Cruise-Saint Maarten

It was beautiful. It was sunny. It was gorgeous, and I could barely walk from my sunburn. It was my first time to these islands, and I insisted on enjoying the day. I put on my swimsuit and new Ralph Lauren hat, and headed off the ship. Even though we all had terrible sunburns, I knew I would not get another chance to visit the beaches of St. Maarten and wanted to go. However, no one else wanted to be in the sun all day, and opted to take a guided driving tour around the island. Not long after we got out of the car for the first stop on the tour, I realized there was no possible way I would be able to walk very far without feeling pure pain from the sun hitting my burn spots let alone be able to relax at the beach. At this point, I was glad we chose the driving tour. We explored the entire island and even got to stop at a couple beach spots. The first beach was right by the airport, where we were told the wind from the larger planes was so great that it has been known to blow people to the ground, even small cars have been turned over due to the intensity of the wind. We did not witness any large planes taking off from the airport, but did take many pictures at this local spot. That is when the rain hit. Again I was grateful to be wearing my swimsuit, to have brought along an umbrella, and to be taking a driving tour of the island rather than lying on the sand at a beach.

The island tour continued, as I became increasingly tired. I should also mention that long drives tend to put me to sleep very easily. Needless to say, I missed out on hearing about some of the history of the island due to sleepiness. The last stop before heading back was another beach, where I even got to try fresh coconut, straight from a tree and cut in half by a passing man with a machete. After this little adventure we went back to the port, and did a little shopping. At this point everyone was worn out and in pain from the sunburns, but I knew souvenirs were needed for friends and family. After another couple hours, with a few more bags of clothes and trinkets we made it back to our rooms. We had plans for lunch at the buffet, but decided to take advantage of the free room service and soon after fell asleep for a long afternoon nap.

When we awoke, it was time to shower and get ready for another eventful night. Tonight was the white hot party on the ship. After dinner we enjoyed a magic show from Murray a person from the television show "America's Got Talent." After the magic show began the white hot party in one of the lounge rooms. I attended the party, but was not up to doing much drinking. After taking a picture with Murray and having one mojito in a blinking cup, we headed back to the room to watch a little television and fall asleep. We had big plans for the next day!

Cruise-Saint Thomas

I woke up to a balcony view of beautiful St. Thomas. It all seems so surreal. You wake up and you're in a different port. You get out of bed and open the shades to see an island you have never seen before. It's absolutely gorgeous. Once fully woken up we shower, get dressed, eat a quick breakfast and get off the ship. We find ourselves on the sunny island where we make our way to the parked taxis. When I say taxi, I mean a truck with the back turned into rows of seats to make it look more like a trolley than an actual car. So we jumped in the "taxi" and headed to the beach. The beach was fabulous. We rented lounge chairs that were right next to huge iguanas on the sand. After we settled in to our spot on the beach, we went straight to the water. While everyone else jumped right in, I took my time. As I was walking in the water a fisherman walked by and said "oh wow look at that fish" and my reaction was to jump out of the way. The fisherman then said "there's a barracuda right behind you." I laughed, and he said "no really there's a barracuda right behind you." I didn't see anything and assumed he was joking. However, a little bit later we saw something jump and realized that there actually was a barracuda that had swam right behind me. Apparently none of us saw that sign at the front of the beach that said be careful of the barracudas. So I ran out of the water and was quite unhappy to think that these barracudas were ruining my beach day at St. Thomas.

Now that I felt unsafe in the water, I relaxed and watched my boyfriend swim trying to take pictures of this barracuda, all from the view of my lounge chair. I stayed on the beach for awhile, and we ordered lunch from one of the beach side cafes. We fed some of the ducks and iguanas, and eventually I was ready to get back in the water. I am glad to say the barracudas did not bother us. Even though the locals said they were harmless unless provoked, I did not believe this and was still a little wary of where I was swimming. However, before I knew it, it was time to leave the beach.

The taxi picked us back up, and dropped us off by shops. Again, I shopped for souvenirs as we all realized we were extremely sun burnt from the beach. So, we also had to purchase a bottle of aloe. After we got back on the ship I took a very painful shower and then dressed warmly because I was feeling cold from being so burnt. Thinking back about the pain now, I cringe just knowing that I could barely walk without feeling hurt. This caused my ankles and knees to swell up because the burn was so bad, not exactly my idea of a fun vacation. Still, we had a few more stops on the cruise before heading back to NY, and I don't regret anything that has happened so far.

