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Instant Grativacation

in·stant grat·i·va·ca·tion | To seek experiences and connections through travel

Greece Street Alley

Mexican Feast

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It is funny how quickly moments become part of your past. Can hardly believe it has already been almost three weeks since I got home from Europe.

It is funny how quickly moments become part of your past. Can hardly believe it has already been almost three weeks since I got home from Europe.

Madrid wasn't my city, but it didn't keep me from finding ways to enjoy it. After an afternoon at Mercado de San Miguel, I stumbled through the crowds and fell into the pathway of this street. I loved the curvature of the buildings and the way the light hit just so. (October 3, 2024)

Madrid wasn't my city, but it didn't keep me from finding ways to enjoy it. After an afternoon at Mercado de San Miguel, I stumbled through the crowds and fell into the pathway of this street. I loved the curvature of the buildings and the way the light hit just so. (October 3, 2024)

Happy Birthday to my beautiful, mom @love_afare! Last year, we spent her birthday together in Tanzania. It was not only special because of the location, but because these days we do spend less birthdays together. I will always cherish that unique and amazing experience we had together. Mom, I hope this video allows you to relive a little of that joy! A shout out to our guide and friend Humphrey who didn't want to miss my mom's celebration. We lost him this year but still think of him often.

Happy Birthday to my beautiful, mom @love_afare! Last year, we spent her birthday together in Tanzania. It was not only special because of the location, but because these days we do spend less birthdays together. I will always cherish that unique and amazing experience we had together. Mom, I hope this video allows you to relive a little of that joy! A shout out to our guide and friend Humphrey who didn't want to miss my mom's celebration. We lost him this year but still think of him often.

Everyone's bucket list is different and personal to them. My list happens to include a lot of museums. Having watched just about every documentary on the @gardnermuseum and reading about it extensively, I have long wanted to visit this beautiful space and experience it for myself. Finally this summer, I got to realize that dream. My favorite 'piece' might be the building itself. The gardens stopped me in my tracks when I walked in. Of course, the museum is famous for being victim of the largest art heist in history. The crime remains unsolved, and perhaps that adds to the allure of the place. It breaks my art that so many meaningful and storied paintings were taken from the public, but I respect the decision to keep their empty frames on display. It is important to remember what was lost.

Everyone's bucket list is different and personal to them. My list happens to include a lot of museums. Having watched just about every documentary on the @gardnermuseum and reading about it extensively, I have long wanted to visit this beautiful space and experience it for myself. Finally this summer, I got to realize that dream. My favorite 'piece' might be the building itself. The gardens stopped me in my tracks when I walked in. Of course, the museum is famous for being victim of the largest art heist in history. The crime remains unsolved, and perhaps that adds to the allure of the place. It breaks my art that so many meaningful and storied paintings were taken from the public, but I respect the decision to keep their empty frames on display. It is important to remember what was lost.

'Bewitched' and 'I Dream of Jeannie' were two of my favorite shows as a kid. They were two strong female leads with these amazing superpowers and a penchant for finding mischief. I was so excited to see the Bewitched statue and visit the @hawthornehotel where the show filmed. 🧙

'Bewitched' and 'I Dream of Jeannie' were two of my favorite shows as a kid. They were two strong female leads with these amazing superpowers and a penchant for finding mischief. I was so excited to see the Bewitched statue and visit the @hawthornehotel where the show filmed. 🧙

“Fenway Park, in Boston, is a lyric little bandbox of a ball park. Everything is painted green and seems in curiously sharp focus, like the inside of an old-fashioned peeping-type Easter egg.” — John Updike

“Fenway Park, in Boston, is a lyric little bandbox of a ball park. Everything is painted green and seems in curiously sharp focus, like the inside of an old-fashioned peeping-type Easter egg.” — John Updike

One of my favorite ways to see a new place is through the local library and the bookstores. @bplboston did not disappoint, and it was like a museum in its own right with all the John Singer Sargent murals. A really lovely and special place.

One of my favorite ways to see a new place is through the local library and the bookstores. @bplboston did not disappoint, and it was like a museum in its own right with all the John Singer Sargent murals. A really lovely and special place.

