My Hometown - Gardena

I have been all over the place before I moved to Gardena permanently. I was born at UCLA Harbor and as a baby I lived in Hawthorne with my mom until maybe I was 2. My mom shared an apartment with her whole family basically, her two brothers, and her mom and dad. When I was around three, my mom was stable financially and she decided to move out. She found this garage turned apartment in Gardena which was perfect for just the two of us. It was around this time that she met my Step-Dad. Now my memory is off about how long we stayed there but my mom made a big move and moved us to San Pedro. It was her first ever apartment, like an actual apartment. I went to Barton Hill Elementary school while I lived in San Pedro up until the 3rd Grade. Due to some esoteric complications, we were forced to move out of our apartment.

 I was really bummed out because my step-dad at the time officially moved in with my mom and me. Now when you're a kid you really don't understand much and most of the adult talk is inquisitive. I thought we going to be homeless! But my Mom and my Step-Dad found an affordable apartment back in Gardena. Gardena is Multi Cultural and awake, this city is not home to one ethnicity, but it is home to many. The city is not known for much. To me its a city that has so much to offer with lots of things anyone can do. I went through all the schools in Gardena. I went to 153rd Elementary School, then to Peary Middle School, and finally graduated from Gardena High School. I consider this my hometown because I've lived here the longest and I've gotten so used to the town. In my eyes this town tries to circumvent negative life choices, so it provides outlets for kids to be apart of, whether that be in school or outside of school. Sure I'd love to move out of this place and try something new, but for now this place is right at my pace.

      

                                                                                             

   

      Hometown                                                                                                                                                                                                            KARACHI CLIFTON MONUMENT                        

             
                        My hometown is Karachi. It is the biggest city in Pakistan. Karachi is the world's 3rd largest city in population, with the population of over 16 million. The port of Karachi is one of the famous ports in Asia. The city also generates 60-70% revenue of Pakistan. The 80% population of this city is of muhajirs which mean "immigrant" in Urdu, they were the people who migrated from India at the time of separation between India and Pakistan in 1947. There are many historical places in Karachi among which the most famous and important place is the tomb of the founder of Pakistan  Muhammad Ali Jinnah which is also considered as the biggest embellishment of the city. The beach of Karachi which is also known as "sea view" is also one of the most visited places in Karachi. The tourists who visit Karachi from all over Pakistan counts it rudimentary to visit these two places on their trip. 

   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Muhammad Ali Jinnah 

                                                                                                                  Founder of Pakistan 

                                                                                                                

             
                      Karachi is also called the "city of the founder" because the founder of  Pakistan was born in Karachi even before the existence of Pakistan. M.A Jinnah was a lawyer, he received his law degree from London. He was also the president of a political party "All India Muslim League", and this party, later on, turned into a movement of a separate homeland for the Muslims of India. M.A Jinnah is the father of a nation. His services for Pakistan are remarkable and unforgettable. His personality is an optimum for every Pakistani.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Karachi Cow Mandi                                                                                                 

               

                     The city Karachi has a lot of attractions but the most unique and exciting one for me is cow mandi. Mandi means an "open market" in Urdu. In religion Islam, we have a festival called EID in this religious festival people sacrifice animals like goats, cows, camels, and sheep in the name of God. For the sale and purchase of animals in this festival, this open market establishes. The most unique and interesting thing about this market is that this is Asia's largest animal market. The animals here are very fancy, beautiful, big and expensive the cost of one cow can be more 10,000 USD and the average cost of a cow is from 2-4 thousand USD. Whereas, the cost of one goat can be over 2 thousand USD. Animals from all over the country are brought to this market for selling. This festival can't be celebrated anywhere else as like in Karachi.

                      The overly populated city Karachi has been gone through a lot of pain, and harsh situations and incidents because of it's unstable security standards. The city has been open to the terrorist threats for more than a decade but it rises every day with new hopes and strength. 

The Martinez Family

My family. I owe so much to each of my family members: Dad, Mom, Little Brother and Sister. They make everyday so much fun. Every one of them just contributes with something.

The head of the house, my dad, I love him so much. I can call him my coach as well because ever since I started playing soccer, he has supported me. Although he would get kicked out of the fields for yelling, he was just very into the game and wanted the best from me always. Till this day he's making me improve. Not only that but he's one of the best cookers in my opinion. His cooking is so good. There has never been a time where I have denied a type of food of his. He also cracks some funny jokes and is just inane. Also all the life lessons he's taught us. "Keep following your dreams, and don't let anyone ruin them."

