It can be hard to travel for work when feelings of homesickness arise. Staying busy with a job is great, but you are sure to have downtimes when your temporary living space feels different than home. Consider these 5 easy ways to make a space feel like home while working away from your comfort base:
1. Add Familiar Landscapes
There is no better way to remind you of home than to have a picture, drawing, or painting that reminds you of the landscape back home. Surrounding your new space with a picture of something that you loved back home, whether it be a building, skyline, or main street, will all help with making your new space feel that much more like home. Seeing these familiar places will bring comfort and add a sense of belonging even if you aren’t living in the same area.
2. Incorporate Favorite Plants
Just one or two plants native to your home location will help make your new space feel more inviting. If you didn’t bring any plants with you, consider purchasing a few from a local store or ordering some seeds online. Things like a favorite flower or even dried stalks of wheat will add beauty to your new space as well as help keep you connected to your native home wherever your job may take you.
3. Add Creature Comforts
There is nothing like coming home after a long day at work and snuggling up in something comfortable. Make sure that your new space is filled with comfortable pillows, throws, and a set of extra comfy pajamas that will go a long way in helping you wind down and relax after a busy day. Consider purchasing a few different blankets, one for your bed and one for the couch, to always have something cozy nearby to wrap up in and forget about the day.
4. Print Out Pictures
We know that you have plenty of pictures on your phone. But they can be hard to appreciate and look at when stored in a device. Consider using an easy picture printing app that will help you print those favorite pictures to have in your new space. Hang pictures of family, friends, and a favorite pet on the fridge to bring those familiar faces into your everyday life. Purchase a few nice frames for special pictures that you want to showcase in your new space. Even create a gallery wall that will help your new place feel even more like home.
5. Add Scent to Your Space
Does lavender always make you think of your sister? Or perhaps the scent of home-baked cookies from the oven brings back great memories from grandma’s kitchen? Consider incorporating these favorite scents into your space to make it feel more like home. Walking into your new space after a long day and being engulfed in scents from back home will help bring comfort without even realizing it. Other ways to add scent include purchasing a favorite perfume or cologne that a loved one wears. To be reminded of that person even if they aren’t physically there.
Your new space should be a place of refuge. Where you can come in after a day at work and enjoy your time to unwind, consider placing family pictures throughout the space. As well as pictures of a favorite landscape to make your space more like home. Adding scents from home as well as favorite plants will help create a more inviting space as well. Finally, make sure that your home is filled with comfortable pieces that will help you relax. This can include; blankets, throws, and pillows as an easy way to make a space feel more like home.
A personal account of surviving Hurricane Irma as travel nurse US Virgin Islands. From preparation through the aftermath, a travel nurses personal account.
Travel Nurse US Virgin Islands
When I received the phone call from my recruiter telling me that I landed my first travel assignment in the Virgin Islands, I couldn’t believe it! My mouth fell open. I was excited, and couldn’t wait to share the news with all my family and friends.
Struggling with Doubts
Soon after, my feelings turned from excitement to doubt. I doubted how I would survive living in St. Thomas all by myself. How I would excel as a travel nurse US Virgin Islands with such limited experience. I questioned why God was calling little Tanisha from Missouri City, Texas to start her travel nursing career on St. Thomas, Virgin Island…
A Heavy Heart
The following Sunday, I came to church with a heavy heart and was greeted by extreme confirmation. Our Sunday school lesson was titled, “Beyond Doubt”, and my Sunday school teacher spoke on believing beyond what you can see. I felt like the lesson was made especially for me.
After class, my teacher pulled me aside and asked me how things were going. I broke down in tears and told her that I was feeling extremely doubtful about my upcoming move. She embraced me and reminded me that God is with me; it’s not my job to wonder why He called me, but to be obedient and walk into the new season of life with confidence that He will continue to provide. After church, she sent me a powerful message that got me through the next month of my life when I was feeling down, discouraged and extremely doubtful.
