tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65497829610511006722024-02-02T14:46:29.657-08:00No Map, Just Baggage Stephen Espositohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02712748864262814440noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6549782961051100672.post-40298482390840139032016-10-04T22:32:00.000-07:002016-10-05T07:17:31.062-07:00Barn, Booze & Bathing Suits<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZZj4het8zWapiI1DKYVrXer5InMMIk0d95Mpzbfol5Dcn9RXvnGMK5P174ofFZf6zxwvYM8Qm21mEmfzafPuIIeIz0Nk5ZrzMp0_7v0rINvlFmM0dwpYFNbzLGw7EvUmKHFo-PtEqrm3/s1600/Salerno_160821_7771.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZZj4het8zWapiI1DKYVrXer5InMMIk0d95Mpzbfol5Dcn9RXvnGMK5P174ofFZf6zxwvYM8Qm21mEmfzafPuIIeIz0Nk5ZrzMp0_7v0rINvlFmM0dwpYFNbzLGw7EvUmKHFo-PtEqrm3/s640/Salerno_160821_7771.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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For our last day of our Bucket List, we travelled to the Met to see the psycho barn art installation located on the roof. The first day we went it was way too hot outside and the Met had closed the roof down in fear that someone could have a heat stroke. To get into the Met, there is a suggested donation of $17 a person. Due to this, I had to break the news to the woman at the counter that I was not Daddy Funbucks, so I could only donate $5 at this point in my life.<br />
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The barn was absolutely stunning in the skyline of the city behind it. We took advantage of the beautiful view and had a photoshoot while walking around the roof.<br />
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Natalie and I then a took a Via to the brunch place, which was by far the most entertaining part of the day because our driver had tons of stories to tell us about all the people she has driven. We also were sharing the vehicle with two guys, that Natalie and I had determined were most likely a grindr hook up that decided to share a ride after they met up because they were headed the same way. After the men exited the car, we got into an interesting political conversation with our driver. Our driver truly loved the gays mostly because they gave her a lot of entertainment when she picked up at 2 a.m. from the bars! Basically, our conversation ended with Nat and I saying, "We're with her," in unison as we rolled out the car. Immediately after getting dropped off, I wrote a review on the app saying, "I'm with her!" meaning our driver.<br />
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The brunch place was this cute small place that looked like a shanty house from the outside made of blue peeling wood. Unfortunately, it was not a Drag brunch place like we originally planned for, but honestly there were still a lot of queens at this place and Natalie performed a rendition of the opening of Hamilton before it hit 2 p.m. so it was basically the same thing. The food was absolutely delicious and our drinks were never empty. Natalie and I were certainly feeling ourselves after the two hours of unlimited drinks were up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First drink of the day</td></tr>
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When the person you go to brunch with is low key Madonna and wears sunglasses indoors because she can't stand looking at you.....<br />
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From brunch, we made our way to our next destination, which was a rooftop pool. I was in charge of finding one for us to go to for our Bucket list, however, since most are a $40+ fee for a day pass, I became resourceful in my search and stumbled upon the Standard Hotel. On the top floor, there was a bar with a large jacuzzi in the middle of the dance floor, which in my mind seemed like the perfect alternative since it was free. Natalie refused to call this a pool and she was hesitant to actually go here with me. Luckily, at this point in the day, Natalie was pitchers of mimosas deep and finally feeling this "pool".<br />
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I know that you are probably thinking to yourself, "Stephen, please do not tell me you actually went in that." As you can imagine, I was hesitant myself about actually submersing myself in this pool of mystery, so toes only was the motto of the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping my boyfriend out of the pool</td></tr>
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I certainly am looking to go back here at night to see what it is like when the dance floor is open. It would be a great place to bring out my snap up pants from middle school, so that I can go from dancer to skinny dipper in one elaborate pull of the pants!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being silly with my girls</td></tr>
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Life is full of choices and this was probably questionable looking back on it. It was basically an oversized bath tub that was in desperate need of a lush bath bomb, but the atmosphere was fun so I give this "pool" 3 out of 4 stars on the Stephen Throwin' Shade Scale for effort. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, the end of the series, Natalie and Stephen's Summer Bucket list. To see the PG version of this day, check out Natalie's <a href="http://www.whaleandwishbone.com/2016/10/summer-days-drifting-away.html" target="_blank">blog</a>!<br />
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Thank you for following us a long the way and I hope that we not only inspired you to go out and have your own adventures in the city, but also made you jealous of our completely amazing summer together. Although Natalie claims this is the last joint thing we ever do on our blogs (mostly because it's fall and this is a summer bucket list #imaprocrastinator), I am sure that this dynamic duo will be teaming up again! Check back soon to see what fall has in store for me!<br />
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Sincerely, </div>
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Stephen</div>
Stephen Espositohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02712748864262814440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6549782961051100672.post-13241288602382942092016-09-21T21:08:00.001-07:002016-10-04T22:20:38.906-07:00Two Hot Dawgs<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My role model</td></tr>
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I never liked roller coasters. My fear was especially heightened when I watched Final Destination 3, which showed a roller coaster going off the track in the first scene. I know the chances of that are so slim, but I feel like it would happen to me. We went on the Thunder Bolt & Wonder Wheel, both of which tested my ability to hold down my lunch. I expected this from the Thunder Bolt, but the Wonder Wheel really caught me off guard. There are two different types of carts you can choose from, one that remains stationary and one that slides. Natalie suggested we get in the non-stationary one, but the moment we started to go up, we realized this was going to be worse than we thought.<br />
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As we were trying to snap pictures of each other with the beach in the background, we were jolted against the cold metal cage that surrounded us. Before we could compose ourselves again for another photo, we were again met with whip lash from the Wheel of hell, but this time we were thrown backwards. This is not your average Ferris Wheel despite its cute demeanour.<br />
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On this day, my hyperhydrosis was in full affect, especially since the humidity was out of hand. I decided to cool off in these fake palm tree sprinklers. It wasn't until I ran past the lady wearing a medical mask, that I was concerned that my health would be compromised by this, but I couldn't resist letting loose like a kid again.<br />
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Natalie is addicted to taking photos and you must always be camera ready around her. She is always just like pose Stephen, which gives me major anxiety. Luckily for me, "I don't get cute, I get drop dead gorgeous," just like my fellow queen, Alyssa Edwards.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYJVH1ZcSO4MmLxG9j7om4Oa-U_fdQC3zhNfkV8TWd2dgoIYJyp9jdRHeuiMKlg41am5mEVTKzY_28JLb2Jhp0APQlVo7TBhMkBJwPsYGFqWXJUQLKZdUKWThrJSk9OedxvbHcP6JrZ5m/s1600/Salerno_160807_7062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYJVH1ZcSO4MmLxG9j7om4Oa-U_fdQC3zhNfkV8TWd2dgoIYJyp9jdRHeuiMKlg41am5mEVTKzY_28JLb2Jhp0APQlVo7TBhMkBJwPsYGFqWXJUQLKZdUKWThrJSk9OedxvbHcP6JrZ5m/s320/Salerno_160807_7062.jpg" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbh9U9R8sU3MCBHI_UM6eYaqjS1eV_R10aCVGSehgJ_szSGSxWagpkFivm66phjNwvRMQWSBfPctJmUafPVRoZZpmWaDFCXHNdOXvqLXIN1De1alSFLqPZ9td-VJK0bCoyIyUNFUleQ-l/s1600/tumblr_n9r4x0OgfB1qdlbbmo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbh9U9R8sU3MCBHI_UM6eYaqjS1eV_R10aCVGSehgJ_szSGSxWagpkFivm66phjNwvRMQWSBfPctJmUafPVRoZZpmWaDFCXHNdOXvqLXIN1De1alSFLqPZ9td-VJK0bCoyIyUNFUleQ-l/s320/tumblr_n9r4x0OgfB1qdlbbmo1_500.gif" /></a>
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Photo booths are essential to capture moments with friends. Natalie and I squeezed into a Photo booth and when we got out, we were surprised to get a little extra present with our photos. While this provided us with a good laugh, I became pissed since they had fun & silly borders that we missed out on.<br />
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My mom has threatened to stop paying for school if I got another tattoo. Therefore, when I was at Coney Island I felt obligated to get an airbrush tattoo just to be slightly rebellious. When I went up to the "artist" I asked for something that was kinda trendy and would fit my aesthetic. He replied, "Man, I got one that really matches your personality." He rummaged through a bunch of stencils and pulled out one that was a panda holding two guns. Naturally I replied, "YASSSSS."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ifYziu01MMXJbItBAriG1LrTpTYsrmgFe_znaSAdgTqtuiF1VR2KaBsmuIhjVyKOCb0m56HeGdz3_AY6d2b41X6-hrk4UUn5loKWUj2KA2oLkcq0uuzgN9UPvWzYyR8lgNI8m5nJuoc2/s1600/Salerno_160807_7265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ifYziu01MMXJbItBAriG1LrTpTYsrmgFe_znaSAdgTqtuiF1VR2KaBsmuIhjVyKOCb0m56HeGdz3_AY6d2b41X6-hrk4UUn5loKWUj2KA2oLkcq0uuzgN9UPvWzYyR8lgNI8m5nJuoc2/s640/Salerno_160807_7265.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48G-veZoEtTLHAWUxtvWg4Nh5YQsVbMkoYkpIlkl6QorUWNLbtHnjJLpdZxIy4PlN2WZkSiqZyNddpd9oRkj8w9gi9dZzTzOnWMNZw-xSZJKjcVDtqRyfh9HR10Mti7Zqw2So2gLLwGgr/s1600/Salerno_160807_7268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48G-veZoEtTLHAWUxtvWg4Nh5YQsVbMkoYkpIlkl6QorUWNLbtHnjJLpdZxIy4PlN2WZkSiqZyNddpd9oRkj8w9gi9dZzTzOnWMNZw-xSZJKjcVDtqRyfh9HR10Mti7Zqw2So2gLLwGgr/s640/Salerno_160807_7268.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghegZxdmRL74OTV0WYV9nupyi7Gz6p9SFKdzZDn57Y6Vs4DCnQ20AfNHwcGqgm79I1XNgbHn9Ly-LGc-UVPRD_wAnTv6uu7bCjOKtgJHbUpVNoq8ax_hCD1_X0PPr6WA4pVAD2UxX3A2ax/s1600/Salerno_160807_7274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghegZxdmRL74OTV0WYV9nupyi7Gz6p9SFKdzZDn57Y6Vs4DCnQ20AfNHwcGqgm79I1XNgbHn9Ly-LGc-UVPRD_wAnTv6uu7bCjOKtgJHbUpVNoq8ax_hCD1_X0PPr6WA4pVAD2UxX3A2ax/s640/Salerno_160807_7274.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The whole time I was getting this done, I felt the judgement radiating off of Natalie. After the guy finished, I realized that I had to take two trains to get home and that I was going to my internship the next day. He then told me that it would take 3-5 days to completely come off. This is definitely one of those learning moments in life, but still #noragrets about it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBx9HlfWIZu1Hlg1yiZg0fcutA7YdS7IJPsiI9hzGp3-sY0Fl9Uj2B7fQv074Bauzq4yoZJ0AzFM70yHkbOhvR839J7m72VI60J7udNfr5qvIsyk9OSJp2YWyrjrSbNhhm8fB5TDlQLeh/s1600/Salerno_160807_7305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBx9HlfWIZu1Hlg1yiZg0fcutA7YdS7IJPsiI9hzGp3-sY0Fl9Uj2B7fQv074Bauzq4yoZJ0AzFM70yHkbOhvR839J7m72VI60J7udNfr5qvIsyk9OSJp2YWyrjrSbNhhm8fB5TDlQLeh/s640/Salerno_160807_7305.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As the day came to a close, Natalie and I began to crave a hot dog (Thank God for Nathan's wiener). In my opinion, getting a hot dog was truly the finishing touch of a wonderful day with my bestie. Check out Natalie's <a href="http://my-friends-stephen-and-nathan.html/" target="_blank">Blog</a> to read about her perspective on the day!</div>
