Turning the pages

It’s been almost a year since I last wrote a post. Not because I’ve lost my passion for writing, but because I’ve reached a point where writing only feels satisfactory when it comes straight from the heart. I marvel at how some writers have the extraordinary ability to write consistently, creating works that deeply resonate with their readers. I still vividly remember a moment when my friend and I were in NYC, walking through Washington Square Park. We came across a man with a typewriter, crafting poems for strangers.

There was something so deeply human and warm about that gentlemen and the encounter, as though the act of creating art in such harsh conditions was its own kind of poetry. The simplicity of it—a man, a typewriter, and fleeting words spun into something beautiful—stayed with me. While I still jot down little notes on my phone, I often find myself erasing and rewriting, never fully satisfied with what I’ve written. But I haven’t let my love for writing fade. Over the past two years, I poured myself into reading great literature. I’ve built a collection of books – short stories, historical fiction, motivational works, and biographies. This has profoundly shaped my perspective on the world. I learned that to be a consistently good writer, I must immerse myself in great books.

While walking the street of Philly, I often see a older man outside nearby a bookstore, engrossed in a book – sometimes reading, sometimes drawing, and occasionally reading the bible. His quiet devotion to literature reminds me of my childhood, when I carried a book with me everywhere I went. In school, I had a favorite spot in class where I could escape into stories. That habit made it easier to rekindle my love for reading later in life. Especially after moving to Philly, it took me a bit to adjust this new transition in my life. Books become my refugee, offering me solace, wisdom, and a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar world.

Literature is incredibly powerful; it reflects our values, dreams, passions, and fears. The stories we choose to read shape who we are and how we view the world. This connection to literature is especially evident when we look through the lens of history. For instance, the German civilians who were forced to burn books during the rise of anti-Semitism. It’s a painful reminder of how much is lost we silences voices and suppress ideas. With everything happening in the world today, it’s a warning that still resonates.And yet, even in the harshest conditions, stories endure-whether through a man typing poems for strangers, an older gentleman lost in a book outside a bookstore, or child escaping into pages during class. Writing, like reading, is an act of preservation, a way to hold on to what matters. Perhaps that’s why, even after a year of silence, I find myself here, trying to shape words into something that lasts.

Me and you and you and me

For the past couple months, I have been listening to the song “Communion” by Maverick City on repeat. Whenever I am doing my personal prayer or sitting in adoration, I am always finding myself listening to the song. I resonate so much with the lyrics especially where it reiterates these three words, “Me and you and you and me”. It speaks to me so much about my relationship with the Son of GOD, Jesus Christ this past year. We should always have that desire to be in communion with Him. There is a church here in Philly that I love going to for Thursday night adoration because it’s the time and place that I feel closest to GOD. It reminds me how Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane amidst the darkness in the woods on the night of his arrest. Even though Jesus foreseen that one of His apostles, Judas, would betray Him in a few hours, He chose to devote all the time and energy he had left to intimate prayer instead. Similarly, when I sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament that represents the Body and Blood of Christ, I am “taken back to the garden” because I want to let the LORD into each dark corner of my life.

I recently attended an advent retreat, and it was enlightening because it allowed me to reflect upon this past year. In one of the talks, the priest brought up the whole notion of gaze and how that is a foundation of any relationship. Most importantly, our relationship with Christ. Back in Genesis of the Old Testament, Adam and Eve hid themselves from GOD behind the bush because they were afraid after violating His WORD. They covered themselves with garments made of fig leaves to cover their nakedness from GOD. However, Adam’s sense of nakedness stems from his shame of disobedience and fear of GOD which He was able to see through. In fact, we are no different than Adam and Eve because even if we try to clothe ourselves from the habitual sins, no mask can hide us from GOD. HE does not define us by our sins, and he forgives us simply from our willingness to gaze upon HIM and repent for our sins.

I remember when I first held my niece when she was only a few weeks old in my arms. I couldn’t take my eyes off her and gaze upon the beauty of her face. The Lord desires for us to look at him in the same awe-like manner and embrace him. Like how David wrote in Psalm 27:4 “One things have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. In John 12, Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus’s feet with oil and wipes them with her hair. There was another time in Luke 10, we see her listening to Jesus’s teaching. In both times, it’s striking that Mary simply sits with Jesus in a unhurried fashion and finds so much genuine joy in HIS presence. Even when Judas criticized her for anointing Jesus’s feet, Mary ignored all the outside noise and beheld HIS glory as though time stands still. And Jesus only defended Mary quoting that, “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me” (John 12:8). This is the same delight and joy that we should strive to have when we sit in HIS presence. Regardless of our burdens from our sins, we should open ourselves to HIS peace and guidance so we can redirect our minds to GOD.

