Christmas is Here

Alright another backdated entry. I know I am supposed to be sightseeing and not shopping but the deals here are way too hard to miss. Furthermore, I totally luv the whole busy busy shopping atmosphere. Its like the whole world came out for last minute shopping.

As I stay only a few minutes from South Coast Plaza, the mall became my main bargain hunting arena. Lol. The stores were in a mess; Items on the floor, sizes all mixed up, supra long queue lines but the nice deco round the place lightens up the whole atmosphere. Its like for once I am not too bothered bout the crowded places. I’m almost enjoying the company of fellow shoppers. Lol. However, I do not enjoy it when my sizes are all snapped up!
Since I could not get everything I wanted from my main arena, I decided to move further down south. I’m glad I did as I got so many things I wanted at a super bargain price! Irvine Spectrum is really the place man. Hehe. Most importantly, they have a place open for dinner at Christmas eve. If not, we would have starved to death. Yes, almost every place closes on Christmas Eve down in OC to let ppl go home to spend time with their family. How sweet. So don’t say I didn’t warn you that the place is gonna look deserted on Christmas Day.
If you think that stayin in is the only option in Christmas Day, think again. There is always a place called pubs. Totally luved the deco. But I forgot to take pics of the place. Should’ve totally slapped myself for forgettin. Am totally gonna miss hanging out here in LA. Thanks for the wonderful company. I’ll be back, this I promise you my dreamland. Till we meet again, I’m gonna miss you so much.

I've Found That Christmas Feel

Being unsatisfied with the lights I saw at the LA lights festival and Downtown Disney, I did a lil more research on holiday events. I’m so glad I did! The Newport Beach Boat Parade was so fun. A fireworks display would have completed the experience. Too bad that its cancelled due to the rain.

The Newport Beach Boat Parade is actually OC’s answer to LA’s version at Marina Del Ray. I dunno which one comes first actually. I will need to check the other out in the future to see which is better. But for now, I am totally impressed by what I saw on Friday night.

Lucky for me, the journey down to Newport Beach was smooth. I left my bus schedule at home! Glad that strangers I met on the way are pretty helpful and nice. Chatted with ppl at every bus stop. Why can’t ppl be as warm back home? I stopped to a bus just to ask for direction at some point. The bus driver was even nice enough to drop me to the correct bus stop. Bet I would have been shouted at if the same thing happen back home. Gosh, I’m loving OC. (Do take note that inland OC is not as ‘perfect’ as south OC ok)

So I arrived at the Balboa Island round sunset time, 5pm. Still very early for the parade at 7-8pm. But the 3 hours went pass so fast. I was too busy admiring those Christmas decoration. Apparently, they have an annual contest for the most beautifully decorated home called Ring of Lights. I spent the next 3 hours ogling at the magnificently decorated million dollars home. I did not feel touristy at all as I spotted just as many locals snapping away. Totally wanna do that to my house in the near future. But almost all of these ppl owns a yatch, so think $$$$. Haha. So here are those photos for your inspiration, maybe we can try to be at least half as tastefully lit?

My Favorite House. Its like I'm in Christmas Wonderland

The Theme of A Beary Christmas is so Fresh and Cute

Before I get to even finish checkin out the houses, the parade is about the begin. Having no idea where the route is, I just followed the crowd. Lol. The boat parade was fun. Especially those with Christmas songs playing and lively commentators. My personal Favorite was a small boat with coconut tree, the huge Christmas tree and a boat full of Candies! Photo qualities aren’t as good as the boats are moving fast. Sigh. But its all in my memories. (Actually I video them :p)

After that parade, I headed on to Fashion Island to shop. More like window shop cos I’m broke now. They closed those bus stops nearest to the parade, making me walk all the way uphill to PCH. Argh! But all those effort was well paid off as the deco there was very impressive. The huge Christmas tree is so errrrr humongous. Lol. And I get to take photo with Santa Claus! Call me kiddy, I don’t care. I’ve always wanted to do this. Haha.

Totally luv the holiday season. Not only everyone is in good mood but it is also very easy to get strangers to take photos for you. Now that I’ve found that Christmas feel, I wonder what would supersede this experience? NYC? That’ll have to be next year the earliest. Merry Christmas………Happy Holidays!!!

