A feather in the ground looks broken, lost and pointless. Showcase it against an amazing background and watch it come to life. How humans can live without nature is beyond me. Concrete jungles are fun and exciting, I get it, but I can’t stay away from these colors for too long. My mind and soul crave green, even if it’s a walk through the park. You know you may have been living in a city for too long when you get excited about a little pretty feather.
A Quarter of a Century: Thoughts on Turning 25
Here we are, one more year.
Older? Yes. Wiser? Surely hope so.
Today, I’m turning 25. It’s a weird age, in my opinion. You’re absolutely not a kid anymore, but you have a hard time admitting to yourself that you’re an adult. You’re not old, but you’re not super young either, or are you? It’s a confusing age.
It’s easy to freak out on life and aging, everybody feels differently and everyone has a strong opinion about it. To some I am still blossoming, to others I am ancient. I’m going to say that I’m actually excited about this in-between, silly age.
Some things to look forward to:
- I can rent cars without any stupid fees, hooray!
- I still have 5 years to decide what I want to be and where I want to be by the time I’m 30, that’s still a thing right?
- Hmm, that’s all I can think of…
The thing is, turning 25 is not supposed to be a big deal. It’s just another year, right? For some reason, however, every year in your twenties holds special significance and shows you what you have been able to overcome and achieve. Life in your twenties is ever changing and it can be scary and exciting, all at once. I’m halfway through this roller coaster, but what does that even mean?
Some things I learned:
- Waking up somewhat early is not the end of the world- There’s actually some beauty to waking up before noon on a weekend and beating the crowds for brunch
- Sometimes you’re going to have do things by yourself- It might feel weird, but you shouldn’t say no to great opportunities just because you don’t want to go somewhere alone
- If you don’t ask, the answer is always no- I’m still learning that one. I’ve seen people around me get what they want only because they’ve dared to ask. If you’re afraid that the answer is “no” you might be right, but then again, you might be wrong
- Family is everything – At the end of the day, they’re the ones that are going to be there for you, even in distance. You may not always see things the same way, but love is stronger than everything else and you will get through it together
- People are selfish and sometimes, it’s ok for you to be selfish too – This one is hard for me, my instinct tells me to make people feel happy and comfortable but there are a lot of people out there that don’t really care about other people and you need to learn that’s ok. There’s nothing you can do to change that, so try caring a little less about them
- Your wonderful metabolism won’t last forever- Yes, sadly, this one is true. My stomach has been super rude lately, sending me signals that I shouldn’t be having so much cheese. At first it felt like the world was ending. Heck, it still feels like the world is ending, cheese is EVERYTHING
- Find that balance between believing anything is possible and losing all of your faith in humanity- I find any of these extremes to be extremely annoying. What is that balance, you may ask? I have no damn clue. There are days that I want to conquer the world and then the next day I want to run away from it
- Love is awesome and it’s complicated – Love just is, right? Well, love is one of the greatest ironies of life. It can be the most complicated, simple thing in the world and it still makes us go nuts. I hate when Big in Sex and the City says that, “at the end you just want to be with the one that makes you laugh.” I hate it so much I didn’t even want to include the quote, but it’s not too far from reality, even if I don’t like his character (yes, I said it). Life is full of adventures, obstacles, challenges and restaurants. Find someone to share all of these wonders with, someone who will carry you when you’re feet are killing you, someone you can push into the water just for fun, someone that makes you smile against all odds
Let me stop right there before I get to cheesy (mmm, cheese). Here’s to getting older, crossing more places off my bucket list, trying new things and enjoying every moment!
I have a feeling this is going to be a good year, cheers to that!
My First Ride
Lights are off, I can barely see around me. The music is loud and it’s getting more intense by the second. I hear the instructor’s voice encouraging everyone to go harder and harder. I feel the air escaping my lungs, my legs are beat and I’m sweating profusely. I swear I feel like I’m about to collapse, I hold back my tears wondering why would anyone put themselves through this torture. Then just like that, it all ends.
