From Boone to the World: Watauga Students’ Summer Travels

Darcy Kwong explores an alleyway at Taito-Asakusa in Tokyo, Japan. He enjoyed “trying new foods and visiting tourists' 7-Eleven and Family Mart.” Photo Credits: Darcy Kwong.

Anna Tran, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

What happens when you trade the Blue Ridge Mountains for the experience of new places, cultures, and hobbies? For Darcy Kwong and Cienna Cohen, sophomores at Watauga High School, summer wasn’t just about staying close to home. For Kwong, it meant discovering new foods, landmarks, and cities across Japan, while Cohen sailed through Europe and explored the sights, cultures, and experiences along the way.

After a long flight, Kwong stepped off the plane tired but excited, as Japan quickly exceeded his expectations.

“It was after a 12-hour flight, so I was really exhausted, but my first impression was very good,” said Kwong. “It was super clean and super beautiful.” 

Kwong spent three weeks in Japan, taking his spring exams early for the experience. As Kwong spent more time in Japan, he began to notice the cultural differences between Japan and the United States. 

“You don’t have to worry about people judging you,” said Kwong. “People just do what they want, dress how they want, talk about what they want.” 

Cienna Cohen’s view of the mountains in Santorini, Greece. “My favorite country I went to this summer was Greece,” said Cohen. Photo Credits: Cienna Cohen.

While Kwong experienced Japan’s culture firsthand, Cienna Cohen took a different route to explore the world. Traveling by cruise, Cohen visited three countries: Turkey, Greece, and Spain. Each offered its own unique sights, cultures, and experiences.

Cohen has previously traveled to Europe by cruise, but a 10-hour flight this time around made a huge difference compared to her previous 8-hour flight. In the end, though, her experience was worth it.

“I could not sleep for 3 days, even though I was exhausted,” said Cohen. “But I saw mountains that were super pretty when I arrived in Greece.”

In Cohen’s various travels, she has visited many countries in Europe, although she feels that there is one country in particular that she would always want to go back to.

“If someone wants to go to Europe, I say go to Greece,” said Cohen. “The people there are so nice, and the food and views there were so amazing.”

Darcy Kwong tastes ramen from Ichiran: “I tried a lot of food when I was there, but definitely Ichiran ramen was my favorite,” said Kwong. Photo Credits: Darcy Kwong.

Kwong’s experience in Japan was amazing, though he experienced one of global travel's biggest obstacles: the language barrier.

“I wish I knew Japanese before, honestly,” said Kwong. “It would make the talking easier.”

Since Kwong has experienced Japan firsthand, his trip gave him more than just memories. It gave him advice he would give to anyone who’s planning to visit. 

“If I were to give someone a tip for someone going to Japan, I would just say get out and explore a lot,” said Kwong. “Doesn’t matter if you have an agenda. Just walking around can lead you to pretty awesome things”.

Cienna Cohen petting a donkey in Santorini, Greece. “This was one of the days I experienced so many new things,” said Cohen. Photo by Cienna Cohen.

From Japan to Europe, Darcy and Cienna’s experience gave them more than just new places to explore. Their experiences allowed them to discover different cultures and return home with memories that will last a lifetime. 

“Everything there was super beautiful, and I tried a lot of new things that I will remember forever,” said Kwong.