Cruise-Puerto Rico

It was the afternoon of the fourth day, and we had arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico!! Upon our arrival, we explored the shops in the terminal, since we had time to spare before our zip line adventure. After exploring for a little, we lined up at the assigned location and waited for our adventure to start. Knowing I was going to be spending the majority of the day in the rain forest, I wore capri work out leggings, a tank top, sneakers, and wore my swimsuit underneath. I also packed a bag with a long sleeve shirt, umbrella, water, camera, money, ID, and hand sanitizer. I was prepared, especially since it was already starting to rain.

We followed the group and boarded a tour bus. We watched videos of the zip line tour on the tv's in the bus, and were instructed to not worry about the sharp turns our bus driver would have to make to reach our destination. As our journey started, the bus drove us a half hour away. On the highway we heard a noise, but thought it had been from the bus running over something lying in the road. So we ignored it, and held on as our bus driver whipped through the small streets and brought us to our destination. As we got out, we had realized that the noise we heard on the highway was actually a tire blowing out on the bus. Very surprised we were glad we had made it with our risky bus driver. 

We then were helped into our zip line gear consisting of helmets, a harness, and gloves. I was beyond excited. I had only gone zip lining once before, in Catalina Island-California, but this was going to be my boyfriends first time. We followed the tour guide up the hike trail while he explained the instructions along the way. I made sure we were first in line. Once we reached the first platform, I stood excitedly first in line. With everyone else being a little nervous, making sure I was first was not a problem. Even my boyfriend seemed to be a little nervous, but I told him that after the first one you will love it and you will no longer feel nervous. He was a little surprised I was so eager to be first. After all the tour guides went, it was my turn! They hooked my harness up and I was off, it was amazing. Imagine zip lining through a rain forest with trees above and below you! My boyfriend was next, and I was right. After his first leap he was hooked. We continued on to a few more platforms including one that was a vertical drop. And soon the adventure was over. I enjoyed every single minute of it, even through the rain and heat. After we hiked back to the second bus we were given water to cool down. The next stop on the bus was shopping! 

We were dropped off at local shops. At this point we were tired and extremely hungry, but I insisted on not eating until I found souvenirs for all my friends and family, since we did not have much time before the ship was to leave again. After a couple hours of shopping, I finally found everything I was looking for. Including a hat made from actual bamboo, which was surprisingly soft! While I was happy I was done shopping, the heat and not eating had made us extremely hungry and tired. So we looked at a few menus of outdoor restaurants and finally decided to head to the Senor Frogs near the ship. Senor Frogs is a mexican party themed restaurant. When we entered we were given a buzzer to wait for a table, and made our way to the bar. Feeling hot and dehydrated we started with two yards of margaritas. One was in a blue cup, and I made sure mine was put in a pink one. After we paid for our drinks, the buzzer went off and we made our way to our tiny table right in front of a stage. We had a perfect view of a dj and fellow cruise members who were drunk and participating in games. After a few moments we were front and center for a fight between a few girls, all from the same cruise as us. We ordered nachos and enjoyed our drinks and the show. After eating, we made our way to the Senor Frogs gift shop where I purchased a pink shot glass, and then left the restaurant. 

Now being dark out, it was soon time to head back to the ship. We started walking, and stopped to see a street artist make a beautiful air brush painting while speakers blasted music. We watched this man create a beautiful picture from start to finish, before getting back on the ship. Once back on the ship we finally showered and changed for dinner and another amazing show. After another couple hours at the bar, we easily fell asleep and awaited our next destination.

