My Big Forrest

   

     Every so often you find yourself up so high that you feel like there is nothing that can touch you. You forget all the little things and you focus on one factor in your life, and nothing else matters. One day leads to the next, and then to the next, and before you know it all the time is gone.

     I tend to find myself lost in these kinds of days too often lately. Waking up, looking around, and going through the meaningless motions just to find myself on the same spot from when I awoke. I remember the days when I felt the drive to do more, to create, to see more, and to live more.

     It's only until I slow down and really take a look around that I really understand where I am. I sit back, look up in the sky, take a deep breath, and slowly close my eyes. So many thoughts run through my head as if it was trying to catch up, ideas, regrets, feelings, and dreams all the same. I become reminded of who I am, and what is really important.

     Today of all days, I was able to shut my eyes and remind myself, and with that reminder, I came across two of my favorite movies. Ones that, remind me of what life can become, no matter how crazy you might se it, or how little your might understand it. The moment when you experience something so profound, so life changing, and you don't even know it until someone wants to hear about it. Its movies like Forrest Gump and Big Fish that remind me of such things, that help me get back on track.  Lets me think about what stories I have to tell, or will have to tell, what I have already done, or have yet to do.

     Take a minute to get back on track, because you never quite know what you mind find.

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

Looking Back Thus Far...

My face at the beginning of "The Community Made of Us"

          So, after quitting my job, selling most of my belongings, and traveling the U.S. for  a month and a half. I have finally made it back to my family in Orlando. Driving over nine thousand miles, eating anything from raw sweet potatoes to amazing home cooked meals, and even sleeping in the freezing cold to having an apartment to myself a block from the beach, I have no words to sum up such an experience, what I felt, who I met, and how in the heck I made those long hour drives without going crazy (haha). This project I call," The Community Made of Us" is not just about me and my journey, but rather the people that I met along the way. 

My mother and I riding the sun rail for the first time in Orlando, FL

Hanging with my new friend Isaiah on Highway 1 on California's coast

Hanging out with the spanish fruit gang in Charleston, SC

The tiny sober dinosaur from L.A.

          From the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean and every lake in between I found myself in a different situation ever time. Looking back at the beginning of this trip, I remember thinking what people would think when I told them what I've done. What would I do after I finish the trip? Will "The Community Made of Us" really become something greater? Would this idea of community even catch on? And yet I never thought I would receive the support that I have thus far. People that I never expected to hear from have told me how inspired they've become, how the look at ideas like this and appreciate what they mean. Still, I couldn't help but to feel odd when I arrived back home in Orlando.  After such an amazing trip, I was back to reality, and responsibility, but that wasn't the issue. 

Hanging out with Ru, Ivan, and Bar in Savannah after I just met them earlier in Savannah, GA

Marley's Collie live at Tanquray's in Downtown Orlando, FL

Hanging with my friend Kelly on International Drive in Orlando, FL

Having a little seat in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA

          I arrived home to with a feeling of sadness and anxiety. First off is how I can get back to my normal routine and to the security that I once held so high on my life's pedestal? After about a week of aimlessly wandering and emotionally playing a tug of war inside, I reminded myself of the reason I made this journey in the first place. To create the connections with people that I would have otherwise never have done before. To help make a difference in others lives and show them that our desires and what we can achieve is as possible as they can imagine it. That when you are unhappy at what your doing, make the plan to get yourself on the right path, and execute it. After I realized this, I soon felt the sadness within me, turn into my passion, and thus creating an emotional alchemy within myself.

 Hanging with my best friend Valentina, and her little sister Jenny in Charlotte, NC

Cool girl Emily and I making faces in Albuquerque, NM

Frisbee golfing at the park with some new friends in L.A.

Conner the Bear at the bar with Shawna dancing on the side in Nashville, TN

          So, now I find myself creating a basis for myself in order to continue this story of community. I can't help but to feel as though the memories I made can't be out done, but like I said before, this is only the beginning, and there's a whole world out there to see. So to give you a little taste of my experiences and some of the situations I found myself in with strangers, that became my friends, that later became part of this greater community, here are some of my favorite photos from along my trip. There is still much to tell, and as I settle in to make my next big leap, I am busy, editing my first film project, planning for my next adventure, and looking for the best moment to take that leap of faith once more. Thank you again and hope to see you around, wherever you are...

Ornella, a Peruvian from NJ, and Kenny, a Peruvian from NJ hanging out at Little Hong Kong in Arlington, TX

Goofing around with Callie in Phoenix, AZ

Somewhere in the Middle of Arkansas lol

Children that I sold some candy with in East L.A., CA

My friend Amanda riding a hog in downtown Asheville, NC

       

         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

San Diego, California

          Oh San Diego, how you tease me with your beauty and rebellious nature. I can honestly say you set the tone for paradise and explorer allure with your enchanting views and eclectic inhabitants. What a place to see in your lifetime, there are so many "favorite spots" in such an small area in comparison to the whole of California that it would take a year to visit them all. Where do I begin with such a statement of natural and architectural beauty? Do I start from the edge of Sunset Cliff, or perhaps at the one of the many hiking trails around the city? Or maybe one of the most important places along my trip, my brothers house.

