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.