China

One place that has many historic and very interesting landmarks is China. I would like to experience all of them. I would like to go to The Great Wall of China, The Terracotta Army, The Forbidden City, and the Stadiums that held the 2008 Olympic Games.

I would like to see The Great Wall of China to learn more about its rich history. I want to learn more about how, why and when it was built. I know that it was built to protect China, but I want to learn in more depth. I also know that it was built over many dynasties. It is amazing to think about this structure because it was built before modern machinery.  The Great Wall is a very recognizable monument that can even be seen from outer space.

The Terracotta Army is a large, life-size army made out of terracotta clay. It was built to be with Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s in his after life. When they were found in 1974, they were lined up in battle formation as a real army would. I think that it is interesting that the Chinese would make 7,000 clay soldiers for one person. I recently read  about how during the New Years celebration, people were burning paper iPads and iPhones to send to their deceased family members. These people have the same thinking as the people who made the Terracotta Army. They both want their deceased loved ones to be in peace in their afterlife.

The Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors and is 720,000 square meters in area. The Chinese supported their emperors and spared no expense to keep them as happy and safe as possible. The walls are thick enough to withstand cannonballs. I would like to see The Forbidden City for myself and all of the grand amenities the emperors were given.

As I said in my London blog, I love the summer Olympics. I would love to do nothing more than to see the astounding structures that housed the past summer Olympic Games. I am a big swimmer and the “Water Cube” is a beautiful facility that I dream of swimming in. I would love to swim in a pool where such amazing swimmers like Michael Phelps once swam.

So many things in China interest me and I hope to visit one day soon.

Disneyland

Now that I have talked about Disney World I cannot forget to reflect on my experience at Disneyland. Though many people like Disney World better, it is hard to compare the two. They are both very different. Disneyland is much smaller and older than Disney World but still has all of the magic. Disneyland was where the magic started. It opened in the 1950's and was mostly designed by Walt Disney himself. Disneyland may be smaller but it has features to it that Disney World will never have. For example, as a guest there are less lines and waits. Less waits means you can see more rides and attractions during your visit.  It will improve your entire experience.

One thing that I like to do at both parks is eat the junk food at main street USA. I remember vividly doing this at Disneyland. I loved eating a churro for breakfast and ice cream for lunch. At Disneyland I can do whatever I want and it seems ok.

I also like seeing the beautiful fireworks that Disneyland has to offer. For the 50^th anniversary tribute, Disney created a new and extravagant firework show. This display of fireworks represents the three parts of Disneyland. In the winter months the show ends with simulated snowfall. The best view of fireworks is on Main Street USA. From Main Street USA you can see all fireworks exploding over Sleeping Beauty’s castle and get the full experience.

If you find yourself in California, be sure to visit Disneyland and experience some of the magic that I’ve had the chance to see.

Mexico

Mexico is a place I’ve been but am not ready to  go back to. I went to Acapulco, Mexico several years ago and had a lot of fun. I swam with dolphins and explored the Mexican culture. I went spent much of my trip at the resort swimming in the pools, playing on the beach and participating in a sea turtle release. We also went into the local town to see the famous sites and shop. I enjoyed Mexico a lot.

During my trip I did many things that made my experience one to remember. My most memorable moment was when I swam with the dolphins. I have always found dolphins interesting because of their intelligence and grace. I loved swimming with them and felt very one with nature. During my experience I was able to kiss the dolphin and was pushed across the pool by them.

We stayed in Mexico for two full weeks and also experienced one of the most famous attractions in Acapulco, the cliff divers. Watching these men climb up a shear cliff and then dive into the water was scary and amazing to see. They need to time the waves just perfectly to have enough water to catch them. After the show the divers came and talked to all the people who were watching. 

Another thing that made my experience exciting was exploring the culture and towns around my hotel. I remember that most of the people were wearing very colorful clothes. They were different than what we wear in the US.  Another thing that I remember is a market place that we shopped at and bought many things that we still have today. Many of them remind me of the vibrant culture in Mexico.

Unfortunately, things have changed in Mexico for the worse. There are many gangs in Mexico that threaten the people living there and the tourists that visit. There are some parts that are safer than others but even Acapulco has become unsafe.  There is one event that I heard about that is unforgettable. At a market place where I once shopped, a gang pulled up in a van and threw the heads of murdered police officers into the market place. What is happening in Mexico now did not change my view on my vacation. I enjoyed my trip to Mexico and hope that one-day things change and I will be able to go back.

