On our way to Thailand, we decided we would make a quick stop in Shanghai, China. We made it Shanghai around 10pm that night, so we knew we wouldn’t have much time and needed to decide what was most important to us to experience. The next morning we exchanged our money and took the subway into the city.
I would advise to exchange your money at the airport the rate is free as opposed to the city. The transit was about $3USD. The 1 Chinese Yuan converts to $0.15 USD.
We quickly realized that just as fascinated as we were about the sites, the people were just as amazed by us. Everywhere we went people were taking videos, pictures, or just staring. Let’s say, I would never want to be famous. Cause’ although it was flattering we couldn’t do anything without a flick of people watching and recording our every move.
The City
Once we arrived in the city, we decided we would do the typical tourist things and sightsee and it was beautiful. Although it was beautiful the air quality in Shanghai is awful. We seen several people walking around with mask over their mouths to protect themselves as much as possible.
This picture was taken around 2pm. It was a very sunny day, although the pollution made it seem as though it was cloudy.
1,380 Feet Tall (29th tallest building in the World)
We decided that for $18 USD we would walk on a glass ledge 1,115 feet, 88 floors above ground with no handrails. It is said to be the world’s highest walkway without rails only a harness. It’s glass ledge adds to the intensity.
My adrenaline was rushing! The pollution is awful even at this level.
We did it and it was one of the most liberating experiences. It’s something about being on that ledge that made you feel free.
We received a picture and medal for completing the entire experience
Not many people can say they have walked on the sky walked 88 floors high with no handrails… but WE DID IT!!
One day we are in the gym and my cousin says, “Flights to Denver are only $60 round trip, we should go!” Next thing you know, we are on a flight to Denver in February! It’s 14 black people, on a flight to Denver… to ski! Hmmm! Lol! Here we go.
We rented this beautiful house that seems a bit rustic on the outside but, on the inside was complete luxury. There was 3 stories, 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a game room, hot tub, and all the essentials needed for some good ol’ fashion fun in the snow.
First time skiing
We rented our ski clothing from MountainThreads.com and it was a very affordable and smart decision. The company dropped the clothing off at our house and picked it back up when we were done. The jacket, pants, gloves, and goggles were only around $30 a day. Trust me, it is WORTH IT! We rented the ski boots, sticks, and skis at the resort.
The “Pizza” will save your life on the slopes, lol
We attended “Ski School” to learn the basics before hitting the slopes alone. There was a lot of gliding and falling. The snow was very soft, so thankfully we were not aching the next day.
Snowmobiling was one of the highlights of our time in Breck. Although, I may or may not have fallen off the snowmobile in a tight curve.
The Gang
Prior to heading out on the route the instructors take you through a brief training to ensure everyone is comfortable. There are some tight curves and pretty steep climbs to the top of the mountain.
Views from the Top
Once we made it to the top we were allowed to look around and pose for several photos. The views were truly breathtaking.
Dogsledding was offered at the same location of the snowmobiles, but were sold out when we tried to book. I would suggest booking all excursions in advance as they fill up quickly. Planning is essential if you are anticipating large group.
Not as adventurous as others? Try tubing! Tubing was low impact fun that a big or small group can enjoy. Although it didn’t require much, it packed a big punch! The instructors allowed you to go down as a single, group, or ever race one another.
The most stressful fun ever!
At night we enjoyed a few local lounges, however the Escape Room proved to be the most stressful. 10 people working to figure out how to Escape the cabin before the avalanche hits. Of course we made it out!
If you are looking for good free fun, then step right outside your door and enjoy nature. We played in the snow, had snowball fights, sled down the hills, and just simply enjoyed the views.
That’s all folks!
Breckenridge offers fun for all ages. The views were immaculate, the adventures spoke to the adrenaline junky in me, and my tribe, well I wouldn’t trade them for the world!
Reminders:
Drink plenty of water before your trip and during and pack headache medicine. The altitude can cause dehydration and headaches so it is advised. (Keep alcohol to a minimum and utilize Oxygen bars or rentals to help adjust – altitude sickness is no joke!)
If you have never hit the slopes before, ski school is needed.
