#partners open puerto vallarta

[stateofsport211]

Puerto Vallarta Ch F: Nishesh Basavareddy [1] def. Liam Draxl [6] 6-3, 7-6(4) Match Stats

📸 ATP official website

While the scoreboard pretty much lied for both players' point construction reasons, Nishesh turned out to be the better player under pressure thanks to him digging slightly deeper. As both players had similar return depth, it came down to their final shot execution, which the first seed nailed as he steadily turned the tables back in his favor after several hurdles trying to stay in front until to close the match out. As a result, L. Draxl might have generated 10 break points, but Nishesh converted 50% of his 6 chances to break to optimize his chance while the Canadian sixth seed only converted 20% of his opportunities.

Apparently, both players had distinct service game strengths in this match. Nishesh fired four times more aces than L. Draxl (8 to 2), which he controlled the flow from as he won 70% of his first serve points. However, his second serves turned out to be more risky as he double-faulted 4 times than L. Draxl's 1, which faded his percentage 10% lower than the Canadian sixth seed to 47%.

While Nishesh secured his second Challenger title and his NextGen Finals qualification as he ended his season by withdrawing from the Manzanillo Challenger due to the thigh injury he sustained here, L. Draxl will end his season there as he will face wild card Luis Carlos Alvarez Valdes in the first round. As the home favorite finally had his long-awaited home Challenger breakthrough, who knows what this potentially entertaining match has to offer as it headlines the local evening soon!

[cdntennis]

Partners Open Puerto Vallarta 2024 (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)

Canadians Liam Draxl and Benjamin Sigouin won their second ATP Challenger doubles title together yesterday (also won the title at the 75 event in Little Rock last June) thanks to a 7-6(5), 6-2 victory over Americans Karl Poling and Ryan Seggerman at the 50 event in Puerto Vallarta. Draxl is also in today's singles final where he will try to win his second ATP Challenger title.

(Picture : © Team Head México)

[dirtymonkeyadventure]

ATV tours: adrenaline and fun in the open air on all-terrain vehicles

Embark on an adventure that combines adrenaline, breathtaking landscapes and the thrill of outdoor activities in our fascinating ATV tours and live one of the most memorable experiences with your family or friends, with the Dirty Monkey Adventure family.

In the heart of Puerto Vallarta, a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, you will find an ecotourism company dedicated to offer memorable and unique experiences to each of its clients, Dirty Monkey Adventure. 

Dirty Monkey Adventure, offers a wide variety of exciting tours in the safest and most complete way, guaranteeing fun and memorable adventures, we are committed to provide outdoor activities and ATV tours in an exhilarating way that will leave a lasting impression in the heart of each of our visitors.

ATV tours a gateway to adrenaline and fun

ATV tours have quickly become a sought-after way to explore nature while enjoying the thrill of speed and adventure in the beautiful landscapes that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

At Dirty Monkey Adventure, ATV tours are more than just rides, as we offer transformative trips that offer an adrenaline rush and the opportunity to connect with nature in an unparalleled way. These ATV tours bring people closer to the beauty of Puerto Vallarta's landscapes, discovering hidden gems that are inaccessible by conventional means and adventures filled with memorable memories.

Embracing adrenaline with ATV tours

At the core of the ATV tours offered by Dirty Monkey Adventure is the adrenaline rush of riding through rugged terrain and overcoming challenges.

As riders rev up their engines, they dive head first into an experience where the wind rushes by, the terrain changes beneath them and every turn becomes a thrilling moment. The thrill of maneuvering an ATV through varied landscapes, ensuring that every ride is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Discovering the beauty of Puerto Vallarta

One of the most remarkable aspects of ATV tours with Dirty Monkey Adventure is the opportunity to explore the diverse and captivating landscapes of Puerto Vallarta. 

Riders ride through enchanting forests, race along coastal trails with panoramic ocean views and immerse themselves in the vibrant natural beauty that the region offers, plus its wonderful weather, makes these tours allow participants to witness the raw magnificence of the area while creating memories with a breathtaking backdrop full of color and life.

Dirty Monkey Adventure a pioneer of ecotourism

Dirty Monkey Adventure prides itself on our commitment to responsible ecotourism. The company believes that outdoor adventures and environmental conservation can coexist in harmony. ATV tours are designed to minimize their impact on the environment, ensuring that the natural beauty that attracts visitors to Puerto Vallarta is preserved for generations to come.

Creating memorable experiences a testament to uniqueness

Dirty Monkey Adventure is not just about ATV tours; it's about creating memories that last long after the adventure is over. Tours are meticulously designed to provide an immersive experience that combines the thrill of ATV riding with an appreciation of nature's wonders. From encounters with local wildlife to stops at breathtaking viewpoints, every aspect of the tour is designed to make each participant feel alive and connected to their surroundings to be part of nature and have fun at the same time.

Our professional guides and adventure partners

A key factor that sets Dirty Monkey Adventure apart is its team of professional guides. These guides are not only experts in ATV riding; they are passionate about the history, ecology and culture of the region. They enrich the experience by sharing their knowledge, providing information about the surrounding landscapes and ensuring that safety remains the top priority throughout the trip, in addition to having the best attitude at all times, they make you feel part of the environment in which the ATV tours will take place. 

The Dirty Monkey Adventure Promise

"Memorable", "unique" and full of adventure are some of the words that perfectly encapsulate the essence of Dirty Monkey Adventure, as we strive to offer in each activity to generate different and memorable experiences, carefully crafted is carefully crafted to be a different experience, ensuring that participants feel that they have embarked on a unique adventure. From the routes chosen to the moments of surprise along the way, Dirty Monkey Adventure creates a narrative that captivates, excites and leaves an indelible impression on all who embark on their tours.

Advantages of ATV Tours with Dirty Monkey Adventure

Fun and Excitement:

Fun and excitement are guaranteed at every moment of an ATV tour. From challenges along the way to bursts of speed, the experience is designed to keep adventurers on the edge of their seats and smiling from start to finish.

Connection with Nature:

ATV tours allow for deep immersion in the natural surroundings. From lush vegetation to rugged terrains, every aspect of Puerto Vallarta's nature becomes an essential part of the experience.

Stunning Views:

With Dirty Monkey Adventure, panoramic views from the highest points are simply breathtaking. Capture the essence of Puerto Vallarta from unique perspectives and relish landscapes that will be etched in your memory.

Expertly Guided Experience:

The skilled guides at Dirty Monkey Adventure don't just direct you along the route; they also share insights about the region, local history, and ecology. This adds a level of enrichment to the experience that goes beyond pure excitement.

Guaranteed Safety:

Dirty Monkey Adventure prioritizes safety at every step of the journey. Guides are trained to maintain a secure and controlled environment, enabling participants to enjoy the thrill without worries.

Experiencing the rush of adrenaline, the breathtaking landscapes, and the unique sense of adventure that ATV tours with Dirty Monkey Adventure offer is an opportunity to embrace life to its fullest. As the engines roar and the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta unfolds, participants are reminded of the wonders of nature and the joy of exploration. 

Dirty Monkey Adventure is a company that goes beyond providing ATV tours; it creates unforgettable memories, fosters a connection with the environment, and allows adventurers to truly live at the moment while riding through the heart of paradise.

[puntamitayachtchartersworld]

Punta Mita Yacht Charters

Punta Mita Yacht Charters has been in the tourist & service industry for over 12 years that offer best yacht at the very best price possible in the Punta Mita. Call Us today -310-492-5748.

Click here:- https://puntamitayachtcharters.com/

About US

Punta Mita Yacht Charters has been in the tourist & service industry for over 12 years in the Banderas Bay area and know what most people expect from a company and a yacht charter.

When you charter a yacht with Punta Mita Yacht Charters you are guaranteed to get the very best yacht at the very best price possible in the Punta Mita or entire Banderas bay area. All of our yachts are full of amenities to give you and your guests a truly unforgettable day of adventure, luxury and world class service, so let us handle everything for you and plan your perfect day on the bay.

We have every style of yacht available from sport fishing yachts to 80 foot catamarans and we can accommodate from 2 to 200 guests. We are event & wedding charter specialists. Call today and allow me to give you recommendations of a yacht to create the perfect day & experience for you and your guests.

Sunset & Dinner Charters

If you are celebrating any event and looking for something different, then an evening on the Bay for a sunset cruise is the perfect way to celebrate in style.  We have many choices for you to enjoy the magnificent sunsets of Puerto Vallarta with friends and family, whether you are a small family group or a very large group of 200 people, Punta Mita Yacht Charters has you covered.  We have yachts from 30 feet to 120 feet and can customize your trip to suit your needs. Our trips are all inclusive and include a open premium bar and gourmet snacks or a full dinner prepared by out private chefs. We can also make some time for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and paddle-boarding to add some adventure and fun to the trip or just cruise the skyline of Puerto Vallarta and enjoy the famous sunset.

Fishing Charters

Punta Mita Yacht Charters has many fishing yachts to choose from, from the ultimate in comfort to a 28 foot bare bones fishing boats. Our crew are all extreme fishermen and know where to get the big ones. Your options for fishing are a 4-6 hour Banderas Bay fishing charter which we usually always catch fish such as Mahi Mahi, Skip Jack Tuna, Yellow Fin and more, with this charter we can also combine a little snorkeling and a stop at one of the private coves for a swim if you so choose.  

Overnight Charters

There really is nothing like an overnight getaway on a yacht. Punta Mita Yacht Charters offers some really exciting overnight excursions that take adventure, comfort and service and put it all together. Our overnight yacht is a 75 foot Hatteras and sleeps 8 comfortably with 4 luxury staterooms and 4 bathrooms to ensure the guest's comfort. Each stateroom is equipped with its own TV and of course air conditioning so you are extremely comfortable. If you have never experienced a night of sleep on a boat then you are in for an experience of a lifetime and the best nights sleep that you have ever had.

Wedding & Event Charters

Are you having a destination wedding or planning some type of event or celebration? There is not a better way to celebrate than on Banderas Bay on a luxury yacht from Punta Mita Yacht charters. We are event specialist and can handle every detail for you and your event on one of our yachts, we can handle any number up to 200 guests. Imagine telling your partner "I Do" as the sun sets over the ocean and your friends and family watch proudly and once married let the party begin. We can provide music or you can bring your own on a drive or possible you want to have a live band which are available on select boats or possibly a DJ, we even have a dance floor so you can have the first dance with your new spouse.

Contact US:-

Email: info@puntamitayachtcharters.com

USA: 310-492-5748

Local MX Cell (English): +52 322-133-0138

Local MX Cell (Spanish): +52 322-191-4572

[basrieminibusinessconsultant]

Basri Emini, Professional Biography : American Business Consultant

BASRI EMINI

PO Box 11207 > Chicago, IL 60611 > (312) 550-3291 > basri@ayiapuntamita.com

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CREATIVITY | LEADERSHIP | INNOVATION

A proven visionary and strategic leader that translates innovative business concepts into maximum profits commensurate with the best interest of partners, customers, employees, and the public. An expert in identifying undervalued assets; creating unique market opportunities; efficitve cost and operation controls; developing strategic initiatives; unique abilitiy to put together a stellar team of talent. Very knowledgeable in real estate development and hospitality/entertainment industries with proven track record of sales success. Dedicated to maintaining a reputation built on quality, service, and uncompromising ethics.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE > Real Estate Development > Real Estate Sales > Strategic / Tactical Planning > Property Management > Business Development > Start-Up Business

Planning > Extensive marketing

Background > Mortgage & Real Estate Lending > Restaurant Operations > Creative Concept Development

RECENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE EMINI EQUITIES – PUNTA MITA, NAYARIT MEXICO (WWW.PUNTAMITA.COM/WWW.AYIAPUNTAMITA.COM) 2008 – present

PRESIDENT / CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Organized and established a real estate development company and completed a successful condo conversion project in Punta Mita, Mexico, considered to be among the top luxury second home communities in the world.

Oversaw the construction upgrade of a 27-unit luxury boutique condominium project. Managed operations and promotion of the successful condo rental program during the economic recession, when property sales stalled, enabling the project to not only maintain value, but increase in value.

Provided senior management business-level discussion and decisions involving business vision and strategy, enterprise-level decisions, standardization of best practices, and project governance oversight.

> Managed administrative, legal, marketing and financial functions for the project and its partners. > Developed strategies to improve project cash flow and minimize losses.

ACHIEVEMENTS: > Had numerous sales in “09-10” during a world economic recession. > Substantially reduced overhead and operating costs through staff reduction and operational efficiencies. Overhead was reduced as much as 60% while continuing to maintain a luxury quality of standard.

> Completed renovations and upgrades to the project resulting in an increase in value of each unit of 40%. Despite the challenging economic conditions during this time period, property values have been maintained.

> Created a concept so innovative that Emini was featured for the Ayia project in the New York Times, CS

Magazine, USA Today, El Financiero, Estilo Mexico, and other top publications.

B A S R I EMIN I P A G E 2

LOS VENEROS – COSTA BANDERAS, NAYARIT MEXICO (WWW.LOSVENEROS.COM) 2006 – 2008

DIRECTOR OF SALES THE RANGE RESTAURANT – EL PASO, IL 2003 – 2006 THE PARK RESTAURANT – BLOOMINGTON, IL 2005 – 2006

OWNER/OPERATOR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE - CONTINUED

EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW Basri is a unique individual—exemplary of true entrepreneurial talent—with a singular ability to motivate, inspire, and identify the talent and resources needed to get a job successfully completed. With an indefatigable work ethic and passionate enthusiasm, Basri already has an impressive record of success, in the restaurant and other industries, despite his young age. The restaurant business is what gave Basri the start and love of the Real Estate business by accruing the property, remodelling, opening the operation and put in place a quick sale with combined real estate and business.

