D IS FOR DEFINITION

My travel buddy hubby admiring
the Carribean Sea at Punta Sur
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 30th, 2026

Believe it or not, my travel buddy hubby has worked for the same company (which was sold and only incurred a name change) since he was fifteen years old. Something not many can admit, including yours truly.

The reason I shared my husband’s years of service is because he has earned a whooping six full weeks of vacation, so when I changed jobs about five years ago, four weeks of vacation time was a hard negotiation point in my selecting my employer.

Anyway, when the children left the nest, we finally decided it was our turn to reap the rewards of our years of hard-work. So, we took our first trip without our children in the winter of 2012.

After that amazing trip to Negril Jamaica, we quickly embraced a sense of wanderlust that has increasingly grown with each passport stamp since.

I guess you can say that I chose the word I did today because so many people have opinions on the amount of travel we get to enjoy – and I tend to feel obligated to explain how I budget and execute our travel choices.

So many passive agressive comments, so many so many sarcastic "it much be nice" judgemental type remarks. Which is why we accept no one’s definition of how we should live our lives.

...Because we are quite capable of defining it for ourselves!

#yagottalaughaboutit

C IS FOR CONFIRMATION

We haven't been everywhere
...But it's on the list!
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 24th, 2025

As my travel buddy hubby and I look forward the hard stop called retirement, there are a few things I have come to terms with in the last few years. 

For instance, the older I get, the less I worry about what people think. 

I have always been a people pleaser, so in a lot of ways I have let people away with behaviours that I should have nipped in the bud years ago. One by one, that genuine good grace has shifted.

I am the first admit that as I have aged I have become more set in my ways, but I think that is because for the last five years I have worked remotely from a home office. By this time last year, I no longer kept a workstation or desk space at the brick and mortor office that employs me.

That said, I have got a great gig. I have a strict home office routine that allows me to run a doggie daycare, as well as meet my deliverables; and ultimately earn above and beyond within a bonus structure I have in place.

That incentive has allowed us to embrace our love of travel and collection of passport stamps.

As I prepare to hop another plane to Bahamas for my birthday trip next week, there is one thing that I can confirm.

Because I work remotely, I rarely want to leave the house.

Yet, at the drop of a hat… I cannot wait to leave the country!

#yagottalaughaboutit

B IS FOR BOCANA

I have only one word.... STUNNING
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 25th, 2026

For about the last decade, I have watch my first cousins' adventures from afar, as she traveled from Saskatchewan and rented a condo in Huatulco, Mexico. This year, we traveled with four of my first cousins and one of my aunts traveled to meet her for a week at the end of February.

The first outing she arranged was lunch by the ocean on La Bocana Beach. She told us that she really wanted us to see it. 

Well, when lunch was finished (hubby had a fresh seafood dish) we sent those anxious to be on their way, simply because we didn’t just want to see it; we wanted to experience it. 

The photo I am sharing is of us, walking in silence, appreciating just how lucky we are to experience each destination together. As you can see, the beach was absolutely pristine. 

In the moment, I posted a story on my socials confirming that ‘my travel buddy hubby and I have been to a lot of different beaches, and this one is definitely one of the best.’

Muchas gracias beautiful Bocana, we love you. We will see you soon.

...Because we will definitely be back!

A IS FOR ARRIVAL

Decending on the beautiful beaches
in Santa Maria, Hautulco, Mexico
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 24th, 2026

As I began to prepare myself to take part in the April A-Z Challenge, I found it hard to believe I have been torturing myself every year since 2013. You know, the platform where I muse in my electronic journal about a letter a day for 26 days for the entire month of April...with Sunday's off for good behavior. 

Well, this past February was the first time in almost a decade that my travel buddy hubby and I vacationed during the shortest month of a dreary Canadian winter. The last time was 2019 and we spent a week in Cuba. 

This year we sent the last week of February in Huatulco, Mexico – situated on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast.

For those unfamiliar, the city is located where the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, which is approximately four hundred kilometers east of Acapulco. 

We spent our week in a small boutique hotel that was, in every respect, wonderful.

The photo I am sharing comes from a tradition I have always embraced, which is to snap a picture as the plane begins its descent and we prepare for arrival; to which this photo does not do the plethora of area beaches justice.

