What Inspires You to Travel?

Do you ever wonder why some people find themselves in constant search for something more in life while the others look content? How it seems that going to their 9-5's, watching reality T.V. shows and maintaining the same routine is all that their heart desires. Yea, me too!! I don't think I really knew myself until I started to travel. I was only 12 years old when I took my first memorable trip. I could remember it like it yesterday. I went on a 4-day college tour to Atlanta, Georgia. I'm originally from Miami, Florida so to most this would probably be considered just a simple trip. However, for me I finally realized how much the U.S. had to offer beyond my immediate neighborhood. 

Meeting new people, trying new foods and learning about new places in person instead of from a book vastly expanded my interests. I stepped out of my shell, became more confident and started trusting my decisions more. You see, that first college tour trip to Atlanta, GA forced me to communicate with new people and remove myself from the comfort zone I loved so dearly. This is when I was bitten by the travel bug as most avid travelers like to say. 

Top: Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge with my cousin Sierra ; PALMS Hotel in Las Vegas w/ a college friend
Bottom: Enjoying the view in San Juan, Puerto Rico; At the Official 2013 Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C.

What inspires me the most about travel is that unknown factor, the potential for a new adventure. I like to plan the basics when it comes to trips, such as transportation, housing accommodation and at least one non-touristy activity but nothing too crazy. I feel like there has to be an element of surprise.

Left to Right: Top of a cathedral in Valencia, Spain; The Fontainbleau Hotel in Miami Beach;  Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, French desert Profiteroles; Versailles in Paris, France, My mom and I at South Street Seaport in NYC and a Weekend Girls trip to Paris!

When I applied for my very own passport I was 20 years old. I was just accepted in a Study Abroad program and I was off to Valencia, Spain. In hindsight, this is when I realized that traveling is so much more. In my early 20's I will admit that I was a bit close-minded and saw things from a unilateral perspective, which was MY perspective. Well living in another country where you don't speak the language immediately demands a change in your outlook. I progressively adapted and learned that other cultures, languages and traditions were quite similar to my own. 

Soon, I began to take in each moment and kept it close in mind, reflecting often. Travel inspires me to keep going and to never give up. It inspires me to look a little deeper into someone’s eyes because everyone has a story. Travel keeps me on my toes by trying new challenges, whether I’m out of town or in my own urban playground. I love traveling- actually it’s safe to say that I am in love with traveling. The definition of inspiration is a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul. Travel is my inspiration!

What's your inspiration? 

An Indian Wedding: It's a Celebration!

In December 2012, I was invited to my good friend's wedding. You haven't truly enjoyed a wedding until you've experienced an Indian wedding. What a sight to behold, multiple days of dancing, eating, tradition and love…talk about a celebration! I checked into the fabulous Mirage Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas strip (Thank-You-Hotels.com) and fell in LOVE! In due time, I'll write a post specifically about Las Vegas.

Day 1: The Engagement Party & Welcome Dinner

I flew in too late from New York City that evening so I was unable to attend...but here are some photos from that night.

Day 2: The Bridal Mehndi Ceremony

This is the day when the bride-to-be only invites the women in her family and close female friends to partake in this most anticipated tradition. I walked into the room and saw my beautiful friend sitting still in her seat and unable to move. We scratched her nose, held her hair back and told her not to drink that much water because using the restroom in this state was out of the question. What is known as Mehndi in the Indian culture yet, Americans continue to refer to as "Henna" is the intricate design that we see on the hands and feet of the bride-to-be.

I thought the Henna ink would stay dark brown. However, once it starts to peel off it turns light orange.

Mehndi is a ceremonial art form that originated in ancient India and is typically applied during special Hindu occasions like weddings and festivals. It is just one of many ways women beautified themselves...think of it as wearing lavish jewelry. When it was my turn I told her I wanted both hands done. I was told by family members that it was better to have the design completed only on my palms since I am darker, therefore it wouldn't show up. Well...I was up for the challenge and I told her to complete both sides of my hands. This was my first time and I wanted the full experience. Naturally inquisitive, I asked the women in her family. “How long will this last?” and “Is it true that on their wedding night the groom would have to find his name in her design?” So I found out it usually lasts up to 2 weeks and the color would come out darker if I didn't wash my hands until the next day. As far as him finding his name in her Mehndi design on their wedding night….I’m sure that game didn't last too long.

Love Her!

Day 3: The Sangeet

This is like the party before the actual party! At the sangeet friends and family of the bride and groom prepare dances and skits for the couple. Most of the jokes were in Hindu and made reference to famous Bollywood actors. I had a cousin of the bride translate everything for me so I could laugh too. Hands down the best part of the night must have been the dancing. You may have thought you understood what Bollywood dancing is….but not until you see it in person. There was so much passion that you could feel the energy throughout the entire room.

I'm wearing traditional Indian attire for the Sangeet and a Bindi on the middle of my forehead. I was told wearing a Bindi is equivalent to wearing jewelry for them. (more on Bindis).

Day 4: Ceremony & Reception
The ceremony starts off like a mini-parade. I was a part of the bride’s side of the family, so I didn't see when the groom came in on a donkey (in India it’s usually an elephant). However, I did hear all the cheering and music as he made his way to us. Before the ceremony actually begins the two families’ meet, exchange small gifts, prayers and engage in other Hindu traditions. His face is covered while he prayers with his family. Once the bride enters they are still unable to see each other (they are separated by a white a sheet) until she completes her prayers with her side of the family.

They seal their unity by walking around a fire 7 times. Her sari is connected to his clothing during this time.

The reception was very Las Vegas. Each table was named after a hotel on the strip, topped with a performance by Las Vegas Showgirls. The formal saris that I saw this night were to die for!

mmmmm Indian food!

Congrats to the happy couple!

Have you ever been to an Indian wedding?