Toledo, Spain - My mom and I took a three week trip to Spain in the summer of 2006. We explored many cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. Toledo is in central Spain, on a mountaintop surrounded by the Tagus River. The youth hostel we stayed in, Albergue San Servando, is housed in a mideval castle. I loved the historical factor of this city. And I loved the whole culture of Spain. They work hard, but know how to relaxed and enjoy their time with people. Most of Europe seems to be this way.
New York City, NY - I was able to stay in NYC for a few days on my way back from studying abroad in Paris. I visited my friends who had just moved there. I tried to see as many sights as possible during this short visit - such as the Statue of Liberty (from the free ferry ride), the Empire State Building, and Serendipity 3.
Epernay, France - Also known as champaign country. This was a day trip while studying abroad, where we took a tour of the Moët & Chandon factory (they are co-owners of Louis-Vuitton). We toured the cold basements where all of the champaign is stored and learned about the history and process. We also visited a family vineyard, which was much smaller and more personal.
Cairo, Egypt - I went to Egypt for five weeks during summer of 2008. My mom was living there at the time, teaching at an American school. My grandmaw and aunt joined in on this excursion! We saw amazing sites throughout the trip. After a few days of getting somewhat settled, we went on a nile cruise. This particular experience would have to be noted as the most interesting of all. We toured many ancient tombs and temples, and became familiar with the very dry heat.
Foster, Australia - Foster is about two or so hours north of Sydney. I was able to go there for about a week with friends to relax during a school holiday. We mainly went to the beach everyday, took walks and prepared small meals. It is a quaint town, but very beautiful.
Sydney, Australia - I lived in Sydney for a year from July 2007 - July 2008. I studied at Hillsong College, an experience that is dear to my heart because it was fairly different from my other traveling experiences. It was a time of getting away from familiarity, and learning in a completely different environment. It was also a time of forming tight bonds. We were all away from our family and comfort zones, that we had to rely on each other. I love how I met someone from just about every country during this gap year. And that I am still close to many of them after all these years.
Paris, France - oh la la! During the summer of 2011 I studied abroad in Paris through ULL. I started the trip not knowing any of the fellow students - a whole new adventure. Since growing up taking french immersion courses, I formed a desire to travel to France. Just as expected, I felt at home there. My grandmaw explained that she felt at home when she visited Germany, because she has heritage there. That's how I felt in Paris.
The last two are from Portugal - After being in Paris for six weeks, I went to Portugal to visit my mom. She was teaching at an American school again. We went to Porto, Portugal for a few days where port wine is made. It was all fine and dandy, however, I had a miserable time in the airport on my way back to Paris where they confiscated my mace. I completely forgot I had it, and apparently mace is illegal in Portugal. Needless to say, I signed police papers, payed 100 euros and got on my plane one minute before takeoff with blood shot eyes from crying the whole time.
Other places visited, but not pictured - Vancouver, Quebec, Oaxaca, and Santa Cruz, Bolivia. They were experienced before the expansion of the digital camera and the invention of the iPhone. I can see myself telling the younger generation, 'back in my day, we used to develop our pictures, and take less selfies.' Although my generation might have invented the selfie during the Myspace era.
Where do you dream of traveling to?