Cruise

I recently vacationed on a Caribbean cruise. This being my second cruise I became overwhelmed with excitement the day of departure. It was very early on a Thursday morning when the cab came to pick us up. We journeyed to New York City where our smiling ship was waiting (I say smiling because the art work on the front of the ship makes it look as though a happy face was purposely placed there-using windows as the eyes). So,  after hitting some traffic we arrived in front of the Norwegian cruise ship. After checking in we headed to our balcony room. It was just like I remembered, somewhat small, but lovely. This would be my "home" for the next 10 days. After settling in a bit, we explored the ship. We started with the pool deck where I had my first drink of the vacation, a mojito in a souvenir cup. After walking around the pool deck, I realized I was not dressed properly. The weather predicted cold and rain, which had been the weather for the many days leading up to the cruise. However, it ended up being the only sunny day in weeks. Yes I was grateful, but that did not help the clothing situation. I had worn yoga pants and a juicy couture zip up, not exactly fit for walking around on a sunny pool deck. Still, I had no choice, for my luggage had not yet been delivered to my room after check in. So I rolled up my sleeves and continued to enjoy my drink. 

After exploring the outside decks, we went on to take a tour of the gym and spa. Yes gym, I did actually try to stay healthy on this trip, and yes it was a miserable failure, but I will get to that later. So we took a tour of the gym, and decided to sign up for an afternoon spin class to take place the next day. Next was the spa tour. As a late Christmas present my boyfriend offered to pay for massages. I was thrilled. So we took a tour of the spa to decide which massage we would like. Maybe this was not the best tour to take while the ship was still in port, for the air conditioned had not yet been turned on and again me being dressed fairly warmly I was sweating. The tour ended and we made an appointment for a massage an employee recommended for the last day of the cruise. After the spa, we explored the ship a bit more, ate lunch, and then made our way to the top deck to watch the ship depart. Being in the city, the ship gave us amazing views of the skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Verrazano Bridge. This was a picture perfect moment that included lots of wind. At this point I was once again glad I was all bundled up. 

After we took in all the breath-taking views we went back to our rooms. My suitcase was the first of my group's luggage to arrive. I was very happy, for I always get a little nervous that somehow my luggage may get lost, which would of course ruin my whole trip. I am obsessed with clothes, and I always tend to pack my favorite outfits on trips. The people I travel with also worry about my luggage being lost because they too know that the whole trip would be ruined if that were to happen. Luckily, that was not the case this trip. So I began to unpack my bulging suitcase, as the rest of my group began to wonder when their own luggage would arrive. After everyone unpacked and showered it was dinner time. We enjoyed the first all you can eat meal of the trip, then went on to enjoy the first night's show. It was an introductory show that included a hilarious comedian. After the show it was bar time and soon after bed time. I was overly tired from a night of packing and almost no sleep to an early morning wake up that made me pass out very quickly. 

The next day started with the buffet breakfast. For those who have not been on a cruise, all inclusive means all you can eat, including 24 hour room service. Since I knew it was going to be impossible to for me to eat entirely healthy on this trip, I decided I was going to stay fit by working out. I was excited to get to the spin class my boyfriend and I signed up for the day before. After eating lunch we changed into workout gear and headed to the gym. There was a group of about ten people in the class, including a very fit and young instructor with an accent. I had not taken a spin class in a few weeks and felt out of the loop just entering the room, so I opted to take a bicycle in the back of the room. However, my boyfriend insisted on being front and center. So we adjusted our bikes and got ready for an intense workout. As I started to warm-up by pedaling I started to feel dizzy and hot, thinking I may not have eaten enough, I brought this concern up to my boyfriend. I was then informed that I was not in fact dizzy, but that the ship was rocking and I was not used to taking a spinning class on the sea. As for the heat, the room did not contain as much cool air as I would have liked. This should have been the first sign that I was not ready for this class, but I ignored such signs and got ready to work out. The instructor took his bike, his first question "has anyone taken a spin class before?" I proudly raised my hand, and was wondering why I was the only one who answered yes, especially when I knew for a fact my boyfriend had taken a few spin classes before. The instructor then responded to me by asking "you've never taken a spin class before?" with a puzzled look on his face. I then realized I had misunderstood his accent and corrected my answer. I looked over to my laughing boyfriend, who had just realized I could not understand the instructor's accent. I leaned over and said I love the Australian accent, but I can't understand one word he is saying. My boyfriend responded with the instructor has an English accent not Australian, I still do not believe him to be right. I know I heard an Australian accent. So the class continued, I continued to not understand one word, and felt out of place when my bike's pedals kept getting stuck. I stopped pedaling as hard or doing any of the standing moves since my bike kept getting stuck. While again I felt out of place, I fantasized about being in the cold refreshing pool just outside the tinted windows of the gym. After an hour the class was finally over and I felt gross. I needed to get to a shower, and fast! Needless to say, I did not sign up for another gym class on the cruise. 