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Sincerely,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stephen<br />
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P.S. Here is the best picture I took when Natalie let me have the camera.<br />
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Enjoy!</div>
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Stephen Espositohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02712748864262814440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6549782961051100672.post-78971495214917427292016-09-05T23:03:00.003-07:002016-09-05T23:06:02.481-07:00Food Glorious Food<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUXUvXx10qp0B_4ThOpcXOlNuJBlYskC3YJcQFSntZ2l-mvUbYe6PtQ1MP65_g6YxLRpmkC8SPJxttbGVcWyVUuf4B0g14ZmsxOlcHtz8V1H1meGQSEiX0MUptQKg_hZTwxb7oxjIn0BU/s640/Salerno_160807_6899.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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I think one of my top passions in life is eating. I mean don't you ever just want to lay in bed and cozy up next to a nice bad girl sub from Ram's Deli Plus (a Fordham 2:00 a.m. drunken hot spot) while listening to Shania Twain on repeat? This is a common occurrence in my life and I highly recommend trying it. <br />
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglR9ayj-GYi8OYuPUseqKuTNToWaIZtd1s0amHkt5QwW8ab62h1Ykhqxb6x_3j62g_3IiCdQnP1Az42o5-Frp6LBdz62W9FAbxu2hA2ZtVPvkM7JxwGBjCltjPM2Dup37JMFA9gCyFqwaE/s640/Salerno_160807_6887.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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When we first arrived to the Smorgasburg, we were greeted by our friend in the photo above. I have eaten some questionable meats in my life, but I was not ready to try his barbecue. After this entrance, I was skeptical about what the day had in store for us, but still excited to have a treat yo' self day with my bestie.<br />
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The Brooklyn Smorgasburg is truly heaven for those looking to indulge some delicious food. Natalie was trying to be a healthy girl this day and it made me feel uncomfortable because I was looking to stuff my face.<br />
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She ate a salad wrap, which literally felt like betrayal. Who goes to a food market and says let me get a salad wrap? I can't help but think that Natalie may be the only person who says,"oooh I am craving a nice wrap made up nothing but some sad soggy leaves with a touch of sadness." This trip turned into a real life episode of Veggie Tales (Natalie was of course the talking cucumber).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2P8kkJqiyo3WjBBXrHGxl__5X32dMu_B4m7WyGoX7tTK3mpB01dGMCMXxbO5LB3wtdKmCaYvscZXx2C8dk3-1Y64E9iWsGQsx6btRoIytfVaQjRRRR5WlX5Jg8LNf1jjSO8n_mISkHf4/s1600/Salerno_160807_6915.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2P8kkJqiyo3WjBBXrHGxl__5X32dMu_B4m7WyGoX7tTK3mpB01dGMCMXxbO5LB3wtdKmCaYvscZXx2C8dk3-1Y64E9iWsGQsx6btRoIytfVaQjRRRR5WlX5Jg8LNf1jjSO8n_mISkHf4/s320/Salerno_160807_6915.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNICN85M8CJG86S5YGlonnWNaMMXy3cnQH4hygWiaqxf2Wp-ibXWz1am8QSz_LiKsITTGA7AsbKaNuHyo5Tp3tKnxA6u97z9_BJIDPxZ8R9Hpb-CxC89sZxg_Fka9inevwP0-jwe1mqrXE/s1600/Salerno_160807_6937.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNICN85M8CJG86S5YGlonnWNaMMXy3cnQH4hygWiaqxf2Wp-ibXWz1am8QSz_LiKsITTGA7AsbKaNuHyo5Tp3tKnxA6u97z9_BJIDPxZ8R9Hpb-CxC89sZxg_Fka9inevwP0-jwe1mqrXE/s320/Salerno_160807_6937.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKyDIHggX_2D42Dxu2vzwGrx_My2P9_q1CGyyBY9eZx1_PZcvcdR-i0U_cCVS7FkGsq-i1kxVGKqO3pNXdoUSb32Y8Zl9AQdmezH0tpTKDal7_HTqP2Q3VSPf6LgA2KkOSgDmDM3tDiSl/s1600/Salerno_160807_6918.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKyDIHggX_2D42Dxu2vzwGrx_My2P9_q1CGyyBY9eZx1_PZcvcdR-i0U_cCVS7FkGsq-i1kxVGKqO3pNXdoUSb32Y8Zl9AQdmezH0tpTKDal7_HTqP2Q3VSPf6LgA2KkOSgDmDM3tDiSl/s320/Salerno_160807_6918.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
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While Natalie went for the healthy option, I decided to buy truffle fries with an avocado dipping sauce. My reaction to eating the fries was basically just reoccurring "mhmmmmm" sounds after each bite, followed by Natalie rubbing my tummy while we laid in the shade. It was truly pure bliss.<br />
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I highly recommend visiting the Brooklyn Smorgasburg, however check the weather before you do. I am essentially the spokesperson for all sweaty people around the world and this is NOT the best summer activity especially when its 95 degrees out. It was so hot that it got to the point where I began to whisper sweet nothings to all the food items I passed. I thought to myself, "I'm gonna get ya, I'm gonna eat ya."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wPL4ZCY6eeqlFhC180iCZNjOn6DBJbHlnezi5JNm2u_Gtio3YGblDSle2xKxeEJX9bcQpUMOCOrcxxaNEipN69F30aYO3CO9y7N_UFQHcV54s_zlPdvaNJt1LD7yEuPqdGPny31DTLFJ/s1600/Salerno_160807_6949.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wPL4ZCY6eeqlFhC180iCZNjOn6DBJbHlnezi5JNm2u_Gtio3YGblDSle2xKxeEJX9bcQpUMOCOrcxxaNEipN69F30aYO3CO9y7N_UFQHcV54s_zlPdvaNJt1LD7yEuPqdGPny31DTLFJ/s320/Salerno_160807_6949.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqASN-j4RdnQP__zpfQKauXKYjcUbZ2o-M9oLckjN7vyb7lKDsje91rMjYdUPxczY0FWB13Ph8GWgTDqygrtnT0lTz-1Hf7Ld_x2oFvVAqoY6FA7dW3BST2oRfbAk73OFmPg6C3_BaT37P/s1600/Salerno_160807_6974.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqASN-j4RdnQP__zpfQKauXKYjcUbZ2o-M9oLckjN7vyb7lKDsje91rMjYdUPxczY0FWB13Ph8GWgTDqygrtnT0lTz-1Hf7Ld_x2oFvVAqoY6FA7dW3BST2oRfbAk73OFmPg6C3_BaT37P/s320/Salerno_160807_6974.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I really appreciate the fun and trendy tip jars that the stands had made. After working at D&J Refreshments for the past seven years of my life, I understand the struggle of getting customers to tip. I have gotten some absurd requests from customers that I felt obligated to fulfil because 50 cents was on the line. For instance, a mother asked me if it would be possible for me to watch her children and feed them while she ran an errand. This resulted in a $5.00 tip as well as some throw up on my shirt from the youngest child.<br />
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I ended the day with a sweet treat from people's popsicles.This was supposed to be a cute picture that mirrored one of those that could be found on some basic girl's instagram, however as I stare more and more at this, I am realising that this could be uncomfortable for many. You're welcome.<br />
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In conclusion, we came, we ate, we conquered. Be sure to check out Natalie's <a href="http://www.whaleandwishbone.com/2016/09/eat-your-heart-out.html" target="_blank">post </a>about our time at the Smorgasburg and remember to check back soon for our posts about Coney Island!<br />
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Sincerely,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stephen</div>
Stephen Espositohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02712748864262814440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6549782961051100672.post-81991004362350319992016-08-07T22:43:00.000-07:002016-08-07T22:45:08.405-07:00Bring dem bois to da yard<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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A couple of weeks ago, Natalie and I plus Sweet Baby Chin Fong went on a journey to a land far away... Soho. We were on a quest to get the best milkshakes in the land. <a href="http://blacktapnyc.com/" target="_blank">Black Tap</a> specialises in creating works of art out of ice cream for anyone that has $15 to spend on ice cream (basically my whole savings account).<br />
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We waited on line for about an hour and half before we were seated. Once inside, it became clear that this place was a literal scam. There were so many open tables and the fact that I had to wait outside in the hot sun pissed me off. It's as if they have no concern for customers with a sweating condition!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjzBF_NgD_xFIUKGgJAXwdDdigTt8K8WxvOVRkO3KjLjjpIlcYfRgSwp4IqZeqZ3aElXvxCtqugM8KzxrQcpFuq5Wm9uHMrrFqML04zMnNSlzp6HGAUvFR-7vamua23_mhV6akY0dgr1I/s1600/Salerno_160720_6627-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjzBF_NgD_xFIUKGgJAXwdDdigTt8K8WxvOVRkO3KjLjjpIlcYfRgSwp4IqZeqZ3aElXvxCtqugM8KzxrQcpFuq5Wm9uHMrrFqML04zMnNSlzp6HGAUvFR-7vamua23_mhV6akY0dgr1I/s320/Salerno_160720_6627-2.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTz0beX0Drhviftbjdl9yhiymztVd4cOQNmapR6IYIQSAbNa4_IpAnguATRJUKuGzv8O_CaQ-spcrrB_FoyR2dJEQisqywrY5r2Yh4xRtidlH_yVShyDXM-OlwUF66v8RE-gjMo0MPpzw/s1600/Salerno_160720_6654.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTz0beX0Drhviftbjdl9yhiymztVd4cOQNmapR6IYIQSAbNa4_IpAnguATRJUKuGzv8O_CaQ-spcrrB_FoyR2dJEQisqywrY5r2Yh4xRtidlH_yVShyDXM-OlwUF66v8RE-gjMo0MPpzw/s320/Salerno_160720_6654.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I was expecting there to be a variety of options of milkshake creations (since I stalked their insta in the days leading up to our visit), however there were only four. FOUR OPTIONS. I travelled to Soho, waited on line for over an hour and like a cherry to top it all off, I was promised a variety of heavenly sweet treats to only be given less options than I can count on a hand. Goodbye sir, just goodbye.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxXCJp9tIgteRlvNAZhChKkNIf-kXn_bh1nxPAEmaWw-99s0B7RdPl0iJgwlepJlF3qAwPJWAl3VvQbyEesoi1Dh1bOxjKUzQQE5V-BoWSBzC7WP1bVYE5unkGUqE8w2_elVcqZW870Qe/s1600/milkshake3.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxXCJp9tIgteRlvNAZhChKkNIf-kXn_bh1nxPAEmaWw-99s0B7RdPl0iJgwlepJlF3qAwPJWAl3VvQbyEesoi1Dh1bOxjKUzQQE5V-BoWSBzC7WP1bVYE5unkGUqE8w2_elVcqZW870Qe/s320/milkshake3.gif" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypn3pLgEaCaQxjQiM_ojlJjGcA2k1xu5oSUWhhKcymW7CMg7SFfS7Xva5ayd9wPtER8GIoQYzD8xqUFLtrsR9JItWAyucrxaKbAwEhtw1FmLcMfLfU3dJy-8qFleN8bJXUNa2JqiJAIof/s1600/milkshake4.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypn3pLgEaCaQxjQiM_ojlJjGcA2k1xu5oSUWhhKcymW7CMg7SFfS7Xva5ayd9wPtER8GIoQYzD8xqUFLtrsR9JItWAyucrxaKbAwEhtw1FmLcMfLfU3dJy-8qFleN8bJXUNa2JqiJAIof/s320/milkshake4.gif" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3u-3j-O-NnDQ4S3jMmzRlJXZt87-PeFYJFPaGvYPPK6tp2DjWpe1Xtz_g6SNGdZzvYPpLX87Z3XN10KgE8yIHij0UaaVTaV0zPyJ18HhByPBHzogkrb5zYEVfe6w7qVSxH2UgUPARPCNV/s1600/milkshake2.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3u-3j-O-NnDQ4S3jMmzRlJXZt87-PeFYJFPaGvYPPK6tp2DjWpe1Xtz_g6SNGdZzvYPpLX87Z3XN10KgE8yIHij0UaaVTaV0zPyJ18HhByPBHzogkrb5zYEVfe6w7qVSxH2UgUPARPCNV/s320/milkshake2.gif" width="180" /></a><br />
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I wanted to order three milkshakes mostly because the cotton candy milkshake would match my outfit better than the others, but my parents reprimanded me and said I couldn't. The milkshakes were pretty good, but the company I had is what made this excursion worth it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlD3lHzz55uoUNYIc9-Vbfk1ud0m8KJIBXzocXpA-1t-9l3b1oqaw1fi-bIRsAiRUm9PSXvooqOQHCI3sy296cWujhUW_oUC1vtMtc4LogIEDy41SEmDLPGlOCaljp6KtIOj6_vblMeZUd/s1600/Salerno_160720_6688.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlD3lHzz55uoUNYIc9-Vbfk1ud0m8KJIBXzocXpA-1t-9l3b1oqaw1fi-bIRsAiRUm9PSXvooqOQHCI3sy296cWujhUW_oUC1vtMtc4LogIEDy41SEmDLPGlOCaljp6KtIOj6_vblMeZUd/s320/Salerno_160720_6688.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvdbfZz48Mk2VOO98PBQZSZQeUKTFlAaaZM0iK-LYnU3g3dvTIiFBQUt_PTw1F2EYKFsy21ZpLDtCj2EdJJ4jixz8FIKLd5nobdEhO_UiPRVRrJO0yCAuPBSj9_z-31VpglgbnFGEeYyt/s1600/Salerno_160720_6675.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvdbfZz48Mk2VOO98PBQZSZQeUKTFlAaaZM0iK-LYnU3g3dvTIiFBQUt_PTw1F2EYKFsy21ZpLDtCj2EdJJ4jixz8FIKLd5nobdEhO_UiPRVRrJO0yCAuPBSj9_z-31VpglgbnFGEeYyt/s320/Salerno_160720_6675.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I left Black Tap with the following: -$4.73 in my bank account, a blood clot in my leg, heat stroke and tighter pants. Thanks to these milkshakes, the boys are definitely not coming to my yard any time soon. Looks like the only boyfriend I will be spooning in the near future will be from a container.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7Z0twG-lIIZ9dMX-yMjEClTcFllC1P1FT2oQux_4ZYcrPv-1uyTAnA2EKW_EpUkmohzpIgaOOxJfzxUH3lh9ZPT1a0p-7vfkrcsUwcsKnTr5pJz6M1v1bK0z7Bdpf446IXfQWdjuNAw7/s1600/Salerno_160720_6725+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7Z0twG-lIIZ9dMX-yMjEClTcFllC1P1FT2oQux_4ZYcrPv-1uyTAnA2EKW_EpUkmohzpIgaOOxJfzxUH3lh9ZPT1a0p-7vfkrcsUwcsKnTr5pJz6M1v1bK0z7Bdpf446IXfQWdjuNAw7/s400/Salerno_160720_6725+copy.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final lick for the road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In conclusion, I paid $15 for my most liked <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevo_espo/" target="_blank">instagram </a>picture, which tbh isn't the worst thing I have done for the gram. Check out Natalie's <a href="http://www.whaleandwishbone.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> to see what she thought about Black Tap's milkshakes and make sure to check back soon to see what we cross off our bucket list next!<br />
