Waheeb Thabit

  Nestled in the heart of California’s Central Valley, the San Luis Reservoir stands as a testament to the state's ambitious water management efforts and offers a tranquil retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located in Merced County, this impressive reservoir serves a dual purpose: it’s both a critical component of the State Water Project and a popular recreational destination. Whether you're an avid angler, a boating enthusiast, or simply seeking a serene spot to unwind, the San Luis Reservoir has something to offer. Constructed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the San Luis Reservoir is one of the largest artificial lakes in California. Spanning approximately 12,000 acres and with a storage capacity of over 2 million acre-feet, it plays a crucial role in the State Water Project, which is responsible for transporting water from Northern California to the drier regions in the south. The reservoir helps regulate water flow, ensuring a steady supply for agricultur...

  Located in Midtown East just outside of Grand Central Terminal, Little Collins is a high end café serving coffee and food throughout the day. The interior is sleek and modern and provides a cozy atmosphere for you to enjoy a nice cup of coffee, especially during the harsh winter weather. Although a little overpriced, the interior and the quality of the food is well worth it. While at Little Collins, I enjoyed a small latte that was surprisingly very strong despite the amount of milk they used. Was it worth $5? Yes. But I definitely would not frequent this place often. The chocolate croissant was fresher than what I had tried at other locations and was toasted to perfection. Overall Review Small Latte - 9.5/10 Chocolate Chip Croissant - 8/10 Total: 9/10

  San Jose State University (SJSU) is home to the striking Victory Salute statues, a prominent feature of the campus since their unveiling in 2005 by Portuguese artist Rigo 23. These statues were erected to commemorate the courageous stance taken by former SJSU students Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the 1968 Summer Olympics. Both had taken gold and bronze at the Olympics respectively. The statues, located near Tower Hall, were placed there at the center of campus and next to Clark Hall to honor the support then President Robert D. Clark showed towards this act of protest. Ever since it’s erection, this monument has been a gathering point for protests for many different causes throughout the years. Excluded from the monument is Peter Norman, the third person on the podium in 1968. He stated that, “Anybody can get up there and stand up for something they believe in. I guess that just about says it all”. He asked to be excluded so that visitors could participate and stand in his...

  Located in the North Beach district of San Francisco, CA, Caffe Trieste is a landmark within the community. Founded in 1956 by Giovanni Giotta, it was the first espresso house on the West Coast. Giovanni had missed the coffeehouses in Trieste, Italy and mimicked that in the predominately Italian neighborhood of North Beach. This location was not only known for its coffee, but also was a hangout place for many well known musicians and authors and has also been featured in many movies and television. It is famously known that Francis Ford Coppola wrote much of the screenplay for The Godfather while sitting in Caffe Trieste. Whether you are there for a cup of coffee or to experience the history of the coffeehouse, Caffe Trieste is an amazing place to visit. While visiting Caffe Trieste, I tried out their Africano and a Chocolate Chip Croissant. Caffe Trieste claims to have invented the Africano drink which is two shots of espresso with an equal amount of steamed milk. The chocolate...

Standing within the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia is to step into a timeless narrative where history, culture, and faith converge. Amidst its towering domes and intricate mosaics, a window offers a glimpse that transcends mere observation. Through this archaic aperture, centuries unfold before you. The play of morning light through ancient stained glass casts a surreal glow upon marble floors, echoing with the whispers of bygone emperors and sultans. Outside, minarets pierce the skyline, bridging the historical transformations of this landmark from church to mosque to museum. At sunset, Hagia Sophia transforms again. Golden hues drape its weathered stones, while the city skyline merges seamlessly with sea and sky. In winter, the window frames a serene vista, where snow blankets Istanbul, contrasting with the enduring stone of Hagia Sophia. By night, city lights illuminate the vista, casting Hagia Sophia as a beacon of history and culture. This view is not just a sight but a reflection of ...