A couple weeks ago, I sent off my US passport to the US passport office to renew it.  Even though my passport does not expire for another year, it was time to kiss to say goodbye because there was only one page left.  Instead of shelling out of a lot of money for additional pages, it was more logical for me to go ahead and renew it.

Sending off my passport was bittersweet.  It was a key that gave me access to many incredible wonders of the world, meeting new people, and everlasting memories.  It was also my most beloved education book.  It took me to places where I could learn new languages, different customs, history and current events.  While I’ve had many passports when growing up to visit my family in Canada, this one was special because it propelled my lifelong dream of traveling around the world.  In the past nine years, I have traveled to far more countries than I have in the first 17 years of my life.

The first stamp gave me access to France in 2006.  I had just graduated from high school.  I was craving to see the life outside of my own homeland.  I had just finished four years of hard work in learning to speak French fluently, and I so badly wanted to put my skills into good use.  After a year of arguing and begging my parents to allow their 19-year old daughter who has barely traveled alone to travel to France, I took off and traveled throughout the country for five weeks (almost) solo.   I stayed with four different host families and communicated solely in French.  I met two of them through a pen pal letter writing project in high school.   I met a holocaust survivor and learned about his life in Auschwitz.  I was introduced to art history when I spent several hours immersing in the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay.  I was introduced to the love of mountains and beaches when my host families took me scenic drives throughout the Basque Region.

As I dreamed and craved for more trips abroad, I took off to Italy a year later and traveled throughout the country for three weeks with my university where I finally saw many art I studied when I was growing up come to life.  The moment I saw David and the painting on the ceiling of Sistine Chapel, I had chills and felt completely more shocked than when I first saw the images in the book.  Seeing the the architecture throughout the country and learning about the process of designing the buildings taught me to appreciate old buildings.  Encountering a massive protest against former President George W. Bush’s visit to Rome taught me the importance of listening to other countries’ views about my home country.  After visiting Italy, I returned to southwest France to see my friends again and soak in the beautiful countryside and beach.

Two days after coming home from Italy and France, I took off again to Israel for a Birthright trip and to meet my paternal grandmother’s family for the very first time in my life.  After years of seeing bombs exploding, fires and blood in Israel in the media, I was astounded by the beautiful life the country has to offer to the world.  I learned that the media does not always present an accurate view of life around the world.  While war exists only in very small parts of the country, life goes on.  Residents go to work, school and enjoy leisure time at the beach and parks.  Israel also taught me that it is acceptable not to be an observant while being Jewish.  Instead of lighting candles on Friday nights and avoiding the use of technology, like many other Israelis, I enjoyed a nightlife in the city.

Several months later, I went back to France during my college winter break to volunteer on a farm in Provence.  While the volunteer opportunity was a huge disappointment as the work camp leader treated me like a Cinderella, and I had to leave abruptly and trek across the country to southwest France without any plans, this trip taught me to go out of my comfort zone.  Because I grew up in a very traditional suburban life, I was taught that taking public transportation is dangerous.   However, this trip changed my view of public transportation as I learned that taking trains were not only safe but also far more convenient than flying.  I also learned to be flexible and that it’s not the end of the world to make last minute changes and not to know what would happen in a few hours or the next few days.

During the summer of 2008, my family and I did our first overseas trip together to Europe.  We first trekked to London and then took a chunnel train to Paris.  Then we went to southwest France so that they could learn about my love for the Basque region and meet my friends.  When my family went back to the US, I stayed in France for another week.  Then I took a 24 hour train ride to Tuscany, an experiences of a lifetime.  I immensely enjoyed seeing colorful homes nestling in the mountains and the beautiful turquoise water  as the train traveled on the coast of south of France and west of Italy.  Then I spent ten days with a family in Tuscany and experiencing their traditional Italian summer life which was going to the beach frequently, enjoying gelato, and visiting villages in the region.  My trip didn’t end there.  I went back to France and stayed with two different host families for a month before starting my semester abroad study in Provence. Waking up at 7 AM every morning to photograph stunning sunrises over the Luberon Mountains, drawing Provencal buildings, and taking field trips during art history classes were the most treasured college experiences.

During the winter break of 2008, I flew across the Pacific Ocean to venture outside of North America and Europe for the first time.  Visiting both Australia and New Zealand showed me that our planet has endless number of incredible wonders to explore and that I should focus on visiting new parts of the world instead of returning to the same places I have visited.  The Great Ocean Road, Sydney Opera House and Fox Glacier were memorable scenes to see.

