It is always my desire to travel and experience new places and cultures. Unfortunately, some years that just does not happen as much as I would like. in 2023 I was able to travel some but did not visit any new countries. However, I did get the opportunity to explore some parts of the United States that I had not previously been to and I did get to go home to Jamaica a few times.
Jamaica
I went to Jamaica twice in the Spring to visit family and to host my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary party. These trips were amazing because, for me, time spent with my family is always awesome.
I also went to Jamaica in November. For the first time in several years I traveled to Jamaica without going to Kingston. Instead, I acted like a tourist, staying on a resort in Montego Bay. My family did travel to see me and we had a lovely, relaxing time. The only time we left the resort was for a brief excursion to Glistening Waters AKA Luminous Lagoon.
California
I got the opportunity to visit California twice this year. The first was with my son as we toured several colleges he was considering, This trip took us to Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco. I thoroughly enjoyed my whirlwind tour and look forward to one day doing a leisurely drive up the California coast.
I went back to San Diego a second time to move my son into college and was able to explore a few of the sites there. I look forward to many more visits to this beautiful city.
Chicago
Early in the summer I spent a delightful 2 days in Chicago. I had never been there and I loved it. The beautiful buildings and the stunning Lake Michigan won me over. The highlights were going to the top of the Willis Tower and Architecture River Cruise I can’t wait to have the chance to visit again and explore more of what the city has to offer.
Philadelphia
My daughter is in school in Philly so when my parents came up from Jamaica, we decided to spend a few days with her. The Canadian wildfire smoke was very thick, so we spent time indoors at first, visiting the aquarium in New Jersey. But eventually, we were able to explore the historical parts of the city. The highlight for me was the Night Trolley Tour of the city.
I am hoping that 2024 will allow me the opportunity to visit more places and in particular to travel to at least one place I have never been to.
