We’ve all traveled down this road at least once in our lives. It’s a road that is so enticing, yet leads to nowhere. In fact, if we’re honest with ourselves, the road doesn’t even exist. That road, my friends, is called “What If” road.
You know that road that begins with “what if I had chosen differently?” Or “what if I had said this instead of that?” Or “what if I hadn’t said anything at all?” Or “what if I had just waited instead of reacting impulsively?”
If you are someone who journals like me, you probably also know the benefit of reviewing those journal entries. (Hello, I wrote a whole book about it entitled God Doesn’t Make Mistakes!) I went back to a journal entry from two years ago where I found myself traveling down that all too familiar road. I started to ponder on what my life would have been like if I had made a different choice in a particular situation. Admittedly the last time I went down that road, I found anxiety and regret at the end of it. I created all these scenarios in my head of this beautiful life I would have lived had I chosen differently. It made me sick to my stomach to think about how I had ruined my happily ever after because I made a choice driven by my own sins and ignorance.
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how dangerous it can be to continue down that road. The truth is we will never see all the myriad results that might have come from making one different move. We don’t even know if that different choice would have led to a better life or outcome. And here’s an even more empowering truth. God has factored all of our choices, free will, mistakes, etc. into His good purpose and plan for our lives. And since we’re still living, He’s not done with those plans yet.
I know, here I go getting all spiritual again but stay with me. One of the most beautiful things about having a personal relationship with God is that He is always with us. He’s constantly leading us and guiding us. And even when we stumble, He’s there to catch us and set us back on the path He has for us.
Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 37:4
I believe God allows us to make certain choices, or what we may perceive as mistakes, so that we can learn. Sometimes it’s to grow us and prepare us for what’s ahead. Sometimes it’s to give us a heart check so we can make the necessary adjustments to live and love more like Christ. Whatever the reason is for God allowing us to make the choices we make, He uses it all for our good and His glory.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
When he says all things, that means the good, the bad, and the ugly. That’s what keeps my spirits lifted when I realize in hindsight that I could have made a more wise decision. I’m grateful to serve a God of grace and mercy.
If you find yourself traveling down that What If Road that leads to nowhere, I want you to remember these three things.
God is using your perceived failure for your good.
Your story is not over yet.
What God has for you is still for you.
My friend, when you begin to question how your mistakes may have ruined God’s good plans for you I pray that you are comforted by these wonderful promises from our Father. Trust me, He’s got a very real, beautiful road ahead for you. Follow Him.
I didn’t really want to write on this topic, yet here I am. The fact that I couldn’t stop thinking about it is an indication that I needed to speak on it.
A few months ago someone made a statement that generated a lot of opinions all over social media, and even traditional media. Who spoke these words is inconsequential; what’s most important is how many others believe these words as truth.
“If you have made it to 35 and you are unmarried, you are a leftover woman. You are what is left. Men know that there is likely something wrong with you.”
I was listening to a radio show one day and I heard the audio clip of this statement followed by the opinions of both men and women chiming in on its validity. Let me be clear, I was not shocked when I heard the words from the audio clip. I was used to these types of statements from this individual, which is why I chose not to follow him. However, I was most taken aback by the women’s voices I heard sounding off in agreement with him.
I heard many opinions, all of which I took with a grain of salt, yet I attempted to hear each one with an open mind. But then I heard the voice of a mother of a 35-year-old daughter who agreed that her daughter was one of those leftover women. In fact, she had shared with her daughter that she was essentially a lost cause to be a wife because she hadn’t married yet. Her words stopped me in my tracks.
As a woman who is over the age of 35 and unmarried, of course, I have my own opinion on this statement. And while my blog would be a great place to share this opinion, I’m choosing to offer something a little different. Because I am not just an unmarried woman over the age of 35, I’d like to offer some truth as a child of God. I speak as someone who believes in and follows the only perfect man who walked this Earth, and I believe this perspective is missing from the conversation.
Romans 3:23 says that we have all sinned and we all fall short of the glory of God. Let’s be clear, there is something “wrong” with all of us, even those who have been chosen by a spouse. That’s why we all need Jesus, married or not.
Imperfect as we are, we are also fearfully and wonderfully made masterpieces of the Lord, our Creator. Each of us has a unique journey and plan that God knows and orchestrates from the beginning to the end. And whether that journey includes a spouse or several spouses or no spouse over the course of one’s life, it has no bearing on someone’s value.
Lastly, we have free will and we can make our own plans, but God has the final say. He determines our steps. Not everyone has the same journey, timetable, or plans for their life. And only God knows the when, the why, and the how. That means that it is not up to us to judge or condemn people based on where they are at any single moment in life.
While I know who and whose I am, it doesn’t make controversial statements Iike the one shared above any easier for me to digest. I can only imagine what it must have felt like for someone to hear this statement and trust it as a truth about themselves.
The truth is our words have power. They can bring life or death, build up or tear down, create or destroy. That’s why we must be careful what we choose to speak over the lives of others and also what we choose to believe as the truth about our own. It matters.
After visiting Cartagena I can see clearly now why it is one of South America’s most visited cities. As this was my first time visiting Colombia, and the continent for that matter, I figured I’d see exactly what people have been raving about. I was charmed almost immediately, and the more I experienced, the more I wanted to taste a little more. (Keep reading to learn more about why I say almost immediately.)
Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, for me, it had the energy I love most about experiencing a new destination – sprawling beaches, lovely people, amazing food, and a unique vibe all its own. A city so rich in history, culture, and beauty, it’s hard to even know where to begin. So, my review will commence with our home for seven days.