Baby Its Cold Outside

Yup, its cold cold weather here in LA. Rain rain rain. Couldn't believe it. The most rain they've ever got in a single day and I happened to be here. Though I'm stuck indoors it is alright as I get to chill and enjoy the weather. Hehe.

Been here for almost a week now. Went around shopping and eating. Lol. I really luv shoppin at costco. Why don't they have something like this back home? Its fun buying in bulk and having lots of room to push ur carts! No more banging into people. But it was quite crowded as compared to summetime. Looks like the recession is not that bad after all, judging from the number of shoppers I see.
Shoppin centers were very nicely decorated but too bad I forgot my camera. No worries, I will be going back to shop. Hehe. But I did manage to take photos with my favourite maple tree. Lol.
One of the Chritsmas highlight of the city is the LADPW lights festival. Its actually a display or Christmas lights along a mile of street. There is light display of places of interest like the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, Stastue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, etc. Luckily we decided to walk and not drive through. That helped us bypass the horrendous traffic jam. So remember, do not do the drive through! The walk in the cool weather with the display was really good though. If only I could do this more often.

The light display and decoration at Downtown Disney is definitely more impressive than the LADPW. Well, its commercial after all. Gave the me holiday mood right away. Why is Mickey and friends always this fun? Haha. Gotta visit the park itself in Christmas in the future.
Even the house near my friend's place is nicely decorated. Totally luved that snow globe and reindeer display. But I think the utilities bill will be just as appealing come January. Lol.
Meanwhile Happy Holidays........Christmas is coming. I'm so exicted!

The Longest Transit Ever

Alright I should be super happy now, judging from the fact that I am gonna be going to LA for Christmas. But why am I worrying instead of my flight there? Well, maybe I do have a good reason to worry. First of all the transit at Shanghai is gonna be like 9 hours long. Secondly, I have just read up on reviews on China Eastern Airlines and found out all sorts of complains from the passengers. But what can I do? A poor man has to fly the cheap way.

So I am really thankful that Mixue came along to have dinner and sent me off that night. My flight was at midnight and she stayed with me in the check-in queue till her last train leaves. Thanks so much, my dear friend. It certainly made the whole 1.45 hours wait more bearable. The pictures taken at Changi T3 is pretty beautiful too. Upload once I get it from her ok.

So I boarded the flight worryin bout the condition. I was happy to see that things were not as bad as ppl say on the flight to Shanghai, but the fully booked flight is definitely not enjoyable. Especially with the guy sitting next to me playing Chinese Opera channel on the radio so loud that I could hear it even when I'm wearing the headset! Is he deaf or what?

The 9 hours transit went by smoothly as I have lots of dramas on my comp. Thank goodness that they have power plugs for laptop. Hehe. Watching the sunrise at the airport was marvellous as well.I drank some 'sterilized'water from the airport fearing of getting posion. My fear become reality as I have diarrhoea on the flight. I must be fair, maybe it is not. Maybe it is those hawker food from block 85. I really dunno. But i went to the toilet for like 4 times on a 12 horus flight. Argh!

On the other hand, the flight was not as bad as I thought it is. It was not full. So I get more room to move around. But there is a lady with stinky feet on my row. Luckily my nose is running else it would really have been a torture.

Now I'm hoping that my return flight would be alrigh too. Haha. But not gonna worry bout that just yet. I'm in LA. Its time to have fun!!!!!

The Unexpected Stopover

Alright first of all let me say that this is a backdated post. Hehe. Think its like on Oct 27. Lol.

So I am officially announcing, I've been to Japan! But only to Narita. Lol. Thanks to Northwest Airlines for overbooking. They offered a one night hotel stay, inclusive of buffet meals and a travel voucher for any passengers who would give up their place on the filght. I was like the first person to sign up for that perk as I have was a little late to volunteer when Delta was overbooked back in May. That cost me a return air ticket to any US destination. Lucky that I was fast enought this time around.
But my excitement lasted only for a while when I found out that the hotel is in a far far away 'ulu' land. Meaning, not possible for me to take a train to Tokyo. Argh. And my flight is like so early the next morning. Thought of asking for an extension but since I'n outta cash, I decided to let it go.