Oh, did I mention this was my first Soul-Cycle class?
Ever since I started working in Manhattan I’ve heard people talk about Soul-Cycle and how it’s amazing and addicting. I usually try not to jump on bandwagons (I still refuse to go watch 50 Shades of Grey) but I kept hearing people that were never too fitness-driven raving about these classes and how they were just “different.”
I swear if I could have written down my thoughts while I was on the bike I would have made myself promise never to do that to myself again. Impressively, once it ended, I felt a rush, a good rush. I did a Soul-Cycle class and I did not die. I almost passed out, but I did not die. That’s an accomplishment, right?
I wanted to write this post right after my class, but I felt like I first needed to know how it felt to wake up the next day. Ouch.
Granted, let me tell you that it had been YEARS since I had taken a spinning class, so let’s just say some parts of my body were not used to it. It still hurts in places I wasn’t quite sure it could hurt. Funny thing is, I didn’t even do the class in full capacity, how do people do this everyday!?
I’m not the most athletic person, by any means. I’m a little embarrassed to say I can barely run one mile non-stop (and by barely I mean I can’t). I still don’t get people that are addicted to working out and actually enjoy it, but one thing I can say is that man, I really want to be able to do a Soul-Cycle class full out. Will this determination last? We’ll see. Soul-Cycle is also an investment, definitely not something you want to half-ass. I’ve been improving my running time on the treadmill (Thank you, winter) but I still don’t feel that urgency and fulfillment that people say to feel when they run.
Whatever my soul-destiny shall be, I must say kudos to Soul-Cycle for having an awesome brand. I love their vibe and the way they have built a passionate (sometimes obsessed) community that attracts hard-working people that want to push themselves to the limit. Have I become someone that wants to physically push herself to the limit? Both possible answers make me worry.
Am I ready for my next ride? Probably not.
Am I going to do this to myself again? Probably yes. 🙂
It’s called enchanted island for a reason
Just in case I don’t give you enough reasons to visit Puerto Rico on a regular basis, this video by Javier Letour should do it. It’s sweet torture for me right now, facing this bitter New York winter and counting the days until I can return to my one true home. Enjoy!
Wordless Wednesday: Adoquines
He patiently waits while I capture all the corners of the streets of Old San Juan, guarding my camera bag like a good sport, happily contemplating the beauty of this island we now get to explore together.
[Old San Juan] Castillo San Felipe del Morro
I was listening to Ricky Martin’s new album on Spotify today (you know, as you do on your average Wednesday) and although I wasn’t quite blown away by the album, a special track really hit the spot. “Isla Bella” (which you can listen to here) is a song for all of those Puerto Ricans (like me) who are currently living away from the island but miss it sorely and attribute who they are to their roots.
I love New York, I do, but when you are from a place like Puerto Rico, it’s really hard to compare. There’s a reason why we love to brag about it, it’s really paradise and I am beyond proud to call Puerto Rico by true home.
Anyways, let’s not get too nostalgic over here, I shall be back soon enough.
Why not take this chance to share some more pictures from my last trip to Old San Juan? Go ahead, you say? Thank you.
All these pictures are from el Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan, more commonly know as just “El Morro”.
Is the grass really greener on the other side or is it just Instagram filters?
We’ve all heard that grass is always greener at the other side, whether you like that thought or not, you have to admit there’s some truth to it. It’s taken me a while to understand this concept and I still struggle with it. I like to tell myself that I look into other people’s “grass” for inspiration and motivation, to see the possibilities that can also exist in my life, but I don’t think that’s always the case.
Recently, someone I love very much shared a quote that once I heard it, made everything click into place. I liked it so much I even edited it below.
This made so much more sense than the stupid grass people keep talking about. We get tired while comparing things that don’t even make sense in the first place and the sad thing is that deep down we know they don’t make sense but we think about them anyway. It’s like looking at Taylor Swift and thinking she’s so beautiful (nothing wrong with that!). If you had the amount of people she has to make her that beautiful you would be ruling the world too. I struggle just to brush my hair everyday, let’s be real.
