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Category:

Travel

LifestyleLos AngelesTravelWorld

How to Figure Out if Studying Abroad is Right for You

by Victoria Delamora December 13, 2019
written by Victoria Delamora

Studying abroad is something many people see as the best part of their undergraduate experience. It can definitely be very daunting, because being in a foreign country where you know no one is a really scary thing. However, if you do decide to study abroad, it will definitely be something that you will never forget. If you have any interest whatsoever in studying abroad, there are some things that you should consider and figure out. 

Should I Study Abroad?

The first thing that you should do once you have any slight interest in going abroad is decide if it’s something that’s actually right for you. There are many factors to take into account. The first thing you should think about is if studying abroad would be financially possible for you, as some programs are much more expensive than UCLA. Once you figure out finances or are at least informed on the different variations of prices, you should decide whether being in a country you’re not familiar with is something you are comfortable with and ready to embark on your own. You should also take into account whether or not studying abroad is right for your major or if it will deter your path to a 4 year graduation. Sometimes studying abroad can make it easier to graduate in four years, but in other cases it can slow down your pace. Another thing to think about is whether or not you actually want to leave the UCLA campus and surrounding area. It seems like a trivial factor to take into account, but if you’re really invested in the Los Angeles lifestyle and couldn’t imagine yourself being away from the things LA has to offer, then studying abroad might not be for you. 

When and Where Should I Go?

Photo by Salomon10 Flickr
Photo by Mitch Altman Flickr

If you ultimately do decide that you do want to study abroad then there are some more decisions that you need to make. These decisions need to be made pretty far in advance, so figuring out what your plan is quickly is crucial. To put it in perspective, applications for Winter 2021 open as early as January, with some programs being first come first serve.  The first thing you should do is decide where you want to go. There are a multitude of options that UCLA offers through UCEAP including but not limited to Argentina, Australia, Botswana, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom. When deciding where you want to go you might want to think about how familiar you are with the language spoken in the area and the weather you would be happy with. It might also be worth it to take into account whether or not the place you are going to is convenient for travel to other areas and countries, as you may want to travel when you have ample free-time. 

Once you decide where you want to go, the next step is to decide when you want to go. There are options for one quarter, a semester (you would miss either Fall Quarter or both Winter and Spring Quarters), or a full year. Some programs have limited options for times you can go, while others give you more leeway to decide which parts of the year you would like to miss. Figuring out when you want to go abroad also affects your living situation for when you will be at UCLA. You will have to figure out finding an apartment and subletting with people who will be there while you will be away and vice versa. This is a little more of a logistic problem, so you will need to talk to your friends and see if renting an apartment together would work out. Although, if your friends do have different schedules and an apartment with them doesn’t seem to be the best option, there are always advertisements for sublets on UCLA Facebook pages. 

What Now?

Once you figure out these first crucial steps, the next thing to do is to go to the UCEAP office and figure out the logistics and actually begin to do the real planning and put everything into place. This includes figuring out how course credits transfer for your major and learning more about the cost of your trip and the room and board options you will have. This is a perfect time to learn more about the finances of studying abroad and really solidify your decision to go.

Studying abroad seems like a lot of planning, but if you are organized in the way you do it and do everything in advance, you will have no problems and will be one step closer to a truly incredible experience. 

December 13, 2019 0 comment
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LifestyleTravelWorld

Spring Break at Walt Disney World!

by Ally Chou May 13, 2019
written by Ally Chou

Spring Break 2019 was a wholesome one for me! My friends and I spent four days in Disney World, Orlando. The six hour plane right took us straight to Florida at 6 in the morning and that is where I want to begin sharing my trip with you.

At our check in (we stayed at the Disneyworld Animation Studios Resort), we were given wrist bands that, when tapped on a detector, would allow us to use fast pass tickets, get food, buy souvenirs and also enter our resort rooms. It was a very convenient piece of technology that is free of charge if you buy the Disneyworld package.

