Snorkeling: Coco Kay, Bahamas

After visiting the gorgeous Nassau, our journey led us on to Coco Kay. This secluded island seemed like the perfect place to go snorkeling for the first time. After suiting up in our equipment, our boat dropped us off near a private beach and we were free to explore. Let me tell you, snorkeling is much harder than it looks. After taking in the open sea and swimming a little too deep for comfort, we took off our life vests and floated in peace. The blue water was crystal clear, unlike any I've visited in the U.S. We snorkeled for about an hour and then made our way back to the party boat. Being greeting back on the boat with a cold mixed drink is the way to go, let me tell you. We enjoyed our drinks on the tiny beach and discovered a giant crab. The snorkeling guides got a kick out of my fear of the crab, but they showed no fear whatsoever. Receiving plenty of sun and sand, we called it a day. My first snorkeling experience was a success! 

Junkanoo Beach: Nassau, Bahamas

 When in the Bahamas: go to the beach. Upon arriving in the Bahamas we stumbled upon a beach called Junkanoo Beach, located in the stunning Nassau. It wasn't very populated and we were able to snag some chairs just by the water, my ideal beach setting. We met a little boy named Meeko, who we spent the second half of our beach day with. He was a native and the most precious child. He didn't like to be in from of the camera, he liked to be behind it. I later found nearly a hundred pictures on my camera, taken by Meeko, with his fingers in front of the lens of each and every one of them. Needless to say, he brought us many laughs that day and for days afterwards. We jumped off of the stone dock into the Nassau waters more times than I can count, and soaked in the sun for hours. What better way to end the day than with some native hair wraps?! We decided that while in the Bahamas, we had to get some colorful hair wraps to commemorate our time there. 

Pub Crawl: Key West, Florida

What does one do during a pit stop in Key West? Go on a pub crawl, of course! My friends and I spent the day in the beautiful Key West, and it was nothing less than a great time. After spotting a beautiful dolphin in the sea foam green water, my friends and I set out to experience the bars that Key West had to offer. After finding out that our 60 year old pub crawl guide went to high school down the street from me, I knew this would be a day for the books. He took us to 4 bars, The Flying Monkey was without a doubt my favorite. They served us a frozen, popsicle-like, orange and red cup of deliciousness (so of course I had to take one for the road). After we tried and failed at the conch shell blowing competition for some coveted party beads, we decided to explore a little on our own. We successfully managed to find a henna tattoo shop where we got some hennas (a goal we had for the trip). After getting a couple of braids in our hair, we decided to call it a day. Key West was so good to me, I can't wait to visit again. 

Keep Austin Weird: Austin, Texas

You know what a three day weekend means? Austin! A couple of my friends and I went to Austin for the long weekend and believe me when I say it was much needed. We arrived in Austin, pushed two beds together (megabed) and geared up for the weekend ahead. We ate at so many great restaurants (Hopdoddy, Tacos and Tequila, and Second Bar and Kitchen to name a few...) and had a blast. I was able to revisit the 360 Bridge Overlook, which I've decided is one of my favorite spots in the city. We also had to take some pictures in front of Jo's Coffee ("i love you so much" mural), and Roadhouse Relics ("Greetings from Austin" postcard mural)...but possibly my favorite attraction was Hope Outdoor Gallery. This place was insane. Graffiti is legal and encouraged at this spray painted concrete jungle! We went out on 6th Street and Rainey Street to experience the two different night scenes that Austin has to offer, and loved them both. Overall the weekend could not have gone better, I'm already missing the eclectic people, music, murals, and food of Austin, Texas.