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08/19/201008/01/2015

Oasis of the Seas: A Royal Caribbean Review – Part 2

by Marian Krueger, in category Cruises, Royal Caribbean

If I could live at sea, I would live on the Oasis. Yes ladies and gentlemen, I have fallen madly in love with Royal Caribbean‘s Oasis of the Seas. I can’t begin to tell you how fantastic our cruise was, but yes — it was fantastic! From beginning to almost the end (I didn’t want… Read More

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08/18/201008/23/2016

My First Visit to Washington DC

by Marian Krueger, in category DC, Destinations, USA

Our weekend in Washington, DC was fantastic. We noticed that despite it being the weekend of the Cherry Blossom Festival, the strange weather that we have been having in the Northeast resulted in no blooms. It didn’t matter because we were intoxicated with all of the history that DC has to offer. Our hotel was… Read More

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08/17/201007/10/2015

Off for a Weekend in Washington, DC

by Marian Krueger, in category Destinations, USA

I can’t believe that I have never visited Washington, DC. Yes, we drove through it once and stayed in Georgetown, but I have never seen the White House, the Washington Monument, or the Lincoln Memorial among many of the sites this great city has to offer. I am excited to spend a weekend close by… Read More

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08/17/201007/10/2015

Where are you going now?

by Marian Krueger, in category Destinations

A question I am often asked is, “Where are you going now?” Yes, I love to travel and it seems like I am always going somewhere, but it doesn’t just happen. I am meticulous with my research and planning and I do all I can to save up my pennies, which is how I am… Read More

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08/16/201007/10/2015

Sun and Zip Lining in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

by Marian Krueger, in category Destinations, Mexico

Ok, so the rain was following us everywhere we went, but we didn’t let that interfere with our fun. When we woke up, we were treated to a beautiful sunrise in Puerto Vallarta. We made our way off the ship, out of the terminal, and down the street to the main drag to catch a… Read More

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08/15/201001/31/2016

A Visit to Isla Tortuga in Mazatlán, Mexico

by Marian Krueger, in category Destinations, Mexico
Mazatlán

Mazatlán is Mexico’s largest commercial port and a popular tourist destination. It is also home to the largest shrimp fleet in the world. Our cruise ship arrived in the commercial port and we decided to take the short walk to the ferry over to Stone Island. Stone Island is located in the southern part of… Read More

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08/14/201007/10/2015

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

by Marian Krueger, in category Destinations, Mexico

Arriving into Cabo San Lucas, we took a peek from our balcony and we were pleasantly surprised. A bustling marina meant there would be plenty to do that day and we were right on the money with that assumption. As we waited for the tender to arrive, we watched dolphins frolicking alongside the ship. As… Read More

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08/13/201008/01/2015

Mariner of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Ship Review

by Marian Krueger, in category Cruises, Royal Caribbean

A great way to spend Valentine’s day and Mardi Gras is on a cruise like we did this year. We left Boston flying non-stop on Virgin American and I have to tell you, all airlines should make flying this much fun and easy. It was definitely worth the upgrade to Main Cabin Select! We got… Read More

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08/13/201007/10/2015

Beach Time in Nassau, Bahamas

by Marian Krueger, in category Destinations
Nassau, Bahamas

One of the stops on our Carnival Cruise was to Nassau, Bahamas. We were experiencing unseasonably cold temperatures on this cruise, but we were thinking positive and hoping for a nice, warm day. When we arrived in port, we made our way into town to catch the local bus, the #10 jitney, to the Wyndham… Read More

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08/12/201008/01/2015

Sailing on the Carnival Sensation

by Marian Krueger, in category Carnival, Cruises
Carnival Sensation

My last trip was a short one on the Carnival “Sensation” in January. This four day cruise is a pleasant introduction into the world of cruising or a quick getaway for anyone wanting to sneak away for a bit. Launched in 1993 and refurbished in 2006, the Sensation is not a new, glitzy ship, but… Read More

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There are some things that I like to see where I There are some things that I like to see  where I live that immediately give me comfort. Water is my all time favorite and living in Vegas has taken some getting used to as I’ve enjoyed always being near a body of water. In Boston, I  had an amazing view of Boston Harbor. My other favorite is mountains. I grew up with views of Mount Adam and Eve in New York so not sure if that’s why I like seeing mountains. But mountains definitely look different on the West coast. I am always in awe of the mountains that surround Las Vegas. Perhaps it’s because it’s always so sunny here and then you have these  incredibly blue skies, the palm trees, and the relatively flat terrain that turns into various types of hillsides and mountains. But the beauty of those mountains never elude me. 

