Brussels The Capitol of Europe

I only discovered my true love after leaving Lahore to visit the capitol of Europe, Brussels. The city had ignited a fire inside of me that I could never put out. Brussels was everything Lahore was not. 

As Lahore was more small scale and small-town, Brussels was a fresh new breath of air. I was tired of seeing the same faces wherever I went. My new love introduces me to new friends daily, all shining with bright smiles. The diversity within my new relationship was unprecedented, Lahore could never. 

Throughout my time with her, I was shaped into the person I have always wished to be. We go biking, running, and playing sports whenever time is free. The weather does not seem to be a bother, sunny shines for the majority of the year. Those occasional showers seem to water our garden and relationship to grow. 

The garden I have is similar to my love, they are filled with a plethora of vegetables, as the city is packed with various ethnicities and backgrounds, it makes me feel welcome no matter where I am because I know our differences make us alike.

From Lahore to the Shore

 It's a beautiful sunlit morning.  The waves are crashing, the salty, cool breeze passes me by.  I have left my hometown of Lahore to the beautiful beaches of Miami.  I can smell the enticing scent of a good Cuban coffee.  There's nothing like a Cuban coffee.  

I see people riding their bikes, or rather, hear them behind me.  The golden light reflects on the beautiful water, and as I sit here on the soft sand, drinking my cafecito, I think of my first love, Lahore.  I know I will go back to her one day, but for now, I need to see what there is for me.  I need to travel, and discover the other fish in the sea, because there is only one life, to live, and you have to live it to the fullest.  

Goodbye, Lahore.  It's time for me to say hello to my new home, Miami!

Paris, the city of love

Being in the city mostly known for its romantic annotations, is a different feeling all in itself. Waking up and enjoying the perfumed, fresh air of warm pastries being taken out the oven, and hot coffee involving itself in it. I quickly head inside from the icy draft that just blew in, I cover myself in comfy weighted blankets and  head out to the kitchen, getting a taste of the 'Paris touch'. Hearing the crunch of the crispy bread, it fills me up.

The city feel follows in, as the cigarette smoke fills the air along with the defeaning, vibrant city noises but the view makes up for it. Looking up at the colossal tower in all its glory. Seeing all the magnificent art, as the history of Lutetia takes me with it.

A Snow Day in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

 On the morning of December 24th, I awoke to the bright light of the sun reflecting on the 2-foot tall snow mound that was visible through my french doors. I got up from my bed and proceeded to lift the duvet covers off of my body. Instantly, my body heat that was protected by the duvet covers escaped. I shivered and walked to my closet to put on a hooded jacket. I looked at the view of my backyard from the screen door, and realized, it was a snow day! School had been canceled due to the extreme amount of snowfall that occurred the night before. I turned to my mother and asked her to invite my best friend, Micaela, to our house to build snowmen. She replied, "Of course, however, eat your breakfast." I sat at the table, and laid upon was an assortment of croissants, macaroons, and beignets. A strong vanilla smell aired out from the table. I ate my food and proceeded to change into my snow pants, and my snow jacket. Lastly, I put on my ski socks and gloves. Soon, Micaela arrived at my house. As soon as she arrived we walked to the door that leads to the backyard. A blast of cold, dry air, had blown into our faces. We closed the door, and walked outside, and started collecting balls of snow that we rolled in the snow to create a 1-foot tall snowball...

Little town of peace

    I leave my little turquoise house on the top of a hill and step outside. The peace and summery weather overwhelm me. I'm in love with this town. I've been here for a month and I already feel at home. 

    It's December in Carmelo, Uruguay. The weather is different from what I'm used to, it's reversed. The balmy sun warms my body as I lay on a soft towel in the beach. People are wakeboarding in the river, drinking mate, listening to cumbia. There are happy people all around.

    While Lahore will always have a part of me I have fell in love with this town, the people and its tradition. It has been easy to make friends since everyone knows everyone. A couple blocks from where I live there is a town center with a port, restaurant and bakery where they serve the best yogurt and pastries. It has been my favorite spot yet. I love not knowing what comes next especially in this little town that has incredible sights and traditions. 

