A few days into the new year, I took 10 days off to travel to California and see a good friend and visit some family and do some general exploring. First of all S/O to having jobs that let me take 10 days off and enable my wanderlust. Second of all S/O to my friend, Sarah and my family members for hosting me and showing me around California.
My favorite way to travel is to have someone to visit. I like traveling alone yes, but having people to meet you along the way makes the journey that much sweeter.
Highlights of California 2017:
– Santa Monica Pier and the Promenade – It was one of the best days ever. Sunshiney, perfect Italian deli sandwiches, gawking at wedding dresses in anthropology just bc, and drinking beer by the water with mah girl.
– Hanging out at Venice beach eating brekky, running or watching the sunset
– In-n-out Burger. Gourmet, yes. Delicious, yes.
– The best sushi of my life with the most lovely of dates (Sarah, you win)
– Visiting with relatives that I don’t see often and hanging out with my cousins adorable baby.
– Meeting/spending time with relatives in San Fransisco – faves were seeing the sea lions and riding the trolley! Classic but so fun.
– Spending one day alone in San Fransisco – my highlight of that day was going to the Golden Gate Bridge and walking along the beach. It was one of those surreal moments that I just wanted to sit in forever and capture the things I was feeling and seeing. I think maybe I walked about 12 miles but then made up for it with tacos and beer and chocolate.
– Meeting strangers in San Fransisco that became friends. The pros of hostels ppl.
I will always love to travel, but sometimes it’s tiring and plans are hard and can be stressful. But the parts of a trip like watching the sun set over the ocean, laughing with an old friend until it hurts, or feeling the rush of the wind sailing past in a trolley rolling down the hills of San Fransisco all remind me of the beauty of travel and the sheer joy it can bring to a moment.
I learned a little about flexibility and being able to be present and content in the midst of disappointment. I was reminded of how important family is. How much it can mean to be “present” without physical presence and the wonders of technology allowing me to be a part of my nephews memorial service from miles away. I was reminded of the importance of being intentional when it comes to fostering and maintaining relationships with old friends and distant relatives alike. I was reminded of the goodness of people and how much a home cooked meal and a clean bed can be an act of love.
California wasn’t everything I expected it to be, but it was everything I needed. I fell in love with those LA beaches and will be back someday to actually see Big Sur, drive highway 1 and hike that elusive Hollywood sign.
Each year, I think to myself I need to lower my travel expectations but then my mind keeps dreaming up ways to go places and stay there for longer periods of time than normal people. I am crazy lucky to do all of the travel that I do. Up next, Central America.