There is always something special for us when we arrive in a new city. We research it to death before we leave yet arrive without a plan. Just a couple of free spirits packing in as much of the experience before we have to leave.

What I will say about any new adventure that excites us most…

It is that our arrival is merely the simple transport vessel for the boat load of fun that we always manage to have!

IT FINALLY HAPPENED!

Had an amazing cousin vaycay!
TAKEN: FEBRUARY 27th, 2026

Like most reading this, I am sure you can relate when I share that my first cousins were my very first friends. 

I have fond memories of my grandparents and my mom's different siblings’ homes being full when celebrating birthdays and holidays. In a nutshell, we all had a close connection growing up.

As we aged, and we have unexpectedly lost those we never imagined would pass away so soon, we decided to try again to plan an annual getaway. The messages started to flow in late September, for a week away in February 2026 for Huatulco Mexico.

Now, we have tried numerous times over the years to get everyone on board; with no luck. My one cousin from Saskatchewan (in the green sundress) and I tried for the last decade to plan something and things would always fizzle out. 

We've tried to organize a large home where we could all stay, all-inclusive vacations together, but nothing seemed to stick. 

At the end of the day, vacationing takes disposable income and truly is a luxury item, so I totally understand how some wouldn't want to participate in a 'first cousin trip' and do their own family thing. 

That said, it was something my cousin from Quebec mentioned (on the end in the red shirt) this time around that had my travel buddy hubby deciding to commit. He said, "I am tired only seeing my cousins at funerals!"

Of the thirty cousins I have on my mom's side, we have already lost six. The last passing was particularly hard for me, to which I penned My Favorite Cowboy in his honour.

As I look at the photo I am sharing (with two elsewhere on the 72 foot boat when the pic was snapped), there are so many others that I wish had made the trek.

I guess there will always be hope for next year. 

Because Lord knows... I will be there with bells on!

REMEMBERING 2025

I don’t know about you but for this cat, 2025 flew by incredibly fast.

The Psychology Today website says it is because ‘time speeds up with increasing age because we have fewer new experiences and our perception is less vivid.’ Whatever, I call that therory total bullshit.

As this past year was jampacked with a ton of new experiences that were carefully executed as well as financed thanks to a hectic year at work; with a plethora of overtime worked and rewarding deadlines met.

As we all prepare to raise a glass and get ready to welcome a new year, I would like to wish all the best to you and your loved ones in 2026… And thanks again for reading.

~ Rhondi

PS: As you reminisce with me electronically you can click links to the month of journal offerings (57 in total) and photos that you may have missed, or wish to revisit. 

Remember, never one to shy away from being blunt, so keep your hands and feet in the ride at all times!

Most Unexpected Moment (centre) - The swift and unexpected passing of my mother in law. My husband called me when he was leaving work to tell me he was headed to meet the ambulance at the hospital, and less than eight hours later she was gone. Godspeed Angie, may you forever rest in peace.

(LINK TO REVIST: SHOCKINGLY, UNEXPECTED)

January: After a deep freeze the first of the month, the end of the month had us and the pup (top left) enjoying the Fire and Ice Festival. Nothing too spectacular, except for the fact this was the very first time they wore a collar and walked with a lead, and circulated in public. They both did amazing, getting lots of pets, love, and attention.

(LINK TO REVIST: JANUARY POSTS & PHOTOS)

February: The implementation of the tariffs in the United States, along with the 51st State rhetoric had us make the decision to not to cross the border for the next four years. As a result, we had numerous staycations in Ontario and traveled twice to the Caribbean and Mexico.

(LINK TO REVIST: FEBRUARY POSTS & PHOTOS)

March: The ice storm of the century hit Muskoka at the end of the month, and it was unlike anything we had ever experienced. Scary times for sure. Though the month came in like a lamb, it most certainly went out like a lion. We were hit so hard at the cottage, that we still have approximately 40% of the branches that fell to clean up and burn. 

(LINK TO REVIST: MARCH POST & PHOTO)

April: This month, my travel buddy hubby and I traveled to Aruba to celebrate my milestone birthday. My birthday (top right) had me enjoying a drink with my dad on beautiful Palm Beach. This adventure was one for the record books. We experienced the entire island while we were there.