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Sincerely,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stephen</div>
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Stephen Espositohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02712748864262814440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6549782961051100672.post-27068283686064849272016-07-18T15:08:00.001-07:002016-07-18T16:57:16.572-07:00Pretty in Pink<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVp9V0w4X0V9lA0HmRkCnrbRRJHOTdlOdAWnMtq-WE_A60AlPOGml7pUdtOIeJvrUKCp9ouGRcGTb-cFjyAhhKv4ERiWIQlFIKrOihEjISLZMwTNokmZWNi1usqI2mRx2eGOwTdNRofFM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-07-18+at+10.31.45+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVp9V0w4X0V9lA0HmRkCnrbRRJHOTdlOdAWnMtq-WE_A60AlPOGml7pUdtOIeJvrUKCp9ouGRcGTb-cFjyAhhKv4ERiWIQlFIKrOihEjISLZMwTNokmZWNi1usqI2mRx2eGOwTdNRofFM/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-07-18+at+10.31.45+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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Last week, Natalie and I packed a picnic basket, put on pink outfits, and hopped on the ferry to Governor's Island. The pinknic is a giant picnic and music festival that celebrates rosé. The day consisted of drinking, boy-watching, tanning and instagramming, which just so happens to be a combination of a few of my favorite things.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Hour 1: Natalie is drunk</b></div>
Within minutes of arriving at the event, Natalie was two glasses deep and feeling it. I think it was a combination of the rosé and sun, but regardless, this was the first time I have seen her like this since the time she made out with a cardboard cut-out of Nicholas Cage at a senior night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHXqDpaDDuTzd84KDbz8-mvlka4uKBzHsc9ZPxZ1kto3wuc_xFfqKOb3BW6aqsEE32JTp1_Fq3Vp3v8PmarK1CgxdzUuNhV2CwAdflPRHEcJbB-Id4JW3MPjv1-u94fVWZE_wvlAD2R-h/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-07-18+at+10.54.50+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHXqDpaDDuTzd84KDbz8-mvlka4uKBzHsc9ZPxZ1kto3wuc_xFfqKOb3BW6aqsEE32JTp1_Fq3Vp3v8PmarK1CgxdzUuNhV2CwAdflPRHEcJbB-Id4JW3MPjv1-u94fVWZE_wvlAD2R-h/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-18+at+10.54.50+AM.png" width="260" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixh5lkiWh3AgjHokMxnAEj_HoRfhyphenhyphenLDuIOzOw7jTjWu3IjIR3OcYlbEhdlPUKeFjjLISgnELKJTxUNLQcXMlCLnX0TSElgJiDQP6VosGNUxIoTeKv7DxaZf1LJ2AqSCl_cXjC2Dh4BCm0P/s1600/11039049_913968761958183_7846542221942707627_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixh5lkiWh3AgjHokMxnAEj_HoRfhyphenhyphenLDuIOzOw7jTjWu3IjIR3OcYlbEhdlPUKeFjjLISgnELKJTxUNLQcXMlCLnX0TSElgJiDQP6VosGNUxIoTeKv7DxaZf1LJ2AqSCl_cXjC2Dh4BCm0P/s320/11039049_913968761958183_7846542221942707627_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<b>Hour 1: Taking in the view</b></div>
The waiters at this event ranged from a rugged nature-valley granola bar type to an ex-frat man turned young dad. It was hard to buy a bottle of wine and not tip more than 15 % (as well as want to pounce over the bar to embrace them). Whoever planned this event really knew my weaknesses: Men and Wine. Here is a little sample of the men that made me feel tickled pink at the event:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULEip7NYNnKnhHcTqEIx8tLjyGl3cmvgGdZNxZnDO7nZaaRk5Pb1H_zfWbxYX13y1Mp0BCBzg4OjqQNgo6p6HHZch9f0_tn228Hdmg-11fd58CAKGMrFqL0rvZ5R4V1qG59p022O7l8Xu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-07-18+at+10.35.33+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULEip7NYNnKnhHcTqEIx8tLjyGl3cmvgGdZNxZnDO7nZaaRk5Pb1H_zfWbxYX13y1Mp0BCBzg4OjqQNgo6p6HHZch9f0_tn228Hdmg-11fd58CAKGMrFqL0rvZ5R4V1qG59p022O7l8Xu/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-18+at+10.35.33+AM.png" width="156" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP3Z5UtbcC3YTGVzuJhUy_nvREP8YQquFUYfM8LJHgkGkMWz044w4CNK3MX_8atbgdkZTdii9739bHve-O_AlacbUxgeDknbx53-JxkI4ADiWeQZVvYnqTCfqGiBPrsAMJJ4jQQ78AGEP/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-07-18+at+10.36.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP3Z5UtbcC3YTGVzuJhUy_nvREP8YQquFUYfM8LJHgkGkMWz044w4CNK3MX_8atbgdkZTdii9739bHve-O_AlacbUxgeDknbx53-JxkI4ADiWeQZVvYnqTCfqGiBPrsAMJJ4jQQ78AGEP/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-18+at+10.36.49+AM.png" width="136" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTg3PKxkAMyKln0kyAsBizQ74wbd09e74v05n6lNURrw8512oIMLD1dgpJ_wRkVDrpXcg2PPKtAlHfTPberN8pG3nfw0ck7EWjzYp_MnRm1DjUV4v9TUvG0l8NQqqdqFhE7rCezy7Jq_fi/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-07-18+at+10.36.40+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTg3PKxkAMyKln0kyAsBizQ74wbd09e74v05n6lNURrw8512oIMLD1dgpJ_wRkVDrpXcg2PPKtAlHfTPberN8pG3nfw0ck7EWjzYp_MnRm1DjUV4v9TUvG0l8NQqqdqFhE7rCezy7Jq_fi/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-18+at+10.36.40+AM.png" width="149" /></a><br />
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<b>Hour 2: Get in my belly</b></div>
Natalie works at Birchbox during the week and she moonlights as my second mother on the weekends. She packed us lunch kinda like a PTA mom that is chaperoning a field trip, the only problem was that she forgot to bring a leash to keep me from running to the bar (for wine and to spend time with my future husbands).<br />
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviY_UHGX6jew3_lW_tWI83XWACK_1y5Vin44Ocu8FtS5DiOL_X45SEHjdJRSLvFhVziHQpdUXfa4ildjkootBqPhDdYV9tcliJcaOfEbAx2-_8Gn8WrIJ5JhqUF5_ymHhiSkQSJV03Mx4/s1600/Salerno_160709_6234.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviY_UHGX6jew3_lW_tWI83XWACK_1y5Vin44Ocu8FtS5DiOL_X45SEHjdJRSLvFhVziHQpdUXfa4ildjkootBqPhDdYV9tcliJcaOfEbAx2-_8Gn8WrIJ5JhqUF5_ymHhiSkQSJV03Mx4/s640/Salerno_160709_6234.jpg" width="640" /></a></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Hour 2: Pour it up</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6mVF9zurnqvN302JdkZsH_0C9PjMPbFXWS2lBnSo3taVIZDVqpHTWho75Iof6ua0ACgEXqMEs1scEffuaFndRZm4Wvo38sIE8nPp-5gCzMKrDzkI9ZEoXA3bz2VesEr0DrMqPVmqWL9R/s1600/pinknic3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6mVF9zurnqvN302JdkZsH_0C9PjMPbFXWS2lBnSo3taVIZDVqpHTWho75Iof6ua0ACgEXqMEs1scEffuaFndRZm4Wvo38sIE8nPp-5gCzMKrDzkI9ZEoXA3bz2VesEr0DrMqPVmqWL9R/s320/pinknic3.gif" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QK8XXDnovvNQniPnhwZxF8yzJjFG9OvNCT8IkQ4llCgum1_-_I9hV0TsD0QNdYdfBwNy51Fy4n_mS7h5h-hfzy2vrxco4hKqj3GEp8C2MR73nwpX4FbfQxcSM7w88vFm72gWo5ANZFka/s1600/pinknic2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QK8XXDnovvNQniPnhwZxF8yzJjFG9OvNCT8IkQ4llCgum1_-_I9hV0TsD0QNdYdfBwNy51Fy4n_mS7h5h-hfzy2vrxco4hKqj3GEp8C2MR73nwpX4FbfQxcSM7w88vFm72gWo5ANZFka/s320/pinknic2.gif" width="180" /></a></div>
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<b>Hour 3: Nap Time</b></div>
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At this point in the day, the only thing I wanted to do was snuggle with Natalie on one side and my personal bottle of rosé on the other. Just a baby boy with his two loves in the world. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxITAmNf-ivXtZSLXZqSQyTE7wk40KxCDU_R5TaGChyphenhyphenGxHTbw7HbJd3VXyQXDQ8PUPPkiMnsNGnSlyvSnnjs9GuzDeMylzutYNky-UjQPn6FNBrID89QrB3MqDWhThFI2hvyZignUb1Wug/s1600/Salerno_160710_5264.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxITAmNf-ivXtZSLXZqSQyTE7wk40KxCDU_R5TaGChyphenhyphenGxHTbw7HbJd3VXyQXDQ8PUPPkiMnsNGnSlyvSnnjs9GuzDeMylzutYNky-UjQPn6FNBrID89QrB3MqDWhThFI2hvyZignUb1Wug/s320/Salerno_160710_5264.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYgfbOOOu1M3BzlSAbJgaFUq2TvUGtAZPI6jmGPmsiPmZF6ca6euGSAmw7Z-Ooppd6i08GHTZDu6eC0IjAIUTNIQfss02NRP2hj4FM-_BOYPJ0hf2hyVM50O9h16qkO31UpOgN0J_WtR8/s1600/Salerno_160710_5262.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYgfbOOOu1M3BzlSAbJgaFUq2TvUGtAZPI6jmGPmsiPmZF6ca6euGSAmw7Z-Ooppd6i08GHTZDu6eC0IjAIUTNIQfss02NRP2hj4FM-_BOYPJ0hf2hyVM50O9h16qkO31UpOgN0J_WtR8/s320/Salerno_160710_5262.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Tell him, boy, bye</b></div>
Instead of crawling back to the dock to catch the ferry, Natalie and I decided to rent a personal pink chariot to bring us around the island. I felt like I was Cinderella riding off after the ball, hoping that my prince (Craig the bartender) would come looking for me. Good thing I left behind my business card, phone number and home address conveniently in his tip jar.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tDsGJsvk_c48DBbjc3fF6FmmG7U1O6_L38LHOLVuruBko_HfQInZQeGoM2twWKTlBzU5zCuUjN-qlv9DYMrC1BJSzxWzHkKZ9HKkloKXGlkYX4AMM84H8yTORkxIPpHjEcSkwAt3HwSP/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-07-18+at+10.52.03+AM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tDsGJsvk_c48DBbjc3fF6FmmG7U1O6_L38LHOLVuruBko_HfQInZQeGoM2twWKTlBzU5zCuUjN-qlv9DYMrC1BJSzxWzHkKZ9HKkloKXGlkYX4AMM84H8yTORkxIPpHjEcSkwAt3HwSP/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-07-18+at+10.52.03+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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Overall, I would recommend this event if you have an abundance of money to spend. Otherwise, just come on over to my house in the Bronx and we can wear pink outfits, drink a $14 box of Franzia and have my roommate George act as our waiter. Basically the same event, just cheaper!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTkC5zukbqJ67he3WIR27ua1Tjo8Oj8XeGjcsHc35NWEs17EyJa8wpEd0cTdCO5EpqW-z_hYohfEQuVCbeibTX4kCBMUTOs8yBSCf_Fqj9gk5tBGH983mLoWisPcx0Ta8hi90dURCTenc/s1600/13138952_10206355485792606_2683090203021965798_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTkC5zukbqJ67he3WIR27ua1Tjo8Oj8XeGjcsHc35NWEs17EyJa8wpEd0cTdCO5EpqW-z_hYohfEQuVCbeibTX4kCBMUTOs8yBSCf_Fqj9gk5tBGH983mLoWisPcx0Ta8hi90dURCTenc/s320/13138952_10206355485792606_2683090203021965798_n.jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George, the roomie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you want to see what Natalie thought about the event, click <a href="http://www.whaleandwishbone.com/2016/07/picnic-in-pink.html" target="_blank">here</a> to see her blog! <span style="text-align: center;">Check back soon to read about the next thing we cross off our bucket list. Cheers!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Sincerely,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stephen<br />
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<br />Stephen Espositohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02712748864262814440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6549782961051100672.post-55725650840902606722016-07-02T08:16:00.000-07:002016-07-02T08:16:06.769-07:00Natalie and Stephen's Summer Bucket List<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9tf6kWyRqwhQjA_J8Wf1TYPX6CehQqHDGL2gAQ23Q29yTyekELn_ERWA65yyU2z7QTfmzZcKuS1K5RgFrvChFmVMZW9RY4Xqx3SXPcLF1hyphenhypheneX8SCJOFgOQc4TzsDZaK-tj7wdvOmYXOh/s1600/13164176_1408217875858799_856130697907001095_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9tf6kWyRqwhQjA_J8Wf1TYPX6CehQqHDGL2gAQ23Q29yTyekELn_ERWA65yyU2z7QTfmzZcKuS1K5RgFrvChFmVMZW9RY4Xqx3SXPcLF1hyphenhypheneX8SCJOFgOQc4TzsDZaK-tj7wdvOmYXOh/s320/13164176_1408217875858799_856130697907001095_n.jpg" width="310" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0xV8hI5_ZmIycJkMFxdXZobamdIngMEvIZNvsfWR4UUoaJdH4ZO71xjP98t2QQNZzvuMGV9kc2sExIa-6SLkG3FF2QUirWRF94C50MQAfaGMHMrFaqXHD0TYnVmeGBNIF-hIMpuhek9i/s1600/10459887_760011994020528_8301461685590288313_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0xV8hI5_ZmIycJkMFxdXZobamdIngMEvIZNvsfWR4UUoaJdH4ZO71xjP98t2QQNZzvuMGV9kc2sExIa-6SLkG3FF2QUirWRF94C50MQAfaGMHMrFaqXHD0TYnVmeGBNIF-hIMpuhek9i/s320/10459887_760011994020528_8301461685590288313_n.jpg" width="310" /></a><br />
