TNO: Travel

Shanghai, China

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:40:00 -0400

Hi!

I’m not able to get wifi on my iPad, so this is a slow hunt and peck on my phone.

We had a long but good flight from LAX to Shanghai’s PuDong Airport. We actually were delayed for two hours before take-off, making it a very long day. We left LA early Friday, and with the time change, arrived Saturday night.

I’m with a delegation of 21 administrators, mostly from the San Gabriel Valley. You all know our SPMS Principal, Mr. Kubela. He is part of the delegation, as well.

Today, Mr. Kubela and I are off to explore the city on our own. We were the only ones to take the option of a day without chaperones. We want to find a tour so we can get an overview, and then we’ll probably double back to see some areas through walking tours.

If my calculations are correct, as I write this on Sunday morning our time, many of you are getting ready for the prom. I wish you all a wonderful evening. Make it drama-free, fun, and safe. I hate to miss it, but other adventures await…

Until the next message and with love,

Ms. Anderson

Boston, Massachusetts

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:50:00 -0400

By Kelsey Hess

Staff Writer

Ten minutes spent in Downtown Boston could have you head-over-heels in love. Its incredible diversity and atmosphere make it unforgettable. From the Italian-influenced North End to the upper-class houses of Cambridge, Boston offers more in less than 50 square miles than some entire states do.

Boston is a college town, setting it apart from its big-city peers. Boston Common, the centrally located park, is minutes away from institutions such as Emerson, Suffolk, Boston University, Northeastern, and MIT. Metropolitan Boston is home to more than 50 institutions of higher learning, everything from Ivy League colleges to renowned music schools.

This college-centric nature gives the city and its surrounding areas an entirely unique atmosphere. Every September, over 120,000 students descend on the city, filling its seemingly endless pizza parlors and running to catch the T, Boston’s form of public transportation.

Whether they actually attend a college in the city or not, everyone is influenced by the presence of these institutions. Boston has an extremely educated feel to it; intelligent conversation can be overheard in every restaurant, from the $300 seafood meal at Neptune’s to the Starbucks in the Prudential Center.

Thirty years ago, Boston was not the charming town it is today. It was struggling due to lack of funding, gang activity, and absence of businesses. However, as more and more universities established themselves in the heart of the city, Boston began to rise in social status. Although the majority of Boston’s civilians may rotate every four years, the city has an inspiring amount of entertainment, intelligence, and community. Not to mention that the food is sublime.

Israel and Jordan

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:25:00 -0500

Photos by Matt Winkel

Dallas, TX

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:08:33 -0500

By Devin Mitchell
News Editor

It seems strange that a city would choose to highlight the fact that the most notable historical event to occur there was the assassination of one of the more popular American presidents. And for awhile, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy was a sore subject in Dallas, Texas. But today, Elm Streetnding Dealey Plaza, where the assassination took place, is a major tourist attraction. A white “X” on the street even marks the very spot where Kennedy was shot dead.

Especially compared to other areas of the city, the plaza is crawling with people. Many eyes are on the sixth floor window of the former Texas School Depository Building, where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired several shots and fatally wounded President Kennedy. But various conspiracy theories about what actually happened are being audibly discussed, and those who actually believe the Warren Commission’s version of events are hard to come by.

And the grassy knoll, where many think a second shooter may have been, is the center of the scene. Several street vendors are selling supposedly unseen video footage and commemorative publications going into detail about every facet of the assassination. Visitors periodically look for a good time in the flow of traffic to take a picture on the “X.”

The most formal acknowledgement though is the Sixth Floor Museum, located on the floor that Oswald shot from. The window has been restored to its condition in November 1963, and the remainder of the floor contains historic films and displays detailing Kennedy’s trip to Dallas, the assassination, the aftermath, and popular conspiracy theories.

The opening of the museum in 1989 and the decision on the part of the city to ultimately formally acknowledge the assassination was a good one. Though it was obviously a tragic and unfortunate event, Dealey Plaza was still the site of an important historical occurrence, and people are now able to travel there and learn about what happened with the location largely intact.

While Dallas offers other attractions—such as the stadium of the Cowboys football team—Dealey Plaza is the most historic aspect of the blooming Texas metropolis.