Through the sacrament of baptism, we become partakers of divine mercy. So even throughout our lives today, God continues to reveal himself through our personal history and consoles us in our humiliation, rejection and heartbreak because he went through the same emotions and still does to this day. God provides us with divine mercy and love because of the relationship we have with him as our Heavenly Father. It’s amazing to see the relationship between my older brother and his two-year child and how it evolves over time. To how much joy and delight he had when my niece was born, when she took her first steps and when she said Mamma and Dadda. It’s very clear to see the amount of love a father has for a child from the very beginning. Similarly, the Lord who created us in his image, according to his likeness and who knew us even before we were born provides us that father and child love and affection. When we start to realize the intensity to how much the LORD loves each one of us, our relationship with HIM will never be the same.

“Cause you are closer, closer than my skin. You are in the air I’m breathing in”

I love this acoustic version of the song ❤️

Walking in Spirit

My younger brother introduced this spiritual song to me last year, and I remember the feeling of how the tune gave off a romantic vibe. That’s exactly what my relationship with GOD has been this past year: a love affair.

There are a lot of times I am filled with tumult and confusion as to what GOD has planned for me. Many times in adoration, I cry when I look at the Eucharist placed on the altar, and I am often filled with abundant tears. It’s an intense spiritual experience as I am consoled in the presence of the holy spirit. As much as we crave this kind of love and respect from God, he craves that same amount of love and respect from us in return. During this past holy week, I watched the Passion of the Christ with my youth group at Church. In a particular scene where Jesus is on the cross on Calvary Hill or known as Golgotha, he said, “I thirst.” The soldiers thought Jesus was thirsty and asking for water.” And instead, they give him sour wine that is mixed gall which gives it a bitter taste. I think this can be taken more as a metaphor when Jesus says, “I thirst”. He’s not necessarily asking for water because he’s thirsty. He is indeed thirsty for our love, compassion, reverence because our thoughts and actions can be bitter towards him. There is another beautiful example in the bible where Jesus says, he is thirsty and asks for water. It is when he meets the Samaritan woman at the well. When Jesus asks her if she can give him water, she is surprised that the man is asking for a drink considering that she is a Samaritan and he is a Jew. In return Jesus responds, “if you ask me, I will tell you where to get living water.” Jesus is aware of the life of this Samaritan woman, and that she leads an immoral and unsatisfying life because her husband abandoned her.

I was raised as a Christian my whole life, but only decided to strive to know who GOD is and continually grow in his presence within the past few years. I’ve been trying to dive into the Bible this year, and it has been reaffirming that he alone plays a significant role in my life. There are many of us who try to fill the void in our lives with external sources, but we fail to realize it’s the Heavenly Father who can fill that void for us. I was indeed one of those people who failed to find my companionship and happiness in only GOD, and instead in the pursuit of happiness based on a relationship status or any unfulfilling luxuries in life. The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose. As I read the bible more often, I came to this harsh realization that GOD is universally large; yet, more simple than we imagine. I came to face this honest revelation as I studied the book of Job, the works of Jesus, his time with his disciplines, and Paul’s letter. This Lent season was honestly humbling to reflect upon my spiritual journey with GOD. I gained spiritual awareness of how much of an active role GOD plays in our life, and I learned to commit myself to salvation keeping in mind why Jesus sacrificed for humanity essentially.

Los Angeles Trip

Day 1

My trip to Los Angeles back in December was definitely an exciting trip because I lived in NC basically my entire life, so visiting a city like Los Angeles was a game-changer. They don’t call it La la land for anything because there is always something to keep you busy. After I arrived at my Airbnb in the evening, I headed out to the Marina del Rey waterside. There were vast shopping outlets and dining complexes across the harbor port. It got very dark by the time I was walking around the marina boardwalk. From a distance, I saw the Burton Chace Park which was lit with Christmas light. Since it was late at night, I decided to call it a day. While waiting for my ride, I stopped by Trader Joes to grab some prepackaged food for the next few days. It was totally worth it instead of eating out all the time while I was in LA.

Day 2

I woke up early in the morning, so I would have plenty of time to explore around. I wasn’t familiar with the area, so I took a ride to Burton Chace Park. The park offered unobstructed views of the harbor boats, yachts, and sailing boats near the dock. I noticed dozens of seals sunbathing at one of the docks as I was walking around. I started walking across the Yvonne Burke Park which eventually led me to the marina beach area after a half-hour. While walking across this park, I came across joggers, bikers, and people walking their dogs. I had to occasionally stop to ask for directions, but I reached the marina beach after about 20 minutes. The beach was quite busy with a Zumba session going in the middle, and another group of guys playing volleyball far off on the other end of the beach. There was a group of people doing yoga on paddleboards in the lagoon. After spending some time at the beach, I started walking towards the Venice Canals. On my way, I grabbed tacos from a Mexico local spot. I just ordered carne asadas which came with soft tacos that had sliced beef that was marinated in lime juice, red chili sauce, and seasonings.

