USA here we come! This year we had company as hub's friend and his wife wanted to join us.
Holiday was planned as follows :
Los Angeles - Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - Death Valley NP - Three Forks - Yosemite - Carmel - San Francisco
Photos are also uploaded in FB, I'm too tired to do a lengthy blog entry here so will probably only add a few pictures here and there that's all.
TO LAX
13th Dec : Che-che took this newsworthy video of the Southern California wildfire (Cool right?) when we were preparing for arrival
Should LA be known as the City of Lights instead? So beautiful, the lights looked so endless
Got our ride, which will bring us across states. OMG! The back is all filled up and we've only just started our travel.
We switched to another similar car right after I snapped this picture, but I didn't take pic of the boot of that car so this gives you an idea how we stacked up the bags.
#thoughts - so full! how to put when we buy more stuffs over the days?#
After switching car
Girls are really excited with this 7 seater car and told daddy he should buy one. Yah....like who are we going to fetch that we need a big car?
Our hotel for the next 3 nights. A modest hotel, honestly I don't mind even though I was always used to 5* hotels as a crew. I'm happy as long I have a bed to sleep, a place to shower and a door to lock and keep me safe inside
This is how the room looked like from the outside
Had dinner at Panda Express. The girls hated the food saying it's not chinese food at all.
Must do - drop by supermarket to get our hauls. Our first of dunno how many supermarket trips. Funny thing is I used to have a Ralphs card, then I threw it away. And then as hubby travels to the states very often, he got himself a Ralphs card and a Target card as well.
Girls more enthusiastic in stocking up on tidbits. US supermarkets is a fresh experience for them and I'm sure they love it as much as I do - tho' I prefer to go to the cleaning aid aisles. Haha!
We saw a very familiar looking canned sausage (I probably took a pic of it and it's somewhere in hard disk) and showed che-che that was her favourite sausage when she was a young kid at 3. We bought for her to rekindle the taste. Ha!
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14th Dec : We had breakfast at Denny's which is only a minute drive away. I haven't had Denny's for so many years, since 2002! Turns out we've got new little fans now, the girls love Denny's. After breakfast, hubby dropped che-che and me at Universal Studios while they went window shopping coz they didn't want to go theme park. Anyway, it works out well too since only che-che and I love to take rides and nobody will stop us. And since I didn't have any phone data, I had to liase with hubby on the pickup point and time.
The wait wasn't that long at all, so we went to the studios backlot tours twice, infact we could have gone for the third time. It was an eye-opener for Che-che, I didn't tell her what to expect it will spoil the fun. I merely gave her hint at the Jaws experience, coz that is very fast, if she don't keep her eyes open she'll definitely miss it.
Oh this is really interesting as I've never seen this before. She hasn't heard about Psycho movie so told her she needs to watch it if she has the time. The soundtrack is ๐
Norman Bates came with a knife and it was on the same side and where che-che sat. Abit scary lor! That look on his face.
Although we've been to Harry Potter in Osaka, we were totally spellbound. For my girl, the big fan every nook and corner is just as eye-opening.
The Forbidden Journey makes you feel like you're alone although we are seated in seats of 4 . We came face to face with the creatures and something scared the hell out of me. And che-che was scared too. (So after the ride I asked her what was the thing that popped out, she told me she closed her eyes. Haha! Make that the 2 of us closed our eyes). And the funny thing is that we never scream when we takes roller coaster rides, so we did the same for this freaking ride. I swear I could have died of heart attack if I didn't ask Buddha to protect me.
It was relatively easy to go on an excursion with che-che. All I needed to do is to tell her what time we need to leave this place, and she really watches the time. Makes it even easier when she's like me - eat on the go. We don't like to waste time sitting down for a meal, the only thing that is difficult is she may not like the food, so unless she doesn't mind using snack as something to tuck into her stomach for the time being. She makes a good travel companion, I hope she don't make me swallow my words and change my mind on my opinion on her.
Hubby came late in picking us up which was very worrying as there was no way we could reach him. Turns out there was a massive traffic jam. Welcome to LA!
It was a last minute decision to go Griffith since we're in the vicinity. We didn't even bring our DSLR!