Washington DC

A map of the museums in DC

One place that I love to go to is Washington D.C. I have been there many times already and would love to go many more times. Every time I go to Washington DC there is something new and fun to do. There are many museums, some that are fun and some that are interesting but depressing. For example there is the Air and Space Museum but there is also the Holocaust Museum. All of these museums have a lot to offer and to learn. I have always liked Airplanes and the Air and Space Museum lets me learn more every time I visit. I really like learning about the evolution of the airplane. The Holocaust Museum  is a very somber place but there is a lot that can be learned. I enjoyed learning about Adolf Hitler’s rise and fall of power. Even though it was sad it was interesting to learn about how his ideology was believed by so many people.

Another reason I like visiting Washington DC is that my aunt lives in the area. I rarely see my aunt, so when I do get to see her I try to spend as much time as I can with her. My aunt also has a dog, Phin. I love him too. He is such a sweet dog and always wants to play. My aunt just got engaged and with her upcoming wedding I can’t wait to be a part of it. I love my aunt so much, and when I get to see her, I cherish every moment.

The National Mall

One last thing that I would like to do is to see all of the monuments on the mall. I have been to a few of the monuments but I would like to eventually go to all of them. I have been to the Washington Monument and the Lincoln memorial. I would like to see each monument.  Each one is a trip in itself so I will only be able to see a few each visit. I hope to see and learn about each monument and the rich history of Washington DC.

Haiti

Earthquake destruction in Port Au Prince

Almost two years ago a horrible earthquake hit Haiti. Since then, I have been inspired by all of the people that have gone to help. One day I would like to help too. I recently read a story about a doctor that has gone to Haiti and had a very traumatic experience. Doctor H. Lee Kagan was sent to work at an E.R. which was out of his expertise and a challenge in itself. He had not seen the confusion of the E.R. since medical school that was decades ago. Late one night a rape victim was brought in to the hospital. It had been years since Doctor H Lee Kagan had encountered this type of situation. This made him feel vey uncomfortable and anxious. When given a chance to let someone else do the job, he was happy to agree. The nurse performing the exam was not sympathetic to the victim’s feelings. Doctor H Lee Kagan froze up and was unable to step in and make the patient feel better. He was ashamed that he wasn’t lending a helping hand, but could not push himself to help. Later in the night he couldn’t sleep because of his inaction. He used his tablet computer to stream live webcams around the world. For that moment he escaped the horrors that surrounded him.

The cover for a song made to raise money
for Haiti after the earthquake

This heart-wrenching story has made me want to experience Haiti for myself. I am inspired to see all of the rebuilding efforts in Haiti. I know Haiti is not a wealthy country but I hope after the construction workers go home, they will have helped make a new Haiti with less poverty. I also hope to try to help in some way. Even if it is something that is easily unnoticed like donating money. I know that it can make a big difference in someone’s life. It would also be nice to help rebuild a house or building. It would be great to look at something that you built and know that it will help so many people. Haiti is a very interesting place to go and learn. I hope to go one day.

The Big Apple

Me in NYC with the Empire State Building behind me

One place that I have been, but would like to go again and to try new things, is New York City. The Big Apple has so many fun things to do that it is impossible to do a fraction of them during a day trip. I would love to spend a full week in New York City. When I go I would like to go in the Empire State Building, take a bus tour, and go on a helicopter tour.

The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic buildings in New York.   I think it would be exciting to take a tour and see what so many have already seen. The first thing that I would do is go to the observation deck. I would love to see the panoramic views from this famous building. I would like to look out through binoculars and see the Hudson River, Ground Zero, and Times Square. I would also like to see the new exhibit on the 80^th floor called, Dare to Dream. The exhibit is a tribute to everyone who helped build the tower. I have always been interested in architecture and construction. I would love to learn about how the building was constructed so quickly and so beautifully.

I would also like to experience a Hop On/Off bus tour. This would allow me to explore the city.  You can get off one bus and then hop on the next one when you are finished at a tourist attraction.  During the tour I could get off at the Empire State Building and look around for a while and then get back on a different bus and go to Times Square.  I would be able to see whatever I want whenever I want to.

