If you know me, you know I’m from Long Island, but loved in Florida for a few years after graduating college before moving back to the Big Apple. Every once in a while, especially with COVID and remote work, I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to go home and visit my parents. This last Christmas, I was blessed with a week off between the holidays to unplug and visit my parents in South Florida for two weeks.

While there, we did all sorts of things of course. My parents are empty nesters at this point and are always exploring. We did a sip and pedal bike through downtown Fort Lauderdale. 10/10 recommend. We did a boat for an afternoon on the water. Also recommend. We brought our Pub Subs and BYOBd and I even got to drive the boat on the open water. We ALSO hit the high seas on Margaritaville’s cruise ship out of Palm Beach. It was a quick trip to the Bahamas over Christmas, but I had a great time. 

The first night was at sea, and it was rocky for sure. I did have to end the night early, but there was no shortage of games on board like basketball and arcade games, and the restaurants had amazing food every night. There was a comedian one night, and a show the other. 

We got off the boat the next morning and we’re in the Bahamas. Upon disembarking, we found a tour company that took us around the island to show us the hot spots and tell us a bit of history. We stopped at some shops – that were open on Christmas – and got some food – before heading back to the boat. 

It was a great way to spend time with family, learn about a new culture and learn that I get sea sick easily. 

Until next time…

– Jae Marie