Last December, I was in San Francisco visiting friends, and as an avid hiker and nature lover, I seized the chance to visit Muir Woods National Monument. Little did I know, this visit would leave an unforgettable impact on me.
A Historical Sanctuary
Muir Woods is not just any forest - it's an ancient sanctuary that has witnessed centuries of history. Named after the naturalist John Muir, this national monument was established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. The park was created to preserve the old-growth coastal redwoods, which are some of the last remaining ancient redwoods in the Bay Area. These trees have survived fires, floods, and escaped the widespread logging that claimed many of their kin. This resilience is a testament to both their natural fortitude and the foresight of conservationists who recognized the need to protect these majestic giants.
The Importance of Muir Woods
Beyond its historical significance, Muir Woods plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. The towering redwoods, some over 600 years old, act as carbon sinks, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and providing a habitat for countless species. The park is also a living reminder of the natural beauty that once covered much of California's coast. By preserving this unique environment, future generations can experience the awe and inspiration that comes from standing beneath these giants.
The Giants of Muir Woods
The trees of Muir Woods are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Coastal redwoods, or Sequoia sempervirens, dominate the landscape. These trees are the tallest species of trees on earth, with some reaching heights of over 250 feet. Their massive trunks can be up to 14 feet in diameter, and their bark, rich in tannins, provides protection against insects and fire. Walking among these giants, I felt a profound sense of humility and wonder. The sheer size and age of these trees are a reminder of nature's power and resilience.
My Awe-Inspiring Experience
As I entered Muir Woods, I was immediately enveloped by a sense of tranquility. The towering redwoods seemed to reach the sky, their branches creating a natural canopy that filtered the sunlight into ethereal beams. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the earthy scent of the forest floor. Every step I took along the Redwood Creek Trail felt like a step back in time.
The main trail offers various loops, ranging from short walks to longer hikes. I chose to explore one of the longer loops, eager to immerse myself fully in the forest's beauty. The silence was profound, broken only by the occasional call of a bird or the rustling of leaves. With each turn, I discovered new wonders - moss-covered trunks, delicate ferns, and even a few glimpses of the wildlife that call this forest home.
Reflections on Nature's Majesty
Visiting Muir Woods was more than just a hike; it was a journey through time and a deep connection with nature. Standing amidst trees that have witnessed centuries of history, I felt a renewed sense of purpose to advocate for the protection of our natural world. Muir Woods reminded me of the importance of preserving these natural sanctuaries, not just for their beauty, but for the vital role they play in maintaining the health of our planet.
If you ever find yourself in the San Francisco Bay Area, I urge you to visit Muir Woods National Monument. Whether you're an avid hiker like me or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, you'll leave with a sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
The moment I picked up my Expo 2020 Passport, I knew my determined side would kick in. I wasn’t chasing any official contest, but I challenged myself to collect every single stamp, all 192 country pavilions, as quickly as possible.
Working on the Expo site and living in Expo Village gave me an edge, but it wasn’t always easy. What began as a personal challenge soon became an adventure that felt like exploring the entire world - one pavilion at a time.
Expo 2020 Dubai Passport and Map
The Challenge: 192 Stamps
Expo 2020 Dubai was the first World Expo where every participating nation had its own pavilion. Spread across three thematic districts, Opportunity, Mobility, and Sustainability, the grounds stretched over 4.4 square kilometers - about the size of New York's Central Park. At the center was Al Wasl Plaza, the engineering marvel that housed the world’s largest 360-degree projection dome - and the stage for the show we were there to work on.
Expo 2020 Passport
Al Wasl Plaza from UAE Pavilion
Al Wasl Plaza
Sunset through Al Wasl Plaza (from the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority Pavilion)
Al Wasl Plaza
"Journey of the 50th" Show - Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the UAE - Al Wasl Plaza
Atop the Control Room - Al Wasl Plaza
From the beginning, I treated the site like the world’s greatest playground. But as determined as I was, there were challenges to overcome along the way.
The Pandemic Backdrop
Expo 2020 was postponed a year because of COVID, and by the time it opened in 2021, masks were mandatory. After 18 months of near-isolation, I suddenly found myself among thousands of people.
Every unmasked encounter spiked my anxiety, and mealtimes, when masks naturally came off, were the hardest. But I wasn’t about to give up.
Water feature at Expo 2020 called Surreal. It combined light, sound, and flowing water in a stunning display that seemed to defy gravity.
Expo 2020 Passport
Canada Pavilion
Heat, Crowds, and Other Obstacles
If the pandemic wasn’t enough, there was also the small matter of the 40°C desert heat. It’s hard to imagine humidity that makes your fingers damp the moment you step outside, or sun so fierce it feels like your head is being eviscerated without a hat.
Thankfully, the season cooled as autumn set in. Even so, the combination of daily security checks, long line-ups, and the sheer size of the site meant every day was a marathon.
My original three-month assignment at Expo ended sooner than expected. I had mixed feelings since I would have loved to complete the project, but the unplanned free time gave me a rare chance to explore Expo, and Dubai, more deeply on my own. Not a bad trade-off.
Opti Robots Dancing to Music - they also interacted with children, joked and gave directions.