By his late twenties, Basri had already opened four successful restaurants of his own. The first was located in Barrington, IL, and was owned and operated by Basri from 1992-1996. From 1996-1999, he followed on his early success with three other high-end family-styled restaurants, located in Madison, Wis., and Elgin, IL. Demonstrating his ability to quickly reach results, all were opened within six months of inception, and all were subsequently sold for a substantial profit. From 2001 to 2005, Basri turned his attention to central Illinois, where he created a concept of bringing fine dining and service to traditional family restaurant markets, providing an affordable option that still offered more sophisticated style and service. His two restaurants, The Range (El Paso, IL) and The Park (Bloomington, IL) were sold in 2006 for a profit. During this time, Basri was also featured on a weekly morning news program, bringing his infectious enthusiasm for good food and good times to the airwaves.

Since moving to Punta Mita, Mexico in November 2006, Basri has been involved in the resort real estate business in this area, initially as top-performing sales executive and director of sales of the Los Veneros condominium project from initial launch of project, personally generating over $18,000,000 in sales and overseeing total sales in excess of $49,000,000 in its first year. In addition, Basri has provided consulting services to a variety of other area projects.

As an entrepreneur who believes in diversification, Basri’s ventures extend into the independent mortgage brokerage business and the importation and sale of fine Persian rugs, in addition to the restaurant and real estate industries. Over the years, he has established an impressive network of professional contacts throughout the United States, Latin America, Europe and Middle East. Basri enjoys taking on new challenges and seeing them to a successful completion, working to achieve a rapid turnaround.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS

AMPI (Professional Real Estate Broker Association, Mexico) Punta Mita Developers Association Puerto Vallarta Tourism Advisory Council National Restaurant Association B A S R I EMIN I P A G E 2

EDUCATION BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION University of Illinois – Urbana-Champagne, IL ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS Family, Soccer, Little League Soccer Coach, Karate – Green Belt, Golf , Punta Mita Residents’ Beach Club Owner’s Council Cooking, Entertaining

[ruckystarnes]

Sweet Implications

Author: RuckyStarnes

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Sam Wilson (Black Falcon)

Warnings: slight language, sexual tension, noncanon ship

Words: 2,723

Square Filled/Daily Challenge: February 5 - Kissing

Written for/Dedicated to: Love All the Marvel Ships challenge hosted by @captain-rogers-beard 

Summary: Natasha and Sam are on an assignment in Mexico to take down a drug lord. Everything went down as planned and Natasha now looked forward to a hot shower and sleep.

A/N: You guys have no idea how much I really needed a reason to actually finish this Sam and Nat story I started two years ago. This challenge was enough for me to just get off my ass and get it done. I hope you enjoy

For the fourth time that night, Natasha caught Sam looking at her across the outdoor bar. They were on a mission to take down some lowlife drug lord in Mexico; Natasha was suppose to lure him and subdue him and Sam was backup.

"Wilson, you're supposed to be back up," Natasha teased into the com, "not watching me." She took a sip of the sangria she's been nursing for the last hour. Their intel told then that their mark would be coming to this particular cantina in the evenings, but he never had a schedule. So every night, Natasha would sit at the same table, wearing a different sundress each time. Sam would note to himself how fantastic she would look in each feminine one; how she haphazardly piled her hair on her head, the few loose tresses caressing her bare back and shoulders.

"Well, you are the bait," Sam countered, a smile across his face, his glasses hiding his eyes. "I would be bad backup if I took my eyes off of it."

Natasha narrowed her eyes in his direction, lifting her glass once again to take a rather large sip of the wine concoction. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but Sam looked good in the light blue short sleeved button down and khaki shorts. "Call me bait again Wilson," she glowered at him.

"Oh, c'mon Nat, you know I'm joking," he chuckled. He raised the glass of beer in her direction. "But you are beautiful," he finished.

Natasha rolled her eyes, but she could feel her cheeks heat up and she mentally scolded herself for letting Sam get to her like that. It's not like she enjoys having a cold hearted bitch exterior, but it kept her from getting hurt. "Focus, Wilson," she chided as she turned around and leaned back against the bar.

"You think I can focus better looking at your back?" Sam asked. "Still beautiful from behind." She could hear the smirk through the com.

"Would you just do your job?" she sighed, frustrated. It was almost as bad as dealing with Stark. Almost.

"Yes ma'am," Sam replied with a teasing tone.

Natasha eyed the crowd, not seeing their mark and she was starting to get perturbed that they have been wasting all week on a chance that they will find this guy. Frustrated, she downed the rest of her drink, not seeing the look Sam gave her

"Quieres otra señorita?" the bartender asked from behind her.

Natasha shook her head and got up from the stool she's been occupying for the last two hours. "Sam, I don't think he's coming tonight," she said and took a step, tripping on the stool next to her. A hand grabbed her forearm while another was at the small if her back. Her head shot up to have her green eyes meet those of a stormy gray.

Well, damn. I guess tonight's the night, Natasha thought as she smiled at the man who was their mark. All she had to do is get him alone so SHIELD could apprehend him without incident.

"Se encuentra bien, señorita?" the man asked. He was definitely not Hispanic as his skin was olive colored, thick, dark brown hair, and his accent was that of the Mediterranean region.

She was in the hands of Cyril Zografos.

Natasha gave her best smile. "Thank you. Those sangrias are rather potent," she spoke, portraying the innocent look and naïvity of a tourist. And it worked.

"Yes, they can be," Zografos said in English. He held her arm until she regain her balance and she gave him a shy smile.

"Thank you, señor," she whispered, making herself blush.

Zografos gave her a charming smile. "I'm Cyril. Were you leaving? If not, I wouldn't mind the company of a beautiful kyría such as yourself," he offered.

"Kyría?" feigned Natasha as she twisted a lock of hair around her finger. She knew the meaning, but what 'American' knows Greek when they hear it?

"Lady in Greek. I'm from a small town in Greece and only moved to Puerto Vallarta a few years back for a change of scenery," he explained, and she acted surprised even though she knew everything about this man. "Why don't you sit awhile with me. Would you like another sangria or maybe a margarita?"

It wasn't an offer, but a command, and any one, agent or not, could hear the danger in his tone if you refused. Natasha nodded and chose a sangria, her eyes glanced around for Sam, but she was unable to find him.

Damn it, Wilson. This is not the time, she thought to herself. She was going to kill him if he found some pretty girl to distract him, and she was using the excuse of poor mission etiquette for that feeling.

"So, what's your name, kyría?" he asked, thanking the barman setting a beer down in front of him and a sangria in front of Natasha.

"Natalie," she responded, twirling the red lock again.

"Ah, you are a gift from God," Zografos said with a smile. Natasha smiled and blushed like any normal person would, but she was fighting the urge to roll her eyes. The man was terrible with flirting and Natasha wasn’t one to be flirted with; she did the flirting herself. She forced herself to listen Zografos talk about anything and everything, trying to impress her. She would nod and raise her eyebrows at the right time, yawning on the inside. He was trying hard to impress her, and she was going to feign being impressed. He was very sure of himself and was working to get her to go back to his room.

Her thoughts were broken to Sam's voice in her ear.

"Just get him alone, Red," her partner said. She resisted the urge to clench her jaw. He knew she hated being called that. Of course he was going to take the opportunity to call her it when she can't kick his ass.

"Well, it's been a pleasure, Cyril," she said sweetly, getting up from her chair, only to be stopped by his hand on her wrist, gripping her rather harsh for a man who was trying to impress a woman he had just met. It took all her will to keep her muscle memory from kicking in.

"Please, let me walk you back to your room," he offered, and Natasha smiled at him, nodding. What better opportunity. Her room was nowhere in the area of the resort that she walked, but it was best to be far away from others in case things went south. They rounded a corner and Natasha caught a glimpse of a blue shirt behind a tree and she smiled, pleased that Sam was already in position. She stopped in front of a random room and turned to Zografos ready to bid him goodnight, but he pinned her against the door, his mouth next to her ear, hands on her hips.

"Sas thélo, kai tha échete," he whispered as his hands slid from hips to cup her ass. Before she could even process, she saw Zografos fall to the ground, seeing Sam in place where he once stood, syringe in hand.

"You alright, Red?" Sam asked, his brow furrowed as he capped the syringe.

"I'm fine, Wilson," she responded vehemently, as the door behind her opened. Two people in tactical gear emerged, assessing Zografos. Her part was done and there was no need for her to stick around. SHIELD had their man now, and there wasn’t a part of her that wanted to be around Sam a moment longer than required. He grated her last nerve with the last utterance of that awful nickname he loved to call her. "I'm just going to go back and wash his stench off of me."

Before Sam could get a word in, she stormed off towards the room she was resided in. Her mind swarming with how did she let Zografos get that close and have the upper hand. She was perfectly alert the whole way until she saw...

"Проклятье," she swore as she opened her door, the handle slamming into the wall behind it, knocking some of the poor-excuse of drywall loose. With a loud slam of the door she stalked across the small room, reaching the bathroom in just seconds. She needed a hot shower and a bottle of whiskey. There was too much she didn’t want to think about and she only had hours to decompress before being stuck in an airplane with the man who drove her crazy, and not in a good way.

Natasha walked out of the bathroom half an hour later, fresh out of the shower, and made her way to her duffle to retrieve underwear. She slipped the black lace garment on then threw on the black tank top. She took her hair out of the towel that was in a lose turban and started to squeeze the excess water from her hair before she combed it. The comb barely was on the end table when there was a knock at her door. Her ballet training was made for this particular scenarios: going undetected as she quickly light footed to the door, grabbing the gun she had stashed away behind the chair cushion when she arrived. She was about to peek through the hole when a voice stopped her.

"C'mon, Red. You can put the gun away, it's just me."

She groaned internally as she put the gun back, and unlocked the door to open it. "What do you want, Wilson?" she asked, closing the door after Sam entered. He was only wearing a pair of basketball shorts that hung dangerously low on his hip, and she had to tear her eyes away before he noticed. получить контроль, Romanoff, she chided to herself as she stepped aside to let him in.

"Can't I check up on my partner?" he asked, his umber eyes quickly raked over her body, and she felt even hotter under his gaze. She scolded herself for letting him get to her like this, knowing he was just a huge flirt: all talk, no action.

"I'm fine. Just going to to bed," she answered. "Good night." She turned away from him, feeling heat rise to her cheeks and down her neck, letting him to see the door to himself. She started to braid her shoulder length hair as she stood in front of the bathroom mirror.

Sam didn't move; he stayed rooted in the middle of her room, arms crossed over his broad chest. "Why are you so cold, Red? And don't you tell me it's because you're Russian. You haven't been Russian since what? 2002?"

"2004 actually, but that doesn't matter," she said quietly from the bathroom. "And I'm not cold, just have trust issues." She emerged from the small room, arms crossed over her chest as she fixed a hard gaze on him.

"Kind of need trust to be working with someone," Sam replied as he sat down in one of the chairs by the small table. Natasha walked towards him, plait over her shoulder, and rolled her eyes.

“There are five people in the world I trust with my life irrefutable,” she said lowly, holding up a finger for each person, “James, Clint, Fury, Coulson, and Steve. Now, I put up with you and your bantering only because Steve trusts you, but that doesn’t mean I have to trust you.”

“Being a spy since you were in kindergarten has made you cold, you know that?” His voice was low, and the look he gave her was one that she had never seen him give her.

“What’s that supposed to mean, Sam?” She was annoyed and just wanted to lie down after having to spend most of her time sitting in the most uncomfortable chair she had the pleasure of using. “Are you going to tell me that I am incapable of being empathetic and all that next? I am empathetic and I do care, I’m just tired and listening you call me Red has fried my last nerve.” Sam gave her another look she was unable to decipher which in turn made her growl in frustration. “And you give me these looks that are just irritating as fuck.” Her answer was a chuckle, and for some reason it was the last straw. Her hand moved before she could reason with herself, looking for the satisfying smack of it connecting with the side of his face, instead, his fingers wrapped around her wrist, stopping the impact by mere millimeters, which astounded her. He didn’t say anything, just stood, holding onto her wrist as if she would try again as he brought himself to his full stature and leaving little room for her to move.

Confusion washed over as she took a step back only for him to take one towards her, following her far as to have her backed into the wall. No one had ever backed her into anything and didn’t get a fight out of her, but she couldn’t with him. “Sam, what are you doing?” she breathed out as fear washed over. She could read people to the point of predicting their next move, but Sam was being an enigma for her. He was doing something she never could anticipate, getting close to her where it was way beyond personal.

“Natasha, for a brilliant woman, you are rather slow when a guy is flirting with you,” he replied, his voice lower than ever.

“Calling me Red isn’t flirting.” She tried to sound like her normal self, but her voice was soft and airy. She could have slapped herself for sounding like some lovesick teenager, and she knew she wasn’t. Right?

“Do you need a more direct approach?” Sam asked, voice dropping another octave as he leaned in. She could feel his breath fan across his face, the heat from his body through the thin material of her shirt..

“To what?” There was the gusto she was looking for when he first arrived, but before she could even smirk, he closed the small distance between them, his lips gentle against hers. He was being a gentleman, even if he was taking the lead. His grip on her wrist loosened, which meant he was giving her the freedom to push him away, to have an out. But she didn’t want that. This chaste kiss sparked something in her, and instead of rejecting him, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself into him further. For once in Natasha’s life she didn’t think of the motives behind his actions and allowed herself to just feel. She ended the kiss, slowly pulling back to look him in the eye. He saw was her vulnerability and it scared her. Before she could even speak, he leaned in again and this time the kiss was deeper, his body pushing her up against the wall as his hands held her hips firmly. She parted her lips, allowing him access she rarely granted as her fingers slipped under the elastic of the shorts he was wearing. He never asked for more, knowing that if he did, it would spook her, and she never gave more than asked. Fingers roamed and lips moved off course a few times, leaving Natasha gasping for breath when he found the little spot just below her ear that sent waves of heat rolling through her body. He knew her somehow, where to suck and nip, how to hold and touch her.