The second head of the house, my mom, who I also love so much. She is the reason why my siblings and I have so much good manners. Ever since we were small, she taught us to greet people, hold the door open for the people coming behind you, things like that. Also because of her, we learned to pick up after ourselves. She's just preparing us for our future, because she wants what's best for us and she always tells us, "I won't be there to hold your hand, there will be one day that you have to do everything your own." For my mom, I would do anything.

They sometimes may be annoying but I still love them as well, my little sister and brother. MY little sister is the most shyest person, before you get to know her. But at the house, it's a whole different story. She may be the loudest one when it's just us. She is currently a senior at Lawndale High School.  She always makes the house laugh, whether it's just random stuff she does or there are jokes she comes up with. That's what makes her so facetious. Now for the youngest one of them all, my brother. He's currently a freshman at Lawndale High and is ranked #2 out of his whole class. He's always studying and just likes to get things done. When he's done with his work, we play Xbox together and take competition seriously. I don't know what I would do without them. Through ups and downs, we will always collaborate.

My Family

My family is the most important thing that I have in my life. My intermediate family consist of my mom ( Laurie), my dad (Andre), my big brother(Roderick) & my little sister (Lauryn). At a young age my parents went separate ways but both continued to stay in our lives.

Something special about my mom is that she's always caring and in full support of whatever I decide to do. When I tried to play football she was very euphoric, mainly since that was my first time playing a full on contact sport other than basketball. She often calls me the maudlin of the family because I tend to make everyone laugh and keep everything sane with my humor.

Something special about my dad is how once he sets his mind to something he always completes his tasks. It might not be immediate but in time he will get to it, I inherited that trait from him. Also throughout his whole life he's been everywhere, I guess you can say he's pretty ubiquitous cause everywhere we go no matter the city nor state he knows someone.

My older brother is the musician of the family, he's talented in multiple instruments like piano, guitar, and drums. He first started off with drums then transitioned into the piano, then finally just learned guitar on his own. Now he's in Sacramento in his own band, Funk Junction.

Something special about my sister is also her talents. She's more into the theater sides of things with her being in plays since she was little. She first started off with dancing companies, then transitioned to musical theater.

My Hometown

My Hometown

I am from South Central. My neighborhood was poor lower class, hard working people. A lot of apartments, really didn’t look like a good place to live in. Let’s just say it wasn’t the picture perfect neighborhood, a lot of immigrants, and a lot of lower class gang activity. And definitely a lot of crimes, so I think that maybe, well obviously the poverty did definitely have an effect. Living on Figueroa for the past 12 years, I’ve seen a lot of crazy stuff. From the prostitution, the homeless and drug addicts. These types of situations are still going on  but I have gotten used to it. Late at night you wouldn’t know whether the loud noises outside were fireworks or gunshots. I guess the upside from living on such a rough street is all the restaurants around it. I got taco trucks, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and other restaurants just around the corner. The gang violence does influence a lot of the youth. South LA has a reprehensible reputation. The homeless appearance that most people that are begging is a sham. Even at midnight people are always angry and vociferous. As bad as it is, South Central is home and I will never forget where I came from.

My Hometown

My hometown is in Hawthorne, California. I have lived here the majority of my life and attended elementary school, middle school, and high school in Hawthorne. I spend a majority of my time in this area. The only other places I have traveled to are Arizona,  Louisiana, Georgia, and Belize. Although I have traveled a little, I was a young age, so I do not remember too much of my experiences The best part to me about this area is the nice weather. I love when it is hot outside and an opportunity comes around to go to all the beaches around here. I like to relax by the water and watch the waves. Some beaches I visit have ubiquitous seashells in the sand. The texture of seaweed creeps me out, so I always try to circumvent it. My favorite food to eat is a bacon burger, so I am familiar with a lot of burger joints around town. My Optimum lunch would be a bacon burger with seasoned french fries and an infallible shake. I live on the nice, reticent side of Hawthorne. Since it is so peaceful, I like to walk my four dogs, one by one, around the blocks a couple times so we all stay fit. Even though I have been in Hawthorne all my life, I would like to travel more when I get older and experience different cultures outside of mine.