Eating My Way Around the World
The pavilions were beautiful, but let’s be honest: a big part of Expo’s magic was the food. With nearly every pavilion offering a taste of home, you could eat your way around the globe in an afternoon.
France Pavilion
Belgium Pavilion
Monaco Pavilion side terrace featured Monte Carlo's Cafe de Paris
Some of my favourites:
Croissants from the French Pavilion (my first stop)
Coffee-flavored croissants from Italy
Cornbread soup from Chile
Tender lamb in Slovakia
Belgian fries
The best mint chutney I’ve ever tasted, at the India Pavilion
I gave new meaning to the term “smart lunch,” spending most of my wages eating my way around the world. My favorite hangout quickly became the Monaco Pavilion terrace. It was shaded and quiet, with frothy cappuccinos and French pastries. From my table, I could watch tourists come and go while listening to the staff chat away in French. Bliss.
France Pavilion Restaurant
Pavilion Highlights & Human Moments
The pavilions themselves ranged from spectacular showstoppers to modest gems, but the moments that stayed with me most came from the people.
The UK Pavilion: Words for the Universe
The UK Pavilion, designed by British designer Es Devlin, was a cone-shaped wooden structure resembling a giant megaphone. Its façade featured illuminated slats displaying an AI-generated “poem” in real time, built from words contributed by visitors. Inspired by Stephen Hawking’s “Breakthrough Message” project, it asked what message humanity might send to other civilizations.
As I sat inside, I had a heavy-hearted moment thinking about my Aunt Gen who had passed away just days earlier. A kind staff member helped me choose three words to send into the universe in her honor: LOVE. GROWTH. MEMORY. It was one of the most moving moments of my time at Expo.
UK Pavilion
UK Pavilion - Inside
UK Pavilion
Moldova: A Country with Heart
Some pavilions dazzled with technology; others won hearts with simplicity. Moldova was the latter. Modest in scale but rich in spirit, it showcased the country's pottery, traditions, wine, and agriculture. One host told me: “Organic food may be trendy these days, but in Moldova, it’s always been a way of life.”
After the interesting tour, the friendly staff set me into an egg-shaped chair to watch Moldova’s award-winning VR film Aripi (Wings). It was unexpectedly moving - like floating through an astronaut’s dreams. Moldova proved you don’t need flashy screens to leave a lasting impression.
Showstoppers: UAE & Saudi Arabia
The UAE Pavilion drew inspiration from the nation's iconic falcon. Its striking architecture featured 28 movable wings that opened to reveal solar panels, embodying the UAE's commitment to sustainability. Inside, visitors embarked on a multi-sensory journey through Emirati culture, history, and future aspirations.
The Saudi pavilion was impossible to miss. It was a massive, slanted façade rising toward the sky, its mirrored exterior doubling as the world’s largest LED screen. Inside, a suspended curved walkway gave the effect that I was flying over Saudi Arabia where scenes shifted from a mosque and fields to a Formula 1 race. The pavilion didn’t just impress with scale and spectacle – it also broke several Guinness World Records.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion
Expo 2020 Dubai Passport
Beyond Pavilions: Expo Moments
Expo wasn’t just buildings and stamps. Every day brought something unique and surprising. I attended a charity run led by Usain Bolt, saw dazzling drone shows, witnessed the World Chess Championship between Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi, and teared up listening to Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke share stories from his 1972 moonwalk.
The site was alive with moments you couldn’t plan for; the kind that remind you why you travel in the first place.
Usain Bolt
Charlie Duke
Drone Show
World Chess Championship
The Sounds of Expo
The sound that I will remember most about Expo was the Call to Prayer. Several times a day, the adhan would drift across the grounds - a gentle reminder for Muslims to pause and pray, woven into the everyday rhythm of life there. I wasn’t observing the ritual, but the sound always made me slow down for a moment. It softened the rush of the days and grounded the whole experience in a way I didn’t fully recognize until I left.
The Final Stamp at Expo 2020 Dubai
Expo opened its doors on October 1st, and by October 23rd, I had collected 191 country stamps. Only Uzbekistan remained.
When I arrived at the pavilion, I was told it wouldn’t open until November 1st. My heart sank.
Three days later, I tried again. The pavilion had quietly opened early, but was “closed for a private event.” So I waited, passport in hand, like a kid staring through a candy shop window.
When the doors finally opened, I stepped inside, found the counter, and watched as the staff member pressed that final, glorious stamp into my passport.
Since Uzbekistan had opened that very day, I was probably among the first people in the world to collect all 192 country pavilion stamps - Not that I’m competitive or anything.
Uzbekistan Pavilion
The Final Stamp - Uzbekistan!
From Expo to Expo City
Although Expo 2020 closed in March 2022, its legacy remains. The empty desert site is now Expo City Dubai; a permanent community built around sustainability and innovation. Visitors today can still walk under Al Wasl Plaza, explore Terra and Alif, or revisit the UAE and Saudi Pavilions that once drew record lines.
For me, the legacy isn’t just the site. It’s the memories. The thrill of chasing down stamps, the taste of coffee croissants, the words sent into the universe for my aunt, the conversations with proud pavilion hosts.
Expo proved that when the world opens its doors, anything is possible.
