Cuba 2014 - Part 2

Here's Part 2 of my trip to Cuba!

Starting where we left off; Day 5 - the Jeep Safari (cue dramatic, action movie music)

This was the day we were all most excited for, we booked this excursion through our travel rep at the resort and none of us were entirely sure what to expect, or which activities we were going to be doing. We had a rough idea, but there were lots of surprises! It turned out to be everyone's favourite day. 

Wake up time was 6:30 am, which on a vacation seems blasphemous, but our bus was picking us up at 7:45 and we had to get breakfast beforehand. Our double-decker bus picked us up and took us to the Jeep depot, I guess you'd call it, where there were TONS of jeeps all lined up, for different tour groups. Along the way we had to pick up people from different resorts; it was cool to see some of the other resorts in Varadero, as well as some of the cities,towns and countryside.

There were these funny little taxi buggies everywhere!

Cuba is full of beautiful old fashioned cars.

A bus similar to ours and some horses!

And finally we got in the Jeeps!

You got to drive your own Jeep and follow a guide. I think there were 7 or 8 Jeeps total. We first drove through some small villages and saw lots of children and families. It was at this point that you saw how poor the country is, but everyone seemed very happy. All of us had brought toiletries, and clothes to give away to people, but we didn't know we were going to be driving through these villages on the excursion and unfortunately left most of it at the resort. We made do though, giving away spare hats, sunglasses, tshirts, cuc pesos, that we did have with us to some of the kids and mothers who would stand by the side of the roads. Some of the kids would come running from their houses or playing fields when they heard/saw the Jeeps coming. It makes you realize how fortunate you are and some of the things we take for granted. 

The first activity on the agenda was snorkeling! I'd never done it before and was a little nervous. I don't have many pictures from this because obviously I didn't want to get my camera wet. But it was really fun and I'd love to do it again! There was a touristy type area with a bar and market near the place we went to snorkel, so afterwards we got a beer.

After snorkeling we got back in the Jeeps and headed to a cave with a fresh water pool. It was really cool and one of the best parts of the day, one of the nest parts of the trip even! You first had to walk down a big winding staircase, into the cave and then when you jumped into the water, it was SO refreshing. I found out when I got home that my mother had gone to the same cave when her and my grandmother went to Cuba years ago, which I thought was very cool.

The pool was small, but so very, very awesome :)

After the cave we drove to a farm. Lots of gorgeous landscapes along the way. And once we got there, there was another small market stall selling fruits. We all bought some of this delicious peanut dessert bar that tasted like sweet peanut butter, and I also tried some starfruit for the first time. I liked it, it was kind of citrus-y. The farm had a restaurant on it, and you could tell it was a tourist destination, but it was much more authentic than the food at the resort. We had lunch at the restaurant and it was by far the best meal we'd had so far (and of course I forgot to take pictures of it; we were so excited for real food). It started with a delicious soup. I don't even know what was in it but it was so flavourful, we finished the entire large bowl they set on our table. We were also given a kind of squash and delicious fresh pineapple. Next a salad of lettuce and shaved carrot, some really yummy beef, rice and black beans and for dessert some sugared guava and cheese. 

After lunch, the others went into the farmers house and had Cuban coffee with him (they said it was really good). I don't drink coffee so I had a peak around the farm. There were lots of birds, goats, a donkey, some cows, a man with a bull you could ride and horses you could ride (which I did).

Some old farm equipment and a chicken.

The landscape was beautiful.

The clouds looked so ominous, it rained a little after we got back in the jeeps, but only for a few minutes.

My first time on a horse! They were tied together and you just go around the farm, still fun!

A pretty bird

The farm was fantastic!

The last activity of the excursion was taking a ride down the river on a boat. We had to drive about 45 minutes in the Jeeps to get there and saw lots of sights on the way. 

A cool mural on a wall in the city.

A bit of an inside joke..

Passing another boat just like ours.

After the boat ride we drove the Jeeps back to the depot, got back on a new bus and headed back to the resort. We got back around 7pm, it was a long day but so great! We napped, showered, ate and then saw one of the shows the resort puts on. It was kind of Lion King themed..but with no animals. Lots of fire and cool/scary lifts and jumps performed by the dancers. Needless to say we all slept really well that night. The day really was amazing.

Next up in part 3, the last 2 days in Cuba, very bittersweet. 

Stay tuned :)!

All photo cred. goes to my boyfriend and myself.

Cuba 2014 - Part 1

Hey guys!

So a couple weeks ago I went on a trip to Varadero, Cuba with my boyfriend and some of our friends. It was my first time in Cuba and I was really excited to experience it. We arrived around 10pm on a Friday; two of our friends had already arrived and they brought us drinks while we waited in line to check in (talk about friendship). After check in we all dropped off our bags, had showers and got some more drinks; ready to start our vacation off right!

 We spent the first day at the beach.

The beach was beautiful!

 And the second day at the pool!