(LINK TO REVIST: APRIL A-Z POSTS & PHOTOS)

May: After February had us cancel our plans to travel to Colorado and experience Sheryl Crow at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, it was announced that Zac Brown Band was returning to Ontario in May. I immediately joined his Fan Club and secured front row tickets. Coincidentally, the only other artist I had experienced in the front row at the venue was in fact, you guessed it... Sheryl Crow!

(LINK TO REVIST: MAY POSTS & PHOTOS)

June: This month, start to finish, was spent clearing the cottage from the ice storm. From repairing fascia, to rebuilding stairs, we worked hard to contain the mess and burn whenever we could. The photo I am sharing was my hubby (with Katie Kate's) trying to process the tree he hit with his AVT before he went into the water. It was so large, it never got removed from the water until September.

(LINK TO REVIST: JUNE POSTS & PHOTOS)

July: An early morning phone call from my son Goob had my husband rushing him to the fracture clinic in Orillia for surgery. He had an e-scooter accident that resulted in a broken humerus bone right at the shoulder that required the four screws and a metal plate being inserted. Thank God he was wearing a helmet!

(LINK TO REVIST: JULY POSTS & PHOTOS)

August: This month saw our entire community work together to find the beloved neighbourhood girl, Josephine. This pup, a rescue that was a street dog in Isreal, knew how to hide and not be found. We first began looking around dinner time on August 19th, and all the posters, and social media support had her home four days later. A real good new story for sure.

(LINK TO REVIST: AUGUST POSTS & PHOTOS)

September: This month had one explosive weekend that produced a ton of fun. We stayed in Downtown Toronto to experience the Toronto International Film Festival, as well as taking in Brittany Howard and Alabama Shakes at Budweiser Stage. An expensive weekend, but money very well spent.

(LINK TO REVIST: SEPTEMBER POSTS & PHOTOS)

October: A busy month with us hosting Thanksgiving dinner, we decided to head to our fourth concert of the season and experienced Amanda Marshall for the second time in two years, this time, up close and personal. Unable to perform for twenty years because of her former manager, you would never know it. This lady can most certainly sing, and offers an overall vibe that compares to Janis Joplin.

(LINK TO REVIST: OCTOBER POSTS & PHOTOS)

November: This month offered me some closure of sorts. As you've read here many times, my former colleague was brutally murdered by her husband in January of 2023. Her murder, which was featured in an NBC Dateline episode (The Running Man) answered some questions that I thought would always remain hidden. Rest in Peace Ash, I miss you...

(LINK TO REVIST: NOVEMBER POSTS & PHOTOS)

December: This month ends my year with a selfie by the Christmas tree, and other than a couple of blonde whisps at the very bottom, my hair is officially white. When I got it cut just before the holiday break, my hairdresser told me she was proud of me that I stuck it out. A journey I started on May 5th, 2023.

(LINK TO REVIST: DECEMBER POSTS & PHOTOS)

AMAZING HUES OF BLUE

Our rooftop view from the
Plaza Forum By The Sea
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 28th, 2028

On our second last vacation day in Cancun, we hopped on city transit and headed to the heart of the hotel zone. I know some people might be worried about travelling in Mexico but if you use common sense, you will easily stay out of harm’s way.

For a whopping 18 Pecos, which is about $1.50 Canadian, we boarded an air condition bus and made our best guess where to get off in the heart of the action. Tourist trap/photo op destination - CoCoBongo!

In pursuit of that destination, we came across signage for Playa Gaviota Azul. Trouble was when we arrived at the street level, they wanted to charge us admission to allow us to enter. As cheap as this may read, paying to walk a public beach has always been a hard no for my travel buddy hubby and me.

So, we headed back out to Kukulcan Blvd and kept going. First up was CoCoBongo, and then into the area mall Plaza Forum by The Sea. Though I have never been a shopper for travel t-shirts or trinkets, every once and a will you hit the jackpot.

That day it was entering into a restaurant with a balcony that produced the pic I snapped above. Just look at those amazing hues of blue. One of hundreds of examples of how beautiful the beaches in Cancun proper are - absolutely stunning.