We’ve lost a sense of what’s behind-the-scenes and what’s a highlight reel. We live in a world where sharing on social media sends out a false sense of intimacy. You can now see “celebrities” sharing their “intimate” cup of tea, which they are enjoying “casually” in bed with no fixes at all. Sure, we know that’s not how it rolls, but we still like to believe the setup. We see everyone seems to be running the world, but do we see them when they fall down, face obstacles or have a bad hair day? Rarely. (I woke up like this? Sure.)
Why do we feed of other people’s highlight reels? We have no idea what happens behind-the-scenes in the dark corners of their lives. Everyone has struggles, doubts and fears; people are silly to pretend otherwise.
I now realize that my behind-the-scenes footage, however crazy or average it may be, is what makes my highlight reel so much more genuine and exciting.
The best part? There’s still so much more filming left to do.
[Brunch] Jane Restaurant
I admit I’ve been slacking on brunch posts. Don’t you worry, this in no way means I have been deprived from the wonderful glory that is breakfast food at what some people call lunch time. I think winter is getting the best of me and going anywhere outside of my radius has been somewhat of a challenge. You know that you’re in the midst of winter when 40 degrees inspires you to go out.
I know I am super late in the game, but I’ve finally discovered the wonder that is Open Table. I have used it before and it’s always been great, but I had never used it for brunch and let me tell you, it’s amazing. You really feel like New York royalty when you walk into a crowded restaurant and find a lovely table open and waiting just for you.
Before I even get into the wonder above, I must say the Jane Restaurant has some sort of strawberry butter and it is delicious. Anyways, let me just say I have never thought of seafood as breakfast. The thought is still a little weird for me, but I decided to give Lobster Eggs Benedict a chance (or Lobster Benny as it’s called in the menu). Excellent decision. I would have liked more lobster, but it’s ok, I wouldn’t have been able to eat more anyways because I stuffed my face with bread and strawberry butter.
Classic, but good, you can’t go wrong with this Farm House Popover – scrambled eggs, smoked ham, gruyère and caramelized onions.
What’s nice about this spot is that you get a complimentary cocktail with each entrée. What’s not so nice is that NY laws prohibit the serving of alcohol before noon on a Sunday, so remember that. I obviously forgot and sat down at 11:30 am, needless to say I took my sweet time admiring the menu. 🙂
Cheers!
Dear Summer
Dear Summer,
I miss you. I miss the warm rays of your sun that never quite tanned my skin. I miss the warm breeze that caressed my face, as opposed to feeling like small knives are puncturing my lovely cheeks.
Where are you, Summer? Why do we have to be apart for so long? I’m sorry if I ever said I was tired of you, it was my empty bank account speaking or you maybe caught me sweating at the Subway, it wasn’t the real me. The real me loves you with a never ending passion and I anxiously await your return.
You see, Summer. When you’re away, everything is a little colder, a little gloomier. People are not as cheerful as they are around you. It’s only ok because I know they are all secretly missing you too.
Summer, remember when I used to be with you all through the year? Back in the day only a few rainy days could keep us apart. Why did I move away from you? A few months a year are not enough for all the love I have for you. I don’t think humans are meant to be apart from you for too long.
I can’t wait to be reunited with you and get sand in every corner of my apartment, even after you think you have cleaned it all. I can almost taste the fried coconut shrimp I will be enjoying by the sea or the Miami Vice I will be sipping by the live band outdoors. Yes, outdoors. I know my bank account cringes when she knows you’re approaching, but my heart leaps with joy.
My dearest Summer, we can’t be reunited soon enough. Until then, I will try my hardest not freeze in this dark, murky winter and I will look at countless summer pictures to get me through this endless wait.