<br />
I met Natalie Salerno for the first time, when I applied to be a part of the Campus Activities Executive Board at the end of my freshman year. Thank God she picked me to be a part of her board because since then a friendship has formed. Natalie and I could not be more opposite, I mean she is level headed, witty, fashionable and above all rocks a red lip like nobody else I know (then again <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/9hxdcmRUP8/?taken-by=stevo_espo" target="_blank">my lips looked great when I was Ariel for halloween</a>, so I win that one). She has been a constant supporter of me over the years and has truly been one of my greatest role models.<br />
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It is because of Natalie that I have now <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ttWYGBxUC8/?taken-by=stevo_espo" target="_blank">mastered the art of fake laughter for photos</a>, perused <a href="http://www.bonnieslotnickcookbooks.com/" target="_blank">a cookbook thrift store</a> in the village and ultimately grown as an individual. Whether she is feeding me with her latest baked good or throwing her famous tagline, "take a lap" at me, I am always having the time of my life when I am with her.<br />
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I was inspired to start this blog because of Natalie's wildly successful blog <a href="http://www.whaleandwishbone.com/" target="_blank">Whale & Wishbone</a> and it's because of her guidance that I have even made it this far. Since I was away for the past five months, we had a lot of time to discuss our plans for the summer and we are looking forward to making some great memories together. Like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0825232/" target="_blank">Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson</a> minus the old and dying part, Natalie and I are embarking on our own bucket list of adventures. Here's the plan:<br />
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
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The Bucket List</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinknic.com/" target="_blank">Pinknic</a>: </div>
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Natalie basically told me I have to wear pink and drink wine on a picnic blanket so this one was a no brainer. </div>
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<a href="http://www.coneyisland.com/tourist-information" target="_blank">Coney Island Amusement Park:</a></div>
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I am looking forward to having a hot dog eating contest against Natalie (something I feel quite confident in winning).</div>
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<a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/press/exhibitions/2016/cornelia-parker" target="_blank">Roof of Met- Cornelia Parker Exhibit:</a></div>
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There is a red psychobarn on top of the Met and I am so thankful for the creator because it gives me a valid reason to wear my overalls in the day time.</div>
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<a href="http://blacktapnyc.com/" target="_blank">Black Tap:</a></div>
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Apparently, Natalie's milkshakes aren't the only thing bringing the boys to the yard. I can't wait to try one of their gravity-defying craft shakes from this place!</div>
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<a href="http://www.smorgasburg.com/" target="_blank">Brooklyn Smorgasburg:</a></div>
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Food, get in my belly!</div>
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Rooftop Pool:</div>
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I hope all of manhattan enjoys the view of my dad bod from down below!</div>
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Bottomless Drag Brunch:</div>
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You best believe that we are gonna sissy that walk all day (or be crawling after the mimosas).</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are interested in any of these activities feel free to reach out to Natalie and I so you can tag along for the summer of a lifetime.<br />
<br />
P.S. <a href="http://www.whaleandwishbone.com/2016/07/natalieandstephen.html" target="_blank">Here's how Natalie kicked off our series</a>! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sincerely,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stephen</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Stephen Espositohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02712748864262814440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6549782961051100672.post-35357511584614344542016-06-01T06:56:00.000-07:002016-06-01T07:04:06.272-07:00Abs not requiredIn Swaziland, after a long day of white water rafting, our guides brought us into the cliffs to go abseiling. I was still in shock that I made it through the rapids without falling into the river, which gave me a false sense confidence going into this next adrenalin filled activity. I watched a few people go first, which led to an increased internal amount of fear as well as an external leg shake.<br />
<br />
I am a pessimist. I always have been and if I am being honest, I most likely always will be. The moment that I stepped up on the rock and was harnessed in, I thought of all the possible things that could go wrong. The first possibility was that I could lose my footing and slam my face into the rock, ultimately chipping all of my teeth. After suffering through five years of braces, I can't help but panic when it comes to my teeth. Another possibility was that when I sat back into the harness it would snap and I would fall into the raging river beneath. I was basically as skilled as Michael Phelps when I swam butterfly for the Floral Park Pirate's swim team back in the day, but it has been so long that I honestly don't think I would be able to fight the current.<br />
<br />
Despite the physical ailments I could endure, I feel that the worst part if something were to happen would be that I decided to dress up as a life size blueberry for the day. I could just imagine the news headline, "<i>Sully from Monster's Inc. doppelgänger gets Squished in Abseiling Accident</i>. "<br />
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Here is a recollection of the thoughts racing around my mind throughout the descent down the cliff:</div>
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*looks down at right hand holding rope* "Wow, ok. I have to hold all my weight in my right hand. I have never trusted myself less than in this moment. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgli-RMmf99OuQo9S45I7QZMgJZZ0rrUc0XzVk9vBo8EJWVPhx-K_i35g4yJ7Zs06Uagnkv85LdSgx-8DGWU3ghx5D4c0rwuoyxKLJFXCgwGX12JWzDxHSL3bYbnapswcSe19rGCkQLdspK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-17+at+5.58.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgli-RMmf99OuQo9S45I7QZMgJZZ0rrUc0XzVk9vBo8EJWVPhx-K_i35g4yJ7Zs06Uagnkv85LdSgx-8DGWU3ghx5D4c0rwuoyxKLJFXCgwGX12JWzDxHSL3bYbnapswcSe19rGCkQLdspK/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-05-17+at+5.58.24+PM.png" width="265" /></a> </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
"This guy better stop giving me a thumbs up. Do you honestly think that I feel better because of it? I got a finger for you too and if I didn't have to hold this rope you would understand how I feel."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWjcNflK3AxTnfv0YvGrIigaGACXFLsPvIyVQtMVx603Gac_fo3a5U9lMTBzqJNnEfHBLg-GXEccqXdfVZ8Kq3p5JHBTF4uokq53EdM5du2RbhD5NvXo2d8p9nAH60h7DQNw-W-uyWZti/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-17+at+5.59.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUdEXF3yXh-VHeVcjcHeeFyZOcxJH2rskMd0zqbONiUH7pGMcgAdc-O1VGIkrLM1v9n9e4D12xZTvdhiLi-Fh7ADWlpV2EgBw6XQVECPCeIscTyP2ksITDCvcFQTJ1sSSXALo3ibSz06j/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-17+at+5.59.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUdEXF3yXh-VHeVcjcHeeFyZOcxJH2rskMd0zqbONiUH7pGMcgAdc-O1VGIkrLM1v9n9e4D12xZTvdhiLi-Fh7ADWlpV2EgBw6XQVECPCeIscTyP2ksITDCvcFQTJ1sSSXALo3ibSz06j/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-05-17+at+5.59.11+PM.png" width="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFnGVgQxThg962WAJX-I_FoWV4LM1amrsZRku7JKnzkt6fZFzHB9gMaJaaDab7IDa2E_J1PMKKJgOny8LQrZFexrwhgDW0_yQ6gye43P7ZSC2Vx0iJduYKyI8IQyDYlR6I-qpYEby441a/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-17+at+5.59.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFnGVgQxThg962WAJX-I_FoWV4LM1amrsZRku7JKnzkt6fZFzHB9gMaJaaDab7IDa2E_J1PMKKJgOny8LQrZFexrwhgDW0_yQ6gye43P7ZSC2Vx0iJduYKyI8IQyDYlR6I-qpYEby441a/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-05-17+at+5.59.11+PM.png" width="257" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
"I can only imagine what I look like to everyone on top of the cliff right now. I feel like I am serving legs for days with a face of slight constipation. "</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWjcNflK3AxTnfv0YvGrIigaGACXFLsPvIyVQtMVx603Gac_fo3a5U9lMTBzqJNnEfHBLg-GXEccqXdfVZ8Kq3p5JHBTF4uokq53EdM5du2RbhD5NvXo2d8p9nAH60h7DQNw-W-uyWZti/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-17+at+5.59.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zMBImjqBIvq42_E_nDE_IRqVen1iuU-qCh6fZUeYfe8hyphenhyphen7umqVDPeh6yptxjvkDFhOPrEpkKKAKzzLnWJ-E7Y1ayw4dgQeTMwu3O301ZCEqQBzSwKPFdpajgi8Xz9Obbhbfw14XxgMn4/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-05-17+at+5.59.38+PM.png" width="266" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
"Someone better grab my blueberry cake before my arms give out."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35NJhN7K74Mb4b7TVC2x6QpBMy6biKr9H40xajWq29Kz0PTxVePNM9UN0i910ZN-kqe1-ojiwEWwf3tyXngEQwSLPhzWSUdHZxR9DEn3jerGNM3qfni_PJYJEE1GIcX8FRrG-GTz6NQ_i/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-17+at+6.00.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35NJhN7K74Mb4b7TVC2x6QpBMy6biKr9H40xajWq29Kz0PTxVePNM9UN0i910ZN-kqe1-ojiwEWwf3tyXngEQwSLPhzWSUdHZxR9DEn3jerGNM3qfni_PJYJEE1GIcX8FRrG-GTz6NQ_i/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-05-17+at+6.00.17+PM.png" width="263" /></a></div>
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Luckily, I made it to the bottom of the cliff where I was then required to side step my way to safety. The final ledge was about half a foot and the guides referred to the part of the cliff as the Jesus Wall. At this point, there was no cord hooking me to 'Jesus', only the sweaty grip of my hands. I have never had as much faith in my life as I did in that moment. </div>
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Sincerely, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stephen</div>
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Stephen Espositohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02712748864262814440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6549782961051100672.post-61882423191794843192016-05-13T07:50:00.000-07:002016-05-13T22:53:20.483-07:00The ABC's of Wine TastingA wise business woman once said, "Get the Pinot ready. It's Turtle Time." Ramona Singer, like myself, has one love in life besides men, and that is wine. <span style="text-align: center;">Turtle Time is a phrase coined by Ramona during season three of the RHONY and she has defined it as, "cutting loose, having some Pinot and even dancing." </span><span style="text-align: center;">In South Africa, a bottle of wine can cost as little as R32 (which is equivalent to about 2 USD at the current exchange rate) and due to this, it is always Turtle Time here! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZWHvJmrmCoJ0qxME_UWFIxwuqCArkwYtxb7Vsjx1kdVnHh5waeesVDu4PEDQ_lF2B5FXZCiZ8lur-h0exwgoMTa8OyVH5kGFGsV-LjW_xOwodJe-6fvW5A0h-eKZUs1zyQjW4AqtVI_D/s1600/ramona-singer-real-housewives-of-new-york-pinot-grigio-alcoholic.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZWHvJmrmCoJ0qxME_UWFIxwuqCArkwYtxb7Vsjx1kdVnHh5waeesVDu4PEDQ_lF2B5FXZCiZ8lur-h0exwgoMTa8OyVH5kGFGsV-LjW_xOwodJe-6fvW5A0h-eKZUs1zyQjW4AqtVI_D/s400/ramona-singer-real-housewives-of-new-york-pinot-grigio-alcoholic.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4JMUdkbXIkvsrSNzVcwdEX2dP-gvWUxkMgrAtemgEUl8glxOGcyC1hpKYkaYtaiHeGY8KQF_yJy0K9q01XQclbV7eOkilPy39mCZUemin1FGka61lyreCu_c9LEy7idIq7DqOsB_yqAH/s1600/IMG_7329.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4JMUdkbXIkvsrSNzVcwdEX2dP-gvWUxkMgrAtemgEUl8glxOGcyC1hpKYkaYtaiHeGY8KQF_yJy0K9q01XQclbV7eOkilPy39mCZUemin1FGka61lyreCu_c9LEy7idIq7DqOsB_yqAH/s320/IMG_7329.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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Do you ever feel overwhelmed when you go to a somewhat classy restaurant and get handed a wine list of over 100 different types? I find it comical that anyone would expect me to be able to pick a good wine to drink when I am a 21 year old college student who, as of last semester, considered Chateau Diana wine product from Beer Cave a solid choice to pair with my buffalo chicken wraps from the Grille.<br />
