Traveler's hat:San Fransisco

San Fransisco in two and half days: 1. Mayflower hotel Fairly priced and in a good location. Right in the middle of downtown, about a 30 min car ride from the airport and it was $279 for two nights. Very friendly and helpful staff, very clean with an old fashion style. Continental breakfast included but it included a very simple selection. 2. Upcider A bar that is located on the upper level on Polk st. Darkly lit, relaxed and causal vibe. The place is known for their variety of ciders that they serve in mason jars. They also have a good selection of beers and good garlic fries. I can't remember if they serve hard alcohol. 3. Blur Very small place, very loud, didn't like it too much, but the name is cool. 4. Polk St. Good place to go bar hopping. There is a variety of bars and restaurants. 5. Mc. Teague's Good spot for dancing. Small space though 6. Corona Heights Nice and simple hike. The incline is a little intense but not overwhelming. The begining of the trail was hard for me to find and there are mutiple entrances to the trail. The top of the hike is beauituful. A hidden trail within the city.

7. Castro District Very colorful area. Hot cookie is a good place to stop for a treat. There are a lot of unique boutiques and shops.

8. Lower Height street Lower Height street seems a little calmer them the other side of height street. A lot of local shops, books stores, photography. That's what I like about SF, you can walk down the street and find original stores. 9. Pier39, Applebees Very nice view of the piers,and Pier 39 is always the spot for sovereigns. 10. Farmer's market at Union Square Reasonably prices organic produce. 11. The Night Owl Small place,but good drinks and a good place to sit, drink and converse.

Strawberry picking

We drove on to the dirt road, admiring the fields of plants. Walking onto the farm property to register for our very first Strawberry tour, the aroma of the freshly baked tamales was in the area. We payed our $17 in just enough time to jump onto the tractor wagon that would take us around the farm. The clouds covered the sky, but the sun was peaking through just enough to keep the air cool, but not cold. As we drove by each field, our enthusiastic tour guide welcomed us with facts about the Tanka Farm, such as it being owned by a Japanese American family for about 75 years. We started with the vegetables passing by cauliflowers , kale, and getting to try fresh and organic cilantro, corn,carrots and green beans that was picked right from the ground. When we continued on we knew we were getting closer to the strawberry fields because the aroma tickled our senses. Eager to pick, we had to abide by some farm rules before we started picking. We started on a treasure hunt of finding the reddest strawberry. As I went after the larger strawberries, and I couldn't help but to snack and pick at the same time. Once our baskets were filled and our shoes were covered in mud, we climbed back onto the tractor and headed back to the main entrance of the farmer. A 45 minute tour that seemed to last only 10 minutes. After we exiting the tractor, we went shopping in their market, where they had great prices on fruits, veggies, salsa, tamales, fruit bars and more. Fun facts: 1. Purple carrots are healthier then orange carrots but not very popular, so they are not often sold. 2. The difference between fruits and vegetables is that fruits have seeds and they come from flowers. 3. Corn is a man made vegetable. If the human race went extinct, corn would only last 2 years. 5. Tankam farm also has pumpkin and watermelon tours.

Bahamas

A little video of life on the islands....

Saturday Evening in San Diego

We headed down the 405 freeway around 2pm and arrived in San Diego around 4pm right at the end of the farmer's market. Nonetheless when we arrived in Little Italy the air was clear, and the colors from the walls and banners were inviting. The people we passed all smiled and everyone gave off a friendly aura. What was most captivating was the aroma of food that engulfed our senses. Just about every place we walked passed looked good enough to sit down and eat at, however we landed ourselves in La Villa. We walked into their beautiful open patio space with it's tranquil water foundation. We sat at the bar where on the counter top were various fresh ingredients for their variety of cocktails. We chose to indulged in their rich sangria and in their large portions of happy hour foods such as fried shrimp, margarita pizzas, and fried potatoes.

After our satisfying meal we headed over to the Mission Brewery. The building appeared to be an old Wonder bread factory. We walked into a spacious room, with the brewery machines in the back and black cat leering at us from the counter top. Luckily I didn't take this as a bad omen and I ordered the blonde and sat down at a barrel that was turned into table. As my friend and I sat down with our craft beers, we enjoyed the dim lightening and architecture of the place. We also enjoyed all the dogs kneeling by their owner's side.

