Carmel Valley: The Reward of Patience

After a forgettable year at work, I finally made it back home to my husband around Thanksgiving. We decided to squeeze in a short holiday before he resumed work.

We’re in this strange in-between phase of life right now, about six months away from leaving the U.S. for good and finally closing the distance. Because of that, I’ve been keeping a quiet mental list of very American experiences I still want to share with my husband. So when the chance came up to spend a night in the middle of nowhere, it felt like the perfect excuse to tick one of those off. That’s how we ended up booking a truly special AirBnb tucked away in Carmel Valley.

Our AirBnb was a trailer parked atop a hill. Not only was it a cozy abode for two, it had a private hot tub and a very special patio that looked down to the beautiful valley. The days were short this time of year, so we arrived just after sunset, but we still caught a soft hint of golden hour, glowing quietly over the valley.

One of the things I know I’ll miss most about California is the clear sky. Our trailer was perfectly placed for stargazing, and on that chilly night we waited quietly for the stars to slowly reveal themselves. And when they did—wow! Stargazing always feels unreal to me. In those moments, I feel like I already have everything I could ever need, while also being reminded that I’m just a tiny speck in this vast, powerful universe.

That night also brought news I’d been waiting more than a year to hear on the work front, news I had almost stopped allowing myself to hope for. With a glass of wine in hand, soaking in the hot tub, and sharing the moment with my husband, who had quietly held my hand and supported me unconditionally throughout my PhD, felt deeply meaningful. It was as if a weight I’d been carrying for far too long finally slipped away: the self-doubt I had been holding onto at work shaped by factors completely beyond my control and the constant uncertainty about what came next.

It easily became one of the most memorable nights of the year. And looking back now, it feels like a turning point. The months that followed brought a streak of long-awaited good news that completely changed the course of my PhD, something I’d been working toward for four years. It all started under a clear, starry sky, and I didn’t realize at the time just how much I needed that moment.

After a surprisingly comfortable night in the trailer, we woke up to a gorgeous sunrise. The morning felt calm and unhurried, the perfect way to start the day we had planned. We had breakfast while taking in the views of the valley, then packed up and headed out.

Our next stop was the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where we spent a sunny afternoon hiking multiple trails with the most gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. No matter which trail we followed, we were met with deep blues, rugged cliffs, and an endless horizon. It was the kind of place that quietly holds your attention, even when your legs are tired.

As much as I’m looking forward to closing the distance, moments like these made me realize how much I’m going to miss California and the ease of escaping to the majestic Pacific coast. I was genuinely glad that we’d explored as much as we could during our time here. Standing there, it felt good to know that we weren’t leaving with a long list of regrets.

Since I was in the U.S. for a longer stretch this time, we knew this wouldn’t be our last coastal adventure here. That thought helped soften the goodbye. Between starry nights, moments of unexpected relief, and the gorgeous hikes, this journey felt like a reincarnation. It gave me the confidence to believe that my fate was slowly changing. And honestly, could there be a better place for that?