CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Over the winter break, Harvard softball's Lael Ayala and Alexa Wohr had the opportunity to travel internationally, allowing them gain new perspectives and insights before the 2025 season. 

Ayala, alongside her some of her Crimson teammates traveled to Puerto Rico for the San Sebastián Festival. The group had the unique opportunity to explore and visit the El Yunque rain forest and experience the rich history and traditions of the island.

"This winter, I had the joy of going to the San Sebastián Festival in Puerto Rico with friends from Harvard, and it was nothing short of incredible," Ayala said. "This four-day celebration is the pinnacle of Puerto Rican pride, showcasing the island's vibrant culture through breathtaking art, mouthwatering food, and, most importantly, electrifying music."

Traveling across the Atlantic, Wohr had the opportunity to experience several cultures and environments in Europe. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Wohr explored Belgium and Denmark with her family during the holiday season.

"In recent years, my family has faced challenges that have ultimately brought us closer, making us cherish every moment together. So when my dad suggested an extravagant winter break trip to reconnect and create lasting memories, we all jumped at the opportunity," Wohr said. "Our adventure began in Belgium, where we explored Brussels and took a day trip to Bruges. We walked upwards of 10 miles a day, indulging in world-famous chocolate and waffles, wandering through charming Christmas markets, and immersing ourselves in the rich history of the city's colorful, building-lined streets. From there, we flew to Denmark to experience Copenhagen, the world's food capital. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day strolling through Tivoli – a magical amusement park turned Christmas Village in the heart of the city – while enjoying some of the most unique and delicious meals. Dining at Michelin-starred restaurants pushed me outside my comfort zone, but it was an unforgettable culinary experience. Next, we headed to Tromsø, a city in Norway located above the Arctic Circle, known for its breathtaking Northern Lights, whale watching, and rich culture. This was by far the coldest destination of our trip, but it was also the most jaw-dropping. After a 3.5-hour bus ride deep into the Norwegian wilderness, we witnessed the Northern Lights. My entire family was beaming, and my sister was so overwhelmed with emotion that tears streamed down her face. We also immersed ourselves in the native Sami culture, learning about their traditions, craftsmanship, and deep connection with reindeer. One of the highlights was reindeer sledding, followed by a meal of traditional Sami cuisine – an experience unlike any other. After our Arctic adventure, we traveled to Madrid, where my twin sister had recently completed her semester abroad. The city was vibrant and full of life. We wandered through the main square, indulged in endless tapas, and soaked in the warm, lively atmosphere. This trip was truly unforgettable. We reconnected, had snowball fights, checked incredible experiences off our bucket lists, and most importantly, created lifetime memories together."

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