You can Uber/Lyft or utilize “Breck Free Ride” bus system to any area. A rental car is not needed
Thailand has so many amazing things to do that it can become a bit overwhelming, but be quite rewarding for your bucket list. I mean let’s be honest, Thailand is known for its opulent beaches, ancient ruins, and picturesque temples
Elephant Sanctuary– Gentle Giants! We rode the elephants, bathed them, and for an extra 100 Baht (Approximately $3 USD) you can feed the Elephants. Feeding the elephants was the highlight of my experience. I never imagined them having so much personality! This Elephant Sanctuary also allows you to visit the tigers and floating market. http://www.tigertemplethailand.com
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – Damneon is one of the more well known Floating markets and although it sits about an hour outside of Bangkok it is one of the most popular floating markets in the area. One of the things I admired most about this market was the vast majority of women working and providing for their families by selling various goods, foods, and/or services. As you travel through the market in your long tail boat, be prepared to bargain and don’t be bashful about it! If you don’t do anything else, try the coconut ice cream! It was delicious! http://www.tigertemplethailand.com
The green is sweet sticky rice.
Tiger Kingdom – Phuket, Thailand Once in a lifetime experience!! This was by far one of the best experiences on my trip. For approximately $60 USD you can have an up-close experience with Tigers of all sizes and ages. The younger tigers were sedated due to their unpredictability and the older tigers were very well trained. They have photographers available for an additional fee, approximately $20 USD. https://www.tigerkingdom.com/phuket
Scuba Diving in Phi Phi Islands – Have a adventurous side? Try Scuba Diving in Phi Phi! The instructors were very nice and made sure you were comfortable the entire time. We paid approximately $45 USD to Scuba Dive for an hour. I mean look at the scenery, who wouldn’t want to?
FYI Snorkeling Equipment is very heavy!
Khai Nai Island– There are excursions that offer an Island tour. The tour consists of Phi Phi, Monkey Beach, and Khai Mai. We stopped for a swim in crystal clear waters in the middle of the ocean, snorkeled, or just floated in complete bliss.
Complete Bliss.
Unicorn Cafe- A restaurant that is all things Unicorn? Sign me up! Unicorn cafe is a quaint cafe, located only in Bangkok, that serves all their food with a unicorn theme and a SUGAR OVERLOAD! Although it is small it leaves a BIG impression with the great customer service, fun atmosphere, and side of nostalgia.
Temples – The country has some of the most impressive temples in the world. An entire day if needed to see them all and fully enjoy. If you are interested in learning about different religions, this is a must see place for you. Due to the history and significance to their culture, I refrained from taking pictures as a personal choice.
Patong Nightlife – Patong was different from what I expected. There was numerous bars, massage parlors, blowjob bars, and LADY MEN. Lol! Before visiting Thailand, I kept being warned to watch out the Lady Men. If I am honest, Thailand had some of the most beautiful trans women I have ever seen. Sex is heavily solicited and these Lady Men are waiting at every corner to fulfill whatever desires men tourist have.
If you are thinking about visiting Thailand, just do it! If you have a trip planned, I am so jealous of you. There are so many interesting places to see and things to do. Immerse yourself in the culture, buy the excursions, see the temples, eat the food, make friends with the locals… don’t cheat yourself out of the experience!
32 years old, wow! I am 32! I remember being a kid and my mom being this age and thinking my mom was old. The journey to 32 has been full of many ups and downs. At 32, everyone around me is either married, engaged, pregnant, or has kids. Then there is me… the aunt of 4 that finds peace in traveling the world, photography, and fitness.
31 and 32 presented some of the most uncomfortable growing pains I ever experienced. During this time I learned so much about myself and life. As this year draws to an end and 33 staring me in my face, I am focusing on loving, expanding, and sharing.
Learn to love the journey
Do what makes you happy
Think before you speak or react
Happiness is a state of mind
Allow love to find you, don’t run!
Be spontaneous
Buy the ticket, the dress, the shoes, etc
Protect your peace; at all cost
Don’t compare yourself to other; especially on social media
Live authentically
Ask questions
Eat right
Stay positive
Keep in touch with family and friends
Find a way to stay active
Express your emotions
Invest in your dreams
Pursue your passions
Learn to listen, even when it hurts
Let go of the past
Live below your means
Failure is good
Your aren’t always right
Change is scary, but good
Gratitude is the key to happiness
Self honesty is freedom
Worry is worthless
Your gut is always right
Money doesn’t buy happiness
Don’t take yourself too seriously
Be present
It is NEVER too late! Whatever you desire to do in life, do it now.