Accommodations
Consulting with a Cartagena native as I was planning my trip helped me tremendously in determining the best place to stay. I absolutely adored the charming Walled city, which I’ll talk about later, but I’m grateful I didn’t stay in any of the hotels located inside the wall. Being the “water girl” that I am, I enjoyed having the prime ocean views of the Bocagrande neighborhood, while also being close enough to the walled city to travel there by taxi easily and inexpensively.
Our living area looking out to prime ocean views.
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Cartagena, one of the city’s nicest hotels. In addition to the location, the rooming options were also a factor. This is one of the very few hotels that offer residences with multiple bedroom suites, which worked out perfectly for my family. At times feeling more like a resort, the Hyatt Regency offers four swimming pools (one of them designated for children), a world-class spa and fitness center, and two restaurants and bars.
As the multiple bedroom options were part of the residences, we enjoyed a separate living and dining area, a full kitchen, and a private balcony boasting high-rise views of the city. Note, if you have an issue with heights, the residences are all on the top 17 floors of the 40-story building. For a frame of reference, the lobby is on the 12th floor, so it only goes up from there!
Views from the 40th floor balconyViews from the 40th floor balcony
Speaking of heights, I loved everything about this hotel – the location, the classiness, cleanliness, the pools, the customer service – but the elevators. One set of elevators took you to the lobby and another set of elevators took you to your rooms. That wouldn’t have been so bad if when trying to leave the 40th floor, the elevator would not let you go to any other floor but 15. That meant we had to take three separate elevators down every time we wanted to leave the hotel. Super annoying, but that’s also what happens when you have fancy elevators!
The Walled City
I believe this is where most of the magic lies in Cartagena, hence why we spent a lot of time there. This is probably also why a lot of travelers opt to book a hotel in this area of the city. It depends on what your priorities are. The architecture is unbelievable. If you stay in this part of the city, it’s likely that your hotel, mostly boutique, and luxury, will be a refurbished mansion from more than 200 years ago. The best shopping, restaurants, nightlife, art, and photo ops are inside the walls…and you’re going to pay for it if you choose to stay here. This part of town has more expensive accommodations than the city’s other neighborhoods, including Bocagrande’s beachfront hotels where we stayed. But it’s important to note that your American dollars will take you very far in Colombia. More on that later.
There’s a lot of history here, and while fascinating, I won’t get into it all. Just know that this historic part of the city, also known as the “old city”, is enclosed by 400-year-old fortified stone walls. Spanning eight miles, they were built to protect the city from pirate attacks. I definitely recommend one of the walking tours to learn more about the history of this gorgeous city and the diverse people that make up its culture.
Today this section of Cartagena, lined with narrow cobblestone streets and uniquely stunning architecture, boasts beautiful plazas filled with street vendors, artists, and musicians at nearly every corner. Visiting during the day offered a completely different, yet equally enjoyable experience than visiting during the night so I recommend indulging in both!
Aside from the food experiences, which I’ll get to next, I was most blown away by the art. There were so many beautiful pieces lining the streets I was overwhelmed. I literally wanted to take all of them home with me! And I’m not just talking about the paintings for sale, the mural-filled walls were breathtaking as well.
The cuisine
When I heard that Cartagena was a foodie town, I was sold even more on the idea of visiting. And let’s just say, Cartagena did not disappoint! This is not a comprehensive list but here’s a quick rundown of some of my favorite experiences:
Celele: This quaint, charming restaurant was my absolute favorite food experience in Cartagena. And I was grateful to experience it for lunch on my actual birthday. Happy Birthday to me! I recommend trying multiple shared appetizers and getting different entrees. You definitely want to taste as much of this yummy goodness as you can!
Casa Don Luis: This was one of the few restaurants we went to that served something other than Colombian food. This fine-dining Italian experience was created by the ambiance as much as it was the food.
La Vitrola: This intimate restaurant in the heart of the Walled City was perfect for my birthday dinner. We enjoyed not only a tasty meal but authentic, live music! This classic old-school restaurant received five stars in my book!
Street Food: You can’t go to Cartagena without enjoying piping hot arepas from the street vendors. They are small “cakes” made with ground corn dough filled with your choice of cheese or meat (typically chicken or beef). Occasionally they are served with an egg inside. They are delicious and super cheap!
Arepas from a street vendorBe sure to grab some fresh coconut waterFresh mangoes with salt and lemon
The Beaches
Transparently, Bocagrande beach is not one of the best beaches I’ve been to, by Caribbean standards. However, not all of the beaches in Cartagena are created equally. That’s why I was grateful for the experience of visiting one of the islands off the coast of the mainland. The Rosario Islands came highly recommended, but we ended up going to Tierra Bomba Island, which I thoroughly enjoyed!
Many of the islands offer day passes where locals or visitors who are staying on the mainland can experience the amenities of the resort without having to stay overnight. Tierra Bomba was a quick 15-minute boat ride away and offered a completely different experience from the city vibes offered on the mainland.
We lounged at the Eteka Hotel Boutique and Slow Beach Lounge, which was a whole vibe! The food here was delicious as well. If you are a beach bum like me, having this experience is a must while visiting Cartagena.
As you can see, there’s a lot to love about this beautiful city. And I’m sure I didn’t see the half. You know what that means…a return visit is necessary!
Here are some other important things to note:
Getting there: I mentioned earlier that I was charmed by the city almost immediately. I stated that because we had a not so great experience at the airport arriving from the United States. I don’t know if this happens often or if our experience was an anomaly, but it took us hours to even make it into the airport after landing. We deboarded the plane outside on the tarmac and had to wait in a long line to go through immigration. This forced us to stand outside in the heat for at least an hour. In case our experience was not an anomaly, be sure to dress in layers you feel comfortable removing and have plenty of bottled water! Also note: At the time of our travel in February, full vaccination was required for U.S. travelers.
