Lately, I’ve been writing more about life and its reflections, the kind that sneak up on you when you least expect them. But today, I’m switching gears and taking a little walk down the aisle of travel and how travel connects us.
A Long Overdue Visit
I recently took a trip to visit my husband’s sister and niece, who live in a charming town just outside of San Francisco. It had been too long, one of those “we really should” visits that get postponed until the calendar finally insists. Over the year, we stay in touch with calls on holidays and a few check-ins in between, but nothing compares to being there in person.
Reinvention, Passion and Purpose
His sister is one of those rare people who have truly reinvented herself in ways that’s both inspiring and quietly powerful. About ten years ago with a dear friend , she created an afterschool program for primary school kids using recycled materials. What started as a creative idea rooted in passion and purpose blossomed into something truly special. Today, their program runs in several schools, quite a few staff members, and has a continuous waiting list. The kids absolutely light up in the process, there’s such joy, such pride in what they create. Their energy is infectious, it’s clear that the love behind the program is woven into every project. A vision that became a beautiful living reality.
Her approach to life has always been to see the glass is half full. She exudes kindness and gratitude in everything she does. Spend five minutes with her and you’ll walk away feeling lighter, more hopeful. So yes, I was really looking forward to these five days, and how travel connects us.
Landing in Kindness
She was waiting for us at the airport, despite our flight arriving quite late we were greeted with a big hug and with a warm “welcome home”.
Discovering Alameda’s Charm – How Travel Connects Us
The week flowed beautifully. We found a cozy little French breakfast spot that quickly became our morning ritual. Her town of Alameda is just 20 minutes from San Francisco but it feels a world away. Surrounded by water and connected by a bridge, the island has this laid-back friendly vibe that invites you to slow down.
Bikes, Beaches & Breweries
One afternoon, we rented electric bikes and cruised along the park by the water. We stopped at the beach then ended up at a brewery tucked inside a refurbished warehouse. Outdoor picnic tables, food trucks, colorful shade sails, and a variety of beverages, good company, pure joy!
A Walk Among Giants
And of course, no trip to this area would not be complete without a visit to Muir Woods. Walking among the ancient coastal redwoods some over 1,000 years old and towering 250 feet tall, it was nothing short of awe inspiring. There’s something deeply humbling about being in the presence of such natural majesty. Ths stillness, the smell of the earth and moss, the dappled light, it all reminded me how sacred the quiet places are.
Tea, Talk, and Connection
Evenings were easy and sweet. By the time we returned to the house there was time for tea and long conversations. The kind that phone calls never quite capture. These visits, though spaced by time and distance, always deepen our bond. It’s something I’ve come to treasure more and more.
Love That Ground Us – How Travel Connects Us
In a world that often feels uncertain what a comfort it is to know that we can still count on connection, family and love to bring us home to ourselves.
“ Sometimes, we just need a trip not to escape life, but to help life stop escaping us.”
Thanks for being here,
-Soraya
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