The World Outside
The whole world looks to California as the land of sunshine, surfing and movie stars. I will admit that, as a first time visitor to the "Golden State" and only 15, these were my expectations,...
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From Tourist to Traveler
Spring break is a time to get away from the drama of high school. A time to escape the catty girls or rowdy boys and relax for seven peaceful school-free days. When the opportunity arose to...
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Save Me, San Francisco
How did my family decide to travel to San Francisco in the summer of 2011? Did we make a list of all the interesting places we wanted to see and discuss the numerous possibilities? No,...
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How Alaska Led Me to Realizing My “Great Perhaps”
Being a California native, there are certain aspects of life that I have naturally become accustomed to warm air, crowded roads, and the undeniable urge to sing “California Gurls”...
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Metropolis Memoir
As I was growing up in rural and suburban Western New York, New York City seemed to be a symbol of the things that were largely inaccessible to me in the small town where...
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Finding Rest in the City That Never Sleeps
It was day three on our jam packed New York trip, and our out of shape Mississippi bodies were starting to feel the strain of walking, walking, walking. The heat was getting to me through my jacket;...
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A Week with Bugs, Critters, and Horse Poop!
My nose wrinkled at the stench of sweat and horse poop. The magnificent creatures I saw on TV and in magazines was NOTHING like the gigantic, smelly beasts I encountered on my first day volunteering...
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The Awakening
I was thrown into another world as my family and I rode in a fuel sucking tourist bus on our way to an all-inclusive resort in Puerta Aventuras, Mexico. The harsh reality I was forced to face through...
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