Cancun’s Beautiful Neighbor
The strong wind and obnoxiously blinding sun had me squinting for the entire twenty-minute ride. It was a good thing we were at the top of the double decker tour boat, or I would be squinting purely to avoid an eyeful of the salty caribbean water. Even through the slits of my eyelids the ocean looked like a fluid blue crystal. Seagulls flew overhead, closely following our boat as we approached the...
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The Best Way to Get Lost in the French Riviera
After walking through the gorgeous checkerboard-covered square Place Massena, we reached the bustling main street that hugs the pebbly beaches of the Mediterranean. Our tour guide led us to an unending flight of stairs that led up to what’s called Castle Hill. I began to run up the ruthless stairs, curious about what waited for me at the top. Pictures can’t do it justice. The golden sunset falling...
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Underwater: A Different Dimension of Paradise
When the last snorkel bag is jammed into the back of the rental car, my family piles in. Our crew, a group of thirteen, consists of snorkelers ranging in age from 8 to 73. We drive up the coast of West Maui to Honolua Bay, buzzing with energy for a morning snorkel at one of the most extraordinary locations in the world. We traipse along the dirt path in the woods and arrive at our snorkel spot. All...
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Destination: Great Wall of China
I once was under the impression that seeing something in a picture was the same thing as being in that place. As a result, I never saw the need to travel to discover anything. I was happy at home with my books and internet connection. The world was mine to discover through the text of a Wikipedia page. I pictured the Great Wall in my mind’s eye. The rough cobblestone, worn away by thousands of...
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A New York State of Mind
What I remember the most was having to pee. The line was long, almost a 2-hour wait, but we finally made it...to another line, which leads to an elevator that went up 80 floors, to another line for another elevator for another 6 floors, AND THEN we made it. My first look at the New York City Skyline was through the cracks of a few peoples shoulders out of the 86th-floor window of the Empire State...
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Embracing the Beauty of India
Happiness thrives in the most unexpected places. Traveling to India this past May with fifteen of my classmates, I found that to be true more times than I ever would have thought imaginable. We spent ten days traveling throughout India to four different cities, each with its own wonders. The most memorable city was our last stop, Mumbai, because of the stark contrast between its excessive wealth...
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These Mountains Will Change You
I was recently traveling through California with my brother Jonah. We stayed at reserves and parks and a couple friends’ houses. Our trip was to end in the heart of Yosemite, a place neither of us brothers had yet seen with our own eyes. As the forthcoming mountains rose above us and we descended into the valley, our hearts sang at the pleasure of the beauty. It was still dark, yet the distinguished...
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Surprises at High Elevations
2:45 Thursday, 14th Mid Flight Clouds just beginning to touch the edge of the land Reflecting the oceans tide Before the marine layer becomes opaque Before grey skies cloud the countryside 5:45 Thursday, 14th Denver The more I travel, the more I see how all freeways are the same. Dashed white lines, retaining walls. However all freeways are different, if the view out the window catches...
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A Journey Home – My Trip to Ireland
In April of 2017, my family and I embarked on a journey to visit my brother who was studying abroad in Ireland. After our plane landed, my brother greeted us between the green walls of the Dublin Airport. Our cab driver’s thick Gaelic accent warmed my ears as he took us to our home for the week on perhaps the most famous street in Ireland: Grafton Street. Its bricks were worn by the steps of centuries...
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Philly (Ph)anatic
After traveling across the country from Florida to New York to my home of Shawnee, KS, I can confidently say there is no place more memorable than the city that has broadened my outlook on community and given me a glimpse of the entire world. Ever since I've been a little girl, my yearly trips to Philadelphia have taken me to my home away from home. I started traveling as a baby with my parents,...
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Dingle: The Peninsula of Untold Wonders
Nestled among the craggy coastline of the County Kerry lies a hidden gem, full of truly spectacular features. Luscious, green pasturelands roll away towards the mountains in front, while behind, the aquamarine, foamy waves crash against the easily 200 feet tall cliffs. Dotted with rocky shores and picturesque hills, Dingle Peninsula was my family’s to explore on our journey to Southwest Ireland. We...
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Xaymaca: The Land of Wood and Water
In the middle of the Caribbean lies a beautiful island submerged by an alpine mountainous terrain and encompassed by the turquoise crystal clear waters of the Caribbean sea. Its unprecedented beauty and dynamic culture are carved amongst the rocks of every parish and highlighted through the loving actions of its people. Jamaica was previously referred to by its first inhabitants as Xaymaca meaning...
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