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90 Miles and a World Away · Day 10 · Departure
Phone alarm goes off violently. Mario, our casita owner, knocks softly on our side door, the aroma of Cuban coffee densely fills the air…time to pack our belongings and head for the airport. We were moving in fifth gear as we needed to get to the airport three hours prior to departure. I was nervous! …
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Ten Thousand Waves New Mexico: A Stay at Santa Fe’s Japanese-Inspired Spa Resort
During the summer of 2024, my college bestie and I decided to drive cross country from San Diego to Anna Maria Island. When friends heard we were passing through Santa Fe, one recommendation came up again and again: Ten Thousand Waves. Ten Thousand Waves is a Japanese-inspired spa resort tucked into the foothills of the…
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Beach Warning Flags on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
Beach warning flags on Anna Maria Island play a critical role in keeping visitors safe while swimming in the Gulf. Understanding what each flag means can help you avoid dangerous conditions and enjoy the beach with confidence. From peaceful, low-hazard swim days to strong currents and temporary water closures, beach warning flags help you decide…
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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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Purchasing Fresh Seafood on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
There is something different about seafood on Anna Maria Island. Maybe it is 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 is not a marketing word, it often means caught that morning.…
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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. …
Isabel Campbell
Certified Public Accountant · Real Estate Agent · Lifestyle Blogger