Sedona, Arizona

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:23:00 -0500

By Shyam Senthilkumar
Business Manager

Sedona, also known as “Red Rock Country” is located in the heart of Arizona and is an excellent tourist location. My family and I only had a day to dedicate to the town, but one can easily spend several days experiencing all Sedona has to offer.

Sedona has a method to please all visitors, whether you’re simply into nature and outdoor sports, or even into shopping and the arts.

The absolutely stunning aspect of Sedona is the red rocks that enrich the inner town and the surrounding environment. It’s a breathtaking view to take in. Throughout Sedona, whether it be the dirt, cliffs or even buildings, everything takes on a red theme.

Just outside of Sedona, there are a multitude of different hikes available through the rocky forests that surround the town. For the novices like myself there are plenty that take on a gradual incline but still go as high as 5000 ft. For the more daring there are designated areas where one can rock climb up the brick-red cliffs.

Strolling down the main street of the town, you become immersed in the culture of the town. Sedona has many art galleries, most of which display paintings of the area and some of which hold countless sculptures of rock and crystal.

Sedona hosts plenty of hotels and cabins for overnight stay, but arguably one day is sufficient to get a sense of the area. However, if you find yourself in Arizona, Sedona is a must see and definitely worth a day trip.

Paso Robles, CA

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:28:27 -0500

By Clem Witherall
Assoc. Sports Editor

Two hundred miles north of South Pasadena rests Paso Robles, the heart of central California’s wine country. The region is home to over 150 boutique wineries and thousands of acres of rural land filled with crops and a variety of animals.

Although the main attraction in the city is wine tasting, making Paso Robles more of an adult destination, there are some activities that appeal to all. The vineyards and beautiful farm country are great for hiking and cycling. Horseback riding is also popular attraction among visitors. There are many fine restaurants hidden in the friendly and colorful downtown area.

A trip to Paso Robles can also be a good college touring experience. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and University of California Santa Barbara, both popular schools among SPHS students, are situated south of Paso Robles.

Paso Robles isn’t the place for wild and crazy fun, but if you are searching for a charming and picturesque vacation, then it is the perfect spot.

Northfield, Minnesota

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 03:00:33 -0500

Thomas Von Bibra: Online Staff Writer

Far to the North from our Southern California home, lies the frigid state of Minnesota.

If you can get over the freezing temperatures, a truly beautiful world is revealed, a rare rural beauty. With clear starry nights, colorful sunsets, medievalist architecture and kind people, Minnesota is the place to go if you want to get away from the heat and the city atmosphere.

My visit there served as a college visit and a visit to my sister. In the three days I was there, I quickly fell in love with the landscape and the people.

My travels took me to St. Olaf College, a school seemingly taken from the land of Narnia. It seems like a medieval castle with snow gently covering stone towers and long, tall buildings that resemble stone cathedrals. The school itself is known for its music and science programs, with choirs that tour the county.

My visit to the school was primarily to visit the St. Olaf Christmas Festival. The school’s orchestra companies the five primary choirs in a spectacular show of vocal ensemble.

Academics aside, the people of Minnesota are truly special in themselves. Life moves slower here, and the people are genuinely kind. The sense of community is not just from town to town but statewide.

On multiple occasions, upon reaching the school parking lot, it took only a matter of seconds before a stranger would approach me and ask if I needed any help finding something, a phenomenon difficult to come across even once in Los Angeles.

And while many may joke at the funny-looking Norwegian Sweaters that are extremely popular among both students and adults, the cold air outside not at all dims the spirits of these fine people.

For cows, colleges, and contentment (as the motto for Northfield goes), Minnesota is a place to see if you don’t mind wearing a couple extra layers of clothing in order to go outside.

Washington, D.C.

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:52:00 -0500

Heather Vaughan: Staff Writer

Anyone thinking about visiting our nation’s capital should be forewarned; although the city is scenic and picturesque, beware of distractions while on the road, because one wrong turn can mean hours of swimming in a sea of traffic. The drive to our hotel from the airport—which should have taken an hour—ended up spanning several as we drove in circles and waited in standstill lines of cars. However, once we arrived in the early evening, we found it far easier to navigate the city by foot. We chose to walk to an authentic Italian pizzeria, where our food was prepared before us by a pair of accented Italian men and bore the closest resemblance to bona fide Italian pizza than anything I’d tried in California.

