La Isla Del Encanto

I just got back from Puerto Rico yesterday morning and it was such an awesome trip! I didn't jinx myself and everything went smoothly. I was so nervous that something was going to go wrong that I was walking around with a headache for an entire week. My headache literally went away the second we checked into the hotel.

I planned this vacation to coincide with my 20th birthday and one of my "New Year's Resolution's" was to top last year's birthday celebration. Mission accomplished. Don't get me wrong my 19th birthday was great, but it was filled with lots of tears and drama. Last year we went to a drag queen restaurant and I got my first tattoo. It was a fun birthday and nobody will ever know how much BOTH of my tattoo's mean to me, but this year was different.

This trip wasn't just a vacation for me it was a journey. I am Puerto Rican, but I never felt a strong connection to my Hispanic roots. For one thing my Spanish is not what is should be. I was born and raised in New York as was my Mom and most of my family. We speak English. I'm a vegetarian. My name is Ashley Venus! LOL but being in Puerto Rico and exploring my culture I realized I am a lot more Puerto Rican than I thought I was.

This trip has really helped me to grow as a person. I came back to New York with a renewed sense of self and a relaxed mindset. I am happy :)

Oh, before I forget I want to say thanks to mi amigos Alcides, Nicole, and especially Merima (she went to PR with me) for coming out the night before my trip and celebrating my birthday with me. I say especially Merima not because she was part of my journey, but because she wrote my birthday card in crayon. Seriously.

Yo soy Boricua