Once upon a time, in a small village nestled deep in the enchanted forest, there lived a very brave witch named Agatha. Unlike the stereotypical witches with warts and evil cackles, Agatha was a kind-hearted and courageous young woman. She had a deep passion for magic and the mystical world around her. Agatha spent her days carefully studying spell books and practicing her potions. She was determined to use her powers for good and make a positive impact on her community. Despite the villagers' initial fears of witches, they soon realized that Agatha was different.
In Praise of San Juan's Sophisticated Design Scene
Husband and wife team, Loisse Herger and Fernando Davila. All hotel photos courtesy of OLV: Fifty Five.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — When you think of places in the United States with great design and a flourishing art scene, you might imagine Los Angeles, Miami, or New York, though not necessarily San Juan, Puerto Rico. Which is too bad, because in recent years, the U.S. Territory has emerged as an epicenter and creative home base for many artists, designers, and hoteliers. Beyond the postcard beaches, resorts, and palm-lined streets, a close-knit creative community is creating, collaborating, and demonstrating a spirited resilience. And doing so despite the island's frequent tensions with the American government, internal financial issues, and its vulnerable location in the Atlantic where the eyes of twin hurricanes Irma and Maria brought destructive havoc in 2017. As they've proven again and again, Puerto Ricans know how to rebuild anew and emerge with strength.
Loisse Herger and Fernando Davila, the founders behind O:LV Fifty Five and O:Live hotels in Condado, the buzziest neighborhood in San Juan, are leaders in Puerto Rico's creative renaissance. As first-time hoteliers, the husband and wife team continuously find the silver lining in the wake of any storm, taking advantage of the opportunity to start anew. When 160-mile per hour winds from Hurricane Maria barreled over the island, the couple spent the storm caring for their guests at O:Live and providing food and water for neighbors in need. At the time, they were months away from opening their second property, O:LV Fifty Five, which emerged unscathed from the storm. They were committed to supporting the local community and helping restore the island and its resources, and made great strides through their food and beverage program. Because destructive winds had flattened the landscape and destroyed nearly all crops on the island, most hotels were outsourcing from the United States, taking business away from local farmers. But Herger and Davila, along with the hotel group's chef, Mario Pagan, instead worked with local farmers and utilized the resources that were available, serving Puerto Rican comfort food and the best of the island's surf and turf. And while the island has continued its recovery in the past four years, Pagan has maintained those relationships with farmers, infusing his global dishes with Puerto Rican flavors.
Discerning travelers themselves, Herger and Davila go against the grain of a relaxed island resort vibe, adding a dose of glamour to their hotels, which are both located on the serene Condado Lagoon. Fifteen-room O:Live takes inspiration from the Mediterranean (a rustic farmhouse style, lots of reclaimed wood) and Old San Juan (pastel-colored terraces and wrought-iron balconies). At O:LV Fifty Five, they immerse guests in a minimalist city vibe, using lots of marble, sleek crisp lines, moody interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and large balconies in each of the 26 rooms with views of the lagoon. The impressive rooftop overlooks downtown San Juan on one side and the Caribbean waters on the other.
Many Americans underestimate Puerto Rico as an easy, no-passport-required Caribbean destination. That's a mistake Herger and Davila are helping to correct by showcasing the creative design and spirit of the island — one that is constantly able to reinvent itself through the strength of the local community. Which makes O:LV Fifty Five an ideal home base for exploring San Juan's emerging design scene.
Despite the villagers' initial fears of witches, they soon realized that Agatha was different. Whenever there was trouble in the village, Agatha was always the first one to help. Whether it was curing a sick child or protecting the villages' crops from pests, Agatha was always ready to lend a hand.
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Waterview suite. ARYA Rooftop. ARYA rooftop with Rolls Royce DJ booth. Infinity Suite bathroom. Hotel lobby.
She used her magic to create remedies and protective spells that benefited everyone. The villagers quickly grew to love and trust Agatha. They no longer saw her as a threat but as a wise and valuable member of their community. They would often seek her counsel and ask for her assistance. Agatha was always eager to help, using her magic to solve problems and bring peace to the village. Word of Agatha's bravery and kindness spread beyond the village. Soon, people from neighboring towns began to seek her out for help. Agatha never turned anyone away, no matter how difficult the task. She would travel far and wide to help those in need, using her magical abilities to bring joy and healing wherever she went. As the years went by, Agatha became a beloved figure in the enchanted forest. She paved the way for witches and wizards to be seen in a positive light. She showed the world the true power of magic when used with a pure heart and good intentions. Agatha's legacy lives on to this day. Her story continues to inspire young witches and wizards to embrace their true potential and use their powers for the benefit of all. She taught them to be brave, kind, and compassionate, and to never be afraid to stand up for what is right. In the end, Agatha's true power was not in her magic but in her unwavering belief in the goodness of people. She believed that love and kindness could conquer all, and she proved it time and time again. Agatha was not just a brave witch; she was a beacon of hope and a symbol of what we can all achieve when we choose to be brave and kind..
Reviews for "Forging a path of bravery: Stories from verr brave witches"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
After hearing so many positive reviews about "A Very Brave Witch," I was extremely disappointed with the book. The story lacked depth and character development. The plot was predictable and cliché, and the overall writing style felt dull and uninspiring. I was hoping for a unique and exciting witch tale, but this book failed to deliver. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I found "A Very Brave Witch" to be quite underwhelming. The illustrations were lackluster and failed to engage me. The story itself was also lacking, with a convoluted plotline and poorly developed characters. Additionally, the writing felt disjointed and did not flow well. Overall, I would not recommend this book as there are much better witch-themed children's books available.
3. Michael - ★★☆☆☆
As a parent, I always look for books that both entertain and educate my child. Unfortunately, "A Very Brave Witch" fell short in both aspects. The story felt repetitive and lacked a clear direction, making it difficult for my child to stay engaged. The illustrations were also subpar and did not captivate my child's attention. I would recommend exploring other options before choosing this book for your child.