The next day, we decided to explore the city and ended up heading towards DC’s Newseum, a museum dedicated to the history and intricacies of journalism in all its forms.

One of the most powerful exhibits in the Newseum is a collection of all of the Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs of the last century. They are presented with completely backstories of the moment captured. Iconic images that students have seen in school and people come across often on the intent are given a context in this fascinating exhibit, and even the lesser-known images become captivating when reading their backgrounds.

There is also a collection of first-person accounts of the September 11 attacks. This exhibit includes the front pages of an assortment of magazines and newspapers from the days following. Perhaps the most impressive exhibit in the Newseum is the history of Germany’s Berlin Wall, which was accompanied by seven actual segments of the wall itself, salvaged when it was destroyed.

I also appreciated an exhibit of the work of acclaimed sports photographer Neil Leifer, which showed a lighter side of journalism compared to some of the museum’s other exhibits. It included sports photos from as early as the 1950s, which provided stark contrast to the media-soaked athletic events of modern day with their simplicity.

On our way back to the hotel, a light drizzle quickened our steps. However, we took time to observe one of the many “Occupy DC” protests that was taking place within the city. Protesters had set up tents in what would have otherwise been an empty plaza on the corner of DC’s K street, proclaiming their disapproval of anything and everything through picket signs, sidewalk chalk graffiti, and banners stretching across their pavilion.

Boise, Idaho

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:40:05 -0400

Zoey DuPont: Online Staff Writer

This summer, I took a weeklong vacation to Boise, Idaho. I went out there to visit with my dad, who just bought a three-bedroom town house. He had a lot of adventurous activities planned, but none of them seemed to follow through. So we had to figure it out day by day, making use of our time.

The first couple of days, we went shopping around downtown Boise, which slightly resembled Old Town Pasadena. There are plenty of places to purchase clothes and shoes, as well as local restaurants and cafes. Everything hosted great merchandise, delicious food and fun atmosphere. Despite the homesickness, it was difficult not to have a great time in downtown.

Next, we went “Cosmic Bowling” at Emerald Lanes. The only light in the alley was the glowing white clothing articles and grins, while strobe lights sporadically lit selected areas. Alongside every lane there was a big screen playing popular music videos. Bowling is one of the most popular pastimes in Boise, and it was a great experience.

Then, we decided to drive four hours to the small and deserted town of Pocatello, Idaho to attend a Gay Pride Festival. My dad’s roommate is gay and was planning on going to the festival, so we decided to go along. The festival was full of rainbow-colored accessories and dramatic drag queens. Although Gay Pride Festivals aren’t a strictly Boise activity, it was fun and different activity that brought a little bit of the culture into perspective.

Another attraction in Boise proper is the Boise State University. The campus is fairly large. It’s equipped with the usual luxuries of college such as the various eating areas, book and spirit stores, and last but not least, the blue-turfed stadium that was home to the Boise Broncos.

Although homesickness had hit long before and I was glad to return to California, Boise was a very interesting city with a large culture and a lot to offer.

Santa Cruz Island: A Unique Experience

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 20:06:00 -0400

Sofi Goode: Feature Editor

When Californians think of the Channel Islands, they generally think of Catalina, by far the most popular of the isles. However, a vastly different world awaits on the five islands of the Channel Islands National Park – Santa Rosa, Anacapa, San Miguel, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. Although all are available for day visits at various points throughout the year, Santa Cruz is the only island that visitors can camp on and it offers a unique experience.

Several ferries run from Ventura and Santa Barbara out to Scorpion Harbor—and the only campsites—on Santa Cruz. The excitement begins with the hour-long boat trip. Visitors are almost guaranteed to see wildlife, whether it is a sea lion on buoy or a dolphin surfing on the boat’s wake.