I can see why so many writers were drawn to Beacon Hill. I think I would quite like walking the crooked cobblestone alleys and gazing out from one of those brownstones.

I can see why so many writers were drawn to Beacon Hill. I think I would quite like walking the crooked cobblestone alleys and gazing out from one of those brownstones.

Being from a beach town means that whenever I get back to the ocean, it feels like home. I was so lucky to spend a week in Hawaii earlier this month. I can't believe it was my first trip there, but I know it won't be the last.

Being from a beach town means that whenever I get back to the ocean, it feels like home. I was so lucky to spend a week in Hawaii earlier this month. I can't believe it was my first trip there, but I know it won't be the last.

A marathon will take you to your physical and emotional brink. It is a test in willpower as much as physical fitness. And it is one of the hardest things I have done in my life. Despite some setbacks during training, I continued to move forward. I am so proud that I showed up for myself today and more than that for every training session that got me to the race.

I would be remiss if I didn't send thanks to my friends and family who have supported me throughout the process. The words of encouragement and well wishes have meant more than you will ever know. They got me through the training, the moments of self-doubt and the big day! A special shoutout to the people who came out today to support me on the course, even if it was only to see me for 30 seconds. Seeing your faces was a highlight and gave me the strength in that final stretch.

A marathon will take you to your physical and emotional brink. It is a test in willpower as much as physical fitness. And it is one of the hardest things I have done in my life. Despite some setbacks during training, I continued to move forward. I am so proud that I showed up for myself today and more than that for every training session that got me to the race.

I would be remiss if I didn't send thanks to my friends and family who have supported me throughout the process. The words of encouragement and well wishes have meant more than you will ever know. They got me through the training, the moments of self-doubt and the big day! A special shoutout to the people who came out today to support me on the course, even if it was only to see me for 30 seconds. Seeing your faces was a highlight and gave me the strength in that final stretch.

When I accidentally dressed like an adult Eloise while having tea at @theplazahotel. 😂

When I accidentally dressed like an adult Eloise while having tea at @theplazahotel. 😂

I wish I could say I just sailed info 40 without a second thought. But these type of milestones have a way of making you pause. Despite having a wonderful and full life, the normal insecurities crept in....why am I not thinner, more successful, more certain of my path, etc?

Even with my misgivings, I was determined to welcome my 40th year with a celebration and without any of the sadness that we too often allow to take our joy during life's big moments.

I kicked it off by breaking bread with some of my dearest friends in San Francisco. And then I met my mom in NYC for a long weekend of celebrating. She planned four days of events that she lovingly called, "Jenna's Birthday Extravaganza." A day for each decade. There were musicals, literary pub crawls, museums, carriage rides, afternoon tea, exquisite meals and lots of champagne! My mom made me feel special in only a way that a mom can.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of my Birthday! From the dinners, special treats, calls, texts, social media messages, I have been touched that so many people reached out. It helped me step into what's next with a little more levity and a very full heart.

Finally, I would be remiss if it didn't thank my dad who is always a good sport about my mom and I going on these adventures.

I wish I could say I just sailed info 40 without a second thought. But these type of milestones have a way of making you pause. Despite having a wonderful and full life, the normal insecurities crept in....why am I not thinner, more successful, more certain of my path, etc?

Even with my misgivings, I was determined to welcome my 40th year with a celebration and without any of the sadness that we too often allow to take our joy during life's big moments.

I kicked it off by breaking bread with some of my dearest friends in San Francisco. And then I met my mom in NYC for a long weekend of celebrating. She planned four days of events that she lovingly called, "Jenna's Birthday Extravaganza." A day for each decade. There were musicals, literary pub crawls, museums, carriage rides, afternoon tea, exquisite meals and lots of champagne! My mom made me feel special in only a way that a mom can.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of my Birthday! From the dinners, special treats, calls, texts, social media messages, I have been touched that so many people reached out. It helped me step into what's next with a little more levity and a very full heart.

Finally, I would be remiss if it didn't thank my dad who is always a good sport about my mom and I going on these adventures.

“Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same. But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it? How can you explain the fascination of this vast, dusty continent, whose oldest roads are elephant paths? Could it be because Africa is the place of all our beginnings, the cradle of mankind, where our species first stood upright on the savannahs of long ago?” - Brian Jackman, journalist

“Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same. But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it? How can you explain the fascination of this vast, dusty continent, whose oldest roads are elephant paths? Could it be because Africa is the place of all our beginnings, the cradle of mankind, where our species first stood upright on the savannahs of long ago?” - Brian Jackman, journalist

Zebras. Or what I like to call horses with better outfits.

Zebras. Or what I like to call horses with better outfits.

Still getting through all my vacay pictures. Looking at them takes me back to that extraordinary trip to Tanzania. Every day was something new, and it was never lost on me how lucky I was to get to see all these magnificent animals. We saw this cheetah on our last hours in the Serengeti. While known for their speed and agility, this cat was content just laying under the tree.

Still getting through all my vacay pictures. Looking at them takes me back to that extraordinary trip to Tanzania. Every day was something new, and it was never lost on me how lucky I was to get to see all these magnificent animals. We saw this cheetah on our last hours in the Serengeti. While known for their speed and agility, this cat was content just laying under the tree.

I walk alone.

I walk alone.

I never thought I would become one of those annoying running people, but here I am. 😂 With running, there is the pursuit to always be faster and perform better than your last training run or race. But it is also good to remember how far you have come. I was looking back at my @runkeeper from when I first started, and boy have I made huge improvements! I have shaved minutes off my mile time while adding miles. You can always do more than you think you can, and I can't wait to see what's possible in 2024.

I never thought I would become one of those annoying running people, but here I am. 😂 With running, there is the pursuit to always be faster and perform better than your last training run or race. But it is also good to remember how far you have come. I was looking back at my @runkeeper from when I first started, and boy have I made huge improvements! I have shaved minutes off my mile time while adding miles. You can always do more than you think you can, and I can't wait to see what's possible in 2024.

There are so many places I have yet to see, but up until this point Ngorongoro Crater is one of my favorite places in the world. Its natural beauty brought me to tears, and there is something about it that just gets into your cells and stays with you. I think about it every day. The pool at @ngorongorolodge sits right on the crater rim, and I could have stayed there for hours.

There are so many places I have yet to see, but up until this point Ngorongoro Crater is one of my favorite places in the world. Its natural beauty brought me to tears, and there is something about it that just gets into your cells and stays with you. I think about it every day. The pool at @ngorongorolodge sits right on the crater rim, and I could have stayed there for hours.

There was something profound about getting to observe this mama lion with her babies. She was so tender with them, even as they crawled all over her. In that moment, the distance between us and them felt minuscule, and we didn't seem that different at all.

There was something profound about getting to observe this mama lion with her babies. She was so tender with them, even as they crawled all over her. In that moment, the distance between us and them felt minuscule, and we didn't seem that different at all.

While we enjoyed some of the best accommodations of my life while in Tanzania, the one that captured my heart and imagination was the @tarangirekurotreetopslodge. This luxury glamping experience will have you forgetting that you are staying in a tent. My only regret was that we only had one night at this special place.

While we enjoyed some of the best accommodations of my life while in Tanzania, the one that captured my heart and imagination was the @tarangirekurotreetopslodge. This luxury glamping experience will have you forgetting that you are staying in a tent. My only regret was that we only had one night at this special place.

Whether it is writing or taking photos, people are always my favorite subjects. It comes from a genuine interest in connecting with the human spirit and understanding others lived experiences. These children are part of the Maasai tribe. Primary education is compulsory in Tanzania, but when the children aren't in school, it is very common to see the young boys tending to the livestock, which is how we came across these two boys while passing through the Ngorongoro area. They have a very hard life, and the Maasai are considered one of the most impoverished tribes in East Africa.

Whether it is writing or taking photos, people are always my favorite subjects. It comes from a genuine interest in connecting with the human spirit and understanding others lived experiences. These children are part of the Maasai tribe. Primary education is compulsory in Tanzania, but when the children aren't in school, it is very common to see the young boys tending to the livestock, which is how we came across these two boys while passing through the Ngorongoro area. They have a very hard life, and the Maasai are considered one of the most impoverished tribes in East Africa.

