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 for my new base. Mexico and Spain come to mind! I have a deep appreciation for my country where I grew up and for my years at UC Berkeley and now I'm starting a new stage in my life. 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!

My story = Our story

I truly enjoy solo travel, as well as travel 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 Spain, Italy, and France. 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

 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 to 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 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 Park and The Castle of Chapultepec (Mexico's history museum)
  • Museum of Anthropology 
  • Day trip to a colonial city such as Puebla, Cuernavaca, or the hot springs of Tolantongo

*Mexico City is def. the place to try many different types of  tacos, the gastronomic possibilities are endless.  

Sonora - 2014

One of the first photos is an image of  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==

I’ve been going to San Carlos Bay, and Hermosillo (Sonora's capital) since my birth, and when I view the sea meeting the desert and saguaros (giant cacti). Hermosillo, also location of the international airport, is inland but also reflects the hearty Sonoran spirit. The city center reflects the colonial/moorish-Spanish influence.

The Sonoran cuisine consists of fresh seafood, great cuts of beef, the carretas de dogos (hot dog stands). The dogo is no ordinary hotdog: Possible toppings could be onion, tomatoes, chiles, cheddar cheese, you get the idea! Most emblematic is the famous Sonoran flour tortilla. The Sonoran tortilla that can be filled with an infinite variety of fresh ingredients and simple and hearty methods of cooking, like use of the grill. Also popular are cabeza (beef) tacos, carne asada (only with flour tortillas), Machaca (dried beef, and nopales (cactus, cleaned and cut up to be mixed with chiles and eggs. 

 Peru 

Cusco and Machu Picchu  - 2017

Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and was once the capital of the Incan empire. Cusco is a magical city located at 11,152 ft. in elevation and a great  base in which to visit  Machu Picchu and other wonders in the Sacred Valley. 

 I recommend a 7 day visit to the Cusco area and combine several tours:

The recommended  sites are:

  • Machu Picchu and the  hidden city of Choquequirao. 

  • Cusco city tour - must include the Coricancha (temple of the sun)  as well as the Plaza de Armas (city center)

  • Sacred Valley - visit sites such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero (the "Sistine chapel" of the Americas Is located in Andahuaylillas  near Chinchero. 

  •  Rainbow Mountain, and also known as Vinicunca, is a natural wonder made up of vibrant colors and results from mineral deposits and geological formations.

  • If you have extra time, visit The Maras Salt Mines. These ancient salt plans were built by the Pre-Incan Wari Civilization.

Some things to consider during your stay: 

  1. Have your accommodations be near the city center. Walking in high altitude land can be draining. Enjoy Cusco's sites, markets, and cafes.
  2. Use the next 3-4 days to visit the Sacred Valley
  3. Visit Machu Picchu near  the end of your stay since you will be acclimatized to the elevation, since its elevation is 7,972 ft.) *You can visit directly from Cusco by train/bus on your date of your visit, or  travel by train and stay in Aguas Calientes, one day before your visit. This small town is the nearest city to Machu Picchu ! 
  4. If you choose to do the Inca trail, book a tour and make accommodations around the days on the trail. 

Local Travel

Gualala, CA - 2019

Gualala, California is located on the pacific coast north of the San Francisco Bay Area. It's a great place to camp and enjoy the beauty of the northern CA coast. On your way there from San Francisco you can stop and enjoy fresh oysters along the way. The natural beauty and serenity of the coast make it a great escape from the daily hustle and bustle of the city! Here is a great guide to exploring the coast.https://highway1roadtrip.com/?

Here and Now

The new phase of my life is being manifested now. All of the entries from now on will focus on the present time.

Tijuana, B.C.

Last year I started  getting dental work in Tijuana, Mexico due to the many different procedures needed and as the cost is significantly  lower.