within borders

When I lived in Europe, my local friends were astonished at how much travelling I had done within Europe in a one year span. And similarly I found it mind-boggling that there were major cities in Europe that my friends still had not visited. "It's too far," one might say, or "I just don't have the time." To me everything was just a short train ride or flight away. And I always had the time because frankly I was a student.

Many of these same friends, however, have flown to American cities that I've never been too, particularly in the east coast. New York seemed to be the number one destination for most, which makes sense since its much closer and cost efficient to fly there as opposed to the west coast.

On this note, I have come to realize that some people tend to neglect to explore their own surroundings. I was born, raised, and spent the majority of my life in the U.S. However, not counting airport layovers, the only cities outside of California that I have spent some time in were Chicago and Las Vegas. And Las Vegas is debatable since I was only 10 when I visited and I do not recall much of what I saw. I’m sure I'll have a different perspective going in at 27. As for Chicago, I spent almost two weeks there with the assumption that I was going to relocate there, but I was drawn back to sunny southern California instead. Chicago was a great city, nevertheless, with its fantastic architecture, historical routes, and entertaining nightlife; definitely the heart of America as many people allude to.

I have devoted all of my travels to outside of the U.S. (mostly Europe) and neglected to find out what lies outside California, within the borders of the country I was born in. Now that I'm back from Europe, I want to devote the next couple of years of my life (assuming that I will still be in the U.S. of course) to exploring the rest of the U.S. I think it's time for a cross-country road trip. What better way to experience the country, right? And of course, I will make it a priority to visit New York City. It's the city that I need to visit. So everyone tells me.

Consider this a New Years resolution.

tribute to Pointer

If you're going to live in Holland you are going to need a bike. It took me six months to figure this out. Bikes usually go for well over 100 Euros, so I thought I could save the money. I opted on using my feet, which was no problem since my classes were literally adjacent to my apartment. Plus the city of Amsterdam has great public transportation and everywhere within the city center is in close proximity and in walking distance. But an offer was made that I couldn't resist and from then on my perspective of Amsterdam changed drastically.

One night I was walking to a bar with friends who all had their own bikes when a junkie approached me with a bike for sale. The locals strongly advice against this, plus it's against the law. But because of my financial circumstances, I figured why not. I pulled out 20 Euros and the junkie gladly accepted. Once I started riding around the city I couldn't believe I had gone all that time without a bike. You really have not fully integrated into the Dutch society until you have a bike. I felt like I was a true Amsterdamer. I was experiencing the city in a whole new different light.

The safety bar on my bike featured the word "Pointer" and the bar just in between my front wheel and handle bars displayed a picture of a pointer dog. I called my bike Pointer. It was the closest thing to having a dog at the time. Pointer took me to class, grocery shopping at Albert Heijn, the city center, bars, clubs, and the train station. Most importantly, I rode along with friends. I was no longer the one straggling behind by foot. I had one bike lock which kept the bike out of risk. Most Dutchies would recommend two locks. (See below for picture of Pointer on a nice summer day in Oosterpark).

When I decided to finally leave Amsterdam, I didn't want to sell my bike because I wanted it to still be accessible if I ever decided to come back. I offered my friend to hold on to the bike for me, but he had left for Israel before the handing over of the bike was made. Instead of selling it, I locked it up to the bike rack in front of the apartment I lived in. Low and behold, after 10 months of being locked up outside, amidst rainy days and a harsh winter, the bike was where I left it under the shrubbery of a green tree planted on concrete. The front tire was flat, but nothing that a bike pump couldn't fix. Pointer and I were together again. For only two more months that is. Unfortunately my move back to Europe didn't work out as planned.

So now I was faced again with the decision of what to do with Pointer. This was not going to be another short period away. I knew deep down inside that my return to Europe, to Holland, to Amsterdam, was not going to be anytime soon. I made my decision. Instead of leaving my bike locked up for however long, and once again running the risk of it being stolen, I left it with my good friend Daphne. Better it be in the hands of a good friend then to once again endure a lonely lock up. I'm glad Pointer will continue to zip along the streets of Amsterdam during my absence. Sadly, Pointer, you are now replaced by a blue Honda Accord. Good-bye ol' Pointer. Hope to see you once more. Good-bye Amsterdam. Hope to return. (for more on bicycling culture in Amsterdam see previous post here).

the lone traveler

I caught the traveling bug during my first getaway to Europe on a study abroad program to the Netherlands. I took advantage of the opportunity and visited nearby metropolitan cities: Paris, London, and Köln. One year later, I spent a few months in China where I taught English. Other than teaching, I had ample time to visit the south western portion of China and neighboring areas of Shenzhen: Lijiang, Dali, Kunming, Guilin, Guangzhou, & Hong Kong. I later returned to Europe to pursue a Masters degree and checked off more cities from my checklist: Prague, Vienna, Barcelona, Lisbon, Berlin, Venice, Milan & Brussels. Upon my return to Amsterdam a few months ago (which was suppose to be a permanent stay in Europe; now I’m back in Los Angles) I ventured off to Rome; a city that I've always wanted to explore due to its rich history and beauty.

