I'll See You, San Diego.

In May. from Faiza Qureshi on Vimeo.

I think it's a rule that any time you stop posting and start posting again, you're not to supposed to mention it that you stopped in the first place. No one follows that rule. Give me a moment while I defy that rule as well.

I felt a lack of inspiration over the past few months. I felt rather robotic than alive. Moving, but not existing. This is very well because I took a semester off from school. Anyone who knows me knows I love to learn and be a part of a bright, strong community. I stepped away from that for a little while, and I miss it so much. I will be starting again in August. Anyway, I began to feel inspired again during a little trip I took to San Diego so I could pick up the things I left behind. I left spontaneously. I have a strange tendency to disappear from time to time. But, I found myself back there. It was a perfect closure filled with calm, sweet adventure. I suddenly understand what people mean when they say they left a piece of their heart somewhere. San Diego has a piece of mine, and it will always be my first big adventure.

During my week there, I spent some time with an old friend. We visited the Japanese Friendship Garden, a beautiful little part of Balboa Park, and walked along the stream. I stayed on my own for a while longer, embracing the beauty of it on my own. Koi danced in the water beneath a teahouse and the sound of trickling water and swaying leaves surrounded me. It's a place of peace, truly.

Then, I wandered around Balboa a little longer. Unfortunately, I didn't get to go into the art museum or botanical garden as it was so late in the day. I did sip some sweet lemonade while sitting on the grass. It was a sunny San Diego day. It was perfect.

We went to Hash House a Go Go, hands down my favorite breakfast restaurant. Their sage chicken is the best. Not to mention we just happened to be sitting next to Sofia Vergara and her husband, Joe Manganiello. A dream.

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On my last morning in San Diego, I went out on the balcony of the place I was staying, and I just read a poem from Madisen Kuhn's Please Don't Go Before I Get Better. It was titled, "happiness: you have to try." It shifted my thoughts to a better place, and I felt a little brighter and a little more ready to conquer my days. She speaks about how happiness is all about perspective, which is something I knew. But, she also mentioned how it's about the environment you're in. This is something I've thought about, but it was different hearing it from a poet I've never met. I'm not the only one with these thoughts. You could imagine how much less alone I felt after reading those words.

During that last day, we did everything. I took my first Aerial Silks class, which is MUCH more difficult than Aerial Yoga. Afterwards, we went to In-And-Out. Their burgers exceeded expectations. Then, we headed to the Encinitas Meditation Garden fifteen minutes before they closed. It was a peaceful green space, though completely different from the Japanese Friendship Garden. Since it was situated on the coast, there was the lovely oceanic backdrop. It was as if time stood still while exploring. When they closed, we went to Solona Beach, a most heavenly experience. It was in the middle of nowhere, with very few visitors. The waves were wild, and I loved every minute of it. We completed our day by having dinner at Little Sheep Hot Pot, where I enjoyed glass noodles, shrimp, chicken, and so much more.

All throughout the trip, I got to spend time with my sister and her fiancé. Always a huge thank you to them for taking care of me while I was there, every time I was there. I love them dearly.

On the plane home, I read Unfiltered by Lily Collins and learned...well a lot. Not only about Lily and her life, but about myself and what I am capable of. Everything takes a few steps, but it's wonderful to gain a confidence that brightens the spirit as a whole. I'm so happy I read that, and I have a feeling I'll remember it as I continue my treks and adventures.

All in all, it was an incredibly refreshing trip. I felt close to the person I'm trying to become, and I'd like to keep getting closer. I slowly feel everything coming together. Getting lost can be terrifying, but sometimes we need it to become who we want to be or who we're meant to be. San Diego was a vital part of my growth. I loved spending my first semester of college there. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have traveled to Europe. It took me to wonderful places and delved deep into me. It's time to move onward, even though I will never forget it.

Here's a micro-playlist of a few songs relevant to my trip:

10,000 Emerald Pools // BØRNS

Dissolve // Absofacto

Sit Next to Me // Foster the People

Saturday Sun // Vance Joy

Coastline // Hollow Coves

Much love xx