Articles written by Nikki-Rae Alkema

What is Helium

About me - Nikki-Rae Alkema

I have a particular knack for traveling on a shoestring budget at the drop of a dime. My education prepared me to be bilingual but could never have prepared me for my first job in the rough streets of D.C. Every location I have ever lived (Orange County, San

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Travel > Air Travel & Airlines Air travel: Tips for packing a carry-on luggage: 1 of 6
To the average air traveler (someone likely flying economy class and not frequently), the secret to convenient travel is likely not what meets the eye: its in the baggage. No, not your recent break-up, your real baggage! Believe it or not but the art of traveling by carry-on can be one of the most rewarding experiences, once ... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: College room mates from hell: 8 of 27
The summer before college started, I received my roommate assignment and called the person who I would first share a room with: Nicole. Over the phone, she seemed shy, but after agreeing who would bring the TV or the toaster, she quickly corrected me that she hasn't used the name Nicole in years. She goes by Aiko.She arrived ... More..
Food & Drink > Ethnic & International Foods How to eat Pho: 2 of 6
If you've never been "Pho-ing," you are missing out. This tasty and relatively healthy Vietnamese soup packs in vegetables, spice, and almost any kind of meat you can imagine. Usually, a filling-size bowl "small" is by no means small for most appetites.Pho (prounounced "fuh") is no more than $6-$7 USD at an authentic, mid-ran... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Growing up: 8 of 22
Raised at the sandy beaches and grassy parks of Southern California, my sister and I were never the girls who liked frills. Between soccer practice, softball tournaments, Sunday surf, and regular trips to the bike trails, my sister and I often sported battle scars of the ruff'n'tumble. My older sister was a mouthy tough-chick... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Politics in Europe Political complexities in Catalonia: 1 of 2
For an American student going to study Spanish for a year in Barcelona, imagine my surprise when I entered the airport and saw a language other than Spanish guiding me in BOLD to the baggage claim. Of course, I knew that Catalan was prominent in Barcelona. After all, Barcelona is the capital city of the Catalonia region. I ha... More..
Travel > United States Guide to visiting Kauai, Hawaii with teenagers: 1 of 2
Pause for a moment. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, hold and exhale. Your senses explode with tropical, fruity, and floral scents. Waves crash in the distance, and the roosters which rule the island crow. Now, your Kauaiian vacation has officially begun. It's no mystery why they call Kauai the Garden Island. When you ope... More..
Health & Fitness > Exercise Tips How to care for your knee brace: 1 of 1
Caring for a knee brace is not a tremendously difficult task as long as the wearer is mature enough to accept his or her necessity for having one. A knee brace may help treat one's ailments significantly but, as I learned, it will not make you superhuman.As a girl approaching high school, my future held a promising soccer car... More..
Local Guides > Washington DC What are the best areas to live in Washington DC: 2 of 3
In approaching the quest of looking for a place to hang your hat in Washington, D.C., it is important to realize that one can make a happy home with a little bit of sacrifice. There appears to be a "trifecta" which many seeking housing in D.C. strive for: 1) safety, 2) convenience, and 3) affordability. Knowing and accepting ... More..
Travel > United States Best areas to stay in Kauai, Hawaii: 2 of 3
Kauai is the westernmost island in the Hawaiian archepelago which is inhabitable by tourists. Because of it's lush terrain and vast hiking country, the Garden Island (as it is referred to in Hawaii) receives many tourists in search of action and relaxation. The almost circular island is divided into quarters, the north side... More..
Sports & Recreation > Watersports (Other) Where to take surfing lessons in San Diego, CA: 2 of 3
Surf's up, San Diegans! So, you know you are interested in learning to surf... but are you ready for the addiction and stoke that you are about to unfold? Learning to surf is much like learning a new language: whether it is the culture or the appeal of having a new skill that attracts one to learn, the skill and culture go ha... More..