My Favorite Campaign: TAP PROJECT

Advertising is EVIL right? WRONG.

My favorite ad campaign every created was recently re-brought to my attention and I am feeling more inspired than ever. Bring on the dark-hole economy. I am not giving up on advertising if it means one day doing something this worth-while.

The TAP PROJECT began in 2007 with the support of UNICEF and 300 restaurants in NYC with the aim of raising awareness and funds to bring clean water to children in unfortunate countries.

They asked restaurant patrons to pay ONE DOLLAR for the glass of tap water that they normally receive for free. This $1 would provide a child with 40 days of clean water, or 40 kids a day of clean water.

World Water Week was institutionalized as March 22-28 in order to raise awareness. To date, over 2,300 restaurants have joined the now GLOBAL campaign to stop water related deaths among children.

Talk about an ad for goodness sake.

If you think you want to participate in this campaign, find out which restaurants in your city are participating here.

The logo is simple...

... yet the goal is simple too. Save lives. I really like the water vibrations around the glass... possibly symbolizing the GLOBAL following and impact they hoped the campaign would gain.

Learn more. It's amazing:

I am so entirely inspired by this and thinking big, thinking people,
thinking for the better.
Watch out world, some of us actually want to bring some peace.

Personal Plug: Plus1TV.com

Plus1TV.com  is an online site that provides 5 minute long video content in 4 areas (HUMOR, FILM, FOOD and MUSIC) with the aim to enhance your offline life.  They are produced by Plus1TV, aka this is no youtube wannabe.  Being online, "there's always something good on."

This is my client for Adlab, Boston University's on campus advertising agency.  We work for REAL clients and deliver top notch work for a minimal price.  

The site is in the midst of releasing the webisodes for the new show BarCraft with Eastern Standard's Jackson Cannon: CLICK HERE TO SEE.   

If you like something on the site, or another show, and want updates, opportunities to win (like the $200 you could get for watching BarCraft) and the privilege of leaving comments, register for the site HERE.  You could be their next 'Plus1' (like on an invite list...get it?).

Since they are fairly new, we are making some of their initial collateral.  Like this sticker/coaster:

(Check out the pixilated background and the play on the classic logo/color scheme from the site).  

Here is the postcard we are working on:

Take me to Harlem

As an advertising child, I am always looking for product placement, shameless plugs, celeb endorsements and more.  Our social world is shaped by my superiors and I LOVE it.  You call it annoying, I call it true.  

How else would I have come to have such an intense desire to own a pair of Nike Dunks?   

Not following? Well, this weekend my lovely aunts took me to see the Broadway musical In the Heights -- a modern West Side Story (also in town) with hip hop and dunks.

 I've seen a few musicals in my day (Lion King, Rent, Wicked, STOMP, Hairspray...) and this is BY FAR the best of the best.  It did, after all, win the 2009 TONY.  

It takes place on a block in Harlem and tells the story of the first summer after college.  One kid, who 'made it big' returns from Stanford while others have just rapt up their first year of jobs.  They reunite and as they have grown, they mingle differently than before.  

With rap, insane notes hit by hot ladies, hysterical references that are so quick it's like watching a PIXAR film and INSANE dancing the audience falls in love with every character and is left beyond satisfied.

These dancers, a girl can only pray that some of those gorgeous men were straight, rocked dozens of pairs of dunks and danced on every surface of the stage, in the rafters, on the triborough bridge, through stores... with street moves, classic hip hop, rewind motion and salsa.  I was in heaven and the standing ovation at the end proved that my fellow audience members were just as inspired.  

Now... I want DUNKS.  These are badass shoes made by Nike, apparently worn in Harlem (or just Nike sponsored... but who cares) and beyond.  I've always been into making a shoe statement but this is a whole new spectrum for me.  I've heard you have got to try it before you knock it with these.  Now, it's a matter of choosing a pair!    

Very In the Heights.

So many choices but I LOVE these:

Which pair are you?!

say OHMMMM

We all love to hate celebrities for their inhuman bodies and their lifestyles of the rich and famous.  While I don't have the answers to the rich and famous part (today) - I DO have the answer to the bangin' body part: YOGA.

Gwyneth Paltrow, Meg Ryan, Madonna, Jennifer Anniston and Uma Thurman are just a few of the celebs who claim that yoga got them the bod that rakes in all the dough.  