Our last stop was the Gas Lamp District. It is definitely a place for those a fan of electronic music. However for us hip hop fans the C lounge is an under ground place that plays popular radio hip hop songs. Good music but not to much space to move around and dance. After being at the C Lounge we ventured off a few bars down and stumbled into Serf. A Persian restaurant who had moved their tales to the side to create a dance floor. The dj played mainly hip hop so we decided to end our night there.

Me Confessions

I'm not patient. In fact, I hate waiting and I hate being passive. I feel that is I'm waiting, I'm not doing and nothing will happen. As a result I'm very active and impatience. I jump on things right away, I am anxious and often restless. One advantage my impatience brings me is that I take initiative and I get things done. But I'm challenged, my heart is torn and my mind is rattled because I believe that life is telling me to wait. But I don't know if I know how to. I keep busy so I don't have to wait. I compartmentalize so I don't have to feel the anxiety of waiting. I want to see, I want to go, I want to tell you how I feel, because we are not promised in second or minute.And waiting for things to just happen or to unfold seems like a waste, that I'm teasing fate. But what if I were to create inside of me a force that is more powerful then my impatience? What if I just believed that things will work out, and when it comes my time to act I'll know it. I can't control everything I have to accept that. But I can control to aspects how i feel and what I do. I hate waiting because I feel like loosing. But when you dug out the dirt, planted the seed, watered it, all you can do it wait for it to grow.

Life in Nassau

After our snorkeling adventure I was eager to freshen up, but as we were walking back we saw three women dressed in these black and gold greatly decorated costumes, almost resembling a bird as feathers were attached to their backs. Then we heard the music that led us away from our path and brought us into a parade. The street was flooded with colors, music and the people of the island, all celebrating the new year. As we shifted through the crowded audience and found a seat on the bleachers, were were able to catch the ending part of the parade, where the theme was celebrating American culture. Floats of gigantic size models of Prescient Obama, President Lincoln, Hilary Clinton and other revered figures shadowed over the crowd and moved down the street. Those not guiding the floats wore elaborate costumes that stretched past their own height. The live music of the parade took over the atmosphere as almost everyone was dancing or singing along. Everything and everyone felt united. The energy was intense, and it was energy that was created at 2 in the morning when the parade started and was still continuing strong. After the parade we wanted a deeper exploration of the island and sought to go on a tour. To schedule a tour we approached a group of local men all dressed in business attire ready to engage in a business meeting outside of the office. The first man we approached told us to wait a few minutes while he solicited to other customers to come on the tour. As we waited, we heard a deep voice coming from behind us saying " You want to know something?". As we turned around we saw a tall,slender man with dark skin dressed in a suit and tie sitting on the wall behind us. As our eyes locked onto hi as he gazed up at the cruise ships in front of us and he began to tell us some unfamiliar facts. He informed us about the process of bringing the ships into the harbor. He told us that the captain of each ship would bring the ship as close to the port as he could then he would let ago of the wheel and allow the island locals to then navigate the ship. When he saw that he had our attention he introduced himself and continued on indulging us in facts about Nassau. As he spoke to us, he gestured with his hand but kept his eyes moving from us to the crowds walking by, always ready to solicit a new customer. When he would notice a large group coming towards him he would quickly excuse himself to kindly approach the crowd. He would also greet them with the most welcoming attitude, repeating greetings such as " Hello, how are you , happy new year." I watched hopefully as he approached families, couples, groups of women and men, with charm and determination but after each approach he was always given the same answer, " no." Some said they had already seen the island before, others were just interested in the beaches. After about 30 minutes of waiting he was unable to get any more customers for our tour, but he was able to taxi us to Atlantis. Atlantis was a short trip, as we walked around the resort. When we returned to Nassau we walked around, went to the straw market where 100s of different souvenirs could be found. Walking around down town I was amazed by the creative crafts such as designs of conch shells and recycled soda that were crafted into miniature airplanes, cars and trucks. Also as assortment of colorful paintings. Nassau is definitely an island where your craft is your profession. I encourage anyone who visits the island to take a tour. You were learn and see things that you wouldn't see on your own. Support the island people who are so passionate about their home