What is a must have for where you live? Is it water, mountains, beaches, or something else? Could you live without it? Why or why not? 

#lasvegas #lasvegaslocals #lasvegasnevada #lasvegaslife #landscape #landscapes #landscapephotography #travel #travelphotography #travelblog #travelblogger #travelgram #instalasvegas #mountains #mountain #palmtrees #bluesky #blueskies #visitlasvegas #desertliving #desertlife🌵 #westcoast #westcoastliving #westcoastlife #westcoastlife
Happy Sunday! Thought I’d try something new so h Happy Sunday! Thought I’d try something new so here goes. 

SUNDAYS IN VEGAS:

1. Started the day off with a reiki session with Selise at Enchanted Forest Reiki Center. Definitely helped with how I’ve been feeling, but looks like I was spot on with regard to my sacral chakra. 
2. Finally made my way over to Ronald’s Donuts because they have vegan donuts of course. I got the maple bar and an old fashioned. Intended to only eat 1/3 of the maple bar, but it was so light and tender that yeah — I ate the whole thing because it was so good. 🍩
3. Went to the brand new Grocery Outlet  on Blue Diamond. It’s small, but they had Daiya cheese for $1.99 and Tattooed Chef quesadillas or burritos for $0.99 and a big ass candle for $5.99 (shelf display said $4.99 but I’ll deal with that next time). It reminded me a little of Aldi. When I lived in Los Angeles, I kept meaning to go into a Grocery Outlet, but never did. I’m definitely returning to this one. 
4. Got a Mango Monsoon at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. I realize how much the Philippines has spoiled me because I want a mango only smoothie. This had mango, pineapple, papaya, guava, passion fruit & coconut. Again, I wanted just mango, especially as I don’t really like papaya. But you can’t take just papaya out. Long story. Trust me. But it’s still a good smoothie. I just wanted a mango smoothie. Anyone know where in Vegas I can get a vegan mango only smoothie? 
5. PLATONIC on AppleTv+: watched episode six and I was hysterical watching @sethrogen and Alan argue, especially this: 
Will: You will die before me. 
You have osteoporosis. 
I love the writing on this show. Hopefully, the writer’s and actors strike may be over soon.🤞🤞🤞
6. FILTERS ARE FUNNY: I wanted to use this pic because the filter made my eyes weird so now I look like a robot. Well, the truth was going to get out eventually. 😄

#travel #travelblogger #redhairdontcare #blueeyes #redhairblueeyes #redhead #redheadsofinstagram #reiki #chakras #sacralchakra #ronaldsdonuts #vegan #vegandonuts #groceryoutlet #tropicalsmoothiecafe #mangosmoothie  #philippines #filterselfie #lasvegas #lasvegasvegan #lasvegaslocal #redhairblueeyespaleskin #writersstrike #wgastrong
Thailand is a country I know I will always return Thailand is a country I know I will always return to because it has so much to offer. When I visited Bangkok and went to Wat Pho and other temples, it felt familiar and comforting to me. That’s not something I usually feel so of course I will return. There are always lessons to be learned on our travels, at home and on the road. But we are usually too  preoccupied with our lives to pay attention. But guess what? I’m paying attention now. So I’m making myself a priority as well as travel. If all goes as planned, I should be back to traveling at the beginning of the new year, but we shall see. I’m taking it calmly and without urgency as I don’t need to rush anything. It’s all about just being happy. 

#travel #travelphotography #travelblogger #travelawesome #traveladdict #thailand #thailandtravel #bangkok #bangkokthailand #watpho #watphotemple #watphobangkok #watphotemplebangkok #buddha #buddhastatue #gold #goldstatue #selflove #iamlove #selfreflection #travelplanner #travelplans #planningahead #futureplans #visitbangkok #travelpics #traveldeeper #travelpics #buddhatemple #1111
Was out and about today and stopped in at the Ench Was out and about today and stopped in at the Enchanted Forest Reiki Center. I’ve been meaning to visit for over a year, but I wasn’t too far away today so it seemed destined. Look at this gorgeous Hamsa Hand 🪬 with Evil Eye 🧿. I recently read not to keep a broken or damaged Evil Eye. I broke a Evil Eye keychain and kept the pieces so I guess that was a no-no. 🧿 So when I saw this one, I knew it was going home with me. 