Once the boat arrives at Scorpion, campers listen to brief lecture from the rangers explaining the rules of the island and then must hike half a mile inland to their campsite. It may seem far, but campsites are worth the walk. Nestled in a valley, they are large and covered in trees. Foxes and ravens are frequent visitors, and campers have to keep a careful eye on their food.

The island offers a variety of experiences. For those skilled in a kayak, caves run up and down the coast, some of which can fit an entire fishing boat. There are rocks with holes in them that kayakers can row through and plenty of beautiful beaches to stop for a snack.

Kayaking also offers the best access to Santa Cruz’s amazing snorkeling locations. Hidden caves and beaches and the stunning Potato Cove are homes to hundreds of schools of fish. That’s not to say that visitors can’t snorkel if they don’t want to kayak; there is an entire kelp forest right in Scorpion Harbor.

Those less inclined to water activities can enjoy wildlife on the island itself. There are dozens of hikes that lead out to the more remote corners of the island. Santa Cruz is home to several unique species of plants and animals, and with a quiet tread and watchful eye, almost all of them can be seen between the campground and Potato Cove. Hikers are warned to take water and food, because there is no cell phone coverage on the islands, and a person lost will likely not be noticed until they miss their ferry back to the mainland.

All in all, Santa Cruz Island offers a stunning and natural escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Between kayaking, snorkeling, hiking and animal watching, the island offers at the very least three days of activities and guarantees a beautiful stay.

The Danish Capital of America

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:30:23 -0400

Rhian Moore: Staff Writer

Tucked in the Santa Ynez Valley is a small village called Solvang. It is barely sixteen blocks, but it contains the spirit and the culture of a nation. This is California’s “Little Denmark.”

The town, with a name that means “sunny field”, was founded in 1911 by a group of Danes who traveled West with the purpose of creating a small colony. The two-and-a-half-hour drive to this destination, although long, is not boring in the slightest if one happens to look out the window. The scenery is unlike anything you see in Los Angeles. The winding road up the side of a mountain is followed by stretches of farmland and the dazzling Cachuma Lake. After exiting the highway, you are greeted by normal-looking buildings until, out of nowhere, appears the sudden transition into a different townscape as you enter the center of Solvang.

The first thing one notices when driving into this city is the Danish-style architecture. The stained glass windows, bindingsværk (part timber) walls, simulated thatched roofing, and cobblestone sidewalks all represent the Old World style. Almost all of the differently colored buildings demonstrate this unique architecture, and it’s difficult to refrain from taking pictures of everything in sight.

Solvang is extremely pedestrian friendly and everything can be explored at a leisurely pace. The suggested itinerary on the Solvang website is a great way for newcomers to enjoy a day in the city, see all the important aspects of the town, and even do a bit of shopping (there are over 150 unique stores). Landmarks include the four windmills scattered around the town, the Little Mermaid fountain, the replica of the Rundentaarn, which means “round tower”; the Danish Elverhøj Museum of History and Artwhich explains the history of Solvang and heritage of Denmark;the Hans Christian Andersen Museum; and the giant red clog outside the shoe store.

With a stay in one of the many hotels and inns, even more can be discovered, like the authentic Danish dining at multiple restaurants, a tour on the Solvang Trolley or a surrey bicycle, or a performance at the Solvang Festival Theater, which is an outdoor theater and the summer home of the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts Theaterfest professional company. The play Two Gentlemen of Verona ran from August 5th to August 21st, and My Fairytale premieres on August 26th.

Copenhagen Street is perhaps the best place in Solvang to shop and dine. Most, if not all, of the buildings on Copenhagen are stores, restaurants, or bakeries. One delicious restaurant is the Solvang Restaurant, which is especially famous for Arne’s æbleskiver. Æbleskiver is a pancake cooked in a ball and often served with raspberry jam and powdered sugar. Although the exact origins of this Danish delicacy are unknown, one popular theory is that æbleskiver was invented by the Vikings. In fact, Danish Days in Solvang (which are held in September) are frequently referred to as Æbleskiver Days, for this is a time where the locals set up their large pans in the streets and serve æbleskiver to the public.

