Before starting our classes at SFSU, my friend, who is also a J-1 student, and I decided to take a two-day trip to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is one of California’s greatest highlights, so we both knew we’d love going there.

Some weekends ago I went to Yosemite with my roomie and landlord. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and the Valley was really warm. Even though I was quite tired after only some hours of sleep (we got up at 4am), this amazing landscape made...