Photo by Ally Chou

Our first stop was at the Magic Kingdom, where everyone has to take basic photos of the castle. Disneyland’s castle in Anaheim was under construction the last time I visited, so I was happy to see that the Orlando Disney World’s castle is still in tact! We went on the classic rides from Pirates of the Caribbean to Peter Pan. It was a delight being reminded of nostalgic childhood memories when I visited ten years ago. Almost everything looks the same — it’s just that we are older and we feel like more children are running around everywhere!

Photo by Ally Chou

The second day we went to Animal Kingdom! Out of all the other parks, Animal Kingdom was the one with the most intense rides — but also with the longest wait times. It consisted of Dinosaur Land, Asia, Africa, Pandora (from the film Avatar) and more. The “scariest” ride — aka the one with the highest drop — was the Himalayan Mountain ride that goes backwards and drops from a really high point. In Dinosaur Land, there is also a ride that parallels Anaheim’s Indiana Jones rollercoaster, which is just moving forward with a lot of speed. The most unforgettable experience was at Pandora, where a stimulation allows us to feel, smell and see what it is like to explore the land of Na’vi (from Avatar). However, the ride was almost a 2 hour wait — and that was lucky because sometimes it would be a four hour long wait.

The third day was spent at Epcot Center. This park had the least rides, but the most to take pictures at, to splurge at, and to walk around in. Epcot reimagines countries from all continents next to each other. Its map is also shaped in a circle, as if the visitor is walking through the world and exploring all countries. All of the staff were from the respective countries that they were situated in — i.e. in the England region of the park, there would be British staff members. Each of the regions (France, England, Canada, Japan, China, Norway, Germany, etc.) would contain merchandise from their countries, Disney characters whose stories originated from those countries, a few shows, and most importantly — AUTHENTIC food! We tried the fish and chips from England and they were indeed very crispy and tasty. There is even boba in “China”! If you are just at Disney to experience the rides though, you might want to skip this park because there are none that are fast. The only one for the adrenaline junkies is the Test Track, which is sponsored by Chevrolet, and involves you hypothetically “testing out” a car (it’s a cool ride!).

Photo by Ally Chou

Our final day (half day) at Disney World was at the Hollywood park which is quite ironic because the streets — Sunset, Grand Ave, etc. — are ones we see everyday! There are a few replications of iconic buildings and street signs from Los Angeles. Most of the shows are based off of Disney movies such as Star Wars, the Incredibles (which was an area still under construction when we visited), the Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo and more. Like Epcot, there aren’t many exciting rides, with the exception of the Rock n’Rollercoaster, which is a fast ride that goes upside down.

For any of you who want a great spring break next year, consider Disney World! You wouldn’t want to miss it for the cute merchandise! You could go out to the city at night too, or even take a trip to Miami since you’re there.

PS. Apparently at Disney, if you want to switch a pin that you bought with a staff member’s, they have to exchange it with you!

May 13, 2019 0 comment
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LifestyleLos AngelesTravelWorld

Memorial Day Road Trip Destinations

by Victoria Delamora May 10, 2019
written by Victoria Delamora

With Memorial Day coming up soon, it’s time to think about what you’re going to do with your weekend of freedom. This three day weekend is the calm before the storm in the quarter system, as Week 10 and Finals Week are not so far off from Memorial Day. So grab some friends, gear up, and plan a road trip to one of these great destinations in California.

Newport Beach: Newport is a beach town that is only an hour and a half drive from campus. It is known for its great local beaches and Lido Marina Village, a great area to walk around which many people find themselves going to for the sole reason of taking an Instagram photo. If you’re an Instagram feind, then this is the place for you!

NEWPORT, Photo by Adam Reeder, Flickr Creative Commons

Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara is just an hour and a half north of campus. It is a small coastal town known for its shopping, wineries, hiking, and Spanish architecture. Santa Barbara is a very quaint town and is definitely a place to check out if you want a relaxing Memorial Day weekend.