Solvang isn’t the only highlight of the Santa Ynez Valley. There are farms that raise miniature animals and others that offer horseback riding, as well as numerous golf courses, parks, and museums. There are more than seventy vineyards and tasting rooms for the older folks to taste wine. For tourists looking for something to get their blood pumping, four bicycle rides ranging from easy to challenging are offered, not to mention the Los Padres National Forest and the Nojoqui Falls County Park, which are both beautiful locations to take a hike.

The scenic drive, genuine Danish food, shopping, variety of activities, history, and charm of the quaint city: there’s something for everyone in Solvang. It takes but a few hours of driving to escape into a different country.

Tottenham, England

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 13:07:25 -0400

Clem Witherall: Staff Writer

It’s early July and I’m in a bright red double-decker bus in the gritty London district of Tottenham. In a month this area will be in flames — the starting point of the destructive London riots.

On this day a man swears at my father and me as we enter the bus. His girlfriend then proceeds to vomit on the seat next to me after one too many beers. It is 11:30 in the morning.

We exit the hellish bus ride and go in search of White Hart Lane, the stadium home of one of England’s best soccer clubs: the Tottenham Hotspurs. I thought the bus ride was terrible, but the stadium was a much bigger disappointment.

For such a historic and brilliant soccer club, the stadium didn’t properly represent the team. The streets surrounding it were filled with trash and some of the walls had extensive graffiti. It looked like no renovations or clean up had been done since the club bought the stadium over a century ago. The people working in the area around the stadium were both unhelpful and unfriendly.

There was a stark contrast between the people of Tottenham and those of other parts of London. Most Londoners were very courteous and willing to lend a hand. In Tottenham, the people were impolite, creating a tense and uneasy atmosphere. I had my hands in my pockets gripping my wallet and iTouch very tightly. No pick pocketers were going to steal my possessions.

Even though the trip to Tottenham didn’t live up to expectations, it was a very interesting learning experience. Sometimes one have to get away from the grander neighborhoods to get a complete tourist experience. Tottenham gives a more complete––and perhaps more realistic––view of England than one would get by simply visiting Windsor Castle and The Tower of London.

The world was shocked to see London break out in flames earlier this month. But after visiting, I, for one, wasn’t surprised to see the riots start in Tottenham.

The Colors of Hawaii: Maui

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 09:07:00 -0400

Natalie Mclain: Staff Writer
Maui is, in short, a typical tourist’s dream come true. From the plane ride to the hotel, little Hawaiian phrases are scattered about in an attempt to entertain and fascinate foreigners. Every purchase is accompanied by “Mahalo”, every entrance laced with “Aloha”s. The gift shops, and even the stores along the main fairways, are rife with dancing hula ladies for your dashboard, Hawaiian print shirts and dresses, and snow globes which ironically feature the warm sands and blue beaches of Maui. On the surface, it is exactly what one would expect of any Hawaiian island. It’s liike a chintzy post card brought to life.
But to experience it all in person and to “expect” are two completely different things. Though many portions of Maui can indeed be written off as nothing more than tourist traps, the island itself is what makes the whole trip worth while. It is one thing to see photographs and pictures, but another entirely to be there and see it all for in person. To actually watch a sunset burn behind the last of the purple clouds, to swim beneath the waves and discover a different world entirely, to wake up to the smell of ocean and pineapple and sunshine. All are aspects of this long idolized island that can only be truly appreciated through direct experience. So if one is willing to look past the portions of the island which are blatantly touristy and garish, this unique, tropical destination actually is a little slice of paradise.
So far our family hasn’t left the resort, but the past few days have held quite enough to keep us busy. We took an early morning kayak trip around the bay, learned a little bit about the hula, and even did some lei making. But the most memorable and enjoyable activity has, so far, been snorkeling. When visiting any of the Hawaiian islands, snorkeling is truly a must because the sea life is simply fantastic. The corals come in any variety of colors, from pastel yellows to soft, dusty pinks. The reefs bring to mind childhood drizzle castles in the way they are laid out, spiraling upward in blobby types of towers. The fish were a wonder, with unique colors and shapes all their own. And the best part? It is almost guaranteed that you will see something no one has ever seen before. A specific fish, a particular pattern in the corral, any multitude of things, but all are your own. Something that has been discovered solely by you.
The part I have enjoyed most thus far would have to be the rich variety of flora and fauna. Everything is, appropriately, exotic and bright. Geckos, strangely colored birds, and the plumeria flower are specimens which first come to mind. The scenery as a whole is simply breathtaking. Both sunset and sunrise are something to behold, especially when complimented by the layered blues of the ocean. It seems that Hawaii is all about color, with even smells and tastes having unique mental pigments. I suppose that should come as no surprise, though, when traveling through the appropriately dubbed, rainbow state.

