6.6 Boston, When Can I Go Back?

When people think about traveling to their dream destination, many think some place tropical, a popular place, or somewhere outside of the United States. While yes, there are some places like that where I want to travel to, but I have been to one of my dream destinations, Boston, Massachusetts.

 

Let’s rewind back to November 2015. I was a sophomore in high school at the time, and I had the opportunity to go on a mock trial trip to Boston. I’ve always wanted to go to Boston. This was my very first trip, my first time on an airplane, and my first time going anywhere outside of Wisconsin or Minnesota. The day we flew out, it was Friday the 13^th. I was a little nervous just for the fact that my first-time flying was on Friday the 13^th. I remember my classmates and my teacher telling me about my facial expressions as we took off from Minneapolis. My face was lit up and I had a huge smile on my face for the majority of the flight. With the layover in Missouri, I was able to check off another state on my list. I’ll be honest, that entire trip was a dream come true. I felt so independent. I had four roommates, and we were able to walk the streets ourselves like we lived there. I also met some friends there that I still keep in contact with to this day. For the few days that I was there, I did so many different things, and I want to be back there. 

 

Here are things I did there that I would do again if I went back:

 

·      Ride the subway trains                                        

Airplane image from myself

·      Stay in Medford

·      Walk the Harvard University Campus

·      Walk the Freedom Trail (almost all of it)

·      Shop at Quincy Market

·      Meet new friends

·      Ride a small ferry boat

·      Sight see

·      Go to Mike’s Pastry

 

Sitting here writing about this is bringing back a number of memories and my heart is getting full because I miss Boston so much. I can’t express how badly I want to jump on a plane and go back there. There is so much more that I want to do along with everything else I did the last time I was there.

 

 Here are some other things that I want to do:

·      Explore TD Garden

·      Go to a Boston Bruins hockey game

·      Walk the whole Freedom Trail

·      Go to more sub cities of Boston

 

Boston Skyline Image from myself.

This trip was a dream, and it would be a dream come true again if I ever go back. Someday, I will go back because I miss everything about it so much. I miss the scenery, the city itself, the landmarks, all the sights, and much more. It makes me happy inside and out, and I sit here and say to myself, "When can I go back?" 

 

I encourage you to take the time to travel to the places you want to go to because it will be worth it. You will make memories that you will always remember, and they will last a lifetime.

 

To find out more information about things to do in Boston check this out.

https://www.bostonusa.com/things-to-do/

6.6 A State Full Of Unspoiled Land

With national parks bigger than some countries and icebergs taller than skyscrapers, Alaska certainly doesn't do things by half measure. No matter what words one tries to use to describe what Alaska is, or what it has to offer, the old adage that "a picture is worth a thousand words" is the only way to express how special the 49th state really is.

Alaskan bear fishes for their dinner in a small waterfall

What Wildlife Alaska Has To Offer

Alaska is one of the best places for wildlife spotting. There is nothing in the world that can awe you like watching a Kodiak bear catching salmon out of a waterfall. There are few places left where you can see so many animals in their wild habitat, where in Alaska you can see that beauty of life in action. Some other wildlife you can see include:

• Brown Bear
• Grizzly Bear
• Black Bear
• Polar Bear
• Caribou
• Moose
• Mountain Goat
• Bison
• Orca
• Salmon
• Rainbow Trout
• Horned Puffin
• Snowy Owl

The Endless Adventure

Alaska is one of the last unspoiled lands full of mountains, glaciers, scenery, history and culture. In Alaska, nature continues as it always has, mostly untouched by human development. Every spring and summer, the flowers bloom and drape the land in beautiful brilliance. You do not need to go out of your way to see mountains and glaciers. 

When the last ice age ended, the glaciers retreated to the top
of the world as they melted away. 

Alaska is also the least populated state in the USA. It is also one of the least populated regions on earth, sharing that honor with places such as the Gobi Desert, Siberia, and parts of central Asia. The only thing you need to worry about when visiting Alaska is nature itself. You just breath and take it all in and feel the earth in your body and soul. 