Griffith Observatory is one of the premier public observatories in the world. We didn't spend that long time in there as we were all so famished.
It's really interesting inside the Observatory, we should make another trip down next time. The highlight of this trip was a chance to see stars in a highly magnified telescope - which I found out later we were looking at Pleiades star cluster. They didn't allow us to take any pictures.
Since their opening in 1935, more than seven million people have put an eye to Griffith Observatory's original 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope. More people have looked though it than any other telescope in the world. Located in the roof-top dome on the building's east end, the Zeiss telescope is intended mainly for nighttime viewing by the general public, commonly targeting the Moon, planets, and brightest showpiece objects of our galaxy. A popular public destination when special celestial events occur, more people viewed Halley's Comet and comets Hale-Bopp and Hyakutake through the Observatory's Zeiss telescope than any other telescope on the planet.
A 9½-inch refracting telescope, also by Zeiss, was then added piggyback to the 12-inch in 1955. It aided with research work and is also used for public observation.
The next 2 pics were taken by hubby's friend, SH. He's got good eyes for photography
Pleiades is also known as the 7 sisters is near the Taurus constellation
I'm speechless! Time to get a telescope and re-start my astronomy interest. I used to like to look into the dark skies during long haul flights. And when I was working in upper deck or in First Class, I like to go into the cockpit and sit down. I've seen milky way from the cockpit, I've seen a few recognisable constellations. Pointed them out to the flight crew and not sure if they knew but they were probably entertaining me lor!
We were really famished so went to Kopan Ramen at Burbank for dinner.
15 Dec : Had our breakfast at Denny's again before making our city tour. Planned for Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
Looking for my favourites. And although I've been there more than 6 times I can never remember where the stars are. And where is Donald Trump's star? Not to take picture but to step on it
She used to like Tinker Bell
Came across this gumball machine and told the girls they should try this. They were hesistant but told them if they don't try it here in US, they wouldn't know how it tastes like and at least they tried twisting the knob and see how the gigantic bubble gum travels down the spiral tube.
Saying her prayer for not getting gum- poisoning?
Stopped by this waffles place at Hollywood & Highland for che-che
Although we're walking towards the coastline, this is different. We're looking at the vast Pacific Ocean not our stinky beach. Plus on holiday mood, a walk along the pier made my legs even more lighter.
So, we've reached the end of the Route 66 trail but we haven't even started the trail. Well, this trip we planned to drive by a little of Route 66. But I'd love to do full trip starting from Chicago one day
My 2 girls made themselves comfortable
Wind was strong. Hands weren't stable at all. I had a good laugh when I playbacked their timelapse (feeling giddy). So told them they will use a tripod the next time we're back here
@ 4.08pm
Waiting for sunset. This is the only time we sat down for almost an hour waiting. The rests of our sunrise and sunset viewing were ... perfect timing.
@ 4.40pm
@ 5.12pm
Different angle of the signboard she took. Normally, people would take straight and centralised angle but she chose this. Think her hands were not stable? And cut that bunch of leaves!!
Walked to Santa Monica Place Shopping Mall for our dinner. We saw this cutie english sheepdog. It's the girls' first time seeing this breed and they loved it. Apparently Merlin has an Instagram account @merlinthemagicmuppet
Then did some water bottle shopping for lil' one and to the supermarket.
Can go crazy in here
Now that they know what flavours there are here, they made a list and everytime dad goes to US, they'll ask him to buy for them.
Che-che loves Goldfish
My favourite aisle - the typical Ah Soh go to place
16th Dec - On our way to Viva Las Vegas
It was breakfast in the room, no time for dining-in breakfast as we need to check out early and start on our drive. I love being a kid, waiting for food to be cooked while the adults are busy heating up water and cooking their instant noodles while washing up and packing up. They eat, pack their own toys, their handphone and ... so good life.
I've had this habit of shutting one place down after another if it's a big room "fridge checked! bathroom checked! etc...." One last round, three of us will make a final check again. If one of us is blind, I'm sure the other 2 are not right? Actually the most important thing the girls have been hearing from me frequently is "check your earrings", to see if the backing has gone lose and tighten it if it is. This will prevent any loss.