Another thing that sounds interesting and fun is a helicopter tour of New York. This would give me another viewpoint of The Big Apple. During the tour I would see New York through a birds eyes. I would be able to see how tall the buildings in the city really are. I would be able to see the scale of the buildings and how they compare to their surroundings.

Antarctica

Antarctica's mountains

I have never been one for the cold, but after reading about Antarctica, I have a new opinion.

I have always liked to ski and would like to ski in Antarctica. I would not like to ski down the mountains of Antarctica because the mountains are very large and icy. However, kite skiing sounds fun.  Kite skiing is when you are skiing on a flat surface, but pulled by a kite. It would be fun to ski with the power of the wind. At the same time it would be fun to see the beautiful and exotic landscape that makes Antarctica famous. I would also like to go dogsledding. Dogsledding is when dogs are pulling you over  flat ground. I have seen people do it in movies and think that it would be neat to try. I love dogs too. It would be interesting to learn how the dogs live in such remote climates.

Accomodations 

In the article I read, it described Antarctica as, “ Still remote and exotic. Now luxurious too.” It would be cool to experience Antarctica with all the comforts of a normal hotel. It would be nice to overlook the cold and rugged landscape, but at the same time be in a heated room. To travel to Antarctica you can take a plane or a cruise.  If you plan to stay, you could stay at a camp such as the Antarctic Ice Camp  . While there you stay in a comfy tent that is naturally heated by the sunlight. The camp is only accessible by air. This seems like a fun option.  It lets you enjoy Antarctica naturally.

How you arrive

One last thing that I would like to do, is to go on a long hike around Antarctica. I would like to spend a day wandering around and seeing everything Antarctica has to offer. I would like to see the mountains, and the animals, and see how they live in such cold conditions. Antarctica seems like a fun place to go and is much different from other places that I have visited in the past. I hope to be able to enjoy it one day. 

Arizona

Another vacation spot I love was my home for a short eleven months when I was in 4^th grade. Arizona has beautiful weather all year round and has amazing deserts that are rich in wild life. Even though I only lived there for a short time, I was able to experience a lot. During my time in Arizona I went to the Super Bowl,  the beautiful red mountain of Sedona,  Phoenix Suns games, and much more.

Me and my dad at the 2008 Super Bowl
with the stadium at our back

A big highlight of my entire time there was going to the Super Bowl. I have never had an interest in football but when the opportunity to go to the Super Bowl came up, I couldn’t say no. I had a fun time experiencing all of the crazy Giant’s and Patriot’s fans. I had a great seat and for the first time wasn’t bored watching football. There was so much going on other than just football at the stadium. I loved going to the Super Bowl and would go again if I get the chance.

Me and my family at the Pink Jeep Tour

Another highlight of my time was visiting Sedona. The beautiful red mountains of Sedona were breath taking and interesting to explore. While I was there I went on a pink jeep tour. The drivers drove very close to the edge of the cliffs. At times it felt like they were about to drive off the edge. It was a very fun tour despite the scariness. There was also a small town with many small shops and restaurants. One store that I liked was a candle store. At the store they made their own candles with cool designs on them. The candles weren’t meant for lighting but they were for show. We still have our candles and enjoy looking at them and remembering our time in Sedona.

Me and my sisters in front of our Arizona house

We went to many Phoenix, Suns games. It was very fun to experience the game and stadium with friends and family. No matter where you sit, the basketball game is fun to watch.  In my opinion the real fun starts after the game. Once the players were gone you were allowed on the court to play basketball. It was cool to experience basketball like the pros.

Arizona will always have a special place in my heart. I hope to enjoy many fun vacations there with old friends.

London

London at night

My great-grandfather came to Ellis Island from England.  Recently, I learned about his trip to America at Ellis Island.  Now I want to learn about where he came from. I have seen the beautiful monuments that are in London and would like to experience them for myself.

London 2012 olympics sign 

Now more than ever is a great time to go. With the summer Olympics quickly approaching, London is ready to host the historic games. I think that it would be very cool to see where amazing athletes perform. The stadiums that will be hosting the games are stunning. Here is a video of the construction progress. The buildings are a symbol go british design and will be there long after the games end.

