Armaaniika I The Map Couple

06/17/2024

Eid Mubarak to you all, May Allah bless you with all the happiness this EID! 💝

- Ahmed’s

05/06/2024

Always dreamed of this: toes in the sand, sky kissing the ocean, and endless shades of blue. 🌊💙
Finally living my tropical beach dream, where every hue fills my soul with hope and love ❤️

05/06/2024

Armaaniika Adventure 🐊🦩

Continuing the story from my previous post

After we reached the parking lot, guess what? Our car didn't start again when we were leaving the park. Then, Prothom went to the visitor center to gather a jumper cable to start the car. At this point, I was so done with this car. Out of the blue moon, it started to act up for no reason, and the owner told us to go to AutoZone to fix the car, which we could have done, but we had a flight to catch within the next few hours. Anyways, in this chaos, Prothom found a jumper cable, and we were able to drive the car. We both were really scared at that time because if we stopped the car, what if it didn't start? And by the time we were super hungry, so we first drove to a restaurant to eat lunch.

When we reached the restaurant, we put our car on start and left the car in the parking lot, hoping no one would steal the car. At that point, we couldn't take the risk to park the car because we had our flight in less than 3 hours. Another funny experience was when we wanted to try authentic American Caribbean food. So, at the place we went for fruit juice, we saw they sell authentic food there and we wanted to revisit there to try out their food. When we arrived there, we couldn't figure out anything since every word was written in Spanish. Then, we asked an English-speaking person who actually translated the food menu, and then we ordered food cluelessly. We just hoped the food would be good because we were really hungry by that time. The food was actually really good. We loved the sandwich and rice and bean curry. We were so thirsty we ended up ordering three juices and one soda lol.

After that, we went to a gas station to refresh and change our clothes and wear something warm and get ready for the flight. As we went to the airport, we experienced a beautiful sunset, and as the sun was setting, we got into the airport, left our car (thankfully it worked till we reached the airport), and walked for about 30 mins in the airport to board the plane ✈️

05/06/2024

Armaaniika Adventure 🌴✈️

Our last day in Florida was a wild ride! 😅 We had big plans to visit Biscayne National Park and had booked a boat tour for 9 AM sharp. Since it was also our flight day, we had to check out from the Airbnb. We had cleaned our clothes, but the Airbnb host misplaced them, and we couldn't find them. In the rush to leave, we decided to forget about the laundry. However, as soon as we got into the car, it wouldn't start. We had to call the car owner, but they weren't much help. Adding to the chaos, the Airbnb cleaner found the laundry, and I hurried to pack it while my husband got the car jumper from the host. Eventually, we managed to start the car and rushed to the park. Traveling isn't always as smooth as it appears in our Instagram perfect photos.

During the drive, we called the tour to inform them that we might be late, requesting them not to leave without us. When we arrived, we were the last to board the boat. The tour took us to Boca Chita Key, the highlight of the park. Lasting nearly three hours, we spent 1.5 hours getting to the key, enjoyed 30 minutes there, and then returned to land. The weather was perfect, and we relished the warm, sunny day, dipping our feet into the cool park waters. The gentle breeze kept us refreshed. We had packed snacks and enjoyed them by the picturesque waterside. It was a splendid sunny day at the beach. Though we had planned to swim, the morning's hiccups dashed those hopes. After the tour, we explored the park a bit more.

Continue the story to the next post ⬅️

05/06/2024

Touring Everglades National Park? Dive into the adventure with these thrilling experiences!

1. Shark Valley Tram Tour:
🚃 Jump on board for a 2-hour journey into South Florida's eco-wonderland! Led by knowledgeable naturalists, this tour unveils the hidden treasures of the Everglades. Marvel at the wildlife and soak in the beauty of the sawgrass prairies. Don't miss the mini-stop at Everglades Observation Deck for breathtaking views!
Tip: Sit on the right side during dry months for the best sightings.
💰 Price: $23/person

2. Wooten's Extended Combo:
💸 Get the ultimate Everglades experience with three activities for $84/person!

- Airboat Ride: Feel the rush as you zip through grasslands and mangroves on this thrilling 45-minute adventure. Learn about tropical flora, reptiles, and Florida's unique weather while enjoying the windy ride!