My Awesome Family

From left to right: My mom Marivic,My brother Kristoffer,My sister Khrisna,me and my brother Kristian

 Family is the most important for me in life. Without them, I don’t know where will I am be at now. This photo’s so special for me(sorry I don’t have a lot of them) because a lot of first happend in this picture. Since we’re scattered all around the United States, all of us never had the chance to have a get together till last year. I was so excited to take a vacation from work when my brother Kristian( in red jack on the right) told me that he and his family will be here in our place in Carson, California for more than a month, and we’ll be celebrating thanksgiving together. They drove a lot of miles all the way from Oak Harbor,Washington! And then another great news popped up, my sister Khrisna(in black jacket) and my mom Marivic(in jaguar dress) will be flying all the way from Honolulu, Hawaii to have a vacation here. We all went to disneyland,great wolf lodge, americana at brand of glendale, hollywood sign and LA itself of course! :) We all enjoyed this little time that we had the chance to be complete and be together after 7 years.

Everybody’s special in my family, and I’m proud that all of us have good careers because of the guidance and knowledge that our mom gave us. My sister Khrisna is a front desk officer in Aulani Disney Hotel in Hawaii, my brother Kristoffer’s a Director of Nursing, my brother Kristian is a Chief Pety Officer in the Navy, and I am currently studying to be a Physical Therapist. We all have good lives and good career. Another special thing with my family is we value the power of education and fear of God. We all had struggles but we’re thankful for all of the blessings that we have!

Family is something that we can keep forever. No matter how bad our situation is, our family is the one that we can count on all the time. Let’s all love our family, because time will come we won’t be all together all the time. But let’s all remember that no matter what, we always got each other’s back!

Family bonding in Americana at Brand in Glendale,California

My talent is I play sax tenor. I have been playing this instrument for nine years. I start learning music the beginning of 2009 when I was 10. It started out when my aunt. my mom's sister called one Sunday morning. She called to ask if we wanted to start learning how to play an instrument. When my dad asks my sibling and me, we 're sure if we wanted to go. But my dad convinces us to give it try and the rest is history. I start out with my sibling and a couple of my cousin. I remember when we first got there our teacher asked us what instrument we wanted and all of us said clarinet. We all said that because that was the only instrument we known. But when we first started learning rudimentary. After a couple of months, we start getting inane in other instruments. I first got intercede in the sax alto, but the band only had two sax's also to lend. And since I'm very tall, they said I had to get the sax tenor. I was zealot because I was the first one to get it, but because my other cousin wanted it too they gave it to him. After that, I found that one of my aunt. who is my mom cousin, play the same instrument as me. That inspired me to give it a try and now nine years later I'm still playing it.

My Hometown- Compton 

Compton, known as the city of hope is a pretty interesting city depending on the people that you know and the places you go. For instance there was a building for a very long time named Compton Fashion Center which was recently made very well known because of legendary rapper Kendrick Lamar.

The building was used in the music video for King Kunta, a single off of Kendrick's past album To Pimp A Butterfly. In all honesty I believe Kendrick is a leading reason in why the city of Compton is quite popular today.


However there are other rappers that are from Compton that put the city on the map for many people to recognize such as Dr. Dre, Eazy E, MC Ren and The Game. In my opinion I think a good idea for both the city and these legends would be to build a sort of shrine to venerate them.
Another sort of tradition in Compton is constant car shows, they can be seen nearly every weekend in random lot all over the city. One place in particular is down Long Beach Blvd. where the owners juxtapose their cars to show them off. Small things such as this is what makes Compton special in my opinion however I suppose I'm predisposed to say that since I was born here. I take pride in being from Compton a well known small city known because of some of the greatest rappers alive .

My talent

My talent is I enjoy rock climbing, for I am dexterous when it comes to hiking. The hangar 18 is where I spend most of my days doing indoor climbing, so when I'm on a hike it won't be as gruesome on the body. Rock climbing is a challenging sport since it requires good grip strength, and you need to be physically and mentally tough. It's also a very dangerous sport so you need to be careful and have patients. Challenging yourself is something that everyone should be doing because that's when you know you're capability. In any sport you need to be driven by motivation which is why rock climbing is my sport. If you are not driven by motivation then you will relinquish on every actions you take. I enjoy every moment of climbing, and I understand why people are willing to hike somewhere dangerous. The moment you realize that your on top of the world looking down on the whole cities, that has a huge effect on the human mind. You instantly get the feeling of accomplishment, and that strives you to become successful.

