I'm overwhelmed with the generosity and kindness of friends this week. Especially friends that have only been in my life within the last few years yet they have come to meet me half way, or opened their homes and let me share a little bit of life with them.
I'm thankful for my vacation in Disney World with my old ship roomie, Ivonne! We rented a car, stayed at Pop Century resort and also spent a day at Universal. We lived our Harry Potter dreams for a few hours. And then we also got to hang out at DW again with Kirsty, Alex, and Oliver, too. I got to check out Animal Kingdom for the first time with them. Such a happy few days!
I don't think I can tell you how good it is for my heart to be back in North Carolina again. I fell in love with this place back when I worked at a summer camp for a few years starting in 2007. I've been wanting to make the journey back for ages to make some new memories. It's been such a tease to have visited as close as Florida with my cruise ship yet still be too far! Until now, that is.
Finally with swapping ships I've been able to request to stay in the United States and travel a bit. Two and a half weeks! I felt very fortunate to stay with Melissa and Tyler and have met the new addition to their family, 4 month old baby Martin. So precious.That first night we all went to the Diamond to have some of their delicious fried pickles, then to Krazy Fish for some tacos. The next day while Tyler was at work, Melissa showed me a few of her favourite spots in Charlotte, new places for me to love as well. Amelie's French Bakery for macarons and pastries, Imaginon, the children's library, and 7th Street Market for lunch. Each place had a really cool vibe.
Now I'm in Statesville for a few days with Karen and her husband, Matthew and I've been so happy to meet little Mackenzie at 7 months. We gave her a bath tonight, but I think she was the one giving us a bath with all of her adorable splashing.
Next up after this is NASHVILLE! With the legendary Nina Borum. and then (holy freakin' cow) my birthday in NEW YORK/BROOKLYN with Sarah and Brandon, longtime friends from home. No matter what I do, to be in these places with these people? Its gonna be fantastic.
I've never been more excited.