So was the pool.

Unfortunately on the second morning I woke up feeling like I was getting a bit of a cold. I think from the climate change, but thankfully relaxing by the pool isn't too strenuous ;)

The next morning I woke up feeling even worse! A mixture of a night of partying, and a suspicious ham and cheese sandwich, shared by the boyfriend and I. Let's call it a poor tummy day and leave it at that. Cuba isn't known for having the best food.. After a nap I eventually felt better and joined my friends on the beach!

Two stray dogs came along to visit with us; they were so cute! 

I've imagined this doggy fairytale, where the two of them met, fell in love and live on the beach happily ever after :)

We also saw a wedding on the beach! Lots of odd spectators but romantic nonetheless. 

Next day we took it easy on the food and drink, and we spent half the day on the beach and half by another pool at the resort, which we dubbed "The Rock Pool," due to the massive rock structure you can walk through!

This was more of a family pool; less rowdy and party hardy than the first.

After our day in the sun we cleaned up and went to dinner. We had reservations at one of the à la carte restaurants on the resort. The food here was better than in the buffets, and we all had a good time. I got the fish while everyone else had chicken. Unfortunately I don't have any photos of this night, (bad blogger! But hey, I'm new.) though sometimes you just have to experience life, instead of documenting it, right? I think a friend might have snapped some shots. We all called an early night, we had to be up early the next day..

I'll end part one here, because next up is the most exciting day: the Jeep Safari!

All photo cred. goes to my boyfriend and myself

Happy Family Day! - A quick check-in

Hey guys!

So in some regions of Canada (I think mainly Ontario) it is Family Day. Banks, schools, etc. are closed, with hopes that families will take this extra time to spend the day together. Which is a great idea and something everyone should try more to do, in my opinion. 

I live with my boyfriend, in a separate province from my family, so our plan is to make a yummy meal for supper and relax on the couch, playing video games and watching the Olympics (go Canada!).

Mostly I wanted to write this post just to quickly check in, so you don't think I forgot you! I got back from my trip to Cuba, early Saturday morning. It was really great! I'll be sure to write a post on that as soon as I get all my pictures in order! I can't wait until spring, so sick of the cold! Especially now that I've had a taste of the good stuff ;)

Hope you're all having a fantastic Monday! And maybe go call your mom :)

Happy Family Day!

Haul | American Apparel Warehouse Sale

Hey guys!

I have a HUGE haul to share with you, from an American Apparel Warehouse Sale (bit of a mouth full) location here in Toronto. You can definitely assume that I stocked up on crop tops, bodysuits, high waisted everything and thigh-high socks. As you do. Here's the catch..I actually work there, so I've spent roughly ALL of my pay checks on clothes..not the smartest of ideas. I would definitely recommend going back a couple times if you ever come across one of these magical places, because they restock, and get new items all the time, even towards the end!

What is a Warehouse Sale you might ask? Basically it's a big ol' store and everything is discounted. For example we had Disco pants, normally $92, selling for $52. Pretty sweet deal! All of the clothes at this location are there either because they are old items that didn't sell or have slight defects (most unnoticeable, but some you might need alterations/repairs).

Alright, get ready for lots of pictures at sub-par quality (need to get a new camera). One of my main shopping faults is that I'm impulsive and I never think about whether I have pieces in my closet that will go with what I'm purchasing. So I end up with a lot of clothes that don't really go with anything else I own; I need to work on this since some pieces I got I may only wear once or twice. Anyway, enough rambling, here's what I picked up! 

Some basics

 

 

Some printed/novelty T's - A parrot smoking, drinking a beer, standing on a rainbow..need I say more?  Oh hey Rob Ford.

Some camis, very cozy pullovers and loose crops.

 

Winter leggings (so warm!), Easy Jeans and shorts.

Hats, thigh-highs, bodysuits and skirts! - The pink one is perfect for twirling.

LOVE the American Apparel nail polish. American Denim is really pretty; I don't usually go for light colours.

Here's how they look!

The defect on the  medium wash Easy Jeans was that the legs are baggier than usual, I still like them :)

The black dress and floppy hat, I got as a cover up for my trip to Cuba in a week! I'll be sure to blog about it :)!

So that's everything; for now... ;) Which items are your most/least favourite? Some pieces I probably could've done without, but I just couldn't resist!


 

Warehouse Sale tips:

1) There are NO fitting rooms! So I recommend wearing leggings, tights+skirt, uni-tard if you're brave, or anything that allows you to try things on in public without being naked.

2) Keep going back, (if you like to browse) new and restocked items arrive all the time.

3) Look over the garments you like to make sure there aren't any super noticeable or unrepairable defects (as there are no refunds or exchanges).

4) Keep in mind that it is a warehouse and they aren't going to have all sizes/styles that are carried in the retail locations.

5) Groupons, giftcards and other similar promotions aren't accepted.

Happy shopping :)!
-Kelsey