After another enjoyable dinner and show, day two was coming to an end. The third day I decided to spend as much time as possible relaxing by the pool, drinking buckets of beer and wine, and enjoying the night sky on my balcony. It was perfect.

Self Magazine Workout

The other weekend I attended Self Magazine's Workout in the Park event. I registered online to attend this workout in Central Park. The magazine hosted the event and included several vendors and lots of outdoor workout classes. The host of the day was Z100's own Danielle Monaro, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me start from the beginning. The day started with me waking up at 6:30am on a Saturday morning, not my idea of a fun weekend, but the day went on to prove me wrong. I got ready and headed to a local bagel shop. I picked up bagels and met up with my friends. We then took the 45 minute bus ride into port authority, times square. We then continued to walk from 42nd street to the vent location in Central Park, 69th and 5th ave. By the time we arrived at our spot in line I realized I did not choose the right sneakers for the day. I should also mention the day of the event the weather was gorgeous, but made the workouts more challenging with the sun beating down on you all day.

After waiting in line, the event began! The event consisted of 20 minute workout classes all day until 3pm. We started with the morning yoga class. After we were finished with yoga, we made our way to the main stage where Danielle Monaro was announcing the classes. She is a part of the Z100 morning show, a very funny radio show I have made my routine to listen to every morning on the way to work. Anyway, we also ended up running into a gym instructor that works at the gym I attend. So we began our workout. In all we attended six of the workout classes provided. The yoga class was called Sunrise Salutations, then we went on to Ab Attack, Masala Bhangra-a bollywood/zumba inspired workout, Retro-Robics, LaBlast- designed exclusively for Crunch by three time world champion and ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" dancer and choreographer Louis Van Amstel, it led us through various dance genres combining exhilarating body movements and creative routines to burn fat and blast away calories, and the last class was Beach Body. All the classes were instructed by Crunch Gym employees. It was a lot of fun, even though space was limited. 

In between some of the workouts we had time to fill our bags with free stuff. I received two reusable bags along with many beauty and health products. Although, I do wish they provided more cold water, but the event was still a lot of fun. After heating up in the park we jumped in a cab and headed to a Blockheads near port authority. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Blockheads, it is a chain of small mexican restaurants that is delicious. If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and visit one of the restaurants-I promise you will not regret it!! We sat outside and enjoyed our food and frozen margaritas. YUM :)  

After relaxing for a bit, it was time to walk another 12 or so blocks back to the bus at port authority. After falling asleep on the way, we made it back home. However, the night was still young. As much as I wanted to just curl up in bed and sleep for the rest of the night, I went home only to shower and go back out. This time I was headed to Palisades Mall, a four story mega-mall in New York. We enjoyed dinner at Dave and Busters-a Chuck E Cheese for grown ups, and then saw Fast Five for my second time. I have become obsessed with this movie. While many will say the movie is very unrealistic, it is still a fun escape to watch over and over again. I should also mention for those of you going to see the movie, make sure you stay and watch the extra scene after the credits! You will not be disappointed. 

After the movie we headed back home, and the long day was finally over. It was one of the most amazing trips I had to new york, then again to me every trip to new york is amazing. I think every time I go to the city it is always an adventure and always incredibly remarkable. Although, this trip did make me appreciate my home, out of the busy life of the city streets. The day was filled with fitness and happiness, and I can't wait to do it all over again next year!

Pennsylvania

Weddings are a celebration of joining together two people who are in love. It is a big event that friends and family look forward to. The most recent wedding I attended was in Pennsylvania. It was one of the most interesting weddings I have ever been to, but sometimes trips are about more than just the destination. My journey started on a Friday afternoon. After driving to Pennsylvania after work, I met with family for dinner (this itself was an event). I should first mention that before even arriving to dinner we had already passed multiple horse and buggies driving in the rain. Loving New York, I clearly felt out of place. My whole idea of the Amish lifestyle is one that is very outdated. I understand that the living conditions of the Amish are due to tradition and religion, but if they are following in the steps of their ancestors they should realize that if their ancestors were alive today they would be utilizing the technology available. Maybe I'm wrong, but I will never understand a culture that insists on living in the past while trying to function in today's society.

