On my trip from Ohio back to New York, my flight was not direct and I had to change flight in Philadelphia. The plane (picture above) from Philly to La Guardia New York was the smallest plane I’ve ever been on thus far. It was a new experience in my traveling journey and I have to say I quiet ejoyed the flight. It never elevated above visibility level from the earth and when we were going thru New York City, it was as if I was having an aerial tour of the City. 
March is my birthday month. As a gift to me, I took a few days off from work and flew to the Dominican Republic. I departed to DR on Saturday, and came back today. I relaxed by going to the beach and drinking lots of coconut water. I love sugar cane and had a lot of it while there. I also ate some delicious crabs . And of course, I inhaled the pure and fresh air of the countryside.
By the beach enjoying the fresh air and some sweet and juicy sugar canes
Enjoying some coconut water
Wild natural curly hair
Pretty house in the countryside
I brought honey on it’s most pure form from a beehive in the country-town Palm Tree. There is something about the countryside that is healing to the soul.
Pure honey, from the beehive to the bottle
When I visited Betty and Roberto’s house (friends of the family), in addition to the crabs, they served us some Moringa tea. This was my first time trying this drink and from the background information Roberto gave me about this plant, I developed a curiosity to learn more about this tree and found out that it has 7 times the vitamin C of oranges, 3 times the potassium of bananas, 4 times the vitamin A of carrots, 3 times the iron of spinach and 4 times the calcium of milk.
Here is a video I found on Youtube about the plant.
There is something very special about being surrounded by nature and getting away from the city for some time. Nature rejuvenates me and detoxifies me from the day to day stress. It brings my mind, body and soul to a state of calmness and awareness. It revitalizes me to go back to the daily routine and to the city more energized. Just as I do a juice cleanse a few times a year, I like getting an air cleanse at least once a year.
Thank you
On my way home from work, I observed the Empire State building. Tonight, it lights up with the beautiful and vibrant colors, purple, green and gold in honor of Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), the famous festival celebrated in New Orleans every year. New Orleans is a dear city to me. I lived in Louisiana a few years ago, and while at first I was a little home sick, I quickly made friends who made me feel at home. It is true what they say about “southern hospitality.” The people in Louisiana are warm and friendly. The food is exquisiteness… from the craw-fish to the jambalaya, to the you name it dish. So on that note, here are a few pictures I took of the Empire State building welcoming Mardi Gras.
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Last week, restaurant week ended. This week is fashion week in NYC. This is what I love about New York City; there is always something going on. Before restaurant week ended, my friends and I went to try a restaurant that has always have a great reputation for quality of food and excellent service. Ruth Chris’s Stake House in Time Square located at 148 W St New York, NY 10019 was our restaurant of choice. Sean, our server, was extremely professional and fun.
Stuffed crab mushroom
Fried calamaris
Lobster bisque
Prime cut stake
My friends and I.
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.”
― George R.R. Martin, A Dance With Dragons
Read 1. To examine and grasp the meaning of (written or printed characters, words, or sentences). 5. To discern and interpret the nature or significance of through close examination or sensitive observation . 11. To learn or get knowledge of from something written or printed.
“Read.” The American Heritage Dictionary. 4th ed. Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston-New York: 2006.
Despite my busy schedule, it is important for me to take time to read. Reading is one of my passions. Reading transports me to different places and times. It forces me to think critically. It expands me intellectually. It develops and improves me. Reading is a gift that cannot be taken for granted. Read something of your interest every day or every week.
I came back from my trip in The Dominican Republic three days ago. I had an amazing time. This was my first Christmas/holiday season in my homeland in about 10 years. Words cannot describe how I felt being in my beautiful country during this time. This was a very special trip in so many ways. It was quality time with the people I love the most on earth. I spent time with all my four nieces, Querin, Mia, Maiya and Miranda, with one of my nephews, Ronny, with my brother and sister-in- law, and with the one woman I love the most on this planet–my mother. Two of my nephews weren’t present, Christian and Jonathan —we did not forget about you two and knew in our hearts that you being there would have made this holiday season even more special. I am so grateful to God for the opportunity to spend time with my habuelito (grandfather) who is over 90 years old and is sick. I also spent time with my childhood friends in the town I lived in as a child, Mata De Palma (Palm Tree). This town means a lot to me as most of my precious childhood memories are from events that occurred in this town. My favorite aunt, also spent New Year’s eve and New Year with us. She is so much fun and made us all laugh really loud. What else could I ask for? I would have loved for my brother Kelvin and my two best friends Luz and Marcela to be there as well. Surrounded by the people I love the most, I could not ask for anymore joy then the one I felt. To my surprise and to top it off, my mother and my aunt planned a surprise dinner for me the night before I came back to the states, hence I enjoyed my stay there up until the last minute.
This new year is very special to me. I am humbly grateful to God for everything. From the bottom of my heart I wish you all a very happy and successful New Year. I feel so much gratitude for all of God’s blessings, for caring for me, for loving me the way He does.
I took lots of pictures…here are some to start:
This past June, My Sister (in God) and I planed a trip with our moms, my niece and her two young boys to Canada. In between everything else, we had a good time. Here are some pictures. I, probably, will do several post about Canada as we took many pictures. We took a lot of beautiful pictures of the falls, so I’m planning to do another post later with more pictures. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these ones.
With our ponchos, ready to board the Lady of the Mist boat that will take as close as you can be onto the Canadian Falls
Beautiful White water
The Canadian Fall -The true strength and beauty of nature can’t be replicated by humans.
The American Fall
Querin Explores 