Don't hate.  It actually works.  You TOO can have a yogarific body.  It trains your mind to be calm, balanced and productive.  It also lengthens your muscles leaving you strong and lean.  You don't have to be a pretzel or in shape to start yoga... but you may be after some careful dedication.  

There are dozens of yoga facilities, over 75% of US gyms teach yoga classes, there are countless DVDs and you can watch classes online (or get podcasts from itunes and take it with you somewhere).  I personally, like to do yoga in my room.  I mean, there really is no good excuse not to work out if you don't have to put on shoes and leave the house.  Right?

After lots of experimentation and yelling at evil instructors online, I found this: Yoga Today.  This site uploads a new video each day with an hour long class.  You can just as easily scroll through the archives and choose a different class with a difficulty or theme fit for you.  And, each class is taught outdoors somewhere beautiful, helping you stop thinking about the chaos that abounds around you.

Yoga is a fun thing to learn because it's an internationally recognized exercise that is easy to travel with, like running.  I would love to actually be sitting on the mountain tops in Minnesota or next to a lake in Wyoming, but I am always in my living room.  I wish I had gotten into this sooner and could have done yoga like the people in the picture below at the top of the Sydney Towers.    

So don't hate on celebs that give credit to yoga for those bodies.  Save the hatred to the ones who say it's just "genes" - yeah effing right.  It really does work if you're loyal to it.  At the very least, it gives you a moment in the day to just breathe. OHMMMM

Ad of the Day

I'm guessing that the Netherlands has collectively dropped hundreds of pounds as a country.  Why?  Well, if you went to the bus (which already sucks that you have to deal with public transportation when you just want to get from A to B) and you had to deal with this... you wouldn't have lunch (or any other meals) either. 

Fortunately for this chubster, nobody else is at the bus station.  But every time I wait for the bus, I am NOT alone.  I don't want everyone to see the results of my lack of exercise this week and the fries I engorged last night after hitting up the bars.  

I think if I were to sit on this bench and have my weight exposed to the entire street with a giant red number of death, I would have to enter it on F*** My Life.  This is the newest social networking site where people bond over the fact that life gives you lemons and there ain't no lemonade.  Super.   

These ads proved to raise the gym memberships, for the gym that made this 'advertisement', by something like 5% near the bus stops.  Talk about connecting with the audience on a personal level.    

Ad Agency Websites

Jobs.  Some people have 'em, some people want 'em, some people got screwed and lost 'em, some hate 'em and the rest actually like 'em.  

As for me, I want one.  Badly.  I am an advertising major with extensive intern experience.  I really don't want to have to order office supplies or arrange a gift basket again... unless I'm the one giving orders.  

I think, after working for free/virtually for free for four years and living and breathing advertising communications in school, I should be able to get out there and show the world what I've got.  

Unfortunately, this early bird might not get the worm just yet (thanks economy). 

I spend HOURS of my time searching for a fit for me.  Even though I should take whatever I can get my hands on right now, I still want to feel inspired, exhilarated and intrigued by my creative and strategic work.  That requires the right agency.  I LOVED my agency (SMART) in Sydney, AUS, but that's a little too far away for now.  So, I search.

I am repeatedly appalled and surprised by how BAD some agency websites are.  Why on earth would a top-notch client trust you to creatively represent them to the world if you can't represent yourself.  APPEARANCE DOES MATTER PEOPLE!  Some of the websites I come across "sound" great but the site might as well be for a bank or investment company with its bland serif font, neutral color, block design pages.  YAWN.  

Then, there are the companies that I would give my right arm to work for.  Not only do they "sound" great, they LOOK like they know what they're doing.  These are my ultimate favorite finds:  Check 'em out!

          

Wexley School for Girls

This one has a website and a "boring" website (for those who like the informational thing)... clever.  BUT, they, at least, PROVE that they are capable of outside-the-box thinking that advertisers are supposed to have.  They have a whole personality concept for the company... a school for girls with lessons, etc.  The site is interactive and stimulating and even has its own in-house soundtrack.  It's nuts, in a good way.  

Conover Tuttle Pace

This place is so amazing.  It makes me excited about advertising.  Their client list (including RED SOX, AT&T, Red Bull, etc) makes sense.  The site shows their capabilities and dedication to every project and is super interactive.  Just looking at it normally inspires me when I get mind-block.  Just imagine what their ads do.     

