Gainesville, Florida

          There are many places in Florida that I've strived to visit, some I look forward to for their beauty, some for their endless trails, and others for the sake of wonder, as to think, "what if." In this case, it would be the later of the options. From the moment I began my high school career, I remember debating my options, either I go up north to NYU, or across the U.S. to California in search of new horizons, but non the less I stayed in Orlando to attend my Alma Mater, the University of Central Florida. Yet, in that same decision, I also had the option to go to USF, and where this next trip took me, The University of Florida. This is not just where I got to live one of my lifes, "what if" moments, but more about meeting someone who is always up for a good time.

Kelly and I under the "DNA Bridge"

Justin, Miguel, Kelly, and I aka "cool guys" starting the night off!

We even did some reading with random books that were laying around town

Roadtrip sing alongs never hurt, right?

          Meet Kelly, she's lived in Gainesville for quite some time and has found her little paradise amongst her friends and all of her rescued animals. Her uncanny ability to just go with the flow and care for others is what really drew me to her as I got to know her more. There was never a dull moment with her or her friends, we talked about environment issues, laughed at corny jokes, and even played a some games of charades (our team kicked butt). Even with us just knowing each other for 2 days, I felt as though I've known her for years. We have the same sense of direction in life we were just on a path to intersect until now. I am glad I was able to meet such a cool group of people and look forward to going back! 

Kelly climbing up on the "French Fries" on the UF Campus

A little study Session with the famous UF clock tower behind me

Riding the ironic "Bull Gator" as a testament to my fellow UCF Knights

Erin, Kelly, and I at "The Swamp" doing stadiums for "fun"

          We were able to take a small trip on the UF campus for a bit, ok maybe like a whole day (lol) and explore the what it had to offer. I must say, even though the campus and city were dead due to the summer, its potential was definitely not lacking. With the college students setting up game systems outside to the runners not skipping a beat in the summer heat, or the hammocks set up in the trees, to the guitar players on the sidewalk, this campus had what I looked for in an University. There were so many things to do, and that was on its off season, I'm even debating getting my MBA, and I must say, UF seems like a real possibility...

Just hanging around on the trail

You know how many gators we had to run past to make it there... 0_o

A horse, and a bunch of horse shit...

Kelly and I enjoying the view at Payne Prairie

Catch me if you can Kelly!!!

Kelly's version of "my germs!"

          Even amongst all the allure and glamour that UF had to offer, there was more than meets the eye in the city of Gainesville. Just a short bike ride out of campus, you find Paynes Prairie where you can bike, hike, and see the sights (or just animals that block your way on the trail). I wasn't expecting such an adventure so close to where I was staying. I must admit, this makes me feel like I am missing something in Orlando, where are the adventurous parts?? We ran past gators, strolled by wild horses, and did handstands until our arms got tired. I must say, even with Florida swamp heat beating down upon us, we never slowed down or complained. This is where I appreciate Kelly more as a host, but more so as a person. She didn't let little things like that get in her way of adventure, in fact it drove her passion that much more. She was able to hang with all my little challenges and curious exploration of the landscape.

Miguel, Justin, Mirialys, Oliver, Pedro, Kelly, and I at dinner

Miguel, Kelly and I finding our inner spirit animal

          On my last night in Gainesville we took some time to go out and have some dinner together. Filled with laughs about the two days prior, and confusion surrounding missing plantains, it was definitely a great way to end the adventure. There were even a few games of charades and glasses home made wine that we enjoyed later. All in all, this was a great experience and an awesome way to be introduced to the city. The way I see it, it would have been easy to visit some of my college buddies up here and party, but whats the fun in partying all the time? For me, exploring new horizons with great people gives me more satisfaction than any night partying can ever do. Until next time guys!

         Stay tuned to check out more posts as I continue my adventures, and check out the trailers to the small film I am making below. Use the hashtag #MadeOfUs, repost the video on your pages, and remember, it doesn't take much to be part of The Community, when someone helps you, make sure you pass it on.

The Community: Made of Us (Trailer)
and

The Community: Made of Us (Trailer 2)

Follow and support, "The Community Made of Us" here:

Facebook.com/TheCommunityMadeOfUs

Instagram:@TheCommunityMadeOfUs

Twitter:     @TCMadeOfUs

Orlando, Florida - Home

A couple enjoying the famous Lake Eola fountain

          Oh, The City Beautiful, you have many names, and have given many floridians a ton of memories. You know, I never understood why they named it "The City Beautiful" rather than "The Beautiful City" but either way the truth is apparent. My feet have stepped on many paths pavement, grass, and dirt alike in the past months, but nothing feels sweeter than sitting back by lake Eola watching the kites floating effortlessly in the wind, or the dogs gaining their stance as a swan walks by beefing up its chest. All of which is met with the plaids of grass and tree branches swaying from side to side, and thats just what I am seeing right now. "There isn't much to do here in Orlando" is what I hear quite often by many, but my response is always the same, "What is it that your looking for?"

The pup and the dog

The best card game in town

Sideshow Bar in Downtown Orlando

          You see, like most of the locals will tell you, there is much more here than just Disney World and Universal, well considering the fact that Disney is not even in Orlando proves my theory half true, but what else is there? To start, it depends on what part of Orlando your in, whether your in the UCF student populated flatlands, to the hipster/ young professional populous of Downtown Orlando, to the suburbs of Hunters Creek, all the way to the ritzy hills of Windermere, there is something for everyone here. Amongst it all, there is something that all these places don't seem to lack, and thats the potential to sit back and enjoy the view. We may not have mountains, or the ocean in our city but there are lakes and sunshine galore. Even more so now that we are finding unity amongst ourselves with the up and coming Orlando City Lions, the ever growing live music scene, and more event's and bar crawls downtown than ever before we are becoming a city.

Double Lake Eola fountain beats double rainbow

Hanging out with these two characters, Chrisse and Lisandra

The group of hooligans called my friends.

          Now, some would say, what about me, I'm not even 21, to which I would response, get off your cellphones and separate yourself from the countless selfies. Since when does being under 21 stop you from a bike ride to the park? Or taking a moment to enjoy a good book under the the palm trees? Not to mention being able to hang by the pool 99% of the year in Florida. Even when it rains, when's the last time you just hung out in a downpour? If you can move, there is nothing you can't do? But to stop myself before allowing myself to continue this tangent, what's the harm in listening to the sounds of outside? Really appreciating the value of a long walk, or life in the moment?

My buddy Leo and I enjoying the nice breeze

Everything is better with racing pigs in your life

Strawberry Shortcake with my friend Angela

          When I left Orlando about a year ago I felt as though there was nothing left for me to appreciate, nothing that would help me see what a city like this really offered. But after traveling, being out of my element and meeting some of the most interesting strangers that later became my friends, I realized I was always looking for the wrong thing here. What that thing is, I'm not fully sure yet, but what I do know is that I will have fun looking for it while I am here. I guess it's true what they say, you never really appreciate something until you don't have it anymore, but when you find it again, try not to let go...'Till next time community members, and welcome to The City Beautiful.

 A moment in time.

         Stay tuned to check out more posts as I continue my adventures, and check out the trailers to the small film I am making below. Use the hashtag #MadeOfUs, repost the video on your pages, and remember, it doesn't take much to be part of The Community, when someone helps you, make sure you pass it on.

The Community: Made of Us (Trailer)
and

The Community: Made of Us (Trailer 2)

Follow and support, "The Community Made of Us" here:

Facebook.com/TheCommunityMadeOfUs

Instagram:@TheCommunityMadeOfUs

Twitter:     @TCMadeOfUs