I've traveled on my own and with friends, but for the majority of my experiences I was a lone traveler. I was uncertain as to my time constraints, which meant I had to cease whatever opportunity I had to venture off to a new part of the world, even if it meant doing it on my own. Plus I’m a spontaneous person. I like to do things right then and now, and that doesn’t compute with many of my friends' schedules.

I realized the benefits of traveling alone. For instance, I had my privacy in my hotel room, unless I was in one of those hostel room situations with 10 others. For the most part, I avoided this in Europe. China on the other hand, I didn't have much choice due to a very limited budget. As a lone traveler, I was also able to manage my own travel itinerary, visit the spots that I wanted to see, and take breaks at my own pace from the long, sometimes excruciating, walks. The many churches in Rome, for instance, served as great resting spots and provided relief for my throbbing feet.

Although convenience and privacy is offered the lone traveler, I have to admit that every time I discovered a new city I thought how nice it would have been to share the experience with someone else; a good friend or that "special" someone. At times I felt lonely and I'm usually not the type of person that interacts with the locals or other tourists, unless I'm traveling with someone else. I initially wanted to save Rome for a joint venture, but I didn’t want to wait around. I was in Amsterdam at the time and discovered an incredibly cheap round trip flight to Rome. I can always go back some day anyhow. Plus there is a lot more to see and maybe then I’ll have a little more patience to wait around for someone else to join on in. I still have yet to uncover South America, Africa, Australia, etc. Want to come with?

horror nights

Out of all the silly American holidays, the one I most get a kick out of is the day devoted to horror, mayhem, costumes, candy, and ghouls. Yes, it’s that time of the year again: Halloween. For those foreigners who may not understand the concept of Halloween, it's basically an excuse to dress up in a costume and roam the streets begging for candy (this aspect normally reserved for children) or attend a party or outside festival. Sort of like Carnival, but celebrated on October 31st with a horror twist.

This year, to get into the Halloween spirit, my friends and I visited the Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights (Note: This is not a promotional blog. Just wanted to devote this blog to my favorite holiday).The theme park closes in the afternoon and reopens at night transformed into a spook-tacular night of mayhem full of costumed freaks and unnerving chainsaw shrills. Four mazes are set up throughout the theme park each devoted to a horror movie: Saw, Halloween, My Bloody Valentine, Child's Play. The rooms in each maze resemble a scene from these films. For example, if you've watched the first Saw movie, you'll recognize the bathroom stall in which the majority of the movie takes place. But beware! You never know when a masked killer or monster is going to pop up as you enter a new room or hallway. But most of all, beware your friends. They're the ones who will touch or grab you, and they probably will if they're jerks. Surprisingly, my favorite maze was the one devoted to My Bloody Valentine, a film I haven't seen yet, but now have an interest to. There’s something about an axe-wielding maniac in a gas mask that I found unsettling.


The tram ride, which normally takes you through the studios and movie sets, this time takes a different route and drops you off right near the Norman Bates house where a path has been cleared for guests to walk through (basically an outside haunted maze). Psycho is one of my favorite films of all time, so I was definitely pleased to have had the chance to walk along the Bates home and hotel. Normally you see it from afar during the Tram's normal route.

At Universal Horror Nights, expect a more elaborate and hi-tech decor than mazes you'll encounter at other theme parks or fair grounds. After all, this is a movie studio, having the advantage of recycling movie props for mazes. The EXIT signs and theme park workers at designated areas guiding guests throughout the mazes, however, kind of ruined the illusion. I say eliminate the signs and get rid of the workers, but I understand. Safety comes first. I think the trick to events like these, especially if you're an adult, is to enter these mazes with imagination, bring along friends and have fun, no matter how cheesy or unrealistic it may appear. Leave your ego at the door and remember its Halloween.

deceived on the bridge

I thought about my time in Prague when my previous two house mates were planning a trip to the enchanted city. Although not the most exciting city, it does live up to its reputation of being one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Exactly a year from now I was on a 13 hour bus ride to Prague. The bus ride was dreadful, but the beauty of Prague offered an overall pleasant experience well worth the long trip.


The Charles Bridge is one of the city’s highlights which connects the old town with the Prague Castle. It is adorned with tarnished statues of Christian Saints, one of which is the famous St. Peter with golden halo. In addition to these masterpieces, the bridge is also overwhelmed with tourists, which is why the late evening provides for a more convenient stroll.