Why would multi-million dollar companies risk giving their business to UGLY companies?  They want to keep their status as exciting and innovative in the social mind.  A good site takes respect in themselves and will do the same for their client.  Seems obvious right?!  If you CAN do it, do it!  People will want to work for you and clients will flock to you for brilliance.   

DRESSES!

The sun came out and I didn't have a jacket on and I immediately started thinking about DRESSES!  

(Sorry boys, but this is still a helpful read for you.  A girl's style and choice of outfit when she's going to be seeing you can tell you a lot about her.  If she claims it doesn't, she's frumpy.  Move on.)  

I love dresses.  Last Spring in Australia, I spent more on drinks and dresses than I did on food [I have since been in a constant state of BROKE].  I love dresses so much that I was caught in a blizzard last year and nearly froze [until finding someone to hitch-hike with] because I insisted on wearing a dress.  

You could say it's the California in me that makes me love the free-flowing material and possibilities of bright colors, or the child inside who loves to twirl around, but really I just unexplainably LOVE dresses.  

I cannot wait till the first thought of the day will be 'what dress to wear' again.  Now, I am not your source for extreme fashion advice but I've never been called fugly or had someone turn away in disgust.  So, I'm guessing I semi-know what I'm talking about.  

My next dress purchase will be a cute, simply elegant dress for graduation (AHHH).  So, I went onto ShopBop.com .  You don't have to shop designer, but if you're going to... use a discount website like this one.  And if you're poor like me, go to a site like this and choose your tasteful favorites and look elsewhere for a similar look.

Here are some of my favorite finds for Spring/Summer:    

Sophisticated Wrap: Perfect for Dinner, Drinks with the Girls, Family Party or Office

 You're a Star in this one.  Rock this out at a club, a swanky poolside party or a celeb meet and greet.  (Please just loose the hideous shoes this model has insisted on...barf).

 

Adorable, chic.  This is appropriate for almost any activity and can be dressed up or down with shoes.  A girly blazer and simple pumps make this workable or cute silver flats and a long, embellished necklace makes it perfect for a day of shopping or brunch with your sweetheart.

 Date night.  This dress with amazing 4 inch heels will have you rockin' the dress and his world.  Save this one for July because the colors will have your then perfect tan POP and you'll feel just as amazing as this dress looks on a hanger.  

 Totally Gabs.  While I would wear everyone of these dresses in a split second, I think most of my friends would pick out an outfit like this for me... probably because I own a variation of it in about six colors.  It's versatile, cool (for the weather) and completely innocent and fresh.  Leave something to the imagination, right?  

 Sex sells.  I don't care where you're going... wear this.  It DEFINITELY leaves something to the imagination while letting you show off those shimmering legs and reign as dominatrix of the summer.  If the weather's hot, why can't you be?!

 Sexy and Sleek.  This dress is fancy and summery.  It's perfect for a formal cocktail party or a dinner cruise.  The sleeves are embellished and ad just the weight this silky dress needs to balance it out as well as an aesthetic, girly quality.  

 Jet-Setter.  This look is HOT.  It's perfect to stay cool and still hit up the hotel bar and get the cute guy down the way to buy you something with a cherry and an umbrella.  Live it up social diva.  (Also, olive skin and brown hair/eyes... wear blue.  You'll get that drink.)

 MY FAVORITE.  

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE buy this for me.  Not only is it totally original, it's DVF and has POCKETS!  Pockets are a god-sent invention in the dress world.  You are free to be YOU and not worry about lugging around some purse that prohibits spontaneity.  The empire waist, the ribbon and the keys make this a winning look.  

Oh, how I love dresses.    

  

Quote of the Day

Absence is to love what wind is to fire. 

- Diane Von Furstenberg 

(and her Mama)

If the fire is small, the wind will blow it out.  If the fire is large...

The Perfect Vacation in a Recession

Everyone likes to claim that they've read the BEST book and that you're life won't be complete without it.  My theory about those people is that they were the ones that have LOVED books since the moment they could read.

I am NOT one of those people.  I don't remember late summer nights and early weekend moments as ones curled up in bed with a good story.  (My days were filled with pools, dressing and redressing Barbie, acting out scenes from 'Hook' with my friends down the street, trying to climb the big tree over and over in someone's front yard and Mousercising in the den).  

