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Santa Barbara: A Hidden Gem of California

Santa BarbaraWhen people think about visiting California, they think about hitting up places like Los Angeles or San Francisco. If they’re going to be a little off the beaten path, maybe they’ll head over to San Diego or Malibu. But there are so many more little hidden gems in California – like Santa Barbara.

This weekend, I spent an entire day in Santa Barbara. Usually I’d just pass it by on a drive from SoCal to The Bay. Maybe I’d make a stop to check out the pier and grab some food, but I’d never dedicated time to spend there. But, this weekend, I found out that there is so much to do there! Being from Hawaii, there are four things that we do when we explore: eat food, go on hikes, chill at the beach, and check out the views. Santa Barbara had all of these, so I was all about it.
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7 Ways to Cope With Wanderlust When You Can’t Travel

Coping with Wanderlust when You Can't Travel  The wanderlust is real right now.

I’ve taken about half a dozen Buzzfeed quizzes telling me about my next travel destination or the type of traveler I am. I’ve talked to friends about potential trips to New Zealand, Iceland, and Canada. I’ve looked up flights to Cuba for Spring Break.

But I also don’t have the time or money to travel.

I know, excuses, excuses. But every once in a while, it is true. I need time to get a degree and for my wallet to recuperate. So instead, I’ve come up with a few ways to cope with the undying sense of wanderlust.

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Women Driving in Saudi Arabia: The American Misconception

Women Driving in Saudi Arabia

This past week, women in Saudi Arabia obtained the right to drive. Yes, there are now women driving in Saudi Arabia!  In the United States, I’ve heard a few different views on this. There are the supporters, who are like, “Yes! Women’s rights!”  Then, there are the doubters, who think there are going to be a ton of restrictions that women in Saudi Arabia will have to overcome before they are actually able to obtain a license.  They compare it to how African Americans struggled to vote, even after they obtained their right to vote, because of grandfather clauses and literacy tests.  Then there are the people who think this is all a political move and nothing is really going to change in Saudi Arabia.

I decided to message a friend – let’s call her Nadia – who has lived in Saudi Arabia all of her life, and ask for her insight on the matter.

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