Legions of followers have been most likely been pining for this post since I unplugged a couple weeks ago to go on an adventure. That or didn't notice I was gone. Either way, I have challenged myself to wrap a whole vacation in 10 pictures.
Grappler's Quest https://www.grapplersescape.com/ is the vacation of a lifetime for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners. Usually a week on a cruise ship with an itinerary overflowing with training sessions, dining, and parties of all sorts. Before I get too far ahead of myself, here are the champions who were givin' 'er with us this year.
This was not my first time on this trip so I was not so star struck as last time but definitely happy to be in the company of these and so many other talented grapplers.
As you might expect, there is PLENTY of training to be had. Zebra mats https://zebraathletics.com/ all over the floor in the conference room with 2-hour morning gi sessions and daily afternoon nogi seminars. If there was nothing else to do on this trip, the lessons and concepts learned through these world class teachers and sparring with people from across the globe is special. So much fun to be had.
Besides our martial arts ties, it is quite a thing to be a group of 150 instant friends making your presence felt on a cruise ship! This is a part of the crew as we made our way from the training room up to the helipad for group pictures. Chanting and having fun the whole way, we were quite the procession.
Then, it was go time. Others who have been on cruises will know that half the fun is the destinations and excursions. Leaving the floating hotel to explore the islands and coastal towns makes it actually feel like traveling. Now imagine rolling to these with 50 close friends with a good ratio of Brazilians. This photo of us bussing it back to the ship after a day at the beach on Curacao will give you an idea.
Plenty of goofy vacationers to wander the beaches with and booze cruises to hit. I have a couple I may get into individually to share the adventure in future posts. Wonderful weather and walking in the sand is good for your soul.
We attended musical acts, comedy shows, karaoke competitions, diner together and even swamped the dance floor in the night club nightly. Traveling alone or with a partner would be great with all of the ship's entertainment options but bringing a whole battalion with you makes them even better.
What kind of post would it be without a little beer? This #beerologist is partial to craft brewed IPAs but I make an exception when on a Caribbean vacation. These delicious looking beverages were even better on a beach in Curacao where they were brewed. Corona is the default but I love to find a local beer that goes well with lime in the sun.
Getting to spend time on the mats and partying with this crew again this year seems too good to be true. The last time we went, it felt like we were pulling off a heist to get so lucky to escape like this. Having done it again, feels like I have found my ultimate vacation. So many positive, fun, active, instant friends out here on the helipad all together. Their families that accompanied them were just as fun and delightful. I feel privileged.
The sun may have set on another huge adventure for me but it is just starting for you. I am getting my feet back on the ground here with the business and garden to attend to before some more summer adventure. I will make sure to sprinkle some more of last week's highlights in posts this month. Buckle up!