“Sam,” she breathed, her hands holding onto his upper arms now, halfheartedly pushing him away. “I’m damaged beyond repair and really, this will not work out betw--” His finger silenced her, pressing against her lips in such a softness that Natasha hadn’t known in a long time.

“We won’t know that unless we try,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to her jaw, lips trailing up so he could nip her earlobe, making her whimper, something she never did. “Just allow yourself to feel for once, Red. Turn off that gorgeous brain of yours and enjoy what is being given to you. What you deserve.” Lips began their descent along her her neck, his fingers pulling aside the neckline of the shirt so he could explore even more of her.

[powerexec]

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[amongsthewavesff]

Three

Almost 5 months passed since that day. Soon I would finish college and I had already met a very nice guy, Derek.

Derek was friends with one of my best friends, Patty. Lately we had been sharing a lot of time together.

Patty was a brunette with curly hair and big honey eyes, with a carefree look and a scandalous laugh. Melissa had a beautiful skin, blond hair to the waist and a huge love for science, we were the best friends, we knew each other since we were little. And about Derek ... Derek, he was very handsome and also very witty, we always had a good time together.

I will not deny that I forced myself not to think about him, and I succeeded most of the time, I tried not to see him in everything. Karen, her mother kept calling me constantly, we were good friends and that's why she avoided talking to me about her son. My friends always supported me and gave me a lot of love while the most difficult thing happened. Now the only important thing was to finish with the school and the graduation trip that we organized with Zack and Garret, their boyfriends.

Another two months passed and it was finally over, I was ready for the trip to Mexico. We would go to Puerto Vallarta, in Jalisco. I was very excited and excited about the adventure that meant being able to do it with my two best friends ...

My dad knocked on my door:

Darling, this has come to you ...- He handed me an envelope, his gesture was doubtful, just like mine. -You don't have to open it if you do not want to.

-Oh ..- It was a letter from Eddie.

-You know? We can keep it until you come back from Mexico ...

-No daddy. It's okay ... thanks- I smiled.

-Ok, I'll be out there in case you need me- kissed me on the forehead.

I sat on the bed and with a little doubt I finally opened it ...

"My dear one:

You know, Belle?

It has been a long time and I still don't understand your decision, however, I think it has stopped hurting. I heard your message on the answering machine a couple of days ago ... you're right. And I will be, on the shore, waiting to touch your hand again.

According to my memory, you are concluding the uni in these days and I want to congratulate you, I am sure that from this moment there will be nothing more than all the success you deserve. Things around here are very good, I think you would feel proud of the most of them. I hope.

Life works in very strange ways, and everything is happening very fast, I hope you are enjoying yourself a lot and you still being the same angel, always. If you ever think about visiting Seattle, call me, I wrote my number behind the photo.

I'm finally getting used to the weather, it's not that bad. And well, the band is called Pearl Jam, do you remember the story?

Be happy, Isabelle. I love you forever.

Eddie "

I sat for several minutes, with the sheet in my hand ... what was that?

I lit a cigarette, some tears spilled from my eyes ... I put my hand in the envelope there were two more things. It was the picture of us, sitting on the sand, he was hugging me and we were both smiling, spilling love through his eyes. The other was a slightly wrinkled sheet, it was a song called "Black"

Sheets of empty canvas, untouched sheets of clay Were laid spread out before me as her body once did All five horizons revolved around her soul, as the earth to the sun Now the air I tasted and breathed has taken a turn

And all I taught her was everything I know she gave me all that she wore And now my bitter hands chafe beneath the clouds Of what was everything All the pictures have, all been washed in black Tattooed everything

I take a walk outside, I'm surrounded by some kids at play I can feel their laughter, so why do I sear? And twisted thoughts that spin 'round my head I'm spinning,  I'm spinning How quick the sun can, drop away?

And now my bitter hands cradle broken glass Of what was everything All the pictures had, all been washed in black Tattooed everything All the love gone bad Turned my world to black Tattooed all I see All that I am All I'll be

I know someday you'll have a beautiful life I know you'll be a star In somebody else's sky But why can't it be mine?

"I thought in called it "Belle" but was kind of bad name, right?"- he added at end of the sheet.

Wow ... so this was...a song after years of relationship and it has to be just a song of heartbreak ... well done, Eddie. I dropped it on the floor.

The next morning I said goodbye to my dad and my dog, Luca. I took my suitcase and got into the taxi to the airport.

From the trip I can say that everything was perfect, even what I did not expect to happen at all.

While we shared a bonfire on the beach of the hotel, Patty and Mel had a romantic time with their partners, Derek and I smoked a cigarette and had a beer. Looking towards the sea, in the middle of a silence nothing uncomfortable, Derek spoke to me:

-Isabelle ... Belle, Chabela, as the mexicans say ...- he smiled

-Aw, right! It sounds funny ...- I smiled back

-Look, Belle ... I want you to know something, you're not obliged to answer, ok?

-Oh, how much mystery- smile- tell me

-I like you very much, it's very easy to feel good by your side and I don't know, I just wanted you to know ... I don't lose hope that one day you'll look at me.

-Derek ...- I smiled stupidly ...- and?

-And this ...- said approaching to give me a long and warm kiss. It was tender and I felt something that I never thought to feel again in my stomach, nerves and emotion.

We stared at each other for a moment, smiling with some complicity.

-You are really beautiful, Isabelle ...

-Thanks- I blushed.

We kissed again. Returning to the bongalow, everything looked like something out of a chick flick movie

We kissed a couple of times until we were dancing in the small livingroom of the place.

Soon looking at us, lowered a strap of my dress, I smiled ... and kissed him as a sign of approval. He lowered the other one while caressing my shoulder.

He kissed all my chest and I took him to the bed that was lit by a beautiful bright moon.

All the time I was surprised, I mean, I had never been with another man and honestly he had made me feel too many things. His lips were soft, sometimes strong and his hands seemed to want to crawl under my skin ... the night was incredibly romantic.

-What do you think? - Asked me while lighting a cigarette.

-Not much, I just look at you ...- I remained reclining on the pillow

-I want to try whatever you want us to be, Belle. After this I'll not able to stop thinking about you for a single moment. - He smiled with some malice.

-Derek, I ... I'll be honest. I was afraid to think about having something with someone again, I thought I would never be ready, but somehow, this also surprised me. You make me feel things that I never imagined feeling again and besides, I want to try it too, because I really like you...

-Are you serious?

-Yes - I smiled at seeing his huge smile.

-I want to make love to you again ...- he turned to me and everything happened again ... it was fantastic.

[stateofsport211]

📸 🎥 ATP official website

L. Draxl's step-up attempt became more evident as his intensity slightly ramped up, but Nishesh was still able to maintain his range despite several hurdles outside of his thigh injury, for which he took numerous medical timeouts for. Somehow, in the fourth game, Nishesh faced 2 break points due to L. Draxl's previous pass only for his forehand down-the-line winner to save the second one, but he saved another break point with a successful volley before securing the massive hold to 2-2.

Subsequently, the American first seed broke to 3-2 thanks to his successful volley, but the Canadian sixth seed responded through another volley to set up his one-point lead before he broke to 3-3 thanks to his cross-court backhand pass, which left Nishesh with no options at the net. L. Draxl then confirmed the level of play as he held to 4-3, but Nishesh's cross-court backhand winners not only did pave his way to but also allowed him to break to 5-4.

As a result, Nishesh earned the opportunity to serve for the match. However, L. Draxl fumbled this with a backhand pass that set up another lead before he broke back to 5-5. Alas, the tie-breaker became inevitable 2 games later, which Nishesh started with a working forehand winner to mini-break (1-0), but L. Draxl's pass quickly negated it (1-1). It was not until the Canadian scored an intuitive volley to mini-break 4-2 before Nishesh held again to 4-3, but two straight forehand winners from the first seed put him slightly ahead to 5-4. Afterward, Nishesh generated his match point, which was immediately converted to take the second set 7-6(4), as well as winning him another Challenger-level title.

[vallartayates2]

Rejuvenate AndEnjoy A Relaxing Vacation On A Luxury Yacht

Do you want to throw a party while sailing on the azure sea waters? The experience of vacation of a luxury yacht or attending a yacht party is quite memorable. The sun, breeze, and the sea water, all of it makes everything beautiful, larger than life.

Indulge into a Luxury Yacht Experience

The summers are the best time to experience the luxury of a yacht. With Yates enRentaen Puerto Vallarta, sail on the sea water with your friends and family enjoying a close gala party.  The yacht accommodating a group of people is great for throwing a lavish party.

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·         The pleasure charters are luxury yachts to celebrate a day of fun and adventure with your family and friends. All amenities are present.

The professional yacht renting companies can customize the requirement as per the client. The size of the yacht depends largely on the number of people. The yachts take the guests on picturesque open sea landscape while enjoying the luxury amenities and the comfortable sail.

Renting a Luxury Yacht for Perfect Vacation

A luxury yacht is perfect for planning a perfect vacation. With a yacht, you can enjoy a memorable time spending on the beach and coastal areas. The pleasant weather and breeze makes the whole journey beautiful. It is a unique, relaxing, and amazing experience.

It is a pleasing experience as it is away from the noise. There are all the amenities in the yachts and further it can be customized as per the requirement. The yacht is even perfect for romantic outing with your partner. People can enjoy all sorts of water adventure activity.

With the yacht, one can enjoy wide range of activities including fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, paddle surfing etc. The world class facilities and comfort makes it convenient. The lure of exploring secluded beaches with a private yacht tour makes it all very special.

Finding the Right Luxury Yacht Provider

Sea is fun and beautiful, full of amazing incredible creatures. Exploring the sea on a yacht makes the experience better. It is important to find the right renting service for the yacht experience. The Yates enRentaen Puerto Vallarta are available for events, parties, and wedding reception.

While choosing the yacht provider, the first thing to look for is the size depending on the number of people to be onboard. The luxury yacht must have all the necessary amenities which is essential for enjoying the vacation or the party.

The yacht must have an assortment of delectable meal as well as beverages. The yacht must even have amenities for fun activities like sauna, swimming pool, snorkel etc. A yacht with amenities for all fun activities makes the yacht vacation and party incredible.

[moneymarce]

||Bout this nigga named Marcel||

ORIGINS & FAMILY

Full Name: Marcel Alejandro Anderson

Reason for name: Marcel means little warrior. Alejandro means defender.

Nickname(s) and how they got them: Dro

Date of Birth: May 5, 1989

Age: 28

Gender: Male

Place of birth: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Places lived since: Long Beach, CA

Social Class: Middle Class

Parents’ names, backgrounds, occupations: Tanya Anderson, Mexican and African-American, unemployed

Siblings: Marisol Anderson, 13

Relationship with family (close? estranged?): Close with majority of his family.

Children of his/her own?: Yes, Elijah.

If so, relationship with child’s mother/father?: Working on co-parenting.

Age he/she became a parent: 24

PHYSICAL

Height: 5′8

Weight: 150

Build: Plush lmao not chubby, but not muscular.

Race: Mexican & African-American

Nationality: Mexican-American

Face Shape: Oval

Distinguishing Facial Features: None

Hair Color: Black

Usual Hair Style: Either buzzed cut or curly

Eye Color: Dark brown

Complexion (freckles, acne, skin tone, birth marks, scars): Light bright with clear skin.

Disabilities (physical or mental, including mental illnesses): N/A

Health (usually sick? or very resilient? allergies?): Resilient, but is somewhat lactose intolerant.

What do they consider their best feature?: Lips or smile

Worst they’ve ever been injured (what, how did it happen)?: Broke a leg running the streets doing hoodrat stuff with his friends.

Ticklish: Nope

APPEARANCE

Style of dress/typical outfit(s): Laid-back Cali type of style. He’s either wearing his postal service uniform or a proclub tee and some khakis.

Typical style of shoes: Nike Cortez, loafers or Converses.

How does he/she dress up?: Dress down?: He’s always dressed down. He cleans up with a suit or blazer.

Favorite outfit: A proclub, khakis and Cortez’s. That simple.

Glasses? Contacts?: Glasses only when he drives at night.

Personal Hygiene: Is this a question? Lol he’s WAY into personal hygiene and self care. Probably the most cared for nigga around.

Grooming (makeup? shower daily? wear only clean clothes? pluck eyebrows?): Who doesn’t shower daily? Dirty asses lol. 

Jewelry? Tattoos? Piercings?: He is always wearing at least one gold chain and bracelet. He has a few tattoos, but nothing major. His ears and tongue is pierced. 

What does their voice sound like?: Its deep, kind of raspy.

Style of speech (loud, mumbler, articulate, etc.): He’s very articulate and well spoken.

Accent?: He sounds like a Cali dude. That type of vernacular and slang.

Unique mannerisms/physical habits (bites nails, talks with hands, taps feet when restless): He bites the inside of his cheek out of habit. He runs his hand over his head or the back of his neck when hes nervous.

Left handed or right?: Right

What does their writing look like?: Pretty neat for a guy. He writes small.

Do they work out/exercise?: The only work out he gets is fucking @rhodesasha and at work lmaoooo.

BELIEFS & INTELLECT

Level of self esteem: He fakes the funk at times, but he tries to have the highest self esteem.

Known Languages: Gwuapanese. Lmao. Nah, English and Spanish

Zodiac (sign and if they lend any credence to it): Taurus, somewhat.