Time travel

Everything has life to it, even if it isn't living. In an effort to support my friend and expand my curiosity I went on a tour of Broadway st in Downtown Los Angeles. I've lived 30 minutes away from L.A. most of my life,been to different events hosted in the city, and overall I've neighbored this city for most of my life, been in and out of it's streets, and I have yet to understand the essence of the city. Behind the busy street flooded with jewelry stores, dress stores and various random commodities,are these silent but historic buildings. Inside the buildings are time machines, pockets of history that take you back in time and hold the memory of what the city once was. On the tour we visited around eight different historic theaters. Walking by and inside these very historic buildings I would think to myself how driving through these streets I may not have even glanced at these storybook structures that simultaneous hold the memory of what once was and gives birth to new life. Many of the theaters have been renovated to new business, apartments, and more. Some stand untouched waiting for their rebirth. My two favorite places were the Los Angeles theater and the Bradbury Building. In the Los Angeles Theater I was amazed at how much it was in it's original form. I imagined myself walking in as one of the theaters guest when it was up running. In today's day and age going to the movies is an ordinary weekend event. Years ago going to the movies was an extravagant event requiring the finest clothes, and often took up the entire night. The Bradbury building to me held so much beauty, walking into the natural light gleaming down from the skyline on to the elegantly carved wood that created the walls, staircase and general structure of the building. There is still life in things that stand still, that are old and fade into the background as eyes glaze over them not recognizing their beauty. These buildings hold life because they hold history, and remind us what the city once was and what it might be again. Take the time to find and appreciate the beauty that you may over look. Whether it is in the people or places around you. For more on L.A. tours check out And special thanks to Jeremy for a great tour.

Day in the Life: Small steps big changes

So you may be wondering why I photographed four bottles of beer, an empty jelly jar on top of a bag. Well, I used the reusable bag to carry the beer in after I bought them. No I'm not an alcoholic, but I do appreciate good beer. And am reusing the jar instead of using a plastic sandwich bag. I'm starting to make small changes in my life to go green. After speaking with a very passionate marine biologist, Danni Washington and over hearing several green conversations from my co workers I've decided to make some changes in my life. In an effort to save the beautiful creatures of our ocean, and save the earth in general, I am desperately trying to reduce the number of plastic bags I use and reuse my glass jars. After listening to Washington speak I can't help but think that their is a completely different world under the sea, and besides that the ocean vital role in our life. Thinking that somewhere down the line we could destroy a beautiful place. I can't imagine life without the beauty and life of the ocean. I remember when I was little I went snorkeling in Mexico, and I remember being amazed, excited, nervous but intrigued by what I saw. I haven't been snorkeling since and whether I ever go again I always want to the chance to be able to. I am only one person who is probably making the smallest inkling of change, but at least I know no ocean animal will die as result of my laziness and maybe I can inspire others to do the same. What is your small step? Ps. Danni Washington and all the amazing things she has done and is currently doing : http://danniwashington.com/about-me

Try Something New Sundays: Source Cafe

The blog series is back.For those of you who have read my other "Try Something New" posts, I have decided to get back to them. Although I don't know if they will be every Sunday but I will strive for that. With Southern California's Summer in October bringing us 90 degree weather I was in search for a cafe close to the beach and that's when I found The Source Cafe. I am sort of a cafe junkie, so when I walk into a cafe I have to feel welcomed by the atmosphere and the decor. The place was small but still roomy. They have a patio area with outdoor tables and chairs. When you first walk in you'll see multiple places for sitting including a long wooden table and against the wall there are pillows and seats next to chairs and tables. The prices were a little bit higher than most of the cafe's I've been to but, you are paying for quality food, healthy food, and uniqueness. This is definitely the place for anyone that is vegan, vegetarian, health conscious, and gluten free. I purchased a juice called the Revival which contains red apple, fennel, ginger( which I opt out of) and lemon. It had a very strong taste of fennel, which was a new flavor my taste buds had to become accustomed to. This drink cost $9, which is the price range of most of their juices. I also purchased a Smoked Trout Toast which is served on toasted baguettes and came with tomato and vegan garlic ailoi. Very tasty but very salty. This place was definitely a new experience for my taste buds but at least I was consuming nutrition along with an array of different flavors.