SANTA BARBARA, Photo by Michael Theis, Flickr Creative Commons

San Luis Obispo: SLO is three hours from UCLA and is near Pismo Beach. The city is known for its “college town” feel and beautiful scenery. It has great hiking trails and other opportunities for recreation. There is also a famous Bubblegum Alley on a street in the downtown area.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Photo by emdot, Flickr Creative Commons

San Diego: San Diego is two-and-a-half hours from campus and is definitely a place you should visit if you have not before. It has beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and several other interesting spots, such as the USS Midway Museum, a historic aircraft carrier with exhibits, and the Gaslamp Quarter.

SAN DIEGO, Photo by Phil Dickinson, Flickr Creative Commons

Big Bear: While Big Bear is known as a popular ski and board destination during the winter, it transforms into a lake community during the Spring and Summer. It has all the typical lake activities you could dream of: kayaking, jet-skiing, boating, as well as hiking, zip lining, and so much more. This would be an ideal Memorial Day weekend destination, as there is something for everyone, and you have the added bonus of being able to stay in a log cabin.

BIG BEAR LAKE, Photo by Don Graham, Flickr Creative Commons

May 10, 2019 0 comment
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FoodLifestyleLos AngelesTravelUncategorized

Dates in Downtown LA

by Sarah Seran Bae April 8, 2019
written by Sarah Seran Bae

Over the past few years I’ve lived in Los Angeles, I realized that there are so many things to do in Downtown LA other than barhopping. I started to make a list of places to go with my family and friends who would visit from overseas or out of state and now that list is three pages long!

Here are a few ideas for the next time you want to be a tourist in your own city.

Walk from Grand Central to The Broad

Photo by Sarah Seran Bae

Grab a quick bite at the historical Grand Central Market. There are so many food vendors that you could choose from, including diverse options reflecting Los Angeles’ rich cultural variety like German, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, and so much more. I recommend DTLA Cheese or Eggslut. When you’re done eating, you can take the famous Angel’s Flight trolley on South Hill Street to start heading towards The Broad Museum.

Angel Flight is a railway that is 117 years old and costs $1.00 to get to the top in less than a minute. In the past, it connected the tenement communities of the city, and after being closed for awhile, it’s a can’t miss spot! Alternatively, you could take the never-ending stairs if you’re feeling like doing a mini workout.

Photo by Sarah Seran Bae

When you get to the top, it will be a short walk to get to The Broad museum.

Make sure to reserve tickets online (it’s free) ahead of time to avoid a line! The Broad has some of the most influential modern art from artists like Ragnar Kjartansson (beautiful music installation), Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol, Ed Ruscha, Roy Lichtenstein, and of course the instagram-worthy Robert Therrien & Yayoi Kusama.

Insider tip: If you take the glass elevator down to leave, go back up the stairs to get a sneak peek of where the museum stores their art! This place is called “the vault” and it’s pretty cool to look at.

Arts District and Little Tokyo

On the eastern edge of Downtown LA is the Arts District and Little Tokyo. These two locations are for those who truly love galleries and boutique stores. I love visiting this part of the city because there’s always something inspirational that you wouldn’t expect to find. The last time I visited, I went to Hauser & Wirth and was deeply moved by the works of Alexander Calder.

Photo by Sarah Seran Bae

Nearby, there is also a cute store owned by a married couple called Poketo. This place is one of my favorite stores near Little Tokyo. They have cute stationery, accessories, and home items that are sensible and aesthetically pleasing.

If you’re feeling hungry, I recommend Wurstküche for German sausages and dessert at The Pie Hole in the Arts District. If you’re willing to wait in line, the ramen at Daikokuya is phenomenal and so is the matcha ice cream at Tea Master in Little Tokyo.

And for those of you over 21 and do want to go barhopping…

Here’s a list of a few favorites:

  1. EightyTwo (drink and play classic retro games)
  2. Perch (french restaurant & rooftop bar)
  3. Birds & Bees (romantic speakeasy)
  4. Prank (walk-up cocktail bar)
  5. Breweries: Angel City Brewery, Arts District Brewing Company, and Mikkeller DTLA
April 8, 2019 0 comment
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Travel

Hong Kong could be your next destination

by Bao Yi Tan March 21, 2019
written by Bao Yi Tan

During spring break, you might have some time off. If you are thinking of traveling somewhere internationally, it could be nice to travel someone east or as Nick Young would ask, “What about us taking an adventure east?” in Crazy Rich Asians.

