Skip to main content

From Silicon Valley to NOVA: A Journey of Exploration and Discovery


In 2014, we left Silicon Valley, leaving behind family and familiarity for an exciting new opportunity in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Living in Northern Virginia (NOVA) offered us the unique advantage of being within close proximity to several neighboring states, making weekend explorations both convenient and irresistible. Over the course of three unforgettable years, we embarked on countless adventures, discovering the beauty and diversity of the East Coast.

From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the serene shores of the Outer Banks, each destination left a lasting impression. We wandered through the iconic landscapes of Central Park, soaked up the sun at Myrtle Beach, and hiked the scenic trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cape Henlopen State Park introduced us to Delaware’s stunning coastline, while Baltimore’s rich history and vibrant harbor provided endless charm. We also explored the cultural heartbeat of Washington, D.C., and ventured into the rolling hills of Pennsylvania and the rugged beauty of West Virginia.

Every trip added to our appreciation of the East Coast’s diverse landscapes, history, and culture. These experiences not only broadened our horizons but also created cherished memories that will stay with us forever.

Manhattan Central Park, New York

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware
Blue Ridge Mountain, Virginia

Outer Banks, North Carolina








Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Our Journey to the San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon

Race Day: Embracing the Challenge, and Pushing Limits Today was the big one—the San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon. We stood at the starting line at 6:30 AM, under heavy skies and cooler air. No blazing sun today, just a thick layer of cloud cover—a welcome gift for runners like us. This wasn’t unfamiliar ground. We’ve run these paths over and over—Crown Point, De Anza Cove, Mission Bay, Pacific Beach. We knew every twist and turn. But that didn’t make it easier. Michelle almost didn’t start. Her back pain had lingered all week, stubborn and unpredictable. But she showed up, like always. Quietly determined. By mile 3, she was locked in. By mile 6, she was flying. But then came mile 10—the farthest we had ever trained for. That’s where things started to change. Breaths became heavier. Footsteps, slower. At mile 12, we hit the wall—hard. Every stride turned into a battle of will over body. And yet, somehow, we kept moving. Michelle crossed the finish at 2:28. I followed just a minut...

Into the Wild: A New Zealand Adventure

This past holiday season, Michelle and I decided to break away from the familiar. Instead of the usual family gatherings in Bay Area, we packed our bags for New Zealand—a land of rugged beauty, epic adventures, and just enough unpredictability to keep us on our toes. Little did we know, this trip would push us out of our comfort zones and into the heart of an unforgettable adventure. The Start of Something Big We left San Diego with excitement buzzing in the air, cruising up to Los Angeles for a late-night flight. Parking was smooth- thankfully, I’d planned ahead- and soon we were boarding a 12-hour journey to the land of the long white cloud. As we flew across the Pacific, I kept imagining the landscapes ahead: towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, and surreal geothermal pools. Michelle, ever the planner, was busy double-checking our packed itinerary. We touched down in Auckland mid-morning, and the adventure began right away. After grabbing a rental car and stocking up on snacks, w...

A Day of Survival: Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is known as one of the world’s best day hikes, celebrated for its breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and vast valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. On a perfect summer day, hikers marvel at the serenity of the glistening peaks and colorful crater lakes. But the day we chose to tackle it? It was anything but perfect. We arrived in Auckland on a warm December morning, the buzz of summer in the air. The journey from San Diego had been long, but the excitement of adventure quickly revived us. After picking up our rental Kia SUV from Hertz, we made a quick stop at Pak’nSave to stock up on provisions for the hike: trail mix, energy bars, electrolyte drinks and plenty of water. Our hotel for the night, the Hilton Auckland, offered a stunning waterfront view. That evening, we dined at Ahi, indulging in the best of New Zealand’s cuisine—a perfect prelude to our upcoming adventure. The next day, we hit the road toward Tongariro Nationa...