I hope you all had a wonderful time with your loved ones during the holidays! I had the chance to end the year in a unique way, by helping cater a Christmas party in Moab. As 2025 begins, I wish for beautiful, positive moments for all of us. I also pray that the challenges ahead help us grow and that we find the strength to face them with grace.
This post, and likely the next few, feels bittersweet for me. My trip to Utah is over after almost a month. I’m writing this while sitting at the airport gate, waiting to board my plane back to Costa Rica. I’d say I’m heading “home,” but right now, home feels both here and there. I realize that my heart is connected to different places, places that have shaped me, moments that have touched me deeply. My true home isn’t a single location, but wherever I can connect intentionally and with love. This sense of belonging makes me feel like a citizen of the world, embracing every corner as part of my journey.
During my trip, I decided to stay fully present rather than blog in real time. Sometimes, real life deserves our complete attention, and I knew I would want to share these stories later, with a clear heart and a reflective mind.
Arriving in Utah: a great welcome
After a long journey, I finally arrived at Salt Lake City Airport. The travel had left me tired but filled with a quiet anticipation. Stepping into this new environment, the crisp air, the vast skies, and the towering mountains, I felt a gentle invitation to embrace the unknown. It was my first time in Utah, and though everything was unfamiliar, there was a peacefulness in that novelty. A sense that this chapter held lessons and moments just waiting to be discovered.
Roadtrip to Moab
The next day, we hit the road toward Moab for a special event: a Christmas party that would be fully catered by a private chef. I was invited to assist in the kitchen, something completely outside my comfort zone. But I was curious. I’ve always admired people who are passionate about what they do, and here I had a front-row seat to the inner workings of a professional kitchen.
The party was hosted at a charming spot called Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro. If you’re ever in Moab, you should check it out!
Behind the scenes: A day in the kitchen
We spent hours prepping, cooking, cleaning, plating… it was intense and non-stop.
I acted as a kind of sous chef that day, learning on the go, trying not to burn anything (ha!), and following instructions closely. The pace was quick, the environment high-pressure, but there was also a certain beauty in it. Watching guests enjoy their meals, knowing you were part of creating that moment, is deeply rewarding.
One unforgettable highlight? A flaming doughnut dessert that quite literally lit up the night. It was the showstopper of the evening, and the room’s energy shifted the moment it was brought out. Seeing culinary art come to life that way was unforgettable.
This experience taught me the importance of good-quality kitchenware. If you want to elevate your cooking, here are two of his top recommendations:
High-Quality Knives: A chef’s essential tool—don’t compromise on this!
Henckels cookware and bakeware: Perfect for even cooking and durability.
Stay tuned for more Utah adventures
This is just the first story from my Utah trip. I’ll share more about travel tips, food experiences, photography, and activities in the upcoming weeks. If you’re considering visiting Utah, you won’t want to miss it!
Thank you for reading, and as always:
Be kind, dream big, live fully.
See you soon,
Vanessa
