SANTA MONICA

April 03, 2014

My last free day of Spring Break

was oh-so-satisfying...

I think she wore that shirt on purpose...jk <3

Vacation is over and my last quarter as a Freshman in college has begun...where has time gone??

For my last day of spring break, I joined my church's college group for a day out in Malibu and Santa Monica. We started off with an adventurous (and kind of dangerous to say the least) hike on the Escondido Falls trail in Malibu. Why was this hike dangerous? Well, if you noticed the 4th photo I posted, you would see a "no trespassing" sign in the midst of various bushes and rocks--we accidentally walked on the wrong path that lead us to a gravel-filled hill so steep that we had to get down on our knees to keep from falling.

Nonetheless, it was quite the experience and the day kept getting better with our trip to the beach. Now, for those who know me, biking at Santa Monica was only the second time I ever rode a bicycle (the first time was in China...story for another day). I think I'm almost a pro now...just kiddin'.

We ended the day with a meal at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.--I found out, after a quick google search that this restaurant was actually inspired by the movie Forrest Gump (a movie I highly recommend)! I had previously thought the movie came after but I guess I was wrong!

I had a wonderful time at home this break and I'm ready to start this new quarter with a bang! What did you do this break, or, if you are on break currently, what do you plan on doing?

Have an awesome day folks,

Rachel

LACMA:

March 28, 2014

Adventure time in LA...

My beautiful friends <3

I recently purchased a new lens for my camera--just in time for spring break!

Finally reunited with my friends after being away in college for so long, we decided to go for a trip to downtown LA. Following a trip to Lemonade (for the first time!) my friends and I drove over to LACMA for a mini photoshoot. It took some getting used to, but after a couple test shots, I was able to capture some awesome moments of our time together within the street light jungle located just outside the art museum. I definitely need to come back to this place during the day time and visit the special exhibits they hold every so often...

I hope those on spring break enjoy the last few days we have before returning to our busy schedules!

See ya in my next post,

Rachel

TO CHINA AND BACK

April 22, 2013

It's been a long, long time since I've posted on my blogspot. In those weeks in which I've been too... lazy (for a lack of better words), I have been more focused on school work and college commitments. Just for those of you wondering: I committed to University of California, San Diego! I am so glad to be a part of the Triton family and my parents could not have been happier. I'm so thankful to God and to all those who have helped me along the way that I am now going to attend one of the top schools in the nation.

Anyway, this past spring break, I went on a well-coveted trip with my EF tour group to CHINA! More specifically, I stayed in the great capital, Beijing. This trip, as cliche as it may sound, opened so many culturally doors for me and taught me to be thankful for all the blessings that I have here in sunny California. Seriously, I have never been more thankful for sitting toilets than after this trip to Asia. I also accomplished so many events on my bucket list like climbing the Great Wall and seeing pandas in their homeland.

Here is a short photo diary of my travels; hope it will encourage you to save up and consider traveling to this amazing country!

Still a bit jetlagged,

Rachel