First time for everything. (Dominican Republic)

I have traveled to many cities, and countries before but this time it was different. The excitement was definitely there but so were the nerves. It was my first time flying with friends; usually I fly with family or even alone and that never scared me, but this time I found myself freaking out about the small stuff.

I definitely over packed, clothes, and medicine. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when going on a medical relief mission trip. 

My first medical mission trip was to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I have heard from so many people how beautiful DR was, and how the beaches were to die for, but that was more towards the touristy places. The cities that we were planning to go to and help out were the rural and "less developed" areas. Even though we didn't go to the tourist attractions, I still thought the country was beautiful, more so the people. I grew up in an environment where everybody is family, and we are very inviting people; this was how the people of DR were. They considered everybody family, and welcomed us into their homes as if they had known us forever. Some people cooked breakfast and dinner for us, and invited us to explore the city with them. We were more than honored. Regardless of  their social class, they were all more than willing to help out in any way. They always had a smile on their face, which was so reassuring.

Our mission for this trip was to provide primary eye care to those in the Dominican Republic. Before going on the trip, the Pre-Optometry Association cleaned and sorted out reading glasses, and put them in different catergories. We took these glasses to DR so we could give them out to those who can't afford eyeware as well as those who didn't have access to it. Its one thing to do something because someone told you to, but its so different to see your hard work put into action. I was happy to see the glasses actually being used. These people definitely were not going to take it for granted.

Sight & Sole Walk

This will be the third year that I attended this event. The venue changes every year along with the amount of people present. Without fail this event has increased their numbers, and more people are getting involved. This is the first year that I have worked behind the scenes as opposed to walking around the lake for the visionally impaired, so my perspective of the event changed.

This year I was in charge of the Disney characters; I had to make sure that they weren't bombarded with people, the line to meet them didn't get out of hand, and take pictures for those who intereacted with them. At first, I didn't even think it was an important job, but as I saw the faces of the children as they saw the characters walking around, my whole mentality changed. I had forgotten that for kids, seeing these characters was basically a dream come true, similiar to seeing them as Disney. To me, it wasn't impressive because I knew they were not real and it really wasn't a big deal. I had to change my mentality, and it kind of all hit me at once when their faces lit up.

Since the Sight & Sole walk was for the visionally impaired, there were kids and adults who couldn't see, but they were able to communicate through sign language, and their other senses. One girl who actually brought tears to my eyes was blind; although it hurt me to see her in that way, it also brought joy to me because she was able to engage with people through her other senses, communicate, and most importantly just be happy. Sight is obviously one of our biggest senses because this sense is how we are exposed to the world and our perspective, but this girl was able to see things so differently while being happy. According to her parents, her favorite Disney character was Snow White, and she happened to be there at the event. Her parents had told her "Honey, snow white is here to see you", she immediately perked up, and grabbed her hand and started touching her hands and put it against her face, and just started smiling so big. I had to turn around and not show weakness as my eyes teared up. It was something so little that can change someone's life, or even state of mind in a heartbeat. Snow white continued to talk to her and tell her stories about the "dwarfs" and her "animals", and you can just see on the girls face that she was listening intently and 100% engaged.

To conclude, sometimes you don't know how important a job can be until you actually do it, or until something positive happens. It might be something you don't even realize until later, but also know that when you volunteer, no matter what, you're always helping someone even if you can't see it or don't get praised.
My entire perspective changed about this event, and I am excited to continually go to the LightHouse of Central Florida's events.

Cancun, Mexico

Water Sports

Since I can remember, I’ve always had a fear of sharks. I’ve never encountered one before so I’m not entirely sure how this fear came around, but it would prevent me from going in the ocean past my knees.

The ambiance in Mexico gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and go in the water. I went snorkeling for the first time, learned how to scuba dive, and go parasailing.

Parasailing.

My heart was beating extremely fast as I slowly escaladed into the air off a boat with a parachute. It was a little rocky along the way but once we got to our optimum height, it was smooth sailing. We were up in the air for about 10 minutes and we could see everything, the entire ocean is seemed like. The different shades of blue in the water, land on one side, the light blue sky, and the birds flying around. The view was incredible, and it was so peaceful.

Snorkeling/Scuba Diving

The hotel provided us with scuba gear and lessons. It was my first time going and I completely underestimated it. The scuba gear weighed so much that when I put it on, I sunk to the bottom of the pool. They had to pump up my vest and then add weights to keep my balanced. Breathing through the mast and snorkel was difference since you had to constantly breathe out as opposed to in. It took a few tries to grasp the concept. It was really cool. When we were snorkeling we were able to see little and big fish everywhere. There were these kids that were throwing bread in the water so it attracted more of them. A few of the fish kept bumping into my body so that startled me at times. It was a little hard to see things clearly as the water wasn’t crystal clear, but overall it was awesome.

All inclusive.

Unlimited food and drinks for 4 days. This is where it all started.