If money was not an object and the world wasn't in the state it is, Alaska appears to be any adventurers dream come true with the untouched nature and unlimited outdoor activities. With plenty of television shows capturing Alaskan adventures, I will just have to stick with that until I can truly experience what it has to offer. 

Sources

https://adventuresoflilnicki.com/10-reasons-visit-alaska/

https://www.travelalaska.com/

6.6 Big, Beautiful, and Boujee in Los Angeles, California

The city of big dreams and aspirations, that's where I wanna go. Have you ever been dying to see a city in person just by seeing pictures and videos of it online? That's how I feel about Los Angeles, California. From just a little girl I knew I wanted to visit the city of talent and creativity. LA has always sparked an interest in me by Youtubers, Influencers, Actors/Actresses, Models, TV personalities, Artists, etc. It's hard to relate to their lifestyle coming from the Midwestern life I grew up on. I remember just staring at the Hollywood sign in people's pictures because I was so intrigued by visiting and seeing it in person one day. Look how beautiful it is! 

Why is Los Angeles so popular? 

Los Angeles is one of the most popular cities in the world, it is the second most popular city after New York. LA is known for its TV, Movie, and Music Industries. Hollywood attractions and famous beautiful beaches make this destination so popular. "In Los Angeles, everyone is a star," said Denzel Washington. No wonder why I wanna go so bad, everyone raves about it. Carly Rae Jepsen said a beautiful comment about Los Angeles "I like Los Angeles. So many artistic people, and I just love the weather."(Madison Moore, Thought Catalog)                                                                                                  

                                                                             Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, California. Photo by De 'Andre Bush on Unsplash 

 Places/Attractions I would LOVE to visit in LA

Wow, after reading that are you intrigued to visit yet? I just get so excited learning about this destination, I hope you do too. I came up with a mental list of things I would love to see in person. Feel free to jot down your favorites! 

Some of my dream places/attractions include:

• Hollywood Sign
• Walk of Fame
• Malibu, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach     
  
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Melrose Avenue
• Lemonade
• Downtown LA
• Shops and Stores
• The Sugar Factory
• Movie Studio
• Trader Joes
• Disneyland 
• Santa Monica Pier 

The list could go on forever but that's what makes LA so exciting! I would LOVE to go and take so many beautiful pictures, the beautiful palm trees, and the cityscape would look incredible in my camera roll!                                       Beautiful sunset on Venice Beach, Los Angeles captured by Viviana Rishe on Unsplash

Los Angeles has so many different attractions and things to do for everyone. From watching the sunset on the beach to walking on the stars of legends, I'm sure you will find something that fits your needs. I wish that money, COVID, and the dangers in California wasn't an issue right now because I would love to go soon. Definitely could use a vacation away during the winter while I'm freezing and chilly in the snow-covered weather. I sure hope you can experience this dream location with me, it will leave you feeling speechless! 

                                                                                      

                                                                            

6.6 Santorini, Greece: 4 Reasons this Island Paradise Calls to Me

Views of the Aegean Sea are plentiful.

While my husband can’t yet hear the beckoning call of the crystal blue water of the Aegean Sea and white-washed architecture on the cliffs of this beautiful Greek Island, I do! It beckons loud and clear in our incredibly crazy season of life. And though he and I won’t be speeding down the runway anytime too soon, it’s a dream destination I enjoy imagining.

1. Beauty

Having the time to pause and enjoy a moment of beauty is a great reset for any day. Having two weeks to be enveloped in beauty can do wonders for stressed minds and lives. Santorini is known for its incredible sunsets and its seaside balconies. The vivid hues of the turquoise sea and the cloudless skies add to the consistent beauty that this Greek island offers. The buildings were literally built on the cliffs overlooking the sea, offering the picturesque views' full advantage.

2. Beaches

The sandy beaches on the island of Santorini are unique. They boast various colors of black and red sand, depending on which shoreline you’re on. While different sand colors  differentiate the beaches, they all have in common the sun and surf. This Wisconsin girl’s heart melts at the thought of a sunny beach with a book in one hand and a cold drink in the other, swimming in the Aegean Sea between chapters of my book and sips of that drink.