So back to dinner. The dinner took place at the Shady Maple Buffet. This was much more than just your common buffet. Upon entering there is a spot for tourists to dress up like farmers for a posed picture, but continue down the large lobby and you will find many rooms all dedicated to seating guests. Even tour buses were parked to let groups dine. I walked into the buffet room and was completely lost. I never knew a guide would be needed just to decipher food at a restaurant! Needless to say we did not leave hungry. While dinner was over, the adventure was just beginning. We made our way to the downstairs area of the restaurant. This huge basement consisted of a very big very unique store. From collectibles to furniture this store had everything. I must admit I am not proud of my shopaholic moment of spending about $50 on our first stop of the trip, but like a true shopaholic I got caught up in the moment. I kept finding things "I just had to have." Well, about 3 hours later and $50 less, we finally entered the hotel.

After a much needed rest, it was time to start getting ready for the wedding. We got all dressed up and were soon arriving at the church. With the bride about to walk down the aisle, I realized my whole dress was falling apart. I should first mention that the dry cleaners I had taken the dress to a few months back had ruined the zipper. After taking the dress back multiple times, and trying on the dress numerous times I had thought the dress was finally fixed, I was horribly mistaken. My zipper came apart, meaning the whole back of my dress was now open. Luckily, I had on a long enough leopard print sweater to cover this wardrobe malfunction for the time being. So I managed to make it through the long wedding, where the pastor even quoted MC Hammer, clearly this was no ordinary wedding, one where the groom and bride waited until their wedding day to share their first kiss with each other (NO I am not kidding!!) and where the pastor went on to admit to his wrong doings (aka cheating moments) in his own marriage before finding God. I find myself religious, for my grandparents were both pastors and had their own church, but I think there is a thin line between religious and obsessed. Don't get me wrong I don't think there is any thing wrong in having deep faith in something, I just think you have to have faith while having common sense to use that faith wisely when dealing with situations in life. I think some people get mixed up sometimes when trying to follow their beliefs and staying connected to the social world. Well to each their own.

Back to the wedding, we journeyed on to the reception, but not before stopping at a local CVS where I purchased the much needed safety pins that kept my dress together for the rest of the evening. So much for the idea of the simple LBD (Little Black Dress). However, the celebration was quick and simple. A dry wedding with small portions, but enjoyable. Yes it was very different than any other wedding I have been to, but I can say it was definitely an experience I will never forget. Back to the Amish culture for a moment, the groom's son did state something that I think is mentionable. He stated that while driving one day an Amish horse and buggy crashed into the front of his car while he was stopped, and the buggy kept going. Clearly confused he drove after the buggy and tried to get an explanation, but the driver just kept his horse walking and ignored all efforts of communication. Now that this teenager's car is damaged, who's at fault? Buggies do not have license plates, if cops are involved who's to say he did not make up this story for insurance purposes? There is no real way of tracking down the exact person or buggy that had caused this accident. This is one example that makes me go back to my original idea of the Amish not being able to fully function in a technological driven society.

After the short reception, we went on to dinner and bowling. It was an interesting dinner at a local pub complete with a locals open mic night, but again a moment that will not be soon forgotten. The next day we went on to Hershey Park. We only toured the factory part where we got to take part in a taste test before heading on to do some shopping at outlets. This trip did not help me with my shopaholic ways, but did give me many reasons to support my addiction to fashion. After being overly tired and hungry we went on to eat and headed home. However, we did get side tracked once more at a sporting goods store. This was no ordinary sporting goods store. It was two levels that included an aquarium, candy store, gun gallery, and many many supplies. After about two hours and more money spent, we were back in the car and ready to go home. This trip was like no other, but the moments I shared with my family are ones that I will cherish. This interesting trip included two of my favorite things: traveling and shopping. So for better for worse, I enjoyed the trip so much it is one I wouldn't mind doing all over again!

