I wish you were here

On a sun-drenched day in Oahu, I ventured into the heart of Hawaii's surf culture, embarking on a journey to master the art of surfing.

With no prior experience but a heart full of excitement, I turned to Surf Hawaii Surf School, renowned for its beginner-friendly approach to this revered sport. Their promise of a group Surfing Lesson on a secluded beach north of Honolulu was the perfect invitation to dive into the waves.

Canyon Park is another hidden gem in Southern California where you can enjoy nature, have a picnic, or go on a hike to a waterfall. Canyon Park is situated at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and is operated by the city of Monrovia.

The park offers several picnic areas, educational tours, and a nature center. The picnic areas have tables and barbeques.  At the Nature Center, you can enjoy displays of local flora and wildlife indigenous to Canyon Park. Learn about the early history of the Canyon residents, and the present-day natural hazards in visiting a wilderness environment.

Our journey in Costa Rica took an exciting turn upon our arrival in San Jose, the vibrant capital city teeming with life and culture. Often bypassed by travelers eager for beaches and rainforests, San Jose is a treasure trove of cultural experiences and historical insights that offer a deep understanding of the Costa Rican identity.

The city's mix of architectural styles, bustling markets, and peaceful green spaces tells the story of a nation committed to democracy, education, and peace.

We began exploring with a leisurely walk along the Colón Promenade, a bustling avenue pulsating with the rhythm of daily life. Street vendors, local artisans, and musicians added color and vibrancy to the scene, leading us directly to the heart of San Jose's commerce—the Central Market (Mercado Central).

The sprawling Seattle metropolitan area is surrounded by water, mountains, and lakes in the Pacific state of Washington – and home to a lot of history and culture.

From the iconic Space Needle tower to the historic Pike Place Market and from the waterfront restaurants to Mount Rainier covered with snow, everywhere you look, there is something new to see or adventures to be had.

A visit to Seattle would not be complete without exploring downtown on foot, riding the Monorail, spinning around on the Great Wheel, dining on the waterfront, or finding unique gifts at Pike Place Market.

Interesting Facts: The Seattle area has been continuously inhabited for at least 4,000 years.

Philadelphia is famous for the historic events that led to the forming of the United States of America. This is where the founding fathers declared independence and later signed the constitution.  Many visitors come here to relive those momentous events and walk in the footsteps of giants.

But Philly is much more than a window on the past. Today’s Philadelphia offers a lot of food, culture and entertainment. A visit to this city is not complete without trying the variety of Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches, visiting a museum or catching a symphonic performance.

Read more about the city of Philadelphia here

Philadelphia is famous for the historic events that led to the forming of the United States of America. This is where the founding fathers declared independence and later signed the constitution.  Many visitors come here to relive those momentous events and walk in the footsteps of giants.

But Philly is much more than a window on the past. Today’s Philadelphia offers a lot of food, culture and entertainment. A visit to this city is not complete without trying the variety of Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches, visiting a museum or catching a symphonic performance.

You can enjoy all this history and culture without driving. Most of the main attractions are within a walking distance of the city center. If you decide to go further you can always take a bus or a subway.