The City of Happiness

 When I arrived to Madrid, I didn't know what to expect, and as soon as I came out of the plane, there was this smell, like the city's smell, the cold and dry air and the sound of the cars passing by. This city stole my heart, it beautiful color building and architectural streets, the smell of wine and home cooked meals, people saying hi and being please to serve you their food, dances in the streets and the smell of the disgusting yet amigable bus. 

To this city I own part of my happiness, for its beautiful and natured filled parks, with the best restaurants, people excising, family time and college students studying. For the best rooftops to have a great time with friends, and enjoy the beautiful vies when the sun sets and I start to feel the cold in my feet and face. 

This is why Madrid is the city of happiness. 

Barcelona

  Barcelona Spain

Barcelona is a wonderful city in Spain. I have always wanted to visit this amazing city for a long time now. The city hosts a fantastic landmark of the Sagrada Familia. The Cathedral has been in construction for 144 years, since 1882. It is predicted to be finished in 2026. As well as amazing landmarks, it also hosts the Camo Nou. A famous soccer stadium for one of the world's biggest soccer clubs. The stadium cant host over 90,000 fans from all around the world to spectate games. The food is fantastic and very affordable in Spain. 

bababooey

 

Oslo, Norway

    In the heart of Scandinavia, I was greeted by the most beautiful winter. Through my multiple layers of clothing, I could still feel the embrace of mother Winter. Despite the cold, the atmosphere made me feel cozy and warm: like I belonged there.

    The crunch of the blanketed snow beneath my feet as I navigate the winding streets of the Capital meshed well with the vibrant sounds of city life. Though I couldn't understand the chatter, the greetings and friendliness displayed by the locals made the city feel welcoming as I made my way to Neseblod Record Shop.

    Through my nostrils ran the scent of family owned cafes and the scent of fireplaces burning in the Winter. I could taste the air with each inhale of the clean city air. If you ever want to feel at home, visit Oslo, for a rich history and a beautiful atmosphere.

The busiest city in the world.

    The harsh winds felt cool and fresh, yet my face still puckered up when the breeze hit me; I knew I was finally home. The sounds of the taxi's horns and beeping soon welcomed me home after leaving the doors outside the airport. I tried to call one but no one batted an eye. Has it really been that long since I've been here? I was returning from my home country, Lahore, and the sudden change of people, scenery, and even the smell, was too much for me. I felt overburdened with all the loud noises from the people yelling, and the cars driving off with new people that are full of hope and inspiration to start something new here.

    That is something I can never get tired of living here; the drive people have for wanting to live in the busiest city in the world. 

Amsterdam or AmsterDAMN

My slumber was interrupted by the sound of singing birds. As I leave my townhouse, a whiff of fresh coffee dances around in my nostrils. My eyes are blinded by the colorful array of buildings sitting next to one another as if they were one giant painting. Lahore's houses were so big and unique, but Amsterdam's are tall and lively. So different, but it is the same calm chill that puts my mind to sleep. Oh, Amsterdam, a blonde woman with a checkered scarf and a warm smile that calms me down whenever I'm lost. Was it right or wrong to leave my woman for another? Neither, because Lahore still lives on in my soul. Neither because Lahore resonate within Amsterdam and me.

Word Count: 123

The warmest cold

The warmest cold

                 Coming back every year creates a sense of nostalgia and warmth in my heart. My birthplace, my roots, my family, my San Cristobal will always own my heart. Waking up and feeling the cold floor under my feet, greeting my long-distanced relatives, and wishing them a good morning felt familiar but so odd at the same time. Going outside to the porch I feel the cold wind rushing and a shiver goes through all my body, I see the green of the mountains at the distance, they remind me of the green of the mamoncillos we bought at the highway on our way here and their sourness to the agua panela my grandma makes for every lunch. I can smell the sweetness of my aunt´s coffee, as it goes down my throat, I get more and more warm as I feel at home and get used to the cold.

A Dream I Don't Want to Wake Up From

 It is one more morning, under the heavy covers that hug me as a long-time friend. But as soon as I get out of bed, my feet get tingly due to the floor’s temperature. I reach for the window, and for a second, I see palm trees, the sun, and an incandescent blue sky. The feeling of numbness in my nose makes me blink and right then I see the tones of yellow degrading into browns, a carpet that extends without limit inviting everyone to admire them for ours. Fishers, Indiana different but majestic.  

