I recently took a trip to sunny Florida to visit my sister and mom, and let me tell you, I was all geared up for some serious sunshine. You know, flip-flops, sunglasses, the whole nine yards. Instead, I was greeted with a slight chill—seemed I brought New Yorks chilly weather along with me to the sunshine state! Still, I was grateful to escape the winter storm back in New York and spend time with my mom and sister.
Every time I visit Florida, I make it my mission to explore new spots. In fact, my sister jokingly claims that I’ve discovered more of Florida than she has in all the years she’s been there. I guess you could say I’m the unofficial tour guide of the Sunshine State! There’s something about the cute cafes and laid-back atmosphere that totally reminds me of Puerto Rico. Plus, there are these amazing Asian restaurants and malls popping up everywhere—my kind of paradise!
You all know how much of a fan I am of all things Asian. This time around, I had to check out this cool place called Kpoppin. Imagine a gigantic warehouse packed to the brim with every piece of anime and K-pop merchandise you could ever dream of!
But wait, the surprises kept rolling in! I stumbled upon a gem called Don Juan Cafe, which immediately took me back to Puerto Rico, where it was one of my all-time favorite coffee spots to visit. It was like a taste of PR in Florida! Of course, I had to pop in for a cup and a dose of nostalgia.
So, while Florida may not have served up the sun I was hoping for, it definitely delivered on adventure, delicious food, and a sprinkle of joy!
Be Lovely, Be You
Charlene Gonzalez