Giving Back: Vision Boards

If you think your life is hard, there is probably someone out there who has it worse. Looking back on my life and growing up, I definitely had my struggles but I know that my life has been easy in comparison to others. I do have to say one of the toughest parts of my life was going through my teenage wears. Not only do you go through bodily changes they can help you blend in or make you stand out, you struggle with identity, wanting to test boundaries, making and losing friends. I couldn't image dealing with all that and not living in a consistent home or experiencing abuse or trauma. I think that's one of the reasons why I volunteered at the Heartfelt event at the Maryvale, residential facilely for girls ages 6-17, was because I was blessed to grow up in a sheltered and loving environment and not everyone else was. What was nice about this event is that we got to pass out items that the girls needed such as school supplies while helping them with a project that allowed them to dream and connect with themselves and one another. We created vision boards that the girls could put on the front cover of their notebooks,acting as a constant reminder through out the year of their goals and dreams. The visions boards were a great project not only because of their purpose but it allowed the volunteers to connect with the girls, a middle ground of conversation . We helped them look for certain pictures and stickers to put on their boards and by doing so learned about their interests, their passions, hopes, and dreams. After the vision boards the girls and the volunteers had lunch together while listening to live music. During this time two very impactful things happened to me. One, the volunteers were flooded with thank yous from the girls. The girls were so grateful for our presence. They appreciated someone being there and treating them well. And isn't that what we all want, to be treated well and loved. The second thing that happened was I ran into a girl sitting by herself. She was upset over a confrontation she had earlier and found a quiet stop to be by herself. I sat down next to her and listened to her vent. I admired her for finding her space to calm down, and although I couldn't solve her problem she was grateful to have someone listen to listen to her, simply listen. If you read all this I challenge you to do at least one of two things. One give someone your time. Whether it is someone you know or a stranger spending time with someone can make a difference in their life. Second, take the time to simply listen to someone. If you know someone is frustrated or going through a hard time reach out to them and simply tell them you are hear to listen. You never know what kind of seed your kindness will plant, and how much that seed will go.

Metamorphus

Metamorphosis- The eyes of a child gazes at the world in amazement. Not fully understanding their surrounds but taking in everything that is observed. The eyes of an adult does not gaze but watches, observes, analyzes and sometimes looks over. When we grow older our brains learn to critically think, a crucial skill nonetheless, but it is as if our brains were told that you can't believe in both logic and magic. I was reminded of this youthful amazement when a parent brought in some caterpillars to our class. When we presented the caterpillars and talked about the process with the children, and had them share their ideas, they were so excited about it that caterpillars and butterflies became the center of the world. I would often check on the caterpillars to see how the were doing. To see if they had started webbing so that we can move them to their nest. I looked at them merely as an observer not as an admirer. They were hairy and weird looking to me. After a few days I caught myself. I was treating these creatures, who in their first state weren't the most attractive things , like a daily task. I've talked about the process, spent most of my day reading books about these creatures but never stopped to really think how this process is truly unique, amazing and really unexplainable. How one creature can start off in one form and completely change it's genetic makeup. As we grow older and the responsibilities pile on everything because a job, or a task to complete. And half the time the most enjoyment we get is from consuming the contents of a bottle or from escaping on a vacation to a foreign place. Us adults need to remember to pause and realize the beauty, the wonder and the mystery around us and appreciate it. While our brain holds countless information, mostly of all the things we need to take care, it also holds our memories. I want my memories to be of something beautiful, remember the smell of a flower,or the smiles of my friends and families. Things will always need to get done, and eventually we will get them done, but if we don't appreciate the little things I feel like we are all caterpillars stuck in our cocoons. Stuck inside of chrysalis of routine, tasks, and order. Never letting ourselves become as beautiful as we can be, never turning into that butterfly and soaring through life. The irony of this story is that when we got the caterpillars we accidentally almost killed them. We put the container that they were inside in a glass jar that sealed tight. We thought an extra layer around their original jar would keep them safe in case one of our children decided to pick up the jar, or if it got knocked over. Didn't take into account that by locking the jar we were cutting off their oxygen flow. Luckily we reopened the jar just in time, right before the passed out forever. Taking this experience a step further, if you don't see the beauty and the wonder in a caterpillar turning into a butterfly take the time to find the beauty and wonder in your life. Whether its someone always remembering your birthday, receiving or giving a handmade gift. Look through the eyes of a child and see if you are amazed.

