My feable attempts to learn Spanish is often returned with knowing smiles, yet my friends in Puerto Vallarta seem to appreciate the efforts. So you’re traveling to a new country and want to fit in with the locals. You’ve been told that speaking Spanglish is the best way to do…

From the first visit to the region, the state of Jalisco, Mexico welcomes all. After more than a decade of visits, each time is a new experience of discovery, adventure, and warm hospitality. — There’s something magical about the first time you visit a foreign country and suddenly realize that it feels more comfortable than your own home. Although it might seem like an impossible dream, this happens quite often for a lot of people. In particular, this happened to me in my visits…

I feel a kinship with the LGBTQ community despite being a CIS female in a healthy relationship. Why is that? Despite my seeming success in life, great job, great family, I feel like an outsider. I was born into a stubbornly, if not devout, Evangelical family and while they did…

After a good night’s sleep, I am ready to take on this vibrant city, full of music, color, and friendly folks. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, the smell of the ocean breeze, and a warm sun already shining bright in the sky. That’s…

Despite the low favorability polling numbers, President Biden remains a steady leader, exactly what our nation needs. — Democrats and Republicans have been at odds since the inception of our country. As we look towards the future, however, it appears that the most contentious issue may not be policy or government-related but rather a certain individual — Joe Biden. The current U.S. President has caused quite a stir…

New publications are emerging on the Medium platform daily. Editors are asking for writers to submit articles, making no promises, and striving to alter our voices. — Why I’m Not Submitting to Medium Publications Medium has emerged as a popular platform for writers, content creators, and journalists and with the rise of Medium’s popularity came the introduction of publications. Publications are sections of Medium that focus on specific topics. They serve as a place for people to submit their work and get it seen…

Pictures from March 2020 have recently been popping up on my timeline, and the images make me a little sad. I truly had no idea I was about to experience an existential event, one which would literally change my life. Abrupt Transformation of March 2020 Remember when the world was normal? When the only thing…

The likely battle royale is setting itself up, and the political theater is warming up. My fellow Democrats are sitting back, grabbing their popcorn and getting a comfortable seat. — Trump and DeSantis: A “No-Choice” GOP Offering? The Republican party is clearly in a state of flux, with former President Donald Trump at the forefront of the political conversation. His influence has been felt in many ways, including the emergence of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as his potential successor.

We often see memes on how the world would be suddenly transformed into some people’s version of idyllic bliss if only we all went back to a time of Mayberry. Certain folks would like you to believe the overly simplified, naively childlike view of the times in Mayberry have a…