 

As I leave, I pass through the kitchen, the sweet and warmth of freshly cooked corn makes my mouth water. In a millisecond, I am found in the car, my skin tenders as the warm breeze from the heater touches my skin, for a second, I feel laying on the beach under the blistering summer sun.  

A Stroll in Hawaii

 I feel the cool air brush across my face as I stroll along the sands of the beach. The soft clashing of the crystal clear waves leaves my body empty of thoughts and worries. As I look to my left and my right the ocean and island extend to as far as the eye can see, with all the seagulls chattering to themselves as they fly in unison to the next island. The warm water, the plentiful fish, turtles, reefs, barracuda, and whales, this is what I can call paradise. It is now September and while the rest of the world is freezing to death I can still walk here shirtless and still get my nice tan. 

120 Words

What happens here stays here

    Lahore, she was my home for a stretch. I understood her traits well, however as my perception of her changed I realized I needed to find a new home. I made my way to Las Vegas and stayed there for the next three years. He was a totally new and exciting friend to me.

    As Lahore started to change I felt as if I needed to open a new chapter in my life. I turned from the love I had for other cities and looked for friends.  This is where Las Vegas showed me how it felt to be alive, by showing me new ways of living.

    Most of my days with him consisted of endless cold nights out partying or hanging out at the casino. Those cold nights soon turned into dry and hot days, waking through the sounds of traffic and people from the last night still awake.

    

Lahore Part B

With the cold dry wind breezing through my face and hair, I could not believe my eyes. As soon as I arrived in Vail, Colorado I fell in love at first sight. The beautiful, snowy-peaked, humongous mountains covered the horizon and went as far as the eyes can see. I could feel the altitude as it was a lot harder to breath air.  As I flew down the mountain on my snowboard, I could hear the joyful screams of the children in the park, and the whoosh of the wind as I sped through the trees. From the top of the mountain you could see the whole city of Vail. From the night lights to the food and drinks, there was not a second I was not enjoying myself. You could smell the pine trees so vividly and it made me very happy to know that it is almost Christmas.

(150 words)

The Wilderness in Anchorage

Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. The gateway to the friendly wilderness in Alaska. 

It was springtime and the weather was just starting to get warmer. The Sun was shining and melting the icy cold snow. The wind blew against my face as I was walking to my car. The birds were chirping and it was music to my ears. 

I started to drive around on the unpaved rocky roads to Denali ; A national wild park engraved with Alaska’s rich culture. 

I arrived at the park and I was surrounded by tall and strong trees with a full head of hair. The sun-kissed flowers were blooming and looked ready for summer. I couldn’t help but notice how pleasant I felt admiring the nature around me.  

Tiny Paradise: Food, Music, and Beaches

 I leave my beach cabana and step outside. The salty air and ocean breeze overwhelm me. This is paradise. While I've only been here for a short time, this Island and its people feel like home to me. 

It's July in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The sun warms my skin and upbeat music fill my ears. Latin food and happy people can be found in every corner of town. 

While I long for my family and Lahore, it's been easy to make friends and have connections here on this island. Down the street from where I've been staying, there's a cafe. As the sun peeks through my window every morning, I awaken to the smell of fresh coffee and pastries. I've fallen in love. I hold the community feeling and nostalgia close to my heart. Theres so much to see here. Every block has different smells, sights, and noises. 

          

My Paradise

As I step out on the balcony of my hotel room, I'm greeted with the intoxicatingly beautiful smell of Miami. For a while since I've been living here this place finally feels like home. The tranquility, peace, and calmness overtakes me and I'm brought back to my childhood. The nostalgia of being able to feel free and at harmony like when I was ten sitting at my porch after a long day. 

It's an early morning, a freshly made cup of cuban coffee in my hands as I sat down on the chairs. The wind called my name as I closed my eyes and let it engulf me. 

It is the beginning of October and while it is still warm out here in Miami, the mornings are becoming more breezy. The colder the weather gets the more I reminisce my life back then where everything was reposed and quiet. 