Never stop trying new things, because you might just surprise yourself. Despite growing up dancing and performing, I have always felt like singing was an extreme act of vulnerability. And as you get older, trying new things feels even riskier. A year ago, I couldn't imagine I would be on a stage with an amazing band singing by myself! I still have a lot to learn and there is plenty of room for improvement, but I am proud of myself for even trying.

Never stop trying new things, because you might just surprise yourself. Despite growing up dancing and performing, I have always felt like singing was an extreme act of vulnerability. And as you get older, trying new things feels even riskier. A year ago, I couldn't imagine I would be on a stage with an amazing band singing by myself! I still have a lot to learn and there is plenty of room for improvement, but I am proud of myself for even trying.

We loved our stay at the @siringitcollection while in the Northern Serengeti for a couple of days. It is a mobile campsite that moves with the migration. On our last evening there, we had 300 wildebeest and zebras come through the site. A truly unique experience, and it was one of my favorite places we stayed while in Tanzania.

We loved our stay at the @siringitcollection while in the Northern Serengeti for a couple of days. It is a mobile campsite that moves with the migration. On our last evening there, we had 300 wildebeest and zebras come through the site. A truly unique experience, and it was one of my favorite places we stayed while in Tanzania.

Since I have back from my great safari adventure, there hasn't been a day that's gone by that my mind hasn't drifted off to Tanzania. 🇹🇿 Truly a trip of a lifetime, and I feel so incredibly lucky to see all these magical animals in their natural habitat.

Since I have back from my great safari adventure, there hasn't been a day that's gone by that my mind hasn't drifted off to Tanzania. 🇹🇿 Truly a trip of a lifetime, and I feel so incredibly lucky to see all these magical animals in their natural habitat.

Just some of the natural beauty of Tanzania.

Just some of the natural beauty of Tanzania.

"Jambo Bwana" is Kenyan pop song that has also become popular in Tanzania. We heard it many times during our trip, and I never tired of it. This rendition was during our spice tour in Zanzibar.

"Jambo Bwana" is Kenyan pop song that has also become popular in Tanzania. We heard it many times during our trip, and I never tired of it. This rendition was during our spice tour in Zanzibar.

This is the first ceremonial dance that the Maasai performed to welcome us to their village.

This is the first ceremonial dance that the Maasai performed to welcome us to their village.

There are more than 120+ tribes in Tanzania. The most well known is the Maasai tribe. They are a nomadic people whose wealth is based on live stock. Their diet consists of meat and blood, as they view vegetables as the animals food. They practice polyamory, but it is one wife to one house. I had the opportunity to visit one of their homes, which the women customarily build. There is no electricity, so it was very dark, and you cannot stand straight up in it. While I was most interested in learning about their culture and the way they lived, I found they were just as interested in learning about me. It was definitely an educational experience.

There are more than 120+ tribes in Tanzania. The most well known is the Maasai tribe. They are a nomadic people whose wealth is based on live stock. Their diet consists of meat and blood, as they view vegetables as the animals food. They practice polyamory, but it is one wife to one house. I had the opportunity to visit one of their homes, which the women customarily build. There is no electricity, so it was very dark, and you cannot stand straight up in it. While I was most interested in learning about their culture and the way they lived, I found they were just as interested in learning about me. It was definitely an educational experience.

The people of Tanzania have such a kind and generous spirit. I have been so moved by their openness and how welcome they make you feel. They are also eager to share their culture with you, and I have been a willing student. We stopped at some roadside shops outside of the Tarangire National Park. I was so taken by the woman on the right that I asked if I could take her picture. Without asking, her friend walked over and joined the photo.

The people of Tanzania have such a kind and generous spirit. I have been so moved by their openness and how welcome they make you feel. They are also eager to share their culture with you, and I have been a willing student. We stopped at some roadside shops outside of the Tarangire National Park. I was so taken by the woman on the right that I asked if I could take her picture. Without asking, her friend walked over and joined the photo.

@tarangire_national_park is known for its abundance of elephants, and it did not disappoint! I love watching these gentle giants.

@tarangire_national_park is known for its abundance of elephants, and it did not disappoint! I love watching these gentle giants.

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From the Sunshine State to the Golden State, I am always looking for my next adventure and next great meal. Look forward to sharing my explorations with you.

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