My trip to California, Palo Alto

Three years ago my dad took me, my 2 brothers and my cousin with him to visit Stanford University in Palo Alto. He had been offered to visit the campus and work there for a mont. We had to take first a plane to New York and after that fly to San Fransisco. The fly to New York was nice and went well, but when we got on the plane to San Fransisco, very annoying stuff came to my knowledge:  The plane had been booked so full that I had to sit on the other side of the plane than the rest of my travelling company. I was so feeble from the earlier flight that I fell a sleep right away. After few hours I woke up to a disgusting smell. I turned to my right and there sat a Chinese man really drunk ordering more and more drinks. He smelled so sickening I nearly decided to leave my seat. At this point I was so exasperated and tired that I took my headset, turned away and holded a hoodie against my nose. In no time I was sleeping again.

The next morning I woke up in our apartment and looked out of  the window. The sun was shining. I was so glad we had left the cold and depressing Finland! After my brothers and my cousin woke up, we decided to go explore the area. We went to the bike rental and rented bikes. I was so amazed that it was illegal for someone to drive a bike without a helmet if he/she was under age. Stanford University’s campus was only one kilometer away so we drove there first. I could feel the jet-lag while driving. I had never imagined that it could feel so exhausting!

After few days from arriving my dad took us to visit the school we would be going to  for the next three weeks. The school was for the children who’s parents were visiting Stanford, so it was located at the campus area. How lame was going to school on a vacation! In other hand the school days lasted only for few hours and we got an opportunity to experience the american school system. After all it wasn’t even bad.

One weekend dad decided to take us to San Francisco. He thought it would be fun and memorable to go by train so we took our bikes and drove to the railway station. I fell in love with San Francisco! The city was so amazing and beautiful. We saw the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge. I was  shocked when i saw the surfers  surfing underneath the Golden Gate, because there were big rocks all over and the waves were enormous.the Golden Gate

The Golden Gate and you can see the surfers also

After three and a half weeks in California we went to Gillroy shopping center to buy clothes and christmas presents. We bought a massive amount of stuff which obviously came a problem when we were leaving to the airport. We had rented a car for 5 people so of course the stuff couldn’t fit in the car. So my dad had a genius idea! We put the front seat full of luggage and the four of us, me, my brothers and my cousin, went to the backseat. After that dad started piling the rest of the stuff on top of us. I promise that 30 minutes to the airport was the worst of my life! I could only dream of seeing out of the window because there was so much stuff on top of me. It was so narrow that I could barely breathe and when we finally got to the airport I was so glad to get out of the car. I could finally feel my legs again.

Even though I had a great time in California I was happy to get home to my family and friends. Our trip was unforgettable and I loved my time in California. It was a great experience and I can’t wait to  go back!

leaving to the airport

backseat