I headed towards Venice Canals which was another 10-minute walk. This vibrant neighborhood consists of houses that line four canals about a mile long each. There were sidewalks and bridges that strollers can walk to take. Almost all the houses were structured in a Spanish colonial style and each was painted in different colors. I really enjoyed walking around the canal since it bought a European vibe to Los Angeles. It’s quite a surprise that it wasn’t until the 90s that this place was renovated into the luxury place it was today. After walking around the canal, I walked across to Venice beach. I was skeptical about visiting Venice beach due to everything I read online. I didn’t walk to the boardwalk where there was the huge skate park and street performers since it was a bit far away. I primarily walked around the beach and the Venice pier. Since Venice beach provides shelter to many homeless people, there were a lot of encampments on the side of the beach. I was able to grab a spot on top of a sand dune, overlooking the beach and surfers. After a while, I walked over to the end of the Venice pier. There were many locals with their fishing poles towards the end of the pier. Due to the air pollution, I was able to only get a vague view of the other end of the LA. I was feeling a bit tired, so I walked towards pacific ave to grab a coffee.

It was actually a local who suggested to me to try the coffee from the Cow’s End café since the place is very popular in the area. Honestly speaking, I loved the ambiance of this café since it was a comfy hangout area, and they even had an upstairs patio. After resting in the café for a while, I headed out to walk towards Santa Monica. On my way, I ran into a boutique selling Turkish rugs. The owner informed me all the dyes are natural, and they are a blend of wool, silk, and cotton which creates these beautiful, heavy woven rugs. While chatting with him, he told me a quicker route to reach Santa Monica.

Since it was a weekend, there was a huge crowd walking in and out of the Santa Monica Pier. It was like a small amusement park, having everything from a Ferris wheel to the usual carnival games. There were local vendors selling tapas, tamales, ice cream, stuffed animals, etc. Since the Pier area looked very crowded with tourists, I walked around the nearby Palisades Park that had palm and eucalyptus-lined paths. The park offered a break from all the crowd near the pier, and stunning views of the ocean and the Santa Monica mountains. After walking the park, I rented out the BIRD bike and rode along Santa Monica Blvd. I had to ride inside the bike lane paved on the road since the sidewalk was very narrow and meant for pedestrians. It was very serene since it offered a break from all the hustle from the Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier, and there weren’t even that many cars on the road. Though, I had to be careful because there were many parallel parked cars just near the bike lane. I probably rode about for an hour until I got very tired once I reached the hilly areas, and I ordered a ride to drop me near Beverly Garden Park.

As I was getting off near the garden park, I saw a long cue to take pictures by the pond in front of the Beverly hill Sign. I walked along the less-touristy side of the Beverly Garden, coming across a variety of cactus, cypress, and roses. After a while, I started walking towards Sunset Boulevard which eventually led me to Rodeo Drive. It was a 2-mile long street, giving off an unparalleled hub at the intersection offering everything from luxury, fashion to entertainment. I explored a few of the branded stores, ethnic jewelry stores, and art galleries to get a feel of this high-end place. While I was exploring the art gallery, I ran into a gentleman who worked at the gallery. He shared that he came to Los Angeles from upstate New York back during the 70s to work as a producer in the film and music industry. There was still time before sunset, so I thought I could head over to the LACMA. There was a huge crowd near the Urban light, which was a forest of city street lights commonly seen in Instagram photos. I didn’t hang around the area for too long because I wasn’t interested in checking out the art museum or the automobile exhibition. Before it got too dark, I ordered a uber back to the Airbnb.

Day 3

Since my friend was flying to LA later in the evening, I decided to do some café hopping and do a morning hike beforehand. The neighborhood of my Airbnb was really safe, so I just decided to walk to the majority of the places. It was usually a common sight to see high-end sports cars drive by most days I was there. As I was walking to the hiking spot, I came across a café hidden away in one of the streets. They had a variety of plants on the side of the front area of the café as you walk in, giving a comfy and homely feeling to the place. I ended up sitting in the café for a while just finishing up some work. After grabbing some coffee and pastry, I ordered my ride to the Baldwin Hills area.

Near the trail, I noticed a bunch of college students who were distributing flyers and selling athleisure to advocate and bring awareness for domestic violence. While I was chatting with one of the girls, I learned she joined this club to carry onwards the work of her mom who was a member of the domestic violence community. I started heading towards the trail which zigzags around a very steep and straight staircase in order to reach the top of the scenic overlook. You had to climb almost 60+ steps in order to reach all the way to the top, giving a good leg workout. 🙂 Once you reach the top, it’s a panoramic view looking at downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood hills. Since it was a Sunday mid-afternoon, the park was crowded with joggers and visitors. There were three men boxing off to the side with Latin music playing in the backdrop. I was really tired from the hike that I just grabbed lunch and headed back to my room.

