#9: Go to a country I've never been to

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

I spent four days in the beginning of this month in Puerto Plata, Domican Republic.  My sister and I took a trip to Paradise for her final Spring Break of college.  I graduated years ago, but far be it from me to miss an opportunity to go to an all-inclusive beach-front resort in the beginning of March.

It was beautiful.  I wouldn't say it was the best trip I've been on, as far as destinations go, but I had an amazing time with my sister.  The three bottles of sunblock we went through in a day and a half made sure that we didn't burn.  We enjoyed our free drinks and food.  We lounged by the pool and beach, danced at the disco and night club.  We spent a rainy day swimming with dolphins, sharks and sting rays.

This leads me to #20.  I didn't realize that I was actually terrified of sting rays.  But, it turns out that I am.  Like irrationally terrified.  I don't have any photos of that endeavor because the proof was just too sad.  Lisa and I screamed like little girls and I swear I almost cried.  The animal trainers kept screwing with us because, after all, we were scared, screaming Americans.

Yes, that's a shark on our laps.

I want to go to Costa Rica

I think I need an adventure. My life is hectically boring. Ha. Meaning, I have a ton going on, but none of it is "fun." I work 9-5. I commute an hour to and from. I'm living with my parents. I'm going to school two nights a week 6-9. I'm studying. I'm planning my nursing school entry. I'm thinking about buying a co-op (with what money, I don't know).

But, I'm single. I'm rooted. And, I'm bored. My job's fine. School's fine. Home's fine. But nothing is GREAT! Nothing is exciting. I mean, buying a place will be exciting. But... Then I'll be living alone. And, that seems a little boring too, right? Yes, there are amazing parts to it. Like decorating, and being in control of everything (which I like), and cleaning when you want, and feeling "at home." But, on a Wednesday night, after work, when you're having a glass of wine and watching Lost, you're alone. I like wine. I like Lost. But at when the show's over, it's back to boring.

Anyway. Long story short, I need an adventure. I'm thinking about planning a trip to Costa Rica. Some kind of all-inclusive thing where I can lounge on the beach, go see volcanoes, tour the rain forest. Q will come with me. It's not too expensive. I think I can get a week w/ everything for under $800.

Plus, I get to wear vacation clothes! Yey sundresses!