Currency. At the time of visiting, the exchange rate of US dollars to Colombian pesos was approximately 1 to 3500. As a reference point, our 10-minute taxi rides to the Walled City from our hotel were 10,000 pesos each way. That means we were spending roughly $3 each way. Pretty awesome!
Safety: Cartagena in general is one of the safest places to visit in Colombia. As with any type of international travel, beware of your surroundings and be smart with where you carry your money. Also, some of the street sellers and musicians can get pretty aggressive walking up to you and hassling you to pay them for their service or trinkets. The best thing to do is to give them a firm no and keep it moving.
Language: While many of the locals spoke some English, especially in the brick and mortar stores and restaurants, it’s a little hard to navigate if you do not speak Spanish. Many of the street vendors did not speak English or spoke very little, which makes it very difficult to negotiate. Visiting with our own Colombian, Spanish-speaking guide was very helpful to our experience.
When in Cartagena be sure to try aguardiente, which might be described as Colombia’s version of tequila.
Mom enjoying herself on the ferry until the waters got choppy and it became a rollercoaster.
I’m baaaack! It was quite an eventful Winter. You’ll hear more about my travels to Colombia and a three-city tour on the West Coast later, but for now, I owe you the rest of my review on Anguilla. In case you missed Part One, be sure to check that out HERE first before reading on!
In the last blog, I wrote about the top three things I loved. While there’s more where that came from, I do want to share some things to know about Anguilla before you go. And let me be clear, you should definitely go!
Getting there
Historically, Anguilla hasn’t been easy to get to from the States. Prior to January 2022, most commercial airlines did not fly directly into Anguilla. You had to fly into Saint Martin and take a ferry. For most, you will have a stop in Miami, because there aren’t a lot of direct flights into Saint Martin. Fortunately, now American Airlines has direct flights into Anguilla.
Flying during a pandemic also means that you have to adhere to ever-changing covid requirements and restrictions. This can be cumbersome if you’re traveling to two different countries. Our travel to Saint Martin at the time required vaccination or a negative covid test with one set of paperwork (even though we were just stopping through). Our arrival in Anguilla required a whole different set of paperwork and another covid test upon arrival. Needless to say, it was a bit overwhelming, but in the end, worth it.
Getting around the island
I’m typically not someone who likes to drive on vacation, especially considering I don’t even like driving at home (don’t judge me). However, I truly enjoyed the driving experience in Anguilla, goats and all! Yes, goats roll deep in Anguilla so you have to share the road with them, and chickens occasionally too.
Another thing that will take some getting used to is “left is right, and right is wrong.” Yep, they drive on the left side of the road here. That motto I learned as I was getting my temporary three-month license helped keep me on the “right” side of the road though.
As mentioned in part one, the island is pretty small, so nothing is really far away. It’s also fairly easy to learn your way around, despite not all the roads having street signs. The great news is Google Maps works really well here and in the event you lose your way, someone is always ready and willing to assist you.
And you’ll likely need assistance at some point. I mentioned in Part One that the Sunshine Shack was a little hard to find. That’s because the roads that lead there weren’t necessarily roads that we’re used to by American standards. It was more like dirt pathways with very little signage and unfortunately, that was one of the few times Google Maps failed us.
If you aren’t willing to brave the Anguilla roads, taxis are also an option. But if you plan on visiting all the places we did and you’re staying longer than a week, a rental car is the most economical option, despite the crazy gas prices. I recommend Romcan Car Rental. And if you’d like to get around with a group and don’t want to have to worry about drinking and driving I recommend Olympus Chauffeur Services. Tell Marc at Romcan and Glennis at Olympus I sent you!
Money matters
You can spend your US dollars in Anguilla, but make sure you bring a lot of them…Anguilla is not cheap! There are some things that you can get a deal on in Anguilla, like lobster and chicken, because they’re in abundance there. However, Anguilla imports most of its merchandise so you end up paying for it.
While a fair share of the island is underdeveloped, it is definitely an island geared toward luxury travelers. Many of the resorts and hotels are considered luxury and come with 5-star prices to match. That’s why I recommend that if you are traveling with a group, villa rentals are the best route to go.
Also important to note, if you are an American Express lover, you’ll want to bring another form of payment. Most of the establishments outside of the luxury properties don’t take Amex. It’s just too expensive for independent business owners, including grocery stores.
Beyond the restaurants and beach shacks
Speaking of grocery stores, you’ll definitely want to visit one, especially if you’re staying for a week or longer. The largest grocery store chain there is called Best Buy, which has stores on both the east and west ends of the island. They were ok, until we found a smaller market closer to our house, Syd and Pete’s, and a larger (and nicer) store J.W. Proctor closer to the end of our stay. They both surprisingly had better prices and a larger selection of some of the items we needed. While many of the items here were still more expensive than what we might find back home, it still saved us money to cook some mornings and nights at home.
Me and my sous chef 🙂One of my delicious homemade meals 😛
Bring insect repellent
As the weather is pretty consistent in the 80s all year round, the mosquitos here are relentless all year round. For someone like me who clearly has blood that mosquitoes like, it was not a fun experience unless I was doused in repellent. One night I thought I was outsmarting them by covering my entire body (except my head) in sheets and long pants and sleeves. I woke up to a mosquito bite on my cheek. Disrespectful. I recommend bringing or buying insect repellent as soon as you arrive to avoid becoming a giant mosquito buffet.
Anguilla’s Gems
Remember in part one when I said I was already planning how I could get back to Anguilla before I left? That’s because I fell in love with so many of the country’s unique establishments, beyond the beach shacks, of course.