Gifts/talents: He’s a poet- a natural talker, thinker. He knows how to express his feelings and put them into words.

Shortcomings: He tends to try to help everyone. Somewhat of a Captain Save A Hoe.

Most sensitive about/vulnerable to: Hes sensitive about everything honestly lol

Happiest memory: Marisol’s 1st Christmas sticks out to him. A time when his family was altogether and there were no worries.

Life philosophy: To just live and take everything for what it is.

Religious stance: Not completely religious, but does believe in God.

Political stance: FDT! He’s very much into politics, but not so into the parties and having to stick and choose with one certain individual just because they’re a certain party.

Pet peeves: People that touch his things and doesn’t put them back in their place. People that say they’re going to do something and don’t do it. 

Vices: Nah.

Bad habits: Trusting and loving these hoes. Lmao.

Neuroses: Nope.

Disgusts: Women that don’t take care of themselves.

Superstitious: Somewhat.

Sense of humor: Whats the question here? Lol who doesn’t have a sense of humor?

How do they deal with stress? Smoke a blunt, light some candles, take a bubble bath, talk through it with his girl, a friend or his cousin.

What do they do to get pumped up? Listen to music.

What do they do when upset? The same things as when hes stressed.

What about angry? The same.

How do they react to frustrations (get worked up, calm down and think through it logically, give up, etc)?: Some of all of the above. It depends on the situation surrounding his frustration.

How do they accept failure (both from themselves and others)?: Depends on the situation, but he just deals with it.

Level of comfort with technology: He thinks its great for certain things like being able to have the knowledge of anything in the palm of your hands, but it also takes away from relationships, communication, etc.

Believe in the supernatural: Yes.

Believe in an afterlife: Yes.

Believe in happy endings: Yeah.

How do they want to be remembered?: As a kind individual that did his best to reach and help people.

Good with their hands (if so, practical/crafting or fine arts)?: Yes in more ways than one *wink wink* lmao. He can build and put things together well.

How fast do they learn new things? Better with book knowledge or hands on approach?: He’s a quick learner. Does best with watching first and then trying.

How do they feel about asking for help? Depends on what the situation is, but his pride isn’t that big that he won’t ask for help.

“Left brain” or “right brain” thinker?: Right for sure.

Optimist or pessimist: Optimist.

Extrovert or introvert: A mixture of both depending on who he is around.

Leader or follower: Leader.

Makes decisions based mostly on emotions, or on logic?: Emotions for sure. Logic kicks in after the fact.

Cautious or daring: Depends on what it is.

Spontaneous or planner: Planner.

Thinker or doer? Both.

Organized or messy: Depends.

Worrier or carefree: Worrier.

Artistic?: Yes.

Mathematical?: Not really.

SEX & INTIMACY

Current marital/relationship/sexual status: In a relationship with Sasha

Sexual orientation (is it something they question or a secret): Heterosexual

Past relationships and sexual partners (if applicable): Only known person here would be Imani.

What is their “type” in regards to looks in a partner? He doesn’t discriminate.

Ideal mate/qualities they look for in mate: Someone caring, that’ll listen to him when its time to listen and react when its time to. Someone loving that cares about their family and friends. Someone with goals and that is actively working towards those goals.

Primary reason for being broken up with: Wanting the other to open up when it wasn’t in their personality to. Personalities just not meshing well together.

Primary reasons for breaking up with people: Same as above.

Views on sex (one night stands, promiscuity, etc): Sex is a deeper connection with someone and theres a swapping of energy there. Can’t go swapping that energy with every and anyone.

Age and story of first kiss (if any—if not, how does he/she want it to happen?): 5, it just happened.

Age and story of loss of virginity (if any—if not, how does he/she want it to happen, if at all?): 13, fucked a shorty that lived down the street from him. No story to it he just wanted to see what it was about.

Level of sexual experience: Errrr. Lmao. I didn’t realize it was levels to this lmao.

Do they have any unfulfilled sexual fantasies?: Not really.

Wildest/strangest sexual experience? Would they do it again? The wildest would be fucking a milf he delivered mail to when he first started working for USPS. 

Do they have any fetishes or kinks? Nah.

Have they lied about their previous sexual partners to current/potential partners? Nope.

Love or Lust: Love.

Ever been in love?: Yes.

Do they fall in love easily?: Yeah lol

Do they take relationships seriously?: Very much so.

Worst thing they’ve done to someone they loved? N/A People always doing shit to him D: Lmao

Do they desire marriage and/or children in their future? Yes he does.

Believe in true love or soul mates? Yes. Soul mates for sure.

Thoughts on public displays of affection?: Depends. He can either be really shy about it or not care.

How do they flirt: He flirts without realizing he’s flirting. It happens casually through conversation.

How do they show affection/love to their partner?: Physically, through his words and through gifts.

Thoughts on cheating/cheaters? Have they ever cheated? Cheating is the worst thing someone could do in a relationship. They’ve never cheated, but they’ve been cheated on.

Idea of perfect date: Something simple. He’s all about the simple things in life. A picnic, a 90s movie night, face masks and chill.

RELATIONSHIPS

Social Habits (popular, loner, some close friends, makes friends and then quickly drops them): He has a couple close friends, but most of the time he makes friends with people and then they get into an argument and the other blocks him.

How do they treat others (politely, rudely, keep at distance, etc)?: He tries to be the kindest person, but if given a reason to he will keep people at a distance.

Do they trust people easily or tend to be wary?: Trusts easily.

How often do they see friends and family? Whenever time allows him to.

Are they good at keeping in touch? If not, does this bother loved ones?: He’s good at keeping in touch with people as long as they give the same effort.

What is relationship with parents/family?: He has a close relationship with the people in his family. He talks to them about any and everything.

Any roommates or close neighbors: @livinin-sin

Person most dependent on: Himself or his cousin.

Most comfortable around (person): @rhodesasha

Oldest friend: His cousin.

Closest friend: Liucena :( But since shes no longer around, Riley.

Worst enemy: Doesn’t have any.

Rival (at what and why): Doesn’t have any.

Most important person in their life?: His abuela.

Who do they most respect and why?: His mother. Through the life she lives she continues to keep her positive outlook.

Who would they turn to if they needed help and why?: Depends on what type of help, but Sincere first.

How does he/she think others perceive him/her?: Depends on the person and their relationship, but he thinks that people tend to like him.

How do others actually perceive him/her?: ??? Question for them lol.

Argue or avoid conflict?: Depends on the situation and his energy level.

Thoughts on large groups of people?: Depends if its random people or if its family. If its random people he is pretty introverted. Unless it has to do with poetry, then he is open.

Main quality they look for in people: A kind spirit.

Have they ever lost anyone close to them? How did they handle it? Liucena left him :( He misses her, but hes handling.

How do they show affection?: Didn’t y’all already ask this? Lol.

Do they act differently around strangers than friends? If so, how differently?: Yeah, he could be openly himself and goofy around friends. Around strangers he’s more reserved.

Would they ever consider adopting a child? Why or why not?: He would. Everyone deserves love and to have a family.

VOCATION

Level of education: High school diploma

Profession: USPS Mailman

Describe their work space: A mess of sorting mail or on the truck to deliver

If no job, where do finances come from? N/A

Past occupations: Pushing that weight when he was in high school.

Dream occupation: An author, poet.

Passions: Art, poetry, activism

Attitude towards current job: It’s cool, he likes it. It pays the bills.

Attitude towards current coworkers, bosses, employees: He’s cool with everyone that works there.

Salary: $51,390 a year

Spender or Saver? Why?: Both. He likes to spend money and splurge from time to time.

Which is more important – money or doing something they love?: Doing something they love.

SECRETS

Phobias: None.

Life goals: To get books published while still working for and retire with USPS. Get married, have kids and travel. In no particular order.

Dreams: His goals are his dreams.

Greatest fears: Death, but its inevitable so.

Most embarrassing thing ever to happen to him/her: A girl told him off in front of everyone in the lunchroom.

Something they’ve never told anyone: He secretly wants to suck Sasha’s toes. Lmaaaooo.

Biggest regret: He lives life with no regrets.

Compulsions: Besides buying things he doesn’t need? None.

Obsessions: None.

Secret hobbies: None.

Secret skills: None.

Past sexual transgressions: No.

Police/Criminal/Legal record (Crimes committed? If so, were they caught? charged?): Petty crimes that didn’t lead to any real jail time. Spent some time in juvie though.

What he/she most wants to change about his/her current life?: Nothing. He is content with life.

What he/she most wants to change about his/her physical appearance?: Nothing.

LIKES & DISLIKES

Hobbies: Writing, reading, smoking, spending time with his girl

Indoors or Outdoors?: Indoors, unless its the beach then outdoors

Favorite color: Red

Favorite smell: Egyptian Musk

Favorite and least favorite food: Steak and lobster ; pork anything.

Favorite and least favorite book: Ballad of a Ghetto poet. Doesn’t have a least favorite book.

Favorite and least favorite movie: Friday. If he doesn’t care for a movie he just doesn’t care for it.

Favorite and least favorite song: Tupac-Changes

Favorite and least favorite holiday (and why): Christmas ; Columbus Day because obvious reasons.

Coffee or tea?: Tea

Crunchy or smooth peanut butter?: Smooth. Block him for me if you like crunchy peanut butter.

Do they watch TV? If so, what?: Yes, whatever is on.

Favorite place to hang out: His room

Do they like music? What kind?: Of course, old school and 90s hip-hop and r&b.

Favorite type of weather: Sunny, warm.

Favorite form of entertainment: Live entertainment. The strip club lmao

How do they feel about traveling?: He loves to travel.

What sort of gifts do they like? Whatever anyone puts thought into getting him.

MORALITY

Ever been in an argument (with who, about what, what happened): He argues with any and everyone about the smallest of things.

Ever been in a physical altercation (with who, about what, what happened): Of course with a lot of people growing up.

What trait do they find most admirable and why?: Honesty, lying is pointless.

Thoughts on violence: It is what it is, but senseless violence is ..senseless.

One act most ashamed of: I don’t know lol.

Most proud of: Himself, his career, his life.

Evil – born or bred: Bred.

Is redemption possible (if so, are there limitations): Yeah.

Does the end justify the means?: Depends on the situation.

Good of the one or the many?: What are these questions? Lmao

Can they be manipulative?: Yeah.

Do they think it’s okay to cry (if not, why)?: Yes.

When did they last cry and why?: When he found out the results of the paternity test.

Would they be able to kill (if so, under what circumstances)?: Yeah if someone is threatening his life.

Who or what would they die for (or go to extremes for)?: His family.

Anything they refuse to do under any circumstances (and why)?: Put his hands on a woman.

Biases/prejudices?: None.

What, if anything, shocks or offends them?: Nothing shocks him. He expects the unexpected these days.

What is their reputation? I don’t know.. thats what others think of him.

Cusser?: Yeah lol

How do they react to unwanted sexual advances?: This doesn’t happen to him.

How would they react to stranger being bullied/abused?: What about an animal?: Try to stick up for the person being bullied or abused. Not really going out of his way for an animal.

How susceptible are they to peer pressure?: Not at all.

How do they react to conflict, both verbally and physically?: His jaw will clench, his hands will probably ball into fists, but thats about it. His voice will rise too.

Easily forgive or hold grudges?: Easily forgives.

Forgive self or live with regret/guilt?: Forgive himself. Hes working on it.

Would they ever cheat someone? Under what circumstances? Nope.

Have they ever been betrayed? By who? How did it affect them/their relationship?: Yeah. Some of the homies betrayed him. He’s done with someone after they cross him.

Would they ever betray a friend/loved one? If so, under what circumstances? Nope.

Do they respect the belief of others, even if it’s at odds with their own?: Yeah.

Stand up for own beliefs or hide/avoid discussing them with people who have opposing views?: Stand up for his own beliefs.

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

Thoughts on drugs and alcohol: He’s cool with smoking weed and getting his drink on every so often or even a glass of wine to cool down with.

Do they smoke? If so, do they want to quit?: Yes weed and no he doesn’t care to quit.

Age of first cigarette: 13, but he only smokes one if he must.

Age when they first got drunk (what happened, consequences):

Do they drink on regular basis: Nope.

What type of alcohol do they prefer: That OE lol, but whatever he can get his hands on.

Have they ever tried other drugs (which, what happened, consequences): Nah.

Do they have any addictions?: Nope.

DETAILS

Most important/defining event in life to date: Finding out he has a son.

Daily routine: Wake up, get ready for work, go to work, come home, do some type of self care, go to sleep and do it all over again.

Sleeping habits (Night owl or early bird? Light or heavy sleeper? Fall asleep anywhere or need specific conditions?): Night owl. A heavy sleeper. Depends on the level of tired.

Typical Saturday night: Chilling at home with Sash, watching a movie or something.

Most used word or phrase?: I don’t know lol

What is home like (messy, neat, sparse): Depends, but most of the time its neat. Everything has its place.

Type of car he/she drives (or wishes he/she drove): Toyota Camry.

Pets?: If not, do they want any?: None, doesn’t want one.

Most prized possession: His journal.

One word to best describe them: Multifaceted.

What are you likely to find in their pockets? Purse/bag/backpack/wallet?: His wallet, keys and phone would be in his pocket. In his wallet is his ID, money, debit card, credit cards and pictures.

What about their fridge? Medicine cabinet? Glove compartment? Nightstand?: The fridge is likely to have water, juice, fruit and leftovers. The medicine cabinet has aspirins, Pepto Bismol, Benadryl and thats about it. Theres a gun in the glove compartment. Jk lmao. Some air freshener and the car manual is in the glove compartment. His nightstand has a bible, his journal and the Ninja Turtle tin lunchbox that contains his weed and accessories.