Big Ben with the london eye in the
backround

Another thing that I would like to do is visit Big Ben, the Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace. These landmarks are famous around the world and it would be interesting to see what they look like in person. It would also be interesting to learn about how and why they were built. For example, Big Ben was an addition to the new palace of West Minister after the old one was destroyed by fire. It would also be interesting to learn how they built them. The tower bridge was built due to increasing commercial development. There needed to be a new way to get to the east side of London. Many of the landmarks were built a long time ago. It must have been hard to build something so large and ornate without modern machines. Buckingham is a large palace that is home to the queen. There is always something going on there. Recently there was a murder at the palace.

The last thing that I would like to do is to go on the London Eye. The London Eye is a large ferris wheel overlooking the Thames River. The London Eye is one of the most iconic attractions in London and I would love to say that I went on it. While on the Eye I would be able to see the entire city. London has many new and historic landmarks that I would love to visit. I hope to visit them one day soon. 

Disney World

My dad and sister in the Magic Kingdom in 2006

A fictional interview with Mickey Mouse


Me: Thank you for the interview Mickey. I have been to Disney World many times. I have always felt the magic in the air. What do you think makes Disney so magical?

Mickey: I agree that it is very magical at Disney. I think the staff makes the magic here. They are so kind to everyone. They are really different from other hotel and amusement park’s staff.

Me: The staff at Disney is very kind. I like all of the parks. In particular, I like how realistic the countries in Animal Kingdom are. You really feel like you are walking into Africa or Kenya. What is your favorite park? How does it make you feel?

Mickey: My favorite park is the magic kingdom. I love the rides there and the magic behind every corner. It makes me feel special and excited. 

Me: I also like the magic kingdom and the magic surrounding it. There are many rides in all four parks of Disney World. I enjoy the river rapids in Animal Kingdom, Planet Earth in Epcot, and many other rides in Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. What is your favorite ride or rides?

My dad, sister, and me in the Magic Kingdom in 2004

Mickey: Hmm… This is hard to answer. I like so many rides it is so hard to pick a favorite. If I had to pick one I would probably say… All of the rides that are about me. I know that isn’t one but I just can’t decide. I enjoy seeing myself in a ride.

Me: You must like a lot of rides because you are a part of a lot of them. Ok, one last question. Disney World is sometimes thought of a kid’s only place. I do not agree I think Disney is magical for all ages. My aunt and uncle even recently got married there. Do you think Disney is for kids only?

Mickey: Absolutely not. There is something at Disney for every age. Part of the magic of Disney is that you can be any age to experience it. You can be a newborn or senior citizen and still feel the magic in the air.

Me: Again, thank you so much for the interview. I hope to visit Disney again sometime soon.

Mickey: You’re welcome! See you real soon.

Los Angeles CA

The Hollywood sign 

I have always heard the excitement surrounding Hollywood but have never been able to be experience it. I would love to visit the Hollywood sign and all of the other famous landmarks.

When I was younger I had an interest in the arts. Even though I no longer have that interest, I would still like to see actors and singers. I think it would be cool to see a celebrity in their everyday life.  I have always been awestruck when I would see a semi famous person. It seems unreal that a celebrity could be in Newtown. Recently Taylor Swift was at a pancake house near my shore house. Even though I wasn’t there I was amazed at how someone so famous could eat at a place that I regularly ate at in the summer.

The Hollywood walk of fame

I would also like to walk down the Hollywood walk of fame. It would be cool to see the brass stars on the sidewalk and walk on top of them. I have always seen them when I watch an award show that is on Hollywood or when a new one is made. While I am walking I would like to see the iconic grauman’s Chinese theater and the Kodak Theater. 

Turks and Caicos

 My family and I have visited Turks and Caicos every Thanksgiving week for the past four years.  Next year being my 5^th year, I know where everything is and know much of the staff.  Some of the staff even knows me!  The Turks and Caicos are known for their great beaches and dive spots.  I enjoy both of them while I am there. I have always loved the beach and ocean. The beaches have warm sand and beautiful turquoise water. I love being able to relax in the warm ocean water without being trampled by waves. There are many things that are available to do right at the beach. One of my favorite things is to go out on a big water bike. It looks like a large tricycle, but is much harder to pedal. I also enjoy going out into the ocean on a hobby kat. I like sailing through the water by the power of the wind.