God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things
Those words spoke to me louder than anything had in the past few weeks of my life as I was feeling overwhelmed and stressed behind all the work I was putting into starting my new journey. This message provided reassurance in a dark season of my life when I needed it the most. Anytime I started to feel unworthy I reminded myself, “God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things that He might get the glory“.
Departures
As the days came closer to my departure, I became excited and eager to start my new assignment. When I finally arrived in St. Thomas, I remember having an overwhelming sense that I belonged there; that I was being sent with a purpose. I stepped off the plane and saw the following sign… The first two months of my assignment were filled with partying, boat trips, cliff jumping, island hopping and living on vacation all while wondering, “What am I here for? When will it be my time to be extraordinary?”
Travel Nurse US Virgin Islands: Hurricane Irma
The weekend of September 1st, we all received news that a major hurricane was expected to hit the island. Some of my fellow travelers grew worried, some began to frantically prepare and some even chose to evacuate the island. While “Hurricane Irma” was the talk of the town and everyone was in a complete uproar, I had peace knowing that THIS is what I was called for. Finally, it was my time to be extraordinary!
The day before the storm hit, I reached out to my closest family and friends and asked for their prayers. I knew I was being faced with a great task and that I needed all the support they could give. All of the island natives warned me that if the hurricane hit… it would be devastating. We were expected to lose water, power, phone service, and all means of communication. I warned my family that if they didn’t hear from me, don’t worry…I would be fine.
Going to Work Prepared
Tuesday night September 5th, I went to work fully prepared. I had a weeks worth of clothes, all my valuables, and food to last for a few days. That night I made my hospital bed and laid down. I was comforted with tons of encouraging words from my family and friends letting me know that they were praying for me. My Instagram and Facebook were overflowing with messages from people who I didn’t even know; everyone finally got word that Irma, the category five hurricane was headed straight towards me and there was nothing left to do but pray.
“When the lights go out, it will be your time to shine.“
On Wednesday morning, I woke up, prepared for work and walked to the unit to receive report. I was in charge that day and remember thinking, “Why me?” My mom texted me her prayer for that morning and said, “When the lights go out, it will be your time to shine.” I knew then that everything would be okay. Placing my phone in my pocket, I began my day. I rounded on my patients and made sure everyone’s needs were met. When I looked outside I noticed that the rain and wind began to pick up. Everyone gathered by one big window on the unit as we watched Hurricane Irma begin her wrath.
From Scary to Terrifying…
Things quickly escalated from scary to terrifying, so I decided to move my patients from their postpartum rooms to the Labor and Delivery unit for their safety. While transporting my patients I heard loud banging on the door coming from the emergency stairwell. I opened the door and saw other nurses transporting their immobile patients by their mattresses down the stairs to safety. I soon discovered that the windows on the floor above me blew out and the entire floor was forced to evacuate immediately.
The hurricane was blowing through the hospital. From that moment on, things were in complete chaos. We were in full crisis mode transporting patients, administering emergency medications, making life-threatening decisions in split seconds and doing everything we could to keep our patients alive.
Out of respect for my company, my hospital and my profession…I choose to spare the details of what went on that day. The hospital was simply filled with, “Ordinary people, doing extraordinary things.“
After the Hurricane
The days after the hurricane, I was forced to stay at the hospital because the roads were unsafe to drive home. There were huge trees, power lines and remains from people’s homes that filled the streets. I slept in the uninhabitable hospital and I began to wonder, “How would I ever survive?” Friday morning, the curfew that was placed on the island ended and I was finally able to return home. I feared going home alone with no water, no power and a limited supply of food; but I knew I had to. I had to get away from the hospital because it was no longer safe.
Going Home
When I finally went home, I opened the door to my beachfront condo to discover that the roof caved in, and it too was uninhabitable. I packed everything I could and went to my friend Veronica’s house. We began discussing our options and realized they were slim. My company canceled my contract and booked my flight home for Sunday morning, only to discover that the airport was destroyed as well. I literally felt trapped on the island, and paradise was starting to feel more like my worst nightmare.