What makes them laugh?: A lot does lol.

Any special holiday traditions?: Nothing out of the ordinary.

Can they hold their breath for a long time?: Not really.

Do they know how to swim? Yes.

Can they cook (if so, how well and do they enjoy it)?: He can cook certain dishes, but he is too lazy and doesn’t enjoy to.

Is there anything they always carry with them? If so, why?: A switchblade..never know when you have to fuck someone up lmao. Sike. Besides his phone and wallet. No.

Ideal vacation: Somewhere on a remote island with his girl.

If they wanted to hide something, where would they hide it?: In his room or closet.

Do they keep a journal?: Yes, but no so much as a diary journal. More a poetry journal.

Are there any places that hold special meaning to them?: His aunt’s house.

SITUATIONAL

24 hours to live – name 3 things they would do: Smoke a fat blunt, spend time with his son and Sasha, and eat really well.

If they could choose, how would they want to die: Quick and painless.

What would they do if they received large sum of money?: Not tell a soul or change anything about his lifestyle. Just travel.

What would they wish for if they found a genie?: Unlimited wishes lol

If they could have one super power, what would it be and why?: To read people’s minds. To know what people think would be interesting enough.

How do they deal with insects?: Pick em up and bring them outside. Sike. He kills em. Lmao

How would they react to death of loved one? Like anyone else would. Be sad about it.

If they were outnumbered in a fight, would they stand ground or run away?: Stand his ground.

Granted opportunity to change one thing in their past – would they do it? If so what would they change?: Nope. Everything got him to where he is now for a reason.

If they could rescue one thing from a burning building, what would it be?: A person inside?

Would they be comfortable sharing a bed with a person they didn’t know well?: Yeah. Just might sleep with one eye open lol.

CHILDHOOD & ADOLESCENCE

First memory: Him comforting his mom at 4 years old before she went and took him to the movies.

Favorite toy (when did they stop playing with it, do they still have it currently): A Buzz Lightyear action figure. He stopped playing with it at 8 years old. Its at his aunt’s house with the rest of his old things.

Favorite game: Operation.

Best friend as child: Sincere.

Fondest childhood memory: Marisol’s 1st Christmas

Worst childhood memory: Getting jumped into the set. 

Childhood trauma: None out of the ordinary for a black child.

How were they disciplined? Did that change as they got older?: Got his ass beat. Nope. He could still catch an ass whooping lol

What did they want to be when they grew up?: It always changed, but he stuck for the most part with veterinarian for a long time.

Any non-family adults stick out in their mind? (Who were they, how did he/she know them? Why do they stick out)?: His senior year English teacher. She made the class enjoyable, she believed in him and helped him out whenever she could in other subjects.

Age of first date: 16.

View of authority? What affected that view? Fuck the police. What wouldn’t affect that view? He’s had enough run ins with cops to know for himself that a lot of them aren’t for him.

What clique in high school were they associated with? He didn’t fit into any of the regular cliques. He hung with the homies from the set.

High school goals: To make it through, which he did.

Did they enjoy high school: He did.

Any extracurricular activities: Doing hoodrat shit with his friends.

How well did they do in school?: He did alright in school, outstanding in English classes.

[puertovallartanightlife]

The Hottest Nightclubs to party at in Puerto Vallarta

The hottest DJs. Insane parties. The red carpet VIP experience. Nightclubs in Puerto Vallarta are unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Puerto Vallarta is Mexico’s premier destination for pristine beaches, exotic flavors, and serene relaxation. But when the sun goes down, another side of the city wakes up. The streets come alive with an electricity that can only be felt in PV.

Street vendors laugh as they sling zesty fish tacos and crispy churros, locals relax with beers in hand along the beachfront malecon (boardwalk), and the nightclubs open their doors to another world of beats, dancing, lights, and emotion. But don’t be fooled into stepping into any old nightclub in PV.

The tourism industry is booming in this former fishing village, and that means that there are tourist traps everywhere. These subpar discotecas charge outrageous prices and cut costs by using poor equipment and hiring cheap DJs. It’s easy to wander into a club like this, but you’ll end up paying double for a disappointment.

You do NOT want to be the only one at the beach the next day who missed out on the night of their life. If you’ve come to Puerto Vallarta for the best in Mexican nightlife, then you won’t be disappointed. Just make sure to follow our advice.

The Best Nightclubs in Puerto Vallarta

Our list of the best nightclubs in PV was compiled by real Puerto Vallarta residents and partygoers. We love everything about our town, especially the epic party scene.

We’ve watched nightclubs open and close their doors over the years, but only the ones that have stood the test of time deliver the unforgettable experiences you can only find here. These are the Puerto Vallarta nightclubs that you cannot miss.

Bar Morelos

It’s a lounge. It’s a bar. It’s a club. It’s a venue. There’s nothing that Bar Morelos doesn’t have, which is what makes it a great place to stay from dusk ‘til dawn. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined. The comfortable couches lining the floor make for great places to do a little flirting while sipping a signature cocktail from the bar.

Look up and you’ll see Bar Morelos’ famous chandeliers reflecting the thousands of streaming fairy lights on the ceiling. The aurora borealis of soft purple and green mood lighting gives this bar a jazzy, psychedelic feel.

Live music and DJs are a staple at Bar Morelos. Whether its authentic mariachi or rock hits, there’s always a groove to dance to. To turn up the energy, head upstairs and hit the dance floor. You’ll find only the freshest DJs spinning Latin dance, hip-hop, reggaeton, and EDM beats all night.

Bar Morelos hosts a young and hip crowd, so be sure to dress the part. You won’t regret it when someone grabs your hand and pulls you in for a dance. Bar Morelos is waiting. Book your VIP experience at this swanky space bar and club now.

Biblioteca

Biblioteca means “library” in Spanish, but don’t worry, this place is not for the quiet. This Puerto Vallarta clubs is truly a spectacle for the senses. Wild parties every weekend feature incredible lighting that strafes the entire club.

Top DJs from around the world pump dance, electronic and reggaeton beats from towering speakers. And expert mixologists prepare cocktails that glow, smolder, and ignite!

Biblioteca is located in the heart of the tourist center of the city, so it’s easy to get there, and it’s a great place to meet travelers and locals alike. Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet someone who convinces you to extend your stay!

One of the best things about Biblioteca is its VIP package. VIP guests have private access to comfortable couches and a dedicated wait staff.

There’s no need to wait in long lines to get one of Biblioteca’s famous concoctions. And if you don’t finish a bottle you’ve ordered for the table, Biblioteca will save it for your next visit. Reserve your VIP table at Biblioteca today.

La Vaquita

Part warehouse and part funhouse, La Vaquita does just about everything except take itself seriously.Splashes of color and a wacky, cow-themed design (vaquita means “little cow”) help to make dancing in PV what it should be—lighthearted and fun!

But don’t be fooled; the atmosphere might be funky, but the parties are some of the wildest in the city.Amazing DJs play top hits, House, EDM and more as bartenders keep the crowds on their feet with a wide array of pyrotechnics.

This is definitely not the place to wear your Armani and spend the night staring at the floor.This is the place to put someone on your shoulders, pop a bottle of champagne and salute the giant flying cow suspended from the ceiling!

If you need to take a break from one of PV’s craziest dance floors, you can relax on upper-level seating and enjoy views of the picturesque Banderas Bay. But be warned, this spot is incredibly romantic! Do La Vaquita right with a VIP package. Book now.

La Santa

La Santa is a true example of why Puerto Vallarta nightclubs are the best in the world. This rollicking club is one of the trendiest in the city, but it is in no way pretentious. People of all ages and from all places come here to move to top 40 hits, dance, and hip-hop and to get wild on the dance floor.

It’s almost impossible not to meet someone special at La Santa. The Latin beats and decadent décor create an atmosphere of flirtatious fun that can’t be matched.b La Santa doesn’t skimp on anything.

It’s one of the most popular clubs on Banderas Bay because its parties just keep getting better.

We’re talking incredible light shows, pyrotechnics, confetti cannons, smoke machines and so much more. And the drinks? Impeccable. La Santa’s cocktails were crafted by master mixologists and are exclusive to the club. La Santa cannot be missed. Book your VIP package today.

Mandala

One of the most famous bachelore party nightclubs in Puerto Vallarta, Mandala is a true gift to those who want to dance the night away. The doors don’t close at this two-floor club until 6 am, so when the other bars are announcing last call, your night won’t even have peaked. And how the time does fly. Mandala features Southeast Asian design mixed with digital elements straight out of an 80s-style video game, leaving you feeling like you’re in an entirely different time and place.

Trendy locals and foreign fashionistas come here to forget about the world for a while and let loose to the beats of celebrated DJs.

If you’re looking for a new dance partner, you’re sure to find one at this exotic club known for having one of the steamiest dance floors in PV. A VIP table makes all the difference at Mandala. Book yours now.

La Strana

We saved Strana for last, because if it was first on this list, you may have stopped reading. We promise your jaw will drop when you walk through its doors. This Puerto Vallarta nightclub brings to mind a huge gothic cathedral. Say goodbye to smoky clubs with low ceilings, Strana is open, epic, and full of life. This club is known to be the top pick of the chic and sexy of PV, so make sure you dress to kill.

Grab an icy cocktail in one hand and a new friend in the other and make your way to the front of the dance floor. There, you’ll find panoramic screens displaying digital light shows and at the center, a world-class DJ mixing pop hits, reggae and more.

Strana is one of the most exclusive nightclubs in Puerto Vallarta Nightlife, and it’s located just outside the city. For these reasons and more, it’s best to book a VIP table in advance. Don’t waste your vacation waiting in line. Book a VIP table at Strana now.

[biofunmy]

In a Year of Perpetual Motion, Moments That Stopped Time

The 52 Places Traveler

Looking back on a whirlwind journey around the world, the 52 Places Traveler revisits the experiences that offered lessons for travel — and life.

Jan. 6, 2020

On my second day back in New York I walked into my neighborhood bodega and the Yemeni man behind the counter did a double take.

“Damn, bro, what happened? I thought you were dead!” he said.

The following night, I went to pick up an order at the Indian restaurant two blocks from my apartment.

“Long time, no see,” said the Bangladeshi manager who, since I’ve been gone, has grown a bushy beard. “Where have you been?”

What happened? Where have I been? After nearly a year in perpetual transit, hopping between the far-flung spots on 2019’s 52 Places to Go list, these are not easy questions to answer. Maybe a more cohesive picture of a once-in-a-lifetime year will crystallize with time. For now, the best I can do is draw out the moments that float on the surface of my memory, the ones I’m most grateful for, as they taught me invaluable lessons not only about the world, but also about myself. And isn’t that why we travel?

1. When I said yes to goat-carcass games and urban lions

By the third hour in a field on the outskirts of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, my hair had taken on the hue of the dust that filled the air in roaming clouds. Every time I smiled, which was often, more dust poured into my mouth. Two hundred men on horseback galloped back and forth across the dry grass, in pursuit of their target: a goat carcass stuffed full of sand. Shouts from the riders, the whinnying of horses and the cheers of thousands of spectators filled the air. At one point, being the only foreigner — and so a guest of honor — I was invited to ride on the truck that drove onto the field to drop the goat and start each round of kopkari, a sport that originated with the nomadic herders who inhabited these steppes 1,000 years ago.

Six months later and 5,000 miles away, in a small suburb of Dakar, Senegal, “false lions” — men channeling the spirit of the animal — growled, leapt and twirled in elaborate costumes. Drums thundered at earsplitting volumes and children shrieked in delight as the lions chased them through the fluorescently lit streets.

There’s a natural tendency to plan our travels down to the minute: We want to make sure we’re getting the most out of a trip that uses up our valuable money and vacation time. Toward the beginning of the year, I spent hours planning each stop — going over notes on the plane ride and sketching out what each day might look like. By my final stop, I barely knew where I was going to stay until the day before I arrived. The sweet spot is probably somewhere in between, with enough planning to know where you’re going but enough flexibility to say yes to the unexpected. New friends and the currents of serendipity brought me to the horses and the lions — and gave me two experiences I’ll never forget.

2. When I became a member of the guild

Hanging from the zipper of my camera bag is a small, bronze key. It grants me access to the backdoor of the Christian IV’s Guild clubhouse in the Danish city of Aalborg. Over the past year, I’ve accumulated soccer jerseys, paintings and a handwritten poem about an Italian horse, but this key, a symbol of my membership in a Danish society with roots in World War II, has to be the oddest gift. How I got it is just one of many examples of how dropping your guard and letting strangers into your life can lead to experiences far outside the realm of conventional tourism.

It started with Kit Sorensen, a friend twice-removed, who I met on my first afternoon in Aalborg. By the evening, she had taken off work for the remainder of the week to show me around. She took me out for pickled fish and aquavit, the straight-to-your-head spirit that Danes insist on drinking with lunch. Together, we explored World War II bunkers and the city-within-a-city of Fjordbyen. Sensing that I craved a home-cooked meal, she invited me to her family’s house, where I made even more friends — and got invited by a stranger to join the Christian IV’s Guild because he felt that “I had what it takes.”

When traveling alone, it’s up to you how alone you really are. Sit at a bar and take a break from your phone and in minutes you’ll be getting a laundry list of things to do from a local — as I did in Munich, in Danang, in Tunis. You might be invited to their homes — as I was in Georgia, Puerto Rico, Bulgaria. In a quiet bar in the small Japanese city of Takamatsu you might find yourself the only customer, going on a deep dive into salsa and New Orleans jazz with a cat-loving bartender who you would have never known if you hadn’t smiled and said “hello.”

