TWELV DIARY #22: JULLIEN HERRERA

NAME: JULLIEN HERRERA

OCCUAPTION: MODEL

AGENCY: RE:QUEST MODEL MANAGEMENT

TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Modeling has given me so many opportunities and perks in my life. I am so blessed to have been able to venture off to some of the most beautiful places in the world. But with that being said, nothing will ever compare to what I believe was the trip of a lifetime! The journey began around 3 a.m. My dad swiftly yanked the covers off my body, yelling, “GET UP! TIME TO PACK EVERYTHING IN THE RV.” At this point, I wasn’t a happy camper. I hate being woken up in general…let alone like that! You may as well have splashed water in my face and slapped me. I quickly got over it and started helping my mom, dad, and younger brother pack up all the surfboards, food, drinks, skateboards, camping equipment, etc. (My older brother and his girlfriend were joining us the next day. He seems to always manage to avoid doing the grunt work…such as helping us load and pack.)  

We were off…destination, Jalama Beach, Lompoc, California in Santa Barbara County. The land was once a Chumash Indian settlement called, “Halama.” The beauty and freedom that Jalama offers is indescribable...but I’ll try to give it a shot. Jalama Creek runs directly into the ocean on this isolated stretch of beach. Huge mountains surround crystal clear water, off shore howling winds form hollow waves with perfect peaks. These conditions allow for left and right take-offs. It’s truly a surfer’s paradise. As you wait for the next set (waves) to roll in, the sun glistens across the water, flickering like tiny dancers in unison, as dolphins join in the rhythmic ocean dance, playfully leaping out of the water keeping time.

If you are not in the water there are so many other great activities; horseshoes, skateboarding, frisbee, baseball, and volleyball. The evenings are spent eating famous Jalama burgers, walking down the beach, taking pictures of amazing sunsets of bright yellow, orange, and red as the sun finally slips behind the rolling hills.

A family favorite each night is spent roasting marshmallows over the campfire for S’mores and playing board games. There is no service for electronic equipment so it is 100% quality time with family and friends. This experience with my family was truly amazing and a memory I will cherish forever. I highly encourage everyone to take time to plan a trip with loved ones. Leave your phones and computers at home and enjoy each other’s company. 

WRITTEN BY: JULLIEN HERRERA

PHOTOGRAPH:

CHAMA (FIRST PHOTO)
JULLIEN HERRERA (2ND PHOTO - 7TH PHOTO)

INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/JULLIENHERRERA

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jullien.herrera?fref=ts

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