With no running water, limited food, no roof, no cell phone service, no internet and people robbing at gunpoint for necessities; my fear finally set it. I became fearful for my life and overcome with emotion. That Saturday night, I sat on Veronica’s sofa and asked God to make a way…
An Unexpected trip to Puerto Rico
Veronica and I looking extremely rough but very happy to be making our way home.
Around six o’clock Sunday morning, Veronica looked out her window and saw a boat. Without hesitation, we packed everything we could and ran to the dock! With a quick confirmation from the captain, we were welcomed onboard and told that we were headed to Puerto Rico. Veronica spoke Spanish and had family in Puerto Rico, so we knew we would be just fine.
Once we made it to Puerto Rico, Veronica arranged for her family to pick us up at the marina and I instantly felt peace that everything would be alright. Her family treated us like royalty; they fed us, gave us warm showers and a safe place to stay for the night. When we woke up the following morning, they served us coffee and breakfast sandwiches. They told us they arranged for a driver to show us around town and I couldn’t believe it! Our evacuation was starting to feel more like a vacation.
After rationing our food for days, we were finally able to enjoy eating out, exploring the city and staying at our five-star resort. I owe Veronica and her family endless thanks for their kindness and hospitality. They were there for us in a time of need and reminded me that God will always make a way. Three days after being in Puerto Rico, I was able to fly home to Houston and be reunited with my family. Looking back on my experience in the Virgin Islands, I am so grateful that God saw fit to give me such a task. I hope my testimony serves as a lesson to you all: Go wherever God is calling you, and trust that He will provide!
Have you ever been a travel nurse during a hurricane? Contact us at content@thegypsynurse.com and let us help you tell your story. Travel Nurse in the US Virgin Islands? We would love to hear your tips and tricks!
Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?
Guest Post By: Cheryl Hurt, co-written by: Kimberly Richter
Being an Alaskan travel nurse is an exciting and unique experience. Here are some tips from travelers that are or have been to Nome. These tips will help you prepare and know what to expect on a contract in Nome, Alaska.
Orientation
Hospital orientation is generally four days long. The first two days are focused on standard hospital business and Native Alaskan Culture. Day 1 your badge photo and fingerprinting will be done.(yes, you will have your fingerprints taken at the hospital) Lunch will be provided for you.
Day 2, you will visit the cultural center in the afternoon and have the opportunity to try Eskimo salad (something that you really should try) or Seal.
Day 3 Healthstreams (Yikes, there are 44). Dress for days 1 and 2 are business casual. Days 3 and 4 are scrubs. This is only a guide and not set in stone as each department has its own schedule.
Tips and Suggestions:
Housing Tips
Nome is a very walkable town. Plan to walk!
Cabs are available for $4 one way in town. (the town is not big!)
Housing is corporate female shared housing or Male Shared housing, No Co-ed, so plan on being a great roommate and respect each other.
Shipping and Mailing Tips
Ship as much as possible in flat-rate shipping boxes that you can get from the post office. You will ship them to:
(your name)
113 W. Front Street
Nome, Alaska 99762-9800
(This is general delivery at the post office)
When shipping items, remember the postal service is not gentle with packages. Pack accordingly.
There is a waiting list for P.O. Boxes. If anyone is going to ship items to you, use the address above and have them notify you when items have been shipped.
Remember, if you are landing on a Saturday or Sunday, the post office is only open M-F from 0900 – 1700. Make sure you have the essentials for the first few days.
Supplies / Food / Etc.
Food is expensive; gluten-free is even more expensive. There are only two grocery stores; Hanson’s and ACs.
Meal prepping is essential. The food here is expensive (12 oz. bag of fresh green beans is 4.99, Bananas are 1.29/lb., Strawberries/Blueberries 6.00-10.00). This also reduces wasted food. In words given to me, “suck it up and forget about the price tags.”