Madrid, Spain

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:32:09 -0400

Libby Rainey: Editor in Chief

In Madrid, the summer sun sets at 11:00 PM. In accordance with the late-night sunlight, the city stays up too. People of all ages roam the historic streets of Spain’s capital as it nears midnight, enjoying the numerous outdoor tapas bars as the heat of the day melts away and leaves the city sun-kissed and cheerful.

Strolling the wide boulevards and people-watching into the early morning are merely introductions to the city. Madrid hosts two enormous art museums, both within easy walking distance of Retiro Park, the expansive stretch of greenery that offers locals and tourists an escape from city life.

The Museo Reina Sofía hosts an astonishing collection of modern art. Among the museum’s most famous pieces is Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica”, a work most have seen in history books that is made even more fascinating by the museum’s collection of sketches Picasso did in preparation for the masterpiece. More avant-garde works include a video titled “Eat Me” of a bearded man’s mouth chewing. While this piece is particularly unappetizing, the Reina Sofia’s array of different styles and art types makes it well worth a visit.

The Museo Nacional Del Prado is perhaps more famous than its modern competitor, but is ticketed for a different audience. A much more classical style is showcased in the enormous galleries, and while pieces such as “Las Meninas”, a piece painted by Diego Velazquez in the 1600s, are intriguing, it is difficult to remain captivated in the museum for more than an hour or two.

Aside from museums, a tourist-y but worthwhile destination can be found in the Palacio Real de Madrid. The official home of the king of Spain, the extravagant palace’s overdone rooms are somewhat gaudy, but the courtyard, gardens, and view are a treat. Occasionally summer concerts are played right outside the palace.

Food breaks are much needed between museum stops and visits to sites, and dining in Madrid is an adventure of its own. Spanish cuisine can be hard to pin down, and while there are more than enough quaint outdoor cafes to choose from, finding a good dish can be trickier. Ham is almost impossible to escape, ordering vegetables is rare, and the language barrier can make it difficult to even understand exactly what one is ordering. Carry a phrase book and an open attitude toward fried eggs and meat, and the meals will be more bearable. Fast food will be necessary in times of desperation.

The only things more common than meals of ham in the city are interesting people and places. Even when it seems that all of Madrid’s hot spots have been hit, a stroll in the Plaza Mayor or appetizers at popular local chain Cerveceria 100 Montaditos are lovely ways to enjoy Spain’s capital. Madrid’s charms, both small and large, are available for discovery by any visitor.

Toledo, Spain: A maze of beauty and history

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:55:00 -0400

Erin Chan: Staff Writer

In early times, Toledo was nearly the only place in Spain where Muslims, Christians, and Jews could all live in harmony. Hence, traveling through the city walls, I have seen beautiful mosques, churches, and temples in addition to the city’s standard gothic architecture.

The architecture, in addition to winding cobblestone roads and a moat tracing the city, all emphasize the medieval essence of Spain’s former capital. Toledo feels like a gigantic, beautiful castle.

Since the Corpus Christi festival takes place in June, sail-like tarps that follow the path of the annual parade are still up. They drape gorgeously from the roofs of buildings, and provide additional shade in the unforgiving Spanish sun.

I’ve learned that this castle is famous for a few things. One is marzipan. Rich and buttery, marzipan is a small sweet made out of almond and sugar. A second is weapons. Since the city is famous for its steel production, there are a lot of sword, dagger, and knife stores. Ironically, the city is anything but dangerous.

Another is El Greco. I paid 2 Euros to see El entierro del Conde Orgaz, El Greco’s most famous painting.