Upon arrival in Cancun, we were welcomed with margaritas and food at checkout, and friendly staff. The hotel was an open plan so you could feel the wind blowing while in the lobby, as well as smelling the fresh air and flowers in the garden. 

One of the most beautiful and largest hotel that I have ever stayed in.

Me and my family planned this vacation after my exams so it was extremely relaxing to sit on the beach, do sport activities, and eat and drink as much as we wanted.

There were restaurants, bars, casinos, swimming pools, and beach surrounding the resort so there was always something to do. They had an open buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Volcan de Lodo El Totumo

I have a few Colombian friends who had recommended a few places to visit for while I’m there, one of them being the Volcan de Lodo el Totumo! He had mentioned something about mud and people giving you a bath. I was so confused but of course I was down to try it.

Volcan de Lodo el Totumo is a huge tourist spot! We got to the place, and my dad looked at me and was like “you made us come all this way for this tiny thing.” I didn’t know what to expect. It was a small volcano, nothing else; there was nothing around besides small huts were they had bathrooms and people selling food.

Apparently, you’re supposed to climb up the stairs, (which were extremely unsteady and uneven), and at the top, there’s a huge pit of mud where you “chill” and take a bath”. I didn’t come all the way there to not go in, but I did second think to myself. It looked so unsanitary and completely slimy but I thought hey, why not.

My brother and mum went to the top but didn’t go in, they were the official photographers. My dad and I went in, and boy was it an experience. The mud was super soft, and we were floating like crazy in there. It was extremely deep but you didn’t even have to tread water. It was super cool. While you’re in the mud, there are local pe

ople who are in there who give you massages and talk to you [I didn’t understand what they were saying obviously] but the massage was so relaxing.

 

We were in there for about 20 minutes, and then I was done. I wanted to wash all this stuff off.

There were no showers. Just a lake, which I had been warned 10 minutes prior to watch out for the alligators. I live in Florida, so I know gators, but it still freaked me out. I went down to the lake and there was a lady there with a bucket, telling me to get in the water so she could wash me off. I was shocked, I didn’t know what to do, I haven’t had anyone give me a bath since I was a baby. I did it anyways and it was actually kinda cool.

No alligator bites or injuries! :D

I felt like a new woman! Super fresh and my skin felt extremely soft.

Same country, different city

Second time in the country, but first time to this city. Last time I went to Colombia, I was in Bogota for a wedding, and now I’m in Cartagena for fun!

Cartagena is much different, well so far it is. Its less busy than Bogota since its not the capital, but still a lot of people. Cartagena itself has about 1 million people.

There are a lot of run down areas in this part of the city, but I find that the people are very nice, and everything is way cheaper.

I’m bad with names of places especially when I can’t even pronounce them, but in English, the area is called Old Town. At this place they have a lot of small stores and restaurants. There was a famous clock tower there also which was really nice to see.

Around the town, they had horse and carriage rides, people selling food and bracelets on the street, and locals dancing and singing. It was so cultural and fun to see how the “people” of Colombia do things!

Horse and carriage ride à went around the town for about 15 minutes, and the driver gave us a tour in Spanish; kinda redundant but I was able to understand a few bits and pieces. It was funny because at the start of the ride, we were delayed because the horse had to pee; he filled up a whole bucket.

Crepes and Waffles à When I went to this place in Bogota, I fell in love. This was one of my favorite dessert places!!! I love nutella and crepes so this place was heaven to me. I had my own dessert, and devoured the entire thing. Definitely worth it. We ended up going a few times just in the short amount of time we were here. The waitress began to recognize us and we were able to order without even looking at the menu!

What happens in Miami, stays in Miami

Miami, a city filled with flashing lights, loud noises, and parties! After a 4 hour drive, which was supposed to be 3 ½, I have finally arrive in Miami (Biscayne area) from Orlando, Florida.
I am here to visit my brother as he recently moved from LA.

His apartment kind of speaks for itself as it has the most amazing view of the city and body of water.
I woke up to a clear sky, sun shining, and wind blowing. Had breakfast on the patio which extended from one side of the apartment to the other. I could really get used to this! haha. The waffles and fruit were so tasty :P

First time in a very long time that I was able to relax and do absolutely nothing. It felt good not to think and just sit; no school! Time didn't pass but it felt good to relax.

Night #1: Charity event at Nikki Beach sponsered by Neat Stuff Incorporation.

The night started of slow because for once, we were on time, and when I say on time, literally 8:00pm on the dot. The venue wasn't even ready.
At this charity event, they had set up casino tables, buffet, and an open bar for their guests. The theme was Las Vegas. I had attempted to learn how to play the game "Krabs" but slowly gave up after an hour. I just enjoyed rolling the dice and prayed to roll a number that they told me to do.
I think i'll stick to my coin slots or roulette!!

Towards the end of the night, they had prepared an auction for the guests to bid on. All the money raised was then going to go to orphan children who didn't have clothes or the necessities for this World. There were paintings, jewerlly, tickets, and many other things.