Restaurants are expensive. There are only a few. I highly recommend the Gold Dust Saloon at the Nugget Inn. The food and drinks are delicious. They serve sushi (and more) and have trivia on Thursday nights at 1900. The Polar Cafe is another great choice. They have a great breakfast.
Paper towels, toilet paper, spices, aluminum foil, zip-lock storage containers, and zip lock bags, etc., are expensive as well. Ship as many of these items as possible. (The items I shipped were items that I knew I would use and not have to ship back home at the end of my contract).
Ship teas/coffee; these too are expensive. Along with your favorite water bottle, tea/coffee cup.
Amazon Prime will be your best friend for toilet paper, paper towels, and non-perishable food pantry items. OR for anything, you have forgotten at home.
Reusable grocery bags are essential. This will keep you from buying more than you can carry while walking unless you want to pay for a taxi which is $4 one way in town.
There are no “Dollar Stores” in Nome.
Packing
Mud Boots (i.e., Bogs, Muck Boots, Extra Tough Boots) are also a must in Alaska. There is only approximately 1 mile of paved roads; all other roads are dirt/gravel. There is a lot of mud when it rains, and you can walk in the surf (my favorite part).
Bathing suit for the Suana, which is located in the Rec center.
Sunglasses: Lots of sun into the wee hours of the night and back up in the wee hours of the morning. (It does not get dark during Spring and summer)
A good raincoat. Why? It rains, and you will inevitably be walking in the rain. We walk here regardless of the weather.
Ear Band, Gloves, Hat, Scarf. It still gets cold even in June. Not to mention the wind and rain. You will want to go outside, explore and enjoy the pristine beauty of Alaska and stay warm doing it.
A good knife (particularly a pocket knife or survival knife for cutting things.)
Lunch Bag — Obvious reasons. The cafeteria is tiny with limited hours. Restaurants do delivery; however, they charge at least 8.00 as your food is delivered by taxi.
Ship or pack vitamins, medications, and supplements-you most likely will not be able to find them here, and if you do, they will be expensive. The exception to this is some over-the-counter medications and vitamins are available at the hospital pharmacy, and they are cheap (i.e., a Bottle of Tylenol 2.00).
Chargers for phone, tablet, laptop. Also, make sure that if you are bringing electronics, you put them in your carry-on. Airlines are not gentle by any means with luggage.
House Shoes – floors get sandy/muddy.
Bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth. They should be provided, but just in case.
A notebook – Sometimes, you just want to write/journal.
A good book – There is a beautiful library. It is located at the cultural center.
Bring clothes you can layer. Some days it actually does get warm, and most structures (houses, apartments, restaurants, hospitals, etc. are kept warm).
Other
Wells Fargo bank is here and a local credit union.
Money-Cash is nice to have, especially if you have to take a cab (they do not accept credit/debit cards). I brought 50.00 in singles. Everywhere else accepts credit/debit cards. ATMs are available.
Make sure to notify banks of your travel. The worst thing that could happen is they block/lock your card because they thought someone had stolen them. Contact your credit card companies as well. They usually do not block/lock cards without notification unless you are leaving the country.
Check with the wireless service providers to see if they have service coverage in Nome. GCI is the provider here in Nome, but it is expensive. Trac Phones are available, and I’m told that they get good service. I have Verizon, and I have had ok service so far. (Turn your phone off and then turn it back on when you get to Nome.)
Nome is Rural! You cannot drive to Nome as there are no roads that lead to Nome. 2 roads go about 50 miles out east and west. Fly in and Fly out!
You can rent a car, but it’s very pricey, like 175.00-200.00 per DAY.
There is a movie theater in Nome, Sundays at 4 pm are $9.00 (it’s in the Subway.)
You have to have a fishing license to fish in Nome, Alaska. I think they said it is $150.00/175.00 for the season for nonresident/non-Native.