Because I longed to learn Spanish and I wanted to continue to explore outside of the western world, I ventured to a developing country for the first time, Peru.   I’ll never forget the moment when I walked outside of the airport and got into a taxi in Cusco, I said to myself, “Oh shit.  What have I done to myself?”  I was overwhelmed by seeing how Cusco looked like as if an earthquake had just happened.  I stayed with a host family who only spoke Spanish, and I didn’t know any Spanish.   I learned Spanish quickly so that I could break the barrier of communicating with my host family.  I quickly fell in love with the country as I discovered stunning mountains, beautiful art and historical sites and friendly people.  Developing countries can have their own wonderful treasures.

I loved studying in Provence so much that I went back there to relive my study abroad experience again during the fall semester of my senior year in college.  Prior to returning to Provence, I went to Israel again to see my relatives and then to Thessaloniki, Greece to meet an online friend and see ancient Greek historical sites in Athens.

Because I wanted to experience being an international student and study anthropology, I moved to London for one year in 2010 and pursued a masters in anthropology.  I met people from all over the world who are now my closest friends.  While I studied how humans interact with the society and materials, I also explored what I wanted to do with my future.  I traveled all over the UK via buses and trains and discovered that the US need to improve their public transportation system.

Right after finishing my studies in London, I went to China for two weeks to visit the home of one of my very close friends from grad school.   At this point, because I had years of experiences in seeing very different landscapes around the world, I did not feel overwhelmed and instead, I was too excited to explore how different Haikou, the city where my friend was living, was from other parts of the world,  I remember being so shocked to see well developed buildings and roads, as I expected the landscape of China to look similar to what I saw in Peru since both countries are developing.  Because I unfortunately got sick with food poisoning and needed to change my travel plans so that I could get proper care, I went to Shanghai, which was not on my original travel itinerary, and visited a family friend.  The unfortunate experience of getting sick turned into a positive experience, as my family friend hired my close friend from grad school to work for her company.

Once I finished school, my traveling opportunities became severely restricted, as I had limited number of vacation days.  Because I wanted to continue to explore Latin America, I ventured to Costa Rica in 2012 where I saw stunning waterfalls, beaches and rainforest.

In 2013, I was missing Europe so much, and it had been four years since I visited the mainland Europe.  There was still so much more to explore in Europe.  I took a two weeks trip a to Croatia, Slovenia and Austria.  I know I obsessively talk about how beautiful our planet is, but Croatia and Slovenia did not cease me to say how gorgeous the landscapes were.  I adored seeing the turquoise lakes and oceans, waterfalls and mountains.  Because I loved watching Sound of Music when I was growing up, I so wanted to stop by Salzburg and see where the movie was filmed.  I immensely enjoyed recognizing scenes from the movie everywhere I went in Salzburg.

The very last stamp in my passport was my trip to Canada to see my family last summer.  I look forward to receiving my new passport, and I hope my new passport will continue to unlock many more doors to wonderful destinations around the world and also more opportunities in my life.

Shortly after my great-grandmother passed away eight years ago and left a vacation property to her three children, a family feud was created by some relatives regarding who could own the vacation property. These said relatives caused a rift between many of the family members and abandoned many of us from a vacation property that is deeply rooted in our own family history.  Thus, we  found a new “home” for our family reunion where we were able to revive the good ol’ traditions.

We found a beautiful rental property in Stowe, Vermont, where 21 family members were able to fit comfortably in one big house and share many positive dynamics of life – cooking, barbecuing, baking goodies, playing games, laughing, chatting, photographing, gazing at the stars, riding and feeding the horses, etc.

Stars twinkling at night

Playing with glowing sticks

Family at the Malt Shop

All the family members wearing masks

Cooking blueberry pancakes

Family playing a game together

Family members enjoying some great laughs

Stowe, a small town that is notably known for its ski resort and is a homeland to the Von Trapp family from The Sound of Music, couldn’t be a more perfect place for people coming from all various ages – children to elders.  A man in his 60′s swooshed down the Alpine Slide while seven year-olds went down too.  Hiking trails with magnificent waterfalls and mountains were found on every corner of the street.  There was a lake for kayaking, fishing and swimming.  There was a little museum at the Von Trapp Family Lodge for those who wanted to explore some history.  There were many opportunities for nature and landscape photography.