3. Food

Mediterranean cuisine offers an expansive array of tastes for every pallet. Feta, marinated vegetables, flatbreads with hummus, and fresh fish are some of the endless options. Fresh herbs and spices are essential to the mouth-watering flavors. Add to that the authenticity of locally made cuisine, and that’s an incentive to contemplate. (Be right back, heading out for a gyro.) While there are well-known healthy aspects present in Mediterranean food, we’ll be on vacation, so bring on the flaky baklava!

Experience, travel--these are as 

education in themselves. 

- Euripides

4. Relaxation

Because we’d rather travel pretty much anywhere when it’s not peak season, October would be an ideal time to travel to Santorini. The warm sun is still out, but the crowds of people present in the earlier months aren’t. Our goals for relaxation will include leisurely moments combined with a bit of adventure and exploration.

               Opportunities for fun and relaxation

·        Hiking the cliffs

·        Touring on Jet Skis

·        Viewing at the open-air cinema

·        Cooking class

·        Visiting unique wineries

·        Conversing with locals

·        Dancing and drinks

Wineries are plentiful in Santorini, Greece.

While Santorini has a host of cultural and adventure opportunities, relaxation tops the list for this dreamer. No responsibility, no demands, no deadlines—Santorini, Greece, offers an ideal get-away to anticipate. The great thing about dream destinations is that we all get one.  So, what’s yours?

Sources:

https://www.kimkim.com/c/santorini-in-october-travel-tips-weather-and-more

https://handluggageonly.co.uk/2018/01/20/19-beautiful-greek-islands-visit/

6.6 - 5 Reasons Why I Would Love to Visit Barcelona and You Should Too

I first fell in love with the idea of traveling to Barcelona in 2002. My favorite band at the time had a television series, Viva S Club, that they filmed throughout the city. The show allowed me to learn that Barcelona was like no other city in the world. There are amazing Gothic architectures, fascinating art and sculptures, many beautiful beaches, world-renowned food, and vibrant, loving culture.

 

Gaudí Architecture

 

Antoni Gaudí has art all over Barcelona, including architecture. One of his most famous pieces is the Sagrada Família, a Roman Catholic basilica that has taken over a century to build. Construction on the basilica started in 1882 and is currently expected to be completed by 2026. Even with the construction cranes surrounding this building, it is still breathtakingly beautiful. There are so many fine details to appreciate throughout the structure. This intricate work is so rare these days. 

 

However, there are many other buildings around Barcelona with similar architectural styles. More places to get Gaudí:

• Casa Batlló
• Casa Vicens Gaudí
• Casa Milà
  

 

Sculptures and Art

Barcelona is home to famous artist Antoni Gaudí and the city is proud of it. There are multiple Gaudí sculptures placed around the city. However, nothing beats his mosaics. Head over to Park Güell for an overload of mosaics.

 

Some of the mosaics found in the park include:

• an iguana
• a wavy bench
• a spire
  

Breathtaking Beaches

 

Just like any seaside city, there are plenty of beaches to choose from when visiting Barcelona. Each beach is known for a certain activity and has views of the beautiful teal colored water of the Mediterranean Sea. If you are looking for sports activities, go to Sant Sebastià Beach. It is also the most popular and oldest beach in Barcelona. One could waste away an entire day watching beach-goers play beach volleyball.

Foods

 

Many people know Spain is famous for its Paella but I am not a seafood person. However, BonAppetour recommends some dishes I would still like to try.

Bombas

According to BonAppetour, bombas were created

during the Spanish Civil War. It is a large potato ball

served with two sauces, white garlic allioli, and a spicy red sauce.

Calçot and Romesco Sauce

Calçots are sweet onions specific to the Spanish region, Catalina. The onions are barbecued with meats. What interests me about this dish is the sauce.

Romesco sauce is made of an interesting combination of hazelnuts, almonds, and red peppers.

 

Culture

 

Spanish culture is something, unlike anything we experience in the United States. One rule of thumb for visiting Spain, or so I've heard, is never rush a Spaniard. They move at their own pace and will not rush as long as they are creating personal relationships. According to GoinGlobal, siestas are a thing of the past. Today, Spaniards have several hours of leisurely talk, referred to as sombremesas.