Though we both agree we would never stay at the same resort we are stayed at, we do agree that we would return to Cancun; even for a quick 4-day weekend getaway. 

Clean, friendly, economical, and beautiful beaches. Next up?

A cousin’s vacation (with one of my aunts) at the end of February to Huatulco. Can't wait to soak up the sun and snorkel along the Mexican Pacific coast in Oaxaca; as my cousin and her husband have chartered a 62 foot yacht for one of our excursions!

As I type, I can't help but wonder if our spouses will have a fighting chance that week, to get a word in edgewise!!

#Yagottalaughaboutit

A view of blue from our balcony... 
Having a drink with my DAD!
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 24th, 2025

Even Beatlejuice was blue!
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 28th 2025

TOURING ISLA MUJERES

Lxchel protecting Punta Sur...
As we overlook the Carribean Sea.
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 25th, 2025

After our bucket list trip to Palm Beach in Aruba last April, my travel buddy hubby and I knew our annual fall adventure would need to be a tad less impressive in stature; and all of Mexico has always been good to us!

Knowing we'd flown into Cancun airport about a half dozen times yet had never stayed in the hotel zone in the city, it seemed like a logical starting point. So, in early August we started to look at what a week there might look like.

We are big fans of the RIU Palace, all-inclusive line of resorts. Coincidentally, the one place I have been watching for about ten years went on sale. (I will post a photo of its unique architectural design at the bottom of this offering.)

Part of our decision-making process in the selection of our hotel was its proximity to the Ultramar Ferry dock to Isla Mujeres, which was literally less than a kilometer walk away.

We purchased our round-trip fares to cross the second day we arrived at the resort, that way, we could pick the best weather day for a neat adventure. (Price to go there and back was $98.68 Canadian for the day).

Once we had selected the 25th to cross, our next task was to rent a golf cart to travel the island for the day. (Rental was $117.88 Canadian, as we wanted to explore the entire island, so rented up until 6pm).

We left the public dock at 9am returning at approximately 3pm, so the only thing we needed to buy was lunch. Authentic Mexican cuisine at the Mango Cafe was a 12 out of ten and cost us $42.33 Canadian with a 20% gratuity. 

Our only other expense that day was $6.00 USD for entry into the Punta Sur Sculpture Garden located on the cliffs of the Caribbean Sea, and 30 Pecos to use the Bannos (public washroom). Believe it or not, they gave me a ticket for both, and I actually got a receipt when I used the Bannos in the center of the island!

All and all and excellent day, as amazing memories were made.

Our hotel with a hole in it from the ferry!
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 25th, 2025

Stunning views of the Carribean Sea.
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 25th, 2025

Our YouTube v-log lunch
recommendation was excellent
12 out of 10!
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 25th, 2025

15 DEGREES BABY

Miya & Me shooting the breeze!
TAKEN: JULY 29th, 2025

I woke up Monday morning and headed up the hill at 5:30am to work from home. 

I guess I haven’t mentioned here that about a month ago my boss offered for me to work remotely 100% of the time and I jumped on it. Just another reason to hang with him until retirement.

Anyway, though I technically ‘live’ at the cottage in the summer, if I have a big proposal going out the door, the high-speed internet at my home office is a must have.

I am OK working from the cottage but because I tether a mobile network from my phone taking and changing data in real time is a challenge. Out of respect for my boss and our process, when a big one is headed out the door, I head home.

Yesterday, after loose ends were tied-up, I headed back to the cottage. Believe it or not, next to the water (thanks to a light breeze and boats zooming by) it was 15 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in town; or 9.44 degrees Celsius for the Canadians in the crowd.

On my way out, I stopped and bought an Aqua Lily Pad. I have always wanted one but couldn’t justify spending the money. But, with my sister arriving Thursday for ten days I though it was as good a time as any.

You see, she struggled with our dock ladder last summer, so I am hoping my investment helps her easily get on and off the dock simply by walking on it and stepping up. If she hates it, I know my pups are going to love it!

If I am being honest, I am pretty sure my husband thinks I bought it for the dogs. I know I have talked about buying one for them for years but his tell was obvious… He took one look at it, rolled his eyes and said, “you need to have your head examined!”

So, it's either he thinks I bought it for the dogs, or he really isn’t keen on my sister coming for ten days!!