The town is so quirky as not one chain store existed and all restaurants were independent.  The Malt Shop, a retro diner on Depot Street, had something for everyone on their menu – grilled cheese, salads, chicken fingers, eggs, turkey sandwich, and etc – and everyone was so happy with what we ate for lunch that we went back there again a few days later for another lunch.  Many stores were filled with arts, crafts and antiques.

The moral of this story is that bad events can open a door to many joys and wonderful events filled with happiness…and also, no towns are too small for too much fun for all ages!

The whole family together

Moments later I was tuned out to listening to music on my iPod, daydreaming, and not really paying attention to the scenery.  While I my mind was in a haze, Michael said, “Rachel!  Look!”  My eyes popped out.  Canyons were at my sight!  As I was admiring the awe-striking scenery, we were driving through a very curvy road.  I felt as if I was on an amusement park ride like ‘It’s a Small World’!  There were trains roving on the very steep walls of the canyons.  A glistening green river weaved through the canyons.  Along the river, there were people kayaking and swimming.  I wanted to splash into the water, but I had to keep on going.

Shortly before reaching the finish line, a more stunning set of canyons came in sight.  The canyons were redder.  I asked Michael to stop to enjoy a moment in the canyons.  Once the car was parked, I hopped out and snapped a few shots.  We continued on.

The city of Moab was a bit disappointing and so, there is no need to go into details.  It was just simply a pit stop with a few shops and restaurants.

In order to enjoy the sunset and viewing beautiful lighting on the landscape, Michael and I headed to Arches National Park in the evening.  As the planet was turning westward, the landscape appeared more and more dramatic to the point that it became a silhouette.  It was a sentimental moment to view the West.

The following morning, Michael and I went for an off-road trekking through the canyons.  It was a very bumpy roller coaster ride!  We were riding on the edge of the canyons and going steep down the hill while the rocks on the ground were causing our bodies to jerk and wobble like popcorn popping.

Shortly after trekking down and up through the canyons, we headed back to Vail.  As we were heading back, I suddenly felt trapped in another planet.  The sky was gray.  The air was thick and filled with dust.  Wind was blowing so hard that I could feel the car rattling.  I was experiencing a dust bowl!  What a grand western life!

While Vail is known as a ski resort, the town has a lot to offer in the summer – hiking, biking, riding the gondola, art festival, eating, and just relaxing. The following morning after arriving in Vail, I headed to the top of the world by taking a gondola. Being at the top of the mountains provided nothing but a serene moment. A number of evergreen trees stood on the rolling hills filled with lush green grass. The weather couldn’t be anymore perfect. The sun glimmered in the sky while there were a few clouds scattered everywhere. Mj, her husband, Merril, her son, Max, and I hiked throughout the beautiful landscape.

The following day, Mj, Max, and I walked for about a half mile on the road and then we went into the woods. When I think of woods, it often brings magical treasures. After about a mile or so, I was brought to an open vast space of mountains with a field of grass with a few flowers scattered throughout the ground. Then about another mile into the hike, I heard the sounds of water running from somewhere. A few moments later, I approached a beautiful waterfall nestled in the mountains. Life couldn’t be anymore beautiful…

A week ago, my friends from internship and I headed for another journey to the top of the world by taking a road trip to Estes Park, Trail Ridge Road, and the Rocky Mountain National Park.

At 9 AM in the morning, when we were in the suburbs of Denver, while the temperature was warm, the sun was sparkling in the sky.  The mountains were brilliantly green.  Pine trees with evergreen leaves adorned the landscape.   As we continued to drive, a mountain filled with snow on the top peaked in the background of our own views.  As someone who grew up in the south where snow rarely existed, seeing snow is a treasure.

While we were driving down the road towards Estees Parks, mountains with snow appeared larger and larger in our eyes.  While we were getting closer to the snow, the weather was still warm.  So warm that I was still in short sleeves.

Shortly after we passed by Estees Park, we finally entered the Rocky Mountain National Park and drove along the Trail Ridge Road.  We were driving towards the sky.  As we emerged to the higher altitude, the temperature dipped to the point that it felt wonderful.  The feeling of cool breeze swooping by me felt really good.

We continued to go up and up towards 12,000 ft above the sea level.  The higher we traveled, we felt closer to the North Pole.  Snow appeared right in front of our eyes.  The minute my friends and I saw a field of snow, we pulled the car to the side.  The minute we entered outside, we felt we were living in middle of a winter season!  It was so cold that I had a coat on me.  Aside from the freezing temperature, the wind was so fierce that girls’ long hair were flowing upwards.   As I was walking, the wind obviously wanted to be in charge of my journey because it pushed me forward giving me the signal to keep on walking.  There were occasions when the wind pushed to the side.