- Alligator Show: Strike a pose with a crocodile for the ultimate Instagram moment! 🐊

- Swamp Buggy Ride: Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey through marshes and cypress forests. Your guide will uncover fascinating tales about tropical forests, wildlife, and plant life, making it an adventure you won't soon forget! Get ready for a mind-blowing journey through tropical ecosystems, where guides spill secrets about forest formation, bear tales, and botanical wonders! 🌿🐻

05/06/2024

Miami City Places Review 🏙️

Jungle Island: 🌴🦜📸

We were so hyped for Jungle Island, expecting wild animals to roam freely and maybe even give us a high-five! But reality hit us hard. Instead of a jungle adventure, we found a heavily decorated space with just a handful of birds, a bunch of flamingos, and snacks. It felt more like a themed party than a wildlife experience. For Insta-worthy pics and flamingo sightings, it's okay. But for adults seeking thrills, not so much. Better suited for kiddos. 💁‍♂️💃

Price: $34 per person 🧍

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum: 🏛️🔬🌌

Now, THIS is a museum worth raving about! We were blown away by the endless treasures it held. From tropical plants to the secrets of the animal kingdom, and even the evolution of flight – it had it all! With five floors packed with knowledge and exhibits, we barely scratched the surface. The Aquarium, planetarium, and all the science stuff... mind-blowing! Whether you're a science nerd or just curious, this place is a must-visit. 🤓🚀

Price: $30 per person

05/06/2024

🚗💘 Armaaniika Adventure 🚗💘

On our 3rd day, I woke up early and wandered around the place we were staying. We were tired from the busy day before, so we wanted to take it easy. Even though we'd been there for three days, we forgot to check out properly from our Airbnb because we had so much to do. Just before we left for the day, we took some quick pictures. Since it was supposed to rain all day, we planned indoor activities.

🏞️We then left for our first stop, where we checked off our 21st national park! When researching Biscayne National Park, we assumed that being 95% underwater, there wouldn't be much to do. However, when we were visiting the visitor center, we discovered boat services offering tours to different keys around the park, showcasing various facts and tropical plants. We decided to take a two-hour boat ride, even though we were a bit worried because we were leaving the next day.

🏛️ After that, we visited Jungle Island and The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum. Jungle Island wasn't as exciting as we thought it would be because there weren't many animals there. But the museum was great! We had lunch with a view of Miami, and there was so much to learn about plants, animals, and how flying has changed over time. We missed the planetarium show because we didn't know we had to book it in advance.

When we finished at the museum, it was still raining, so we went back to our Airbnb to pack. We were getting ready to fly back home the next day.

05/06/2024

A unique blend of raindrops and sunset hues creates a mesmerizing sight you won't forget at Mallory Square 🌦️🎨

05/06/2024

Hidden gem of lush landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and serene waters. 🌿🦩

05/06/2024

A crocodile photo dump straight from the heart of Shark Valley's beauty. 🐊

04/25/2024

Suraj hua maddham playing in the background, living out my Bollywood dream out loud! 🌅🎶

04/25/2024

Continuing from the last post ⬅️

🌊With a disappointed heart, we headed to watch the sunset in Mallory Square, so we headed there to find a parking lot. Right after we parked the car in the parking lot of Mallory, the rain started to pour. So Prothom went to take some pictures of the ship, and I went somewhere else, and we agreed to meet at the ship area. All of a sudden, it started pouring outside, and we were both in different places, and I had no phone with me. But somehow Prothom managed to get soaked in water, and we waited in a spot until the rain stopped. Right after that, Prothom went to the car to get a towel and change his clothes since he was totally soaked. I was waiting for him in the park, and I got stung by a bee! I was almost dying in pain, but Prothom panicked and found a nearby CVS, and we walked about five minutes to get there and get the medicine to help with the swelling. The medicine definitely helped with the swelling, but I was still in a lot of pain. During that time, the rain didn't really stop. It was continuously raining.

☔️ So we walked to the parking lot. While going back to the parking lot, the rain stopped, and we decided to eat something from the streets. Just when we started to eat and enjoy the warm wind, it started pouring again! We had no shelter near us at that point; we were in the middle of the park. Thank God when Prothom went to the car, he brought the towel with him, and we ran to the car while holding the towel as a cover. We both got soaked by the time we got to the car, so we took our time to dry ourselves in the car.