Self Reflection

I'm not a very passive person. When there is a problem I want to solve it, when something is broken I want to fix it. And there is probably some reason or some major event in my childhood that caused me to be this way but I am who I am. Continuing on I never liked the phrase " let things come to you". You don't follow your dreams you chase after them. If you want something you work for it, if you want to change you make it. Very strong statements that I fully and completely agree with but I am learning it doesn't have to be this way all the time. Now I am not or I am not completely obsessive in my frame of thinking. I don't need to fix every problem, answer every question. I think I am the way I am because I like the feeling of completeness. I don't like the feeling of not knowing why or how. But as uncomfortable as it make me feel I am learning that it is okay to be in this sort of state of wonder, and to let the unanswered questions resonate within me until I slowly find the answer. I think this was one of those lessons that God has been trying to teach me. Unfortunately, not everything is received on the first try. But I'm learning to simply say " it's okay." It's okay to let things be how they are, it's okay if things don't go the way I want them to, it's okay if I can't do anything right away because maybe someday I will. It's okay to make mistakes even though i don't like the feeling of knowing I did something wrong. It's okay to take a risk, because no matter what happens I know how to recover. and most importantly IT'S OKAY TO LET MYSELF BE VULNERABLE. I recently was shown a TED talk at a conference I went to and how a women did a study and that showed that happiest people are ones that are with being vulnerable. I'm not okay with it, but i'm learning to be. Not to worry about what will happen and focus on what is happening. I'm happy now even if it causes me pain later. And it's okay to be that there are many things i am not. Because who I am is good enough. ( it is a work in progress, I say it so that one day I will believe it.)

Costa Rica: Smile

You can survive! I remember walking into this community where the homes were brightly colored and looked barely put together. The children surrounded us with smiles and looked at us with curious eyes. Hugo, the founder of the children's center called Smiles with Hope in which we were visiting, greeted us as we came in. Before knowing his title I could tell he was a person who was loved. For as he walked in the children ran up to him with glee and attached themselves to his arms and legs, and began swinging and dangling from his limbs. Walking into the center we walked across a small bridge over a ravine. We walked into a large room that was very hot with a small stage in the back in which we were brought to. We gathered on stage with a group of children and suddenly music started to play. The song was in Spanish of course so we all just went along with the movement of the children. They would move to the right we'd move too. They would raise their arms up and do a silly dance and we would mimic their moves. Then, to our surprise, we were bombard with laughter and little hands tickling us. After realizing what was going on we started tickling back. For those 2- 3 minutes the song was going on I couldn't stop laughing. Not just because of what was going on but because there was this energy of love in the room. These children welcomed us, not knowing our names, not really knowing who we were but simply trusted us. After the song and after some playing around the children had to leave to go to school and we were invited to sit down and listen and learn more about the place we had just entered. The place we were at was built as a safe haven. The children of the community at a very young age are exposed to drugs, violence and prostitution. Their childhood is filled with distress and chaos. Sonrisas con Esperanza , Smiles with Hope, was built for children to have a place where they can be themselves. To smile, laugh and be children. Not only does the center provide a safe place for the children but for the mothers as well. Teaching them crafts, and skills to such as doing hair and nails, so that they can make better choices in their lives and have a opportunity for success. There is always hope, even in the darkest of places. But you have to believe in that hope to be elevated by it. Hugo's life was far from pleasant, and saying it was difficult may even underestimate the struggles he went through. Orphaned at the age of 5, for most of his childhood he lived on the streets, ate our of garbage cans and was constantly surrounded by drugs and prostitution. He even tried taking his life at a very young age. Fortunately, one day a friend told him about the Lord and his faith was renewed. He followed the word of God and was cared for in a safe environment. When he got older he started working as a clown, because he wanted to make children smile. And as time went on he created the center where many smiles pass through every day. What is also more inspiring about Hugo besides his triumph over his childhood experiences, is that he works for no income. He works by faith and every month himself along with his family is taken care of, through the generosity of others. Whether you believe in God or not, it is vital to always believe in something better. Always have Hope. I think to myself what would have happened if Hugo had given up? The the children of La Cuenca, Guararí,Costa Rica may have walked amongst the streets without a smile on their faces. They would have been trapped in a world that would ultimately destroy them. But it is because he didn't give up and let is struggles overcome him that many children and families can find peace, love, hope and a second chance. "This ministry was born as a result of God seeking to put smiles of love and hope in the hearts of these families, especially the children who have tears in their hearts" Fore more information about Sonrisas con Esperanza, visit their facebook page at : https://www.facebook.com/SonrisasConEsperanza?fref=tsm Children are born with hope, and it radiates through their smiles. Even when children have experienced or seen horrible things their hope still flows and exist through them. Sometimes when we get older we see so much evil that it kills our hope. But if a child can believe in the good out there, why can't we let out minds do the same. It's not because we know more or that we are wiser, it's because we stop believing and appreciating the little good that is there.