Forever yours,
Cristina
Can I just go everywhere? – My next big adventure
I’ve been very close to booking trips to Greece, Italy, Nicaragua, Turkey and Spain … all in the past week, seriously. Is this a problem? Maybe. I actually feel pain in my heart when I finally admit to myself that I can’t do it all, or when whatever deal I was looking into is no longer available.
How do you deal with a never-ending need for travel and adventures?
It’s a strong feeling that pokes me whenever my mind wanders. It’s fueled by inspiring Instagram accounts, my monthly Condé Nast Traveler magazine, my endless travel books and a camera that wants to see more.
I would take food and travel over any piece of clothing or trendy accessory. I obviously don’t want to make such choices, but I realize you can’t have it all in life. Every time I feel tempted to buy something new, I think hard about how it can hold me back in relation to my next adventure. But what happens when you are forced to say no to travel because of travel?
I can still technically go to either Greece, Italy, Nicaragua, Turkey or Spain, but I can’t possibly make it to all these wonderful destinations in 2015 (No Cristina, this is not a challenge for yourself, relax). What is stopping me? Money and vacation days are the obvious answers and probably the correct ones.
I think about my next adventure every single day, some days more intensely than others. The possibility of travel keeps me going and it gives me energy in so many levels of my life. It hurts me to face the limitations of real life, but it also keeps me going. It’s hard to think that non-stop traveling could take away from the wonders of exploring, like people who work at Disney and get over its magic, but I do not fear this possibility one bit.
I’m honestly lucky to have been where I’ve been. I may be hard on myself comparing my schedule with those of travel magazine editors’ but I can’t help it. It’s just one of the sweetest pains there is.
Never stop wanting to explore this awesome (sometimes weird) world we live in.
Here are some pictures to get you (and me!) inspired…
Greece: I’ve been dying to go to Greece for a while now, as made clear by this previous post. This past summer I chose Croatia over Greece, but that doesn’t mean one day I will finally meet this great country. I have a group of friends traveling to Greece this summer and due to various reasons, I had to say no. Needless to say I’m happy for them, but secretly planning to sneak into one of their suitcases. (Image Source)
Italy: I’ve been to Rome and Florence before, but that doesn’t mean I’m done with Italy. Not at all. One of my best friends will be in Milan this summer and I really want to visit her. Visiting a sunflower field in Italy is part of my bucket list and although I think they are like 4 hours away from Milan, I would totally make a detour for a view like this! (Image Source)
Nicaragua: Somehow, through the wonderful world of Instagram I stumbled upon El Camino Travel. I don’t know much about them but this trip to Nicaragua they are planning sounds amazing. Surfing, morning yoga, getting to eat local food and meeting new people… sounds like a great plan. Central America has so much to offer and I want to explore beyond what I saw in Costa Rica years ago. (Image Source)
Turkey: About 5 years ago, in France, I was lucky enough to cross paths with a lovely, silly and caring Turkish girl. She became my partner in crime during my time in France and to this day I’m lucky enough to call her my friend. She says Istanbul is the best city in the world and she has yet to prove it to me. Just as I have yet to prove her that Puerto Rico is the most beautiful island in the world (she just has to visit, that will take care of it). I know I will go to Turkey with her one day, hopefully this year, and when it happens I just know it will be amazing. I also know that she will probably have something to say about the picture I chose for this post. (Image Source)
Spain: Last, but definitely not least. Spain has always been a special country to me, even before I first visited when I was studying abroad. I obviously love that they speak my first language, but my admiration for their culture goes beyond that. I’m obsessed with their wines, cheese, music and lifestyle. I’ve been to Madrid and Barcelona but would go back in a heartbeat to explore more of this amazing country. Heck, I would even move there if I could plan accordingly. Another one of my best friends is currently living in Barcelona and I think about booking a trip at least once a week. This picture is from Mallorca, a Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea, but apparently you can take ferries or flights from Barcelona to Mallorca very easily. I know I would do it. (Image Source)
So, what are you waiting for?
Beaches & Brie 