What I DO remember, about reading in the summer, was thinking that teachers should be tortured because they chose to torture me by making me read 200 whole pages AND do some sort of project over the trajectory of my three-month vacation.  Are they NUTS?!  That's a feat that's near impossible!

Then, something, I don't know what... clicked.

Maybe I got tired of reading Spark Notes online, maybe I felt the pressure of being older and thinking I was supposed to like reading - I really don't know.  But, now, after years of frustration, trial and tears, I actually ENJOY reading.  It's a complete escape, a satisfactory experience and a way to open your eyes to something new without ever leaving your favorite sitting position.  

So, if you're into it, or not, here are some of my top picks for fun reads.  NO, I am NOT one of those people preaching... just a 'lil-bit-of-gabs' coming your way:

MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE/CLASSIC: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 

 This one is a classic but worth the read.  I first read the book in high school and -gasp- actually enjoyed it.  The characters are flawlessly written and the plot is caked with wit and intelligent suspense.  It is a true love story that is unpredictable and not gushy by any means.  

The book was adapted into a Film, with Keira Knightley, in 2005.  The film is also my FAVORITE movie as it is a testament to the text and takes nothing from Hollywood to distort its tale.  

This is a MUST.    

Culinary Memoir: The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry

 I listened to this story as a book on tape last summer (which I highly recommend - great for working out so you don't have to worry about the book flying off the elliptical at epic speeds and breaking the old man's hip that's passing by or for driving since you can no longer depend on a cell phone conversation for entertainment in most states now).  It is a memoir about Kathleen Flinn's somewhat mid-life crisis experience as a student at France's culinary institute, Le Cordon Bleu.  Chefs and Non-Chefs will relate to this story as one of frustration and triumph, believing in oneself, taking chances and FOOD.  And for chefs, recipes are included from the world famous school.

An Eye Opener: Fault Lines     

I have always had an interest in studying WWII and Nazi Germany's involvement with the Jewish Community.  There are so many stories and you can learn, or question, about man-kind.  I realize, this subject is not for everyone, but it makes for amazing literature and ethical and intellectual exercise.  Nancy Huston's story traces a certain happening during WWII involving children through the fiction story of a family discovering their past.  The little girl on the cover remains a mystery for some time.  The set-up of the story is interesting and compelling, as each chapter is written from the perspective of the family members - all when they were six years old.  By the end of the story, the message is complete and satisfactory.  As a student of this subject, I was even shocked to learn what I did from this novel. 

 (NOTE: The story is by no means graphic or unsettling... this is no Schindler's List... I promise.)    

Love Story: The Time Traveler's Wife 

 This international bestseller is praised for all the right reasons.  It is the most exciting, tamely passionate, heart-wrenching, thought-provoking love story I have ever read. The title is a testament to the plot.  This is not a gushy love story but one that makes it hard to deny the existence of love's power and grace.  The book is one that appeals to all ages, from teen to retirement.  I have never flown through pages as fast as I did with this one.  If I was going to choose one book to be a reading snob about and insist on just ONE, this would be IT.      

NOW: Breakfast with Buddha 

I haven't finished it, but I am already wishing I could go on Spring Break again just to READ - and to think I used to be the kid that was so pissed when teachers tainted my vacation with heaven-forbid-books.  This book is another memoir by a man named Roland Merullo.  A New York City publisher, specializing in culinary material, is forced by unforeseen circumstances to pack up and take a road trip to North Dakota.  When he goes to Jersey to pick up his free spirit sister, she nonchalantly announces that she won't be joining him and in her place is sending her guru.  This is less than music to Roland's ears but the trip soon begins.  The story is filled with laughs, life insights and more (What?  I do not know yet!)  

Pretend this is like the book of the month - or week since my reading speed has greatly progressed since my days of resistance.  Pick it up and read along! 

Some other favorites are Night, Grapes of Wrath, Go Ask Alice, To Kill a Mockingbird, A Million Little Pieces (Oprah can shove it), My Friend Leonard and I am Charlotte Simmons. 

So ESCAPE, take a vacation, for free.  Reading is an adventure, something personal that no one can taint for you.  If you don't take my book suggestions, fine.  My intention was only to show you what appeals to me and to INSPIRE you to search for your own adventures.    