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After visiting a winery in Cape Town, I have a new appreciation for the work that goes into making wine and my palate has now expanded to include wines other than boxed Sunset Blush. In the following demonstration, we were trying a chardonnay made at the Anura Winery. Our wine tasting guide explained that many people are a part of the ABC club (Anything but Chardonnay), but he was confident that after we tasted it we would fall in love with this unappreciated wine. The next time you have to choose a wine at the dinner table, just remember these steps and you will look like a wine connoisseur.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-ZHU1eZB0tRcOhw4AuZNHp9y6cHuu5NE17B9B1AqOVdqSnGDjJJn-orT9naHSCLsJQJ4LLF5fhRCvPL0nUEFZnRRVJ-SxFWo_5_2GbfOBU3ajEBrrLs3QMRbG21ncMYvv1h_mf9-3VQT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-13+at+4.48.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-ZHU1eZB0tRcOhw4AuZNHp9y6cHuu5NE17B9B1AqOVdqSnGDjJJn-orT9naHSCLsJQJ4LLF5fhRCvPL0nUEFZnRRVJ-SxFWo_5_2GbfOBU3ajEBrrLs3QMRbG21ncMYvv1h_mf9-3VQT/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-05-13+at+4.48.21+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step 1: Take your glass and twirl the wine in a clockwise fashion. Be sure to admire the color of the wine and use terms such as "light, medium, or full-bodied" to describe it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYTsDIQzZ3vmJHG1aNRpOdSQGkF0TR9oBzx9IOeVMqI_u-uqDDsJkcyOgWKzOYA1FB47Kcyc9PxJ59DibUb4rGfsLHYVMsl-n9Og_UW0YCmWHyoYTRyaa6uMhNTHXJANrQDiXzKMwYgY8/s1600/IMG_7315.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYTsDIQzZ3vmJHG1aNRpOdSQGkF0TR9oBzx9IOeVMqI_u-uqDDsJkcyOgWKzOYA1FB47Kcyc9PxJ59DibUb4rGfsLHYVMsl-n9Og_UW0YCmWHyoYTRyaa6uMhNTHXJANrQDiXzKMwYgY8/s320/IMG_7315.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Step 2: Next, dip your nose into the glass like my model CG is demonstrating. Make sure to fill your nostrils with the various different scents of the wine. There could be a range of aromas from citrus, to a hint of mint or vanilla.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlPKCxLYwFQ7OlOhocESaD-aU7COxO-5wvteANgMtt9OtWT_K9jjnzV2GZTSMmJQ0QArDF3sLa-p0kviwU1M8twPQ33t0VSv5qpQwLgqHH53O-UTI9BAKyO_KOV7yV_9E3039yHaJFxKJ/s1600/IMG_7317.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlPKCxLYwFQ7OlOhocESaD-aU7COxO-5wvteANgMtt9OtWT_K9jjnzV2GZTSMmJQ0QArDF3sLa-p0kviwU1M8twPQ33t0VSv5qpQwLgqHH53O-UTI9BAKyO_KOV7yV_9E3039yHaJFxKJ/s320/IMG_7317.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Step 3: It's time to tilt your head back and enjoy the wine! Each wine tastes different from one another due to various factors such as the grapes used to make it, and whether it was kept in an oak or steal barrel. There are thousands of different types of grapes so the possibilities for new types of wine are endless. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXB2D7BGC1uz3qHKSUs4QMvy4EOdpahqfgPc7qKpZLzW3Qc7YQKyrmbGWpL5LBcVUo2TayOhBLTmh_94oVBdEQfhHEzYPG3100OCvX8_HNZA91M9XiJ7ultdnW5CgEBIw-cPK2PYtrJ7Vf/s1600/IMG_7318.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXB2D7BGC1uz3qHKSUs4QMvy4EOdpahqfgPc7qKpZLzW3Qc7YQKyrmbGWpL5LBcVUo2TayOhBLTmh_94oVBdEQfhHEzYPG3100OCvX8_HNZA91M9XiJ7ultdnW5CgEBIw-cPK2PYtrJ7Vf/s320/IMG_7318.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Step 4: Spit. Spit the wine out. *This step is optional and I totally recommend ignoring it*</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMAGRVHIScfAYEGko6mDopqiJ3YmFsyDj6ClY763zlRfjqf-NL1Lpwfe3-IJnLiHUMDAFI157DgZILc6DPPpoKPDoIRgQXqveZeODnjyptw0gZKsWurz3XwUWTw7Tac6Wwq5_cfrTVfXG/s1600/IMG_7321.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMAGRVHIScfAYEGko6mDopqiJ3YmFsyDj6ClY763zlRfjqf-NL1Lpwfe3-IJnLiHUMDAFI157DgZILc6DPPpoKPDoIRgQXqveZeODnjyptw0gZKsWurz3XwUWTw7Tac6Wwq5_cfrTVfXG/s320/IMG_7321.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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I hope this helps you impress your next dinner date with someone you met on J swipe, Farmersonly.com, or Grindr. Cheers to being a little more classy and grown up!</div>
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Sincerely,<br />
Stephen<br />
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*Note: No one was completely tipsy in the making of this blog post*<br />
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Stephen Espositohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02712748864262814440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6549782961051100672.post-74233687578714169762016-04-23T10:51:00.000-07:002016-04-23T11:53:34.689-07:00Rolling down the river<div style="text-align: right;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8TxtHkPz39QKpjdZ3htyWrYihsfpAtbe_ysybr55zUjwt9X2M6W9t1k_vikLVxL-p4zxVWIw2q3D5jtshNmRyHnMoiMhm1B2ilt3YlDVn9llWKJzgXDjOGd71VMKxdhIZ634nfbrT_2L/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-18+at+9.48.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8TxtHkPz39QKpjdZ3htyWrYihsfpAtbe_ysybr55zUjwt9X2M6W9t1k_vikLVxL-p4zxVWIw2q3D5jtshNmRyHnMoiMhm1B2ilt3YlDVn9llWKJzgXDjOGd71VMKxdhIZ634nfbrT_2L/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-18+at+9.48.11+PM.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*concerned*</td></tr>
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Over break, we travelled to Swaziland and spent a week on a beautiful nature reserve. While we were there we decided to all sign up and go white water rafting down the Great Usuthu River. This river runs through South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland. The name Suthu refers to the Basotho people who settled near the source of the river until they were attacked and forced to move by the Swazis.<br />
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After an hour drive into the mountains we finally reached the access point to the river. I buckled my life jacket, adjusted my helmet and secured my bathing suit because the last thing I needed was to moon everyone while the sun was still out. I joined the semi-circle around the boats and began to mentally prepare myself for the journey ahead. </div>
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Our guides explained how to maneuver our boats and what to do if we ever fell out. It felt like driver's ed all over again minus the 20 minute stop at Dunkin Donuts with Mr. Marcus our instructor. The guide warned us to remain towards the center of the river and to always continue to paddle because hippos, alligators and snakes were all potential threats. Al and I were sharing a boat together and lets just say that we were not too confident in our abilities. I mean my friend Jocelyn always calls me a NARP (Non-athletic regular person; this explanation is for you mom) and as much as I don't want to agree with her, it is true, except on the volleyball court.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_faT9WxBh9w9lZoU4z5FuXLeB3ADj72nqv4NimydFf7tXv_Y__ugt9nIw20rKVJhzHh9_Cd8GXr34Y029WSxifoyxVGVe-usRJjwFx7Z8ouVBT81wmdWRccoF1AABAAvLv8JuD6q4P8v/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+3.47.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_faT9WxBh9w9lZoU4z5FuXLeB3ADj72nqv4NimydFf7tXv_Y__ugt9nIw20rKVJhzHh9_Cd8GXr34Y029WSxifoyxVGVe-usRJjwFx7Z8ouVBT81wmdWRccoF1AABAAvLv8JuD6q4P8v/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+3.47.03+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The calm before the storm</td></tr>
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We all dragged our boats into the river and began to paddle in a straight line like ducks in a row. As we approached the first rapid, it was just a taste of what we would end up facing in the final stretch of our journey. Most of us were able to make it through the first rapid, but it only got harder as we travelled further down the river.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqW1TzMOpbUrcJLTmy-Nf5xRkfaXIGchBUqJbfbLo7M5xfoelGGQO8omc3Qmi_GqafjK6Y_EO3AtMywPrE7X_cwy5JSCGFEN6nNQvIXzklQlTRZYboKu9CHWHQlHv94g9HnYLLQECEQ3bJ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+4.01.42+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqW1TzMOpbUrcJLTmy-Nf5xRkfaXIGchBUqJbfbLo7M5xfoelGGQO8omc3Qmi_GqafjK6Y_EO3AtMywPrE7X_cwy5JSCGFEN6nNQvIXzklQlTRZYboKu9CHWHQlHv94g9HnYLLQECEQ3bJ/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+4.01.42+PM.png" width="276" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQq_QFKK_nrvAR85nz3vGYJDKkypv05Bbr-zL7210wzXScoIqLLgRleYzQHYiRoRA-tHSA0YlLzVfuE1zcSOniViCZA3RPmgDA4emtH8Vw_E6JDphyphenhyphenCWn6cqU0v5maS2OePCrhflr5s2H/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+4.01.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQq_QFKK_nrvAR85nz3vGYJDKkypv05Bbr-zL7210wzXScoIqLLgRleYzQHYiRoRA-tHSA0YlLzVfuE1zcSOniViCZA3RPmgDA4emtH8Vw_E6JDphyphenhyphenCWn6cqU0v5maS2OePCrhflr5s2H/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+4.01.12+PM.png" width="246" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRIlj05ON3X8EbvCKF6I7FrvsdmWDwfmowx0Sd9VOEo8OMXIJsZ1b4cvYWPDMjqcgch8BPDYm6YnLNAlngbw2LlK6aDEkJ1_hAZonww_ejfMPr2HmtUVNtexOBySgQPd9uWGEXzODmpAt/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+3.59.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRIlj05ON3X8EbvCKF6I7FrvsdmWDwfmowx0Sd9VOEo8OMXIJsZ1b4cvYWPDMjqcgch8BPDYm6YnLNAlngbw2LlK6aDEkJ1_hAZonww_ejfMPr2HmtUVNtexOBySgQPd9uWGEXzODmpAt/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+3.59.31+PM.png" width="268" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoSr73BCH7Id_aNpmK0Guqc3jOsttcxGB4Orst5myTedg2TFBfGQ_rn07Vnm-StEImppfgZsXhSXU8D3JQQAnFkfvvsstNf4DWMnwcY5N7oosj5XtWixZYwFi5brozWzc1mIs4i37zHJV/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+4.04.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoSr73BCH7Id_aNpmK0Guqc3jOsttcxGB4Orst5myTedg2TFBfGQ_rn07Vnm-StEImppfgZsXhSXU8D3JQQAnFkfvvsstNf4DWMnwcY5N7oosj5XtWixZYwFi5brozWzc1mIs4i37zHJV/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+4.04.17+PM.png" width="252" /></a></div>
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There should have been a warning that this was going to be one of the most intense workouts I have ever done. I felt like I was on the biggest loser and our guide was Jillian Michaels. He just kept yelling at Al and I for going the wrong way, but it's not our fault that the river was just taking us. My biggest fear was falling out and not be able to get myself back in the boat.<br />
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Some tips for when you fall into the river are as followed:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdfn5ppPYPZWNaGzzJ0uPgIHOG4uwUsS7GvTVrNQUF9-mRveFhy2-EPh6Y3qFCfD28Z2ybZH_soQUdghUtZGIwVoavfNd4WmaQzPejXsLmRjBTBxZ-EFMhezjVuyq5Cjvd3_MpOLqzB-B/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+3.49.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdfn5ppPYPZWNaGzzJ0uPgIHOG4uwUsS7GvTVrNQUF9-mRveFhy2-EPh6Y3qFCfD28Z2ybZH_soQUdghUtZGIwVoavfNd4WmaQzPejXsLmRjBTBxZ-EFMhezjVuyq5Cjvd3_MpOLqzB-B/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+3.49.20+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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1. Keep your feet up and in front of you to avoid hitting your head on a rock.</div>
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2. Attempt to hold on to your paddle/ retrieve it.</div>