Animals- Musk-ox, Moose, Bears, Reindeer, Eagles, Huge Ravens. Polar bears are rare in Nome. We have found a baby seal on the beach. You might see Beluga whales passing thru, but with the position of Nome, it’s Rare, they say.
Do Not bring a firearm as they are NOT allowed in Corporate housing.
Things that others have shipped OR put in an extra suitcase and paid for the extra baggage:
(believe us, it’s worth the extra fee!)
Spices/Salt and Pepper
Oatmeal
Shampoo/Conditioner
Body Soap/Lotion
Razors/Shaving Lotion
Qtips/Dental flossers
Dish Soap
Hand Soap
Laundry Detergent/Fabric Softener
Toilet Paper/Paper Towels
Crackers Cereal
Feminine items
Hot Sauce/Condiments
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Protein Powder
Dry packaged food
Zip-Lock Storage Container/Bags of various sizes.
***Tips- Place plastic wrap under lids of liquids to keep from spilling. If you have a Food Saver, seal liquid containers. If not possible, place liquid containers in Zip-Lock bags.
Did I mention you will be walking everywhere?
Most importantly…
Bring an open mind. When you are flying into Alaska take in the beauty of this land from the sky. It is gorgeous! But wait until you land; then it becomes breathtaking!
Directions for once you have landed:
At the first opportunity, stop and take it all in. “Shut your mouth (sorry, be quiet), close your eyes, take a deep breath and let it take hold of you. Listen to the sounds, feel the warmth of the sun, the gentle breeze of your skin, smell the world coming to life around you and taste the saltiness in the air. Take a deep breath and open your eyes-she “Mother Nature” has never been more beautiful.”
Alaska will change your life if you let it.
Words cannot describe the majestic beauty of this land/sea. The culture and the history are intriguing. The unspoiled and untouched lands are home to some of the most beautiful animals.
Finally, you will have arrived in one of the most amazing places on earth. Keep an Open mind and enjoy Nome. But be careful. A lot that lives here was once travelers and fell in Love with Nome. There is No Place like Nome!
P.S. Don’t forget scrubs, stethoscope, trauma shears, a watch etc. as you will be expected to work a little.
So it’s that time again; your next adventure awaits! We saw some of you lovely people reaching out for the best road trip stops from LA to Seattle and based on your responses we made you a quick little cheat sheet! Here’s a list of the best attractions, nature and grub for your next 13 week adventure on the West Coast.
Redwood National Park-
There’s just not many things that can make you feel as small on this big planet then standing next to a mammoth tree in California’s Redwood forests. This park for instance is home to tallest of all the redwood trees. For the Instagram savvy, you may want to stop at the Drive-Thru Park and pay $5 to drive through one and get to snap a quick picture to prove it!
Cannon Beach –
Cannon Beach is truly like a dream come true. Celebrated as one of America’s 10 most beautiful towns on the West Coast, there’s a little something to captivate everyone. Personally, I like exploring and taking in the sights, so Haystack Rock would be a must for me to enjoy the landscape, the areas Tufted Puffins and the beautiful marine life in the tide pools. For those more adventurous, you should check out the zip-line tours, surf classes or even a helicopter ride!
Yosemite –
Found in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite and it’s indescribable beauty is on most adventurers bucket list. It’s best known for it’s breathtaking waterfalls, but has nearly 1,200 square feet of landscape to roam and explore. Camping sites are available for tents, as well as RV’s, if have a few days to unwind and enjoy in the great outdoors.
Crater lake-
With it’s crystal clear and nearly pristine fresh water, Crater Lake is a must-see for those traveling through Oregon’s,Cascade Mountain Range. This beauty was created nearly 7,700 thousand years ago from volcanic eruption that caused a mountain peak to collapse. The water gets it fascinating beauty from rain and snow, and is the deepest lake in the United States!