My friend arrived around the evening, and we headed out to Koreatown. Since it was a little past 8 pm, most of the shops were closed. However, we were able to find a local restaurant hidden away in the mall area. I ended up ordering the rice cake soup with dumplings, and my friend ordered the Tteokbokki (rice cakes) and Kiolbassa sausage to share with me. We were searching for an ice cream spot afterward when we ran into a few locals who suggested we try either of the ice cream spots in Mandang Mall since it’s very popular among locals. We didn’t feel safe walking over there that late at night since Koreatown is considered part of East Hollywood. Thankfully, our ride dropped us right across the Wilshire Theater. One store had shaved ice dessert and the other store was the Somi Somi where they offered ice cream soft serve with taiyaki cone.

Day 4

After picking up our rental car in the morning, we headed towards the Santa Monica pier. Since it was a weekday, the fairground was closed but there were still local vendors and some shops opened. We hung around the pier for quite a bit looking at postcards and souvenirs. It was so beautiful to overlook the ocean from the end of the pier. Before heading to Malibu, we grabbed some tacos and coffee before we started driving. Of all the American road trips that exist, the Pacific Coast Highway in California is one of the most iconic and was definitely on my bucket list. I would love to do another road trip on the pacific coast highway, covering areas like Big Sur, Monterey, San Francisco, and other coastal areas in California. However, I must admit that this coastal trip definitely lived up to high expectations with the intense coastal cliffs and the ocean on one side and mountains on the other side.

Once we arrived at Point Dume beach, it was way more peaceful than both Venice and Santa Monica beach compared. This area was once used as a sacred space by the Chumash, a native American who primarily lived in the southern coastal regions of California. However, this site is now commonly used by the filming industry and travelers globally. Since it was near sunset, we started hiking the point dume to reach the top of the cliff. Once we were at the very top, we were able to overlook the north Pacific Ocean with the waves hitting the rocks at the bottom. It was a little cloudy but it cleared up soon just in time for the sunset. We hiked further up to get an incredible view encompassing the entire Santa Monica Bay, north Malibu Coast, and inland Santa Monica Mountains.

During our last day in Malibu, we decided to explore another cliff point before driving to the Los Padres National Forest and Solvang. Most of the restaurants in Malibu were very expensive, so we just grabbed a coffee and a small bite from one of the cafés. We drove to El Matador, which was another coastal point on the pacific coast highway. We later came to know that the place is a very popular filming location for movies like Notebook and Pearl Harbor. There were amazing rock formations with an arch cove near the shore. Since there wasn’t much of a trail to take, we started driving to the Los Padres National forest after a while. The scenic drive travels through some of the most picturesque and diverse terrains in southern California. It was probably around early evening when we started driving towards Solvang, a city in southern California known for its Danish-style architecture and its very popular among the holidays. To be honest, we regret making a trip to Solvang because there wasn’t much going on since it was only the first week of December.

I planned so much in the prior months before this trip, but I ended up doing everything differently when I arrived in Los Angeles. I think there can be a tendency amongst travelers to jump from place to place in a quest to cram in as much as possible. I am certainly guilty of this, and if you are not in the right frame of mind, this can be exhausting. Despite all of that, I really enjoyed the laid-back California vibe which is hard to miss. In fact, this chill vibe prevails everywhere, regardless of profession. I was quite surprised to see locals just roaming around LA at the time of day you’d typically expect people to work from their office areas. One of my Uber drivers was working on the road with his laptop by his side in case of any work-related meetings. Back in high school, I had these thoughts cemented in my head that LA was entirely about glamor and overhyped touristic attractions. However, putting aside all the usual stereotypes about this city of angels, Los Angeles is definitely the place to have a fun time. As someone who loves being active and taking advantage of great weather, I love the outdoorsy lifestyle of LA. I’ve encountered the occasional cloudy day but for the most part, it’s been clear blue skies and low to no humidity, giving me the advantage to do some mini hiking. Growing up, I wasn’t really a beach person but Malibu has definitely really changed that. With the intense cliffs and sky blue ocean, there’s a unique character that adds to this paradise.

Like a summer night

When December came around last year, my family was anticipated to spend the holidays together since my brother and sister-in-law comes down from New Jersey to spend Christmas. During Christmas Eve last year, we were all feeling low on the holiday spirit, so we decided to drive to downtown Raleigh to see the lights. It was disappointing to see there were no holiday lights displayed even during Christmas. On Christmas day though, we took a casual stroll around the nearby neighborhoods, and we came by a house where the family put on a synchronized light show with a rotating playlist with each song presenting a different color theme and animations. Later onwards, we came to know that the family dedicated their lights show in honor of their 2-year old baby who passed away from spinal muscular atrophy.

