Joshua Tree

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have a desire to travel but I don't want to venture out too far and forget the beauty in my "backyard" (LA). With that being said, one of my close friends came to visit and I set us up a little staycation in Joshua Tree, CA. If you are familiar with Coachella and the desert like area that occurs, Joshua Tree is in that area. Joshua Tree is AMAZING!! We arrived at night and that wasn't fun because there aren't many street lights or traditional roads however, the Airbnb we stayed at was well lit. The Airbnb was gorgeous, very modern, and decked out with a jacuzzi. Besides natures views and hiking there isn't much to do in Joshua Tree, so we stayed in, drank, danced, and laughed. I would definitely return. 

Toronto Caribana

My cousin was in the Islands studying abroad and mentioned how much fun Caribana was there. Unfortunately, I was deployed and couldn't make it so when i came back we decided we were going. We opted for Caribana in Toronto, great idea! I absolutely love caribana. Foods, music, people and sunshine... What's not to love? It was suggested that we should play mass if we go, so we played mass. We played mass with Saldenah and got to walk in the parade wearing a costume designed by the Seldenah team. It was such an amazing experience and so much culture. Besides the festivities we participated in for Caribana, Canada is also an amazing Country. I would call Canada the United State's cool older cousin. 

Mississippi Goddam

I was born and raised in California however, my entire family is from Picayune Mississippi (a city you have probably never heard of before). Picayune is about 45 min from New Orleans and despite my California up-bringing, I absolutely love Picayune. I spent many of summers and holiday breaks since the age of 7 in my mother's hometown. All of my relatives live in walking distance from each other and everyone knows everyone. I find so much tranquility in just sitting on the porch catching up with my cousins. Last summer while visiting, my mother told me that a street was named after my great grandpa John Hunt. I stood on the street and cried as I felt the whispers of my ancestors. "Herstory." 

Playa Del Carmen

If you are looking for a beautiful and inexpensive getaway, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico is the answer. I paid $1600 for a trip for two which included roundtrip airfare and for an all inclusive suite at the Princess Platinum Yucatan Resort. I went the first weekend in March and the weather was amazing, with the exception of a few light showers. While in Playa Del Carmen I got a fish pedicure at the resort, visited the Coba Maya Ruins, explored Coba Jungle Safari, swam in cenote, and went zip-lining over a lake that may or may not have had crocodiles. All in all, a great time!