"Reality" Trip

The word reality seems to mean something much more than the plain definition of real. What is real anymore, the basis of many television shows is based around this one single concept. Reality shows document real people in every day life, but is this even real. These real people have now become celebrities that involve a fan base, body guards, publicists, photo shoots, and gossip stories. All of which are now included on twitter, facebook, gossip blogs, magazines, and various television shows (real gossip news shows are now reporting news on "reality" show stars). Where does it stop, and how are you able to decipher between something that is real and something that is all an act of publicity? For real life does not involve fans along with star status. We laugh at reality shows, but being upon face to face with one of these "reality" celebrities we feel a rush of excitement, thus encouraging this whole "reality" concept of entertainment. This is where my "reality" trip starts. Being in the presence of celebrities in the actual real, not televised, world.

The first celebrity trip starts at Madison Square Garden, MSG. Attending a long awaited Enrique Iglesias concert was a dream. However, with all the hype that immerses your body upon entrance into the arena, I look around and wonder how does one person make this many people, if even for one night, go crazy with excitement. The concert was an overwhelming experience of singing and entertainment to say the least. Between all the "fashion" statements fans were making, to the actual making out that took place between Mr. Iglesias and a random fan pulled on stage, I begin to wonder is this normal behavior? If this type of behavior took place during the every day life, without a celebrity being present, you may look as though you have gone mad. Yet, add a popular singer and a room full of screaming fans, and you become a part of a world where anything could happen, anything goes. No regrets. No restrictions. No holding back. And everyone goes crazy for this spectacle. Still, moments after the concert reality begins to sink in. As you walk out, and notice that all the over priced souvenirs are now sold out, you realize that you yourself have become a part of all this hype that lasts only for a few hours, yet somehow it was worth every minute.

The next two celebrity trips takes place due to the popular "reality" show Jersey Shore. The first took place at a Mandee store where Sammi "Sweetheart" was doing a meet and greet. It was a Friday night, and was taking place near work, so why not. I made a night out of it with dinner at a new restaurant nearby that included happy hour, and then headed over to the packed clothing store. Being 5'2 I instantly fit in with all the overly excited 13 year olds. As I stood in the cold for just about two hours, contemplating whether or not it was worth it just for a glimpse into this "reality" stars world, I realized that between all the over dramatic tweens and their outspoken moms, that maybe this was not the place for me after all. However, I had already waited this long so why not just stick it out. My initial response was right, it was not worth the wait. Upon entering the store there was a DJ along with dancing employees, and an actual sweet Sammi from Jersey Shore who was only allowed to take one picture with each fan, photographs only taken by hired staff. It was an experience, not the best and not the worst, but it was an experience I at one point did look forward to. As they say, never regret something that once made you happy.

The second Jersey Shore meet and greet was a book signing with Snooki. This time the signing took place at a nearby Costco and it was a nice day out. Even after the last disappointment, I was still excited. I took my place in line amongst the Snooki look-a-likes all dressed in leopard and leggings with poofed hair and sunglasses. Has a "reality" star really turned Jersey girls into snook-a-likes? Is this really the next big fashion trend? This crowd at least did not only consist of tweens, but actual adults. This time I felt as though I fit in a little better, even though I did not dress in leopard print. As a fan of Jersey Shore, I enjoy watching the episodes on a weekly basis, but I do not enjoy meeting people who actually question whether or not Jersey residents all act like tanned guidos and guidettes. Growing up in Jersey, I don't know if I should be offended or just laugh at this idea of "reality." Being in Jersey, I luckily don't always encounter such ridiculous opinions about my home or the people who live here. Back on line, with a new copy of Snooki's book, A Shore Thing, I am happy that upon the stars arrival the line moved quickly, a lot quicker than the Sammi meet and greet. Snooki dressed in a large leopard print sun hat, sorry no poof this time, and gold leggings. A part of her entourage were her dad and boyfriend, Gianni. Getting a book signed by Snooki in Costco was a very surreal experience. Again, this is a familiar face I laugh at on television every week, yet in person I become overwhelmed with all the hype of meeting a celebrity once again.

So again I ask, if these people are allowing their real lives to be documented for all to see, then why are they now celebrities? Celebrities who are now attending award shows with some of the most well-known actors and actresses, partying with the most talented people, and being publicized in magazines and websites. Whether we like or not, "reality" shows will continue to grow as well as the popularity of such "reality" stars. Even as a fan, I realize that "real" television is not in fact reality, but in any case who wouldn't want to see their favorite celebrity making mistakes? A publicity stunt or just intriguing entertainment, either way it is a guilty pleasure for many!