Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Back to Turks and Caicos, Provo 2016

💖💖💚 New attitude, new this, a new that...I just felt I needed a new surrounding where I could be free and at peace...This was a "Big Girl" trip...  So I told my dog Solo, I am going solo on this one... I don't think he liked that too much.  Turks and Caicos (TC), here I come again...



The Infamous TC Map in Provodenciales
 Right after Christmas 2015, I purchased my ticket for about $318, not bad at all for this time of year.  Ticket prices will increase as you get closer to the summer, but I was about to have a summer vacation in February.  So I started my search online for a different hotel because this trip I wasn't going to party as much, nor dance as much...this was a trip to exhale...to really relax. I had to find a perfect spot that would be about relaxing, nature and not too far from the beach...So I contacted my old TC buddies.  Yep!  They are like family...

Rambo, my best buddy, the island barber and the greatest fisherman, then there's my buddy Audley.  They both helped me to find a "perfect spot"...when I explained that I wanted a grocery store nearby so that I could prepare my own meals, I wanted a pool, I wanted an apartment like setting and total relaxation...  Kokomo Botanical Resort and Spa.
I decided to email the Kokomo property manager to find out if they would have someone available to pick me up. Gabriella responded immediately informing me that they didnt have a driver; however, they could send a trustworthy driver, but he is self employed (like uber) and requires a fee.  Her emails were very informative, she helped to prepare me for my arrival and ensured my stay was an enjoyable one.


Kokomo is like your own little apartment home in TC.  There were real fruit trees...the pomegranate was actually nice!  The cool blades of grass between my toes, yes, there was beautiful  "yard" near the fruit trees.  My spot was directly across from the pool and with easy access to the continental breakfast that was available ever morning.  The property was quaintly located off the main road and a grocery store was within walking distance.  I later found that they better prices were found at the grocery store where the locals frequent which was further away.

After downing my bags, off to find the crystal clear waters.  The wind was chilled for this time of the year.  Kokomo was not as close to the beach as I had wanted it to be, but I had my friends to pick me up.

Water so clear, I felt like quenching a thirst! 😏😏 

Another great thing about Kokomo, you could have a chef to come in to prepare a meal for you in your apartment!  The lobster was fresh from the ocean!


Food prepared in my "home"




My friend Guinness
I had time on my hand, so I decided to interrupt my relaxation and go hang out with my friends.  If you can play dominoes(or bones), then make sure you play with a local...playing for points.  The game becomes serious and energizing at the same time.




"Bones"



When away from Kokomo, I meant to try different dishes at various locations.  One stop and my favorite stop was Bugaloo.  I must admit, everything I ate at Bugaloo was excellent and washed down with a Guinness. The live entertainment was excellent.  The artist there really could sing very well and he engaged the crowd with friendly banter with "ol' skool" sounds.   Definitely has grown since 2002.


Enjoying lunch on Bugaloo porch


Back then the conch salad was also very awesome.  I don't think it could get any fresher...walk cross the beach to the water, get one conch, using a special tool pull him out, then dice him up, sprinkle lemon juice on him with cilantro and other seasonings, then viola! Yum Yum!   

Conch shells


I could go on and on about the great fun I had in TC this time, but some of the fun was in locations I would not recommend for tourist...that's the joy of hanging with the locals...  I am enjoying sharing with you all about my travels and there are some spots I have traveled under the governments "rule", but I would love to share a different perspective with you all from my 👀s  Just let me know if you're interested and trust me, the photos are just as awesome..
 
Remember...when the world gives you a lemon, set up a lemonade stand and make money!!!  Bounce back from the things you feel has set you back...I guarantee with a bounce you'll find you're further ahead than you were before! 💚




Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Once upon a time in 2002...

It was a normal day at work, a normal day in the office, the normal people in attendance, the same people normally late...everything was normal...EXCEPT! me... I was once again gathering up the pieces to my shattered heart...while smiling and appearing jovial when one of my office buddies walked in and said, "hey, I know you like to travel, so check this out...."Delta is flying once again to Turks and Caicos..."..my face was puzzled.  He continued, "So with the holidays coming up, you and your beau should take advantage of the promotional flight cost of $99 round-trip"...my response, "Where is that and when are you going"  He said, "Its an island, google it.  My brother and I are going.  You're welcome to travel along"...

Then there's the rest of the story...So I packed up and traveled to a place of smiles, adventures a new place, new dishes, a new culture...a perfect start to a new beginning... where there are endless beautiful beaches,

 When we arrived at the small airport, the people wave and yell welcome as you walk from your plane...


My adventures had begun and my travel companions would not be able to keep up with me again... The objectives of my trip were to discover everything there was about TC.  As soon as I dropped my bags at my beautiful hotel, which at the time was showing as comfort suites, but when I arrived, the name is truly, "Ports of Calls"...awesome then and even more awesome now! A perfect place to call comfort and entertaining.  The bartender, my "dear Watson", will keep you entertained and let you know all the best spots for all the best things to do in Turks and Caicos.




                                                   Walking distance to the beach.
Me walking the beaches...

Grace Bay ...so photogenic!
Our little row boat for fishing






You can discover the conch farm or harvest your own , go out with the locals to spearfish, net fish, line fish,...then clean the fish!



We caught fish that I have never heard of...Parrot fish, box fish, butterfly fish, etc..., netted/speared lobster and as we made our way back to shore, I caught a yellow tail with just a line in the water.  Did I mention that you should not wear a shiny necklace into the water...they have barracuda fish too!!!!







I had no boundaries, I saw as much as I wanted, ate as much as my body could handle...the locals were friendly and would never let me have a dull moment...every night I was" dog tired" and just crashed with my travel buddies...






By the time my 7 days were up after sharing some of the greatest moments ever...I had enough memories to replace my bad ones and a fresh start for discovering new places, a new experience and a new me!
Fresh coconut...my thirst quencher
So broken hearts can go to beautiful places like Turks and Caicos...where the crystal clear waters come up to greet you and the most beautiful sunsets bid you adieu...

That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger...damn I am STRONG!