Travel
2024
Paris & Normandy, France
I really enjoyed France because of its strong influence on the culture of democracy due to the French Revolution. I was also fortunate to be there in Paris during the Summer Olympics, and I was able to attend track and field events and experience the Women’s 100m final. I saw it live in pouring-down rain! Seeing the positivity and energy explode from the stadium was thrilling, especially since the winner, Julien Alfred from St. Lucia, was the first person to win an Olympic medal for her country. It was great to see the international support of the fans and watch an athlete make a name for herself. I truly believe in the power of sports to bring people together.
In Normandy on Utah and Omaha beaches, I saw the German artillery set up on the bluffs above the beach. It’s unbelievable to comprehend the success of the Allied Forces in the face of such a challenging landscape. I really appreciated the American National Cemetery that the French have devoted to the American soldiers who lost their lives. So many crosses and Stars of David marking the graves of the soldiers who were recovered, and there was also a wall of names of people who were never recovered. Seeing this memorial cemetery really made me realize how important it is to work toward peace in the world today.
These photos were very meaningful to me, because I believe there are moments in history (can you tell I love history?) that have changed the course of the world forever. I believe that D-Day was one of these moments, and I was fortunate to visit Utah and Omaha Beaches in Normandy, France, with my family. The US Memorial for the fallen US soldiers was very impactful for me, because it’s a reminder that we all have to work together to overcome obstacles however big or small. The Combat Medics Memorial was extremely inspiring, because it was in that exact place that the 1st US Infantry Division landed on June 6, 1944. One of the medics who landed with that Infantry Division treated many injured while sustaining injuries himself, and he lived to be 100 years old!
2024
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
I was impressed with the extensive canal system in Amsterdam, which makes it easy for people to get around, not to mention the city itself is very walkable, which I think is a key part of creating sustainable communities with clean air. I was able to visit the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam while I was there. It was moving to see the place where she hid with her family while hiding from the Nazis in World War II. While her house seemed like any other house on the street, this house served as the place where Anne grew up amidst the Nazi fascist regime.
2024
Edinburgh, Scotland
While visiting Edinburgh, it was interesting to see that the medieval influences of the castles and cobblestone streets are still there today. While I wasn’t a huge fan of Edinburgh’s wet and rainy climate, I did enjoy the train ride through the beautiful countryside to a peaceful river where I went fly-fishing with my sister. We caught quite a few small trout, and made an amazing memory that I will never forget.
2019
Zurich & Lucerne, Switzerland
Switzerland really stood out to me as a great place to be with the nice people and delicious food and purity of air and water. I appreciated the Swiss’ prioritization of conservationism and environmental efforts. We took a train through the Alps to reach Lucerne. Lake Lucerne was crystal clear, and I’ll always remember it! It was a great experience, and I plan to go back there in the future. Maybe next time I will have the opportunity to go fishing.
2019
Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Pisa & Cinque Terre, Italy
My sisters and I enjoyed exploring Florence together in the rain!
In Venice, I enjoyed learning how everyone gets around in a city with no cars.
I've always been fascinated by Venice's canal-based design, and now I'm exploring it with my sisters. I love how its water-centric layout promotes sustainable, car-free travel.
I really enjoyed all the sculptures in Rome, since sculptures are my favorite medium in art, the BEST art, if you ask me.
April 2018
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon reminded me of home since it was right by the ocean. We enjoyed the excellent seafood and friendly people, and I’ll never forget how much the hilly landscape provided us with a surprising amount of exercise.
2018 & 2023
Barcelona & Madrid, Spain
My family and I enjoyed seeing my sister play for the United States Rugby Team while we were in Madrid.
2016
London, England
Ringing in the New Year with my family in London was COLD! We may have been underdressed coming from southern California, but we had fun spending the holidays learning about history. I was impressed with the London Tube and how easy it was to get around the ever-expanding city. I hope that one day we have easy, accessible public transit in places like LA in the US. I think it will be a game-changer!