There are walls that as a man traveling alone I didn’t have to put up. Being ethnically ambiguous was also, it turns out, my superpower, blending into the streets of so many places around the world, walking home at night and not even getting a second glance from locals. One’s experience of the world so often depends on one’s identity, and I can only speak to mine. At the same time, I believe that, in general, travelers will encounter kindness far more often than hostility. An open mind, a willingness to learn and an acknowledgment of our own ignorance about a new place or culture flings the doors that separate us wide open. Just ask all my new pen pals.

3. When I became my own best friend on a Norwegian fjord

Before a six-hour solo hike in the fjords surrounding Bergen, Norway, I intentionally left my headphones at home. It was sunny — a rarity for one of Europe’s rainiest cities — and I wanted to be present. It worked. I felt the light, cold breeze; I could smell the dewy grass and feel the foamlike tundra giving way under my boots. Six hours is a lot of time to be walking with nothing but your thoughts, but not once did I feel bored.

When I started this trip, the thought of spending so much time alone was one of my biggest worries. I’m an extrovert by nature. By my third month on the move, I was getting used to it. By my ninth, I was having full-on conversations with myself — out loud.

There’s something beautiful about learning to be comfortable with yourself — especially on the road. I could zero in on moments more completely without worrying whether a companion was having a good time. I could create memories that would be mine and mine alone — building blocks for my development as a person.

I was lonely, too, of course. I cried on the side of a Wyoming highway because John Prine’s “Summer’s End” came on the radio (“Come on home, you don’t have to be alone”); during a nearly four-hour meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant on the Dutch island of Texel, I fell into the abyss of staring at my phone; more than once I dreamed about being on my couch at home, with my partner and cat. But over time, I learned to see those moments coming and lean into them. That threw the distinction between heart-wrenching loneliness and blissful solitude into relief; it made the moments of connection with strangers that much more magical. Solo travel is so many things, psychological roller coaster included.

4. When I crossed the risk line on a dark Chilean highway

It was stupid, plain and simple. After getting off a series of canceled, rerouted and delayed flights that took me from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to Santiago, Chile, over the course of about 40 hours, I stumbled into a rental car just after sunset and hit the road for the town of La Serena. I was heading 300 miles north to get closer to where I’d be viewing the solar eclipse in a few days. It was about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but I drove with the windows down and wore a T-shirt, hoping the cold would keep me awake. I blared death metal as loud as the car speakers could handle. I drank coffee like water. One tollbooth worker, seeing my disheveled and wired state, asked me if I was okay. I pulled into La Serena well after midnight.

This year was full of risks; they come with the job when traveling at the pace I was, alone and looking for stories to tell. Within just a few days of traveling this year, it was clear that some risks are worth taking. Getting into a car with that nice stranger promising a plate of life-changing pork in Puerto Rico’s interior? I can handle that. Solo hiking through the snowy Tatra Mountains of Slovakia? Armed with a trail map, I’m good. Driving for five and a half hours in an unfamiliar country, at night, after a hellish flight and no sleep? Nope: That was stupid.

In talking to friends, it quickly became clear that my threshold for risk is different from others’ (“Are you nuts?” my partner asked, after I told her about my night in the woods outside Batumi, Georgia, drinking myself blind with a bunch of strangers). But travel is ultimately a game of choose-your-own-adventure and part of that choice is figuring out the risks you’re comfortable taking. It’s a learning process and there will be mistakes — there sure were for me this year.

By Land and Sea

48 boat rides, 45 train trips

5. When my plans went to hell and I survived

There was the late night in a hotel in Salvador, Brazil, booking a trip to Mexico that would start the following morning, after my plans to get to the Falkland Islands, also known as the Islas Malvinas, had imploded. A total meltdown at the airport had led to check-in lines that extended past the terminal’s entrance. Despite arriving four hours before my flight and checking in online, I missed my flight — and as a result the once-weekly flight to the Falklands.

There was that scorching hot morning at the port in Banjul, Gambia, where my brother and I had no choice but to wait the four hours until a ferry finally arrived. I sweated out every drop of moisture in my body; I downed two liters of water and sweated that out, too, until the also-shadeless ferry arrived.

There was the carefully arranged Airbnb in La Serena that my host canceled with no explanation, just days before my arrival to watch the solar eclipse. I spent most of a night in Mexico, on spotty Wi-Fi looking for alternatives in a city that would be tripling in population for the eclipse.

There was the moment, three months in, when we had to make the call to cut Iran from my travel plans. The geopolitical situation had grown tense and even if I were given a journalist visa (unlikely), we had security concerns. It made the regular messages I received from Iranians on Instagram welcoming me to their country and offering to be my hosts all the more heartbreaking.

Things go wrong when traveling. And there’s something about the places of travel — airports, ferry terminals, train stations, hotels — that magnify feelings of panic and sadness. It’s a powerlessness we’re not used to when we think we have every detail of a trip planned out.

I learned that there’s very little you can do when your plans fall apart. I learned to pinpoint the small actions I could take and leave everything else to play out without me. I started on a long, circuitous route to Mexico the next day and pushed my Falklands trip to later in the month. The ferry did arrive — and 24 hours later, my brother and I were on a boat floating feet away from wild chimpanzees. I found another Airbnb at the last minute, and so what if it was a little farther out of the city? I kept in touch with my new online Iranian friends, promising that one day I would make it there — and I will.

Traveling is an incredible privilege and it’s mind-boggling how easy it is these days to cross the planet. Reminding myself of that got me through many a moment this year that previously would have left me a weepy mess on an airport floor.

under the sea

11 total hours underwater

6. When “no one goes there now” became my time to go

Travel itself, regardless of destination, is taking its toll on the environment: The most frequent, and valid, criticism I’ve received this year is for my Sasquatch-size carbon footprint. While no one at the Times is encouraging everyone to go to 52 places in a year — I’d think again if you are planning on trying this yourself — I also don’t believe the answer is not to travel. To see the natural wonder that still abounds; to encounter the places that are on the verge of catastrophic change because of a warming planet; to meet the people who deal with its effects every day and forge real, profound, cross-cultural connections makes for a more informed, empathetic world. That doesn’t mean there aren’t steps we can take to be more responsible travelers. And part of that is realizing that sustainability goes beyond carbon emissions.

The Falklands in the dead of winter, when I had a colony of King penguins to myself; Mexico in the crushing heat of summer, when the beaches were empty; Senegal and Gambia during the most humid month of the year, when locals were actually excited to see visitors who had braved it; Siberia’s Lake Baikal, in neither the glorious summer nor the spectacularly frozen winter, but instead in autumn, when the trees burn bright yellow.

In planning my trip and limiting cross-continental treks as much as possible, it proved difficult to be everywhere at the “right” time to visit. But again and again, I found myself falling for low season, when it was far easier to blend into the fabric of daily life because I wasn’t just part of a horde of tourists changing the face of entire cities for months at a time.

Cities like Venice — or even Zadar, in Croatia, as I saw when I arrived in the summer — are buckling under the weight of overtourism. As travelers, we could make a difference by spreading the wealth, so to speak. That means, for the most adventurous, going to places that are still hard to get to; it took me two tries to get to the Falklands and three to get out, but that made it special. But it also means thinking outside the “Europe in summer” paradigm.

taking to the skies

40 airlines, 88 flights (only 1 missed flight)

7. When I really learned what a “place to go” is

There’s beauty, surprise and genuine wonder to be found everywhere — and I mean everywhere. A Vegas naysayer can have his mind changed through a chance encounter with a crew of rockabilly musicians. A half-Indian student of history can learn about a mighty Indian empire, of which he knew nothing, by coming face-to-face with its ruins. A traveler can come home after 11 grueling months of continuous travel and start dreaming of where he’s going next.

But first, some sleep.

Sahred From Source link Travel

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[noromannet-blog]

The 10 best beaches in Mexico

It is not for less that you are thinking of escaping to know the best beaches in Mexico. With lands that deserve the name of paradise, it will be that perfect country to disconnect, relax and enjoy to the fullest. Seeing these ten paradises you will understand how difficult it is to make a selection of beaches in Mexico. However, we have achieved it and you can prepare your travel itinerary in the best possible way. You can make the most of these beach destinations in Mexico!

10. Playa la Ropa, in Zihuatanejo

There are names of Mexican beaches that attract attention and this is one of them. Clothing is related to an anecdote that dates back to colonial times. It is said that at that time, a boat loaded with cloth, sank off the coast and all the cargo reached this Mexican corner. It is a perfect destination to practice water skiing, windsurfing and sailing. In addition, it has an excellent range of services and hotels, becoming one of the most recommended places to meet in Mexico. It should be noted that it is one of the best beaches in Mexico where to practice swimming as well as endless water sports.

9. Paradise Beach, in Tulum

Little has to be said about a corner with this name. With the name of Paradise, it is undoubtedly that it must be one of the best beaches in Mexico. All Mexican surveys grant him the title as the most spectacular beach in Mexico. The stage is a layer of fine white sand washed by exquisite and calm clean waters of strong turquoise color. Those who visit it affirm that it is the closest thing to a natural spa. Without a doubt, a dream landscape in which, in addition, you can enjoy an exquisite cuisine of the area. Reasons we do not lack to escape.

8. Chileno Beach, in Cabo San Lucas

This beautiful bay is located in Los Cabos. In El Chileno beach there are various tourist and family destinations such as Cabo San Lucas or Santa Marí Bay a. It is a place to find excellent hotels that have all the services to feel in paradise. Its environment attracts the attention of the most curious. Therefore, it has become one of the best beaches in Mexico to visit. It has abundant palm trees, so you will always find a shadowed corner. The destination is ideal to contemplate the romantic sunsets and other economic places to travel in Mexico.

7. Bacocho Beach, in Puerto Escondido

Bacocho beach is one of the largest on the entire coast of Oaxaca. As a precaution, be careful when enjoying its waters since the waves can be quite intense and form currents that we must take into account. There are many beaches in southern Mexico, but this is one of the most chosen by travelers. This corner is divided into three sections, for all those who wish to enjoy it in different ways. One of them is the part of the stony ground; another part of huge palm trees; and another of dense Caribbean flora that will not disappoint nature lovers. Undoubtedly one of the best beaches in the Mexican Pacific, which has a width that ranges from 30 to 70 meters.

6. El Cielo Beach, in Cozumel

La Playa El Cielo is one of those destinations beaches in Mexico mandatory. It is a sandbar that is located about 800 meters from Cozumel Island. Here you can swim calmly and practice sports such as snorkeling, something advisable to see a large number of starfish on its seabed. Currently, it is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and all those travelers who have visited the island confirm it. Crystal clear waters, white sands, and all this landscape will transport you as soon as you see it, as its name implies, to the sky itself. If you wonder what are the best beaches in Mexico with a Caribbean atmosphere, you should know that this is one of them.

5. Nuevo Vallarta Beach, in Nayarit

If you are passionate about water and outdoor sports, Nuevo Vallarta Beach is your ideal destination. Here you can enjoy endless activities such as football or volleyball; train surfing or kayaking, and run everything you want. On its extensive shore, you will have more than enough space. It has become one of the best tourist destinations in Mexico and all of Nayarit due to its excellent services, which enjoy great quality. You can relax by renting your own space with a hammock and park your vehicle for little money nearby. The beach has surveillance, and it is also one of the cheap places to visit in Mexico.

4. Maya Chan Beach, in Mahahual

On the Costa Maya of Mexico, we find Maya Chan Beach, an ideal beach to enjoy a natural paradise that will not leave you indifferent. It is the ideal place to relax while you refresh yourself with a drink on its shore. It is one of those beautiful and cheap beaches in Mexico that also has several activities that will not give you time to get bored, such as kayaking or snorkeling. It has little sand and its water is very warm. It makes it the ideal place to escape on a romantic honeymoon with your partner to enjoy a well-deserved rest.

3. Delfines Beach, in Cancun

Undoubtedly, on a trip to Cancun, we found one of the best beaches in Mexico. Those who reach the Playa Delfines claim that its waters are so intensely blue that they impress when you first glimpse them. It has 30 kilometers of coastline, nothing more and nothing less. You can also enjoy an excellent viewpoint from which you can observe this wonderful beach in all its extension. It is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean for family vacations, as you will find several free services to share with your loved ones. It is also suitable for those who love exercise, being able to enjoy an excellent outdoor gym.

2. Balandra Beach, in La Paz

Balandra Beach ranks as one of the best beaches in Los Cabos. And not only that, but it also stands as one of the paradisiacal beaches of Mexico. Located in the province of Baja California, it is ideal to relax with a drink in your hand and enjoy how time stands still. Upon arrival, the first thing that will catch your attention will be the huge body of turquoise water, famous throughout the country. The beach is shallow and you can enjoy a quiet day in which to walk, run and squeeze it to the fullest. It is ideal to escape the city and marvel at its exquisite natural landscapes. Without a doubt, another beach in Mexico that you should keep in mind.

