Santa Cruz, California, is a fun, exciting and adorable little town on the ocean. There are many privately run beach shops, sea food resturants and the very famous Santa Cruz Boardwalk! With the right company and a pleasant hotel, my trip to Santa Cruz has probably been the greatest I've been on so far. In Sacramento, there's a high school called River City High School, and this high school is home to a very reputable little jazz band called the Syncopating Sea-Monkeys, directed by Mrs. Felicia Alleger Greenwood Weatherly. From that jazz band has formed a jazz combo, called Treble in River City. We are comprised of a guitarist, bassist, pianist, California's top rated high school drummer, and myself on reeds (clarinet and saxophone). Being with my school's music program has allowed me a lot of fun adventures (in fact, after I'm done writing this blog, I have to pack for our trip to the Reno Jazz Festival!), but Santa Cruz has to be my favorite. Our school's jazz ensembles have gone to many music festivals, and we still have more before this year is over, but this particular story is about the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival. During jazz band (which is my first class of the day), Mrs. Weatherly found us a hotel, the California Inn, which I highly recommend! We but in some cash, and on the day of the festival we made the long, tiring drive out there, but nothing could dull our excitement upon seeing the hotel. This California (Dream – as I would jokingly call it) Inn rested right on the sands of the beach itself, the crashing of the waves could be heard, the ocean and the Boardwalk could be seen through the glass doors that opened up into the balcony. When the doors were opened, the room smelt of the sea and the fresh ocean air. The rooms were decorated colorfully and stocked with very nice, organic soaps. After a long day of driving, performing (our band earned straight twos, and the drummer and I recieved special recognition) and a late night closing performance from the members of the college where the festival was held, we were all very ready to head back for some fun and relaxation. We enjoyed the hot tub and heated pool, spent the morning walking on the beach, ate at wonderful local resturants, and had an excellent time at the arcade and other amusements at the Boardwalk. But these luxuries are not all that I have to share. So much more came out of this trip than a fancy hotel. The cool ocean air made me feel refreshed, rejuvinated, and reawakened. We finally got a good night sleep, we were able to relax. Being so far from home and work and school made us feel free and that we could let our shoulders relax for a while, and that we could clear our minds. And even better yet, I spent that weekend with people I enjoyed – my band mates. We laughed to the point that we couldn't eat at the restaurants, climbed and jumped off the rock formations, ran from the tide, collected shells on the beach, and enjoyed fun and games at the Boardwalk. Together. We've become a better band because of this trip. Not just the students, but we have a better relationship with our teacher. Her pride in us, our wanting to make her proud, and the fact that all of us involved are just closer now, we are all comfortable with one another now, and our music has greatly improved because of this trip. Santa Cruz is a place that I believe everyone could enjoy. Imagine if you could just be walking to a little sea shack for lunch, look down a peephole in the wharf, and see seals and sea lions napping and swimming and playing below you, hearing them bark and splash as you enjoy fresh oysters and shrimp, just caught that morning, and that night, unwinding in the hot tub with your friends, and taking a walk down the beach before going to sleep, awaiting the day to come tomorrow.
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This enthusiastic blog provides a huge list of 51 varied and exciting summer vacation ideas for families, offering options from theme parks to national parks both near and far.
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I had the chance to experience Denmark during the Christmas season, and it’s something I’ll always hold close to my heart. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen felt like stepping into a storybook. The way the entire park was dressed in soft, glowing lights, handmade decorations, and the comforting scent of mulled wine in the air made every moment feel special.
There’s a unique warmth about this place that isn’t just from the cocoa or winter drinks, but from the people, the laughter, and the little traditions scattered around every corner. Watching families gather, children’s faces light up at the sight of the reindeer, and the simple joy of wandering through beautifully decorated stalls reminded me how lovely the holiday season can be.
It’s not just about the decorations or the rides — it’s the feeling of togetherness, the calm, and the way time seems to slow down so you can really take in the small, meaningful moments. I left with a heart full of good memories and a deep appreciation for the charm and kindness of Danish traditions.
If you ever get the chance to visit, I promise it’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
This article is incredibly informative and well-structured. It offers clear, practical guidance on a topic many travelers often overlook—traveling with minors. The detailed breakdown of required documents and the emphasis on consent letters provide much-needed clarity for parents and guardians planning a trip. A must-read for anyone traveling with children!