A place that's just beautiful

Beautiful. This place called Villa De Leiva it's just beautiful. I’m sitting here in my chair wrapped up in a blanket outside of my old-fashioned house watching the surrounding silky greens reflecting a homely feeling of when my mother came here on Christmas. The sound of my coffee burning in the background reminds me of my mom’s smell and warmth. I feel safe here, the wind blows making my face freeze and my nostrils burn as I try to cover them. Even with the cold air, I just don’t want to move as the evening crashes down in my eyes as night comes along. The weather drops down drastically as the stars are reflected in the river in front of me. As I hear the crickets sing and the frogs go swim; I just talk to myself and think “Yeah, this is the place where I want to be”.

A Stroll In New York

 I leave my lobby and feel the cool air. A flash of yellow taxis drive into my peripheral, the energy of joggers as they run past me give me a rush of adrenaline. The hustle of New York has a special place in my heart. I’ve lived here my whole life, I’ve played in Square Park with my family as kids, I’ve moved apartments a gazillion amount of time, but I’ll never find it in my heart to leave. 

 

It is now September, the weather is getting chillier. As I walk the blocks, I noticed the spikes of  icy cold air on my face, and the falling of seasonal leaves leave me wishing Halloween would come quicker. I walk the busy sidewalks of the city never missing for a second that I was somewhere else.

 

WORD COUNT: 135

A beach day Puerto Rico

 The day is bright. The street is glowing. Its a beutiful day in Humacao, Puerto Rico. The smell gasoline brought me to a worn down golf cart. And I decided to drive the green golfcart to the beach.

As i drove through the steep hills i noticed all the people outside heading to the beach as well. All the palmtrees were protecting me from the blazing hot sun.

I arrived at the beach and there was the remnant of a bar that was lost in a hurricane. The sand was scorching hot. The people were happy and having fun. I felt sweat drops fall from my chin and onto the fiery sand. The ocean was calm and relaxing.

I saw my family. There were seven of us under the protective shade of the palm tree. Sitting on the cool sand. Enjoying the view of Vieques, and island in the distance.

Life of the riches

 Seeing the so-called 7-star hotel against the vibrantly clear blue water as the wind blows on my face feeling the salt land on my face was an outstanding sensation. 

Being on the beach of the purely white sand with no pollution and just clear blue gradient sky as it touches the clouds was eye candy to me. I could see the fish swim across the ocean and the hot rays of the sun sinking its vitamin D into my back causing the burning of my skin was all worth it. 

Entering the modernistic hotel with the golden waterfall expressing how lavish and luxurious the hotel was is mesmerizing. Sitting at the dinner table looking around as I see a ginormous fish tank with all types of marine life including sharks was flabbergasting.

small cozy town in Jamaica

    Seagulls chirping and flying in the air. Salty winds and reggae play as the small town awakens.

    I made it to a small town called Falmouth on Tuesday afternoon and had lunch with some locals. My first night I didn't know exactly what to expect but I passed out on the small twin bed.

    Stepping onto the soft sand of the beach the next morning made me eyes squint with a soft smile. The noise of waves crashing down and kids playing was music to my ears. The hot weather but cold winds make it a perfect time to get a tan and relax on the sand. The town was small but is full of life with good vibes, people, and energy. Local fisherman bring in their catches from early in the morning for the town like lionfish, mahi mahi, tuna ,etc. Locals here live with a smile on constantly.

A new beginning

 Lahore is a wonderful place, but eventually I had to move on. I am now living in Brooklyn. It is cold, it is different. Brooklyn is nothing like Lahore but somehow I seem to enjoy it quite a bit and the more I'm here the more I love it. 

But how can I move on from my first love so fast? 

Sometimes I question myself; however, New York is different, it's beautiful, it is unique, it has air that I just fall in love with. 

It is almost like a rebound from my one love, or maybe it is true love, the kind that is meant to be. I am in love with the city, the smell, the people, everything about New York makes me curious and I love it. Maybe I found a new love, or my real true love. 

Word count:141

London and I

The distance between London and I (formatted)

Growing up in many places, I have learned to let things go when the right time is set, London had a different idea.

A lot of my childhood was rooted in this city of power, strength, royalty. It was a sight to see and as a new set of eyes among the world, it was a playground of imagination rooted in romanticizing western culture. It stole, it created, and when I left it, it was the same.