Me and my dad in Turks and Caicos in 2009

I also like the numerous other pools and activities. Aside from the pools there is also a large water park. I enjoy going down the slides and drifting down the lazy river. I also like boogie boarding on the surf simulator. My favorite pool is in the French Village. I like that it is not as crowed as some of the other pools. It is usually a nice temperature. The best thing about most of the pools is that they have a swim up bar!

I also like to go out on the kitty kat. The kitty kat is a large catamaran owned by the resort. In my most recent trip I went out on a night cruise. During the cruise there was a dj. I was able to see how the island looked at night. The cruise was a highlight of the entire trip for me.

Me and my sisters in Turks and Caicos in 2009

I got certified as a scuba diver four years ago during my first visit to Beaches, Turks and Caicos. I have been spoiled by Turks and Caicos amazing diving and will probably be unimpressed at other dive locations. During my dives I am in awe of all of the sea animals and the coral reefs. I recently saw a big sea turtle and shark. I enjoy scuba diving because I can become a part of the under sea creature world. I can really see how they live. Turks and Caicos is by far my favorite tropical vacation so far. I hope to enjoy it in years to come.

Italy

A water way in Italy

One day I would love to visit Italy. Part of my family originated from Sicily and Italian food has held a big part in my life. I have always been inspired about how my grandmother can cook so much and still have a passion for it. My favorite food is made by her. I like Raviolis and meatballs. Her raviolis are famous throughout my family. Every Christmas dinner we have them for dinner. It is fun to make them and they are so good to eat. The recipe is 15 oz of ricotta cheese, 2 pinches of salt, 1 1/2 cups of flour, a little flour on board, and then roll out. I would love to try raviolis in Italy and many other types of Italian food.

Houses on a mountain in Italy

I would also like to learn about Italy’s history and visit famous monuments. I have always been interested in Italy’s history and wanted to see the famous monuments that so many people talk about. It would be so cool to see the leaning tower of Pisa and the Coliseum. It would be interesting to hear about the history of these ancient structures from the locals.

I would also love to see the beautiful beaches and mountains. I would want to see if the Mediterranean Sea is different to swim in than the oceans that I have been to in other places.   I love beaches and would love to visit many around the world. Italy seems like a perfect vacation for relaxation and reconnecting with my families roots. I hope one day to be able to experience it.

Avalon NJ

My beach house in Avalon NJ

The first vacation spot I chose to write about is Avalon NJ. Avalon has brought me many fun summers that I will never forget. One of my favorite things about Avalon is the beach. I love relaxing in the warm sand or going into the ocean to cool of from a hot day. I like to take a walk down to the jetty and look for shells and sea life. There is also a myth that spider monkeys live inside of the jetty. I no longer believe this but it was fun to think about when I was younger.

 I also like going into town. There are so many good restaurants to eat at and fun things to do. I like going into town and getting pizza from Circle Pizza and then going to a frozen yogurt shop called Toppings. Avalon also gives me freedom. Avalon is a place where I can go into town with friends and be myself. I feel free and not constantly constrained by my parents. I like being able to be independent and feel more grown up.

Another thing I like about Avalon is being able to bike wherever you go. We rarely use a car in Avalon. Once you pull into your driveway, bikes will be your new form of transportation. Biking is also a great way to stay on shape. From time to time I wil go on an extreme bike ride with my uncle. We will ride through most of Wildwood. We will go on the boardwalk all the way to the end of Wildwood.

One of my favorite things that I look forward to every summer is Island Water Sports in Stone Harbor. (http://www.iwsnj.com/home.aspx) Island water sports have many fun things to do in the bay like water skiing and water boarding. One thing that we do every year is a large trampoline. It is a large floating trampoline. There are also slides and other fun things to do. They only let you on for 45 minutes and they go very fast. I hope to do this for many summers to come.

My dad in front of my house in Avalon NJ

This summer will be the first summer that we will have a pool at our beach house. I look forward to many days at the pool along with days at the beach. We are also getting an outdoor TV so we can watch TV while in the pool. I have always loved to watch the summer Olympics and can’t wait to watch them in the comfort of my pool. Avalon is my paradise that I will continue to enjoy for the rest of my life.