... May be best to admit I bought it for the dogs, to ensure he doesn't feel the need to discuss my other theory.

#yagottalaughaboutit

W IS FOR WANT

We will always WANT to travel.
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 2014
(La Romana, D.R.)

Well, with only four letters left, I am on the home stretch. I always struggle at the end of the challenge BUT I knew I wanted to write about this.

I think everyone sets up what they want differently. For us, it has always been openly discussed. The universal correlation between want and need. 

When I started down the rabbit hole of making a point, I Googled want vs. need.

The AI generated response replied with this: "Need" refers to something essential for survival or well-being, while "want" describes a desire that is not essential for living but can improve quality of life. Which is why travel ticks both of those boxes for us.

Several decades ago, before I really understood how to manage my seasonal affective disorder, by Easter every year I was in a varying state of depression. So, starting when the twins were ten months old, we began using our tax refund to head to South Carolina for a dose of vitamin D.

Once the children finished post-secondary school (circa 2012), I began to contribute a weekly value into an annual travel fund. As I began to book all of our travel online, one week a year turned into two in the shoulder season; and a long weekend at the end of January – beginning of February.

With the severe health scares my travel buddy hubby as had in the last few years, we talk regularly when our travel adventures may end. Though we don’t know when that might be, we know one thing to be true.

We will always WANT to travel – but I also know, I will always need to travel.

V IS FOR VITAMIN

 

Catching some amazing waves in
Sayulita, Mexico
TAKEN: ARPIL 7th, 2016

U IS FOR UPBEAT

Enjoying the upbeat music
from our 18th floor balcony.
TAKEN: APRIL 12th, 2025

 Like most, upbeat music is definitely a part of who I am. As a matter a fact, any and all music is.

The trouble with live entertainment when you're on vacation, is it usually happens after you've had a day full of sun and snorkeling; so being in a crowd of a couple of hundred people when I am tired isn't at the top of my list.

Vacation or not, I should clarify that my travel buddy hubby and I are both morning people. Actually, when on vacation, we give each other an hour of grace. By 7am we are on our second cup of coffee and by 8am we are dressed and on the move. 

So, by nightfall when the nightly entertainment gets started, I am ready to shower away the sand and sunscreen, and get begin to get ready for bed.

It wasn't like that last fall in the Mexico, but then again we were stuck in the middle of a tropical storm, so water activities through the day were limited - leaving energy for night time fun.

I guess you can say that this trip, we were given the best of both. 

Amazing twelve hour days in the sun, and a balcony seat to the entertainment stage (lit up in pink and blue in my pic) at our sister resort next door.

Though we couldn't really see the singers and dancers, you can clearly see the theatre was packed, and the acoustics of the music flowing over was fine.

Yep, what can I say... an Aruban Michael Jackson with backup singer/dancers doesn't get much more upbeat than that!

#yagottalaughaboutit

S IS FOR SUNSCREEN

Day three and almost ready for our
2nd bottle of 30 SPF sunscreen.
TAKEN: APRIL 8th, 2025
(Palm Beach, Aruba)

 For a maturing woman my age, I don’t fret that I have never had a manicure, pedicure, or even a facial. 

Yet, I will boast that the one beauty staple I seriously embrace, is sunscreen. As a matter of fact, for my trip to Aruba, I packed five different kinds. 

I did a lot of personal research before leaving on that jet plane. And with the island having a closer proximity to the equator than we'd ever experienced, I knew the last thing I wanted to do was burn. 

The photo I am sharing today, I snapped on our second full day on the beach. (Yes, those toes are with me... but not mine.) 

For my entire stay, I started my morning with a waterproof 50 SPF applied to my face and shoulders, and a 30SPF spray applied to the rest of me. For the afternoon, I moved away from the spray and used a sweat resistant 30 SPF sunscreen lotion.

I wasn’t always so diligent. I’ve always worn it when away but in the last decade the strength of the UV Rays has become more intense.

For example, when we traveled to Jamaica for a long weekend to celebrate our wedding anniversary in June 2023, I only used spray. On our last afternoon there, the wind made me miss some areas around my shoulders and I burnt. My skin took more than two weeks to heal; signifying the UV intensity.

