Continue the Journey

Studying abroad was something I had always wanted to do. While this trip taught me how to travel efficiently, how to travel write, and how to quickly adapt to different situations, I would highly recommend it to anyone considering taking the trip. I have never learned so much in such a short amount of time. From monuments, to local art galleries, to a serene forest oasis, it was a trip of a lifetime. I will take the skills that I learned about travel writing and apply them to my future endeavors.

           

            My favorite part of the entire trip was touring the Puerto Rican capital. We did this on the first day, and it was incredible. The entire building was made of marble and it was beautiful. I also enjoyed visiting the Castillo San Cristobal, you could see the island for miles and it was breathtaking. Anyone who has travelled knows that things can go wrong at times and you need to be able to go with the flow and adapt to new plans. When this happened to us, we took the extra time to explore more of San Juan, and ate a delicious lunch while sightseeing in the city.

            In the future, I would plan a trip with a similar itinerary as this one had. Making sure that I get to see main tourist attractions, while adding in some local attractions as well. Becoming acclimated with the non-tourism part of any destination is key to getting the full experience when traveling.

The Puerto Rican Capital

The view from the Castillo San Cristobal

 A rope swing in the El Yunque Rainforest

Check these out:

http://travel.usnews.com/Puerto_Rico/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g147319-Activities-c47-t26-Puerto_Rico.html

http://www.trippy.com/question/Puerto-Rico-Non-touristy-things-to-do-in-Puerto-Rico

Contact Information:

Email: sdeshurley@ou.edu

Phone: 281-222-7329

Facebook: @sarahdeshurley

Twitter: @skdeshurley

Instagram: @so_desh_so_clean

An Escape

By: Andee Gentry

   Everyone wants to be somewhere that they feel safe. A place of safety, warmth, and privacy. As I come home, I am drawn to my bedroom. It is a place of comfort where one can jump onto the bed and melt into the covers forgetting about all the stress going on in one’s day smelling nothing but the scent of cherry blossoms that take over the room. 

   While looking around the room, you are surrounded by a variety of paintings such as an American rendition of Marilyn Monroe or a simple pair of gold painted lips framed on the wall. There is a simple luxury within the walls that makes you feel as if you are at a hotel in New York capturing the city vibes. Although there are bright paintings on the walls, the room is simplified with 3 definite colors. Black, gold, and white take up the room in furniture, bedding and décor. The simplicity of these colors offer a classy yet subtle room that doesn’t overwhelm anyone but instead comforts someone. 

   A fluffy shag white rug comforts your feet as soon as you hop out of bed leaving your body to feel a sense of warmth.  Blackout curtains that cover the windows turn the room in the brightest of days almost pitch black. You are able to escape all the worries in your day even if it's 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Although its pitch black in the room, you are able to wake up to the hymns of birds and the foot trafficking of students. In the morning, you are able to unveil the curtains and look out onto your very own personal balcony to sip on coffee and take in the quiet morning where you can have time to reflect upon yourself before the day starts. 

   This room is cozy, safe, and private and this room is home. 

Golden Lips Painting

The All- American Marilyn Monroe

Faux Shag Rug 

Check out:

http://www.houzz.com/photos/82841837/Olivergal-Solid-Kiss-Canvas-Art-24x16-contemporary-prints-and-posters

https://fineartamerica.com/art/paintings/marilyn+monroe
https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/p/japanese-cherry-blossom-3-wick-candle-023015629.html?cgid=3-wick-candles-promotion

Contact information:

Email: Andee.W.Gentry-1@ou.edu

Twitter: AndeeWGentry 

Facebook: Andee Gentry 

Instagram: andeegentry