I think a lot of us would describe these past two years to be fairly unstable with a lot of racial tension, political riots, unprecedented job losses, lack of predictable income, and most especially, loss of our dear loved ones. Prior to the pandemic, I was lucky enough to experience my college life to the fullest with lots of adventure and constantly having things to do. However, when the pandemic hit, and we were left with no other choice other than to quarantine at home, it really hit me hard. A few months into the pandemic, I almost felt as if I hit a rock bottom and was unconsciously returning back to my older version of myself. Even though I was working hard for my post-bac and grad school applications, I was very self-conscious of whether I was wasting my life by staying at home. By the end of last year, I think people become so attuned to this reality; also, more prepared to still deal with all those problems this year.

Within these past two years, like so many others, I have faced rejections, meltdowns, self-doubts, and failures. But as much as overwhelming has it been, it has been self-healing at the same time. The year 2021 brought in an abundance of growth, learning, and self-fulfillment. From navigating a big career switch to traveling more often, I feel so privileged to be where I am right now. Neither did I relocate to New York nor did I get accepted into PT school, but I am more than content with where I am right now. I feel so happy to end this past year with God blessing me with a job that keeps me happy and one that opens new doors for traveling the world. Lastly, this Christmas was an utmost blessing with being able to spend it at home with my family and a new baby just like how God sent his son to bring the hope of fresh beginnings and the awareness of what utter innocence looks like.

Baltimore/DC Trip

My recent trip to Baltimore was one of the most satisfying, exhilarating trips I was able to experience in a long time. Ever since the pandemic, I stayed at home for the majority of the time other than for few hiking trips and going out with friends to local places. Two of my friends from college were currently working in the Baltimore/DC area, so I decided to plan a trip down there. I took the early morning Amtrak train, and since I still technically had work, I kept myself busy by working from my laptop and reading a book.

Day 1

Since my friend had work that Friday, I decided to explore Baltimore city solo. I woke up early since I had a work conference, but after my meeting, I walked to Charles Street to grab breakfast. I came across a Mediterranean brunch spot in North Charles Street and ordered chicken shawarma and Zaatar Pie which was seasoned with olive oil and a mix of middle eastern mix of herbs and spices. After brunch, I walked over to the Harbor place, and on the way, I often ran into little gems like local cafes and boutiques hidden away in each street way. The streets stood out since it was paved by red bricks among the different colored historic Baltimore row houses. Once I reached the Inner harbor, I headed to a nearby café to grab coffee and rest there since it was really sunny and crowded near the waterfront.

After finishing some remaining work at the cafe, I walked around the federal hill park and grabbed a good spot on the hill, accessing a good view of the Baltimore Harbor. I was able to see a panoramic view of cargo ships from one side and the Pride of Baltimore and sailing boats lined up on the other side. The park was quite busy with runners, people walking with their dogs, and children around the playground section. Since the park was to commemorate the patriots who fought in the War of Baltimore, there were monuments in the center of the park and a cannon placed near the edge of the hill. After spending a considerate amount of time in the park, I walked down to a nearby art museum, The American Visionary Art. In one section of the building, they showcased art pieces deriving from scrap and recycled materials. Meanwhile, the other side of the museum presented The Compassion Project, portraying spiritual leaders and religious figures like Dalai Lama, Mother Mary, and even a pregnant woman holding her womb to symbolize motifs like love, humility, peace, and compassion.

After the sun went down a little, I headed back to the Inner Harbor to have lunch. Thereafter, I walked down Pratt Street over to the Gallery Mall, but since there was still some innovation happening, only the first floor was open to the public. Although, I thought the concept was innovative with the elaborate indoor garden and fountain. Since my friend worked at the John Hopkins Hospital, I began walking over there to meet her. While I was walking, I came across the Bromo Seltzer tower. I tried to go inside, but apparently, they had closed it temporarily due to Covid. Since I was getting really tired, I decided to head back to the apartment and wait for my friend. Around the evening past dusk, we went to Fells Point Street for dinner. When we arrived at Fells Point, I loved the entire vibe of the place due to the live music band, hanging street lights, cobblestone pathways, and eclectic restaurants. We came across antique stores, hip pubs, and record stores while we were searching for food. We decided to grab pizzas and stop by a gelato spot nearby the restaurant before we head over to the waterfront. It was way more peaceful once we were away from the crowd and near the waterfront deck, and I personally like it more than the Inner Harbor since it was more local. There was a gentleman playing his trumpet in his own boat to entertain anyone passing by. Across the harbor, we were able to see the Pier Broadway Theatre lit up, and there were water taxis tied to the deck.

Day 2

We took the early morning Amtrak train to Washington Union Station, and from there, we took another metro to Basilica of the National Shrine to attend the morning mass. Every time I visit the DC metropolitan area with my family, we don’t leave without visiting the Basilica. Personally, I find the Romanesque art and interior intriguing. After the mass, we walked down to Monroe market that was only a few blocks away from the Basilica. Even though I have visited the Basilica several times in the past, I never came across this vibrant Marketplace that had everything from coffee shops, art galleries, sculptures, boutiques, and even a farmer’s market right in the middle. Since the marketplace was near the Catholic University and the residential complex, there were a lot of students walking around, and some were volunteering to sell food items to the public. For fashion and art enthusiasts like myself, the Monore Marketplace was literally a place to just wander around. Since it was a Saturday, there was a large crowd walking in and out of the market, and there was even a man playing the guitar in the far back of the street to entertain them. Before we were about to catch the next metro, we quickly stopped by a café to grab coffee and a quick bite.