Monterey –
Roll down Highway 1 and take in all that Monterey has to offer. Like the rest of these sites, there is so much beauty in nature that it’s hard to make a short list! Some of the top attractions are famous Bixby Bridge on the way to Big Sur, hang-gliding above Marina State Beach and diving deep with the scuba team at Seven Seas Scuba. If you’re lucky enough to travel with your significant other, you have to check out Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove.
Do you have any other suggestions? Places I’m crazy to have not mentioned? Drop a comment below and let us know! We love hearing about your experiences so we can share them with our growing gypsy community!
As a travel nurse, you likely spend most of your day worrying about the well-being of others. Being on the road and on your feet for a majority of the day can certainly take its toll on your own mental and physical well-being. Now, if you’ve already had the opportunity to explore Oklahoma City, you’ll know it is a big friendly city full of garage sale fanatics, outstanding comfort food, and home of the Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball team.
Aside from the hustle and bustle of any city though, are nature’s wonders. When your work environment is exhausting and stressful–take a break from it all by relaxing in one of these stunning natural spots in Oklahoma City.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
These botanical gardens are some of the city’s most beloved public areas, offering over fifteen acres of natural space to unwind. The park is home to a children’s garden, off-leash dog park, and several splash fountains. The gardens also feature dozens of walking and jogging paths and even offer educational programs and workshops to help you fully engage in the diverse ecosystem you are surrounded by. With so much to explore, it’s easy to get lost in this urban oasis.
Martin Park Nature Center
This nature center advertises itself as “more than just a park,” and if you’re looking for a place to unwind, that statement couldn’t be closer to the truth. This serene location offers an interactive learning center and quiet woodland trails spanning over two and a half miles. The park also features a visitor center with live animals and an ADA accessible trail.
Will Rogers Gardens
The Will Rogers Gardens offers several themed walking areas, including the Will Rogers Garden exhibition Center, the Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum, and the Charles E. Sparks Color Garden. You’ll unwind by traversing around one of the parks’ many walkways, enjoying rose gardens and beautifully cultivated landscaping features. This city park offers hands-on gardening exhibitions and horticultural classes, allowing you to learn and kick back at the same time.
Earlywine Park
Earlywine Park, encompassing nearly one hundred acres, offers a more active spin on outdoor recreation, offering visitors tennis courts, an aquatic center, and a golf course. Of course, the park is also home to multiple walking and running trails, allowing you to choose between a group or solo relaxation adventure.
Lake Hefner
This reservoir lake is a great place to spend a day, it is a popular spot for sailing and fishing, but is also a great place to take a deep breath. The lake features a lighthouse, and offers scenic trails that are well maintained and provide a spot for deep relaxation.
Crystal Bridge
Crystal Bridge offers an outdoor experience just outside of the ordinary. This cylindrical greenhouse is home to dozens of waterfalls, along with over seven hundred different types of plants. You can traverse this greenhouse on elevated walkways, and we guarantee that just one look at the expansive greenery in this center will make you feel more tranquil almost immediately.
Arcadia Lake
Arcadia Lake is a man-made lake and is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and anglers alike. That being said, this spot offers a leisurely retreat for hikers, bikers, and swimmers as well. If you’re looking for an outdoor retreat that will allow you to get up close and personal with some of Oklahoma’s wildlife, this is the place to go.
Mitch Park
Mitch Park is well within the city limits, but you’d hardly know it by the relaxing experience it provides. This 280-acre park features paved trails and other recreational options, like a skate park and playground, so that you can get away from it all without having to travel far.
Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge
Another great spot to observe wildlife, this refuge is a haven for native flora and fauna. It also offers some excellent forest areas for hiking, bird watching, and kayaking, allowing you to enjoy the area’s native environment without having to drive for hours outside of the city.
South Lakes Park
This park spans over 150 acres and offers numerous amenities to the forever stressed population of Oklahoma City. Visitors enjoy soccer fields, walking trails, and fishing ponds, all within the comfort of the Oklahoma City limits.