Hotel was pretty alright nothing really wow, but definitely bigger than I expected it to be. I was so thankful that there is a bed for me to sleep on. No more trying to fall asleep on the uncomfortable plane seats.
The shuttle ride to the airport the next day was really refreshing. I feel like I've been thrown into Doraemon land. Lol. Those small little tiny roads, with houses and plantation right next to each others. Kawaiii neh. The hospitality is amazing too. I couldn't believe it when those immigration officers were all smile and bowing when they were checking us. Such a huge contrast to those sour faces we see at almost every country's immigration.

The flight on Japan Airlines was great too. I got a whole row of seat to myself. I luv the Jap food they serve. Hehe. Though we cannot choose our own movie to watch, it is alright. I prefer this to Singapore Airlines although you get better entertainment and services cos what a person really needs on a long long flight is room to strecth. This will never happen on SIA as they almost always operates on a full flight.
I officially declare that I would visit Japan someday. Even if it is supra expensive. It is worth it. The hospitality is just perfect! Truly a role model.

San Francisco Once More

How could I leave the country without revisiting my favourite city. Haha. So I made my way back to SF once more. It was another short weekend trip. I hope in the future I get to spend more than just the weekend here. How about spending a lifetime? Lol.

This post is a recap of the last weekend in the US back in October. Totally miss the time spent eating and chilling out and of course clubbing. Even if its just revisiting all my fav places with nothing new to explore, the whole city still appeal to me.

We stayed in the Tenderloin district this time around. A very seedy area. But it is alright as our friend has a car to take us around. Hehe. The hotel turns out to be a very nice little cosy boutique hotel. Totally an opposite from the scary lookin Tenderloin. The location was very good though as we get lots of cheap delicious food just a block away. The view of the city from the top level is kinda cool too. Too bad we did not discover it at night. Could have seen the city lights.
The highlight of the trip would be the annual Soap Box event. The crowd there is just humongous. We need to watch the whole thing on big screen TV. People are even climbing on trees, chairs and roof just to catch a glimpse of the whole thing. Lol.
It is held at the Dolores Park, my fav park in SF. Basically the competition is to see which vehicle (which is actually built form cardbox) race down the hill fastest. Due to the steepness of the hills, you bet those cardboxes really kinda flew down the hill. Most of them will not even make it to the finish line as they crash into the barriers. Lol. Which explains why there is another price on popular votes.
The designs of the cardboxes are really cute!. I totally luv them. Haha. Especially the pink donut and the one with the SF skyline.

Went to Oakland that day as well, just to see some native American Indian exhibition. The feathers and clothing were very beautiful. The fatty fried bread tasty good too. However, being the me that can never appreciate traditional things, I got really bored at the dances and ceremonial things. Haha.
Ended the trip with a movie at the Kabuki theater. You get a little table next to your seat for your dishes. Yes, they serve food like pizza and pasta. Isn't it cool?
I have something to declare.Virgin America rocks my ass! I totally luv the Virgin America fleet. The whole design is so beautiful! White posh looking seats with purple and pink lightings. Hehe. Best thing is they have personal inflight entertainment screen for TV, games and chatting. And they are acutally considered a budget airline. Shame on all those major airlines that charge high prices and never offer such amenities. Double boo to those long haul ones especially. You guys sucks.
Guess that's the last trip of my months long graduation W&T trip to the USA. Looking forward to spending Christmas in the US man. Haha.

Viva Las Vegas: A recap

Back to SG for a week now. Been busy trying to settle work contract and visa matters. Guess what? Gonna be back in the US for Christmas! Haha.

Hotel
Just a little recap on my Vegas trip during the final week of December. This time was totally to relax, chill, shop and eat. Wooohooo. Gotten a hotel away from the strip this time around. Both for budget sake and to get a good view of the trip skyline. The decision was a wise one as the strip view was great and the hotels are definitely quieter.

The view of the strip from the Orleans was fantastic. And for the low price of less than 50 bucks a night in a huge clean room, I will most probably stay here again. After i try out all the hotels in Vegas though. Lol.
Hilton has better rooms and a super chilly air-conditioning system. Guess it is to offset the hot weather there. Haha. Price was double the Orleans even when booked at promotional rate. Still, it is worth the price. Hehe. Besides the monorail being right outside the hotel means less walking to get back. Haha. But the price of the monorail is just ridiculous at 5 bucks per ride, I could have bought a day pass elsewhere.
Buffet
Enough bout hotels. This time around I had the privilege to indulge in buffet for every single meal. Haha. So here is a rundown of the buffet list.