So many years later, the same feeling within a child’s eyes is gone. People say that I grew up and dreaming of kingdoms and heroes simply was a fantasy. I try not to think that London is now gray, cold and unforgiving. All of this while the understanding that maybe London has thought of me this way too and we both came to terms that we changed. (144 words)

Through thick and thin, lahore

 The Birthplace of my childhood was created by the woman that I love so dearly. Going outside to play with my friends entering the new season with the fresh new start of spring. Feeling the cool breeze against my face as I take a seat on a bench and close my eyes to take me into my creative mind. This place has made me grow and blossom in so many different ways. It is my Beloved that I must now leave for another. Going away and moving on from my girl is mentally and physically suffering for me. I hate h fact that I must move on and flip the page to start a new chapter in my life. 

Unpeeling São Paulo's mask

Unpeeling São Paulo's mask       -Ana Canelas 

     The days I've spent wandering through São Paulo have shown me the potential for greatness and how a beautiful city can turn destitute in the wrong hands. 

    I see how lively the culture is and how bubbly the people are. It's like the amiable feeling of stepping into a party surrounded by friends and familiar faces. 

    I walk through Paulista Avenue almost every day. The sidewalk stands filled with jewelry and art keep my travels entertaining. And while the smell of fresh popcorn and the sound of street musicians beckon me like sirens the movement of the crowd encourages me to move forward.

  Yet I still notice that it's a mask. It's a mask that covers the favelas, and the crimes, and the abandonment of good people. The mask hid much that I uncovered while living here.

    Now all I can hope for is that one day it'll be okay.

The Life of London

A bell sounded in the distance 8 booms vibrated in the chilly air the infamous Big Ben had awoken and with it the rest of the city as well.

I had arrived at this fine city on a Sunday evening going straight to my hotel and falling asleep missing the beauty of the London skyline at night but it didn't matter I would get to experience the life of the city tonight.

Stepping out onto the streets of the city was breathtaking from the heated air in the hotel to the chilly air off London hitting you in the face. The smell of family-run bakeries making their own special bread to the hundreds of people walking by rushing to get to work on time. The streets despite being so busy in the morning were vibrant and lively everyone had a smile on their face a genuine smile.

City of Stars

 

Walking down Melrose Avenue I could hear the busy streets of cars and the honk of cars that were heading into traffic. LA has been my home now for 5 years and everyday people still surprise me with their fashion and likes. Today, I went into a "trendy" coffee shop called "Alfreds".  I purchased a  curvaceous crescent-shaped croissant and a decaf latte. I sat on the round table and worked on a few emails and work that had to be done. As I was working, I started to look around at the people sitting down around me.  There was a man sitting who smelled like old french vanilla cologne and was drinking an iced coffee latte which watered my mouth.

As I continued my walk down melrose road, Here Comes The Sun by the Beatles started playing which reminded me of my childhood in Lahore, this song was one that my brothers and I used to sing together and it meant a lot to me. But now that I was in LA in this new environment hearing that song made me reminisce of my childhood. I had missed Lahore but LA was my new home and I was loving it. 

My new Love

 Ever since I knew how much I cared for Sicily and how much I loved  her I knew that she is the one. She is the onw that will give me new memories and new experiences in life. Bringing it back to the first date Sicily loves to explore and look at new things. She took me to his old rustic city that mad me feel like I was brought back years ago. She introduced me to these fantastic  people that welcomed me with opened arms. These people make the best gourmet delicious food that makes me ask for second plates. The sun gazed down we went into the woods and I suddenly get reminded of Lahore. As we sit down in the woods staring at the bright white stars, we start tp relax as we hear animals chirping, it brought back memories of my own childhood that made me feel nostalgic.

Cap-Haitian's best!!

    Citadel is absolutely beautiful; from the aging concrete and rigid structure of the building to the aging artifacts inside such as cannons and cannonballs used in battle.

    The vivid, green, and grassy landscape viable from the top of the building is astonishing. An immense amount of trees covering the ground below, tall buildings in the distance, old historical buildings around Citadel, and clouds! So many dense, soft white clouds filled the air because of how high you are. The subtle gust of wind that passes by your ear seems like the clouds are trying to speak to you calmly as you admire the view.

    

 

ok, au revoir!