Village Bakehouse
This delightful little French bakery had the best croissants, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries. I also loved the quaint outdoor seating and friendly service. There’s also a small wine shop next door that had some of my favorite Rose.
Anguilla Salts and Sands
The name says it all. This boutique shop specializes in honoring and preserving Anguilla’s rich salt-mining history as well as the sand from its beautiful beaches. Their delicious natural flavored salt and jewelry and accessories made from real Anguillan sand make awesome souvenirs. They also have a cute patio in the back that shifts into a small lounge for Margherita Thursdays.
Lit Lounge
If you are looking for nightlife on the island, Lit Lounge is the place to be. This two-story outdoor bar and lounge on the beach is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a good cocktail and listen to some popular R&B, hip hop, and reggae. After 11 pm it turns into more of an outdoor club, living up to its name. Also, all ages are welcome!
Zemi Beach House
I absolutely loved this boutique resort on the east side of the island on my favorite beach, Shoal Bay. It was the vibe for me. Mom and I enjoyed lunch at the property and took a tour of the spa, which I will definitely visit on my return visit to Anguilla.
Other Noteworthy Resorts and Hotels
I recommend that if you opt to stay in a villa you patronize Anguilla’s beautiful resorts for at least a drink, if not a meal or a spa visit. Cap Jaluca, Aurora, and the Four Seasons all offered a unique experience of the island.
Aurora’s Sorana Spa was amazing!Beachfront lunch at Aurora
As you can see, there’s a lot to love about Anguilla. And I’m sure I didn’t even experience half of what the beautiful island country has to offer. That’s why I’m planning a return visit as I write this. When I do return to my sweet home away from home, know that part three of this blog series is sure to follow.
Have you ever been to a place far away from home that felt like…well, home? And I don’t mean anything like home, but a place that brings you the same comfort and familiarity of home even though you’ve never been there before. That’s how I felt after spending just a few days in Anguilla. After three weeks, I was already planning how I could get back there before I left.
Before I get fully into the Anguillan experience, let me share why I believe those folks in the eastern hemisphere are really onto something with their “holidays.” We Americans take a 5-6 day vacation, thinking we’re really doing something. Meanwhile, our counterparts in places like Europe and Australia are taking three to four weeks at a time for their holidays. Don’t get me wrong, I still understand the value of a quick getaway. But now I’m kicking myself for not discovering sooner the value of weeks away to explore a new destination.
The biggest value I experienced was being able to decompress the first few days of my trip without feeling the need to go anywhere or do anything but get myself settled. I’ve found that even taking a week to experience a new destination, I often feel worn out upon my return, needing a vacation from my vacation. I end up trying to do and see as much as I can rather than resting, which is often what my body needs most.
Because I was there for nearly a month, I’ll need two blog posts to really give my review of this small island country the justice it deserves. Since I couldn’t wait to share my experience with you, I’ll start with the top three things I loved.
The culture/people
With just about 16,000 residents across the entire 16-mile long by 3-mile wide island, it feels more like a town than a country. I believe that this is one of the things that makes Anguilla so charming. Everyone seems to know everyone else and even if they don’t, you’re still treated like family. (A caveat, I did have the benefit of staying at the home of a family friend. She introduced us to some of her family and friends before departing back to the US.)
Considering tourism is their number one industry, like many Caribbean countries, the locals seem to be really invested in ensuring that you have the best experience possible. And boy did we.
The beaches
Even though it’s a small island, Anguilla boasts more than 30 beaches. Each of them is charming and special in their own right and all open to the public. I didn’t even get to half of them because I quickly found a few favorites. That just means that another trip is in the near future. (insert wink and a smile)
Maundays Bay Beach
One of the other things that make Anguilla so unique and special is that each beach has its own beach “shacks.” Don’t let the name throw you off. They are more like cute little independent restaurants and bars that are located directly on the beach. They also offer beach chairs and umbrellas for beach bums like me.
My absolute favorite was Sunshine Shack on Rendezvous Bay. It was the vibe for me. It was a little hard to find (more on that later in Part II), but as soon as we stepped foot on the sand, I was captivated by the reggae music streaming through the speakers, the beautiful bluish-green waves crashing against the powdery white sand, and the sweet smell of barbecue. Garvey the owner, who managed to do double time on the smoker and the bar, immediately made us feel like family with his warm smile, infectious spirit, and welcoming hospitality. After visiting the second and third times, we became fast friends.
Sunshine Shack Owner Garvey showing his Anguillan hospitality 🙂
Some of my favorite experiences on the island were at Leon’s. This delightful beach shack is part of the lovely Malliouhana Resort on Mead’s Bay Beach. Yes, because of the food, which you’ll learn more about in a moment, and also because of the live music. It is an absolute party on Sunday nights! A local band named Vere performed there one afternoon, and they were so dope we followed them back there later in the week. It’s a whole vibe.
I also really enjoyed Madeariman, which is located on Shoal Bay Beach, arguably the best and largest of Anguilla’s 33 beaches. Let me be clear, all of the beaches are beautiful. However, this by far had the clearest blue-green water and the most powdery white sand. I found this one to be more chill and relaxing than the other beaches. We visited Madeariman three times and each time, I had some of the best meals on the island. Speaking of food…
The cuisine
Where do I even begin? If you’re a foodie, you’ll be in heaven. There was not a meal that I ate on this island that I did not enjoy. Surprisingly though, the best food that I had was mostly at the beach shacks. The grilled lobster, chicken and ribs, and snapper, which is the entire menu at Sunshine Shack, was delicious. My favorite beach shack food was Blanchard’s, which had the best chicken sandwich I’ve ever had. Additionally, the wings and barbecue shrimp at Leon’s were superb! And I can’t leave out my first lobster pizza and lobster salad experience at Madeariman’s, yumm!