Nothing makes me cringe more than seeing people burnt to a crisp on with very first day of holiday. Not only because I know the pain they will be in as they try to sleep – but also because I am seeing a complete waste of money. 

You spend thousands of dollars to holiday.  Then remain in pain the entire time, limited on what you can enjoy, having to shy away from the sun your traveled to experience.

Rhondi Rule #412: Always wear sunscreen. Because it is simply the ultimate in adulting!

O IS FOR ORANJESTAD

Driving past the Malecon boardwalk
in downtown Oranjestad, Aruba.
TAKEN: APRIL 13th, 2025

During my recent visit to Aruba, I travelled through their capital of Oranjestad four times. In all expereinces, the downtown traffic was horrendous.

That said, as the lightbulb for the letter 'O' went off in my head, I was on a coach bus headed to the airport to fly home. This was the only photo I snapped. 

Our week away was so jampacked that working on the challenge took a back seat. As I planned to catch up on my writing on the plane, as I traveled to the airport I began to go through my up coming words in my head. 

This one, specifically, has always been a challenge, and usually signifies when the onset of writers block sets in. How I couldn't have thought of this word in advance makes me scratch my head. perhaps a simple single of how my overthinking begins.

Anyway, this bustling harbour city feels a tad over developed. When traveling east to west, if feels like you're grains of sand going through an hourglass. Two lane traffic where tens of thousand get off cruise ships to browse luxury retailers, and traffic slowly creeps through the city center.

Don't get me wrong, we had an amazing time, but won't be returning. Not because of the expense, or traffic in Oranjestad - but because of the airport.

It was the most painful I have ever had to navigate... and believe me, I have navigated a few!

M IS FOR MEANINGFUL

 

My meaningful tradition.
TAKEN: APRIL 2025
Palm Beach, Aruba

Well, I am back home and trying to play catch up. I started posting whilst I was away but the sun and the sand convinced me that there was a bigger plan in place.

As I celebrated my 29th birthday (for the 31st time) I would have been remiss, if I didn't pack one of my treasured glasses, so that on my day, I could celebrate and have a drink with my Dad.

For those new to reading, I have been collecting the Petro-Canada vintage Olympic glasses (as shown above) for the better part of twenty years. I have travelled about a radius of approximately 180 miles, and searched every thrift store, garage sale, and online buy and sell site to collect more than 220 of them.

When I was staging my photo shoot in the beach, I could spy people watching me. As I returned to our palapa, I had one lady ask me, 'are you going to drink that?'

Ï simply laughed and explained that whenever or where ever I travel, I pack one of these beauties in bubble wrap, so that my Dad travels with me in spirit. Suffice it to say, I think he would have loved absolutely everything about Aruba.

Now, I know there are some folks out there that may think the glass collecting obsession is silly, but it doesn't faze me. 

Instead, if I could offer one vantage point of logic to their negativity it's that what they don’t know is, in the very minute I hold one of these new to me special treasures in my hand, I'm in a wonderful moment with my Dad. 

Today, on the beach, I could hear his laughter as he rattled the ice cubes in his glass, signifying it was empty and that he was ready for a refill.

Keeping his memory alive is very meaningful to me... and there's nothing even remotely silly about that.

L IS FOR LIGHTHOUSE

My Travel Buddy Hubby
at the California Lighthouse
(on Northwestern tip of Aruba)
TAKEN: APRIL 11th, 2025

 

Drone shot highlighting the
Sasariwichi dunes. Breathtaking!
(c) Wikipedia
Taken prior to the 2016 - 2017
restoration of the lighthouse.

H IS FOR HOSTILITY

Internationally recognized as a
symbol for Canadian travelers.
TAKEN: APRIL 9th, 2024
Palm Beach, Aruba

As I mentioned with my chaos post, I have never had issue with any American when travelling. That said, before leaving, we knew the island of Aruba was an American travel haven, so my husband and I wanted to be easily identified as Canadian.

Well, this afternoon, when playing musical trivia around the pool, we connected with a few gals from Windsor, Ontario. 

When I snagged the fastest answer for my favourite song (September but Earth, Wind, and Fire) we were asked to choose a team name. We chose Canada Strong.

