Florida Impressions.

Hi there.

I feel like I’ve been very MIA on the blog lately, but I’ve just been so busy studying for and taking six exams within less than a week, which left me only two days to pack for my USA trip. Now I only have two and a half more weeks in Michigan left and it feels like time is running so fast. But I’ve finally made some time to sit down and work on some posts, so first I want to talk about our incredible trip to Southwest Florida last week. It’s not going to be a guide really since we only went for four days, and most of all it was a trip to hang out with family. We still got to see so many incredible things, so I thought I would share some impressions.

I had already been to Florida two times before as a kid (I actually learned how to walk there when I was ten months old), but I was really blown away by the beautiful nature aside from all the hotels and condos and crowded beaches. One morning, we got up at the crack of dawn to go on a boat trip to see some tidal pools lead by our wonderful guide and captain Alex. If you’re staying on Marco Island, I highly recommend taking a boat tour with Alex, he is such a professional, very passionate about his job, and knows everything about the wildlife you’re going to come across. And the best part, it’s totally eco-friendly. We truly had the most wonderful time, if you’re interested in a tour with Captain Alex, check out Florida Backcountry Adventures. Our first stop of the three-hour tour was a tidal pool, where we got off the boat and started exploring during low tide. We saw a lot of fighting conks, sand dollars, starfish, and we even dug out a huge horseshoe crab (which was definitely bigger than a horseshoe). Captain Alex asked us beforehand which animals we wanted to see to make our tour as memorable and personal as possible and we got really lucky and saw many dolphins (which were my absolute highlight!) and even sea turtles. I hope the pictures can transfer a little bit of the beauty.

On our way to Marco Island, where we were staying, we stopped by Tin City in Naples. If you need some souvenirs for your loved ones at home, this is the perfect place to do some shopping, and while you’re at it, grab a drink or some ice cream. My favorite shop there was the Naples Soap Company. About two years ago, I decided I was done with using all those artificial chemicals that can be found in common skin care products on my face, so ever since then I’ve been making my own natural lotions etc. and got used to people laughing at me for carrying around essential oils or healing clay. That’s why I’m a huge fan of companies like Lush, who use natural ingredients AND try to create waste free products. If you’re the same way, make sure to pay a visit to the Naples Soap Company, it won’t disappoint. Plus, for those candle lovers (like me!) out there, they also sell recycled candles made from wine bottles, so what more could you ask for?!

If you’re in need for some healthy snacks, go check out the South Naples Citrus Grove. You will find the best fresh orange juice you’ve ever tasted along with many citrus based (local!) products (like ice cream, jams, skin care products, etc.), but also a lot of other fruit. If you can’t take all of it with you, they will also ship it to your house so you’ll have a piece of Florida waiting for you when you get home.

That’s it for now, for the next post I’m going to be talking about Detroit, Michigan, so stay tuned for that!

Sunsets are proof that endings can be beautiful, too.

 

I’m not working with any of the brands mentioned nor am I being paid or asked to promote them, they are simply personal recommendations.