Carnival in St. Thomas, USVI!!

This past weekend, I joined in celebrating “Carnival” in downtown Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas – The second largest Carnival celebration in the Caribbean, behind Trinidad & Tobago. This year’s theme is “The Biggest Fete Ever Seen.” Although the first Carnival celebration in St Thomas took place in 1912, it became an annual event in 1952, and has since continued to draw and inspire the entire VI region. The celebration lasts the entire month, as special events are put on throughout the weeks. Hosting shows, live bands, parades, beauty-queen pageants, countless food booths, and a fairground full of rides and games, this celebration provides an entire array of entertainment for both “adventure-seekers”, as well as the entire family.
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April 25, 2014

El Calafate, Argentina

El Calafate holds a very special place in my heart. As obvious through the photo above, it was the first place that gave me that unique, pure “awe” moment.

Nestled in the frozen South of Argentina, this quick weekend trip into Patagonia both amazed and frightened me. Amazed, in the sense of its pure beauty and marvelous landscapes. Frightened, in the sense that it made me realize how much of an insignificant speck of dust that I am, standing beneath such powerful, towering, and beautiful creations.
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April 22, 2014

Being Social While Traveling

Being social while traveling has never been difficult for me. I don’t have a hard time making friends. I like talking to new people. I like to feel a connection with strangers. I like to let other travelers know that they are not alone. I know, too, that I’m never alone, wherever I go. In the words of one of my favorite bands growing up, Death Cab for Cutie (yes, I went through a phase of emo music in high school), “Cause all you see, is where else you could be, when you’re at home. Out on the street, are so many possibilities, to not be alone.”
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April 14, 2014

A Day-Trip to Jost Van Dyke

A common occurrence one finds after moving to St Thomas, is that the locals have considerable respect for the other surrounding islands in the area. This is very different from the competitive (usually friendly) nature of US residents residing in larger cities, comparing their city’s accomplishments & stating that their city is better for this reason or that reason. But talking to any person living on St. Thomas, you will see that they rave about their other US neighbors – St. John, toward the East, and St. Croix, toward the South. There is very little competitive feeling – More of a mutual cooperation among the residents, and admiration for the beauty of each island.
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April 7, 2014

Why Do I Travel?

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” – Martin Buber

Several times, over the past few years, I have pondered a question; Why do I travel? Really…What keeps me going? Why do I do it? These questions were laid onto me, originally, by my close friends and family. At first, I was unable to answer their inquiries. I tried to think of something quick in response. After all, it should be an easy answer, correct? Everyone wants to travel! Here I was, doing it! Why should I even have to answer this question? Worse yet, how come I was fumbling around for the words to be able to answer this question?? Continue Reading…