My favorite dining experience was at a quaint, local favorite called Sharky’s. We almost missed it because it was on a long list of restaurants that we hadn’t gotten to by our last couple of days on the island. But boy I am so glad we went! Someone built the restaurant out of their home and it felt like every bit of a comforting home-cooked meal. They had me at the salad with the homemade basil and lemon vinaigrette. If you visit, I recommend the lobster cake (my god) and the lobster risotto pictured below. By the way, because lobster is in abundance seemingly in Anguilla, most restaurants have several lobster dishes and by American standards, it is pretty inexpensive. So needless to say, I had a lot of lobster. When in Rome.
I also recommend Ember, a wood fire grill restaurant; Dolce Vida, an Italian restaurant on the beach; Straw Hat, which is on the Frangipani Beach resort; and Julians, a French fine-dining restaurant at Quintessence Hotel.
Stay tuned for more of my experience in Anguilla. But in the meantime, enjoy some of these snapshots that try to capture all of the amazingness this lovely island has to offer.
“I just want to fast forward to the part of my life where everything is OK.”
-Issa Dee
It’s a line from the final season of the critically acclaimed HBO show “Insecure” that I’m sure resonated with someone other than me. I felt that sentiment deep in my spirit. Most, if not all of us, have felt this way at some point or another over these past two years.
In late 2021, as I was considering my theme for this year as I do every year, I realized nothing was coming to me. Instead of forcing it, I relaxed and resolved that it would come to me in due time. And when it did, it was evident, but it was gradual.
On New Year’s Day, feeling like 2021 had given me one last sucker punch, I posted an image of myself from a photoshoot for my new product line. The photo captured a moment of complete joy for me, albeit transparently, it was incongruent with the feelings I was experiencing at the moment. There was a bit of uncertainty mixed with doubt, frustration, fear, exhaustion, yet a bit of hope. I willed myself to encourage, not just the people who would see my post, but myself.
I decided my post would express my reflections on this scripture I had been studying – Isaiah 43:18-19. Paraphrasing, it says, “Do not hold onto the past or dwell on things that happened a long time ago. I’m doing a new thing; in fact, can’t you see it right now?! I am bringing streams of water to quench your thirst and I’m making a clear pathway in the wilderness you’ve been experiencing.”
I closed the post by challenging myself and others to cherish the “right now” gifts we are receiving in the new year. Fast forward to about a week later as I was sitting on the beach in Anguilla (more on that later) accepting and fully immersing myself in my own challenge. It came to me. My theme doesn’t have to be clever or deep. It only has to be inspiring to me, and it was. My theme for this year is simply, yet powerfully, to revel in all the “right now” moments. Even if the temptation to fast forward past them is present.
Right now, while it may not be filled with all the things we’ve hoped for, it is still precious. Some of these moments may be hard and difficult, others may be filled with unmistakable bliss. But don’t let those clearly defined moments keep you from appreciating the moments that you didn’t realize you had until they’re gone. Those quiet, reflective moments. The seemingly mundane moments with loved ones. The moments when you’re consumed with your phone when you could be witnessing what might have become a beautiful memory.
Let’s not miss the “right now” moments that are in front of us while we’re waiting on something. At the end of 2020, I wrote a blog post about some of the benefits of waiting. I’m finding that the more waiting seasons I have, the more benefits I see in them. I discovered a new one today in one of my devotionals.
“Waiting forces us to worship God for who He is, regardless of the outcome and regardless of whether or not He answers our prayers the way we think He should.”
-Lincoln Brewster
Worship always brings me back to a centered place. When I take time to worship God, the peace and comfort I receive are indescribable. If you can relate, or even if you can’t, try this right now. Calm your mind and spirit. Close your eyes. Worship God for a moment. Think of all the things you have to be grateful for RIGHT NOW and thank Him. How does it make you feel?
Next time you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, distracted, consumed with thoughts like Issa Dee wanting to fast forward to the good parts…pause. Observe. Reflect. Worship. Find the goodness in the right now…
I fell in love with Aruba the first time I visited and vowed that I would return. And just like that, 17 years passed before I would visit this beautiful island again. Of course, a lot of things have changed in nearly two decades, but at least one thing has remained the same – the vibe. Out of all the places I’ve visited, this is still one of the few that makes me feel most at home.
Mom fully enjoying the Aruba experience
One of the things I love most about Aruba is the climate. It’s absolutely perfect. It is considered a Caribbean island, though being further South, it exists outside of the tropical storm region. That makes it ideal for travelers all year long because there is no hurricane season. Also, it stays hot, but the tradewinds make the heat bearable. Like I said, perfect.
I didn’t know it at the time, but when my family and I visited in 2004, it was the last family vacation we would take before my father passed away. That made our return to the island for my mom’s birthday bittersweet. While we remembered the warm memories, we reveled in the opportunity to create new ones.
We chose the Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, one of the three Divi Resorts properties in Aruba. One of the considerations for our selection was that we wanted to have accommodations that would allow my mom, brother, and I to have our own bedrooms (and bathrooms), while also having the opportunity to come together in a communal space. The three-bedroom penthouse suite was just what we desired. (Though it was a two-level suite, so going up and down the narrow, winding staircase took some getting used to.)
This resort differs from the other two Divi properties in that it is their timeshare property. While we did not have the ability to partake in the all-inclusive plans that the Divi Dutch Village Beach and the Village Golf & Beach offer, our suites had a full kitchen and multiple bedroom suite options that the other properties don’t offer. All three properties share amenities such as restaurants, spa, and pools, so it really comes down to what your priorities are for your accommodations.