The bridge, although an astonishing sight, served as the setting for a well-crafted manipulation that I fell for because of my love for dogs. As I walked down the bridge one night, I came across a young beggar boy kneeling on the ground adjacent to one of the statues. His arms were wrapped around his knees and his face down. His two mixed-breed dogs, one of which was bigger than the other, lay on their sides appearing malnourished and asleep. My heart sank at the sight of these two pups. An open hat lay beside the boy. I rarely ever give money to street beggars, but this time I dropped the change I had in my pocket into the hat and walked away.

When the bridge ended, I turned around and walked back across the bridge. As I came across the boy and his dogs once again, I was surprised to see him laughing and chatting happily away with another boy who appeared to be his friend. As for the pups, instead of looking like they were on the verge of dieing, they were now lively and happy. I had been duped, although I have to admit, it was a clever trap.

to live and die in LA

As my bio to the right states, I was born and raised in Los Angeles --the city I've grown to hate and love. I've made several attempts to flee my roots and find a place to call home, but LA pulls me back somehow. I thought about the reasons for my mixed feelings towards the city my mother refers to as sua terra (my land). She uses this term to guilt me into staying in LA. Her argument is that I should stay where my roots are, but I find it awkward to hear this from a woman who moved thousands of miles away from her parents to LA after marrying my father in Portugal. But I can't blame her for trying. A mother hates to see her child go.

As for my LA predicament, I came up with the pros that come with living in LA: Convenience and comfort seem to be the main charms that the city has to offer. I'm familiar with the city --I know how to get around, the shortcuts, hot-spots, and yet because the city is so expansive I still discover something new. Just three months ago I came across Runyon Canyon and finally visited the Griffith Observatory which I recommend. The weather is also great although it can get a bit too hot during the summer. Luckily I escaped most of this year's scorching summer by spending a few months in Amsterdam. And how can I forget my friends. Although I only have a few friends in California, these are my best friends and I do not want to become the estranged friend that is never available. Before I left for Amsterdam this year, my friend admitted that she failed to invite me to an event because she didn't think that I was around any longer. This hurt, but it was understandable.

And of course my family is here. I find it unnerving to be thousands of miles away and finding my parents at least a year older each time I see them. My poor mom and pop are getting old and its showing. I do not want to be unpleasantly surprised each time I see them. Not only is my family getting older, but they’re also growing in number. I have a niece and a nephew coming in December and it would be nice to witness the young-ins grow up.

But LA is also the land of the earthquakes, wildfires, heat waves, struggling actors, fake boobs, (fake everything) and worst of all traffic. Horrible, horrible, traffic. Traffic has got to be the worst con of all. And if you're living in a nice LA neighborhood-- West Hollywood, Venice, Santa Monica, Hollywood --you will constantly face the no parking chaos which forces you to drive around and around for endless hours until a spot miraculously opens. I believe if traffic and lack of parking was abolished then it would make up for all the other cons that LA intrudes on its civilians. I thought I hated driving, but it is actually the traffic that makes the experience unbearable. Anyways, I can go on and on about how much I hate wasting precious time due to traffic. I'm currently in LA and to my dismay I'm happy to be back and look forward to the next chapter in my life.

cool America!

It was a scorching summer in Shenzhen, China. My mission: teach English for three months to a group of about twenty Chinese youngsters, aged eight to ten. They were bratty, unmanageable, and didn’t understand a single English word I uttered. It was a mission impossible. But in light of the frustration, I ended my experience with a great fondness for these little scoundrels, learning a great deal from them and their culture.

The highlight of my teaching assignment in China was the closing ceremony. Each class was assigned a presentation to be performed in front of the entire Chinese staff and the kid’s parents. The theme was American culture and it was our duty as teachers to demonstrate to the audience the positive influence we had on our students. While the other English teachers chose appropriate children’s songs and skits to perform, I took a much bolder and entertaining approach. The presentation was entitled “Cool America.” It consisted of two segments: a fashion show and a sing along to Depeche Mode’s Just Can’t Get Enough. Yes! A fashion show and Depeche Mode. You read correctly the first time.

To prepare for the fashion show, my students’ created clothing out of colored paper and wore accessories such as sunglasses, bracelets, and best of all, Christmas flare: there just so happen to be some laying around in my classroom (see photo above) One by one they strutted down the stage to Paul Oakenfold’s mix of One Day. The audience joined in a joyous uproar as my students’ stroke a pose at center stage.

The second segment took a little more work on my part. I was initially inspired by the GAP commercial where a camera pans across a row of male and female models in jeans and t-shirts singing along to Just Can’t Get Enough. It was going to be a challenge to teach all of my class the entire lyrics, so I opted on only the main chorus along with a choreographed dance. (see video below). After some hesitation from students-- and by hesitation I mean crying, whining, and throwing fits --the performance turned out to be a great success. I was very proud of my class.

Unfortunately, the closing ceremony also marked the last time I would see my students. Tears were shed as we shared our good-byes. This was the summer of 2005 and I still wonder what these kids are up to.