My story

In April, 2025 I retired from UC Berkeley, after almost 21 years of service. Being 57 years old, this is a semi-retirement, by taking a sabbatical while exploring new career possibilities like entrepreneurship, teaching (English, Spanish) and writing. During this sabbatical I will travel and explore locations in which to create my new base. Mexico and Spain come to mind! One idea for this blog name was Authentic Sabbatical. Because I will explore travel based on my senses, especially smell and taste, as I am a true foodie! I will explore the good, bad and the ugly, showing a true authentic experience!

Raices (Roots)

Speaking of roots, my first post starts with an image of the San Carlos Bay in Sonora, where the desert meets the sea of California, Sonora is the birthplace of my mother Trini. In March she turned 95 and many family members came to celebrate. The best photos are found at: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIKRMtRhvaCEJ5dxMKyKq3WBnBXbonSKPN5jIU0/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

We found out the hard way that the best way to travel to Sonora by air is to fly to Tijuana, using the CBX cross bridge, with an hour flight to Hermosillo Sonora. San Carlos bay is 1.5 hrs by car. We rented a house via VRBO, definitely recommend it. https://t.vrbo.io/1hIry1LJCSb

I’ve been going to Sonora since my birth, and when I view the sea meeting the desert and saguaros (giant cactus) it always feel like the first time!

My story = Our story

I've traveled solo, with friends and family, including my immediate family members, husband Jose and daughter Vale! When in a group, we generally divide planning. For example, in 2023 we traveled for a two week trip to Europe, (Spain, Italy, France) for Vale's 15th bday! I booked all flights and cultural activities such as museum entrances. Jose did research on car rentals and did the booking. Vale searched for restaurants and researched metro logistics! In Italy we had to make a last minute hotel change but that was done quickly and efficiently! It really does make it easier! We also schedule rest days or 1/2 days after long museum days , i.e. The Louvre! Teamwork makes a difference!!

Going Down Memory Lane

I would like to share some of the most memorable and epic journeys that have given me great joy and have continued to inspire me to continue to travel, and hopefully, return to these amazing places! For more trips, local and international, follow me on instagram at leticia1116!

Fun Moments is the goal - Always!

There are the moments that make it all worthwhile! Here we are in Seville, Spain, enjoying a stroll! Moments like these make every planning stage well worth it!

Notes about simplify planning:

Packing light helps too! For every trip, I pack then unpack: I take 2-3 items out of our carry-on, as well as take out extra toiletries! A capsule wardrobe is essential as well as good walking shoes. I'll link a few travel packing videos in the information section of this blog!

Mexico City - Puebla 2010

I had been go Mexico City (CDMX) several times prior to 2010. However, this was the first time with my family. There is so much to be said about the Capital of Mexico, the greater-than-life international Metropolis. The layers, like peeling an onion, take you go ultra modern high rises, colonial treasures, and pre-hispanic wonders, blended together like the rich salsa's sold on the many street taco stands within the city! The one thing we couldn't miss were the pyramids of Teotihuacan. Teotihuacan was a pre-aztec civilization that is considered the largest (most populated) Pre-colombian metropolis in the americas, at 100,000 in approximately 500AD. Here is a list of must do's from Trip advisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g150800-a_contentId.44143678984+713994424-Mexico_City_Central_Mexico_and_Gulf_Coast.html

All recommendations are great however for a foodie and culture lover, I recommend:

Teotihuacan
Casa de Frida Kahlo in Coyoacan neighborhood
Chapultepec Parc and The Castle of Chapultepec (now Mexico's history museum), for insight into the French invasion of Mexico.
Museum of Anthropology

*Mexico City is def the place to try many different types of tacos, but specifically to Mexico City, the gastronomic posibilities are endless. *More food recommendations will be found on the travel tip section