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3. Put your paddle in the boat and push yourself down into water to propel upwards.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pThdNO4dUelhfkseg3u1u614ZcDJbi4BjP-3i8uVwqwa5ZLT0eVhnQKkUEJLKrZpnZsZ2RhAIcXpXlfNM6yWSE7utAgtI2_JVA9o2p8yB1tLeHlE9oF9OjT3Eabui2l-XrBV3AqMqG-Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+3.49.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pThdNO4dUelhfkseg3u1u614ZcDJbi4BjP-3i8uVwqwa5ZLT0eVhnQKkUEJLKrZpnZsZ2RhAIcXpXlfNM6yWSE7utAgtI2_JVA9o2p8yB1tLeHlE9oF9OjT3Eabui2l-XrBV3AqMqG-Q/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+3.49.29+PM.png" width="304" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BRSbwXaVMrpImAsc3RuY02u8tAKmF2J0CQddRcNjBATVJmPDySGCLXEvzSikqc4Vqn-MyszDUt26054PXFOwphB6Rvd9H6KBzXXjMLOUd1e1XIMiKVLk6eBQyrEQLOYRpwjBNm7CLWN0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+3.49.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BRSbwXaVMrpImAsc3RuY02u8tAKmF2J0CQddRcNjBATVJmPDySGCLXEvzSikqc4Vqn-MyszDUt26054PXFOwphB6Rvd9H6KBzXXjMLOUd1e1XIMiKVLk6eBQyrEQLOYRpwjBNm7CLWN0/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+3.49.39+PM.png" width="280" /></a></div>
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4. Once you do that, make sure to reach across to push the other side of boat down.<br />
(Warning: Boat could flip if you do not do this)</div>
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5. Balance your weight in boat to help your partner get in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjV-GtrPIH1p9igzSXm6qKMYQF_SnI1ue5IRo1zd2YwJFwCxjMzPoB7YiYAN60LzxGBZWq1hXqP5ZhagUebUNCr0wUHL3R8XF8vyc8OMFXwecokGx9EJNYOuQaPZCX6UdGOhoAdeiyGgrn/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+3.50.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjV-GtrPIH1p9igzSXm6qKMYQF_SnI1ue5IRo1zd2YwJFwCxjMzPoB7YiYAN60LzxGBZWq1hXqP5ZhagUebUNCr0wUHL3R8XF8vyc8OMFXwecokGx9EJNYOuQaPZCX6UdGOhoAdeiyGgrn/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+3.50.11+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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After we were all secure in our boats, it was time to continue rolling down the river! The next rapid was a man-made one created by the dam that broke up the river. Here are some candid moments from our second rapid: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgxzLsJC5pWhSlxlMgVfDrL80LH0AU69xk9IuOz25-oU8X5nr0yRozQXmfa6CEfqp-dga_uKlVTUIZx4wD98F6Ij_FhOjrhjSLVizEQAxYnPZAnoykSodAwjfknkZnYDBR6DPk5PPFaTN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+4.22.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgxzLsJC5pWhSlxlMgVfDrL80LH0AU69xk9IuOz25-oU8X5nr0yRozQXmfa6CEfqp-dga_uKlVTUIZx4wD98F6Ij_FhOjrhjSLVizEQAxYnPZAnoykSodAwjfknkZnYDBR6DPk5PPFaTN/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+4.22.11+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdw5a7lkaCvgvBX0hlIsLbB4dFx_WnFnOg6x6Q4Pdn0PAwHxPtRIh2SbkXpo4zHjo2O1jScSZPyrv-W3g3q7EKW3tpydiiJMVDC7MN4TvMmK2ckXAq7w1qrXGyoEAAtcC1apCQL_1WgGC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+4.21.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdw5a7lkaCvgvBX0hlIsLbB4dFx_WnFnOg6x6Q4Pdn0PAwHxPtRIh2SbkXpo4zHjo2O1jScSZPyrv-W3g3q7EKW3tpydiiJMVDC7MN4TvMmK2ckXAq7w1qrXGyoEAAtcC1apCQL_1WgGC/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+4.21.36+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaIII_xHGeR3sGUGAsI2F0VQwUx49de3Y8z26to94EwELAigSf3jeoYpdMi6jb8tas6yywcAwatHmkrBmTsDs1G5PMuGUMH6-rGyZQyfkH9bL21tBBvX4kwOXlGJNTF9JAQItlUsptGF9/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+4.22.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaIII_xHGeR3sGUGAsI2F0VQwUx49de3Y8z26to94EwELAigSf3jeoYpdMi6jb8tas6yywcAwatHmkrBmTsDs1G5PMuGUMH6-rGyZQyfkH9bL21tBBvX4kwOXlGJNTF9JAQItlUsptGF9/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+4.22.59+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Al and I made it through the whole river without falling out, while 10 out of the 13 boats flipped in the last rapid. I am basically a certified rafter now and might as well pursue it as a career since I have no other plans in place for after graduation next year. Here are some action shots of our final showdown with the rapids: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqGL3cYNnbPC9_pNoBcZyp7ta1SdW2kwDSsTA_hI4Q5_BkV2zpqUZAy34ClvBdT9p6A6-ieqYbJBaPynUQVE9Q57YCcN4LIaZSSFYz51EX4Co3uQa9jQuZ9SkSarqEnAnN2n_dsXgH4fV/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+5.28.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqGL3cYNnbPC9_pNoBcZyp7ta1SdW2kwDSsTA_hI4Q5_BkV2zpqUZAy34ClvBdT9p6A6-ieqYbJBaPynUQVE9Q57YCcN4LIaZSSFYz51EX4Co3uQa9jQuZ9SkSarqEnAnN2n_dsXgH4fV/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+5.28.47+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMDrBrvhpXIrWJdY_qb4C4XlQ3BFYX34KU4Is28OvMGz0Rxk1mzNucp-xwsVyNDHzEYQes3Rrtme-YLvv3LCco2K0No09kZn2huojpnjF3E71L2vvyDFtaEjp1PfYYxDCcJP73rD1X-6D/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+5.20.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMDrBrvhpXIrWJdY_qb4C4XlQ3BFYX34KU4Is28OvMGz0Rxk1mzNucp-xwsVyNDHzEYQes3Rrtme-YLvv3LCco2K0No09kZn2huojpnjF3E71L2vvyDFtaEjp1PfYYxDCcJP73rD1X-6D/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+5.20.04+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZr9f1IBhFj0W6wozKsZwHnP4DHgxCRuV1dVH5pwaYTCugQexgYhYEz3nigkgqXSnAFhojCZY_QnTib0PpOr58_Q-o6fyWz-X75JZeZ_5GGARyruSwHOtRMnLSRXZVqrrywGq7mGOm8rt/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+5.24.48+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZr9f1IBhFj0W6wozKsZwHnP4DHgxCRuV1dVH5pwaYTCugQexgYhYEz3nigkgqXSnAFhojCZY_QnTib0PpOr58_Q-o6fyWz-X75JZeZ_5GGARyruSwHOtRMnLSRXZVqrrywGq7mGOm8rt/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+5.24.48+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B1YpiGOtxRvNi94AtBU1IWJBDZ32bHNdVAArWOidYadHhbeyqfxChs56ikE9Z4EFba40G1ThVyl9AGqq8ZBKSikpAI3T7rd-Sh53RT_fVkQoRCjPl7ykWSAUgrkklZr3Lf2CcbPtTwbc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+5.27.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B1YpiGOtxRvNi94AtBU1IWJBDZ32bHNdVAArWOidYadHhbeyqfxChs56ikE9Z4EFba40G1ThVyl9AGqq8ZBKSikpAI3T7rd-Sh53RT_fVkQoRCjPl7ykWSAUgrkklZr3Lf2CcbPtTwbc/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+5.27.10+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzHXTNzgJkbsyDZJQCEx8vRJxBDHq_XA_Oy8_a9eTuguPlrNo0ZFEXLO2UMa_QtX58jkap41v64wWaOmH-GSNy7OS2ZMUDt8EqbIdp7xL6ZB_T95tH9srRTTk2UAYXOQoHKWx09B8a8Sg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+5.25.02+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzHXTNzgJkbsyDZJQCEx8vRJxBDHq_XA_Oy8_a9eTuguPlrNo0ZFEXLO2UMa_QtX58jkap41v64wWaOmH-GSNy7OS2ZMUDt8EqbIdp7xL6ZB_T95tH9srRTTk2UAYXOQoHKWx09B8a8Sg/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-04-23+at+5.25.02+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Check back later in the week to hear about some of my other adventures!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Sincerely,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stephen</div>
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Stephen Espositohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02712748864262814440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6549782961051100672.post-48934419798277743352016-03-16T14:38:00.001-07:002016-03-16T14:54:22.618-07:00Rockin' the Cradle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3y60GpDpvPaGGRRNEtzChWUAxS_U6H-ZgfprXFEtXgllcTs5aFhT0Ip_mJ_zWIsWEAmIZR_WACSDLDB9oUElGuzlZbXtjqp6betkTo5MKsigPlHIAaQW_A71Xi5qtSjNBUsOqode01lq/s1600/4258873084_299c2778ba_z1-600x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3y60GpDpvPaGGRRNEtzChWUAxS_U6H-ZgfprXFEtXgllcTs5aFhT0Ip_mJ_zWIsWEAmIZR_WACSDLDB9oUElGuzlZbXtjqp6betkTo5MKsigPlHIAaQW_A71Xi5qtSjNBUsOqode01lq/s400/4258873084_299c2778ba_z1-600x400.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
A few weekends ago, we visited the Cradle of Humankind, which is where the oldest known skeleton was found. When we arrived we were asked to put on a stylish lunch lady hair net and then a blue helmet. Blue is definitely my color, but this helmet was not the best accessory for my head shape or anyone else's for that matter. As a result, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to photograph my friends especially for future blackmail.<br />
<br />
As we approached the caves, the tour guide attempted to wrangle the 23 of us up and give us an impromptu history lesson on the side of the entrance to the cave. Unfortunately for him, a group of 21 year olds have short attention spans especially when there is a mysterious cave five feet away.<br />
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We descended down into the caves in a single file line, hands straight out to avoid the jagged edges in the dimly lit space. As we travelled deeper into the cave, I began to reflect on my life and how in the end we ultimately will be just a fossil. A million questions began to fill my head such as,"How will I be remembered?," or ,"Where am I going to end up?"As a result, I decided to ask my friends some personal questions and this is what they had to say:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZllaGct2CG90Y26DsehPG1hAEO4RsfM0-i38B46KU6WwuNq1HbdtWvBYKbmDUud3gN9V1YrTy9cGvzFzHoMJ2RZAmSDGppkRadT3WKtnVTaqP2LgLg8KKq9u2Lx87VPPKmxJjYrIqoB0/s1600/IMG_6487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZllaGct2CG90Y26DsehPG1hAEO4RsfM0-i38B46KU6WwuNq1HbdtWvBYKbmDUud3gN9V1YrTy9cGvzFzHoMJ2RZAmSDGppkRadT3WKtnVTaqP2LgLg8KKq9u2Lx87VPPKmxJjYrIqoB0/s320/IMG_6487.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C.G.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>How would you like to spend the after life? Where would you like your remains to be? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"I want my ashes to be spread over the Wawa parking lot in Wayne, PA. "<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>When your old and senile what is the one thing you will remember from this trip?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"Trying the local cuisine at the McDonald's by our University."</div>
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<b>What would you caption this photo?</b><br />
<br />
"Just your friendly neighborhood lunch lady"<br />
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<b>Which item that you frequently carry with you would you be embarrassed for someone to find on your fossilized body?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"A spoon that I swiped from our B&B in my backpack."<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxGKvHmMTIPZLPtMeJxJfzYcAq5DgTV0f5lVlsqXA3jhg4mWBU9aRga8-iveHJJlsDSPAg1Org2AjsKVHgQzeXwyVfvr9qhvkXCL-12bKrt3W3fl27qTdRvaTHUUnwu8pg5n4iorV5zgD/s1600/IMG_6489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxGKvHmMTIPZLPtMeJxJfzYcAq5DgTV0f5lVlsqXA3jhg4mWBU9aRga8-iveHJJlsDSPAg1Org2AjsKVHgQzeXwyVfvr9qhvkXCL-12bKrt3W3fl27qTdRvaTHUUnwu8pg5n4iorV5zgD/s320/IMG_6489.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Fonger a.k.a. Lil' Lizard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>When your old and senile what is the one thing you will remember from this trip?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"The men and wine"<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Which item that you frequently carry with you would you be embarrassed for someone to find on your fossilized body? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"Tourist must-have: One shoulder pratical Patagonia backpack."<br />
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<b>What would you caption this photo?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"The bossy beaver"<br />
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<b><br /></b>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFmCLUGAswjiEszy7GDfcyQtAnzq1NviuJXSE88neIhysyCxzpw_8Dx_daml2i7lqTgofz9Zvx2QUQAWTym_srzmtoSdzsOe7Jn9JY2ppQchQuZSKeqZS5rJbfmLCBXdfAJ7mVq9tCslT/s1600/IMG_6490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFmCLUGAswjiEszy7GDfcyQtAnzq1NviuJXSE88neIhysyCxzpw_8Dx_daml2i7lqTgofz9Zvx2QUQAWTym_srzmtoSdzsOe7Jn9JY2ppQchQuZSKeqZS5rJbfmLCBXdfAJ7mVq9tCslT/s320/IMG_6490.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madame Wetzler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>How would you like to spend the after life? Where would you like your remains to be? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"I want to be buried wherever they bury the presidents."<br />
<br />
<b>Which item that you frequently carry with you would you be embarrassed for someone to find on your fossilized body? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"My King Gelato membership card that has nine out of ten stamps."<br />