If you’re not familiar with the Hamsa Hand or the Evil Eye, this briefly covers it: 

“The Hamsa Hand is a universal sign of protection, power and strength that dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. Known as the Hand of Fatima in Islam and Hand of Miriam in Judaism, it's believed to protect against against the evil eye and and all negative energies.”

I’m all about protection and positivity so in addition to my permanent Hamsa Hand tattoo I have, I enjoy learning about other cultures and religions with regard to protection from evil. I also have an Icelandic rune for protection tattoo as well as a necklace, and a St. Benedict’s medal that I wear primarily for ghost hunting or any other time I feel it’s needed. 

Are you someone who will roll your eyes when you hear Evil Eye or protection? Or do you feel it as well? Besides being a beautiful little piece of art, the added bonus of protection makes it a must have in my book. 🧿🪬

#travel #travelphotography #travelblogger #hamsa #hamsahand #evileye #evileyeprotection #hamsaprotection #evileyehamsa #evileyehamsahand #stbenedict #stbenedictmedal #icelandicrune #selfcare #selflove #therapy #selfimprovement #enchantedforestreikicenter #1111 #awakening #iamlove #theuniversehasyourback
Travel has always been important to me and I feel Travel has always been important to me and I feel so fortunate to travel to places I’d only dreamt of seeing someday. When I traveled back to Colombia and made my way along the Amazon, I felt so lucky. Where else was I going to see pink dolphins or some of the world’s largest lily pads? 

On this particular day, the sky opened up and it was pouring. We were trying to wait out the rain as we were still traveling by boat. Then some children started playing futbol and then some of the men in my group joined in for a wet, messy, but laughter filled game. 

The lesson is clear: There’s joy in everything if we look for it. It’s easy to get annoyed by the everyday mundane and annoying things in life. If you do, you’ll miss out on all the laughter that could have otherwise occupied your stress filled day. 

So what have we got to lose? Absolutely nothing! 

#travel #travelblogger #travelphotography #travelphoto #travelawesome #traveladdict #travelcolombia #travelamazon #travelamazonas #lilypad #lilypads #biglilypads #giganticlilypads #rain #rainy #rainyday #rainydays☔️ #rainphotography #rainlover #amazonas #amazonia #selfcare #selflove #selfawareness #awakening #spiritualawakening #spiritualgrowth #spiritualhealing #loveeveryone #iamlove
Just a friendly reminder today from the universe t Just a friendly reminder today from the universe to love yourself first. #love #selflove #selfappreciation #buddha #buddhaquote #buddhaquotes #tattoo #selfimprovement #ascension #personalgrowth #personalgrowthjourney #1111 #mefirst #loveyourself #traveltheworld #travel #travelblogger #buddhism #buddhistquotes #selfawareness #selfawarenessjourney #theuniverseislistening #theuniverselovesme #theuniverseinside #loveyourselftoday
Each day is a new day and growth comes in all form Each day is a new day and growth comes in all forms. I will keep working on me daily. I’m looking forward to shedding all of my self imposed secrecy shit I’ve always carried with me. Welcome to me version 2.0 - raw and unscripted. This was me in the massage chair while getting IV hydration. 

I briefly mentioned I’m starting ketamine therapy soon and I’m looking forward to it. I want to find out ways to change behavior but not talk about it for 20 years (thank you ADHD for that one - no really!). I also decided to try shroomz today and made shroom tea, which I have to think is way better then gnawing on dried mushrooms. I ate a little breakfast this morning (coconut yogurt with bananas and granola) and a plum before I started but my stomach is actually flipping now and I’ve felt nothing. Don’t know if it’s because I did tea instead of eating them. It’s less about getting high and more about understanding behavior and wanting to make changes. If you get that and can offer advice to this newbie, please share. Thanks!!!