Without hesitation, we were immediately and loudly booed. Booed by Americans in Aruba. Unexpected hostility, met in a country that markets themselves as ‘One Happy Island!’

Heading back to our room, I mentioned to my travel buddy hubby that if that is the temperature for Canadians here, I am glad we have decided no to cross the border and enter their country for several years.

I followed up with, 'I think our encounter by the pool is simply further evidence that our old relationship with the United States is officially over'.

… Which truly makes me sad.

G IS FOR GUSTY

Very gusty, kite surfing winds!
San Nicolas, Aruba
TAKEN April 8th, 2025

As I mentioned, I have been looking at Aruba as a travel destination for about a decade and a half. The one thing that the travel websites always highlighted to potential travelers was that it was 'windy'. Well, we soon discovered that 'windy' was an understatement.

Anyway, the one thing we knew we wanted to do was rent a car and explore the entire island. First up was the world-renowned Baby Beach. With a 10am start, we packed up and were headed back through Oranjestad; the Capital.

With the southeast coast of the island in our sites, we stopped at the large landmark red anchor, and turned left. Through right was the direction to Baby Beach, our mishap was a view to behold. A backdrop of the deep blue Caribbean Sea and azure blue skies.

Though the anchor stands both as a memorial to all who have lost their lives at sea, it is also a silent reminder that San Nicolas is still a vibrant and gusty windswept part of the island of Aruba. 

Which makes me think it should also stand for the lives of any brave souls learning at the Aruba Pro Kite School

PS: My photo was taken from a distance, and the surfer of the kite captured is navigating the challenging swells. 

PSS: The bottom left shows a kite surfer staying closer to the shore - but I missed capturing their bright orange kite.

F IS FOR FABULOUS

Our fabulous view from the 18th floor
TAKEN: APRIL 6th, 2025

Well, after taking Sunday off for good behaviour, I am back at it this afternoon, this week sitting and typing from our 18th floor, ocean view balcony in Aruba.

Yesterday, after checking in and finding our bearings, we connect with a group of thirty travelling from Windsor, Ontario. Last night, we had an absolute blast!

My travel buddy hubby and I have made so many fabulous friendships via travel over the years. All of which we are able to stay in touch via social media. We've been invited to a wedding in Jamaica, by a couple we met on our very first travels there; back in 2012

As a matter a fact, we just received an invite to meet travelers in New Orleans for French QuarterFest - but we were already headed to Aruba. 

To offer excellent context, when I posted a story on social media of our room view yesterday, when tallied, all of our travel buddies sent us prop and asked our opinion. One even said they were going to check it out, "to try something different".

Now just how fabulous is that?

Crazy, bananas fabulous.... If I do say so myself!

E IS FOR EAGER

By mid-day tomorrow, I will be
strolling on the white sand in Aruba
(c) TripAdvisor

As my travel buddy hubby drives us south to our hotel in Toronto, I tap away on my laptop in the car, so not to miss my post deadline. (Tick, tick, tick. Backspace, backspace... Tick, tick, tick... Hard return.)

To be honest, I am having a hard time concentrating.  

I simply I can't believe that I am officially counting down our boarding a plane to Aruba in the morning. 

A bucket list destination I have always wanted to travel to - but never wanted to pay the hefty price tag. Well, Cyber Monday changed that for us.

After the year we endured in 2024, we knew we wanted to travel to special destinations to celebrate our milestone birthdays this year. 

Initially, I had set my heart on Barbados. But when I accidentally caught an unreal online deal (saving almost $2,000) I called my hubby, and we immediately decided to go.

Growing up, my mother only ever mentioned one destination she wanted to experience. She would tell me, "I want to see the white sands of Aruba." 

Back then, I really had no point of reference as to where Aruba was located, because all I ever lobbied for was to travel to Disney in Florida; which was always a hard NO in her books. 

Don't get me wrong, she loved Walt Disney as a visionary, but travel inside Canada was always my parents' focus. Their thought process being that after experiencing all of our own homeland, Florida might be an option. 

Truth? When we were first engaged, we travelled to Disney & Epcot in Orlando, and I have never been eager to go back.

On the other hand, I feel Aruba will be an experience I think I will remember for the rest of my life.

...And will forever be yearning to return.