Paris.
This one was so so only. It is definitely the cheapest of the big names along the strip. Quality was just fine. Food tasted a little bland and there wasn't too much choices either. The crepe wasn't marvelous, which is a letdown as that is my favorite French food. I totally dig the deco and feel the place gives me. Perhaps this is called paying for the ambience. The creme bulee, however was one of the best that I've tasted. The chocolate desert with the hotel sign on it was very pretty too. Hehe.
Wynn
Definitely one of the most expensive buffet. I guess that's why I don't need to queue to get in. Haha. The lunch here cost as much as dinner at other places. But judging from the choices available, the 30 bucks paid is certainly worth it. Food tasted yummy too with plenty of seafood selction available. I luved the Asian selection best. Hehe. Oh, and I have fun playing with the candy apple dessert. Haha. The service was kinda sucky though. Our server never clear our plates and it was not even busy when we were there. Oh well, that means less tip for him. Haha.
Imperial Palace
One of the cheapest buffet on the strip. Quality was just alright. Selections are very limited almost entirely Asian. So its like Panda Express buffet style. Haha. The very good thing bout such low profile place tucked away in a secluded corner of the hotel is no queue at all. I also like the idea of being able to get my own drink. Hence, I get to try out lots of drinks as I am always to 'pai sei' to ask the waiter to bring me too much drinks.

Orleans
It would be a sin not to try out the very low priced buffet right at the hotel where we stayed. Turns out to be another so-so experience. But what can you ask for when it is an all you can eat steak night for less than 15 bucks. Even a normal plate of steak can easily cost more than that. The service here was actually the best that I experienced this time around. Food selection was pretty normal. The presentation was horrendous thought. The Mexican food looks like its been left there overnight. Haha.
Bellagio
This is definitely the best buffet in town! Which explains why I had to queue for 40 minutes to get the inside. Their dinner price cost as much as lunch at Wynn. I totally luv their cold dish selection. The crab legs and shrimps are so fresh, juicy and tasty. Not forgetting the Salmon and tuna too. I seriously ate too much here. The selection is so huge that even with just a little sampling of all the food available, you could easily get bloated up. Deserts was also good as well, the only thing missing was a fondue. I wonder which buffet in Vegas offers that.
Shopping
Besides eating, shoppin was done at the various mall on the strip. Did not head on to the outlets as planned as we were too lazy to catch a bus all the way downtown. This also means I did not get to checkout Fremont St. Guess that's just another excuse for me to be back here in the future. Haha.

The Forum Shops are Caesar Palace. Very impressive architecture indeed. The place is huge and nice.
The Grand Canal Shops at Venetian. I realize that the one in Macao is so much larger. But still, I like this one better as there is more lively ambiance.
Palazzo. Very boring deco. And its so quiet. This place is almost dead. Things are so high end that I could hardly afford them.
Fashion Show Mall. Quite a good place to shop as things are kinda affordable. It is a little too similar to malls in huge cities though. Lacking the Vegas theme effect.

Miracle Mile Shopping Mall. Definitely my fav. Liked it so much that I shopped here twice in my trip. Hehe. Its just everything I wanted. Nice deco, a mix of high end and affordable stuff and most importantly grocery stall that sell food and water at reasonable price!
Attractions
After my third visit here, I finally get to catch the KA show. The past 2 times when I was here, I sadly watch my friends go to the show while stayin back to nap in the hotel room as I am somehow always out of cash when i reach Vegas. But after watching the show, I cannot really agree with my friend's rave review. The mechanics and stage was totally magnificent. The storyline however, was weak. It does not explain a lot of things and the fight scenes are quite messy at times. Having said that, the skills and stunts execute was really good. So I guess it is still worth is as I got the seats for half the price. Haha. I will stick to musicals or concerts next time around though.
Took more photo of the Vegas night scene and of course caught the Bellagio fountain show. Yes, another thing that I should have done for the past 2 times here but failed to do. Haha. Totally dig it. Viva Las Vegas by Elvis is just great with those powerful shooting fountains. I think I caught 4 different shows throughout my entire trip. Need catch all of it someday by staying at the hotel man. Hehe.
The fountain is not the best thing bout Bellagio. It is its conservatory that stands out the most. The decoration for Halloween is supra impressive. I am at lost for words when I walk in that exhibit. I will let the photo do the talking from here as my vocabulary is way too limited to describe this marvelous piece of work.
More random pictures from the Sin City. Finally get to explore the north part of the strip after spending most of my time at the south part during the last 2 visits. Oh, and finally a nice photo with the lion at MGM grand without the throng of crowds. Already thinking of where to stay on my 4th outing here. Lol.