<br />
<b>What would you caption this photo?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"I woke up like this #flawless"<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8XrYx-Njb-uPK9Miu3U27bZEZyY8Wz6jWN3MH-8ewkvbxt6sffJPJnbs_HZ8mKT7Pqfwuh8gZT4Ls6dLrfalMpjbXO8HcwUCtF4MBOb9WO84XCPcpX5eyVw_tac0mXoZdkdIzop7Ia7s/s1600/IMG_6512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8XrYx-Njb-uPK9Miu3U27bZEZyY8Wz6jWN3MH-8ewkvbxt6sffJPJnbs_HZ8mKT7Pqfwuh8gZT4Ls6dLrfalMpjbXO8HcwUCtF4MBOb9WO84XCPcpX5eyVw_tac0mXoZdkdIzop7Ia7s/s320/IMG_6512.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BGR: Board Game Robbie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>How do you want to be remembered?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"Really good-looking, great personality, forever modest."<br />
<br />
<b>When your old and senile what is the one thing you will remember from this trip?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"I will remember the B&B dog Salvador and maybe some of the people here."<br />
<br />
<b>What would you caption this photo?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"Tsholo made me drink last night."<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily: The older Oliver twin</td></tr>
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<b>If the caves collapsed, who would you save?</b><br />
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"We are all going down, Ubuntu!"<br />
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*Ubuntu: I am because of who we all are*<br />
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<b>Which item that you frequently carry with you would you be embarrassed for someone to find on your fossilized body? </b><br />
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"My lemon lime and strawberry lemonade electrolyte tablets. Ever since I was dehydrated in Greece my mom has made me bring them everywhere. She just came to visit and put three packs in an easter basket for me!"<br />
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<b>What would you caption this photo?</b><br />
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"Stephen, put the camera down"<br />
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I hope that you enjoyed reading about our time rockin' the cradle and that this inspires you to go out and live every day to the fullest. I am looking forward to making many more memories and can't wait to share all of them with you!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Sincerely,<br />
Stephen</div>
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Stephen Espositohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02712748864262814440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6549782961051100672.post-15860334738032074582016-02-23T09:53:00.000-08:002016-02-23T10:35:19.785-08:00Naked and Afraid: Safari Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggt13D4uT1s1o1lIkaci7ldY3nXH3rLu5wAFIJBgGHBb0PY9WwyLYWsr8X23wZVI13-6T346SxZqcIO1jKIw_B34ubgI0Uqm3gpLxs-jSh_LbQ-7zy5V8KOGA07wnWzJT3OXtrLuEP2h-Z/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-23+at+4.53.48+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggt13D4uT1s1o1lIkaci7ldY3nXH3rLu5wAFIJBgGHBb0PY9WwyLYWsr8X23wZVI13-6T346SxZqcIO1jKIw_B34ubgI0Uqm3gpLxs-jSh_LbQ-7zy5V8KOGA07wnWzJT3OXtrLuEP2h-Z/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-02-23+at+4.53.48+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last week, I traded in my tailored khaki shorts, boat shoes, and pastel polo for a Wild Thornberrys' get up. We woke up at 5:00 a.m. and travelled six hours to our Safari location, but on the way we stopped to take in the view. The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world behind the Grand Canyon, which is number one and a canyon in Namibia, which is ranked number two. It is definitely the second most breathtaking instagrammable view I have ever seen (the first being Keating back in the boogie down).</div>
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When you go on Safari it is essential that you prepare both physically and emotionally for what you are about to see. Our Safari lasted three days and we stayed with <a href="http://www.africaonfoot.com/gallery.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><b>Africa on Foot,</b></span></a> which specializes in Big Five safaris as well as walking safaris. It is located in the Greater Kruger wildlife area, which is a a group of privately owned unfenced nature reserves. Each morning woke up and went out from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and then at 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to avoid the brutal midday sun.The big five animals that you search for on safari are: Lions, Rhinos, Leopards, Water Buffalo, and Elephants. Sadly, we only saw three of the big five, but we did spot a dilf in a jeep that passed us, so I count that as a win. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxHWTSX8WFPHMrcfM9VXOkppNUNif8pZ-_GmMLYmrbo-xsDON90arzoLiqcDQAKMm7SuYvM2rsTnL5W5xxGxv-Y3zsQplZ4eHBBbS8Hc3kHmYYgNpu5Rrg78kHz-KJx6-FVV7jWMhOOzq/s1600/12728816_1210163872346356_8537137749653298604_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxHWTSX8WFPHMrcfM9VXOkppNUNif8pZ-_GmMLYmrbo-xsDON90arzoLiqcDQAKMm7SuYvM2rsTnL5W5xxGxv-Y3zsQplZ4eHBBbS8Hc3kHmYYgNpu5Rrg78kHz-KJx6-FVV7jWMhOOzq/s320/12728816_1210163872346356_8537137749653298604_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8Rh_8Jyh9f8pMXTzdlNqFEWBvJlRLhqp_GKsy6mhcWrKQf4ssSmuzNb0cKnnshD6frQRBQBylFDfcQ1HNU5Eakjbiotvg5OkMyJ9bmv2J7WKm3jL9yb6zMImktrqG9ay8UYMCLluPyhx/s1600/12745978_1210557675640309_3086790940721751017_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8Rh_8Jyh9f8pMXTzdlNqFEWBvJlRLhqp_GKsy6mhcWrKQf4ssSmuzNb0cKnnshD6frQRBQBylFDfcQ1HNU5Eakjbiotvg5OkMyJ9bmv2J7WKm3jL9yb6zMImktrqG9ay8UYMCLluPyhx/s320/12745978_1210557675640309_3086790940721751017_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Every night all three jeeps would meet up to watch the sunset to celebrate another successful day on the reserve. We drank our Savannah Lights and chewed down on some beef jerky, which is basically a main food group for South Africans. At night, we were given the option of staying in tents out on the nature reserve or we could stay at the main camp with indoor plumbing, plush beds with nets, and stand up fans. Since I am basically as outdoorsy as a Meredith from the Parent trap, I knew that camping would be a challenge, but I am always up for an adventure. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDrKWiJylJKxvU-_0VYlwgNrG3SLTSuP2QTjUFIHI9XTQHbjDbS_moOHsML4oqUTlhkbT9TzvDOb_HA0oW7tLsMxEyWWpg5ZRkE0m49EEHynKJO8MWgM0aTnKGR0y01b94Osqi9bLIjOF/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-23+at+2.10.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDrKWiJylJKxvU-_0VYlwgNrG3SLTSuP2QTjUFIHI9XTQHbjDbS_moOHsML4oqUTlhkbT9TzvDOb_HA0oW7tLsMxEyWWpg5ZRkE0m49EEHynKJO8MWgM0aTnKGR0y01b94Osqi9bLIjOF/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-02-23+at+2.10.21+PM.png" width="331" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3P_5E4C96kTgD2eipTgKV3d1Q0gaWA0flD1M028QjGK4pzc47nZhRMkTBKRxF5ggEVi8Zlf-wci41wI89LwvFGpFin08uZDk_j63mY2s3X41Y2bbinI9EHckKs1BXBBs3LPlt2LF4eqI/s1600/IMG_6369.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3P_5E4C96kTgD2eipTgKV3d1Q0gaWA0flD1M028QjGK4pzc47nZhRMkTBKRxF5ggEVi8Zlf-wci41wI89LwvFGpFin08uZDk_j63mY2s3X41Y2bbinI9EHckKs1BXBBs3LPlt2LF4eqI/s400/IMG_6369.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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The first night, I shared a tent with Rita, CG, and Libby. Our guide for the weekend, Ryan, drove us to the camp site in complete darkness, told us to get out and then before he drove away he said, "Once you are in your tent, stay in your tent until we come and tell you its safe to come out in the morning. You will hear animals and they will be walking though your camp at night. If you have a problem yell my name and I will come over from the Treehouse I will be staying in nearby."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkwl3WFeNNIs8o3OH3tqfhH8NUwQVeSD7hdntUKlNGxasp4X6klWmqQAO9Pivi9UZBBM7PkK1XfSlqw5uAtlSuN0p6ijRTLwKv4fGv6EIeJo9S8F7jNGZJUaCNqwZ-vmZ-XyrJW5B6Ih3/s1600/hope.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkwl3WFeNNIs8o3OH3tqfhH8NUwQVeSD7hdntUKlNGxasp4X6klWmqQAO9Pivi9UZBBM7PkK1XfSlqw5uAtlSuN0p6ijRTLwKv4fGv6EIeJo9S8F7jNGZJUaCNqwZ-vmZ-XyrJW5B6Ih3/s320/hope.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiling despite the Hyena outside our tent</td></tr>
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Before I could even ask him, "why the hell are you staying in a tree, while we are on the ground?", he had driven off into the darkness. As the red break lights faded out into the distance, a sense of fear settled in all of us. We all piled into our tents and zipped the tarp door as tight as we could. As the pillow talk and the creation of flash-light animals on the roof of our tent commenced, the temperature inside the tent began to reach a record high.<br />
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We all closed our eyes and tried to sleep, but the miscellaneous sounds of footprints, growling, trees swaying, really did not put us at ease. As it progressively got hotter, I had no choice, but to begin to strip down to nothing.<br />
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National Geographic does not even begin to capture the beauty I saw in our three day excursion. This truly was an amazing experience despite the fact that I was naked and afraid for most of it. <br />
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Sincerely,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stephen</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTM5XpkYdQIYpsbjedIDM9OX62aklIzyVYkbWBqly_BmyRB9F3vXd5FT21y7kNjPLVucnBq4clKSyj7I5mU6cxDUDbpccJamP1OADuluszZlhz2YRX7e6cb1TLfGn6Wx0HckIWcOdaPWE/s1600/IMG_6366.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTM5XpkYdQIYpsbjedIDM9OX62aklIzyVYkbWBqly_BmyRB9F3vXd5FT21y7kNjPLVucnBq4clKSyj7I5mU6cxDUDbpccJamP1OADuluszZlhz2YRX7e6cb1TLfGn6Wx0HckIWcOdaPWE/s200/IMG_6366.JPG" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0gz-MRgwq5K5vDcbMwUI5ExgndGjGC8gKqxsoKgvgFZw2FOykFRXX4yJV06WQC5viIBqCCRrRn2y_MiA9Cf_-PGPLGW2gAM5SVfIxj8aqXdbee8o6Zry2LLS7eDck5egQch3_ni5vnds/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-23+at+3.00.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0gz-MRgwq5K5vDcbMwUI5ExgndGjGC8gKqxsoKgvgFZw2FOykFRXX4yJV06WQC5viIBqCCRrRn2y_MiA9Cf_-PGPLGW2gAM5SVfIxj8aqXdbee8o6Zry2LLS7eDck5egQch3_ni5vnds/s200/Screen+Shot+2016-02-23+at+3.00.15+PM.png" width="141" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkwo_YoCF22XCW2ozbQmeJ9IcwUDeb8OMwTbC6hmcQ_u6yKn8vwuDjbML2Pvle9n7EyZer3HnBvSE_x9lSe1-EL4TebMwCqJjD7b82NmLOJydZe-cUJ8rnNbvSB6VHJhQ0MVofBDNCBhc/s1600/IMG_6373.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkwo_YoCF22XCW2ozbQmeJ9IcwUDeb8OMwTbC6hmcQ_u6yKn8vwuDjbML2Pvle9n7EyZer3HnBvSE_x9lSe1-EL4TebMwCqJjD7b82NmLOJydZe-cUJ8rnNbvSB6VHJhQ0MVofBDNCBhc/s200/IMG_6373.JPG" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrCGV6xxV45p5hSbSlOysAlrbeskykI1a07qVyz88SC_kga0EKtqWmMeMyd_D-xIMcNBNp1zXTHYrVWCIbqfd_c-xX2uE9lSWQdW4PQq7hnCvQWo1HW-QBf9A-iMTXcWXe_u8sF40Zj_m/s1600/12688247_1215399181808391_8179523177145536329_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrCGV6xxV45p5hSbSlOysAlrbeskykI1a07qVyz88SC_kga0EKtqWmMeMyd_D-xIMcNBNp1zXTHYrVWCIbqfd_c-xX2uE9lSWQdW4PQq7hnCvQWo1HW-QBf9A-iMTXcWXe_u8sF40Zj_m/s200/12688247_1215399181808391_8179523177145536329_n.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />Stephen Espositohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02712748864262814440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6549782961051100672.post-38175286851139675262016-02-15T10:30:00.000-08:002016-02-15T10:39:55.435-08:00No Love in this Club<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc0wuKagX9wu9MNOj4Kb-KNNlgz7NneghnQbj2y002EzWSn9Cv6RrLlps3YL-12KoCjE62acLIiGcC9dpsGnA8jFTBO2gonwnd9UWEu9Ahc2Ec6l0vGiCFvJfZiBllQ14Fso5LiQx5Mr4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-15+at+8.33.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc0wuKagX9wu9MNOj4Kb-KNNlgz7NneghnQbj2y002EzWSn9Cv6RrLlps3YL-12KoCjE62acLIiGcC9dpsGnA8jFTBO2gonwnd9UWEu9Ahc2Ec6l0vGiCFvJfZiBllQ14Fso5LiQx5Mr4/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-02-15+at+8.33.15+PM.png" width="320" /></a>Well, another year has passed and cupid has yet to shoot an arrow even remotely close to me. Every Valentine's day has usually consisted of me watching youtube videos of Darren Criss while eating my body weight in chocolate kisses given to me by none other than my mother.<br />
