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If someone were to ask me what’s my favorite holiday, without a doubt, I would say Christmas. For some people, Christmas is a time for gift-giving, hectic schedules, school free children frolicking amongst the toy stores and couples creating memories to close off the year. For me, this year, Christmas was about spending time with family, but with a twist.
My family and I decided to spend our Christmas outside of the tropical oasis called home and take a trip to the East Coast. But not just any part of the East Coast, but to New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. My brother had a plan in mind: to propose to his then girlfriend of 3 years. They had the ups and downs any couple could endure and to say the least, they were made for each other. I admired that but sometimes a little bit envious on the side. Nonetheless, pushing those feelings aside, I was happy for them.
December 21st quickly came around as we jetted off to Newark International Airport. I had never traveled this far before, except when I was 2 months old, according to my mother. She and my dad took my brother and I to upstate New York to visit my dad’s brother and his family for a winter holiday. Of course, I don’t remember any of that, so I don’t usually count the trip. This time, I’ll be able to enjoy the East Cost with proper intention of being fully attentive to the activities that’s planned for the trip.
My brother’s girlfriend wasn’t traveling alone. She and her parents were also on this trip. This is the first time we’ve done anything like this – traveling with another family. What could go wrong, right? This may be different, but we all set out to have the best time of our lives while still being respectful. Our first night in New Jersey is where I got to experience the cold like I never did before. Nassau’s coldest days, I ever experienced, was 59 degrees Fahrenheit, but in New Jersey, it was a cool 28 degrees Fahrenheit. I can remember how numbing my face was since my scarf wasn’t helpful at all. I guess that one Christmas song wasn’t kidding when the lyrics say, “The weather outside is frightful”.
Our second day was more of a shopping day as we decided to go to the Jersey Garden Mall for the day. Shopping for me is always a must no matter what country or city I’m in. I didn’t shop much but I got the things I really needed like a new pair of jeans or this cute white dress I can’t wait to wear in the spring. Lunch was at Chili’s, one of my favorite chain restaurants in the U.S. The day was less hectic and there was more of a relaxed attitude amongst everyone as we laughed and enjoy one another’s company.
On Christmas Eve, my mom decided to make Christmas dinner for everyone. The grocery store run was kind of funny because we had to stop at several food stores just to find things that’s not particularly something Americans use compared to Bahamians. I would say the only thing that wasn’t successful was her macaroni. Other than that, the peas n rice, turkey, ham, potato salad, coleslaw and stuffing were perfection. Christmas Day, my brother did a Christmas Brunch spread that includes, pancakes, plain and blueberry, French toast, shrimp and grits, bacon, sausage, eggs and mimosa. We had such a feast; we could’ve eaten for couple days since a lot of food was left over.
For the next couple days, we visited New York City for three days and Philly for a day. New York was truly a dream for me since I never saw the tall skyscrapers and the famous scenes from the movies we watched. We visited Ellis Islands, where immigrants would come on the island to start a new life in America, Liberty Island, where the famous Statue of Liberty sits triumphantly for all to see her glory, and the Intrepid, where the war ship hosts numerous war planes, the first space shuttle and the submarines. In Philly, we got to see the downtown area that does a tour all over the main city historic sights like the original building where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. We also got to try the original Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, well not everyone. Everyone, except for me, I got a blue cheese bacon cheeseburger which was a better choice for the moment.
Our time on the East Coast winded down as my brother proposed to his girlfriend at the Empire State Building with onlookers oohing and aaw-ing as my future sister-in-law happily said yes to the proposal. My mom was video chatting with my aunties, who were filled with tears and happiness to watch our family grow once more. Our trip ended on such a high note that we have thought to try it again soon. Flying over the United States, watching the cities and homes disappeared within the distance was such a blur to the mind, but I’ll never forget the aquamarine blue waters no matter where I fly to. To see the familiar seas was a huge relief for me, that I never knew how much I missed our little 700 islands and cays. To say the least, our trip was wonderful, full of adventure and family time.