Traveling

"Still, I’m afraid to forget you. I dread the day when I will forget these feelings — the day when I meet another girl and pursue her and not you. The day when I’ll sit down and realize that, when you pass by my mind, I don’t feel anything at all."

I’ve stopped making plans for my life, not because they don’t pan out but because I think they restrict the way in which I view what I am capable of. Some of the best decisions I’ve made have been spur of the moment, spontaneous and utterly unexpected and I don’t think that’s a coincidence.

I looked at myself, decked out in the same brands that once eluded me, that once wielded such power over me. Is this what made me American?

In March, due to multiple family emergencies and spring break, I took the long eight-hour trip back and forth from Berkeley to my hometown in Bakersfield three times by train. Here are some of the things I learned through my experience. 

As I prepare for my first semi-solo travel trip as a legal adult, I’ve written a list of all the best tips I’ve received from experienced travelers.

Summer after freshman year, back in 2019, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa. I spent six weeks immersing myself in local attractions and the natural beauty of the city. The balance between nature, sea and city life reminded me of familiar cities on the coast such as San Francisco and port cities on the Korean peninsula, yet the South African culture and history added a unique, beautiful twist.

When you hear “Switzerland,” you may think of chocolate, cheese, watches, army knives and the Alps. Switzerland is home to more than 8 million people and is a fantastic vacation destination to many more. Three years ago, I got to visit my older sister, who is currently studying in Zurich. She showed me some of the major attractions back then, and now, after living in Switzerland for a few years, my sister has found more favorites and sweet spots in Switzerland. I asked her a few questions on her favorite places and recommendations around Switzerland so that when you get a chance to visit, you have an idea of what to do.

The stand-up comedian, currently based in New York, has kept it simple by centering her material on everyday encounters, such as her warfare with dirty hotel rooms.

Growing up, my parents, who had raised their children in a country far from where they were born and raised, always emphasized the importance of staying connected with our roots and learning about our culture.

Being alone couldn’t be further from being lonely. After all, you’re the one person who’s around during the good and the bad.