a w a r e n e s s

Ohh, I have returned to the imaginative world of the blog. Apologies extended for the lengthy procrastination of posting as I have been more consumed than expected with life back at home. Luckily, there’s so much to share! Yes, I know it’s February and by now, people have already devoured their Valentine’s Day chocolates in blameless disregard of their “lose weight” or “eat healthy” New Year’s resolutions and fat Tuesday has already accumulated a chunky ring of beads around the necks of many, I’m sure. However, so much happened over the holidays that it would be a shame to not include it in this outdated post.

After undergoing severe jetlag (I don’t naturally or preferably wake up before 8am otherwise) upon my homecoming from Thailand, the Christmas sleighed around soon enough and my parents, brother, and I flew to Miami to meet up with my uncle, aunts, and cousins who had freshly arrived to the States from South Africa! It was incredibly exciting because we hadn’t seen each other in what seemed like years (realistically it was three).

We spent the first three days of the trip exploring the city of Miami; strolled along south beach and discovered bluebottle jellyfish strewn across the shore, wandered around the numerous shopping centers in the area, and splattered in the bathwater ocean. We jumped aboard the “Millionaire’s Row Sightseeing Cruise” which took us down the beautiful and scenic Biscayne Bay to see houses belonging to an assortment of celebrities from Elizabeth Taylor to Will Smith.

We were scheduled to embark on the Caribbean Cruises: Majesty of the Seas New Year’s cruise to the Bahamas! We were all thrilled, especially when we caught sight of the massive ship we’d be staying on! When we were finally on board, my brother, Prashay, cousins, Karishma and Zakhna, and I explored the nooks, crannies, and eateries (of course!) of our new found territory. We had already eaten, settled in the cabins, and formulated the basic floor plan of the ship before my parents, uncle, and aunts arrived on the ship. We obtained the itinerary for each day and realized that there was absolutely no justification to get bored, hungry, or stressed! There was something to do for everyone; spas (mind you, which were much, much more expensive than those in Thailand-something I’ve had to get used to), rock-climbing, basketball, table tennis, the poolside, lounges, bars, the casino (where many of the “elderly” folk were found), a theatre, and a variety of restaurants. The first day, we visited the island of Nassau which is home to the infamous Hotel Atlantis. This hotel/resort has been featured in many movies, including 007 Casino Royale. The “Michael Jackson Suite,” which is the most expensive “room” of the hotel, was named because he was the first to stay here at “$25,000/night, 4-night minimum, no change.” The New Year’s Eve party was held elaborately on the deck; beautiful ice and fruit sculptures decorated the tables and balloons floated atop the pool’s waters. There was a dance floor and a live band and DJ, free champagne, and a countdown that came too soon! The photo to the left is of us all dolled up for the New Year’s Eve dinner with the Captain.

We were scheduled to part ways after the cruise with my uncle and his gang. They were going to Orlando to do the theme park (Disney World and Universal) vacay while we were to fly out of West Palm Beach. We drove them to Orlando because my uncle’s national driver’s license didn’t suffice when renting a car here. When we got to West Palm Beach, we visited the Lion Country Safari for the second time (we visited it the last time we went to Florida) and it was just as amazing. At one point, two zebras blocked the road and appeared to be hugging and/or conversating. I also got to touch a giraffe !

Everyone seemed to have a fabulous time in Orlando and soon after they came to our house in San Jose to stay a few weeks. That time went by so fast as well, especially since I was at school in San Luis Obispo for half of that time. They went to Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam, and other places while my brother and I attended the first weeks of the quarter/semester at school.  We got to spend one last weekend together before they left and we took them to the typical tourist spots in our area: Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Mystery Spot, and the 17 Mile Drive. Twas was good fun and now that they’re all back in South Africa, we miss them loads ! 

Until soon…