VIKINGS ARE COOL (just like the weather in Iceland)

     Reykjavik has been, figuratively of course, a hotspot recently due to its low travel feels. It's the gorgeous capital of Iceland, full of Nordic Viking history, people friendly residents and its spectacular architecture- it has been a dream travel spot of mine since I was young. 

    First step out of the cab and into the town, the sudden cool air tickles the back of my nose, but the smell of the purified air can only be described as that first step outside after a cold front. This land is as pure as it was 1,000 years ago.

    The crisp air against my skin wasn't the first thing to shock me into where I am, but the brightly colored buildings, and the art that decorated plenty around me, really put into my head that I was no longer in Florida.

    Of all the things in Reykjavik, the most highly anticipated and my, of course, favorite thing I saw on this journey was the statue of Leif the Lucky, more commonly known as Leif Erikson. 

       Reykjavik is a travel spot that could be fun for anyone, between the architecture, nearby hot springs and beautiful nature but I leave an even stronger recommendation to those even mildly fascinated by our Northern ancestors.

A Day Closer to Spring in Oregon

    

       Today I awoke to the bright, morning sun piercing through my binds. I got out of my cozy bed and walked over to open them and saw Mt. Bachelor in the distance. The snow on the mountain was disappearing little by little everyday. 

I walked down the creaky oak wood stairs to turn on the 1980's box television. The weatherman said today would be high 30s and no clouds- the first day above 20 degrees since November.  

Stepping out of my house, I felt the cold air hit my face. The air didn't feel sharp like other days, which pierced your lungs every time you breathed in and caused a runny nose. But instead the air was a nice breeze that fills your lungs and refreshes your body. That was when I realized today would be a great day. 

A winter day in Buenos Aires

 

A winter day in Buenos Aires

It is July, but it feels like December. Starting anew in a city such as Buenos Aires, Argentina, during the winter is beautiful. The seasons here are switched with what I am used to, but the environment is breezy and cold which makes me reminisce of Lahore. It is cold, but I can still enjoy both cocoa and a tasty mango gelato.

I can feel the breeze on my face, and I get goosebumps every once in a while, but I feel the warmth of the cocoa going through my hands. When I walk through the streets I can hear the wind on people’s jackets, the traffic and people talking. It is somewhat different to my first love, but it is my new home. 

Brevard, NC - A Day In My New Home

  

           The lake is a dazzling bright blue, mirroring the cloudless sky. Towering, snow capped mountains stand in the distance, giving the air a chill that makes me shiver even through both of my coats. The sharp scent of pine and freshwater relaxes my limbs. My eyes shut in serenity. 

I’ve lived in a lot of places. New York, London...all cities, bustling with activity. Full of dreams, hope, and potential. But I’m older now. I’ve found my calling. I am a writer, and I flourish in the quiet. Brevard feels like time standing still - an infinite winter retreat. I wake up every morning inspired. Inspired to write and I’m inspired to live. Beneath the mountain is the small town, perhaps unheard of by many people, but I’m glad to now call it my home.

A World you Could get Lost in

     The intoxicating aroma of my dimly lit candle filled my senses as I fully embraced the lanky trees that shielded me from the outside world. I felt comforted knowing that I could remain within the confines of my fuzzy blanket, cozied up to the sequel of my favorite book. The rigid pages treaded across my dainty fingers, causing me to question how long I had been reading Interrupting my reading, the low hum of the oven buzzed alive, signifying that the muffins were done baking I could practically smell the savory fluff of my blueberry muffins, a recipe passed down through my families' lineage. As I walked through my quiet house, my swift movements were accompanied by the soft patter of my Christmas slippers. I was content with being alone, I had learned to appreciate my own company when I decided to move to quite literally the middle of nowhere. A muffin for one but a serving of 12.  Something as simple as analyzing how many muffins one could possibly consume has become the, "little things in life" that I enjoy. As I took out the golden brown muffins, I couldn't help but acknowledge the glittering light that radiated off of the Christmas Tree. Purple lights cascaded off of the tree, reminding me of the bitter sweet moments I spent around the tree with my family before I moved. My reminiscent moment came to an end as I heard the aggressive thud of rain. 

