It wasn’t hard to fall in love with Aruba: warm temperatures, cool breezes, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters. Everyone was friendly, and I loved that people from all over the world seemed to flock to this beautiful island. That, of course, made me fall in love with the country even more, and of all the islands I have visited, this one would have to be my favorite.
Of course, I love it here!
While I loved everything about Aruba, there were 5 things that I loved the most about the island.
Today is World Malaria Day. As a traveler, I have had to take anti-malaria pills while traveling, and know just how deadly contracting this malaria can be. The video below paints a picture of the disease, specifically in Africa, and how, with a small donation, we can all help save lives and make the world a better place.
All experiences that we have as humans affect the outcome of who we become. The more we experience, the more transformed we are over the course of our lifetime. Because travel involves opportunities that take us out of our comfort zone, the more we travel, the more chances we have to transform ourselves during our time here on earth.
Pondering life in Aruba.
For me, travel has been the basis of all of my changes. When I wasn’t able to travel, I made changes in my life that allowed me to begin traveling and with each trip I take that transformation continues. I’m not sure I can pinpoint the exact moment I changed, but with each trip I take, I see a significant difference in the person I am each time I return home.
On Thursday night, I decided that it was finally time for me to book my plane ticket home from Africa. As thrilling as it was to purchase my one-way ticket there, I actually did have to come home at the end of my adventure. School would start up again in September and as much as I want to one day complete a trip around the world, it wouldn’t start with this trip.
Before booking my flight home, however, I had to do a bit of planning. A few weeks ago, Jeff and I decided that he would come to meet me in South Africa when my tour ended. Our original plan just included spending time together in Cape Town: heading to Table Mountain, seeing Cape Good Hope, and diving with Great White Sharks. But, we had a week together and decided it was enough time to head elsewhere after our South African escapades.
Along with traveling and writing, I am extremely passionate about music, which is why while I am traveling, I love to listen to the radio and the music playing at restaurants and bars. And, over the years, I have developed quite collection of music from around the world.
I hate to limit myself by just listening to what’s here in the States because the world has so much to offer. Even while I’m home, I constantly bother my cousins in Ireland and ask them to send me the latest musicians and songs that are out in the UK. But, often the best discoveries are made while traveling the world, and my most recent discovery happened this past week in Aruba.
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When mentioning that we were headed to Aruba for spring break, Diana and I received our fair share of warnings: “Be careful, girls,” “Don’t separate from each other,” or the simple, “Just stay safe.” I realize that this island has had quite a deal of controversy surrounding it, but what happened here could have happened just about anywhere in the world.
ocean view
I understand why people give warnings to those while traveling, but how unsafe is traveling compared to every day life?
I was born to travel. I am a person who can adapt easily to change; from a change in cultures to travel plans, I realize that travel isn’t always reliable. I also have great people skills; whether it is asking strangers for help or making new friends, this is one of my strongest attributes. And, I have a thirst for knowledge; I’m extremely inquisitive in all things, but especially about different cultures and countries. All of these characteristics lend to my ability to pick up and travel the world with relative ease.
Savvy Traveler?
In just a few hours, I will head to Aruba for the sun, the sand, and the sea, along with some much needed relaxation. After months of teaching and grading papers, there is nothing I’m looking forward to as much as lounging on the beach with a drink in my hand.
What I love most about beach vacations is just how easy they are to pack for. Although, often they are too easy, which means I wait until the very last minute. Regardless, here are a few essentials that I always bring along.
Lounging in Fiji.
It’s been quite some time since I’ve posted an Inspiration of the Week, but after watching this video, I just had to share it with you all.
Nike asked Casey to create a video about Making it Count. To do this, Casey and his friend, Max, used the budget given to them to create this video by traveling around the world in ten days, the amount of time it took for their money to run out.
Not only is the video inspiring, but it’s also proof that time doesn’t always have to hold you back from traveling the world.
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An Inspiration: Move. Learn. Eat.
India Inspiration.
Vietnam Love.
Big Jet Plane.
The World Wanderer 