It can be tough to find time to relax and unwind with your busy schedule. However, by taking a moment to breathe deep in one of these outdoor spots in Oklahoma City, you’ll likely find yourself more energized, invigorated, and ready to return to your important career.
Sarah Miller is a writer, self-claimed nutritionist, and CrossFit junkie. She spends most of her time meal prepping and actively trying to beat personal records in the gym, but always enjoys a meditative walk through a nearby woodland area or near a lake.
Since there is no need for a nurse to eat food, drink water, or use the restroom while at work, food is an important component of off-time activities. For my nurse, a good pizza finds its way onto our menu regularly.
One of the great parts of travel is all the different experiences waiting around every corner. We’ve been lucky enough to meet many interesting people, try some great food, and explore some awesome places. Most of these experiences have been better on the road. Besides the fact we probably wouldn’t have had them, I don’t think we would have paid the right kind of attention to these moments back home.
Exception; our hometown’s pizza.
With all due respect to the tomato soup in a bread bowl that is Chicago-style pizza, and its soggy cousin in old New Amsterdam, Southern Indiana Una style pizza is hands down the world’s best pizza.
As soon as you regain your composure and pick up any objects you may have thrown; I hope you will allow me the opportunity to make my case. It tastes good. Not enough? Since I know how seriously nurses take their nourishment, I’ll try and do better. Low expectations and measured patience will ensure you won’t be disappointed.
Una pizza has a thin but sturdy crust. It’s sometimes referred to as a cracker crust, but this is a little misleading. It’s got a crunch, but not a crumb’s everywhere, can’t eat it in the library type crunch. It’s enough to support its toppings, but not so much as to remind one of the elves baking in trees. It’s like a crisp, unleavened bread.
The sauce is a simple one. With a few variations, it’s basically tomato paste, water, salt, and oregano. It’s the perfect catalyst to carry the pizza’s inherent deliciousness. It doesn’t have so much going on that it takes away from the rest of the flavors, but it is certainly good enough to stand on its own.
The toppings are fresh. I don’t mean freshly pre-cooked at the factory or prepped at the facility. I mean fresh as in veggies cut at the parlor the morning of, and meat cooked on the pizza. A lot of restaurants even shred their own cheese. This is where the structural greatness of this pizza comes to bear. The crust and the toppings cook in unison for about twelve minutes in a scorching brick oven.
There’s no need for pre-cooked ingredients or buy in bulk pizza crusts. Most pizza joints (just about all chain restaurants) use meats that are cooked and then frozen because of the difficulty of evenly cooking the toppings and the crust. I worked at one of these places in high school, and it was possible to eat all the meats straight out of the plastic bag it arrived in. What’s on your pizza?
People travel for the experiences, for the adventure, and the opportunities for growth awaiting them at their next destination. Nurses are a little more special because they care for those in need along the way. They make a difference in the lives they touch. A special demographic deserves a special pizza. So, the next time you find yourself somewhere around Evansville, IN, stop in and get one of these magnificent pizzas. Tell them I sent you. Actually, don’t. They have no idea who I am. The pizza’s going to be good regardless, but you’ll probably look silly mentioning my name.
When you’re in a new City, finding the ‘Best’ things to see or do takes a bit of research.
Avoid the time-consuming research by taking these suggestions for Things to Do in San Antonio from one of the Network group members, Deana.
Restaurants
Kimura – Ramen downtown by pecan street and Riverwalk (Great food)
Rita’s On the River- Riverwalk, Great food and Pitchers of Margaritas less than $30
Vegeria – vegan tex mex (didn’t try)
Mi Tierra’s – off the market square (awesome experience and great food)
La Margarita’s – also off the market square. Liked Mi tierra’s better
Green Vegetarian Cuisine – Pearl District, Didn’t try
LaGloria – Also in Pearl District, didn’t try, but it gets rave reviews
Bun n barrel –didn’t try
Roberto’s taco shop-didn’t try
El Chapparal- In Helotes off of Bandera Rd. – Live music in the evenings, wonderful atmosphere and food.
