A Week in the Mediterranean, Europe Part One

If you follow me on any social media, you know in the end of March, beginning of April, my mom, a good and few new friends and I went on a trip to Europe. The trip was two and a half weeks long. We visited and jumped around major spots in Europe via cruise line and airplane. We ate a lot. I am one hundred percent sure that is what most of my money went to. But this experience is practically indescribable. I could try to put my experience into words, but it would be like someone telling a joke they heard a few years back. They would forgot the point of the joke, therefore the whole joke wouldn't make sense.
So to make sense of my European trip, here is the first half of photos I have. This set of photos are from when we arrived in Barcelona, Spain. We spent that day there, then hopped on the MSC Splendida where the rest of the photos will be our port stops.
Enjoy.

P.s. Can I do a p.s. in a blog post?
P.s.s. Shoutout to the most wonderful, beautiful, caring and altruistic mother, love you Lourdes. Mah mah mah

Venice

Spain

Malta 

Palermo

Roma

Spain, Round two 

groovy ones post

Figuring things out

Emily A. Medina

10 December 2016

I’ve been taught that I can really do anything as long as I put my mind to it and focus on what is important. I have accomplished many of the goals this year that I couldn’t be more happy about. I couldn't have done it without my friends and family that have helped me through it.

The instability of the world helped me gain enough stability to be my own anchor. The events that took place, such as terror attacks and other disasters, have taught me to never be afraid to show love and to cherish those whom have shown me the same loving understanding. At the end of the day, our choices are our own.

People should love you because you are you not because it’s convenient for them.

I finally did something for myself and working towards your own happiness is what brings true happiness.

Earlier in the day, I asked a few of my closest friends to weigh on how 2016 treated them and what this past year has taught them. The answers varied depending on age, situation and free time, but they all came out the same. The quotes above are just a few sentences from each of the responses that really stood out. Every year, you learn something new. What you have learned might be about yourself, the people around you, the world around you. The problem is, we don’t learn from the years and sometimes forget the life lessons time has put right in front of you. Personally, I am not a quote kind of person, but the following is a quote that has followed me throughout my life, every year, and still holds true.

“The two most important days in your life is the day you were born and the day you figure out why”

In this next year, if you still haven’t figured it all out, you’re just like the rest of us. We’re all just trying to figure it out.

-Photos and text by Emily A. Medina

I've been eating a lot of sushi! ☆ February Food Review

If you personally know me, and/or have seen me in real life, you know I am a very tall person. For a girl, I am above average measuring at 183 centimeters (which is roughly 5'11 and a half). Because of this, I am 99.9% sure it contributes to the large quantity of food I eat and how often I need to be eating something. I am a known foodie who begins to get extremely 'hangry' (angry when hungry) when I skip meals. 

But to get to the main idea, by this post, I am announcing that there will be a 'food' section added to my blog! I am sure no one will be paying that much attention to this portion but I am 100% sure this will be my favorite part of my blog to update.

Below begins restaurant and food reviews! As you can tell, I've sort of been in an asian food rush.

Fancy Q ☆ Daytona Beach, FL

Bless this beautiful establishment. When I walked in, I was greeted by a big "Youkoso!" (which means 'Welcome!' in Japanese... and I am guessing that is what they said if they are being culturally correct.)

 I can categorize Fancy Q in three words: worth every penny! The owner, who was very friendly alongside all his staff, explained to us that they have been only open for a month since January, which probably explains all the free food we received. With just a few bucks, my friends and I were given two lobster rolls, our main meals (which I will explain in a second) and fried oreo as a dessert! So economically, I give it 500 stars!

Our appetizer was the lobster roll (which came FREE) and thankfully, my friends who I went with did not want any so it is safe to say, I will be coming back just for this dish.  

The main dish I ordered was Pad Thai with fried Tofu. I would rate this dish a 7/10. Tofu was perfect to say the least and I couldn't finish this meal because of the SIZE (and because I already ate a meal with that appetizer, whoops.)

Other recommendation: Even though I didn't have it, my friends who were with me said that the teriyaki was to die for. Everything was cooked to perfection and the flavors were out of this world!

Sapporo Ramen ☆ Orlando, FL

Coming to this restaurant was like stepping into a little piece of Japan (of course I've never been, but a girl can dream ;'( ). Of course, everything on the menu seemed worthy and I wanted to order absolutely  everything but a decision had to be made. 

The menu was the most authentic to real Japanese cuisine that I have ever seen, but I'll just show you with some pictures. 

Tonkotsu (Pork Bone) Ramen

You know it's authentic when you see the little naruto! The broth was so creamy (but not in a potato soup kind of way) and the pork was very well done. I think I will be trying the Curry Ramen next time!

Pork Onigiri

There is definitely a reason why they sell these bad boys in convenience stores in Japan (Japanese equivalent to the Korean Jumuk-Bap). If you order this, order two for the table and 500 to take home.

Taiyaki

I never knew what true love was until I had this pastry. Contrary to the over sweetened desserts in America, Taiyaki is a red bean pastry inside a fish-shaped waffle outside. It really hits the spot!

Mom recommendation: Try the pan-fried Gyoza! It's similar to dumplings you order at a Chinese Take-Out except here, it feels more home made and the flavors are MUCH better. 

Shokudo 413 ☆ DeLand, FL

Now this review is going to be a bit more short because wasn't really my cup of tea, but that is why I bring my mom on food dates with me! I eat her food ☺Very quaint, classy, and dark restaurant, perfect for dates (how would I know, right?) The hours are a bit weird, only opening from 5-9 basically everyday. I finally got to come without it being closed. I've tried three times people. 

MISO SOUP

If I could have this everyday, before every meal, I would.

Words cannot explain this soup. It is the best miso soup. Such a simple thing could have such an affect on me. I am stunned at myself.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls

The appetizer of choice because my mom didn't feel like being risky and getting something different. These buddies didn't disappoint, but when do spring rolls ever disappoint?

The Dude

It's called 'The Dude', but it is your basic, shrimp tempura sushi roll. Even though, this was my mom's entree, I am putting it above my own. Sushi that makes your tummy feel good. Simple.

Rice Vietnamese Bun Bowl

Look how happy I was. Stick to the sushi, my loves. 

I do have to say that this dish had a great variety of  fresh vegetables, the chicken was grilled nicely, and the noodles were cold but I think that is how they were supposed to be. Maybe if you're on a diet, this is the perfect selection for you!

If you have read this far, I would like to say thank you! Leave a comment so I know who my real f(riends)oodies are! I hope you enjoyed this little food portion of the blog. Trust me, there will be a whole lot more, so stay tuned ☺

Camping (but we have showers and a pool)

Disney Camping.
The tradition the Medina family has been upholding for nine years. Consecutively. If you ask my mom, we have been doing it for almost 14 years.
These trips can be summed up in a few words. Titi's (pronounced Tee-Tee) French toast, "Burro", Meadow's Swimming Pool, snickerdoodle, bonfire, revenge, *Downtown Disney, **murderous four person bike, football and midnight laundry room talks. But that is only the half of it. Here are a few photos that sum up the trip.

* Yes, we still call it Downtown Disney because that is how it was and how it forever be. There is no spring there, so Disney needs to stop ruining the classics.

** Never do the four person bike at Disney's Boardwalk. It was a workout and nightmare above fun. IF you decide to do it though, eat a heavy meal and don't let a bad driver drive. That's all I have to say (I'm looking at you CHRISTINA).