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Your trip sounds absolutely incredible! Lisbon is truly a magical city, and your experience during the EuroCup must have made it even more special. If anyone reading this is planning a trip to Lisbon, I highly recommend taking a free walking tour to explore the city’s rich history, charming streets, and hidden gems with a local guide. You can check out this great option: https://www.guruwalk.com/lisbon. It’s a fantastic way to get an insider’s perspective on the city!
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Traveling to Aruba promises an unforgettable escape. From white-sand beaches to clear turquoise waters, this Caribbean gem invites you to create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sense of adventure!
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For the people that are planning to go to Aruba, I would also suggest this website: https://canitravel.net/countries/aruba . I used it last month when I went to Aruba and it always had up-to-date travel restrictions. I hope this helps 🙂
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Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks
for the post. I will definitely comeback.
This is such helpful information! Traveling with minors can get complicated, and having all the required documents ready makes the process so much smoother. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly!
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I haven’t checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
I had the chance to experience Denmark during the Christmas season, and it’s something I’ll always hold close to my heart. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen felt like stepping into a storybook. The way the entire park was dressed in soft, glowing lights, handmade decorations, and the comforting scent of mulled wine in the air made every moment feel special.
There’s a unique warmth about this place that isn’t just from the cocoa or winter drinks, but from the people, the laughter, and the little traditions scattered around every corner. Watching families gather, children’s faces light up at the sight of the reindeer, and the simple joy of wandering through beautifully decorated stalls reminded me how lovely the holiday season can be.
It’s not just about the decorations or the rides — it’s the feeling of togetherness, the calm, and the way time seems to slow down so you can really take in the small, meaningful moments. I left with a heart full of good memories and a deep appreciation for the charm and kindness of Danish traditions.
If you ever get the chance to visit, I promise it’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
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This article is incredibly informative and well-structured. It offers clear, practical guidance on a topic many travelers often overlook—traveling with minors. The detailed breakdown of required documents and the emphasis on consent letters provide much-needed clarity for parents and guardians planning a trip. A must-read for anyone traveling with children!
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Thank you for such praise, I am glad I could present the material in a way that made you want to see and experience St. Augustine’s Black history for yourself.
Of course, this beach town has lots more to offer but if you are willing to walk the lanes and dig a little bit, the history of the first Blacks and how much they contributed to protecting the colony is fascinating.
Hope you get there and enjoy your trip.
Your trip sounds absolutely incredible! Lisbon is truly a magical city, and your experience during the EuroCup must have made it even more special. If anyone reading this is planning a trip to Lisbon, I highly recommend taking a free walking tour to explore the city’s rich history, charming streets, and hidden gems with a local guide. You can check out this great option: https://www.guruwalk.com/lisbon. It’s a fantastic way to get an insider’s perspective on the city!
It’s iin reality a great and helpful piece oof info.
I’m satisfied that you shared this helpful information with us.
Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing
Great content for cruise lovers !! One of the most advantage of cruising is you do not have to pick your luggages every day , and every day you discover a new country. Although one day is not enough to see everything it gives an idea about a country ! With my experience since 2007, 99,9% of my guest said that Kusadasi/Turkey is their favorite port among all the other ports. Because we have a lot of options for every traveler. The most popular places , if your ship is docking at Kusadasi, is Ephesus ancient city which is only 25 min. drive away. Ephesus was the 4th largest ancient city of the world in 2 c AD.Most of the ruins are reconstructed and gives an idea about Roman’ glorious times. If you ever visit Ephesus, I suggest you to see Terrace Houses , where the rich were living and houses are decorated with beautiful mosaics and frescoes from 3rd c AD.If you want to add a spiritual break , thats House of Virgin Mary is there. It is believed that she was taken by St. John the apostle to there.Another place you must see Ephesus Museum.. Forget all that boring museums you have seen . While guiding , I explain the most interesting artifacts , including original staue of Artemis. BTW. did you know that one of seven wonders of ancient world was located there? Well… not so much left , but it is still worth to be seen. If you ever visit Kusadasi,and want to have private tour, please feel free to contact with me ! I am very happy to answer your questions and customize your trip to Ephesus. Please visit my website,not only for Ephesus trip but also to get an idea about my beloved country Turkey/Turkiye. You can see different types of tours that I organize. Archaeological , culinary or lets customize your tour to Turkey together!! luxurytoursofturkey.com/