Always be appreciating the adventure…
“I love it when people travel with me that are experiencing something for the first time. The light in their eyes and excitement, oh my gosh this is awesome, it makes me realize to be appreciative of the things that we experience.” - Tracy English
My grandma was the travel Queen. I admired her ability to research and share insight about all of the places she travled to. She thrived for the adventure and experienced the world that God created. Her home was filled with books she traveled to or trips she booked for her clients. I always loved looking through her photo albums from her travles. Books from Paris, London, Netherlands, Denmark, China, Spain, and more. She always said I was a princess and said when she travled to Europe, she saw the castle I am supposed to get married in. Oh bless her heart. One thing I took from her is that life is meant to be lived.
In 2021 I took my first ever solo trip to New York. If you told my younger self that my older self would take a risk and travel solo, she would be so proud. It was riveting. Traveling internationally was next on the bucket list. My grandma took me to Paris and London for my high school graduation present. It was such a neat experience with her. As much as I enjoyed the beauty and induldgence of escargot, high tea, and seeing Buckiingham Palace and the Eiffel Tower- I look back and realize that my younger self was more focused on the food and fashion and not the arts, culture, or history. I owe it to my Grandma to go back in celebration and appreciation of her and I will .
One of my girlfriends in Chicago asked me to take a trip with her to Thailand. Deep down I was nervous, anxious, and excited. I appreciated her energy and fun spirit and willingness to plan the entire trip. Sign me up and let me know what you need from me! Thank God for her and her international planning skills. It is because of her we were able to internationally travel safe, have fun, and form a level of appreciation for the country together.
Golden Thailand
Traveling for 18 hours isn’t so bad if you do it right. I asked around tips from folks that I knew traveled that long of a distance, and my best friend recently took a solo trip to Thailand and I peaked his thoughts. During the flight that was where I laughed and cried at what is now one of my favorite movies, Crazy Rich Asians.
Once we landed Bangkok the airport was massive and so clean. So many levels, so many things that catched your eye, and learning how to currency transfer was overwhelming- but we made it through! After downloading the Grab app to catch our ride, off we went. I was so nervous, and meanwhile my friend was so calm and collected. :)
In Bangkok we found a favorite cafe where we had yummy breakfast and matcha lattes. The strip we stayed on was always alive and active. We took adventures through The Grand Palace and marveled at the history and saw the Emerald Buddah, explored the local neighborhoods with bustling street vendors, local crafters, and street food just enchanted the area. Even the local McDonald’s was pretty neat to see.
By far visiting the Elephant Sancturary and Phi Phi Island was the best part of the trip. These beautiful animals are magnificant and are truly gentle giants. We even got to see a baby elephant during the trip. In Phi Phi Isalnd we let loose, drank enough Chang beer to own our own brewery, and ate our way through the small towns and also in a tree house. There were stray cats everywhere. We danced the night away at the amazing beach parties and lit up the night at the Halfmoon Festival. We topped off the island with a challenge to eat a cricket and a boat excursion to Monkey island and all around Phi Phi. I was truly in awe, overwhelemed, and just appreciated the beauty that makes the country. It was hot, it was exhausting, and walking a lot wore us out- but we kept the adventures going, and appreciated every place we rested our heads along the way. The best massage I’ve ever had was in Phi Phi island. Thailand was such a memorable trip. One that I learned a lot, and look back and appreciate even the smallest things that made that trip incredible. Thank you to my girlfriend who made the trip even better.
Tulum Escape
Pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones only makes us stronger I believe . The opportunity to explore and tap into all of our senses along the way is dope and humbling.
One of my most ambitious friends shared with me he was looking to invest in property in Tulum, which was at that time the hottest spot to travel to, and he was planning a trip there. Naturally I invited myself to go on the adventure!
Tulum was a thrilling and peaceful escape from reality. From the tropical trees to the smell of the Caribbean coastline, the sun kissing your body, and sand between our toes- the adventure was one for the books. An opportunity to relax and soak in the sun and be one with the locals. Our Airbnb was nestled in this newly developed area filled with trees, plants, and flowers. It was truly beautiful. We ate the best fish tacos, discovered history visiting the Mayan ruins, marveled at the Cenotes, listened to the splashing waves as they hit sand and rocks, received peaceful massages, explored the artistic Pablo Escobar's Mansion, and road ATVs throughout the adventure. I so appreciate my friend for letting me join the adventure and the many great conversations and experiences we made together.
Appreciate the Adventure
Travelling is an escape.
Travel is the best investment you can make in yourself. It teaches you that there are many ways to live a good, fulfilled life. It broadens your world view, yet makes you appreciate home all the more. - Joel Sartore
Being able to travel and see the world really makes me appreciate the blessings in my life. There are so many people that will never get a chance to see some of the things I’ve seen during my travels. I’ll never take that for granted. - Laz Alonso