@ 7.26am - girls are in charge of the snacks. Haha! So they brought them out to the car (while I had to pack the rest of our stuffs) and get things organized next to them. Makes it easier for us too if we all need to munch on something
@ 8.08am and off we go!
Life is so much easier now with GPS. The last time we drove in USA for our holiday was in 2002 and then I had to rely on a big map book, thread, ruler, calculator, coins for tolls etc.. (no such thing called GPS. Got me, lucky my math is no problem. If hubby ask me how long more to destination, I can measure then flip to next page calculate and he gets his answer.)
@ 9.55am
Enroute to Las Vegas. We stopped by the road for our little floral models. My lazy girl decided to switch lens and was so happy she could get a closeup without stepping out of the car. This is the girl who stuck her phone on the car to do timelapse.
Flowers seem to be dancing with the wind. I think they're daisies
Finally reached Barstow. Note where Barstow is along Route 66
Outside Walmart Supercentre in Barstow. Think there's a road show?
The firefighters gladly posed for me and gave her a sticker.
More wow! wow!
Daddy's Show N Tell
"Let me tell you. This is Athena's favourite sausage when she was young."
Chewing gums! Chew as much as we can before flying back to SIN
Girls taking whatever snacks they wanted without asking permission, until we saw what was in the trolley
"Let me count. How many friends am I giving? 1.. 2.. 3.."
I used to love to do Fill-It-Ins
Bought her new CD, just released a few days ago. And then we had to listen to her songs most of the time. So thankful that hubby's friends didn't mind
Barstow Route 66 Entrance
We had our lunch behind McDonald's. We bought salad and some bread from supermarket. So it's nice that we can have a "picnic" wherever we wanted, saving on tips and end up with a longer meal. Definitely not suitable for mom's appetite if she were to travel with us (she needs hot food)
There are places to drop by while one is here, hopefully we can re-do this trip some time soon again.
@ 2.40pm
Girls entertaining at the backseat. Lil' one's Gelatoni and che-che's smelly bear were the only selected companion this trip. One day, I shall dig out pictures of baby Athena with her 15 yr old smelly bear and do a montage.
Girls entertaining at the backseat. Lil' one's Gelatoni and che-che's smelly bear were the only selected companion this trip. One day, I shall dig out pictures of baby Athena with her 15 yr old smelly bear and do a montage.
Finally arrived in Las Vegas. After checking in, we went downstairs and watched an acrobatic performance. That's why our hotel is named Circus Circus.
And funny thing is when we driving into the hotel carpark, che-che commented "I read from internet that this hotel is haunted." Wah...... what a mood spoiler!
And funny thing is when we driving into the hotel carpark, che-che commented "I read from internet that this hotel is haunted." Wah...... what a mood spoiler!
A chance for the girls to see a casino up close. I mean real close. They can't get to see anything in Macau at all.
Fremont Experience
Dinner
17th Dec - In Las Vegas
@11.56am
Both girls need to do some reflection (puns intended)
Both girls need to do some reflection (puns intended)
@ 11.58am
She wasn't happy when I told her I like the 'reflection' picture and asked why I had to go thru the shots she took?? What! It's my camera my dear girl!
She wasn't happy when I told her I like the 'reflection' picture and asked why I had to go thru the shots she took?? What! It's my camera my dear girl!
Walked along the strip, didn't go into all hotels. The attractive part are the exterior since we're not the gambling sort. It's a slow day and it's laundry day.
Had lunch at a vietnamese joint. Must admit it's my first time eating viet food and it's yummy.
Their first taste of pho and liked it
Girls seeing a self-service laundry place for the first time and they get to help to load clothes into the machine. Well, it's actually che-che's second time but she probably won't remember a thing.
Picked up washed clothes to the >
dryer
Only 5.09pm and it's so dark.
Went in Venetian after this, for a short while before walking out the other side
Had chinese for dinner
18 Dec - In Las Vegas
Somebody is so happy coz it's shopping day!
This looks so interesting from Godiva
She has to carry all her purchases. You want to buy? Carry them yourself.
Cheesecake Factory!
Everything just looked so tempting. I want to eat everything. But you know what am I craving right now? Ondeh ondeh!
En-route we passed by so many houses. I love it when the americans take the effort to decorate up their house and streets.
