Since I’m a pansy when it comes to heights and skydiving, indoor skydiving seemed more at my level until I build enough courage to do the real thing, which just so happens to be the day after never. I’m the one in hot pink and blue that’s in the frame most of the time. We did it through Vegas Indoor Skydiving and it costed us about $70/each since our group had more than five people.

Another adrenaline rush activity was zip lining along Freemont Street on the old Las Vegas strip. We waited on line for about an hour for a zip line that took about 15 seconds from start to finish, but it was all worth it.

Here are some other photos from my trip to Las Vegas:

Another touristy attraction we went to see was the Hoover Dam, which is a little drive away from the Las Vegas strip. There really is nothing special about the Hoover Dam, except for the fact that it’s the Hoover Dam.

It was easy to get to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, where we were lodging for a few days. We decided to go through Grand Adventures Tours since they had the highest reviews on all the review sites we looked at. Besides the very long four-hour ride each way, the day was amazing and well spent. For $150, we got round trip transportation, breakfast, lunch, and fantastic tour guide. Our guide, Dan, was extremely knowleadable about the area and very accommodating.

Here are some pictures from that day:

To view more photos from the Grand Canyon, please visit my Flickr photostream.

Austin, Texas

The first destination was Austin, mostly because it was where my flight landed. We spent most of the time walking around the ever so popular 6th Street and the surrounding blocks. What was most interesting was seeing old architecture mixed with the new; there would be a building that looked like it was built in the 1800s, sitting next to a brand new glass building.

6th Street, for the most part, is peaceful during the day, but at night, they close the street off and it turns into party central. Since I was in the south, I wanted to do what southern people do, which included bull riding and country line dancing at the bar Rebels Honky Tonks. It was the most fun I’ve had while in Austin and gave me the best southern experience. The rest of 6th Street was fun, but it wasn’t anything special. I’m sure some people would disagree, but no more than a day is really needed, which was perfect since that’s all I had available to enjoy there.

Frost Bank Building

Architecture on E. 6th Street

Old House few blocks from E. 6th Street

East 6th Street Sign

San Antonio, Texas

The next stop on the day trip tour was San Antonio. This was one spot I actually wish I had more than one day to enjoy. We were only able to spend time at the Alamo and walking along the River Walk. Even though it was a rainy day, the River Walk was so beautiful! We walked so far along the River Walk that we had to take one of the taxi boats back to the beginning spot.

The Alamo

The River Walk

Fort Hood, Texas

Fort Hood was a nice little treat for me since I have this crazy obsession with guys in informs, particularly those in the armed forces. Getting onto Fort Hood was like being a kid in a candy shop. There wasn’t much to do here in terms of tourism, except for a little museum that I opted to skip. Fort Hood looks just like any other neighborhood, which I wasn’t really expecting. At 5PM, everyone on base has do this type of salute. Even if the soldiers are in their cars, they have to get out and participate. I probably could have spent my entire vacation here if I didn’t already have other travel plans.

Salado, Texas

Salado was probably my favorite of the destinations while in Texas. It was so quaint and everyone – and I mean everyone – was incredibly humble, helpful and friendly. It’s the kind of place you really get to experience all the southern charm you hear about. We went on the most beautiful day, which allowed us to walk along the main street and visit all the gift shops. If there was one place to visit in this part of Texas, Salado would definitely be it. No more than a few hours was needed to get what I needed to experience how amazing this small town is.

To view more photos of Texas, please visit my Flickr photostream.

One way was to not feel the burden of not being able to travel because of time and money. Instead, I wanted to discover what would make me happy right here at home. So without further ado, here’s my short and sweet 2011 year in review.

2011 Year of Firsts

• Completed my first Tough Mudder
• I got my motorcycle permit
• Went to the shooting range a couple times
• Showed my competitive side to my roommates while doing archery
• Hit up rock climbing
• Went skiing
• Went snowboarding
• Finally, finally, finally went to my first Sonic’s.
• Started The Jewrican Traveler blog!

2011 Year of New Beginnings / Accomplishments

• Got a great new job doing exactly what I want to do. Even won the Rising Star award .
• I finally reached out to my mother and demanded we work on rebuilding our relationship. Now I’m happy to say that we’re better than ever.
• Had five pre-cancerous moles removed. I’m begging everyone to get themselves checked, especially if you’re a beach lover!

2011 Year of Weekend Destinations 
Even though I didn’t get to travel as much as I wanted to, I was lucky enough to get time for a few weekend getaways. Little travel is better than none at all. I’ll take what I can get and be grateful for it. Here are some places I had the opportunity to visit:

First timers:

• Poconos, PA
• Sleepy Hollow, NY
• Stowe, Vermont
• Atlantic City, NJ
• Long Island wine country
• Mohonk Preserve in New Paltz, NY

Revisits:

• Chicago
• Florida
• D.C/Virginia

2012 Goals
I’m not sure what 2012 will bring. I don’t think the world is going to end, otherwise I would probably blow all my savings on booze and hookers. We’ll just have to see what happens, but it’s always good to have some kind of plan.

• Open up a roth IRA
• Advance in my career
• Rebuild a relationship with my sister
• Go to Texas and Vegas (it’s already booked)
• Take two weeks to go abroad someplace
• Run in the NYC marathon

I just started this list so it’s nowhere near complete. Well, I hope you enjoyed this little list of my life in 2011. I hope that 2012 brings nothing but love, good health and happiness to all of you.

-Christina

How are you these days? How is your work and your family? I’m fine. This semester, I got 3.95, so I will receive a scholarship. Christmas’s Day and New Year Day are coming, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! And you, I hope you will be always well, and successful in work.

