Memorable Trips

Madeleine Ngo

I had never traveled by myself before until the summer of 2022. I had begged my parents for months to send me to California for a week to live with my uncle; I didn’t think they would actually do it. I landed in San Diego and automatically felt the change of essence. Being in California was a different vibe, even though I was not a native. First thing I did after leaving the airport was going to In N Out with my uncle and his dog, Stellah. It was definitely overhyped, but I still enjoyed it. I settle down in his nice condo and he happen to be throwing a party that night, so I was able to meet his friends and go on a paddle trip journey down the lagoon behind his house.

Spending sixteen days in California meant that I had lots of adventures to go on. My uncle being a fitness coach and personal chef, I got lucky to experience his whole food meals everyday. I spent my days reading, going on walks or runs, biking to the nearby beach, and exploring the little town with $9 smoothies. My cousins came down for a week while I was there and we all got to hang out and catch up on our lives, which we don’t get to do often despite living 15 minutes away from each other. A nearby strawberry patch called out names, so we went and stuffed our baskets and mouths with strawberries, leaving red stains on our hands and shirts, but most of all smiles.

Sixteen days flew by and before I knew it, it was time to go home. Of course, had to stop by In n Out before going home back to virginia. I said my goodbyes and kissed Stellah goodbye and flew the redeye home to Nova.