To me this picture means pure relaxation. It was the last day of a much-needed vacation and I was lying in the shade with my feet up against a palm tree, looking out at the sea, the horizon. Around me, only sand and the ocean.
Looks very relaxing indeed! 
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I woke up the next morning and realized I was in paradise. Punta Cana is a beautiful city. The beach is amazing and for the most part the people are extremely hospitable. Nobody walks by you without saying, Hola, Como Estas? (Spanish for Hello, How are you?)
I spent the first day in limbo just kinda walking around, attending my vacation orientation, checking out the resort etc. I honestly thought I was going to just freestyle the next 7 days by doing whatever, whenever and then I realized, even though I’m on vacation, I have to have a plan for each day, maybe I’m a control freak, but I’m just that type of person.
With plan in hand, I ventured into the next six days and each day was nothing short of amazing.
You look pretty happy!
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Detox: If there’s one word that separates my recent vacation to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic from previous vacations, it would be detox. Previous vacations, for one reason or another, required a vacation from the vacation. This one was quite different. I spent my days laying on the beach or poolside at the Melia Tropical Resort from September 30th through October 9th, 2012. The best part was the lack of connectivity to the rest of the world. There was no cell phone service. Well, I wasn’t willing to pay international roaming charges. There was no internet service. The internet service that was available for $15, which I paid for on the 5th day, right in the middle of the vacation, was somewhat spotty. And there was limited TV service. ESPN Deportes was not a viable option, which was only watched for the occasional review of the scrolling scoreboard, and even that took a little imagination to figure out. All-in-all, I spent the vast majority of the vacation disconnected from the world, enjoying my time in the sun (and shade). Between 4 and 6 hours of every day was spent in the ocean or pool. The swim-up pool bar was a nice touch, making things simple for those of us that like to enjoy a cocktail or two (or ten).
Sounds like a great trip!
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“Where are your feet taking you today? School is drawing to an end here and so packing is taking place. One exam next week that I’ll come back for then off for summer! Thankfully I get this room next year, too bad I can’t keep my stuff here over summer.
I hope this summer I can go tubing! So relaxing and fun while enjoying a tan! That’s what summer is all about, soaking in the sun! Hope everyone has something enjoyable planned for summer! Even if it’s a weekend to your favorite restaurant. Enjoy your friends and loved ones!”
Nice shot and hope you have a great summer!
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“El Nido is located about 238 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa. Most of the islands in El Nido have pockets of fine white sand beaches and coves – perfect for sunbathing and picnic lunches.
With over 40 beaches to discover, El Nido, Palawan is definitely THE destination for island hopping. On our first day, we were welcomed with the sight of enchanting lagoons with tranquil turquoise-green water and caves that can actually take you to hidden, white sandy beaches. Perfect. Absolutely, stunningly PERFECT.
If you really love nature (like me), then El Nido is the perfect place for you. Since I couldn’t remember the names of some of the Islands, I suggest you visit the place yourself. You won’t regret it.
El Nido is indeed a magical place. A gift of nature, so to speak. No wonder why Alex Garland got his inspiration to write his first book, “The Beach” in one of the islands surrounding Bacuit Bay. “
Sounds wonderful there and great shot!
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“The thin island of Cijin is a very popular day trip from Kaohsiung. Just a quick ferry ride from the Kaohsiung harbor and you’re right near the bustling seafood street, where you might just find the “best seafood” in all of Kaohsiung or Taiwan. We did not. It wasn’t terrible or anything, just not as amazing as some of the other places we’d eaten so far. And nowhere near the deliciousness that is the Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon Hong Kong. Best ever if you ask me.
However, the area does reek of photogenic. From the local fishermen, excited tourists, various vendors and roaming packs of wild dogs, the place is a photographer’s delight. Not to mention the amazing Matsu Temple (Tianhou Temple at Cihou). Especially once the daylight went away. I might just do a whole post on the photos I shot of that thing! For now here’s some of my faves from the day.
Matsu Temple Guy | Nikon D700 24mm F1.4 1/50 ISO 640 “
Great shot!