Our view of the beautiful property and greenish-blue waters from the dining room balcony.
Here are some other notable things to share about the property:
There are two restaurants on the property, which are both amazing – Pure Ocean and Pure Beach Bar & Restaurant. Both are right on the water, so you have fantastic views to complement the delectable delights. Definitely dine at Pure Ocean for an early dinner at least one night. You will have a front-row seat to the most glorious sunsets. What I loved about both restaurants was the service and the variety of dishes for different palates and diets. The resort also has a deli for quick bites on the go and an ice cream shop for those with a sweet tooth.
While the spa is small, it is quite lovely and the service is excellent. I was not expecting the foot-bath in rose petals while we awaited our massage therapists. They also give you the option of indoor or outdoor treatments.
One of the things that I didn’t enjoy so much is having to get out early to grab beach chairs. The eager early risers get out as early as 6:30 am to grab (and save) the chairs closest to the ocean. By noon, most of the chairs are gone. So if you’re not an early riser, it’s best to wait until the late afternoon to get a beach chair or lounge by the pool.
I’ll end by sharing recommendations and things to know before traveling to Aruba.
One of the reasons my family loved Aruba so much was because of our experience at a restaurant called Cuba’s Cookin’. I know what you’re thinking…a Cuban restaurant in Aruba? Yes, to this day, this restaurant has the best Cuban food I’ve had in my life, including my dining experiences in Cuba. We loved it so much we went twice our first time there and vowed to visit again when we returned to Aruba. And it wasn’t just the food, it was the live music as well. It’s a whole experience. When you go, definitely get the empanadas, camarones al ajillo if you’re a seafood lover, and the bistec palomilla if you’re a beef eater. You’re welcome.
Aruba is known for its beautiful white and pink sand beaches and nearly clear, greenish-blue waters. Baby Beach is ideal for snorkeling, as the tropical fish are abundant there and the water is shallow. It is a 45-minute ride from the main strip of hotels in Oranjestad, so make arrangements to visit in advance. On this visit, we opted for a beach closer to our hotel, Eagle Beach. It has been rated one of the best beaches in the world. Just be sure to bring your beach towels from your resort and cash to rent a beach hut and chairs. (They take US dollars.)
Because of its dry climate, aloe is a staple in Aruba. Aloe has many health benefits, including having antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which make it useful for sunburn and dry skin. Definitely pick some up while you’re there.
Aruba is serious about its covid policies. Be sure to visit aruba.com before your visit and follow all of the guidelines closely. Most importantly, you must complete an Aruba ED-Card (Embarkation-Disembarkation Card) prior to your arrival. It is a mandatory step for every visitor including kids and babies. Also, make sure that you make your covid test appointment upon your arrival because slots fill up fast and they require you to have your results back at least a day before your departure. While Aruba has worked to simplify the entry requirements, any of the headaches you experience is worth your entry to paradise.
After several weeks of fall travel, I figured it was time to sit my behind down and get to musing. In September, mom and I decided to take a road trip down US-29 to one of our favorite places – Charlottesville, VA. This charming, college town, is not just home to my alma mater, the illustrious University of Virginia, it is home to more than 40 wineries within 25 miles driving distance. And fall happens to be one of the most beautiful times of year for this road trip.
I should mention that as I’ve gotten older, I’ve developed a bit of an affinity for wine. This coupled with the realization that I had not visited one winery in the area in the two decades since my matriculation, meant that it was well beyond time.
Jefferson Vineyards
Our first stop was Jefferson Vineyards, which was about a 15-minute drive outside of Charlottesville. This small but lovely vineyard offered two seasonal flight options that each included four varieties. (Note: If you’re not familiar with the lingo, the term flight is used by wine tasters to describe a selection of wines.) I opted for the white and mom opted for the white and red combo, which came with a rose. They also gave the option to purchase cheese, charcuterie, and chocolate snacks to accompany your wine selection. Out of all the wines I tasted, including some of mom’s reds, I enjoyed the 4 Gold Medals Viognier the best. Never mind that it was the most expensive (insert sigh here), but my taste for wine is somewhere right in the middle – not too sweet and not too dry.
What mom and I loved most about this particular vineyard though was the scenery. The little flower gardens that included seating perfect for social distancing had an undeniable calming effect. They also offered abundant seating on an expansive field that included a large tent and umbrellas for larger parties and smaller tables and chairs that overlooked the rolling green hills.
Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard
Our next stop led us to the Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard in Keswick, which was another 15 minutes or so down the road. This one had me at the long, rolling driveway lined with grapevines. Though still charming, this vineyard was much larger than the first, and included a sit-down restaurant on the property. The outdoor restaurant seating offered a beautiful view of the vineyard we saw on our drive in and seeing the sun begin to set beyond the hills was another great treat.
The taste offerings at Merrie Mill were much more generous than the first winery. Additionally, they only provided one flight option to purchase that included a combination of red, white, and rose varieties. This tasting was enough for two people unless you’re a heavyweight in the wine department. Merrie Mill also offered heavy snacks that included charcuterie and cheese platters, as well as salads. My favorite wine here was the rose, of which I purchased a bottle to take home. It was crisp, refreshing, and had just the right amount of fruitiness without being sweet.
Overall I enjoyed the vibes, views, and vino of both wineries and I would recommend them both. I’ll be heading back to Charlottesville soon and will keep you updated on more wineries to try.
Here are some other tidbits to consider:
As our time only permitted us to travel for a couple of days during the week, we were limited to the wineries that were open on Wednesday. Note, most wineries are open Thursday – Sunday.
