My most recent overseas trip was to San Diego and L.A. at the end of last year. My uncle’s family lives in San Diego. So, I first went on an airplane with my grandfather to San Diego and met my uncle’s family there. My sister, who is studying in Seattle, also came to San Diego for the holidays. Since there are no direct flights to San Diego from Seattle, we all met in L.A. My uncle drove to L.A., met us, and then drove about two hours to San Diego. When we arrived in San Diego, we had lunch cooked by my aunt, and then we went to my cousin’s school.
I had been to an American elementary school before, but it was very different to see it. Seeing the children running around the playground, playing baseball and football, made me want to return to elementary school for a while. We spent a week in San Diego and a week in L.A. I was really excited about this trip because it had been a while since I went on a trip to the U.S.
San Diego, a city nestled in the U.S. State of California, was the destination of my week-long stay. With its clean and comfortable atmosphere, this city provided the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday. One of the highlights of my visit was the University of California, San Diego, a prestigious institution that is a pride of the city. The campus was a sight to behold, with its vast expanse and calm ambiance. However, the most memorable part of my San Diego trip was Balboa Park, a landmark that had gained international recognition through the Korean drama “The Heirs.” Despite its name, Balboa Park is more than just a park; it’s a sprawling complex that resembles an amusement park. The Alcázar Garden, a beautiful recreation of the Alcázar Castle in Spain, was a visual treat with its colorful tiles and palm trees—an outdoor performance stage with a pipe organ added to the park’s charm every Sunday. Most of Balboa Park is free to explore, and I took full advantage of this, wandering around and enjoying the various facilities. The park was alive with magic shows and violin performances, adding to the festive atmosphere. I would highly recommend visiting Balboa Park if you’re in San Diego. A heartwarming Christmas celebration followed our exploration of Balboa Park. It was my first Christmas in San Diego, and the morning was filled with the excitement of my cousins receiving their gifts from Santa, our uncle and aunt. This brought back memories of my childhood when my parents played the role of Santa. Later in the day, we visited a local grocery store and, on our way back, bought some cupcakes to mark the occasion. Although I was disappointed that the store was almost out of stock, the joy of celebrating Christmas with my family in San Diego was unparalleled. We spent the evening playing board games and singing songs, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
After a week of exploring the wonders of San Diego, our adventure continued as my uncle’s family, my grandfather, and I embarked on a train journey to L.A. Despite the early morning start, the train ride was a delightful experience, offering breathtaking beach views and an opportunity for people-watching. The anticipation of visiting L.A., notably the Los Angeles Museum of Art, LACMA, excited me. This was a place that had always inspired me with its art. LACMA, the largest art museum in the western United States, houses over 135,000 works of art. It took me about three hours to explore everything, and I was particularly captivated by the surrealist paintings of Yves Tanguy. Our journey also included a visit to CalArts, the California Institute of the Arts, a renowned institution founded by Walt Disney. Although I couldn’t tour the inside, the exterior of the building was a sight to behold. If you have a passion for film, theater, and animation, I recommend booking a tour of this prestigious school. The day after our LACMA visit, we welcomed the New Year at a famous restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory. This American franchise is known for its diverse dessert menu, including 35 different cheesecakes. I had the pleasure of trying the original flavor of cheesecake, and it was a sweet and delicious treat. We concluded our day with a leisurely stroll around the Farmers Market, a bustling place with a variety of shopping options. This journey was filled with new experiences and discoveries, making it a truly memorable adventure.
My two-week journey to San Diego and L.A. for Christmas and New Year was a delightful escape from the daily grind. It was a much-needed break that not only rejuvenated me but also rekindled my passion for art. San Diego and L.A., with their warm and peaceful ambiance, are perfect destinations for those seeking a relaxing getaway. I would highly recommend these cities to anyone planning a trip. A visit to Balboa Park and the University of California, San Diego, is necessary. In L.A., the Los Angeles Museum of Art, LACMA, the California Institute of the Arts, and The Cheesecake Factory are worth exploring. If traveling from San Diego to L.A., consider taking the train, even if you have a car. The train journey offers a unique and unforgettable experience, with its scenic views of the beach and the streets. This journey was not just a trip; it was an adventure that left me inspired and eager to explore more.
By: Hyeju Ha
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