After getting off at Woodly Park Station, we walked down Adams neighborhood, an upscale community that consists of different colored row houses, pre-war apartment buildings, and modern loft apartments. The entire neighborhood had a retro, vintage vibe yet a modern facelift. The neighborhood led us to Adams Morgan street, an independent streak full of bars and eclectic restaurants that offered diverse cuisines like Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Mexican, etc. Many of the restaurants had outdoor corridors, giving the street a more spirited and laid-back vibe. There was a nearby metro station, so we decided to catch the train to Hirshhorn Museum that featured international modern and contemporary art pieces. In honor of Martin Luther King, the lower floor had the installation of the immensely sized words to explore the power of big words that share the message of love and kindness.

There was a nearby park next to the museum. There was a line of food trucks aligned from one end of the park to the other end, and they were selling halal food, Mexican tacos, Dosas, etc. My friend grabbed a shaded spot in the park while I was waiting in line for our food. I never tried Indonesian food before, so I decided to try the Nasi Goreng from one of the food trucks. Since I was standing right outside the food truck, I was able to watch them cook my dish with shredded pieces of shrimp, chicken, green peas, and rice along with sweet soy sauce and shrimp paste. Afterward, I got ice cream from a local vendor before we headed towards City Center. We were not planning on doing any shopping, but we just wanted to see what the place had to offer. To be honest, I was not really enthralled by City Center because I visited the Oculus in New York which offered all the luxury branded stores as well. Although, I thought the fall leaves and stringed lights gave the place a good ambiance.

Since Chinatown was only a few blocks away from Center City, we decided to explore this small DC area until it was time to catch the metro back to Baltimore. As you come across this neighborhood of Downtown Washington, it welcomes you with the ionic Friendship Arch that is decorated with intricate designs, temple roofs, and painted tiles. It’s amazing to know this historic town was once home to thousands of Chinese immigrants. Sadly, due to the development of the federal government, the landlords during that time forced the people out of their homes, and the town population shrunk to smaller numbers. Currently, Chinatown is virtually devoid of anything related to the Chinese culture because the town is losing its residents, and the people who still live there belong to low-income housing developments.

Day 3

Since we had to cancel our hiking trip, we decided to explore the Walter Arts Museum and Hampden neighborhood. While we were walking over to the museum, we came across an abandoned mansion that was now painted with graffiti art. We spend a long time at the art museum since my friends were passionate about Renaissance art. To be honest, I was more fascinated by the Palazzo style architecture and jewelry work by Betty Cooke. From one of the security guards in that floor, we learned Cooke was trying to convey hidden messages to her clients through her pieces of jewelry. In addition to her jewelry business, Cooke developed a large fan base for her leather handbags and accessories. She even demonstrated her technique in making her leather designs which I thought was interesting because we as consumers never contemplate about the work that goes behind a product. Further on in the museum, we came across French landscape paintings and oil canvas paintings. I personally loved the painting that depicted biblical stories and Islamic art.

It was a little past afternoon when we took the city bus to Jones Falls Trail. We walked a portion of the trail, leading us to a rustic meadow mill and Woodberry neighborhood. There were stone cottages that used to be where the mill laborers once lived during the 18th and 19th century. Since we were farther up north and outside of Baltimore, it felt nice to be away from the city for a while and experience the countryside. We even came across a house where they had a vintage henry ford and Volkswagen Van that was popular in the counter culture movement. Once we arrived at Hampden street, we stopped by an Afghan juice bar and tried their doogh which was made with apple, mango, and yogurt. It felt very refreshing to drink after that long walk, and mine almost tasted like lassi due to the mango. Before it got very dark, we took the city bus to head back to the apartment.

I took a lot of initiatives to plan this trip since it was my first time traveling to Baltimore. I wasn’t familiar with the DC area, so I had to plan it out with my friends to figure out what’s the best way of route. One of my favorite part about this trip was our long mile walks and riding the metro in DC. To be honest, I had an easier time navigating around DC than Baltimore because the times for the metro bus were never reliable. That being said, I definitely agree that Baltimore is a real city with serious challenges since it has its bad areas and crimes. A lot of the times, we had to trust our instincts and be vigilant of our surroundings because some streets were unpredictable, and you could easily end up in danger if you took one wrong turn. However, that’s not all there is to this city because it is full of culture, art and passionate people.