Best regards
Sunlight”

View the rest of my photos from Coronado Beach and San Diego at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cbrodzky/sets/72157614701893622/.

I went to Israel on Birthright, an organization that sends young Jewish adults on a free 10-day trip to Israel in order to strengthen the sense of solidarity among Jews and to strengthen Jewish identity and connection. I encourage all who have Jewish blood to apply for Birthright. Even if you’re not Jewish, you should visit Israel anyways. It’s a beautiful country (it’s about the size of New Jersey) with a ton of activities and beautiful destinations to visit.

The organization I decided to do Birthright through was Oranim (now known as IsraelWay). Our group was supposed to have around 40 people, but it just so happened that we were flying off when the Gaza strip was launching missiles into Israel and half the participants dropped out. But I laugh in the face of danger ha ha ha (yes, that is a Lion King reference). Plus, when is Israel not in some kind of conflict?

Haifa
The first destination on our Birthright trip was Haifa. It’s the 3rd largest city in Northern Israel and has some architecture influenced from the German colony that occupied Haifa in the 19th century. My favorite part was seeing the Baha’i Gardens and the amazing view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Baha’i Gardens

Mediterranean Sea

Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel was one of the many hikes we participated in. The only info I can really give you is that it boasts lush vegetation and is a sacred ground to the Baha’is.

Zfat
If you go to Zfat on Birthright, chances are you’ve met Abraham, the Kabbalah artist in the area. He went over the importance of our name (his was originally Robert) and says that our name says a lot about who we are. The city overall boasts beautiful architecture and offers a nice spiritual experience.

Golan Heights
The Golan Heights can attract tourist and hikers alike. We had the opportunity to see the bunkers atop Mount Bental, which has major military significance since it borders Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

Ancient Roman Ruins in Beit She-an
Biet She-an boasts some of the oldest roman ruins in the whole country. The photo doesn’t do the experience justice as the architecture was breathtaking. One of my favorite parts was learning about how they took a crap on the “toilets” made of the stone.  Good times.

Netanya
We arrived to the Solomon Hotel in Netanya just in time to enjoy Shabbat dinner.  The rest of our stay here was enjoyed on the beach and having fun in the hotel rooms.

Nokdim Ranch
Next we headed south through the desert until we finally arrived to the Nokdim Ranch. One of the reasons I wanted to visit Israel was just to ride a camel (it doesn’t take much to please me). We met up with other Birthright groups and shared a large tent like one big happy family. It was apparent they wanted us to make Jewish babies, but damn.

Tel Aviv
What made Tel Aviv a unique part of our trip was the fact that we finally got to meet up with the Israeli soldiers who would be joining our group for the rest of the trip. It was not only a vacation for us, but a small break for them. It was also the beginning of when I pretty much fell completely in love with one of the soldiers. They are beautiful little creatures.

Rabin Square

Dead Sea
Nothing like slapping on some mud and floating in the Dead Sea. Our Birthright trip was in January, so the water was naturally freezing, and the floor was completely covered in large salt crystals. I decided to head inside to the hot tub and float there instead.

Mount Masada
One of the most memorable parts of my trip was hiking atop Mount Masada. This was a turning point in my life as it marked my commitment to embracing my Jewish roots by having my Bat Mitzvah. Seven others and myself did it together and it really made me identify with my father’s side of the family. They’re all still in Israel and I felt a deep connection to them and the Jewish people.

Eilat and the Red Sea
Visiting Eilat was actually one of my favorite destinations since the air was warm and we partied the night away at a local club listening to House music.  There are also tons of shops and amazing views of the Red Sea.

Ben Gurion’s Grave Site
Ben Gurion was the first Prime Minister of Israel. That’s all I got for you.

Red Mountains
From the Red Mountains you’re suppose to be able to view Egypt in the far distance. It’s located in Eilat and is great for hikers such as myself.

Jerusalem
Jerusalem was an interesting city to visit. There’s so much tension you could cut it with a knife. It’s holy ground to the three dominant religions and it looked like there could be a fight between any of the religions at any moment. That’s why they had security everywhere in case something like that were to happen.

Wailing Wall

Wailing Wall – Write your wish on a sheet of paper, place in the wall and hope that it’ll happen. 

Room in which the Last Supper occurred. 

Yad Vashem
Yad Vashem is a huge Holocaust Museum that would take someone roughly 18 hours to walk through and see everything. Although not pictured, my favorite part was walking through the memorial dedicated to all the children that were killed during the Holocaust. It was a dark room where each light bulb represented each of the children from that day. It seriously looked like a room full of beautiful stars. Amazing.

Overall, the trip to Israel was amazing. We did a few more things that were not listed, but you get the idea. And finally, here’s a picture of the New York crew, in which most of us are the best of friends and get together a few times a month. <3

Please view the rest of my Israel photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cbrodzky/sets/72157612934518073/.

Here are some photos from the hike:

Mohonk Mountain Lodge

Me at The Labyrinth

The Labyrinth

Inside the Skytop

View the rest of the photos from Mohonk Preserve at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cbrodzky/sets/72157628274443593/.

How are you?I’m sorry for not emailing regularly. I have worked hard this semester, and today, I have finished all the tests. I miss you very much. How is your job? How is your family? Do you have plan to come back to Vietnam? My class and I are looking forward to seeing you again.

November 20th is Vietnamese Teacher’s Day, but I want to send my best gratitude to you who have instructed me and loved me a lot. I hope you are always well and successful in your jobs.

Here are the photos that my class took on the day we joined the Vietnamese Anthem Singing Contest at the Great Hall.

Hope to hear from you soon.
Sunlight”

Visit my Flickr photostream to view the rest of my photos from the 9/11 Memorial.