🚗 After that, we headed to the Airbnb after a chaotic day. The day started with super fun, but as the day came to an end, the rain really ruined it for us. But we really enjoyed most of it. We made a pit stop to grab some snacks. It was a long ride back home. When we went back home, we were planning what to do the next day and were enjoying our favorite fruits and called it a day 🥱

04/25/2024

Armaaniika Adventure in KeyWest: A Tropical Day Out 🚗🌊💘

On our second day, we planned to go to KeyWest. Before we headed out to the beach, we stopped at a local store to get juices for the long drive to KeyWest. The drive from Homestead to KeyWest was beautiful. The water looked so blue! We stopped for coffee and felt like we were in a tropical paradise. The drive was about 3.5 hours from Homestead to KeyWest. While we were on the road, it started raining, and we got worried if we could take a dip in the ocean. The weather started to change so fast!

🌊When we arrived at the beach, the rain wasn't there at all. It took us almost one hour to find a parking space in that small area. The island is very beautiful but overcrowded and overhyped, I believe. After a long time roaming around, we finally got our parking spot, and then we headed to the beach. We enjoyed our time at the beach. We had our fruit, took a dip on the beach, took our time to spare, and we had lots of fun. We spent too long at the beach, since we wanted to visit the famous places as well.

🗿Then we started to drive towards the Most Southern part of America. The KeyWest area is very close-knit, and everything is close by, and we can reach it within five minutes of driving. As we arrived near the statue, the line for taking pictures with the statue actually shook us. We were looking for parking and couldn't find the parking, and we saw the line was keep going and had no end to it. So, I got out of the car and just took some pictures of the statue. I mean, yes, I would love to get a picture of us, but the line was not worth the hype of the place, honestly.

Continue reading the whole story in the next post ➡️

04/23/2024

💟

04/23/2024

Continuing from the last post ⬅️

Armaniika Adventure 🚗👫💟

Following the airboat ride, we hurried to the crocodile show. They showcased various reptiles, but since we had to make it to the buggy ride on time, we skipped the show. Instead, we held a crocodile, took some pictures, and left quickly.

We then drove to the buggy ride location and arrived earlier than expected. After waiting for our guide, we began the buggy ride. It was a wild experience, riding in a raised bus through fields and forests. Our guide shared fascinating insights about tropical forests, bear life stories, plants, and how one tree grows on another. The information was captivating. I felt a deep connection to the place, feeling as though I belonged there. The tour took us deep into the forest, away from the city and civilization, providing a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. The buggy ride lasted about 30 minutes, but it was truly worth it, bringing us closer to nature.

Later, we had dinner at an oceanside restaurant, enjoying quality time together. We then searched for tropical fruit juice and found a store to grab some to go. On our way back to the Airbnb, we sipped on the juice and reflected on the day, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. When we reached our place, we called it a day, feeling exhausted but fulfilled from our adventurous day.

04/23/2024

Armaniika Adventure 🚗👫💖

We planned to check off our 39th state during the Christmas holiday by visiting Florida. Our flight was at night, and we arrived pretty late. After grabbing some dinner, we headed to Homestead. The drive took about an hour, and by the time we reached our Airbnb, we were ready to crash.

The next morning was packed with activities. We woke up early and got ready for our adventure-filled day. We had booked all the activities a month in advance. Our first stop was Everglades National Park, about an hour’s drive away. At Shark Valley, we took a tram tour where we learned about the history of the Everglades, tropical plants, and the reptile lifestyle. The ride lasted about 35 minutes, and we took a 15-minute break at the Shark Valley Observation Tower before heading back to the visitor center.

Next, we drove from Shark Valley to Wooten’s airboat place, which was about a 45-minute drive. After arriving, we grabbed some snacks and prepared for the airboat ride. The ride was thrilling, taking us through the waterways to see tropical plants and learn about the reptiles’ lifestyle. The boat ride was fast-paced and windy, teaching us about Florida’s tropical weather, mangrove trees, and other interesting facts.

04/15/2024