In order to save time, we assigned hubby's friend to jump down from the car and take any decorations pictures. We will waste alot of time if all of us went down. Moreover, he has very good photography skills, so he should be able to capture nicer pictures than anyone of us does.
Saw a Michael Art & Craft Store and just had to step inside to take a look. I've seen their website, and everything looks so tempting. What better chance to pop into the actual store to see everything myself.
I can go crazy in here!
19 Dec - To Grand Canyon
Booked the same hotel as we did in 2002, so was looking forward to going back to Grand Canyon for the second time (I don't mind a 3rd, 4th and more trips)
Ok, to be frank it's only the 7th day and I'm getting so tired to give such an almost detailed blog entry. I think I shall just put in the pictures.
Lake Mead - a reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River in the Southwestern United States. It is located in the states of Nevada and Arizona, 24 mi (39 km) east from Las Vegas Strip. It is the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of water capacity. Formed by the Hoover Dam on September 30, 1935, the reservoir serves water to the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada, as well as some of Mexico, providing sustenance to nearly 20 million people and large areas of farmland
Hoover Dam - a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the U.S. states of Nevada and Arizona. It was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression and was dedicated on September 30, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its construction was the result of a massive effort involving thousands of workers, and cost over one hundred lives. It was referred to as Hoover Dam after President Herbert Hoover in bills passed by Congress during its construction, but was named Boulder Dam by the Roosevelt administration. The Hoover Dam name was restored by Congress in 1947.
And then we are in Arizona, all one hour ahead of Nevada time. "Please adjust your watch."
Williams - such an interesting place. We only stopped here for 15mins for a rest in the car. Didn't get down. Just stretch our legs for a while, no time to venture as it was getting so dark and we still need an hour plus of drive northwards to GC. We shall make this place a pit stop next time for sure.
Only 6+ but so dark. Such a relief to finally reach Grand Canyon. The surprise awaits the girls the next morning, while now we're lamenting we can't see bloody thing! But omg! The stars!! 
In the lodge check-in. Still need to drive another 3mins to our rooms after that. 6 more days to Christmas. One sure gets in the mood when you're here
These are pictures taken by his friend, in their room. Ours is just next door and everything you see in their room is the mirror image of our room. I didn't have time and chance to take picture coz' they always like to go in and drag everything in until it spoils the photos. Moreover, I was more excited outside looking at the stars.
Outside, spotted the Orion full constellation. So excited. And then I thought I should get the girls interested in astronomy. Perhaps we can find something in the gift shop tomorrow.
Can see the stars but I wished I was more well informed over camera settings. Which I found out later I should have bought another suitable lens. How would I know? I was so busy planning the itinery.
Anyway, no internet connection so we're basically not connected to anyone.
20 Dec 2017- In Grand Canyon National Park
20th Dec @ 6.47am
Enthusiastic che-che got up at 4+ am wanting to go watch sunrise
@ 7.16am
After being dragged out of bed by enthusiastic che-che for sunrise... my first sunrise in Grand Canyon (coz we were lazy to wake up 15yrs back. Different season). I'm glad I dragged my feet out. The colours reflected on the canyon at different time is mersmerizing
@ 7.24am
@ 7.24am
@ 7.42am
After sunrise
@ 7.59am
Sun playing peekaboo
@ 8.04am
Okay Mr Sun I see you. Please continue hiding.
@ 1.15pm
Natural shot. I love this!
I hate taking pics with me inside coz I'm so self-conscious being fat and unflattering in pictures. But it's a rare chance, so I try to take one or two each trip to make as our christmas greeting. This made
@ 5.25pm
Beautiful sunset need cloudy sky
She took timelapse and have some nice shots in the camera but I'm tired loading them
No internet, no connection so hubby suggested we drive out for dinner. Took us less than half an hour and it was all so worth it!
21 Dec - Grand Canyon National Park Yavapai Lodge-Roadkill 66 Cafe-A&W- Seligman Arizona-Death Valley National Park Furnace Greek Resort
It snowed! The girls had a good time. We were really surprised that it snowed.
Read this entry.
And then I had another worry - our tyres are not suitable for snow conditions and road may be slippery.
