Travel
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90 Miles and a World Away · Day 9 · Havana
Our last day in Cuba! How did time escape me? We had tasks to accomplish this morning. We walked a few torn-up streets to Hotel Nacional to exchange a little more Euros for CUCs, and to purchase our Cuban cigars. Our research was unwavering in that if we wanted “authentic Cuban cigars” we needed to purchase…
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Ultimate Guide to Purchasing Fresh Seafood on Anna Maria Island
There’s something different about seafood on Anna Maria Island. Maybe it’s the salty air drifting in from the Gulf, the shrimp boats anchored just offshore, or the quiet rhythm of a working fishing village that still feels untouched by time. Here, “fresh” isn’t a marketing word — it often means caught that morning. Whether you’re…
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90 Miles and a World Away · Day 8 · Havana
Good morning Cuba! The girls and I started the day with our usual stop at our mercado for fritas. Then, we continued to Mimita’s house where we were greeted with our usual café and a surprise treat of malanga fritas. We had developed new traditions. We presented Mimita with a gift from my friend, a computer tablet. …
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Ultimate Guide to the Climate on Anna Maria Island
Climate Overview Anna Maria Island boasts warm air temperatures year-round, making it a great destination in any season. Summer is the hottest and most humid, often with afternoon showers, while spring and fall provide milder weather. Even in winter, the island stays pleasantly cool, ideal for outdoor activities. While Anna Maria island offers consistently warm…
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Ultimate Guide to Pizza on Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island may be known for fresh seafood, but it’s also home to some seriously good pizza. Whether you’re craving a classic slice after a long beach day, a wood-fired pie paired with wine, or a casual family dinner, the island delivers a surprising variety from no-frills neighborhood spots to elevated Italian dining experiences.…
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90 Miles and a World Away · Day 7 · Havana
We awoke to a leisurely morning…my favorite kind of morning. To our local breakfast spot for eggs, toast and coffee, we went with coconut milk in tow. It was our third time to Café Mamaine. Then we walked to our local mercado to enjoy some fritas. We arrived at Mimita’s where she had a stack…
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90 Miles and a World Away · Day 6 · Havana
Today would be my friend’s last day in Cuba. She was originally traveling for the entire duration but pesky work threw a wrench into her plans. With that said, she marched into my bedroom with a bee in her bonnet and woke me. She wanted to get back to Havana as quickly as possible. We…
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Ultimate Guide to Parasailing on Anna Maria Island
Parasailing is a thrilling activity that entails being towed by a motor boat while an open parachute allows you to glide in the air. Each parasailing trip starts with a boat ride. Once the boat is out on open water, parasailing takeoffs can begin. After sitting on the launching pad, riders gently rise into the…
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Ultimate Guide to Allergy Friendly Restaurants on Anna Maria Island
Dining out should be an enjoyable experience for everyone, but for those with food allergies, it can sometimes feel a little daunting. A significant portion of people with food allergies find dining out a challenge due to the risk of cross-contamination and the lack of clear allergy friendly options. Nonetheless, with planning and preparation, dining out…
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90 Miles and a World Away · Day 5 · Varadero Beach
Up at eight bells! No time for our customary trip to el mercado. We need to pack our overnight bags. We are taking a road trip to Varadero Beach. I remember Mami telling me countless stories of the spontaneous road trips she and Papi would take on the weekends. They would awake on Saturday morning…
