Photo Sunday...On Monday...Sorry: The Rockies

I was in the Poconos this weekend and didn't get back until the middle of Sunday, and then I had plans all day. So sorry, I just made up the Photo Sunday posts and I already screwed up.

I need to work on blogging more consistently.

This photo of the lovely Hope comes to you from the Rocky Mountains. I love how this shot turned out, and I think taking pictures of someone taking pictures is always artistic and cute. It might also be slightly cheesy, but I don't care.

Also, Hope looks like a mountain man...woman. Check that plaid and vest out.

Have you ever been to the Rockies? Do you like taking cheesy pictures of other people taking pictures or is it just me?

-Alisa

Photo Sunday: Charming Dublin

I decided to start a Photo Sunday. Since I rarely do anything productive on Sundays anyway, may as well make use of the time to show off some of my photos.

This photo comes to you from Dublin, Ireland.

Normally I am not overly found of cities. I hate traffic and I am not great about crowds. So even though I adore Dublin, I doubt I would ever live there. If I had to live a city though, Dublin is high on the list.

The architecture around the city is gorgeous, the people are friendly, and there are so many wonderful cafes and pubs.

Ireland is one of those places that just keeps calling me back, so I'm sure I will be returning to Dublin eventually.

Have you ever been to Dublin? What did you think of the cute Irish city? Were you as charmed as I was?

-Alisa

Oh NYC

New York City.

Let me start off by saying New York City is definitely not my favorite place. By the time I've been there a few days, I am ready to get out. There are too many people, everyone is too rushed, the buildings are too tall, the subway is too packed and too hectic, and I am too afraid to be by myself at night.

NYC is just too much for me.

Now if there was more appeal in New York City for me, then maybe all the Too's would not overwhelm me. But they do, because they are just not worth it to me.
That being said, I have had some wonderful experiences in NYC. Unlike other places I have visited though, I do not really care if I go back.
I will though. I always end up back in NYC for one reason or another. Not to mention that my boyfriend and I started dating after a trip to NYC, so I feel like we will have to go back time to time for reminiscing. We are both cheeses like that.

How Puerto Rico Stole My Heart

I come from a very diverse family. My immediate family growing up was quite Polish, we still have family on a hill once called “Pollock Hill”. The Polish festival was always one of my favorite days of the year because my great uncle would make homemade pierogies. Om nom nom.

When I was around 10, I think don’t quote me on that, my mom married an Italian man. His parents lived in South Africa, he had family still in Italy, his brother was married to a Puerto Rican woman, and he had lived about a gagillion places I swear. Including living in a van in Michigan for a year.

The introduction of my step-dad changed the shape of our family culture. I swear I didn’t know what loud was until I saw my step-dad and Uncle in a room together. They switch back and forth from Italian, Spanish, and English mid-sentence. And as Italians, all conversations are loud and have lots of gestures. With my uncle and step-dad there is always lots of swearing in three languages as well. Along with my new uncle also came my new Puerto Rican aunt. A loud and sassy woman who used to live in a house with both my uncle and my step-dad, you know she has got to be one brave tough lady.

I have grown up with these characters and the diversity they provided my family for so long I barely remember a time before them.

The point of this spiel though is that if my mom had never married my step-dad I may have never traveled to Puerto Rico.

The Pros and Cons of Cruising

I have been fortunate enough to have a travel agent as a grandmother, albeit one with a definite preference to cruising. This blog will be dedicated to the pros and cons of cruising as a form of travel.

Lets begin with the Pros:

1. If you have kids cruising can be a very appealing option. I went on two Disney cruises before hitting my teens and absolutely loved them! Cruise ships have day camps (day cares) for children, which are especially helpful for days at sea. The Disney kids room had a pirate ship, toys, and interactive activities; one day we got to play with dry ice and make flubber. This allows the adults some free time to enjoy the rest of the ships amenities, particularly the spa and the bangin bars. 
• Aside from the day care most ships, particularly Disney, have a lot of space dedicated to kids throughout the ship. This ranges from kid friendly pools to a rock wall or mini-golf. Obviously these can be enjoyed by all ages but are a special bonus if travelling with kids.
2. The entertainment factor! Cruises have something going on at all times and it is always listed in the daily itinerary, so there is no searching for something to do that night. I have seen fantastic plays, water shows, comedians, game shows and more on cruises. Now that I am old enough, I have also enjoyed the on-ship casinos. 
• As I stated earlier many ships today come equipped with rock walls, mini-golf, surf simulators, zip-lines and more. These are fun on there own but there are also competitions associated with them that are fun to participate in or watch. My personal favorite has been the "Mr. Universe" contests, where men must strut there stuff and show off there best belly flop.