Category Page travel

BoldBanyan

Texas to Seoul: Snow Changed Everything

Twenty-eight years in Texas. Not once did I think I needed snow. Then Seoul happened. The visa stress, the language barrier, the way grocery shopping felt like solving puzzles. I was drowning in bureaucracy and homesickness when winter hit. Gyeongbokgung Palace under fresh snow stopped me mid-step. The red pillars against white silence. Tourists taking selfies while I just stood there, finally breathing. It wasn't the snow itself. It was realizing I'd spent decades thinking Texas was enough—that I was enough—without ever testing either theory. Sometimes the thing you never knew you needed finds you 8,000 miles from everything familiar. Sometimes it's just snow falling on a 600-year-old palace, teaching a stubborn Texan what beauty looks like when you're brave enough to be lost. #ExpatReality #Seoul #LifeTransition #Travel

Texas to Seoul: Snow Changed Everything
Robin Nichols

Hellyer County Park: Nature oasis in bustling San Jose city.

🧺Enjoy a picnic at one of the many spots with 🌳shade at this park. Ample picnic tables with BBQ grills are also available. 🎣There is a paved trail that loops around Cottonwood Lake where fishing is also allowed. At the lake, you will spot many water birds. 💦Kids can splash away at the 🪨rock formation splash pad. We loved that it had a ☂️sail over it for shade. 🛝The playground has two play areas for different-aged kids. 🎠The play area for younger kids has a sandpit, bucket swings, a wooden springer and a jump-n-create music feature. ☀️For hot days, the shade provided by sails over this play area is 👍great. 🎪The play area for older kids has a 🪵climbing log course, net spinner, and a 30-foot high play structure with a 🛝 tunnel slide. 🌳It is a nature-themed playground that can keep play dates running for hours! 🅿️ Yes ($6 vehicle fees) 🚻 Restrooms 🦮Dogs on leash are allowed in all areas of the park, except the splash pad and playground

Hellyer County Park: Nature oasis in bustling San Jose city.Hellyer County Park: Nature oasis in bustling San Jose city.Hellyer County Park: Nature oasis in bustling San Jose city.Hellyer County Park: Nature oasis in bustling San Jose city.Hellyer County Park: Nature oasis in bustling San Jose city.
Christopher Gilbert

LA Weekend Ideas | Salvation Mountain, CA

Salvation Mountain is one of those places you really have to want to go to because there's not much else to see or do where it's located. This is marked as a religious destination as you'll notice the scriptures on the installation but you don't necessarily have to be religious to enjoy the place. It was nice and colorful, the attendant was also very friendly (entry is free but donations encouraged - there's a dropbox), and looks really awesome in the photos - Salvation Mountain, Beal Rd, Calipatria, CA - 3hr drive from Los Angeles, 1.5hr drive from Palm Springs - FREE to enter, donations accepted - Dogs allowed - Single-handedly built by large-scale installation artist Leonard Knight who passed away in 2014. Today it's maintained by the Salvation Mountain, Inc. - A lot of the areas (especially ones that people can walk around, over, and under) were not accessible due to maintenance that needed to be done. Don't expect to be able to take photos at the spots you see on Instagram because closures are quite normal due to the structural state of the place. - There is a porta-potty if you really need to go - This installation is located in Slab City where you'll find a lot of quirky buildings on the same street - but we didn't linger and decided to drive back. - You will need your own car and make sure to have a full tank from Indio, CA because there won't be any gas stations from there!

LA Weekend Ideas | Salvation Mountain, CALA Weekend Ideas | Salvation Mountain, CA
Robin Nichols

🌊 Dive into an Underwater Wonderland! 🐠

Looking for a unique and engaging experience? Look no further than this conveniently located aquarium in Long Beach, CA! While it may not be the largest, it definitely packs a punch with its fascinating exhibits and hands-on experiences. Here's why it's a must-visit: 💫 Up close and personal: Touch and interact with starfish, sea cucumbers, and even rare devil fish. Perfect for both kids and sea life enthusiasts! 🐦🌿 Birds galore: Don't miss the bird exhibit, where friendly creatures fearlessly approach and let you feed them. A delightful experience for bird lovers! 🚶 Leisurely exploration: Avoid the crowds and take your time to appreciate all the wonders around you. It's a comfortable and relaxing visit. 🏞️ Practical and clean: Enjoy easy parking and a hassle-free process for reduced rates. The aquarium is well-maintained and kept clean. 🔍 Interactive fun: Engage in a game where you search for sea inhabitants and collect stamps. Kids receive a prize at the exit - the perfect end to the adventure! 💭 A few things to note: It can get busy at times, so be prepared for crowds. Some tanks may have slightly dirty water on certain days. However, the overall experience remains impressive. 🌊 Immerse yourself in the wonders of aquatic life at this exceptional aquarium. Whether you're a family looking for a fun outing or a sea creature enthusiast, this place won't disappoint. Highly recommended! 💙🐠 Recommended sightseeing time:1-2 hour Address:100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States #underwaterwonderland #familyouting #aquaticlife #rareexhibits #engagingexperience #interactivefun #exploremore

🌊 Dive into an Underwater Wonderland! 🐠🌊 Dive into an Underwater Wonderland! 🐠🌊 Dive into an Underwater Wonderland! 🐠🌊 Dive into an Underwater Wonderland! 🐠
Robin Nichols

Samuel P Taylor State Park: A Top Pick Among North Bay State Parks

Situated 15 miles west of San Rafael on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Samuel P. Taylor State Park is a sprawling 2,882-acre oasis showcasing towering redwoods, the tranquil Lagunitas Creek, and the stunning Barnabe Peak. Main Attractions in Samuel P Taylor State Park The park provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Hikers can explore lush trails along Lagunitas Creek or take on the challenging hike to Barnabe Peak – one of Marin County’s top viewpoints. Cyclists can enjoy the Cross Marin Trail, a level path tracing the course of Lagunitas Creek for about three miles. The wheelchair-accessible South Creek Trail offers wildlife enthusiasts a chance to observe salmon spawning during the rainy season and admire an array of vibrant flora. Delve into the region’s rich history by learning about the park’s pioneer namesake, Samuel P. Taylor, and walk the historic Pioneer Tree Trail, currently open only to hikers. Enjoy a picturesque picnic among the redwoods at the “Azalea” picnic area. Each site has a table and barbecue, with restrooms and water nearby.

Samuel P Taylor State Park: A Top Pick Among North Bay State ParksSamuel P Taylor State Park: A Top Pick Among North Bay State ParksSamuel P Taylor State Park: A Top Pick Among North Bay State ParksSamuel P Taylor State Park: A Top Pick Among North Bay State ParksSamuel P Taylor State Park: A Top Pick Among North Bay State ParksSamuel P Taylor State Park: A Top Pick Among North Bay State ParksSamuel P Taylor State Park: A Top Pick Among North Bay State Parks
Category: Travel - Page 17 | zests.ai