In the clouds

(on my way back to New York from Aruba.)

Aruba, Jamaica, ooooh I want to take you…

The entire time leading up to my trip to Aruba, I had the Beach Boys song “Kokomo” in my head. I almost could’ve lived out the lyrics, because Jet Blue flies to most of the places mentioned, but I decided to hold off on Jamaica until someone could accompany me for safety reasons.

I already made a video recap of Aruba, but here are some photos of my Caribbean vacation now that I have the cord to hook up to my computer.

(view of my hut from my beach chair)

(total relaxation)

(sunset)

(view from my beach chair. every day. it felt like a dream.)

Bon nochi from Aruba

When I was planning my itinerary with my Jet Blue pass, Aruba wasn’t even on the radar. I thought I’d end up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, traipsing through a rain forest. Then I researched the safety and thought maybe it wasn’t the best option for a solo traveler with questionable Spanish. Then I thought I’d go to St. Maarten, but the flights didn’t work with my schedule. Aruba was safe*, the dates worked and it fit the bill for the beach destination of my travels.
*Regardless, I can’t tell you how many times “Natalie Holloway” has run through my head

But for as far south as I am, hovering just above South America, I don’t really feel like I’m in another country. I’m still in the same time zone as New York. I didn’t even have to convert my money because everyone excepts dollars. Everyone here speaks English. The official language is Dutch because it’s part of the “Kingdom of the Netherlands.” But Papiamento is more common — a mix of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, French, West African and Indian. Before I knew what this language was, it sounded both familiar and confusing, which now makes sense.

(hey youtube, thanks for picking a really great opening still shot. um. not.)

T minus 3 days…

After watching Marisa of Creative Thursday and Christine Mason Miller experiment with videos, I decided now would be the perfect time for me to start as I get ready for five weeks of traveling. As much I want to record a bunch of takes and edit it until it’s perfect, I’m not letting myself — which certainly makes things a bit more interesting…

A few things I learned from this experiment:
1) Maybe don’t prop the computer up on pillows, which will inevitably wobble
2) I am completely unaware of the facial expressions I’m making
3) For the love, stop saying “um” or “like” every 12 words
4) Look at the camera more
5) Have a little outline – just to know where I’m headed

If you’re wondering how it’s possible for me to swing this extended vacation, you can read my post about being laid off at This Ordinary Day.

sidenote: my trip to California was actually scheduled before Jet Blue’s promotion, so I want to give a shout out to G-Unit (aka my grandparents) who donated their miles for me to visit my sister.