1. North Beach, in Isla Mujeres

It is considered by many travelers as one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. Although it is too difficult to grant that qualification to only one of them, Playa Norte has an exquisite natural beauty practically impossible to match. It is one of the widest beaches in the country, with about 100 meters between the water and the beginning of the vegetation. This was the first point reached by the first Spanish conquerors in Mexican territory back in the 16th century. Located on Isla Mujeres, it is located right in the protected part of the open sea. It should be noted that it is one of the best beaches with white sand in Mexico. Read the full article

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DaMajority Fresh Article https://www.damajority.com/tyra-banks-alex-morgan-and-camille-kostek-are-revealed-as-sports-illustrated-swimsuits-2019-cover-models-each-get-their-own-cover/

Tyra Banks, Alex Morgan And Camille Kostek Are Revealed As Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's 2019 Cover Models; Each Get Their Own Cover

Tyra Banks, Alex Morgan And Camille Kostek Are Revealed As Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s 2019 Cover Models; Each Get Their Own Cover

2019 Issue Celebrates 34 Powerful + Beautiful Women, Including Halima Aden, Barbara Palvin, Hunter McGrady, Jasmine Sanders, Lindsey Vonn, Olivia Culpo, Paulina Porizkova, Simone Biles, Winnie Harlow and more

On Newsstands May 8th

NEW YORK, May 8, 2019 — Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (SI Swimsuit) reveals this year’s covers, each one featuring a single model: Tyra Banks, supermodel, entrepreneur and media mogul; Alex Morgan, US National Women’s Soccer team star and Olympic gold medalist; and Camille Kostek, 2018 SI Swimsuit Model Search winner and SI Swimsuit Rookie this year. SI Swimsuit hits newsstands on Wednesday, May 8.

This marks the third SI Swimsuit cover for Banks, who came out of modeling retirement specifically for this shoot. She was photographed in Great Exuma, Bahamas by Laretta Houston. Morgan was photographed in St. Lucia by Ben Watts, and Kostek was photographed in Kangaroo Island, South Australia by Josie Clough.

NORTH AMERICA usage for the promotion of the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue only, ending June 8, 2019. Credit: Ben Watts/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED. Caption must include the words “on sale now”. Mandatory link back to SI.com/Swimsuit with all use. ALL INTERNATIONAL VIDEO AND PHOTO USE MUST COME THROUGH SI CONTENT MANAGEMENT: Prem_Kalliat@timeinc.com. Summer 2019 Sports Illustrated Cover: Swimsuit: 2019 Issue: Portrait of Alex Morgan posing during photo shoot. Saint Lucia 3/12/2019 CREDIT: Ben Watts

“The three women that make up the covers of the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue represent the brand in the most powerful way possible. While each individual woman is so unique, they come together cohesively to tell a spectacular story,” said SI Swimsuit Editor, MJ Day, who marks her seventh year as editor and 22nd year working at the brand. “Since Tyra’s first cover in 1996, she’s transformed herself into nothing less than a mogul, a cultural force and a supernova of inspiration and empowerment. She’s kind of the Swimsuit Issue ethos come to life, everything we know this franchise can be. Alex Morgan stands for feminine strength and power- using her voice to fight for gender discrimination and equal pay and Camille Kostek, only a year after we discovered her in our annual Model Search casting, marks the launch of a career swimming in potential. These women emulate determination to own who they are and demonstrate how limitless they can be.”

The theme for the 56th installment of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is ‘Shattering Perceptions.’ The issue continues to redefine the cultural conversation around beauty by celebrating a diverse group of women who include: three returning cover models, seven world-renowned athletes, four mothers, six rookies, six model search contestants and two female cover photographers who collectively round out this impressive group of motivational and aspirational women.

For the first time, Day tapped a model, SI Swimsuit veteran, Paulina Porizkova, to pen the back page column of the issue. The 54-year-old model and author discusses ageism- an issue Porizkova has been outspoken about. The issue also features a piece about Banks, whose career was launched when she first graced the cover of SI Swimsuit in 1996, with Valeria Mazza, followed by a solo cover in 1997. Marking Morgan’s third appearance in the issue, she collaborated with SI Swimsuit by helping select three additional US National Women’s Soccer team members to participate in the shoot: Megan Rapinoe, Crystal Dunn and Abby Dahlkemper. All exemplify the strength, individuality and femininity that exist not only in sports, but also in women in general.

The 2019 issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit features a diverse group of 34 women, who in addition to Banks, Morgan and Kostek, include Abby Dahlkemper, Anne de Paula, Barbara Palvin, Brooks Nader, Crystal Dunn, Danielle Herrington, Erin Willerton, Hailey Clauson, Haley Kalil, Halima Aden, Hunter McGrady, Jasmine Sanders, Jessica Aidi, Kate Bock, Kelsey Merritt, Lais Ribeiro, Lindsey Vonn, Manuela Alvarez Hernandez, Megan Rapinoe, Myla Dalbesio, Olivia Brower, Olivia Culpo, Paige VanZant, Paulina Porizkova, Raine Michaels, Robin Holzken, Samantha Hoopes, Simone Biles, Tara Lynn, Veronica Pome’e and Winnie Harlow.

Shoots for the 2019 SI Swimsuit issue took place in Kangaroo Island, South Australia; Costa Rica; Kenya; Paradise Island, Bahamas; Great Exuma, Bahamas;  Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and St. Lucia.

SI Swimsuit will head to Miami to celebrate the 2019 issue with the ultimate consumer facing event, ‘SI Swimsuit on Location’. The two-day, ticketed exhibition will bring SI Swimsuit to life with an inspiring and deeper look into one of the most iconic brands in the world. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in exciting, stimulating and one-of-a-kind installations and experiences to explore and uncover a deeper definition of what it means to be beautiful. This will also be the first chance for potential Model Search participants to get ahead of the next SI Swimsuit open casting call. They will have the opportunity to meet with editors, see what it is like to live the SI Swimsuit lifestyle and get tips on how to create video submissions from this year’s SI Swim Search finalists. From those videos, the SI Swimsuit team, joined by Kate Upton, will invite a lucky selection of women to experience a few on-site surprises, have an opportunity to advance to Round #2 of the SI Swim model search in July, and to participate in Upton’s Strong4Me Fitness, which is 12-week at-home workout program.

For additional information and to purchase general admission and VIP tickets visit: SwimsuitOnLocation.com.

Follow SI Swimsuit on social media: @si_swimsuit

ABOUT SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Swimsuit (www.si.com/swimsuit) reaches more than 70 million US adults annually and more men ages 18 to 34 than the Super Bowl. The iconic brand spans 16 product extensions, along with a vibrant experiential marketing business. Since debuting in 1964, Swimsuit has become a pop culture phenomenon and a revered launching pad for successful careers in TV, fashion, business and film. The fashion industry describes SI Swimsuit as the “Oscars of Swimwear,” as an appearance in the issue is a crowning achievement for swimsuit and accessory manufacturers.

ABOUT MEREDITH CORPORATION Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP; meredith.com) has been committed to service journalism for 115 years. Today, Meredith uses multiple distribution platforms — including broadcast television, print, digital, mobile and video — to provide consumers with content they desire and to deliver the messages of its advertising and marketing partners.

Meredith’s National Media Group reaches nearly 200 million unduplicated American consumers every month, including 85 percent of U.S. Millennial women. Meredith is a leader in creating content across media platforms and life stages in key consumer interest areas such as celebrity, food, lifestyle, home, parenting, beauty, fashion, news and sports. Meredith also features robust brand licensing activities including more than 3,000 SKUs of branded products at 5,000 Walmart stores across the U.S. and at walmart.com., as well as innovative business-to-business marketing solutions provided by Meredith Xcelerated Marketing.

SOURCE Meredith Corporation

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[Photo caption:] Want to see the world through fresh eyes? Take a founder-led trip. Here, Naya Traveler cofounders Sofia Mascotena, Sarah Casewit and Marta Tucci are pictured in Ethiopia. Photo courtesy of Naya Traveler

By Laura Begley Bloom

Want to experience travel in a more meaningful and authentic way? A number of woman-owned travel companies are running founder-led trips to the world’s most amazing destinations. Some of these trips are led by women who are inviting travelers to the places they grew up. These journeys offer an intimate homecoming experience, providing the opportunity to go beyond the tourist route and discover a country like a local. Other trips are designed by jet-setting travel experts who have gotten to know a place inside out and have tapped into a network of insiders who will give you access to the best a destination has to offer. And other founder-led trips offer everything from business networking to soul searching.

Whatever route you take, a founder-led trip gives a unique opportunity to see the world with like-minded travelers and get an inside look at what it takes for an entrepreneur to launch a successful business.

[Photo at linked site:] Sarah Casewit, cofounder of Naya Traveler, leading a trip in the Sahara. Photo courtesy of Naya Traveler

Morocco, Spain and Argentina, with Naya Traveler

The Company: Naya Traveler offers highly personalized itineraries and curated experiential journeys to culturally rich destinations.

The Founders: Sofia Mascotena, Sarah Casewit and Marta Tucci believe that the stories and connections that emerge from traveling with “naya” (purpose) are just as important as the tangibles. Naya Traveler works with locals garnered from the founders’ own personal relationships, ranging from traditional artists and literary authors to ethnographers and more.

The Trip: Naya Traveler's first-ever founder-led trip to Morocco is set for June 3-13 with Casewit, who called this country home for over 20 years. She will take a small group of 12 travelers on a 10-day journey through her favorite destinations, including the medieval city of Fez, the Sahara Desert, the Red City of Marrakesh and more. Naya Traveler will offer two additional founder-led trips in 2020 with Tucci leading a small group to Spain and Mascotena leading one to Argentina, their respective home countries.

[Photo at linked site:] Meagan Drillinger (center, in red) is the founder of Vaera Journeys. Photo courtesy of Vaera Journeys

Puerto Vallarta with Vaera Journeys

The Company: Vaera Journeys runs retreats for entrepreneurial women on the verge of new ideas. The retreats are styled to help women take their personal and professional goals to the next level by helping them explore a project that gives them purpose.

The Founder: Vaera Journeys is the brainchild of New York-based travel writer Meagan Drillinger, who came up with the idea as a way to bring together her passions for uplifting other women and transformational travel. 

The Trip: Each Vaera trip is inspired by a unique destination and includes curated experiences for up to 10 guests that are designed to foster creative discussion, including sessions with a guest speaker and one-on-one coaching. Vaera Journeys’ next retreat to Puerto Vallarta (May 2-7) will include bonding, networking and learning how to grow your personal business and brand. In addition to Drillinger, Elena Ollick — a serial entrepreneur who started her own business at age 16 — will accompany the trip as the featured speaker. A dedicated photographer will provide professional-level pictures to use for business head shots or on social media.

[Photo at linked site:] Nancy Novogrod, founder of Culturati Travel Design, in India. Photo courtesy of Nancy Novogrod

Paris, India, and Japan, with Culturati Travel Design

The Company: Culturati Travel Design leads expertly curated intimate group trips focused on art, architecture, design, food and style.

The Founder: After 21 years as Editor in Chief of Travel + Leisure, following five years in the same role at House & Garden, Nancy Novogrod is drawing upon her personal knowledge, insider network and passions to create trips to destinations throughout the world. Working in affiliation with Valerie Wilson Travel, Novogrod personally selects every element of the itinerary, from hotels and restaurants to access-rich experiences of arts and culture.

The Trip: In November of this year, Novogrod will be leading a group of approximately 10 people to India, a country she came to know well — and love deeply — during many past visits for T+L. Created in collaboration with leading specialists on the destination, the itinerary includes Mumbai, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra and Delhi, with one-of-a-kind experiences of historic sites, such as the Taj Mahal at dawn. There will also be contemporary lifestyle excursions and expert-guided shopping for everything from shawls and fashion to art and decoration. Other Novogrod-led trips: Paris (October 2019) and Japan (March 2020).

[Photo at linked site:] Roar Africa's founder Deborah Calmeyer. Photo courtesy of Deborah Calmeyer

South Africa, Kenya and the Northern Cape Province, with Roar Africa

The Company: Roar Africa's travel specialty is in the crafting of highly bespoke, private travel experiences that offer exclusive-access opportunities in Southern and East Africa.

The Founder: Deborah Calmeyer has lived between New York and Cape Town for the past 20 years, giving the Zimbabwe-born entrepreneur an understanding of the needs and desires of sophisticated American travelers. Her pioneering family’s 329-year history in South Africa forms the core of her ultra-luxe bi-cultural travel company run by women and supported by native-born guides and a curated network of experts, all committed to the preservation and support of the people, animals and environment of their fragile and extraordinary homeland. (You can read more about Calmeyer in "It's A Jungle Out There: 10 Wild Career Tips.")

The Trips: Calmeyer will lead Roar Africa's "Rewilding: Roar & Restore Retreat" (May 31 to June 5), a learning journey of reconnecting, self-discovery and self-realization in the wilds of Kenya at Segera Retreat. The lineup of speakers includes visionaries, game-changers and eco-pioneers who will encourage and stimulate thinking about rewilding and how our instinctual relationship with the wild is the best prescription of all. One week later, Calmeyer is joined by media legend Pat Mitchell for Roar Africa’s first-ever "Women’s Empowerment Journey" at Tswalu. Together, they have created a highly specialized experience hosted by an all-female team of pilots, guides, trackers, conservationists, chefs and hospitality staff who have overcome the industry "norm” in the male-dominated safari business.

[Photo at linked site:] Kristin Karst, co-owner and executive vice president of AmaWaterways (second from left) on a biking trip from the AmaLegro along the Seine. Photo courtesy of Kristin Karst

European Rivers, with AmaWaterways

The Company: AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruise vacations with 23 ships sailing Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Dordogne, Dutch and Belgian Waterways and Douro Rivers, Southeast Asia’s Mekong and Africa’s Chobe River.

The Founder: Co-owner and Executive Vice President Kristin Karst believes that travel is imperative to opening up your understanding of diverse cultures. For Karst, there is no better way to learn and grow than exploring the world. In 2002 along with Rudi Schreiner (her husband) and the late Jimmy Murphy, Karst set out to create a river cruise company that she herself would want to travel with – and AmaWaterways was born.  The name, “Ama,” comes from the Latin word for "love," and it's a concept that is woven into every aspect of their river cruises, from the design of the ships to the carefully-crafted itineraries.

