Hang Gliding, Sea Trekking, Salsa Dancing and Cooking in Puerto Rico!
Last week, I set off on what would be one crazy adventure! Not only did I check another country off of my list, but I also checked off a whole new set of firsts when it comes to adventure.
Myself, along with five other vloggers, were invited to the incredible island of Puerto Rico by San Juan Marriott Resort and Casino to take part in the “Vloggers in Paradise Film Festival.” We were each given $200USD, a car and a driver and told we had 24 hours to go out and shoot a video showcasing the best of Puerto Rico. We then had 24 hours to edit our video before they would be showcased to a panel of judges and room of industry professionals and only one would be crowned the Judges Choice Winner! This was some serious business!
With a little bit of pre-trip brainstorming and planning, I decided that I wanted to make my video about the craziest adventures I could find on the island. I wanted to try things I had never tried before, but also show the beauty of the island. After a lot of planning and re-planning, I finally found myself in the backseat of my driver’s car, driving up to the top of a massive cliff. Where was I going and what was I about to do? Well, I was about to run at full speed and jump off the top of the cliff, into the clouds, and fly like a bird. Yes, that’s right, I was about to hang glide for the first time with Team Spirit Hang Gliding and Paragliding! My flying adventure was followed by a journey to the bottom of the ocean with Aqua Adventure where I strapped on my astronaut helmet and gave sea trekking a go. What could possibly follow that? Exhausted and still pumped with adrenaline, I drove to the little town of Loiza where I danced the night away at El Balcon del Zumbador; but not before cooking a delicious Puerto Rican dish wish the chef at La Vista Latin Grill and Bar. After one of the craziest days of my life, I was lucky to be able to come back to my lovely room at the San Juan Marriott where I sat on my balcony that overlooked the ocean and reflected on one of the most insane days of my life.
The night of the film festival was truly inspiring. Each vlogger produced a unique video that really did show the beauty of Puerto Rico. Each video made me smile and slightly teary because I felt so honored to be surrounded by such talented individuals. After watching each video, there was a short break before the judges came back and announced the winner for best video and….I WON!
Without further adue, here is my video “Experiencing Firsts in Puerto Rico” that won Judges Choice for Best Video at the Vloggers in Paradise Parte Dos Film Festival:
The adventure isn’t over yet!
I still have a chance to win the Facebook Viewers Choice Award. What does the winner receive? A trip back to Puerto Rico!! Be sure to stay tuned next week to find out how you can send me back to Puerto Rico with just a single VOTE!