Cool pic of some birds flying a the beach

My brother Mike, sis in law Claire, and I at Balboa Park

           I have been to San Diego before to visit my oldest brother Victor but it was at younger times and lets just say my view on the world was not as developed as now. From what I remember, people were very active in their day to day life, runners everywhere, beach crusier bikes criss-crossing the streets, and dogs following on the leash. It was a very active and alive city with weather that Florida, unfortunately can't touch. I arrived at night to my brother Michael and his awesome Fiance, Claire's, cool apartment that overlooks an awesome view. After I had settled in, my brother offered to take me out, and if you every find time to enjoy the night life of San Diego, check out the Gas Lamp district, you won't be disappointed.

My brother Mike and I at Whisky Girl in the Gas Lamp District

Cool mariachi remix on the street

I found an Olivia Wilde look a like!

          All in all, my brother an I had a great time bar hopping all over. As he stood at the bars talking his military talk I enjoyed live music, teaching salsa/bachata to the locals, meeting a girl that looked like Olivia Munn, and listening to mariachi remixes to some classics. Oh what a night as we stumbled back into his apartment late that night, and this was just the beginning. The next morning we woke up early and decided we should all go on a hike in one of San Diego's beautiful trails, so how can I say no to that, also, it's such a good way to hydrate. We arrived in Torrey Pines National Reserve and boy was that a sight for sore eyes. With its vast beach front beginning, to its steep hills, and ending at some of the most beautiful cliff like bridges with a beautiful views, it was definately a beautiful feeling to enjoy with my brother and sis, and my sisters friend lol. Lunch was shortly after, and I have not been to such a city that offered so many healthy options in such a small area. No wonder why everyone here is pretty fit lol.

My brother, his fiancé, her friend and I on beautiful hike.

A view of the beauty of San Diego

            The next morning I was able to hang out with some of the people I met the first night I was in town and they decided to take me to Ocean Beach. We walked down the coastline and just relaxed all day. There was no dull moment as people ran past singing embarrassing songs, the noise of the ocean in the distance and a plethora of coffee and outdoor seating along the boardwalk. It all lead up to meeting an awesome fellow traveler on the Crystal Pier Hotel and she definitely, definitely has a cool thing going on.

Artistic photo featuring Kellee from KelleeSetGo

Interviewing Kellee

          Her name was Kellee and she has earned many hats on her journey in life, a pilot, scuba diver, world traveler and an ultimate adrenaline junkie. I met her when she walked into my photos and turns out it came out pretty good. She was equipped a cool looking penny board, her cell, her friend, and an awesome attitude. She's traveled to 30 countries thus far, including parts of North and West Africa, Asia, South and Central America, Europe and the UAE. She has trekked Volcanos, zip lined in Mayan jungles, and scuba dove in Greece, Thailand, Israel and the Dominican Republic. Although our journeys are different, I was able to learn a lot about travel from her experiences and videos on her site. Take a moment to check it out by clicking here. She is definitely an inspiration of mine and I hope I get to run into her again, thanks again for the words of wisdom Kellee and good luck!



"Look a the snail, right there!"

                                        

Museum of Man

Every see a public wedding in action? She said, she did (haha)

Awesome Street performer named Chris with his song, "I am my own grandpa"

Hodads memorial for its late owner, Mike Hardin

Bar and I goofing around

          The next day I was able to check out Balboa Park with my brother and sis-in law. There were characters left and right and no shortage of things to see. From the cathedrals and rose gardens, to live music and weddings, this park had it all. I didn't think there would be much else that can keep me awestruck in such a short amount of time but I was wrong. Even the fresh squeezed lemonade was AMAZING. With such an awesome day and awesome time hanging with my bro and sis, I didn't know how my San Diego adventure would be so great or that it would turn out the way it did, but the next day it just got that much crazier. Remember my friend Bar from Savannah, Georgia, the one I sang karaoke with at a bar (haha)? Well, turns out we ran into each other in a famous restaurant named Hodads in San Diego. What a small world! We hung out and ate some of the most delicious burgers we have ever had. We hung out for a bit and checked out the beach as well as the shrine they made for their late owner. It was an adventure and I don't know what I will see that will out due such an awesome adventure, but until then, I am on the road again.

The beautiful view of Sunset Cliffs

        Next stop I find myself driving to Tuscon, Albequrque, and Oklahoma City and meeting some cool people along the way. Check out the trailers to the documentary I am making below. Use the hashtag #TheCommunityMadeOfUs, repost the video on your pages, and remember, it doesn't take much to be part of The Community, and 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

Support by donating: http://www.gofundme.com/TCMadeOfUs