Santander, Spain: El Faro (Lighthouse)

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 21:54:03 -0400

Erin Chan: Staff Writer

The idyllic Crayola colors of the cliff landscape in front of me seemed ironic given the fact that decades ago, murderous Spanish government officials threw thousands of Franco’s resistors off of the very ground on which I stood. Nevertheless, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.

Peering over the cliff’s edges, I was hypnotized. The water was a deep cerulean blue. The pearly white waves contrasted starkly against the smooth, dark, and glistening surfaces of the rocks on which they crashed. Seeing as there were no barriers to keep me from falling, I had to take very careful steps – not a good day to wear flip flops.

The grass was the color of granny smith apples. Wildflowers were vibrant whites, yellows, oranges, and violets. The whole scene was straight out of a postcard.

Away from the cliffs edges stood a huge, grassy field – perfect for frolicking. And a picnic.

The funny thing about being at this picturesque lighthouse was that if I was teleported there without an explanation, I would have no idea that I was in Spain. That’s what I love the most about Santander: the city is a complete escape from reality: for me, being from the U.S., and even for Spaniards in their own country.

Santander, Spain: World’s best kept beachfront secret

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:01:46 -0400

Erin Chan: Staff Writer
The country of Spain boasts culturally iconic cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia – all of which are exquisite – but none of which offer the ideal of a perfect summer vacation: the beach.Santander is the capital city of Cantabria and lies on the northern coast of Spain. The city’s coastal appeal, in conjunction with an urban lifestyle, reminds me a lot of San Francisco – but with water and beaches of impeccable quality.
The city maintains the spotlessness of not only its beaches, parks, and natural wonders, but also of its municipalities. The streets, sidewalks, and buses are immaculate. I have never seen a single floating bottle or chip bag in the picturesque harbor, or a beer bottle on the beach.

Everyone lives in apartments nestled within the city’s shops, restaurants, cafés, small grocery stores, and heladerías. All of the buildings – old cathedrals or commercial shopping buildings – have character, and provide a gorgeous and stimulating city backdrop to the Mediterranean-esque town.

Santander’s population is warm and friendly. Locals, young and old, are happy to help you practice Spanish conversational skills, and none are offended if you want to initiate a play session with their dogs.

The beach is of course a favorite pastime of locals, but during the summer, shopping is also an inevitability. Nearly every store participates in fantastic 50-75% off sale, starting July 1 (which I have heartily embraced). In addition to bargain shopping, the greatest purchase one could make for 2 euros is found at one of Santander’s many Regma Heladerías. I eat at least one ice cream cone every day and believe the quality of the ice cream goes to Cantabria’s infamous happy dairy cows. The waffle cones also taste like butter cookies.
Santander is basically the perfect destination for a summer vacation. Long sunny days at the beach, peaceful breezy evenings, and an infinite amount of ice cream and delicious Spanish tapas provide the perfect backdrop for rest and relaxation.

Yosemite holds natural beauty and interest

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:15:00 -0400

Heather Vaughan: Staff Writer

In a reflection on Yosemite, it’s hard to say what hasn’t already been said. A perfect destination for the Independence Day weekend, this national park sums up what it means to live in “America the Beautiful”. Its natural beauty is overwhelming, with so much to do in just the two days I spent there.

Even the commute from our rentedcabin in a nearby town was stunning: not only did the drive up into the mountains give us a great view of the scenery, it also provided great photo opportunities without the congestion of the popular spots in the park itself.

Once inside the park, the drive to our destination was even more enthralling: what at first seemed to be just an average traffic jam turned out to be visitors stopping their cars to take pictures of two adorable baby bear cubs and their mother, just a few yards away from the road. After finally getting traffic moving again, we chose to start our day at the waterfalls, as they are acclaimed to be some of the tallest and most impressive in the world. As stunning as the falls are, though, the surprisingly thick mist and runoff water that trails onto the paths make for a fairly hazardous trek. Despite the brush with danger, we still had an amazing time taking photos and cooling off in the tamer taperings of the falls.