Cost Rica:You have arrived.

I hope to say the phrase" it was a dream come true" many more times in my life because arriving in Costa Rica was a dream come true. I was simply amazed that I was actually able to save the money, break away from my normal life, travel with people I've never met before and end up in a different country. Blessed is a feeling that I never stopped feeling because I honestly felt so blessed from the support of everyone who helped me make it to my destination. When we arrived it was night time. Our flight was delayed so we got there a little later then expected. I remember listening to the quiet of the night, few cars on the road. As our bus drove us to our location I remember looking out the window and trying to make out the city as I gazed at it under street lights. The ride was bumpy but pretty short, and we made it to C.E.D.C.A.S, the medical facility in which we stayed. There can be a bit of worry when you travel to a different country, one reason being that cleanliness standards vary from place to place but I was more then pleased with the C.E.D.C.A.S facility. We were greeted with a warm meal of spaghetti. Lilian who runs the facility greeted us with the warmest smile and with one shoe on her foot. She was trying to balance herself out after having hip surgery, so the wearing of one shoe wasn't from any type forgetfulness. We had short introductions then we were off to bed for we had an adventure planned for the next day. To find out more about C.E.D.C.A.S and the great work they do visit http://cedcas.org/ ( the website is all in Spanish). C.E.D.C.A.S is a medical facility that offers free and low cost medical care for those that are desperately in need for care. If you'd like to find out how to support C.E.D.C.A.S. feel free to contact me for information.

Stories From The Past: Rwanda Genocide Survivor

Society today seems to have an obsession with the future. What's next, what's new , what will be better then the last experience? We focus so much on the future, barely live in the present and often forget about the past. The past shouldn't be something that is ever forgotten, but something that constantly gives us a reminder of where we have been, what has happened, and what could be our future. Jean De Dieu Gatete,28,was born and raised in Rwanda, Africa but has had many opportunities to come to the United States. I met him while volunteering at the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles. What is fascinating about him is that he was able to live in a community that became engulfed with death. And what he takes away from his survival is divine humility. Gatete spent his childhood with simple joys and a carefree spirit. He played with friends, pulled pranks on people, and tried to stay out of trouble. He grew up in a culture of hospitality. Gatete describes it as a system where people helped each other. "The kids don’t belong to the family they belong to the society. If some kid is doing mistakes, any parent will try to correct him or her and feel like it’s their responsibility to take care of everyone. If someone is sick everyone will bring him to the hospital. There were times when people didn’t have cars and things and people had to carry sick people to the hospital… whatever happens to them is happening to us so we need to take action. " said Gatete. Although Gatete grew up in a time of peace, around 50 years ago the government introduced a ethnic system that eventually poisoned this hospitable culture. This ethnic system divided people, families and friends into different social classes mainly based on the assets they owned. With the division of classes came control and power. Those of a higher class would be used to force orders on those of a lower class. Slowly this system was integrated with violence, people were beaten if they did not follow orders. And by the time Gatete was 10 years old he witnessed those that he grew up with, his neighbors and friends die before his eyes. The river that Gatete grew up by became a moving storage for dead bodies. Washing away the evidence and the memory of those that were slaughtered for the sake of power. There was so much fear that it laid a permanent scar on those that survived. Years later the trauma of the event still lingers on with the people of Rwanda. And at the age of 10, Gatete could not fully understand why the killings were going on, all he could do was worry about who would be next. One day the violence can too close to home when Gatete's mother was attacked and taken away. Attacked by machetes, his mother was able to survive thanks to friends who sought to protect versus destroy. She was found and taken from a grave site and was brought home and eventually to a medical center where she spent six month recovering from head wounds. Although Gatete's mother suffered from an attack it was because of his father's ethnicity that he was never attack directly. But he was never hidden from the tragedies as he witnessed others die in front of him and. His home was under constant attack because his family would hide others to keep them safe. After time passed, Gatete and his family decided to flee from their home. People weren't just dying just because of the ethnicity but because of their land, their assets and anything else that was decided by a person of power. After years went on with much violence , a new government came in and created a new order of peace.Since then Gatete has returned to Rwanda, where he works as doctor and runs a non profit organization for the youth. When the killings finally stopped and people had to learn to forgive one another. With so many killings blood was on almost everyone's hands. Punishment wasn't possible for everyone and forgiveness was the main option. Gatete had to learn to live with and forgive the man who tried to kill his mother. This new government was critical making sure the Rwandian people could move forward. Systems were put into places, where people were tried in front of the people who they committed a crime against. They confessed of their crimes and were either forgiven or imprisoned. Gatete story is a realization of how far people can stray away from their humanity. It is also reminder of the strength, compassion that people can have and power of forgiveness.