If you’re familiar with Golden Life Musings, you know I’m not fond of dining at restaurants I have back home. This trip led us to a few new great finds for dining. If you love burgers, check out Burger Bach in the Shops at Stonefield shopping center right off of 29. I enjoyed the lamb burger, featured in the pic below, and mom ordered the traditional cheeseburger. Both were delicious.
We also thoroughly enjoyed Sedona Taphouse, which served arguably the best stuffed shrimp I’ve had.
On our way back up the road, we wanted something quick, hot, and delicious and Angelic’s Kitchen did not disappoint. Both the fried fish and fried chicken were delicious. The mac n’ cheese wasn’t the best I’ve had, but the greens (not pictured) were on point. And I’d be remiss not to mention that this one was black-owned.
While you’re in town, take some time to stroll down the quaint, downtown Charlottesville area. This is me and mom’s favorite part about Charlottesville. They have some really cool small businesses and local street vendors that could use our support, especially in these times. Ten Thousand Villages, where I actually bought a couple of Christmas gifts, is a unique store with a phenomenal cause behind it. There are actually more than 50 of these stores around the US that sell fair-trade items from dozens of disadvantaged artisan groups in 30 different countries around the world.
I had it all planned out. Upon my return, I knew one of my glowing Golden Life Musings reviews would follow. After all, I carefully researched, selected, and booked this beautiful 5-star luxury resort. It was the perfect destination for my dear friend’s bachelorette weekend. We all needed this celebratory getaway and break from reality, if only for a few days.
I posted Instagram and Facebook stories documenting our journey, starting with the private car to the airport. The arrival and check-in at the resort were first class. Being preferred club guests, we were whisked away to a private check-in experience where we enjoyed champagne and light fare while the staff prepared us for our stay.
I did the usual video tour of my beautiful ocean and pool view suite that I planned to post later. My first priority was changing into my swimsuit and meeting the ladies at the beach. The bath-like beach water, the warm sun setting on our backs, the laughs and connection with friends, some of whom we hadn’t seen since before the pandemic…everything was perfect. We enjoyed a lovely dinner at the steakhouse followed by a restful night’s sleep. A leisurely morning gave way to a delightful seaside breakfast.
I will forever cherish this moment I got to spend with my friends.
Then the reality of the times broke our stride, as we prepared to take our covid-19 tests for our return trip home. As we sat masked up in the cold, uninviting conference room space turned testing site, my dear friend and roommate and I chatted about the craziness that the last year and a half brought while we awaited our release back to our vacation with our negative rapid results.
Even though I knew logically it was possible, nothing could prepare me for the fact that one of us would not have a negative result. Instead of handing us our paperwork and letting us walk out the door as we saw the dozen or so ahead of us do, a staff person greeted us and asked us to follow her around the corner. I immediately knew something was wrong. She sat us down, handed my roommate the paperwork indicating her results were negative, then she handed me my results and said those awful words, “Your results came back POSITIVE.”
The moments beyond that were a bit of a blur, but immediately a litany of thoughts rushed my brain. “How is this possible?” “I don’t feel sick at all.” “But, I’m vaccinated.” “How can I take another test to prove this one wrong?” “Why is this happening?”
Within an hour, I took a PCR test, which is more conclusive. Within another hour I was being escorted to another suite on the opposite side of the property. From that moment on I was left alone with my thoughts and the sinking feeling that I might actually be sick. Adding insult to injury, I soon realized that I would miss moments I could never get back. The results from the PCR test would not arrive until late the next evening, the night before our return home. Everything that I carefully researched, planned, and paid for, I would miss.
As a single, extroverted woman, the isolation brought on by the lockdown was already enough. Now, here I was trapped in a room (to which I had no key), by myself in a foreign country until the results of my PCR came back. Feeling like a leper, the hotel staff delivered me room service through a private box in my closet. None of this was helpful to my mental health state. On multiple occasions, I mumbled, “This is just too much, Lord.”
I tried to shift my perspective by thinking about the fact that there were worse places to be quarantined. After all, I was staying in a five-star luxury resort swim-out suite with access to unlimited food and beverages, cable TV, and wi-fi. One of my friends I talked to back home, a mother of two under five years old, countered, “I would love to be quarantined by myself for a couple of days.” It’s all about perspective, right?
A timed selfie I took from my swim-out suite I captioned “Making Lemonade”
The following evening around 9:30 pm I received the results that I prayed for and ultimately I knew to be true – NEGATIVE. A glimmer of hope pulsed through my body, as I just knew that I would get to experience the last night with my friends and enjoy the property. Then another disappointing blow. It didn’t matter that I had the negative PCR results that would allow me to catch my flight home the next day. The hotel policy was that I still could not leave my room until I checked out. You can imagine at that point the thoughts that followed. “Really?” “Why Lord?” “Get me out of here.”
I may not ever know why this happened. And the truth is, the “why” doesn’t always make us feel better when terrible, unexpected situations arise. “What can I learn from this?” is always a more productive and empowering question. I asked myself this question and I thought the answers would encourage you as much as they have encouraged me.
You will have more peace when you focus ONLY on the things you can control. I had very little control over the circumstances that took place. Such is life. The more I focused on them, the more frustrated, angry, and disappointed I became. Once I realized what I did have control over – my behavior, my thoughts, and my attitude – I felt more at peace. Choosing joy changes everything.
Gratitude always helps. When I felt myself slipping into a sad, sorry for myself space, I went to my Father’s word. I landed on 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Be thankful in all circumstances. I realized that I had a lot to be thankful for, at that moment and when I returned. That PCR test and subsequent tests upon my return home proved that the first test was a false positive and I never actually had covid. I thank God that I didn’t and that I made it home safely. And if the PCR test had come back positive and I had to stay in that resort for the required 10 days, I would still have had many things for which I could be grateful.
