2025 was quite a year for Enrique and me. Professionally, it was very challenging, the kind of year that tests your patience, your resilience, and occasionally your sanity. But when work gets hard, life has a funny way of reminding you that it’s not all about business. It’s about the people you love, the moments you share, and learning to enjoy life even when things feel difficult.
We started the year in Venice, waking up on January 1st with what we affectionately called the Jubilee flu. Not exactly the glamorous Italian kickoff we had imagined. But hey, if you’re going to be sick, you might as well be sick in Venice. Somehow, even with tissues in one hand, we still managed to enjoy the magic of the city… and yes, an Aperol Spritz or two. Because clearly, Enrique has his priorities. Venice has a way of making you feel better, or at least making being sick feel slightly more chic.
In late February, we traveled to Mexico under difficult circumstances due to a death in the family. Those moments remind you of what truly matters: hugging your loved ones a little tighter, showing up for each other, and appreciating the simple things. Even in sadness, there was laughter, long meals, and shared memories that grounded us. It was a reminder to slow down and be present with the people who know you best and love you the way you are.
Summer came and went in a work mode, with less travel but plenty of life. We squeezed in BBQs with friends and family, backyard conversations that lasted longer than planned, and those small, familiar moments that don’t look dramatic on Instagram but mean everything in real life.
In September, we were ready to escape again, and Albania surprised us in the best possible way. Beautiful beach towns, mountains, warm people, and incredible food. And if you know us, you know we never just visit a place where we don’t connect with locals. Also, Enrique has apparently made it his personal mission to get a haircut in every country we visit, so yes, Sarandë can now officially be added to the list. From Albania, we crossed the Adriatic sea and landed in Bari, which gave me a little Milan energy. We explored stunning towns, from Alberobello, Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, Lecce to all the way down to Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost point of Italy. Historic, charming, close to the sea… basically everything we love, with pasta and more aperol spritzes involved.
We closed out 2025 back home in Jersey City, celebrating New Year’s Eve and reflecting on how full the year really was. Travel, family, friendships, laughter, challenges, and joy — sometimes all at once — made it a year I’ll always be grateful for.
Here’s to taking that same sense of connection, gratitude, curiosity… and maybe a well-timed Aperol Spritz (or two)… into whatever comes next.