In spite of the powerful winds, it didn’t stop me from enjoying the snow.  I picked up some snow, created a snowball, and threw it.

We continue to travel on top of the world and admired the beautiful scenery.  After a few hours of driving, we made back down to the sea level where I was able to take my coat off and eventually no longer saw snow on the ground.

If I suffer from heat one day, all I have to do is go to the Rocky Mountains to cool off!

Being in the office for 8 hours everyday where we’re trapped inside a box, my friends from internship and I crave for fresh air, mountains and soft, green grasses.  One evening after work, I asked a friend of mine who was my mom’s good friend from Boston, Mj and her husband, if there is a place for us to escape from the society of big box stores, commercials and other corporations.  Mj and her husband took me for a journey to a mystical land.

Daniel’s Park couldn’t be any more stunning for a quick place to escape.  Watching the sun set behind the mountains was glorious.  What was even more beautiful was watching the bikers ride into the sunset!  It was a symbolism of a typical life in Colorado.

The following day, I brought my friends to Daniel’s Park where we enjoyed another magnificent view of the sunset.  Best of all, we enjoyed hearing the sounds of winds gushing by our ears.  Aside from enjoying the world of nature, we had a picnic dinner.

On a very bleak and gloomy Saturday, two weekends ago, three friends and I headed south of Denver to venture on the COG railway to the top of the mountain.

As we were riding on the tracks to the top, we looked out the window.  There were many pine trees along with rocks in various formations.  While we could see the foreground, we could not see the background.  It was totally gray.  It was OK because I devoted more time to seeing the land itself rather than to both the land and the sky.

As soon as we arrived at just over 14,000 feet above the sea level, we could see nothing but the ground.  We were practically inside the clouds!  It was one of those moments where I had the opportunity to feel what is like to be in the massive thickness of clouds.  When I fly on the plane, I always wondered what is like to be inside those clouds.  I got an answer to this feeling.  There was no sense of feeling softness like as if we touching the cotton balls.  I was walking through a sauna except it was FREEZING.  While at the sea level ground, it was in the 60’s, the temperature was around 30 degree Fahrenheit with strong winds at the top.

Aside from immersing inside the clouds, we saw snow!  As someone who is from the south, seeing snow is a real treasure.  Unfortunately the combination of cold temperature and winds did not signal any motivation to play snowball fights.

The high altitude obviously messed up my friends’ and my brain because during the entire journey back down, we did nothing but laugh hysterically.  We all looked like we were bunch of riots!

Before we headed on the COG railway, we stopped at a funky, little town called Manitou Springs where I felt was in a foreign country.  The architectural style was so different.  There were buildings with turquoise trimmings.  There was a pink house!  A few buildings had paintings of a fantasy world.  People were proudly hippie by wearing tie dye shirts and other hideous clothing.  The shops and restaurants were the best of all.  I was free from the world of big box and chain stores.  This gave me the opportunity to buy unique items – items made by artisans.  Because I met a residence of the town, he introduced me to a few locals including shopkeepers, which gave me a sense of close connection to the town.

I am now in Colorado for the summer to work and travel.  It’s really a  “kill two birds with one stone” moment because while I have an incredible opportunity to gain experiences in working in a corporation by interning with Cochlear, I am also immersing myself in the beautiful scenary of the state of Colorado!

While I have seen so much of the world, outside of my own country and culture, I still have so much more to explore in my own backyard, especially the West.

Just over a week ago, I had the privilege to spend a day in the mountains with a good friend of my mom’s who was her colleague in Boston over 20 years ago.

I always thought other places around the world such as Europe and New Zealand are far more beautiful than my own country; however, the US has many hidden treasures too.  Eldorado Springs, the mountains where I ventured, proved me that stunning landscapes exist in the US.

Mountains rose high above the sea level and trees covered a vast area of the land.  Watching the clouds move as the shadows shifted on the mountains and viewing the brilliant green leaves wave like a flag as the wind blows away are pieces of moments I enjoyed seeing.  There was one particular spot that made me stop and view the scene because not only it was so beautiful, but it made me think of American realism paintings – paintings that depicted the open vast landscapes of America with serene sentiments.