Sicily Showed Me a New, Welcoming Experience

 

After visiting my first love, I decided that it was time to meet someone new. Someone who was able to give me a new experience that I would love and never get old of. Sicily was that perfect date. 

    My date with Sicily went great. She showed me the old fashioned city, filled with rustic buildings and stores. When I get hungry, she gives me mouth watering meals that I wish to learn for myself. 

She introduced me to the sweet and open armed people, who showed me their beautiful culture. She reminded me of Lahore with its calming nature. The snow-capped mountains with their comforting smelling pine trees made me feel at home. Hearing animals’ feet crunching the snow would make me intrigued with seeing what lives here.

Sicily was a girl I would never forget. She introduced me to a whole new experience filled with lots of culture, nature, and comforting people who welcomed me. 

"Until It Wasn't"

 

Lahore was my home, until it wasn’t. It changed, the feeling wasn’t the same, but I will never forget the memories and emotions I felt in Lahore. I will always be thankful for the happiness Lahore provided me with, but I have to move on and find my new home.

I rented a new apartment in Seattle. A new setting will be beneficial for me. As I felt the rich air blow on my face I knew that this would be my place, everyone was extremely outgoing, they made me feel welcomed. As days went by, I started feeling like I fit in, I made friends at work and we went out to the city on the weekends. Seattle is now my home and I love it but Lahore became part of me and I will never forget the experiences in my true home.

Lahore prompt part B

Lahore was my home but when I visited I realized I had to find my new home. Although I will never forget what I experienced in this beautiful city I have to move on somewhere else that is better for myself. 

I knew I could find love again at Singapore since I had visited before and it is a place that reminded me of Lahore and I fell in love with it when I visited.  As I saw there was always something to do I felt in love with the city and I knew this was the right place.

Singapore makes me feel inspired and it is like time just stops throughout the day and it just feels like home and it reminds me of Lahore. As days went by, I started making friends and what I loved is that there is always something to do so it really started feeling like home. Lahore is a place I will never forget because it's the place that saw me grow and it is a part of me but this is my home now.

The Quietest Town in the Netherlands

 Giethoorn is a town in the Netherland's. It is known as the car-free village stuck back in time. It is full of lush green walkways with oak trees and bright pink flowers in the spring time. The scent of freshly mowed grass and livestock floats through the more rural parts of the town. In the city centre, which is quite literally three restaurants on the riverside, the main dishes are Dutch based. One of the most popular dishes are the croquettes. The crunchy, savory croquettes are complemented well by the bitter mustard. Instead of roads, there are bumpy, cobblestone sidewalks and dark green rivers that reflect the nature above it. The quaint houses are modeled in an older Dutch style, with reddish-brown bricks. Ultimately, it is the best place to spend a day away from the bustling city to the quiet rivers of Giethoorn.

Maracas, A Place Like No Other

      Finally accepting Lahore for who she is, I can finally let go of her and continue seeing other cities. I decided to go to Maracas to start a new chapter. Me and maracas got along very well right at the start. She surprises me by leading me to restaurants with scents of cinnamon and ovens when I'm feeling hungry. Her people are very friendly and open about life in Maracas. Maracas always has what I desire, and she never gets old. 

     Her lands are as green as the seaweed seen so clearly in her waters. I wake up to her fresh air blowing through my face, and the sticky feeling of my skin after enjoying her waters. Each part of Maracas is precious and pure, I could never get sick of her. In her multiple vacancies, I feel at home although really it was my first time staying. All her qualities make up the girl I know and love, reminding me of a certain someone. I haven’t had this much fun in a while. 

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Boulder Colorado the city of nature and nostalgia

 After visiting Lahore, I realized I needed to move on and find a new home. My next journey was in Boulder Colorado, where I spent the next 5 years of my life, she showed me I could find a new love.

As my old love, Lahore changed to an urbanized place it saddened me; however, Boulder was refreshing because she brought me back to my childhood of nature.

During the days, I spent most of my time hiking and becoming familiar with her terrain. In particular, the Flatirons, where five flatirons shoot out, looking as if a god randomly placed it. While hiking you can feel the chill of the air and hear the rustling of her trees in sync with the birds singing along.

This experience reminds me of my childhood as my sweat evaporates even in the cold air.