A Quick Trip Down (South of the) South
A little over a year ago I ventured into the country of Colombia with a lady I had only met once. Call me crazy, but that is just how I work!
Cata and I met through the website Travbuddy. This was the 1st travel community that I joined and she was one of the 1st people I met off of there. While Cata was traveling through NYC, we arranged to meet for caipirinhas at a Brazilian restaurant. She and I had an instant connection and that night I promised that I would visit her native country with her sometime in the future. It took over a year for the trip to materialize, although we made it happen and it was absolutely fantastic. I definitely intend on returning to Colombia.
I had not seen Cata since that trip and we were long overdue for a reunion. I decided a couple of weekends ago to finally visit her in Tampa, Florida. I might have only flown a thousand miles, however I truly felt like I was in a foreign country, as I experienced the city through Cata's Latina eyes. I adore Latin culture, so this was such a treat for me! My get-a-way was a quick one filled with lots of fun!
Here are a couple of highlights from my trip:
The night I arrived we celebrated at Ceviche, a restaurant/club that specializes in Spanish tapas. I was really excited to be there for reggae night, since I am a huge fan of the music. I highly recommend this place. It is big enough for you to get your grove on, as well as small enough for intimate conversations.
Cata and I reunited at last!
The next night we went dancing at The Kennedy. It is a really posh club with a nice mix of rap and house. Sadly, around midnight a singer appeared and attempted to sing what I am guessing was a rap song; though it sounded more like yelling and with an obscenity every other word. Most of the people cleared out and we followed about 20 minutes later.
Cata and I toasting to our next trip together, wherever it may be.
Fadi (my new Cuban friend!), Me, and Cata taking a break from dancing.
The next day, along with 2 of Cata's girlfriends, we headed to a Birthday party on a sandbar about 1 hour outside of Tampa. What a unique experience! In order to get to the sandbar, we had to take a boat (the Birthday boy's in fact).
My 1st view of the sandbar.
There were about 50 of us there on what felt like our own private island. During the midst of the party, I snuck off to take a walk around the sandbar before the tide came in. I encountered lots of wildlife and these gorgeous tree sculptures that were decorated with thousands of shells.
After my walk it was time to take some celebratory jello shots!
Us ladies with the Birthday boy.
And to then prepare, for the spectacular sunset that I knew would ensue as the weather had been perfect all day.
My favorite sunset photo. What colors!
Mature Nature definitely did not disappoint on this occasion! Oh, how I wish I could see a pink sunsets EVERY night. There is nothing quite like them, huh? Nor, like spending valuable time with girlfriends...
Cata and I met through the website Travbuddy. This was the 1st travel community that I joined and she was one of the 1st people I met off of there. While Cata was traveling through NYC, we arranged to meet for caipirinhas at a Brazilian restaurant. She and I had an instant connection and that night I promised that I would visit her native country with her sometime in the future. It took over a year for the trip to materialize, although we made it happen and it was absolutely fantastic. I definitely intend on returning to Colombia.
I had not seen Cata since that trip and we were long overdue for a reunion. I decided a couple of weekends ago to finally visit her in Tampa, Florida. I might have only flown a thousand miles, however I truly felt like I was in a foreign country, as I experienced the city through Cata's Latina eyes. I adore Latin culture, so this was such a treat for me! My get-a-way was a quick one filled with lots of fun!
Here are a couple of highlights from my trip:
The night I arrived we celebrated at Ceviche, a restaurant/club that specializes in Spanish tapas. I was really excited to be there for reggae night, since I am a huge fan of the music. I highly recommend this place. It is big enough for you to get your grove on, as well as small enough for intimate conversations.
Cata and I reunited at last!
The next night we went dancing at The Kennedy. It is a really posh club with a nice mix of rap and house. Sadly, around midnight a singer appeared and attempted to sing what I am guessing was a rap song; though it sounded more like yelling and with an obscenity every other word. Most of the people cleared out and we followed about 20 minutes later.
Cata and I toasting to our next trip together, wherever it may be.
Fadi (my new Cuban friend!), Me, and Cata taking a break from dancing.
The next day, along with 2 of Cata's girlfriends, we headed to a Birthday party on a sandbar about 1 hour outside of Tampa. What a unique experience! In order to get to the sandbar, we had to take a boat (the Birthday boy's in fact).
My 1st view of the sandbar.
There were about 50 of us there on what felt like our own private island. During the midst of the party, I snuck off to take a walk around the sandbar before the tide came in. I encountered lots of wildlife and these gorgeous tree sculptures that were decorated with thousands of shells.
After my walk it was time to take some celebratory jello shots!
And to then prepare, for the spectacular sunset that I knew would ensue as the weather had been perfect all day.
Mature Nature definitely did not disappoint on this occasion! Oh, how I wish I could see a pink sunsets EVERY night. There is nothing quite like them, huh? Nor, like spending valuable time with girlfriends...
Sister, you know how to have some fun. Looks fabulous. Thanks for sharing!
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Pretty ladies, pretty pictures! I'll say of all the places I've been, Florida still has some of the most vibrant colors of all. The sunsets while we were there (both in Destin in May and Orlando in June) were consistently awesome!
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Those trees are awesome...and the sunset's pretty nice too!
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