort project in the southeast portion of the country. A few days ago we went to visit family who were staying here and I got to revisit some old haunts. Continue reading “La Romana Hotel Review: Casa de Campo”

Revisiting the Magic at Altos de Chavon

The first time I can remember visiting Los Altos de Chavon was the summer before 5th grade. I was so completely enchanted by the cobblestone streets, the massive amphitheater, and the breathtaking views of the Chavon River below that I swore up and down that one day, I would get married here. Granted, at the time of the exclamation my marital fixation was Ron Weasley – a fictional character from the Harry Potter books – but the point is that even then I found this place to be incredibly, incredibly romantic. Continue reading “Revisiting the Magic at Altos de Chavon”

Luxury & Compromise

After splashing around in the freshwater lagoons at the Ecological Park, we decided to go see my Aunt, who works at a high-end retail store located within the same resort. The intention was simply to tour the store, visit with my Aunt, and head out. But our group became quickly distracted by the gorgeous apparel with very high price tags. Continue reading “Luxury & Compromise”

A Place of Peace & Protection

A few days into our beaching routine, we decided to switch things up a bit by heading to the Punta Cana Resort & Club to explore their Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve. Continue reading “A Place of Peace & Protection”

My Top 12 Photos of 2012

What a year!

It started above 10,000 feet in the mountains near Leadville, CO – moved to the snowy red rock deserts of Utah – then up to the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde – home for a short but sweet visit to my native Florida – and is wrapping up beach-side in the gorgeous Dominican Republic. Side-trips to St. Louis and all over the American Southwest added even more adventures to this awesome life of mine. Continue reading “My Top 12 Photos of 2012”

The Beach at Bavaro: What Not to Wear

On our first full day in our new home-away-from-home my mom and I took a long walk on the beach and found ourselves in giggles. The beach at Bavaro is very different then the beaches we had just visited in the southwest. Boasting one of the longest stretches of white sand in the Caribbean, Bavaro has become home to a large number of all-inclusive resorts. And with the resorts come the people – people of all shapes, sizes, and sensibilities. Continue reading “The Beach at Bavaro: What Not to Wear”

Why I Haven’t Applied to Grad School… Yet

Well, my time here in Florida is coming to an end, and as excited as I am to head out on my first of many wintertime adventures, I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by my long list of to-dos that never quite got done. At the top of that list: my grad school applications. Continue reading “Why I Haven’t Applied to Grad School… Yet”