On the day I arrived at this city, I was waiting for the bus at Baltimore Penn Station, but I felt unsafe since it was getting dark, and there were few guys watching me from the corner. I decided to order Lyft instead, and the driver was so friendly with me, sharing that he is a motivational speaker on podcast, celebrating 32 years of alcohol and drug addiction recovery. He confided that he worked a full time job for several years, and now that since he has enough savings, he intends to travel and help others. That being said, as much as much I find some part of the city to be broken and decayed, it’s also full of texture, grit, and resiliency. This trip was really worth remembering since it was something I haven’t done for myself in a while. It was challenging, took me out of my comfort zone, forced me to adapt and explore new surroundings, and laugh with friends.

Reception

Few years ago while I was still in college, I came across this short film released by Omeleto, a production company which showcases critically-acclaimed filmmakers. During my leisure time or while taking study breaks, one of the things I immensely enjoyed was watching short films. Depending on the genre, I think they are so interesting to watch due to their witty slice of life that’s molded from a simple yet elegant script. I thought this particular short film was intriguing, mainly due to the realistic performance, compelling dialogue, and fluidity of the mannerisms from the actors. It didn’t even feel forced by how no other characters were introduced; yet, it was very obvious they were both in the background of a wedding.

Taking the long way home

After a stressful few months earlier this year, I aimed to transition back to my healthy routine by signing up for a 5K with my friends this past summer. And honestly, I was more motivated after the race to reinstate my lifestyle. During my freshman year of college, I adapted unhealthy eating habits which gradually led to changes in my appearance. While pulling several all-nighters and binge eating, I failed to realize I was neglecting my overall well-being. Amid the uncontrolled stress levels, I tried to find solace in food. Long after I realized my physical appearance was changing, I wanted to fix it by taking the shortcut. I put myself through a rigid diet plan and workout schedule to lose the extra weight. My friends often ridiculed the way I was constantly restricting myself, and I was in denial by reassuring myself that I was doing what was optimum for my body. As a result, I was only able to maintain this lifestyle for five months until I hit the plateau phase, and I relapsed by regaining all the weight the following semester.

Over the years, I learned ways to manage my fitness and food habits without sabotaging my mental health. For almost three years now, I follow intermittent fasting that helps me to manage my weight, curb my cravings, enhance my productivity and mental clarity. My weekly runs are what paved a path for me to foster an holistic lifestyle. I have been running for two years now, and it has added a new dimension to my life, giving me a profound sense of freedom, taught me to be more resilient. And importantly, it taught me to persevere despite my drawbacks and failures in my personal and professional life. I no longer deprive myself of eating to lose those inches around the waist, nor I am bothered about the stretch marks, but I am more self-aware of how to be my own architect of my health and body fitness. In many aspects, running has definitely helped me to achieve that positive mindset. Particularly at a time when we are nowhere near the end of this pandemic, it’s so critical to keep in mind that the human body is our responsibility. We need to treat it well with a nutritious diet and plenty of exercise; and in return, it will reward you with rich health.

Her story

Color her in vibrant colors.
She shines in gold of divinity.
Exudes grace is shimmering silver.
Her passion is in the shades of red
She is all sweetness in pretty pink
Compassion and are colored in green
Deep and dark blues show her integrity
Yellow highlight her joy and exuberance
Her persona is rainbow hued, vibrating with life.
“Her” An ode to all women — Keep it alive by Sadje

*I captured this few years ago when my Alma matter (UNC Greensboro) was hosting the annual clothesline project to spread awareness of sexual assault and domestic violence*

Around this time last year is when we heard about the prevalent femicides that were occurring in Turkey. Despite efforts to prevent gender-based violence over the past few decades, femicide persists globally particularly last year during the COVID-19 pandemic as men are more likely to abuse their domestic partners. We hear about cases where children are raped even before they reach adolescence which makes it seem as though the world is not a safe place for women or even girls of any age. I remember at the time I was 8 or 9 years old when my older cousin informed me about how there is a grand ceremony held for girls if she has her first period where guests bring her gifts and feed her sweets. Paradoxically, now that same individual has to carry on that burden of being a woman for the rest of her life. All of a sudden, she is supposed to ‘act like a women’, and she needs to be cautious pertaining to her body and lifestyle, so she isn’t a victim of rape, sexual assault, or molestation. I obviously didn’t comprehend the paradox to this idea back then. As a 24-year old woman, I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity even though I acknowledge the raw reality behind it. From the beginning of time, rape has always been an ever-looming threat in any part of the world. Just almost two years ago, a college-aged woman was raped and murdered in the back of her car by a predator because the victim didn’t respond to his catcalls. In the rape culture, it’s a recurrent theme where society blames victims for their circumstances by questioning their attire, alcohol intake, marital status, or even what time of day they were outside. In the Islamic tradition, God “Allah” initiated the wearing of the hijab in the Qura’an to honor and value women. When I asked one of my Muslim friends, she confided that wearing a hijab empowers her by giving herself a sense of value and respect. That being said, for those women who choose to not wear a hijab, it does not make them any less Muslim. But whether we like to admit it or not, rape culture is pertinent in the Muslim community like any other religious group regardless of modest clothing.