Department Store, NOT Bore

If you're ever in the Netherlands and need a Dutch department store, you can go to HEMA, roughly translated to Unique Prices Company Amsterdam.  They sell everything you could need and some impressive labels as well.

Oh, you don't need a houten xylofoon?  Or a driewieler?

Well, maybe you won't be shopping at HEMA then.  But, DO be sure to check out their website:

HEMA.  

It's a treat in marketing genius.  Rumor has it that some company bought this URL from the department store and rather than destroying the page, they played with it.  

When you check out the site, wait a minute and then watch to see what happens.  DON'T click anything, just enjoy.

Wether this was produced internally, or by another source, it's doing wonders for getting HEMA's name recognized across the globe.  After all, who wouldn't be pleasantly surprised by a supply screen playing with your senses and breaking through the monotony of online life?   

Really Barbie?

I'm not a HUGE fan of plastic surgery and botox but I have come across a case where plastic needs more plastic: 

BARBIE.

That's right, Barbie is turning 50.  And man, oh man, does she need some revamp work.  

Check this out...Barbie is dare we say it, letting herself go and living it up Cougar style:

-CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO-

So yeah, she's already all plastic but the scene with the "dropping" effect is something that sure scarred my childhood memories of dressing and redressing Barbie. 

Some people are traditionalist and don't like the idea of new Barbies and world-Barbies, but these people need to see this and get over it.  No one as iconic as Barbie should let herself go.  Not only is it bad for us girls, but those poor Ken dolls in the making are not enjoying the side effects of Cougar Barbie.  

So maybe we should lay off and let Barbie and Joan Rivers keep injecting the themed  mselves... after all, we DO have to look at them.  That, however, is NOT an excuse for the crack head beach barbie I was so 'uninspired' by a week or so ago.  

Let's keep it clean Barbie... we don't want to have to wonder where you've been when we are up close and personal with you while changing your clothes for the 145th time.        

When in Rincon

Yesterday, we had a good day gone bad.  When you’re on vacation, you tend to want to be adventurous and go with the flow.  Yeah, you’ll see where that got us. 

Ted and I walked the opposite direction down the beach to find nothing, nothing, and more or nothing until finally, we arrived at a little dive bar on the beach.  There were two other people there and we were in need of a drink (hey, I’m on vacation) after our long walk.  The place was cool and the bartender was great.  He made Ted an authentic mojito (we had been drinking ones that come in plastic Capri Sun-like containers) and I got some fruity girly drink.  We got a dollar's worth of coins and played pool to awesome local tunes until the sun was bright and inviting again. 

Then, we walked back and jumped in the hotel pool and laid out by the ocean until the winds kicked in and chilled us too much. (It's COLD when it drops down to 80 here.)

So far, so good.

That night, despite being a little tired, we decided to conquer the giant hill of Rincon and go to Smilin’ Joe's for drinks and sushi… because they are rumored to host the island’s premiere reggae band on Wednesdays.  We got there, after walking in the pitch black –there might have been two streetlights on the way there, thank God for the full moon – and avoiding two dogs that I think wanted to eat us for dinner. 

Joe's was great.  We got sushi rolls, but the coolest one had coconut shrimp, some kind of tropical sauce and a piece of pineapple –YUM! 

Then, we moved to the bar and made friends with the bartenders and a group of 25 year olds who were on vacation together to catch up on old times.  Around ten, we were getting tired, our buddy had jumped off the roof a few times into the pool and the old people were starting to think they fit it –um no. 

To spice things up, the bartender offered everyone at the bar a “cocoa bean” saying that it would give you lots of energy but be a bit bitter.  He cut one in half for Ted and I to share.  I took one tiny bite and spit it out.  Ted ate his –a manly feat.  Tons of people ate these things. God only knows why. 

We all kept partying for a bit and then headed home.  About ten minutes after arriving home, Ted said he felt VERY sick.  He was up all night long.  It wasn’t from drinking… you may think we are young and naive but we DO know how to handle our liquor –in fact much better than the old woman you smelt like men’s cologne and was wearing a hot pink sequin top with a clashing pink flowy skirt and mingling with unsuspecting younger boys at Joe's.

This morning, things weren’t looking much better for Ted.  Now, as I write this, and my tan fades, I am watching my poor guy lay in an emergency room bed in Rincon with an IV hooked up to his arm.  He had some sort of food poisoning. And, since we poor college students, we have been sharing EVERYTHING we eat. 