Reconnecting with your roots

If you are Chinese-American and you have not been to Asia in your life, it would be a great time to go to a Chinese country to experience it for yourself, such as modern Hong Kong. The weather is a little chilly and not too hot at this time of the year. There is the convenience, safety, culture, and food. Of course, it would be ideal if you can speak Cantonese and Mandarin, as those two languages are mainly spoken (but locals prefer to speak in Cantonese than Mandarin). People do speak English here and you can get an English menu if needed in some places. Hong Kong preserves its old buildings, but there are many new buildings as well. Walking through the streets will be charming itself, but having the opportunity to interact with the people will be cherry on top of the trip.

You can never get enough of food

In America, everything is far apart and there is a need for a car. Food is everywhere, but portions are huge and there is a need for doggy bags and that would probably be dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow. In this sense, there are lesser opportunities to try different food in a period of time. However, this isn’t the case for Hong Kong. The portions are smaller and there is a huge food culture here. Instead of going to the movies at Westwood or Santa Monica for a beach day, people plan to go out for food. One day it could be Dim Sum (a style of Chinese cuisine prepared as small bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets) for lunch, then a famous Hong Kong style cafe like Mrs Tang Cafe for dinner. Then there is also the option for snacks like fried chicken and other small eats due to walking around a lot – starting at Goldfish Market to Sneaker Street and eventually, Lady’s Market could last for hours. The probability of getting hungry will be very high and when that happens, there are many food shops around to get yummy snacks from.

There is a lot of things to do

As I implied before, there is a lot of walking to do as everything is close to each other. The MTR (short for Mass Transit Railway) is very convenient for both locals and tourists. People barely drive in Hong Kong, even when they do have driver’s licenses. It is too expensive and unpractical to own a car in Hong Kong. So it isn’t a shocker when there are many things to do in Hong Kong. For instance, there is a lot of shopping to do. There are sneakers, imitated branded bags, goldfishes, and clothes to get from. There are a ton of varieties and when one is tired, there are plenty of beauty parlors to choose from as well. There is just an abundance of everything here. I would definitely recommend getting a massage when you are tired of walking and shopping. There is also the option to play darts for HKD 5 (about USD$0.64 at Joe’s Billards & Bar) at night or taking the ferry to see an amazing city view – filled with lights everywhere.

The Final Closer

The air ticket to Hong Kong ranges from USD$400-$700 during spring break and it is a round-trip ticket. It is not too expensive if you are planning to go on an international trip. The food and transportation will be affordable and living at hostels would be a great way to save some more money too! It’s an option, but I would definitely recommend a trip to Hong Kong and one week will be plenty of time to explore this beautiful island.

March 21, 2019 0 comment
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LifestyleTravelUncategorized

Keeping it PG at Vegas

by Ally Chou March 9, 2019
written by Ally Chou

Still not 21 yet but you and your friends want to make plans to go to Las Vegas for spring break? Sounds like a pretty familiar scenario to all college students in the Southern California area. After all, Vegas is just a 4-5 hour drive, or a 50 minute plane ride! But what can you do when you are still underage in this City of Sins? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Here are a list of some PG things that you could totally do that can still pack your schedule up for a few days.

1. The Neon Museum

This place is super worthy of going at night-time, because the outdoor museum showcases beautiful vintage neon signs that are from all over California. There is a tour, and the tour guide informs you of the stories behind all the special neon lights — some not working, but some still flashing in bright lights. Nevada was the state where neon lights became popular in the Google architectural movement, and this museum is a super enlightening way to learn about the state’s culture. The museum is located just 20 minutes or so from the Las Vegas Strip. 

2. 7 Magic Mountains

Photo by Ally Chou
Photo by Ally Chou

This impressive landmark by land artist Udo Rondinone, is not technically in Las Vegas, but it is on the way back or to Los Angeles if you are taking a road trip. This is a must see because the “7 Magic Mountains” are so beautiful under the sunlight. An awesome place to make your Instagram feed more colorful.

