Written by Ana Mañana, J-1 Exchange Student
As a 20-year-old Spanish student currently on an exchange year in San Francisco, I often find myself reflecting on how incredible this experience has been. This weekend was no exception; it was one of those unforgettable moments that I will cherish forever. Along with six other Spaniards who have become my close friends, we decided to take a weekend road trip to Santa Cruz and Monterey. We set off early on Friday morning, buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
Friday morning arrived, and I felt a wave of excitement as I packed my bags. The plan was simple: load up the car, grab some snacks, and hit the road. We gathered at our meeting point, a small café near our dorm in San Francisco, where we enjoyed our last taste of city life before heading out into the beautiful California countryside.
The drive down the coast was nothing short of breathtaking. With each mile, we left the bustling city behind, immersing ourselves in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline. We blasted Spanish pop music, sang at the top of our lungs, and shared stories about our lives back in Spain. It felt incredible to bond with my friends in this unique setting, away from our daily routines.
After a few hours on the road, we finally arrived in Santa Cruz. The salty breeze hit us as we stepped out of the car, instantly invigorating our spirits. The beach was just a short walk away, and we couldn’t wait to dig our toes into the warm sand.
We found a perfect spot on the beach, and before we knew it, we were divided into two teams. It was a friendly competition filled with laughter and the occasional sandy tumble. Despite not being professional players, we gave it our all, diving for the ball and cheering each other on. The sun was shining, and the ocean waves crashing nearby created a beautiful soundtrack to our game.
As the game progressed, I felt a sense of pure joy and freedom. Playing volleyball with my friends reminded me of sunny days back in Spain, and I cherished every moment. We played until the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. Exhausted but exhilarated, we collapsed onto our beach towels, sharing stories and planning our next moves for the trip.
After a night of laughter and bonding in our rental house, we woke up Saturday morning feeling refreshed and ready for our next adventure. We packed our bags and set off for Monterey, just a short drive down the coast. Upon arriving in Monterey, we decided to visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. I had heard so much about it, and it didn’t disappoint. The exhibits were mesmerizing; I felt like a kid again, fascinated by the colorful sea creatures swimming gracefully in their tanks. The jellyfish exhibit was particularly stunning, with their ethereal movements capturing our attention for what felt like hours.
After soaking in all the marine beauty, we strolled along Cannery Row, indulging in delicious seafood at a local restaurant. The clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl was a must-try! We laughed, took countless photos, and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of this coastal town.
No trip to Monterey would be complete without a visit to the natural beauty of Point Lobos. After lunch, we headed to the park, eager to explore its stunning trails and breathtaking views. The moment we stepped onto the paths, we were greeted by the beauty of nature in full bloom.
Hiking through the reserve was a highlight of the trip. We wandered along the cliffs, watching the waves crash against the rocks below, and spotting seals basking in the sun. The tranquility of the environment was a refreshing contrast to the bustling city life we were used to. As we reached one of the viewpoints, I took a moment to soak it all in—the fresh air, the stunning vistas, and the laughter of my friends nearby. It was one of those moments where everything felt right in the world. We snapped photos, but I knew that no picture could truly capture the beauty of that experience. Just as we were about to return to the parking lot where we had left the car, a reserve worker approached us to show us a group of otters swimming peacefully in the water with some cubs. She even left us her binoculars so that we could observe them in more detail, it was incredible! We were also able to talk with her about the marine life of the area, and we learned a lot of things about the Californian nature.
Sunday morning and before heading back to San Francisc we decided to stop at a roadhouse to experience an uthentic American breakfast. What a treat!
As our weekend adventure came to an end, we made our way back home on Sunday evening. The drive felt bittersweet; we were exhausted but filled with memories that would last a lifetime. We reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip, laughing about our volleyball antics and the silly photos we took at the aquarium.
Arriving back in the city, I felt a sense of gratitude. This trip wasn’t just about visiting new places; it was about deepening friendships and creating bonds that would last long after our time in San Francisco. I realized how lucky I was to share these experiences with such wonderful people from my homeland.
This weekend getaway to Santa Cruz and Monterey reminded me of the beauty of travel and friendship. As I continue my exchange year in the United States, I look forward to more adventures with my friends. Whether we’re exploring new cities, playing sports, or simply enjoying each other’s company, I know that these moments will shape my journey in profound ways.