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Why is everyone caught of on being in a relationship (me included)? Maybe its because every holiday you spend with your family somebody asks, "so are you seeing anyone?" Perhaps, its the sense of necessity to have a "Netflix and chill" buddy. Regardless of the reason, just remember that being young and single is the only time you can truly do whatever you want without someone holding you back (take this with a grain of salt).<br />
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Valentine's Day is the best for single people because you can use all that money that you would have used to buy a significant other gifts and spend it on yourself. I really reject the idea or stereotype that single people hate Valentine's day. I personally love it because seeing couples enjoying the day makes me excited for the future and the day that I will have that too.<br />
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I have certainly had my fair share of upsetting heartbreak and missed opportunities for something special. Instead of giving you a long sob story that would most likely just make you feel uncomfortable and exposing my little black book to the world, I would prefer to give you this little bit of advice that I was given from a true scholar, RuPaul: "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell can you love somebody else?" In light of these wise words, I decided not to lay in bed eating chocolates, but instead go out and celebrate being single.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire Grant: A fellow single friend</td></tr>
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Naturally, I grabbed my other single friends, my debit card, and put on a pink polo to really get into the spirit of the holiday. We travelled to Johannesburg, which is a 40 minute drive from where we are staying in Pretoria, to the Market on Main. This is a market that offered an array of food, shopping options, art galleries, and of course an abundance of alcohol.<br />
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I ate an Ostrich Burger with cheese drenched in pesto sauce at the Burger Spot (Sorry I do not have a photo to share, I was hungry). Of course, we also made great friends with the bartender, Fred, who helped expand our palate of wine by introducing us to something that did't come from a box. A bottle of wine can be as cheap as R34 in South Africa, which is equivalent to $2.00. I still have a soft spot in my heart for Franzia (so many memories I can't remember), but I guess its time for me to become an adult and stop slapping the bag and trade up for actual bottles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBLjRao_Hq37LpPAvSof8SvIi3WxEeAj5eO5tdb1SVdJJ6vJ2JmOFVhojFoxP5YVLLeWuyj2eQX2TAhdlZkkgXcPwtcrnZ_rqirktPrt2peCEvhBisISC0nng_YkBfueT7Wdo6rmoUy9U/s1600/IMG_6387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBLjRao_Hq37LpPAvSof8SvIi3WxEeAj5eO5tdb1SVdJJ6vJ2JmOFVhojFoxP5YVLLeWuyj2eQX2TAhdlZkkgXcPwtcrnZ_rqirktPrt2peCEvhBisISC0nng_YkBfueT7Wdo6rmoUy9U/s320/IMG_6387.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2120894304"></span>Click to see Malume FB Page<span id="goog_2120894305"></span></a></td></tr>
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Just like my mom, I can never resist the urge to shop (also, the more and more I write the more I realize that I am turning into my mom which is a scary feeling). The Malume African fashion label was created in Hillbrow, Johannesburg and since then has been sold primarily at markets throughout the South Africa. I bought a pair of shorts at a price of R550, which is equivalent to about $35.00. The inseam and tight tailored look shows off just enough of my beautiful legs, while still leaving the viewer wanting more!<br />
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Malume means "Uncle" in Zulu and the reason behind the name is because an Uncle is supportive just like the business has been to artisans all around Africa, by providing them with the opportunity to use their tailoring skills to make a living.<br />
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All the shorts are handcrafted and are made with a playful pattern that embody the very essence of a fun and flirty professional (something I am always striving to be). Jess, who helped create the brand, described the clothes as,"a blend of vibrant cosmopolitan African flair with a slick 1920's classic gangster-ism."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidP5d2WNDtCS_VE4vNtVqY6gAt5-lIvo8OTnEg3MpB5HtpzdR3Ewc0SjZ4HRng_C3S0rYc16iaN7ppszUgnkpmpzAVfnWE49xfRa5fL7u_7ZAfbsZ9MLjeu6L7pKwBphLiB758ubTUoCNt/s1600/IMG_6392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidP5d2WNDtCS_VE4vNtVqY6gAt5-lIvo8OTnEg3MpB5HtpzdR3Ewc0SjZ4HRng_C3S0rYc16iaN7ppszUgnkpmpzAVfnWE49xfRa5fL7u_7ZAfbsZ9MLjeu6L7pKwBphLiB758ubTUoCNt/s320/IMG_6392.JPG" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://woodiz.co.za/index.php">Click to visit WoodiZ website</a></td></tr>
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Another table that I stumbled upon had a focus in creating fashion accessories out of wood. They offered bow ties, hats, sunglasses, backpacks and many more items that fused the founders' love for wood (same) and fashion into these must have statement pieces.<br />
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I was able to create my own bow tie by picking out the wood frame and the cloth section at a price of R350, which is around $21.00. The cloth part can be switched out and mixed and matched with other wooden frames.<br />
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Make sure to order some patterned shorts and signature bow-ties to make a statement at your next event!<br />
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Sincerely,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stephen<br />
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P.S. Don't forget to sissy that walk in your new found confidence of being single!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMBGqwAiBgRWXHdJQicbK5knHeeIilxuvcd3BbtMVFzewQqNcJLTh1hX_0KrB4b6_7UrePb3K8Y0LSEzBhNgpaFXuViuW5tUCOGu0wZgh8qmRARrIgkKbIavu1S-1jNhiItmN8KAbwK6Q/s1600/IMG_6395.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMBGqwAiBgRWXHdJQicbK5knHeeIilxuvcd3BbtMVFzewQqNcJLTh1hX_0KrB4b6_7UrePb3K8Y0LSEzBhNgpaFXuViuW5tUCOGu0wZgh8qmRARrIgkKbIavu1S-1jNhiItmN8KAbwK6Q/s200/IMG_6395.JPG" width="150" /></a> <img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0RSjEfaUDF6_YwquXgsf0DlozI2udSTQ64P0Yan4IEba75yrtEvNQx_Y57TveQgIm3NTRAyQCXvD6CJoqsXNxCkk5c8e5N8Dj2taoikOnCVBywmJidKjRgtiFUPAQ_Nx8-iC4G7ve45L/s200/IMG_6394.JPG" width="150" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADDxEOFZbpPlcRw8f1c1d7mB47CjmDUecT4oBxQPe0jEMPMuAol1lupzcxj4zmOQDXUx5nEf4yzJnSOupDMWZQdQkpIrthK99kZhElbVTXp5ZwNr1BiY8hyphenhyphentvvJ5Iy7UsAsiWpaUdyHMg/s1600/IMG_6391.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADDxEOFZbpPlcRw8f1c1d7mB47CjmDUecT4oBxQPe0jEMPMuAol1lupzcxj4zmOQDXUx5nEf4yzJnSOupDMWZQdQkpIrthK99kZhElbVTXp5ZwNr1BiY8hyphenhyphentvvJ5Iy7UsAsiWpaUdyHMg/s200/IMG_6391.JPG" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihe64g2oiw7eaoDgmyE4evqJLuFF0JXYihQVGoZlbekwXKB81l0mbEDFIRgYXtRIKcjAIjbqs185a7BLj1U8OcuR9eEles6rGG6X61f1e66ronB1pq6AwC85ZPJGNHwgWrcSmkDmAqVwE7/s1600/IMG_6399.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihe64g2oiw7eaoDgmyE4evqJLuFF0JXYihQVGoZlbekwXKB81l0mbEDFIRgYXtRIKcjAIjbqs185a7BLj1U8OcuR9eEles6rGG6X61f1e66ronB1pq6AwC85ZPJGNHwgWrcSmkDmAqVwE7/s200/IMG_6399.JPG" width="150" /></a>Stephen Espositohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02712748864262814440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6549782961051100672.post-14977118796814583152016-02-05T13:33:00.000-08:002016-02-06T13:25:52.981-08:00Unpacked and Uncensored<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3s-s93ptIsGods2UZqpJqMYr1aPn7NfigXAQldoGvc_muVvwuzMqR4zMwYLggd0qE86Q-NejF7I-rD1qOdKZU6AX0jDOlpjFZ0Nno6OgYEq_FZ_Hs6D6yxpP4_2XniOHyF8RKCOke6i8/s1600/11009158_918984421456617_7213174562016236259_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3s-s93ptIsGods2UZqpJqMYr1aPn7NfigXAQldoGvc_muVvwuzMqR4zMwYLggd0qE86Q-NejF7I-rD1qOdKZU6AX0jDOlpjFZ0Nno6OgYEq_FZ_Hs6D6yxpP4_2XniOHyF8RKCOke6i8/s320/11009158_918984421456617_7213174562016236259_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">Friends, lovers, and everyone else, welcome to my blog. I hope that it serves as a source of laughter and advice for all those interested in trusting a 21 year old. Here you’ll find... my adventures, life advice, love of food and drinks, and awkward encounters. I am looking forward to sharing it all with you, and can't wait to see where life takes me with no map, just baggage.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-311ae1c3-b34c-2ebd-7b1d-4bfeb1c81533" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">As some of you may know, 3 weeks ago, I packed my life into two suitcases and headed on a journey to South Africa for the semester (while my trip will only last 5 months, this blog won’t stop when I return to the boogie down Bronx!) Since arriving in Pretoria, my bags have impatiently been waiting to be unpacked. My fellow Fordham and Syracuse friends and I have been so busy traveling to museums, Braais (South African Barbecues), class, and (of course) local bars that I never really had the time or the urge to see what I had brought. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now that the first week has came and went, it was about time that I unpacked all my baggage in order to truly see if I was prepared for this next chapter in my life. Trying to pack everything you need for a 5 month excursion is a lot easier said than done. You really have to evaluate every item you want to bring in order to decide what makes the cut. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">And so, now I would like to share with you exactly what made the cut and reveal what’s in my baggage to the world, because, just like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48HqBv5Ropo">Fat Amy</a>, I am an open book. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">15 pairs of Calvin Klein underwear (Thank you to my mother, Patty, who will have an omnipresence on this blog)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">A bag of hershey kisses-- since there are no real kisses in my life #noloveinthisclub</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">A few pictures of my Family and Friends</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">$1.99</span></a><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> wine opener</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deodorant (it’s 90 degrees constantly here and I have a sweating condition)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anti-diarrhea medicine (Traveling 101: This is always necessary)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">Polarized Ray Ban sunglasses to provide shade for my eyes (as I give it) </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">Patterned shorts with a 5 inch inseam</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">An outlet converter (I hope to adapt to South African Life along with my electonics)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Andy Cohen Diaries </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">And A notebook that says "Trust in your crazy ideas" (many of my blog posts will come from here)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">I also have a bag of excitement, a box filled with hopes, and a pair of anxiety and fomo</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">In time, I’ll definitely be sharing more of my baggage with you. I hope this first post leaves you (and all my potential suitors wanting more). Check back soon to see what I pick up from baggage claim next.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sincerely, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #373e4d; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stephen</span></span></div>
Stephen Espositohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02712748864262814440noreply@blogger.com1