3. The Venetian

Photo by Ally Chou

Many of you may already know the wonderful Venetian that is like an indoors Venice with actual canals and gondolas you can ride on (though the rides are pretty pricey!!). There’s an abundance of shopping you can do there so you will never get bored!

4. Shopping at Aria and Caesar’s Palace

Photo Courtesy of Simon Malls

More shopping at other hotels! The shopping mall at Caesar’s Palace has very nice interior architecture that emulates the Ancient Romanesque culture. Aria is one of the newer hotels located in the Strip, and it comes with a newly renovated shopping center that contains many luxury brands, in case you are feeling like you need a lavish makeover. 

5. Adventurous options like ziplining and the ferris wheel!

At the outdoors shopping area in the Strip, there is a ferris wheel ride (High Roller) which takes you above ground, giving you a view that overlooks the entire Strip (which is actually quite small) and beyond!  Not for those who are scared of heights though. If you are feeling extra adventurous, there is also a zipline (FlyLinq) that takes you through the Strip. TIP: If you show your student ID, you get a big discount!

Whether you are at a legal age or not, Vegas can be a super enjoyable experience if you know how to make the trip worth it! Hope you have fun in the City of Sins!

March 9, 2019 0 comment
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LifestyleTravel

Cheap Spring Break Travel Ideas

by Zainab Malik March 7, 2019
written by Zainab Malik

Midterms (for most of us, at least) are over. It’s week 8 and spring break is so close, you can almost taste it. Why not go somewhere new? Oh, wait. We’re broke college kids. Not to fear, here are some cheap spring break travel ideas for students on a budget.

Belize

Photo: Simon Dannhauer (Shutterstock)

Belize is beautiful and surprisingly affordable. The US dollar is extremely strong in the country, and having several inexpensive yet luxurious hotels cements its place on this list.

Vancouver

Photo: Hannahmariah (Shutterstock)

Cheap flights, gorgeous sights… What else can I say? If you look hard enough, you can find extremely affordable round trip tickets to Vancouver from LAX. I highly recommend trying Nando’s, a popular chicken restaurant in the city, as well as walking along the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Talk about a bucket list item being crossed off!

Cabo San Lucas

Photo: emperorcosar (Shutterstock)

Be a total college kid cliché and go to Cabo. There are amazing beaches and natural beauty galore. Do it for the ‘gram!

New Orleans

Photo: F11Photo (Shutterstock)

Being a huge “Princess and the Frog” fan, going to New Orleans at least once is on my bucket list. While it might be too late for Mardi Gras, New Orleans has a rich and colorful history and many amazing places to check out and explore!

Key West

A short drive from Miami is the charming town of Key West. It’s not crowded and fairly cheap with gorgeous beaches and many cultural sights. I personally would love to go and see the Hemingway House or Robert the haunted doll!

Jamaica

Photo: lucky-photographer (Shutterstock)

Having gone to Jamaica myself and loving it, I might be a little biased, but it is an absolutely gorgeous place to vacation with amazing food, beaches, and experiences, while still being budget-friendly. I highly recommend going to Dunn’s River Falls or horseback riding in the Caribbean. I didn’t get to do either and still regret it!

March 7, 2019 0 comment
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Travel

Spring Break is just a month away – perhaps London?

by Bao Yi Tan February 20, 2019
written by Bao Yi Tan

Midterms are probably over and it’s time to start planning for spring quarter, but you got to remember to take a break and start planning something for spring break! A road trip in the country could be nice, but you may have done it multiple times with your family. What about a trip outside the country? If that’s the case, why not London? The city of bars, beers, and famous fish ‘n’ chips. Here are the reasons why it will be an amazing adventure out in Europe.