My "hometown"

My Hometown

Torrance, to me someone who’s lived here a majority of my life it’s a pretty boring place.
With the same boring people to me who have no substance to them.
The main point of this town spot in the middle is Del Amo mall. Currently I work there.
Never imagined that happening. Torrance is surrounded by beautiful cities in my opinion.
Hermosa and Redondo Beach are right around the corner with breezy beaches and wonderful restaurants.
I also see the city as divided. Divided into two parts.
The liked wealthy part and the not so much claimed for part.
North Torrance and near Torrance high aren’t the favorite part.
South and West Torrance are wealthy and more funded.
You can forsure see it in the schools and how they’re funded.
I do feel we should relinquish this feeling of inequality in some parts.
But I’m no longer in High School so that ugh part of Torrance doesn’t so much bother me.
For the most part I’m here in Torrance but it’s nice to get out of this boring town.
I don’t see much here. Yes the pretty good community college I attend is here but is there much more.
We have nice restaurants and it is a big town but I don’t really see much to it personally.
It’s all a big bore to me.
A bunch of boring people that want to be a little more or at least that’s what I see in the younger generation.
It’s a town I want to get out of and see more of the rest of the world and its little things.
The city of Torrance is one I hope to estrange from soon one day.

My Talent

My talent is that I can write poetry. I've been writing poetry since I was 13 years old. At first, it was just a way for me to cope with the death of my mom then it became my passion. Furthermore, in middle school, I did spoken word for the first time for a talent show and won. Moreover, I later performed at a club since I was underage my dad had to come and there I received a plaque for the event there honoring women. To add, I later joined the poetry club in high school. Being there I felt my dexterous skills for poetry were being enhanced by being more expressive with my work and challenging myself with other content. Also, I felt comfortable with people like me and as though all our work was impeccable. Nobody couldn't tell us nothing. I mainly write about love, the idolization of love and relationships. However, I use to write about various subjects such as eating disorders, being depressed, nature, and spirituality. I am currently on my fourth journal. My favorite poem is about God and how can God tell us who we are supposed to be when we have found ourselves. Though my goal is to become the best selling author and to become self -published before the age of 35. Below is one of my best work. So I hope you enjoy. Below fill free to leave comments.

This piece is called Oh, father.

Oh, father please unpaved this road that I am on and reveal this person that is inside this body of mine.
Oh, father, I have no idea where I am going and even if I did what could it all mean and still I would be uncertain about when it will come to an end.
Oh, father all I am asking is for your help to help me seek into the bottom of my soul, heart, mind, and body to figure out who I truly am.
Oh, father I seemed to be drifting in and out of the person I use to be or the person I want to be- I am sure of which one it is at the moment.
Oh, father I sometimes feel like I am losing myself yet I try to grasp on what little I have left of me.\
Oh, father could you please tell me...
Oh, father could you please tell me...
Oh, father could you please tell me who I truly am suppose to be from the moment you came kicking and crying hysterically out of your mother's womb.
Oh, father I feel like I am fighting someone else besides me maybe my true identity or my alter-ego.
Oh, father this isn't some lie or fairy tale story you can easily read from my palm or by my face expression.
Oh, father trust me this is all me.
Oh, father I know I am blessed with a family who puts clothes on my back, feeds me, a bed to sleep in, and make sure I have a home to come home to though why can't you tell me who I truly am supposed to be.
Oh, father you're the one who brought meaning and peeked light into this world though why can't you tell me who I truly am supposed to be.
Oh, father please forgive me for my sins.
Oh, father I feel as if each and every day I put one foot on this pavement I'm not just walking into this earth that you created I'm fighting death and I am fighting me.
I'm beginning to reach my boiling point so father just tell me on e little thing who I truly am suppose to be.
Cause then I won't go on  living with this feeling like life is not worth living unless I truly know who I am suppose to be.
Cause baby this misery is not for me.