Northern California Vs. Southern California

A southern experience in Northern California.

As a Southern California native, living in the south bay home of the beach cities and I have recently ventured up north to explore Northern California. I have always heard back and forth talk about how different the two regions are. One thing that has always stayed constant is that Northern California is completely different from Southern California. Well during my visit to San Francisco, over the Thanksgiving break, I had a day to explore some of San Francisco and scope out the differences and similarities.

On my quest to compare the two regions I first had to try out the food. Southern California has great and dare I say some of the best Mexican food. And I wondered if the spicy and flavorful taste would still be apparent in San Francisco.
What I discovered is that, it is possible to get delicious Mexican food so far from the border. As I walked into El Toro Taqeruia located on Valencia Street, I walked into a clean, colorful restaurant with workers eager to make fresh food. What is unique about El Toro is not just their fresh food that contains no preservatives or MSG, but their prawn style foods. The prawn tacos, burritos and quesadilla’s have big juicy and well seasoned prawns that are twice the size of regular shrimp. It brings shame to the average shrimp taco. (And you know that this place is good, because it was busy even the day after Thanksgiving).
The next place I explored was the pier. Now Southern Californian has a reputation of some pretty prestigious piers such as the Santa Monica pier, a carnival over the sea and places like Hermosa and Manhattan beach that offer an exciting night life. I had to see what Pier 39 had to offer.
Street performers are often attractions at many beaches and piers. Most common performers in Southern California include break dancers, musicians and maybe a few magicians, and puppeteers. However, the street performers I saw at Pier 39 were very enthusiastic and committed to their craft. Walking up to the pier I saw at least three or four street performers and musicians. One of the most noticed performers were the Skelton man who will blatantly flirt with anyone women who wants to take a picture with him. Also a robotic man covered in metallic paint, with wings, and spinning toys that make noises coming from his costume. Sometimes the pictures can speak for themselves.

Pier 39 is also a great place to shop and eat. Occupied by many souvenirs shops, Pier 39 is the place where you can get a wide range San Francisco apparel for a good price. At “ Only in San Francisco” you will find postcards, beautiful photos of San Francisco bay, sweaters, t-shirts, hats, shot glasses, magnets and just about every little miscellaneous item with the letters S.F. on them.
After shopping one can definitely work up and appetite. Fortunately for me there was Pier Market that offers fresh food alongside clean and fast service. I had to try one of my favorites from back home which is the New England clam chowder. Just as creamy and rich as I was use to, I was more than satisfied with my delicious clam chowder filled with chunks of fish and potatoes. And with great chowder and fresh fish caught daily, Pier Market is definitely a rival for Southern California’s seafood.
And a good meal isn’t complete without something sweet, and Pier 39 has shops to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. There are Trish’s mini donuts, and the Candy Baron with candy from decades ago. And not to worry, all the candy was made in this decade just originated from years back.
My exploration came to an end when I reach the end of the pier, but I couldn’t turn back too quickly. I had to take a second, more like a few minutes to gaze into the horizon, where I got a perfect view of Alcatraz and caught the sun setting over the Golden Gate Bridge. As I tried to adjust my gaze, I remember the horizons from back home and thought to myself, the San Francisco bay horizon can be just a breath taking.