It is truly a city, just like New York City or San Fransisco. Probably Chicago too. The beauty of a real city is that it is small enough to walk everywhere and explore the streets and get lost in crowds and feel like somebody else. It is pretty safe as well (enough to walk the streets at night). To truly connect with the city, it means it has to have great public transportation and the main mode of transportation in that city usually be walking. You can walk in London or take the underground, also known as the tube. It is very convenient and affordable. For a day ticket (the card itself is call an oyster), you can get it for £13.10 at any station (but that’s only for central London, but that’s probably enough anyway). There are other modes of transportation too. Buses, overgrounds, and some boat transportation. The most efficient one would be the underground. You can explore most of London via this convenient way in a short period of time.

There are many things to do in London. From the museums, theater, cathedrals, shopping districts to the nightlife – there will always be something to do in London. For instance, instead of watching a movie, definitely take advantage of the movies of English people – plays. Plays in London are simply magnificent and there will never be one play there is exactly the same as the previous night, as it is staged live and there will be some spontaneity. There are theaters everywhere and you have to get tickets early morning, in order to get good seats (depending on the demand of the plays). There are also many phenomenal musicals, if that interest you. Also, there’s a student price! There is the Tate Modern, a contemporary art museum, and you can get stuck there all day long. After enjoying the arts, there are cathedrals for the history nerds. But if you want something more raw, there is the Camden market at Camden town. There will be live music and street foods. After all the cultural fun, go to Convent Garden for some food and shopping. Then there will be nightlife waiting for you everywhere, because London is hopping.

London is an old city, so it is no surprise that there will be a lot of old bars (or taverns) around. It is amazing to walk around to be able to get a drink (as the legal age is 18) in the middle of the day and no one will judge you. The beers are great and if you want to try more types of beers, Belgium is a short flight away. There are also the Netherlands (or people call it Holland), France, and Ireland. All the great cities and countries just a short flight away, or take the eurostar train, which I would definitely recommend (even though the prices of the flight and train ride are about the same, you never really experience old Europe until you travel around Europe via trains and enjoy the scenic sights). For example, a train ride from London to Paris takes about 3-4 hours and you go through an underwater tunnel to get there. It is pretty cool.

Plan your trip ahead and you will have a lot of fun. Also, if you can, get an Airbnb and experience local people and their culture. One tip: stay in the city. It might be a little expensive, but do your research and your trip will be a smooth one.

Signing off, Chloe

February 20, 2019 0 comment
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Travel

Upcoming Events in Los Angeles

by Ela Koksal January 25, 2019
written by Ela Koksal

1. Dapper Day at LACMA

“Urban Light” by Chris Burden has been a bright spot on Wilshire for LACMA since 2008. (2010 Museum Associates, LACMA)

How does attending a Swinging Soirée at one of the most prestigious locations at Los Angeles
sound? If your answer is pretty good, you should attend the Dapper Day party at LACMA on the
26th of January. Get ready to dance all night while enjoying top quality European Artwork!

2. Chinese New Year Festival

Credit: O.C. Lee

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with LA’s Chinese Community and many more enthusiasts who are
attending this annual event. Taking place in various locations throughout Los Angeles on the 26th
and 27th of January, attending these festivals are a great way to celebrate your culture, or get to
know a new tradition!

3. LA Art Show

https://dola.com/events/2019/1/23/l-a-art-show

The Los Angeles Art Show is one of the longest running art installations in the country. Containing
a lot of different art forms such as modern art, historic art, and traditional art; this place is a must-
see for every art lover. Be sure to add this event to your calendar between the 23rd and the 27th of
January!

4. Elton John ConcertIt won’t be an exaggeration to say that everyone loves Elton John. Don’t miss your last chance to
see one of the most influential and ground-breaking artists in history on his farewell tour. He is
performing for six nights from January 22 to February 2nd, so go buy your tickets before it’s too
late!

https://www.visitpasadena.com/events/rare-books-la/

5. Rare Books L.A.
The Rare Books L.A. is taking place in the Pasadena Convention Center on the 1st and 2nd of
February. This fair is the perfect place to see the original editions of your favorite books, find more
books from your favorite author or discover new genres that you will love! Book lovers, this is the
perfect way to spend a weekend dedicated to your passion!

