Welcome,
My name is Alejandra Estrada. I was born and raised in Mexico City, currently live in Miami and study at Wake Forest University. This year, I've been able to explore places that I find the most intriguing. I've documented these moments and my hope is that you find the following images and videos visually appealing enough to visit these sites for yourself in the future. With a passion for writing, I have also included journalism stories I have created, as well as a published version of my work entitled "The Role of the German Empire in Sustaining Ottoman Power" in The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Emergence of the Modern Middle East.
Journalism Stories
MIAMI: Wyndood Art District
Come follow my friends and I as we take a walk through Miami's Arts District. The district is home to an open mural park at the center of the Wynwood Walls district where the world’s best graffiti and street artists come to this park to showcase their work, along with a wide range of restaurants, galleries and boutiques.
Wynwood Kitchen and Bar: The first stop on our tour is the entry into Miami’s outdoor art gallery. Most murals are created by international artists and are replaced every few weeks. You will find locals and a few tourists walking through the park and admiring the art it has to offer.
Wynwood Block: We stopped at a mini shopping center filled with clothing boutiques and cafes. This hidden section next to the Wynwood Dinner is a necessary stop if you are looking for a quick bite or an artsy clothing item.
Alejandra Vonhartz Gallery: As one of the largest art galleries, it features exhibits and works of over 30 artists from the Americas with a focus on architecture and abstract art.
The Wynwood Building: More murals can be found outside of the park itself. We walked a couple of blocks into the neighboring streets and came across Cielito Artisan Pops, The Salty Doughnut and MIAM Café. Some of the most popular desert, coffee and pastry sites in Wynwood, located at The Wynwood Building. The building is recognized for its black and white stripes and houses office spaces as well.
Coyo Taco: People line up around the block to eat at Coyo Taco, a restaurant that serves Mexican street food. It has a lively ambience with Latin music playing and a bar scene. Oculto is the tequila infused beer offered at Coyo, the mural on the side of the restaurant highlights this unique beverage. Other breweries in the area are the Wynwood Brewing Co. and J Wakefield Brewing.
Walt Grace Vintage-Vintage Car and Guitar Gallery: We stopped outside of the gallery that sells and showcases vintage guitars as well as motor vehicles. It is a collector’s dream. The mural in the front of the gallery serves as a reminder to appreciate our lives and the world we live in.
Warby Parker Annex: Warby Parker, an eyewear boutique, was our next stop. It has swimming pool patterned floors and a photo booth that takes pictures from above inside. On its outside is a Barbie mural and tropical plants. Visitors are welcome to try on sunglasses and take pictures on site.
The Favela Painting Foundation: Led by two Dutch artists, Jeroen Koolhaas and Dr Urhahn, created these colorful walls as part of their worldwide project. Originally, their rainbow and vividly colored walls were created with the intent of revitalizing poverished favela neighborhood in Brazil to improve their aesthetic. Its unique art is meant to uplift people and promote a social change that transcends borders.
Miami Design District: This shopping center houses some of the world’s most famous luxury fashion brands. While walking around the strip, you will come across the following stores; Bvlgari, Cartier, Céline, Burberry, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton.
Museum of Ice Cream: The last stop on our tour is the sweetest of them all. Visit its eight art exhibit rooms; The Bunn’s and Shake Room, The Banana Split Room, The Frozen Yogurt and Toppings Room, The Key Lime Ice Cream Cone Room, The Ice Cream Pop Room, The Playground Room and last but not least, The Sprinkle Pool Room.
Miami: Calle Ocho
Calle 8 is Miami's Cuban District. Watch the following video to go on a tour of the block's must see sites: The Tower Theater, The Havana Store, Azucar Ice Cream Shop, La Esquina de la Fama Restaurant, The Domino Park, The Cigar Shop etc.
WAKE FOREST: Dog Forest
Who let the dogs out? This May, four legged Deacs can be found running across the Quad alongside their two legged owners. These emotional support or service dogs have helped make Wake Forest a happier and healthier place.
Wake dog owners began fostering or adopting these animals from local shelters, brought them from home, or partnered with a service program to serve as puppy raisers. Emotional support dogs are intended to provide students therapy through companionship, alleviating symptoms of mental health disorders. Service dogs are in the process of being trained to help people with disabilities, to provide daily assistance and help with their physical or cognitive impairments. The growing puppy population has had a positive effect on student’s emotional, social and psychical wellbeing. Their lives have been improved four paws at a time. Wake has also become the new home to many dogs who found themselves without one in the first place.
"My parents gave me Presley after I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, I’m surprised by the effect he’s had like in terms of my ability to sleep and my emotional state,” said sophomore Emma Davis.
Kennedy is a dog in action for the program Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers, a nonprofit organization that trains retrievers to help children who suffer from invisible diseases like diabetes, autism, or PTSD. One day, he will not only become someone’s best friend, but also someone’s future lifesaver.
Daisy was adopted from Forsyth Humane Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated in providing foster care for unwanted animals that have been left uncared for in the Winston Salem community.
"During my sophomore year at Wake, I suffered from anorexia," said senior May Lee, Cinnamon's owner. "Recovery away from my family was hard, having Cinnamon on campus was like having a small piece of home with me. Taking care of another being, taught me how important it is to take care of myself in the process."
"Last semester I was recovering from a bad case of mono. As an athlete on the cross country team who couldn't run anymore, I felt helpless," said senior Sarah Medinah. "Casey brightened up my day when I couldn't leave my room. When I began my recovery process, we started going on walks together, then runs. She helped me get back in shape, which quickly led to me joining the team again."
"As most everyone knows, I am one of the faces victimized by sexual assault. And while I still deal with the effects of my rape, I can truly say that I am now stronger than I thought I'd be thanks to Ollie," said senior Madison Redwine, Ollie's owner. "He taught me how to feel safe, trust and love again. At a time when I was struggling to feel whole."
"If it wasn't for this German Sheppard, I wouldn't be as physically active as I am today," said senior Allysen Schreiber, Howie's owner. "He gets me up early everyday, we go on runs on the Reynolda trails. I'm so much healthier now that I have him with me on campus."
When most students have the opportunity to fly home and visit their families during fall and spring break, international students have furry friends like Cody and Zack by their sides to keep them company, when they are unable to travel to the other side of the world. They also help them deal with the distress that comes with adapting to a new culture.
With over 2,000 Instagram followers, Bear is the most famous Yorkie on campus. During this finals season, his athleticism and hyperactivity has been a stress reliever for students who he randomly comes up to on the Upper Quad.
“Last semester, my boyfriend of five years and I broke up and I fell into depression. It was a personal low for me. Ciara has been my personal distraction in the best way,” said sophomore Alexa Fernandez.
Europe: Winter break
Over Winter Break early this year, I travelled to different countries throughout Europe. Below are a few of the places I recommend to visit.
Credits:
By Alejandra Estrada