The Grist Mill in Gruene is great!
There are quite a few restaurants off the riverwalk. Joe’s crab shack is one, Dick’s bar is another. Sometimes there’s coupons in the current magazine.
Big Lou’s Pizza- Awesome pizza. Has wagon wheeled size pizza for around 99 bucks. Get a much smaller one if there’s just 2 people. Will feed an army.
Lots of chains – Whataburger started in Corpus Christi, Taco Cabana is a san Antonio starter, Las palapas is great!
Umai Misa is an awesome Asian restaurant. There’s a few shops in the little shopping center too. Also has a painting class similar to Pinot’s Pallette, Latin Dance Lessons, and a cool coffee shop.
Chocolateka off of 1604 is a chocolate bar!
Things to do
Riverwalk – There’s riverboat tours until 9pm.
TheMissions including the Alamo- there are 5 I think. Takes all day to see every one.
Visitor’s center on the Riverwalk close to Alamo has lots of pamphlets.
The governor’s palace is downtown.
There is also a church downtown that is awesome.
Pearl Brewery District.- The brewery has been closed for a while but they are building a nice hip area with shops and food. There’s a cool coffee shop down there.
The Buddhist temple by mission ranch is Chua Phuoc Hue, 6292 Lockhill Road, San Antonio it has an awesome garden with statues
There is a Japanese Tea Garden next to the Zoo.
Of course Sea World and Fiesta Texas (six flags are here) they may have some Christmas stuff going on.
If you want to learn salsa, Arjon’s Dance Studio is a nice little Cabaret. Sundays for $5 cover from I think 7-9 there is salsa lessons. Drinks are $1. This was a cool activity for me and another travel nurse.
Incarnate Word put their Christmas lights up last week. I haven’t been able to go yet.
Tejas Rodeo Awesome!! Rodeos run from March to early November. Dancing included.
Tons of festivals are usually going on somewhere.
New Braunfels and Gruene are nice little towns. Live music in Gruene. There’s also 2 wineries there.
There is Floor country store dance hall in Helotes close to El chaparral.
Cowboys dance hall has concerts, dancing and other stuff like pbr going on.
Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels in the summer- biggest Water Park I’ve seen.
Shopping
The shops at La Cantera are good.
Ingram mall
There is a couple of shopping centers down Huebner. Take a right onto Huebner from Babcock.
Past HEB and around I 10 there’s a Walmart, Sam’s, Specs (Nothing but liquor) and some other chain favorites. There is also a couple of small Walmarts on Bandera on the way to Helotes.
Ingram Mall I think that’s the one on 410 has a decent mall.
Market Square on Commerce-Like Little Mexico, Can Barter with shop owners.
Buc-cees’- New Braunfels, Biggest Gas Station Ever!
Movies
Alamo draft house (you can order food and drinks from your seat in the movie).
Paladium has a nice bar and restaurant in it. Alvin and the chipmunk statues are there.
Bijou Cinema- similar to Alamo draft house, but has independent films.
Bars
Little Woodrow’s-on Babcock. Nice sports bar.
Moses Roses Hideout next to jimmy john’s on Houston by the Alamo- awesome burgers
There’s chains like Bar Louie’s and Stone Werks and YardHouse and some others that are pretty nice to go to.
There is a bar in the Tower of America’s. Like the space needle. $8 cash to park in their lot. They have a happy hour.
Friendly Spot is downtown and is family and pet friendly.
Parks (Dog Friendly)
Phil Hardberger Park, There are two Sides.
Spend a weekend morning at one of San Antonio’s dog parks. Come on out and meet puppies, dogs, and people of all breeds. Great way for both you and Fido to make lasting friends! See a full list here: http://www.sanantoniodoglife.com/dog-parks
A Huge “Thank You” to Deana for sharing this list. Do you have other suggestions for san Antonio? Have a similar list for another city? Please share! If you would like to have your City To Do list published, get in touch!