#therapy #ketaminetherapy #shroomz #shroomtea #personalgrowth #personalgrowthjourney #changeishardbutworthit #immachangedwoman #selflove #selfcare #selfportrait #thatsme #redhairdontcare #version20 #rawandunscripted #selfie #selflove #knowyourworth #valueyourself
I’m often asked where is my favorite place to vi I’m often asked where is my favorite place to visit and that’s a hard one to answer. All the places I’ve visited have made a mark on me. One that really did was Easter Island. Seeing the Moai was more than I ever expected. I had no idea just how many exist, more than 1,000. And when you see them, you can look at them as merely statues or realize that they were carved to represent individuals. Some were carved with a pukao, or red scoria stone, to represent the long hair the deceased had. High ranking men often wore their hair tied in a bun on their heads. So my red hair actually isn’t unusual as Pakomio had red hair, blue eyes, and light white skin. In Polynesian culture, reddish hair has  been seen as a sign of descent from high-ranking ancestors and a mark of rulership. Maybe that’s why I liked it there so much. Maybe I was there in a previous life. 

But when you look at each statue, to me they were more than statues because they had personalities. Not everyone will see it or even care. But I saw it and felt it and ultimately, that’s all that matters. 

That’s true of everything in life. I have spent my entire life people pleasing and avoiding conflict, but not understanding how all of my actions (subconscious vs conscious; intentional vs unintentional) still can and do affect others and often, if not always, produces unintended outcomes. I’m extremely focused on removing these obstacles from my life so it will allow me to be happy. And not happy because of someone but solely for me, because of me. 

Life is too short not to embrace all opportunities, even when it seems harder then I can handle. If the Moai each can weigh up to 14 tons and no one was complaining about that, I think I can learn some valuable life lessons and continue to better myself. 

Here’s to a good week filled with possibilities for self improvement and of course, travel. ✈️🗿

#travel #travelblogger #easterisland #moai #moai #statue #pukao #growth #personalgrowth #personalgrowthjourney #therapy #selfimprovement #selflove #selffirst #worldtravel #worldtraveler #chile #grow #changeyourthoughts #change #changeyourlife
So many stairs to climb but what a reward at the e So many stairs to climb but what a reward at the end at Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong. Sometimes you can understand how big it is in theory, but only when you see it with your own eyes that you get the enormity of it all. 

It’s like life and our personal and spiritual growth. I never really thought about any of that I think, but I get why now. I was living still a hyper vigilant life just as I had as a child. Seven years ago I had a chance to participate in an ayahuasca ceremony. My life has changed so much since then. My biggest lesson learned then is one I’m relearning now and that’s to let go. I may appear controlling and I’m sure people who have known me could agree. But I now understand it as simply trying to keep myself safe. It’s just sad that I still unconsciously use the same coping techniques I did as a child so that has to change. But I’m so grateful that I’ve experience things in my life recently that have demotivated me to work on all of myself and not for any reason or anyone other than myself. 

So take it one step at a time and know that like me you are strong, smart, and capable of anything you put your mind to. 

If you’re reading this and thinking this is about you, unless you were with me last week this is so not about you at all. I’ve seen how a real man acts who isn’t a narcissist and I’ll never ever settle for less again. 

#travel #travelphotography #travelblogger #travelgram #tiantan #tiantanbuddha #hongkong #ayahuasca  #therapy #ketaminetherapy #spiritualawakening #spiritualgrowth #spiritualjourney #twinflamehealing #stairs #stairsandsteps #steps #fightorflight #personalgrowth #personalgrowthjourney #buddha #bigbuddha #bigbuddhahongkong #narcissist
Today’s a new day and it’s time to look forwar Today’s a new day and it’s time to look forward. No matter how high up you are, how scared you might feel, and how much your body tells you to run, don’t. Feel it and know if you can get through this, you can get through anything. 

Scotland is one of my favorite places to visit and I was at Fort William taking pics after one of the most treacherous drives of my life. It was twisty turns roads and at some point you have to let go and trust the process. And that’s where I am right now in my life. I’m letting go and not trying to control anything including my emotions. I’ve done it my whole life and I can’t anymore. So embrace this new day and all the good things that can and will happen if you’re open to it. 

If you’re reading this and thinking this is about you, unless you were with me last week this is so not about you at all. I’ve seen how a real man acts who isn’t a narcissist and I’ll never ever settle for less again. 

#travel #travelphotography #travelblogger #scotland #fortwilliam #landscape #landscapephotography #mountains #redhair #redhairdontcare #therapy #childhoodtrauma #newattitude #photography #selflove #selfimprovement #selfreflection #traveladdict #travelpics #scotland_insta #scotlandphotography
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