The only thing he ate that I didn’t: the COCOA BEAN. 

DO NOT eat raw cocoa beans.  DO not be THAT big of a mooch; just say NO. 

So when in Rome, do not ALWAYS do what the Romans do.     

*** UPDATE: Ted is alive and well.  Apparently, ocean waves, an IV, tons of meds and rest can cure you!                           

UPDATE from a Tanning Traveler

The days have flown by… either I am having tons of fun and the phrase is true, or vacations are just one of those things in life that you can never get enough of. 

Our adventures haven’t stopped.  We drove to  Arecibo and visited the observatory where Bond’s Golden Eye was filmed.  DO go here if you have seen the movie or are huge into Radioactive Space Technology.  DO NOT go here if you want to learn a lot about the thing.  The “informational” video is worse than a Spanish soap opera and is less than informative.  For me, the best part about the excursion was seeing the view of Arecibo and beyond from the top of a mountain and getting to see Ted’s face light up while he ate Astronaut Ice Cream.

The security guard in the parking lot suggested we visit an eco-lodge that was “not too far” from there.  This is apparently a very relative term in Puerto Rico.  We eventually arrived at a hacienda seated atop lush valleys and orchards with views of rolling hills.  We sat poolside and enjoyed some island favorites (fried cornmeal, chicerones, pizza pockets, chicken empanadas, fried green bananas, plantains, fried pork –FRIED, FRIED, FRIED basically) and drinks.  The local beer is Madalla Light and unless there’s a drink menu, that’s the only thing I know how to order in Spanish. 

After enjoying the sights, we started home and came across a FULL rainbow.  Now this might not be as cool to you as it was for me, but it was INCREDIBLE.  We could see every color and both ends… someone must have already nabbed the pot of gold though because it was nowhere to be found. 

The next day, we went to a private resort.  Apparently, if you have a car, you can just drive on in and use the pool, the swim up bar and lounge chairs by the ocean.  This vacation is teaching me to be a very resourceful mooch.  Ted attempted to teach me chess here on a giant floor playing board in the central garden of the hotel.  It was NOT a success.  Chess is a frustrating game to play, especially when you have no idea what you’re doing and the sun is beating down on you.  All in all, the day was wonderful and the resort was a gem.

 For dinner, we went to Smilin’ Joes –the place owned by Otis’ owner.  This place was a tropical paradise, with three tiers of entertainment: dining, a bar, and a pool bar.  The food was amazing, a nice break from the local cuisine of fast food, chicken, and mofongo; I thoroughly enjoyed my mahi mahi encrusted in cilantro atop a bed of rice and red curry with vegetables. 

The next day was spent laying out at the beach and taking in the nearby sights.  Get ready Boston; this California girl has got her tan back!  Ted and I made burgers that night which was delicious.  We also used what we had at home and made some homemade Sangria – one bottle red wine, one can sprite, one green apple from the airport, one local red apple, half a blood orange and 4 frozen strawberries.  Try it!   

I heart Rincon

Spring Break is the notorious holiday of college students where they go to a beautiful place, make foreigners hate Americans even more, get completely drunk, do things that they will NEVER admit to and flaunt their indispensable incomes. 

But, what's a kid to do when they have one spring break left, little to no money, a poor job outlook considering the economy and a stress level that is reaching breaking point?  

Well, you could go home... Oh wait, I live on the other side of the country where I have to pay for gas once I get there...NOT cheap.  You could stay at school... barf.  OR you could MOOCH!  

That's my advice for this economy...mooch as much as you want.  But, you have got to learn to mooch with style.  Be resourceful.  Nobody likes a mooch.  Be stealth.  Like the key to convincing any man, you have to let the one being mooched on think it was their idea. 

Maybe your grandparents live in Florida… pay them a friendly visit and soak up the sun while lounging by the retirement home pool.  Just be sure to take a nap to avoid the sights of water aerobics. 

Or maybe your dad will be on a business trip somewhere fancy and you can cash in on some family bonding and some hotel pool and shopping while he’s in a meeting. 

Or maybe your friends from another school are still in school, in say Austin or NYC, and you can mooch their couch and explore the happening city while they toil over papers and philosophic debates.