The Trip: AmaWaterways’ special Founder’s Cruises debuted in 2018. The 2019 dates will be announced soon on Karst’s blog on the company's website. Guests who choose these cruises will have the unique opportunity to get to know Karst personally, experiencing firsthand her passion for river cruising while learning what’s on the horizon for this innovative company. In addition to enjoying the variety of daily excursions, active hiking and biking tours, wonderful meals and wine and beer that are offered complimentary by AmaWaterways, guests on board these Founder’s Cruises will have the option to also participate in the company’s popular wellness activities, led by a dedicated Wellness Host and championed by Karst herself.

[Photo at linked site:] Melissa Biggs Bradley, founder of Indagare. Photo courtesy of Melissa Biggs Bradley

Italian Dolomites, with Indagare

The Company: Indagare is a members-only, boutique travel-planning company that offers curated content, customized trip-planning and group trips around passion points. Indagare partners with its members to design a personalized roadmap for their lifetime of journeys and unlocks behind-the-scenes access they won’t find anywhere else.

The Founder: After a successful career as an editor at Town & Country and Town & Country Travel, Melissa Biggs Bradley founded Indagare in 2007 because she believed that creating a platform for exchange between passionate travelers would allow for more transformative journeys and meaningful global connections. Bradley has visited over 100 countries in her travels, and, most recently, she has been scouting in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Madagascar, Egypt and Colombia.

The Trips: Indagare's Insider Journeys offer one-of-a-kind itineraries crafted around passion points, including contemporary design and architecture, outdoor adventure and wellness. One of the longest-running and most popular journeys is a wellness- and fitness-focused trip hosted by Bradley that explores the Italian Dolomites on daily guided hikes and a stay at Rosa Alpina lodge (September 15-20). This year, there will be more than 40 Insider Journeys all over the globe, from Marrakech and Rwanda to Milan and Beirut. Some of this year’s other in-demand itineraries include a spring trip to Havana, Cuba for the Biennial art fair and a fall trip to Egypt to see the pyramids and cruise down the Nile.

[Photo at linked site:] Laura Grier and Pats Krysiak, founders of Andeana Hats, with Quechua artisans in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Photo courtesy of Andeana Hats

Peru, with Andeana Hats and Glossy Paradise

The Company: Andeana Hats works with Quechua artisans in the Sacred Valley of Peru to create pieces that capture the energy of the Andean people. Each of the hats has a woven intention band with its own meaning. Glossy Paradise is a natural beauty company that creates face oils that come directly from the depths of the Amazon rainforest, where nutrient-rich superfoods have been healing the indigenous population for centuries.

The Founders: For founders Laura Grier and Pats Krysiak, their mission behind the creation of Andeana Hats is to empower women, help support global artisans to continue their vanishing crafts and enable them to lead their communities out of poverty.

The Trip: Grier and Krysiak invite travelers to join them on one of their inspirational eight-night journeys through the Sacred Valley and the Amazon in Peru, visiting the origin of both of their businesses: Andeana Hats and Glossy Paradise. They've partnered with the non-profit organization, Awamaki, to create sustainable tours that not only are fun and educational, but provide a positive impact in the Quechua communities. On the tour, you'll get to meet the communities behind the products, see how they create them from scratch and get in a bit of relaxation and exploration while taking in the incredible beauty of the Sacred Valley and the Amazon, two completely different worlds that exist within Peru.

[Photo at linked site:] Stacy Readal, founding director of Duma Explorer, and her daughter in Tanzania. Photo courtesy of Stacy Readal

Tanzania, with Duma Explorer

The Company: Duma Explorer, a safari and trekking company based in Arusha, Tanzania, provides a unique window into the landscape, wildlife and culture of this extraordinary region.

The Founder: Originally from the U.S., Stacy Readal first visited Tanzania in 1998 while studying at the university there. After volunteering in education and HIV/AIDS prevention for two years in a small town on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, she joined with a local partner and started Duma Explorer. In 2012, Readal and a business partner launched a second company, Chaka Camps, and now operate three tented camps in Tanzania's national parks.

The Trip: In the summer of 2020, travelers can explore Tanzania with Readal on an eight-day founder-led safari that starts in Arusha and includes locations like Tarangire National Park, Ngoronoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. You’ll visit the village and house where Readal spent her first several years in Tanzania, see the school that Duma Explorer built and have an amazing safari experience staying in Chaka Camps' luxury tents.

[Photo at linked site:] Kelly Lewis, founder of Damesly, leading a trip in Hawaii. Photo courtesy of Kelly Lewis

Hawaii, with Damesly

The Company: Damesly is a boutique women's tour company that runs trips that combine travel with creative and professional development workshops.

The Founder: Kelly Lewis — a women's travel industry maven — has founded several companies in the space. Her projects include Go! Girl Guides (travel guidebooks for women) and the annual Women's Travel Fest. She started Damesly as a way to help women see the world, while also learning new skills that can help them grow creatively and professionally.

The Trip: Travel to Hawaii with Damesly and Lewis herself, who grew up on Oahu, where this tour takes place. The "Islands + Identity" tour (May 17-23) includes surf lessons, hula lessons, snorkeling and paddle boarding, as well as spa time and some deep soul work with a licensed professional to help you get clear on your strengths and purpose. Other signature trips include "Cameras + Canyons" (September 6-9), a photo workshop led by a pro through the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend and "Writing + Riding" (June 7-10), a Denver-based creative writing workshop combined with horseback riding in the Rocky Mountains.

[Photo at linked site:] Founder Jordan Ashley leading a Souljourn Yoga session. Photo courtesy of Jordan Ashley

Tibet, Rwanda and South Africa, with Souljourn Yoga

The Company: Souljourn Yoga is a nonprofit that raises awareness and funds in developing countries through yoga retreats as a way to promote female empowerment and girls' education to communities where equal opportunities aren't always readily available.

The Founder: An international journalist-turned-yoga teacher, Jordan Ashley recognized a need for service-based yoga and a need for experiences that give perspective to the self through selflessness. Feeling extremely blessed to not only be given the opportunity for education, but to have a voice in society, she felt it was imperative to raise both awareness and funds for girls all over the planet who are denied such essential human rights.

The Trip: Ashley is leading three upcoming retreats, starting with “A Tribe Called Tibet” (May 25 to June 1), a week of yin and yang, movement and meditation, luxury and social change on the Tibetan Plateau. The trip will include a transformative day with Educating Girls of Rural China, a nonprofit dedicated to providing higher education to impoverished young women. On Souljourn’s “Yoga Adventure Rwanda” (June 25 to July 5), you'll experience a full cultural immersion, go chimpanzee trekking and visit a women's collective in Kigali. In January 2020, Ashley will lead a journey to Cape Town, South Africa (January 17-26) that includes volunteering for the Female Empowerment Program with Lalela Project, which uses an arts curriculum to ignite imagination and teach children how to map and manifest their dreams and goals.

[Photo at linked site:] Judi Wineland, cofounder of Thomson Safaris and co-owner of AdventureWomen, with Maasai women. Photo courtesy of Judi Wineland

Tanzania, with AdventureWomen

The Company: AdventureWomen invites women traveling solo and/or with their friends or family on active explorations full of empowering discoveries across over 30 destinations. AdventureWomen is co-owned by Judi Wineland, who is also cofounder of Thomson Safaris and founder of Thomson Family Adventures. (You can read more about Wineland in "9 Lessons From The Wild That Will Help You Get Ahead In Business.")

The Co-Owner: Along with her daughters Erica and Nicole, Judi Wineland is co-owner of AdventureWomen, which she believes is much more than a travel company. AdventureWomen is a "relationship" company, encouraging women to build new connections with the world, with themselves and with other like-minded women around the globe. Wineland is also cofounder of Thomson Safaris, a safari tour operator in Tanzania that she created in 1981 with her husband Rick Thomson. In 1998, Wineland also founded the U.S.-based Thomson Family Adventures, which is dedicated to providing families with exciting trips around the world.

The Trip: Wineland is leading three "insiders" trips to Tanzania with AdventureWomen in May and October 2019, where she has migrated annually since 1979 (and where she and her husband launched Thomson Safaris in 1981). This unique itinerary includes an opportunity to watch the annual Great Migration in the Serengeti, go on day and night game drives in Ngorongoro Crater and enjoy gourmet, farm-to-table cuisine and luxurious accommodations at Gibbs Farm. This trip also offers unparalleled experiences for women to fully embrace the culture of Tanzania as they get to know entrepreneurial Maasai women and meet the self-empowered leaders of the Enjipai Women’s Group in a remote region of Northern Tanzania.

[Photo at linked site:] WHOA Travel cofounders Allison Fleece and Danielle Thornton in Bavaria. Photo courtesy of WHOA Travel

Bavaria and Oktoberfest, with WHOA Travel

The Company: WHOA Travel is an adventure travel company for women by women that’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone, connecting with women from around the world and having a crazy fun time in the process. (The WHOA in the name stands for Women High on Adventure.)

The Founders: Cofounders/chief adventurers Allison Fleece and Danielle Thornton believe that the WHOA style of adventuring is about more than just travel. It’s about taking risks, not taking yourself or life too seriously and taking every opportunity to be outside and active. Fleece and Thornton (aka "Dallison," short for Allison and Danielle) also believe in going out of your way to make choices that align with what you believe in, like supporting woman’s interests and locally owned businesses, especially when you’re traveling.

The Trip: Fleece is leading one of WHOA’s annual flagship adventures: a trip to Bavaria and Oktoberfest (September 19-24). It’s one of WHOA’s only journeys that’s not at a high altitude, but it’s still high on adventure, with hiking, biking and paragliding around Bavaria, a place where all trails lead to a beer garden. The grand finale is a coveted reservation at Oktoberfest in Munich. Fleece called Munich home for three years, so you can count on lots of insider local experiences and tips, and you’ll quickly discover that there is much more to Munich than beer.

[Photo at linked site:] Phyllis Stoller, founder of the Women’s Travel Group, in Ethiopia. Photo courtesy of Phyllis Stoller

Global Trips with the Women's Travel Group

The Company: For 27 years, the Women’s Travel Group has created affordable yet luxurious small group tours that appeal to adventurous travelers. The company's goal is to tap into up-and-coming destinations and bring women deep into a country, its culture and food.

The Founder: After living overseas for 10 years, Phyllis Stoller moved back to the U.S. and found American women were reluctant to travel solo. She left an executive banking position to create the Women’s Travel Group, which provides a safe and fun way for solo women to see the world.

The Trips: Stoller regularly hosts founder-led trips. This year, she'll be leading journeys to Albania and Corfu (April 15-22), a destination that's newly popular with Europeans, as well as another trip to Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina (September 27 to October 6) that begins in Zagreb and ends in Dubrovnik. In 2020, Stoller will be leading a trip to Dubai, Oman, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah (March 14-24).

READ MORE:

• "Meet The World's First Black Woman Cruise Ship Captain"

• "Quit Your Job And Live Abroad in 2019: 10 Places So Cheap You Might Not Need to Work."

• "The 38 Cheapest Places To Travel In 2019."

• "Airport And Airline Hacks: 9 Ways To Travel Like A Pro"

[Entire post — click on the title link to read it at Forbes, and to view all of the photos of the different trip options.]

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Come experience our Creative Sage™ version of an Innovation Tour!

We’re glad that “new Silicon Valleys,” or place-specific innovation centers, are growing all over the world, at least in terms of innovation and the development of creative economy ecosystems — and we would love to visit them all! We all learn best by exchanging ideas across cultures and industries. We fully support complete diversity in the workplace, and overcoming the inequality challenges that are still too prevalent in our world.

Now, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and organizational leaders from other cities and countries who are visiting the San Francisco Bay Area can have access to Silicon Valley companies to learn from their cultures, hiring, leadership and innovation methods. Come join us for a dynamic, unforgettable, and very enjoyable Innovation Tour in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, the East Bay (Emeryville, Oakland, Berkeley, and more), in the Wine Country, or on the beautiful, rural Northern California seacoast in Mendocino County, including Fort Bragg, California, where we have worked on business, arts and tourism projects.

At Creative Sage™, we design high impact, customized creativity, innovation, and leadership programs, and we are now offering related tours, events, corporate retreats, and workshops in wonderful urban and rural settings that will spark your imagination — and your team’s — to come up with brilliant ideas and plan how to implement new innovations in services, products, your organization’s business model, operations, or in any other area. We also design programs for specific areas and markets, such as health care and health-related travel.

We use the latest in value-tested creativity and innovation techniques and processes; and we select world-class facilitators and partners to help your organization gain lasting value from your experience working — and playing — with us. Creativity and innovation processes could include design thinking, business model canvas, arts-based, interactive creativity activities, lateral thinking, gamification, World Cafe, or other proven methods.

We also work on workplace culture issues, leadership challenges, handling transitions, and building resilience in organizations and individual clients. You’ll be able to see first-hand how Silicon Valley companies create a culture of creativity and innovation, and you’ll be able to talk with their leaders. We’ll arrange a customized tour for you that addresses your organization’s issues.

We can design additional customized programs and tours for individuals, families, work teams, university students and faculty, including those in undergraduate or graduate entrepreneurship or MBA programs, and other special interest groups, such as the charitable tourism activities.

Join our email list and visit our web site, or call: (510) 845-5510 for more information.

You’ll take away essential, valuable insights that you could not achieve in any other way, while enjoying the experience of a lifetime!

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If you missed any of the last few weeks of posts, please click on “next” (below) to find more articles, posts, photos and illustrations on the next page and beyond (if you’re on a computer, or scroll down on mobile). We hope you’re enjoying these resources and finding value in them, for yourself, and your organization.

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Curator and Publisher:

~ Cathryn Hrudicka, Author, Founder, CEO and Chief Imagination Officer, Creative Sage™

+ Former Co-Founder, Women Who Innovate