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“Last summer I had the pleasure of taking a trip down to Ecuador with BaDing* and his family. His uncle thought it would be an amazing experience to go whale watching. I couldn’t agree more, but as for the rest of the family, they weren’t too sure. I was the definition of ”ignorance is bliss,” because I had no idea what I was in store for or why the rest of the family was so nervous. When we arrived at the beach (not at all trying to sound high maintenance,) I was expecting a long dock leading out to a yacht. I don’t know what I was thinking. Lets just say this was no yacht. Once walking into the ocean to load ourselves into the boat (that had pulled up to shallow waters), we took off hitting the waves and flying high. It was a fairly overcast day, and the water was rough to say the least. Our lovely tour guides were telling us all the safety precautions, what to expect once we arrive at the viewing site, and what we should or shouldn’t be doing. Luckily for me, this entire speech was in Spanish, which I know about 2 words of. After an extremely rocky boat ride we arrive. Unfortunately, multiple passengers got seasick, and others were crying… it was a mess. I felt so awful for them, but I still needed to see these whales!
Next thing you know the whales are leaping out of the water so close they seem to be in arms reach! There were so many of them. It was literally one of the most amazing things I have every seen. It is unreal to think there is an entire world under the ocean that I know so little about, and that an animal so big and strong could be swimming around right beneath my boat! BaDing* translated that the tour guide/boat driver was asking if anyone wanted to get a closer look at the front of the boat, and I obviously jumped up, but I didn’t understand anything he was saying about how to balance myself by holding a rope, and I almost went flying off the edge (no big deal.) The view was worth it though. We only had a short time before they took us to go take a dip in the water and see a few more sites, but this was undoubtedly one of my favorite parts of the trip.
None of these pictures do justice to what we saw that day. The rocking of the boat and the time the camera took to flash made it almost impossible to get a good shot, but I still think these pictures are worth 1000 words. I will spare you the pictures of the throwing up and crying! “
Sounds amazing, indeed!
Check out more of the photos at meet me in paradise !
kelsoristo writes, “If you don’t know about the road to Hana, it is a famous drive along the east coast of Maui, it’s the road to the last classic Hawaiian city, Hana. So we dedicated a day to The Hana drive. It’s so pretty and you drive through this awesome little town called Paia which is a sweet surf town with great shops. Along the way, you can make stops and check stuff out. What I was told is that it takes 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the person and how many stops you take, no problem right? I’m thinking we can hit big beach on the way back…I forgot to mention that it is the windiest road you’ll ever drive, oh and super narrow oh, and full of one way bridges…all this made me a tad nauseous by the time we hit Hana. Then that’s where I found out that it was 1.5 to 3 hrs for ONE WAY! So we stopped for a mini beach break in Hana before heading back. I have to say, it was the most beautiful drive I’ve ever been on! It was filled with mini adventures, beautiful views, and even delicious phad thai we got on the side of the road!”
Wonderful time in a beautiful place!
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The 1st draft writes, “Mom and I wanted to take this huge, gorgeous starfish that my BL found home with us:
My brother-in-law found it after we had sailed on their boat to a small island near Nassau in The Bahamas.
I wanted to keep it as a pet. Mom wanted to wait until it died and hang it on her wall.
We ended up returning it back to its home near the beautiful, quiet little beach that we found while sailing today. I have to say, having your own sailboat and crew to take you around the Bahamas for free is very handy.”
Great decision and very beautiful!
sixfingeredwanderer writes, “After hours and hours of Driving, we have finally arrived at the Poring hot spring area. I wasn’t that excited about the hot spring honestly but my adrenaline was pumping up since I was stocked to go trekking and do the famous Canopy walk.
Poring Hot Spring is a really huge area, there’s a lot to do here if you have ample time. Since our friends are already going early to catch their flight back to manila, we decided to only check the canopy walk and do trekking. I advise that you use insect repellents and use shoes for this place. Unfortunately I’m an adventurer so I go walking using slippers thou the place was muddy. It was really exhausting to go to the canopy walk since you have to walk about 15 minutes or depends on how you walk uphill to reach the place (exactly 500 meters to the top). Once you arrive in the area you’ll be amazed about the view and sounds of mother nature. Canopy Walks are not for the weak of heart I tell you, the walkway is so scary for others but quite fun since it was a bit shaky (but 100% safe).
BATMAN LIVES! HERE!
Noreen a bit nervous but enjoying the rush!
Man vs. Wild! “
What an adventure! Looks beautiful there!
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“A special vacation with some friends. Five magic days in one of the most special places that I have ever seen in my life. “
Beautiful!
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B. Erskine writes, ” Getting ready to do some early morning yoga on a recent vacation in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.”
True dedication to yoga; in the early morning while on vacation. Lovely photo!
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