I Choose My Travel: June 2021

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

California Travel: San Francisco

Destination: San Francisco, California

Places to visit: Golden Gate Bridge and Park, Fisherman's Wharf, Chrissy Field, California Academy of Sciences

Prepare: pack ahead, bring gear for specific activities, check the weather for clothing options
Explore: public transit, bridges, biking, walking, parks, beaches, shopping, restaurants, neighborhoods, street art, baseball games

Photo Credit: Rebecca Nelson

looking up at span of Bay Bridge with palm trees and spotted clouds nearby

close up of Fisherman's Wharf of San Francisco sign with large crab in the middle

looking down at boats parked in slips on the water

close up of street artwork spelling The Portola surrounded by colorful flowers

looking out from Alamo Square park at victorian style homes in various colors

looking down at San Francisco neighborhoods and Lombard Street

looking out across the Bay Bridge towards the Ferry Building with Coit Tower in the background

SF Giants stadium at night facing McCovey Cove with boats on the water and lights in the background

view of San Francisco financial district buildings

close up view looking up at the Golden Gate Bridge

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

California Travel: Santa Cruz

Destination: Santa Cruz, California
Prepare: pack ahead, bring gear for specific activities, check the weather for clothing options
Explore: boardwalk. beaches, surfing, biking, walking, farmer's market, shopping

Video: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4iMSqptHHcU8N19tAMoncdail4FjaC32

Credit: Rebecca Nelson

ocean tide coming in and out on shore of beach

view of poppies and park benches overlooking the ocean

looking across sand with haunted mansion and sky glider rides in the distance

looking out at volleyball net on the beach with boardwalk in the distance

close up of fish and chips with coleslaw and hamburger with fries meals

Monday, June 28, 2021

France Travel: Paris

Destination: Paris, France

Places to visit: Arc de Triomphe, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur
Prepare: pack ahead, bring gear for specific activities, walk or take public transportation, check the weather for clothing options
Explore: historical landmarks, galleries and museums, palaces and cathedrals, bridges and waterways
Credit: Lauren Azzopardi

Eiffel Tower with trees and building in the forefront

Eiffel Tower with trees in the forefront

Cupid and Psyche sculpture depicting two young lovers in embrace

backside view of the Notre Dame Cathedral from across the water

close up view of the Notre Dame Cathedral gothic architecture

Thursday, June 24, 2021

Thailand Travel: Bangkok & Chiang Mai

Destination: Thailand

Places to visit: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ko Pha Ngan
Prepare: pack ahead, bring gear for specific activities, check the weather for clothing options
Explore: meditation, buddhism, ponds, temples, local fruit, music, markets
Photo Credit: natalieholbrookwellness / livinggypset

lily pads and lotus flower floating on water

Buddha statue amongst greenery and trees at White Temple

individuals looking at White Temple from across the water

cycle of rebirth lined with hundreds of outreaching hands along the path before reaching the bridge to the White Temple

looking out across the water to a mountain and clouds in the background

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Florida Travel: Grand Floridian

Destination: Lake Buena Vista, Florida - Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Prepare: pack ahead, bring gear for specific activities, check the weather for clothing options
Explore: relaxation, spas, boating, beaches, swimming, theme parks, walking, shopping, restaurants
Photo Credit: Lauren Azzopardi

boat parking on the water with palm trees and building in the background

overlooking the water at monorail in motion and Disney castle in the background

beach with sand and water with buildings in the distance

close up view of Grand Floridian multitude of windows with focus on tree and floweres

side view of Grand Floridian with palm trees along building exterior

front view of Grand Floridian with lamp posts nearby

side view of Grand Floridian with flowers and palm trees

inside view of Grand Floridian with chandelier and domed ceiling

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

California Travel: North County San Diego

Destination: North County San Diego, Carlsbad and Encinitas

Prepare: pack ahead, bring gear for specific activities, check the weather for clothing options
Explore: beaches, gardens, music, surfing, trails, biking, walking, farmer's market, shopping

Photo Credit: Rebecca Nelson

view of the coastline shore with waves crashing on the rocks

looking down at the ocean waves with rocks and sand below

Encinitas sign crossing over the road with an orange bicycle nearby

lifeguard tower at the beach surrounded by sand and blue skies

welcome to Carlsbad sign sharing information on sister cities

Monday, June 21, 2021

Japan Travel: Kyoto & Tokyo

Destination: Japan, Kyoto and Tokyo
Places to visit & translations:

Rokuon-ji (鹿苑寺) / Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺) - Kyoto

"Deer Garden Temple" / "Temple of the Golden Pavilion"

Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷) - Kyoto

Inari, the Shinto god of rice

Mount Fujiyama (Mt. Fuji) / Fuji-san (富士山) - near Tokyo

One of Japan's "Three Holy Mountains"

Tokyo Tower (東京タワー) - Tokyo

Communications and observations tower.

Prepare: pack ahead, plan activities in advance, ride the train, walk, hike, check the weather for clothing options
Explore: language and culture, skyscrapers, gardens, places and types of worship

Video Credit: Leo Yokley - https://vimeo.com/311825557

Photo Credit: Lillian Campbell

facing water looking towards the Rokuon-ji, a yellow Zen Buddhist temple surrounded by trees

Torii with black base leading to the outer Fushimi Inari shrine

snow capped Mount Fujiyama (Mt. Fuji) from a distance with blue skies and scattered white cloud streaks

looking up at Tokyo Tower used for communications and observations