Or maybe you are just as lucky as me and your boyfriend’s parents offer to extend their vacation rental in Puerto Rico so that the two of you can come down for a few days with them and stay for the rest of your spring break. 

Yup, so I feel like a bit of a mooch but really it was offered… that’s how life normally works out.  You just have to take people up on their offers.  You never know where the wind will blow you. 

As for me, I’m sitting 50 feet from the ocean in a two-story villa in Rincon, Puerto Rico.  There is a constant buzz of waves crashing, a hammock waiting gracefully right outside, the sun shining brilliantly over the land and a cool breeze waiting to refresh you.  I’m not bragging…I’m in awe. 

It’s day 3 here and I’ve seen good and bad but have only been happy.  Day one: flying and stomach flu.  I won’t tell you anymore about that.  Day two:  Ted and I woke up and walked down the beach (We are staying in a small, gated community about a half-mile outside town).  It was only 11:45am when we hit the first beachside business, Tamboo, when a tropical storm led us in to try our first beers here.  I carried my ID and then realized the drinking age here is 18 and so I didn’t get carded.  (Two thoughts: 1. If I got carded I would have cried 2. That’s NOT FAIR!  This is America too; why couldn’t I grow up here!?)  We had a Dominican beer, El Presidente… I do not recommend it. 

Interesting Fact:  The Dominican Republic is 80 miles off the shore of Rincon and DAILY we get to watch helicopters, boats or some other type of patrol go after people who are trying to make it to the States.

After our morning cerveza, we decided to check out the tiny surfer town.  Since they were having such “BAD” weather (i.e. freezing cold temperatures of 80 degrees and off and on winds), many of the surf shops and even Yoga in Paradise were closed.  We met one woman in a convenience store that explained that town was “so far” up a hill and that we were crazy to walk.  We decided that she looked like someone that would say that and we could probably make it.  We were on the search for lunch at a panaderia.  We walked the whole of the shore side part of town, up a giant- GIANT hill, back down the hill on accident and ended up where we started. 

 Here’s a map of Rincon so you can see the hills and whatnot:

(We are on the far, top-right and walked to the inner, top left cluster)

 At this point, Ted and I were famished and determined and tried another very steep hill to climb.  About half way up the hill, a family hanging out on their porch attempted to give us directions to the bakery.  Their son, who speaks English, eventually came out to explain the journey to us.  Oh and it was a journey all right. 

Across the street from this family’s home was a mansion (I love how the brightly colored houses are so economically balanced… money does not separate neighbors here).  Guarding the mansion was our buddy, Ted’s dream dog, Otis.  This chocolate lab was the coolest.  He led us to the bakery, sat outside and waited for us, followed us back down the giant hill (past his house), played with us on the beach (running along side Ted and playing catch with wood and coconuts) and then followed us home.  We tried to hide inside after taking his picture and he just wouldn’t leave.  Ted and his puppy were in love.  Eventually we had to call his owner, Joe from Smilin’ Joe’s, to come and get Otis.  I’m sure we’ll see him again…

The next morning we woke up bright and early (well, for vacation) and headed to Cabo Rojo for some swimming in a lagoon and hiking around a big lighthouse that overlooked 4 different bodies of water.  It was gorgeous! 

{However, after visiting Australia, where the sun is said to be the most powerful, I thought I was invincible.  Yesterday, I wore more applications of sunscreen than I ever have and guess what? I’M FRIED.  Super.  Thank Bob it’s overcast today because all I want to do today is hide inside and snuggle with my aloe bottle.}

The beach at Cabo Rojo was completely worth it all though.  The beach, La Playa Sucia, had piercing blue water and was protected by a curving beach and breathtaking cliffs.  (Which, of course, us little monkeys climbed up on.) 

The best part about visiting this part of the southwest was it was full of locals.  I may have started out as a blinding white person when I arrived, but by the time I left the beach, I was starting to fit in.

And, I was ESHAUSTED.  The sun is draining here, or I’m just a wimp.  We went back to the main town of Rincon and ordered a pizza and enjoyed the cool, or cooler, dusk air while sitting in the Plaza.  The town is quaint but so comforting.  I am going to miss having access to it once the parental leave and take the car with them.  Once at home, we sat out on the second floor balcony and watched the waves crash, the clouds skate across the sky, the stars shine bright and the moon grow by the second… this place is magical.