Even worse, it goes beyond just women’s safety and gender-based violence since it revolves around equal rights as well. We are going through times where people are applauding the idea of feminism. There are strong women leaders like Malala Yousafzai and Michelle Obama who advocate for young girls, fighting economic and political barriers to education. However, a large portion of society still de-shames this progressive thought. After marriage, it is common to see new brides strive to be the submissive wife that her husband and his family expect her to be. They sacrifice their hopes, ambitions, and careers for her family. In countries like India where society is patriarchal, there are high rates of illiterate women because they are married off once they reach 18 years old. Even though present-day India offers several opportunities for women to voice their opinion in everyday life, this was not the scenario twenty years ago. Since women were considered to be emotionally and economically dependent on their husbands, my relatives and extended family mocked my mom when she chose to work as a nurse in Saudi. She had no other choice to leave my older brother who was 2-year-old at the time within the care of my dad. Even today, patriarchy is still deeply rooted in Indian society, making it difficult for modern women to live her life on their own terms. Regardless of what a woman achieves in her life, society judges her on the basis of the ancient stereotypes about what an ‘ideal’ Indian woman should be like whether it’s about juggling household chores and the ability to conceive a child.

For me, this issue has always been personal. Because despite the income from both my parents, it was inadequate to raise our family of five in India. Like most immigrants, my parents too traveled to the United States when I was a child because they had faith in the American dream. They sacrificed the natural comfort of their homes and native language, envisioning a better education and opportunities for themselves and their children. My dad worked a blue-collar job and my mom started as a nurse aid and eventually worked her way up. Seeing their struggles and hard work, I realized the importance of determination and perseverance to make it in this world. Back in the day, it’s uncommon for girls past eighteen years old to pursue higher studies, so it makes me proud to see my cousins in India insist that they want to continue their education even though they surpassed their ‘marriage age’. Speaking for myself, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to earn my education and use my story to inspire others. I can confidently admit that education has been everything for me. It has opened some unexpected doors, giving me the confidence to pursue my dreams and utilize my talents. To all the strong and beautiful women who endures pain and battles, I stand in solidarity with in your victories and in your fight to be heard and tell your story.

Vivamus, moriendum

A few years ago, I went to a retreat with my family, and I came across a young charismatic man who spoke so passionately about his faith journey. Almost two months back, I happened to hear about the unfortunate demise of this young boy. Even though I didn’t personally know him other than through few mutual friends and seeing him at a couple of retreats, it felt as if I lost a close friend of mine.

On the day we went missing, he was boating with his friends in San Antonio when he jumped into the water to rescue one of the other boys from his group. At the time I was informed about this shockingly disturbing incident, I tried going on with my day even though his image kept showing up in my mind. I relentlessly prayed GOD performs a miracle like the ones proclaimed in the Bible like sending a big fish to save Jonah from drowning, and when Jesus walked on water to save his drowning disciple. Similarly, I was praying that this young boy can be found lying unconscious on a shore. However, four days after he went missing, his body was found nearly 200 yards from where he was last seen. Over the days he went missing, I heard people say that all he wanted to do was please GOD by leading his life with purpose and mission. While watching his viewing online, I cried to myself for taking a life that was so pure, saintly, and holy. Perhaps, that’s the reason GOD decided to call the most precious fruit from his garden. When Joel’s body was recovered, a girl from the youth ministry posted a picture on Facebook of a rainbow that appeared over the sky shortly after his body was found. I think that proved GOD was awaiting to welcome this young boy into his heavenly kingdom.

In the past year, death might seem so near and inevitable to many of us particularly at a time we are still dealing with the global pandemic. Not to mention the number of losses each of us had to go through. It might seem so hard to get past grieving over your loved ones. My mom still dwells about her 2-year-old baby she lost 26 years ago, so I can’t imagine the pain Joel’s parents are going through after losing their child who they have known and raised for the past 20 years. When Jesus was standing in front of Lazarus’s tomb, he wept because he shared the sorrow of Lazarus’s family. Even just before Jesus was crucified on the cross, he wept not because of the pain; instead, he felt sympathy and compassion for all mankind. The resurrection of Lazarus was like a parable that death is not the end. Instead, it is a sign we start to see the manifestation of God’s power over mankind’s life and death. It’s important we take the time to mourn over our own losses, but we have to at some point move through that loss and spend the time we have on this earth to carry on the legacy of our loved ones and start living in GOD. The life of this exemplary servant of GOD proves it’s possible to be fully committed to him. I hope he continues to inspire us spiritually, and that each of us accepts this awakening to henceforth lead our life with the goodness and love of GOD.