When hubby did the check out, I jumped down from the car while the rests are so comfortably warm in the car not knowing what I was doing, or do they even care? Wah lau eh..... no wonder my hair turn white so fast. I think about all the possible things while everyone is super relaxed. Damn! Not good to be a detailed planner, detailed person who thinks about every damn scenerio.
I took a chopsticks and tried to remove snow from the tyres' grooves. When he got back into the car, I told him that the short drive from our lodge to the checkout place collected alot of snow. I cleared alot of snow while he was gone. If there are no grooves, there'll be no friction and car may skid. So he was smart enough to follow behind a car, exactly the same spot where their tyres tracks are so they'd clear the path for us. And he drove slow until there were no more snow. Still, the next stop I checked on the tyres again.
Did a bit of Route 66 and went through Seligman. Dropped by at Roadkill 66 Cafe
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22 Dec 2017- In Death Valley National Park
22nd Dec @ 9.55am
View from Dante's Peak at Death Valley
22nd Dec @ 10.22am
S-curve roads. Got upslope downslope somemore!
@ 12.58pm
Salt Flats
This girl daring.. walked all the way far far away from us all alone (there were other tourists too)
But she came back and was too excited saying we missed out alot.
@ 12.58pm
I wouldn't say this is a nice angle. I've seen better ones but .... then again this is 'Through her eyes'
@ 1.58pm
Did somebody forget to pack their colours home?
23 Dec -Comfort Inn-Laundry-Lone Pine-Desert-Isabella Lake-Kaweah River-Comfort Inn & Suites-Ol Buckaroo
24 Dec -Comfort Inn & Suite-Yosemeti National Park-Tunnel View-Bridalveil Fall-Swinging Bridge-Half Dome Village-Guset House
@ 12.35pm
Enroute into Yosemite National Park. Stopped by somewhere for a picnic.
She leaves no stone unturned
@ 12.36 pm
Uprooted tree also take?!
She also took picture of a tree bark *funny*
@ 3.26pm
View in Yosemite
I've personally been to Yosemite in Spring, Autumn and beginning Winter. I'm short of a visit in Summer. Eeks! Hot! Maybe a snowy winter is more ideal.
25 Dec -Half Dome Village-Yosemeti Visitor Centre-Post Office-Degnan's Kitchen-River of Mercy, Yosemeti Lower Fall-Mirror Lake-Half Dome Village Foods Court
@ 8.52am
Around our cabin. We survived the night
#nobearscameknockingatourdoororwindows#
@ 8.53am
Model posing outside our cabin
She was getting on my nerves, worried about encountering the bears. Aiyah! Bears hear your voice also run far far away.
@ 9.01am
Reccee-ed the other types of accomodation. She'd love to stay in this next time.
So much has changed over the years, can’t seem to locate the previous cabin (without toilet) we stayed.
@ 11.41 am
I have no idea what or where we were when she took this
@ 1.15 pm
View of Half Dome at Sentinel Bridge
@ 1.15pm
Zoomed in
@ 1.17 pm
Should be somewhere near where she took the other pics.
A ponderosa looking at its own reflection.
26 Dec - Yosemeti National Park Half Dome Village-Wendy's-Carmel Pacific Ocean-Best Western Carmel's Town House Lodge-Street Walk at Carmel-Denny's
26th Dec @ 5.07pm
Sunset at Carmel along the Pacific Ocean
27 Dec -Best Weatern Carmel's House Lodge-Pacific Ocean-San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge-Royal Pacific Motor Inn-Fisherman's Wharf-Chowder Hut Grill-
27th Dec @ 1.08pm
Golden Gate Bridge as she sees it
27th Dec @ 3.58pm
Lombard Street
27th Dec @ 4.44pm
Salute! For serving WWII
USS Pampanito and USS Jeremiah O'Brien
27th Dec @ 5.15pm
G is for Good?
27th Dec @ 5.15pm
27th Dec @ 5.20pm
Dowan to take sign from afar must come so close?!
Anyway…..I’m looking at this in the Draft Folder since 2017. I left with the last 4 days sightseeing which I will not continue. It’s April 2024 now, but shall just post this entry and date it to 2018. Haha!
We left for home on 31st Dec
