A few months back I went to Puerto Rico to meet my boyfriend's family for the first time. I did not know what to expect but I was so grateful I had an opportunity to explore the land that was not familiar with me. Pablo and his family are from a little town up on the west side of the island called Las Marias. It is literally the countryside of the countryside!! When we arrived, his parents picked us up from a tiny airport in Aguadilla.
Aguadilla is about 30 minutes away from where they lived. I remember the road being so windy, and the elevation gradually increased as we traveled further and further up the mountain. It was dark outside but from the car lights, I could make out the town. My god in the daytime the view is to die for!! To get to the shops, we would drive about 15 minutes down the mountain to a town called Mayaguez.
Driving up and down the first few days, Pablo and I were so nauseous due to the elevation, but sure enough, we got used to it. We stayed for roughly 2 weeks, I did not want to leave!! From the white-colored sand to the beautiful foggy mountain views, I fell right in love. The houses are very different from those back in the states. Each house has a different personality.
I loved the way Pablo's looked. It was gorgeous, lively with many beautiful plants surrounding it, and not to mention 4 dogs!! Mia and Brandon were the outside dogs who guarded the home, and then we have Bongi and Luna, the old farts who were inside. I had such an amazing time, I was so upset to go. See the way the people lived, the different climate, I truly felt at peace. That's what vacation is all about right?!
You want your home away from home to be pleasant, and that's exactly how my experience was. I can't wait to go visit again!
Growing up I was very fortunate enough to go on vacation almost every year.
Traveling more inland than international but any chance my parents could take off, we were on the road. Traveling has always left me feeling more grateful for what I already have. Experiences are what shapes a person! It's easy to go on vacation, and party drink, do what you do, but vacation should be more about feeling free.
Feeling free from your everyday routine, work, maybe you decided to go by yourself or with friends. But breaking up the everyday routine with a vacation is the way to go!! I mean that's why we go in the first place, to break away even if it's just for a few days.
Vacationing and traveling gives you a chance to step out of the norm. Cliff diving, skiing the Swiss Alps, whatever you chose to do, go all in! Sometimes it may just be a once in a lifetime opportunity so please be fully immersed in it. Don't think about your flight being tomorrow, just enjoy every second of the beautiful views.
My goal is to someday travel the world. Traveling for me is more about gaining a different perspective. When we see the same old town, the city every day we get used to it. So even a little getaway to a different state or city gives me a fresh pair of eyes.
Sightseeing is the best way to gain different perspectives. Staring at a mountain or a beautiful canyon, now there my mind will start to change!! I know we all don't think this way, and even if you just go away for a few days to get hammered, whatever floats your boat!
There are so many benefits of traveling, whether its to escape from everyday routine, or to find yourself.
Please get up and book a flight!!
"Traveling -it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." -Ibn Battuta
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