January 25, 2019 0 comment
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Travel

Bruin Travels — San Francisco’s Insta Worthy Spots

by Ally Chou December 11, 2018
written by Ally Chou

I spent my Thanksgiving in San Francisco! Despite the heavy rain and the bad traffic during the holidays, there is still so much to do in the city known for its hippies, steep hills, cable cars, and beautiful landmarks. Here are a few of the must-see things in San Francisco and the best places to get your Instagram shot!

1. The Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge by Brian Chou

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of the west coast! Overlooking the bay and creating a beautiful contrast with the sea and its brick-red color, the bridge is perfect for a scenic photo. If you are driving, there are two viewpoints across the bridge where you can park your car to take a photo up close with the bridge. To the left of the bridge, the view-point extends up the mountains so you can take photos from a higher angle. If you take the Uber, you could also hike upwards to find the perfect spot. Take note that the traffic gets pretty congested near the parking areas during busy hours when everyone is finding an empty spot to park.

2. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Alexander Calder Sculpture at SF MoMA by Ally Chou

For all the artsy people out there, the SF MoMA holds a lot of amazing contemporary and modern art, with works by Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Dan Flavin, Mark Rothko, and many more familiar names you might have heard in your art history classes. The MoMA has a beautiful architecture and interior design as well, with large windows that reveal San Francisco’s scenic views through alleys, which serves as a great Insta pic!

3. Lombard Street

Lombard Street by Ally Chou

Visit Lombard Street for a beautiful view of San Francisco from a high vantage point, or take a scenic photo of the quirky Lombard Street itself that is adorned with fresh, vibrant flowers! It is recommended that if you are walking, go from the top of Lombard street downwards, because it’s not only steep, but super curvy!

4. Palace of Fine Arts

Palace of Fine Arts by Ally Chou

Only a few minutes from Lombard Street is the Palace of Fine Arts Theater where you see a dome-shaped architecture mirroring Roman and ancient Greek buildings. It is situated at a beautiful park with a small lake in front — such a photogenic spot! Add some classiness to your photos with this one!

5. California Street

Downtown San Francisco by Ally Chou

Ever see those professional shots of cable cars at the peak of a hill in the midst of downtown SF, and wonder which street it was taken on exactly? It’s California Street! Here, you will be able to take amazing photos of the downwards hill that is flanked by tall industrial buildings. You can also see the Bay Bridge at the vanishing point if you use a good camera. If you’re lucky, you might also be able to catch a shot of the trolley in your photo.

December 11, 2018 0 comment
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"I love plants. One day I hope to have a space fil "I love plants. One day I hope to have a space filled with house plants and a backyard filled with flowers."
Claudia Bernaga, 3rd year, English Major
Photo by Naomi Holmes
"Today I went to Covel and got M&M’s… all the "Today I went to Covel and got M&M’s… all the managers at Covel know me because I always get M&M’s. "
Alex Lewis, 2nd Year Political Science and Cognitive Science Double Major
Photo by Ariana Fadel
”I’m more likely to cry when I hear other peop ”I’m more likely to cry when I hear other people’s stories and I rarely cry for myself.” Nancy Zhang, 1st year, Computer Sciene Major. 
Photo by Catherine Wang
"I love poetry" Yasmin Siyad, 1st year transfer, P "I love poetry"
Yasmin Siyad, 1st year transfer, Psychology major
Photo by Catherine Wang
“I'm away from home, but at the same time very c “I'm away from home, but at the same time very close. This hot breeze reminds me of summer nights where I would play guitar and sing with my brother. The start of spring motivates me to go out, have fun, and take care of myself; it gets me excited for summer.

I started taking photos during my junior year of high school, which was one of my worst years. Photography helped me in my hardest moments because I instantly found my surroundings more beautiful. Honestly, I never found the sky to be beautiful until I started taking pictures. It sort of popped out of nowhere and completely changed that year around and who I am now." Elizabeth Pinos, 3rd year, Psychology
Photo by Anna Yang
“One time Lady Gaga threw her jacket at me.” M “One time Lady Gaga threw her jacket at me.” Maria Roman, 3rd year, American Literature and Culture Major
Photo by Catherine Wang
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