Now, I understand the significance of an event so paramount, especially as a Black woman. Still, regardless, I couldn’t bear to spend another moment or dollar involving people and an institution I failed to feel a genuine connection to, beyond a mountain of student loans. Going home meant being at peace and connecting with friends, family, and above all, nature.

Living in a metropolitan city in the Northeast for the past two years has given me MAJOR nature withdrawals. Regarding California, the two places I missed the most were the beach and the desert. These are two contrasting biomes, but similar in providing serenity via silence, vast scenic views, and endless sunshine. 

The beaches of San Diego presented cliff sides with blooming yellow daisies—an abundance of glorious native flora, fauna, and thousands of creatures hidden beneath the soothing waves. To expand my travels, I made it a mission to go to places I had never visited before, like Sunset Cliffs, a place I’ve heard about countless times and had always skipped on my trips down the Pacific coast. While in (surprisingly) sunny San Diego, I visited one of my favorite restaurants on Convoy Street, Phuong Trang, a quaint Vietnamese restaurant that has retained its excellent taste since my last visit almost 6 years ago. 

Another place I decided to visit was Anza Borrego Desert State Park. It was a super nostalgic trip for me, as the last time I visited the beautiful park was during a family camping trip with my little brother’s Boy Scout troop over 10 years ago. After a short bathroom break at the park’s visitors center and many minutes of confusion preempted by spontaneous planning and abysmal phone signal, I was able to decide on going to the William Kenyon Overlook Trail, offering stunning views moments before the sunset. 

It felt surreal to be high up in the mountains and look down on the desert valley to see nothing but sand and cacti for miles. Once night arrived, I was able to enjoy one of my favorite parts of visiting the desert, seeing an abundance of stars, even catching a few shooting stars and seeing passing satellites! 

Of course, I had to visit some of my favorite stomping grounds. Laguna Beach and its dreamy cerulean blue waves, a place I used to frequent when I attended a community college nearby and classes ended early (insert prayer hands emoji). A place that has always been my calm in the eye of the storm, whenever I would feel stressed about school, personal problems or otherwise, the waves would always be there to whisper to me, “everything will be okay”. 

During my excursions across the state, I always try to work my way through the hundreds of restaurants cataloged on Google Maps (organized by cuisine type). On this episode of restaurant roulette Noodle Street, was the lucky winner. This Asian fusion restaurant showcased plenty of soups made with fresh handmade noodles. I ordered the Spicy Beef Noodle Soup and was enamored by the rich beef broth, soft noodles and perfect balance of spice. A spot I would definitely visit again and try the other signature dishes they offer.  

Another one of my great loves is Kenneth Hahn Park in Inglewood. It’s one of my favorite parks in Los Angeles, and it offers one of the best views of the city skyline. Usually, I spend most of my time in Los Angeles and Orange counties, but this time around, I made an effort to explore San Diego and all of its offerings. I hope to find more areas to explore in the future.

I felt so much gratitude (there’s my favorite word again) during each sunset I was able to catch during my trip.. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve really been grateful to my body for allowing me to climb over large rocks and climb to summits to catch great views. It was great to rediscover the place I grew up in through a “more refined” lens. It feels both so refreshing and renewing to be present in a place of beauty —just appreciate the moment that you get to exist on Earth experiencing a moment so simple but healing.