Nothing lasts forever. This is something I’ve been learning my whole life. While the wait for my PCR results was the longest 36 hours of my life, it did not last forever. Clearly, the wonderful moments I had on the resort with my friends as a free woman did not last forever either. That’s why when we do find ourselves in those beautiful moments that life gives us we should not waste them. Cherish each of them, for as long as you can. And when you do find yourself with some lemons…well, go grab some water and sugar.
Not that mom and I needed a reason to travel, but we decided a road trip would be the perfect way to celebrate our reunion. After 8 years of living in South Beach, Florida, Mommy returned home to D.C., and I couldn’t be happier. Upon a Virginia Beach resort recommendation from a friend and an itching to get back to a beach without having to fly anywhere, Mommy and I packed our bags and hit the road.
That road led us to the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel. Before I get into my review, let me first offer a caveat. Having traveled to beaches all over the world from Aruba to Thailand, mom and I could be defined as triple B’s, also known as Bougie Beach Bums. That being said, we’d both been to Virginia Beach before so we knew it would be a different vibe from the other beaches we’ve experienced. We also felt comfortable knowing that we booked what is classified as a luxury, oceanfront resort that opened just a year and a half ago – yep, right in the heart of the pandemic.
There were some things I loved about this resort but candidly, there were also several things I did not. I broke them down into two categories: what’s hot vs what’s not. Let’s start with the positive, since you know, that’s where I like to reside. 🙂
What’s Hot
Accommodations
I enjoyed the spaciousness of the one-bedroom suite, offering a pullout sleeper sofa in the living room and a large King size bed in the bedroom. I also loved the adjoining bathroom off of the living room and bedroom that allowed privacy in case someone wanted to use the shower while someone else used the toilet. There were also sinks in each segment of the bathroom.
Grateful to wake up to this view every morning.
The food
We stayed on the property for the majority of our time in Virginia Beach, partially because it was hard to get a reservation at the sister hotel, The Cavalier. The other reason was that we actually enjoyed our dining experiences. Our favorite was Orion’s Roof, the Asian-fusion rooftop restaurant. Even if you choose not to stay at this hotel, it is definitely worth the visit. Mom and I split the ribeye steak the first night and enjoyed the beef short ribs and lamb chops our last night there. Absolutely delicious!
The main restaurant for the hotel, Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill, which also provided the room service menu was also solid. The lunch and dinner menus offered a nice meaty crab cake and a scrumptious crab stuffed shrimp appetizer, but breakfast is really where the restaurant shined for me. Their interesting take on the Chesapeake Benedict and even the classic American breakfast was spot on. Oh and I can’t forget about their heavenly bread pudding! Lastly, the Beachside Grill offered delightful fish tacos, a yummy lobster roll, and perfectly seasoned peel-and-eat shrimp.
The service
The hotel and restaurant staff delivered the type of service that you would expect from a luxury resort. We were pleased with the timeliness in response to requests we made from our rooms and their willingness to accommodate us at every turn. Everyone from the pool attendants to the staff who checked us in made us feel right at home.
I also enjoyed the indoor and outdoor connected pools.
What’s Not
Suites Without Balconies
One of the first things we noticed upon arrival to our suite was that it offered the ocean view it promised, but there was no balcony from which to enjoy it. Upon inquiring at the front desk to see if we could be moved to a suite with a balcony, we were met with a huge shock. None of the suites offered balconies, only the guest rooms. This was quite a disappointment considering the price point for the suites. There was, however, a sliding glass door that you could open to at least take in the fresh ocean breeze.
Nice living room suite with a great view, but I would preferred the view from a balcony.
Beach Amenities
Considering my mom’s experience living on South Beach for years, we were accustomed to the idea of paying for beach lounge chairs and umbrellas. The cost for the quality is what most disappointed us. They charged $25 per lounge chair, which looked as if they were used lounge chairs purchased from a garage sale. To be charged an additional $25 for an umbrella, we were also surprised that the hotel did not offer beach service. If we wanted snacks and drinks, we had to walk quite a distance to order it from the Beachside Grill or Tulu. Again, identifying yourself as a luxury hotel with luxury prices, you expect an establishment to deliver on luxury amenities, and this is where they fall short.
The Flies
We discovered about a day and a half into our trip that there was an unusually abnormal amount of flies at the restaurants. Granted, both Tulu and the Beachside Grill are both open air and outdoor restaurants, however, we found ourselves swatting away flies constantly. Having most of our dining experiences outdoors over the last several months due to the pandemic, from Florida to D.C., this dining experience was notably different. When commenting to one of the servers about the fly problem, she acknowledged that we weren’t the only ones who had complained and they were trying to fix it.
Mom and I posing for a pic between swatting flies lol. Loved the open air concept though. 🙂
All things considered, the pros outweigh the cons and we had an enjoyable stay. But the cons were enough to not give this resort the glowing review that I normally give accommodations in Golden Life Musings.
If you plan to visit Virginia Beach, here are a few more useful tidbits to note:
Instead of calling a shared ride or taxi, the trolley service is a great way to get to the boardwalk where you can find shopping and other restaurants. It’s just $5 per person for unlimited rides for the day.
Check out Catch 31, a delightful oceanfront seafood restaurant that offers front row seats to the concerts at Neptune Park. We only had an appetizer and drinks, but what we had and the view was great!
If you’re a BBB like mom and I, don’t expect the powdery white sands and clear blue water of the Caribbean or South Florida. If you’re a kid or someone who likes to ride waves, this beach is ideal because of the pretty big waves this part of the Atlantic Ocean offers. The sand also gets pretty hot, especially mid-summer, so I recommend water shoes.
Golden Life Musings 