Tha ish: My Caribbean cruise 2009

I love vacationing.  I know you’re probably thinking...... um, like who doesn’t?! 

I got the travelling bug after my life changing trip to France in June 2008.  I’ve always wanted to visit France and dreamed of going, but never thought it would happen.  When I mentally set out to make it happen, I was beside myself.  I decided on my birthday to book a tour and see northern France.  When I landed, I couldn’t imagine myself happier. I had a smile plastered on my face for 9 straight days (psst...I’m told my face still lights up when I speak of France).  I had such an extraordinary time that I knew travelling and seeing the world would definitely be a huge part of my life. 

The next place on my list to visit was Italy.  I wanted to visit Italy in July, but I had to put my plans on the back burner due to changing jobs in April.  I couldn’t up and leave after only working at my new job for 3 months.  Also, all my co-workers had the summer off, so I basically had no choice but to stay put in Toronto.

Instead, I decided to take my mom on a cruise for her birthday.  If I couldn’t take a vacation in the summer, I was definitely taking one later on in the year!  So I told my mom to get ready for another cruise!  My sister and I went with my mom last year, but I wanted to have a vacay with my mom-just me and my mom.  Cue the sappy music!

Cruises are a lot of fun because you get to see a bunch of different places in a short space of time.  You’re basically getting a taste of what the islands have to offer. 

I looove Europe but I looove the Caribbean as well.  They are so different, but both places make me equally happy.  I like the warmth, friendliness and the liveliness of the islands.  Honestly, who could possibly have a bad day when the skies are blue and the sun is perpetually shining?

Our voyage took us to St. Thomas, Tortola, Antigua, Barbados and St. Lucia.  Every day got better and better. At first I thought Antigua was the gem of the West Indies, and then I fell in love with Barbados...then St. Lucia. BTW, St. Lucia is tha ish fo’real!  I am truly in love with that place (Not sure if it’s the island or the super sexy (and funny) tour guide, Chad!  Chad I miss your jokes!)

As frivolous as this may sound, I am actually thinking of taking another trip.  I do want to visit more of Europe, but I am feelin’ the islands right now. I can definitely go for another dose of island sun. 

Tha ish: Happy New Year

I can’t believe that 2008 is a distant memory now. It was a year filled with its share of up highs and lows. But thankfully for me, there were more shining moments than low points.

Here’s a few of my favourite things of 2008.

My European Vacay!

Damn, I seriously felt like I was dreaming when I was waiting for my plane to take off and venture to that magical place. France had been calling me ever since I was a geeky teenager. It’s the place that I believed would be my new home (pssst…I still feel that way).

You couldn’t wipe away the smile I had on my face when I landed on French soil. I had no idea where to go, but I was happy. After I picked up my luggage, I made my way to my Tour guide, Simeon. I noticed him right away, as he had the tour logo on his clipboard. BTW, the man was too damn sexy for words. (Yes, I crushed on my tour director!). I loved the way he said my name—helloooo Meeechelle! His sexy accent had me swooning.

My tour of northern France took me to Paris, Honfleur, Deauville, Mont St. Michel, Normandy—every place just a beautiful.

What I truly treasured about my trip was that it was my first solo trip—Read: I was away from family. No, I don’t hate my family, but sometimes it’s good to escape them for a while and really get to know yourself. I’ve always travelled with family and stayed with family, but this time I was able to meet new people and do my own thing.

I was a little afraid before I went away. I wasn’t sure if my trip would meet my expectations. I loved it sooo much and put it on a pedestal, could it possibly live up to my very high expectations? Well, it did!

The lifestyle, the language, the people, the culture and beauty of the country was breath taking. I soaked it all in. France changed me, or maybe it just made me happy.

The Caribbean Cruise

Yes, I went on 2, count ‘em 2 trips in 2008! If you only know how much I had to save to do that! It was all worth it in the end.

This trip was only a few months ago but it was one of my fave trips to date. It was relaxing and fun and changed my mind about cruises. Cruises weren’t really my thang (the thought of being trapped on a boat for 7 days is a little scary, no?), but my mom wanted to go on a cruise to celebrate her b-day and her retirement, so I agreed to go with her and my sister. (yes, I did a family trip this year!)

I liked visiting all the islands (Labadee, Haiti, Ochio Rios, Jamaica, Grand Cayman), but going to Cancun was definitely the most fun. It had the most beautiful beaches and the hotels were GORGEOUS! I enjoyed the hospitality of the guys working in the restaurant (shout out to Alberto!) and the food was de-li-cious! I proudly cleaned my plate!

Since this trip, I have recommended cruises to anyone who would listen.

OBAMA

I really don’t even need to say anything other than, Yes We Can!

It is sooo exciting to know that the first African- American President will be sworn in in a matter of weeks. Al though I am a Canadian, I might have to take the day off to celebrate!


*Thanks for checking out my highlights for 2008. Feel free to let me know what yours were!

Tha ish: update

I’m going on a Caribbean cruise tomorrow and I was seriously hoping that I would see M.G. (a.k.a my crush) before I left. It’s virtually impossible as we don’t officially know each other.

I tried going to the places that I usually bumped into him (man, I sound like such a stalker!), but I was not successful…boo!

I’m not too upset that I didn't see him. I'm getting way tooooo excited about my trip. I can’t wait to sip pina coladas on the beach and soak in the beautiful Caribbean air. Don’t worry, I’ll document my trip in my next post.

See you in 9 days!