After this, we decided to go higher into the mountains to Glacier Point, which overlooks Half Dome and three of Yosemite’s other waterfalls. The point also stems out into many hiking trails, ranging in length from a mile to up to eight. Besides the park’s mountains, another interesting—through perhaps not as glamorous—attraction is the meadows. Because of a late spring this year, there were still plenty of patches of snow scattered around the grasses, but what we didn’t realize was that the ankle-deep water was just melted snow, and therefore still freezing.

A visit to Soda Springs showed yielded yet another side of Yosemite. The springs, which range from just a few inches in diameter to a few yards, are filled with naturally carbonated water that makes them bubble, much like soda.

No matter whether I was visiting the waterfalls, the meadows or the springs, Yosemite provided a natural beauty deserving of its reputation as one of the most beautiful National Parks.

Amsterdam, Holland: Downtown by night

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 01:21:08 -0400

Jackson Atwater: Staff Writer

Americans tend to have an image of Amsterdam either as a quaint city filled with tulips and wooden shoes, or as a small haven where a blind eye is turned to sex, drug use, and other illicit acts. Although there is of course more to the city than these simple descriptions, it is hard to deny that downtown Amsterdam has some qualties that call the stereotype to mind.

The first thing that you notice when you walk onto Rembrandtplein is the noise. The second is where it’s coming from. In the United States downtown areas are filled with ambient noise, but it tends to be from cars and buses driving by and angry drivers signaling their irritation by use of a car horn. In Amsterdam, bicycle bells and the buzz of chatter from the seemingly infinite number of brown cafés and bars fills the streets in the same way. This noteworthy difference has the interesting effect of making the city seem alive, more so than many other metropolitan areas in many different countries across the world. It’s hard not to feel uplifted by the vivacious city and its numerous inhabitants smiling, laughing, shouting, whizzing past on bicycles and relaxing in cafés.

Amsterdammers, and Europeans in general, are known for their habit of spending two or three hours eating a meal and drinking at a café instead of the usual 20 or 30 minutes Americans spend. The fact that there are people lining the streets lends to the boisterous and colorful nature of the city as well.

Apart from the café culture, there is another culture that shows itself downtown which sets Amsterdam apart from other cities. The Netherlands has legalized soft drugs, and Amsterdam seems to be taking full advantage of this. As you stroll through downtown, the charming old buildings seem to be accented with clouds of smoke from cannabis, and the occasional man making a fool of himself with a joint dangling from his fingers. Luckily, the drug scene is for the most part is laid back and keeps to itself, and doesn’t pose a nuisance to those who are not interested in partaking.

Downtown proves to be the perfect mix of charming old world culture and boisterous nightlife. Amsterdam is a unique city, and one that any visitor will not likely forget.

Scheveningen, Holland

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:22:00 -0400

Amber Laird: Staff Writer

The weather suddenly went from cold and drizzly to unbelievably hot and humid. I suppose for California standards the heat wasn’t unbelievable, but it was for Holland. It was a complete turnaround, which my dad said had something to do with pressure over the land that causes the air to come from the land rather than the sea. It was unusually hot, and there are usually only a few days or weeks a year like this. The rest of the time it’s rainy and miserable.

We visited my aunt on the coast, in Scheveningen, for a day and walked in the dunes (which are quite hilly for the otherwise flat Holland). She has a perfect view of the dunes from her window, and she said that with a pair of binoculars you can often see foxes, deer, and couples who think they can’t be seen.

We also took a trip down to the beach. Dutch beaches are pretty similar to Californian beaches, except for a few key differences. There seem to be more dogs. The water is a little colder. There are plenty of little kids running around naked. And every so often there will be a woman sunbathing topless.

On this particular beach, there were poles every couple hundred yards that had pictures on top of them, like a bunny, train, pear, or bird. Apparently, there used to be a lot of little kids who got and weren’t able to find their parents again. This became such a problem that eventually these poles were installed so that parents could tell their kids, “We’re right next to the teddy bear.” Problem solved.

On the way back to my aunt’s house, we passed a sort of circle in the ground. I wouldn’t have taken note of it, but my aunt explained that at night it comes up out of the ground and is a structure that men can use to relieve themselves –– particularly drunk men, who would otherwise choose to do so up against a building or on the stairs.