Just A Filler

Gosh its coming to an end. My graduation trip. Feels like dying when I think of leaving to go back and face the harsh world.

Anyway, updates on my Vegas and San Francisco trip will come later. I couldn't seem to get enough of these 2 cities despite visiting it so many times.

Will be back in SG in Nov. Feel free to call me out and gimme a treat since most ppl are already earning money now. Pity me the jobless graduate struggling to pay loans. Lol

Meanwhile here is a vid of my favorite city on earth. SF SF I luv you!

The Long Overdue Visit

I have long planned this itinerary to visit the city of Long Beach but it always fail to materialize. So when the weather remain cool and windy on a Sunday, I figure it out that it will be a good time to visit. The visiting part was great but the process of getting there was a pain in the ass. Taking a bus, a direct bus with no transfer took me a full 2 hours! Weekend bus services really sucks big time. My friend who drove took only 20 minutes. Argh!

Long Beach is quite a good place to visit on a weekend. Its like you've got a little bit of everything in that small compact space. And the best thing is they have free shuttle called the Passport that takes you around the cities attraction. There is also shuttle boats called Aquabus but this one cost $3. Wait time is only about 10 minutes. Thank God. Explored around downtown a little. Then I headed off to the Pine Ave Pier.

At a far distant I can see beautiful palm trees lining the way to the lighthouse. Really beautiful indeed. Made it a point to visit it later the day. Which turns out to be well worth it as I can see the Queen Mary ship on one side and the city view at the other side. There are so many ppl just relaxing at the lighthouse grass patch. Why does all the grass patch here look so inviting? Back home it will just be full of insects and ants. Haha.
Visited the Shoreline Village at the right time as they were having some yacht sale. There are so many ppl there, rich rich ppl I must say. It cost like hundred thousand to own one, probably million when you think about maintenance, gas and tax too. The shops here are so colourful. I totally dig the concept. Parker Lighthouse Restaurant stands out the most. Beautiful seaside view dining restaurant. The whole shoreline village concept is so similar to Ferry Landing in San Diego. The later is bigger and has better view though.
Took the free bus across to the other side to Queen Mary. I have always thought that it was a museum attraction. I was only half correct as it is actually a hotel as well. Haha. Should I put it on my must stay list in the future? The concept of a hotel room sounds cool. Wait, isn't that a totally same as a cruise ship? Except this one never sails, good for those who are seasick. Lol.
Took lots of photos at the Aquarium of the Bay. Its beautiful isn't it. Those shades of blue. No photos of fishes as I did not go in. Hahahahaha. Poor la. Next time k.
The City Place is another new concept that almost all American cities are trying out. Its like they are trying to combine living, working ans retails activities within the same area AKA shophouses back in Asia. Lol. Well they or course, have better building designs. Doubt that it will really work out as ppl would always prefer to have their own front porch, backyard and parking garage. Nevertheless, it is great to be able to shop around in the city center and not having to drive off to faraway malls.

Headed off to Belmont Shore for dinner after watching the sunset form the beach. The beach here is actually one of the widest I've ever seen. I mean width and not length. Sure looks inviting but too bad I'm not properly attired.
Dinner at La Creperia was fantastic. The setting was good for that price. We sat right next to the band too. Haha. Thank goodness it was not those rock band. Else I will go deaf. I declare that I've totally fallen for their Napoleon dessert crepe. Oh, and the garlic fries is a thousand times better than those at the Boardwalk. Yummy!