As the last traces of winter snow thawed around Yosemite, we spent a few days celebrating my friend Mariah, who loves the outdoors and planned a “cabin in the woods” getaway for her birthday.
Author Archives: Same Footprints Blog
Puerto Vallarta, Revisited
In the distance, a pod of whales dips in and out of the ocean, drawing excited yelps from my mouth. I pull out my phone just in time to catch the last of their swim before they disappear beneath the surface. I feel light in this moment, buoyed by the laughter of my friends, the sounds of Afrobeats and R&B mingling with the waves, and the cool sea air whipping past my face.
A Love Letter from Guadalajara
If I were to write a series of letters from the places I’ve been, Mexico would feature prominently; especially my visit in February.
Traveling the Caribbean: My St. Maarten Experience
In the middle of the Caribbean Sea, lies the tiny gem of St. Maarten (or St. Martin, depending on which side of the island you’re on). One side is a French overseas territory, while the other is Dutch—both remnants of a colonial past. Our trip to St. Maarten was unplanned; in fact, we were meantContinue reading “Traveling the Caribbean: My St. Maarten Experience”
Desert Dawn: A Visit to Joshua Tree National Park
I shut off my phone alarm at 5:15 am on a Sunday morning and drag my sleep-laden body out of bed. It’s one of those mornings when it feels like I only shut my eyes for an hour, so I get ready on autopilot—wanting to be asleep but excited enough to let the promise of adventureContinue reading “Desert Dawn: A Visit to Joshua Tree National Park”
December in New York: A Photo Story
Packing jackets and thinking of how to layer clothing does not excite me; but what does excite me is visiting New York. So, even when the opportunity to visit came with the promise of icy weather, I couldn’t bring myself to say no.
Reflections from Mt. Shasta
I have not always appreciated the outdoors. As a child, outside seemed daunting. It was the place of cuts, scrapes, and bug bites–or sometimes all three. No thank you.
48hrs in Guatapé
After a few days in Medellín, we check out of the Welcomm Spa and stuff our belongings into a 13-seater van for the 2-hour drive to Guatapé. Here, surrounded by mountains and glittering man-made lakes, we settle into a relaxed itinerary that doesn’t take us much further than the grounds of our Airbnb.
Medellín: A Photo Journey
Seven years ago, I visited Colombia for the first time, inspired by a conversation with a diplomat on a flight to Panamá. Cartagena welcomed me then, with color-soaked cobblestone streets, sun-warmed beaches, and the bouncy rhythm of Cumbia and Vallenato. This past August, I returned to Colombia, trading sea breeze for crisp mountain air in Medellín.
Along the Pacific Coast Highway II
Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, we glide past rolling green hills in Marin County, trading San Francisco’s skyline for miles of open road, sea breeze, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.