Paradise...

Can you believe it's been two months since I last wrote anything on this blog?!?! It's a shame...but I have a good excuse.  I was back in the United States to get married and then onto Turks and Caicos to honeymoon, so I think I earned the break.  I have been thinking about what I would write today, and how much of it would be travel related.  I will tell you that Turks and Caicos is a true paradise on earth, and that of all the Caribbean islands we have visited, THIS is the place I would love to return, time and time again.  More on that in a bit...

Getting married was the most emotionally filling experience of my life.  Of course, there is drama and chaos when planning a wedding, and a to-do list that never seems to end, only grow longer.  To top it all off, we planned our wedding (with the help of a fabulous planner) from England!  Imagine having to schedule things and pay for things without actually seeing them? Or trusting in other people to do things for you from so far away?  It was not easy, but it was an experience that taught me so much.

Here's what I learned:

• My husband and I are capable of achieving anything, we are team players, we are supportive and we get SH!T done.  We know when the other wants a break, and we know when we need to put business aside for some fun.  
• Giving up control to someone else and trusting in someone's advice and experience is a relief.  We were so fortunate to have a planner, however, it was not easy for me at first.  I am, by nature, a control freak and a planner.   Letting go and letting someone else manage was amazing for me.  I grew from that experience and I will apply it in other areas of my life.
• Family and friends are everything.  We are so far away and we miss those closest to us more than you will ever know (unless you have lived overseas).  Our loved ones are so supportive of us, but it doesn't get easier to hug someone and say "see you later".  That good-bye hug is always painful.  I always walk away strong (well, I try to at least), but usually cry a little on the long flight back across the pond.
• We were so blessed to GIVE that special day to our families and friends.  It meant so much to have them there.  They gave us their presence, and we hope that we have given them a night they may never forget.  
• I am stronger than I ever thought I was - we did it!!!
• And lastly, I would like to never plan another wedding, ever.  It's fun once, and that's all I will say about that :)

Now onto the traveling advice - that is what you came here to read, right?  If you ever find yourself with time, money and the opportunity to spend time on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, then here is what you MUST know.

• This place has the clearest, calmest, bluest water I have seen in my life.  You have to see it to believe it.  I promise.
• You have to eat lobster EVERY day, and you must plan to visit during lobster season - it's a rule - I just made it up.
• You must try conch salad - don't let the fact that it's raw turn you away - its taste like chicken :)
• Take a full day tour with Dream Caicos - snorkel, swim in 7000 ft deep water, dive for conchs. enjoy a secluded beach, have a bbq lunch and then try some fresh conch salad - it will change your life.
• Play golf if you like, or while your partner plays golf, go to a spa.  Enjoy it.
• You have got to eat at these places - Coco Bistro, Bay Bistro, Da Conch Shack (on a Thursday night), Tiki Hut (on a Wednesday), Yoshi Sushi (yes, sushi..on an island), Mango Reef ( the lobster pasta is everything), and Hemmingways
• Considering spending your vacation at the Gansevoort, and letting Kalvin be your taxi driver for the week.  Stock up on snacks and spirits at the local IGA, settle in, and enjoy.
• Drinks lots of rum punch, relax, and take in every moment and every sunset - this is what dreams are made of right here.

Tomorrow morning, we are off to spend Thanksgiving in Amsterdam!  Until next time, be thankful!!!