My Hometown

            I was born in Purepero De Echaiz, Michoacan, Mexico. However, my hometown is Dos Estrellas, Michoacan. I lived there for about 6 years before coming to the United States. The last time I went for a vacation was about 3 or 4 years ago. My hometown is special because of the little things that would happen every day. For instance, Monday through Friday during the evenings my cousins and I would go to this stand where they sold fruits, chips, and homemade food. Afterwards, we would go back home eat all the food we bought and then played volleyball or take our bikes for a ride. As night time came, our neighbor would join us and tell scary stories. I was very young, so I would be pretty scared, but I didn't care because I wanted to be with my cousins. Being in my hometown meant we could be gregarious without our parents overreacting. On Saturdays, it meant walking to my grandmas house to spend the whole day at her house. I never starved at her house, there was always delicious food on the table.
           

     Growing up in Dos Estrellas, also meant that every Sunday after church everyone would go to the plaza and just relax and talk among each other. Some people would walk around the plaza or others would sit on the benches or the grass if it wasn't wet. There were many food stands, such as taco stands, torta stands, ice cream stands, and many other tasty foods. 

    Now, if you want to experience a festival in my hometown, there is one around the last week of January. Three days full of partying, but on Sunday thats when the festival is infallible.  People wake up around four in the morning to celebrate the birth of a saint. They walk from a certain city while, mariachi is playing. People dance, and have a fun time. Around 7 in the morning people get to the plaza and get very crazy, This time there is a Banda playing and they're dancing around the plaza until its time to go home. The main event starts around 3 in the afternoon. People will dress up and be ostentatious about their new outfits. You will find my whole hometown there and people from other cities, as well. You will also see rides, different types of stands, Bandas, a concert, and even a castle made out of fireworks. Around 10 at night the baile(dance) starts. Everyone at the festival dances or either watches people dance. In between the baile, they burn down the firework castle and its the most beautiful thing. This festival is very important to the people in my hometown. 

My HomeTown - Harbor City

My Hometown - Harbor City

Harbor City is a small city of 2.58 square miles. The city recently re-opened Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park due to reconstruction that took about four year, which look beautifully embellished and is worth the visit.It is also an impeccable place to have a family party and even have a small BBQ.

 Harbor City is most recognized for Narbonne Nathaniel High School football team which has recently made history. In the season of 2015 the mighty Guachos reach the zenith of success which was winning the State Championship and was the first L.A. high school to do so in 99 years and recently just won it again this past season. I would really recommend attending one of Narbonne's football home games.


There is also a nice community college named Los Angeles Harbor College and is on the other side of Ken Malloy Park so if you ever want to just find somewhere to study in peace you can take the pathway from school to the park.

There is also an ice skating rink that is so fun to go to. On Friday nights there is unlimited skating for 10 dollars.If you ask me that is a good price,

 

My Hometown

My Hometown - Baguio City

My Name is Raymund Calado I'm was born in Dagupan City Philippines, But  raised in Baguio City. I been leaved there for 10 years basically half of my life that's why I treated it as home. The weather is cold due the pine trees and the a vast of various plants. My hometown is different from other Cities, because it maybe a City Now But, you can still see the nature were still well preserved. That's why many locals and tourist come here just to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of my Hometown Baguio City.

Baguio, on the Philippines’ Luzon island, is a mountain town of universities and resorts. Called the “City of Pines,” it’s particularly popular in summer due to unusually cooler weather. Since our place is mostly mountain you can hike Mt. Pulag the third highest Mountain in the Philippines. If you love hiking you'll get the trill and challenge, because you'll need some vigorous work just to get though Akiki Trail which is 2km hiking. Once you reach the Zenith of Mt. Pulag you can Stay near by saddle grass campsite were you can take a break from a  grueling hike. 

If you manage to visit by the month of February, Panagbenga is the most awaited festival in Baguio City.

Flower flouts parades were accompany of boisterous street dancers. That is not all and by night the lower down town will become all food stool and you can buy some authentic local merchandise that you can only buy during the festival. Probably by the morning you can go visit the farmers market and buy some fresh produce and other local delicacies. Did you know that Cordillera the province side of my hometown, produced 85 percent of country's major agricultural crops, specially cabbage carrots and potatoes. Also by this time it's the best to pick up some fresh strawberries because you'll only can get it from Baguio City, that's why many locals and tourist take the contingency to buy freshly picked strawberries you brought home.