I'm going, going, back to back, to Cali Cali!
Jan 24, 2010 08:47
| Permalink
Ok. Now, you know you're a foodie when you start taking pictures of airplane food! But honestly, I feel this is something I must share with everyone. Our 9 hour and 50 minute flight from Osaka to SFO was miraculously upgraded to business class, and all it took was a simple question, "Any free upgrades?" Cameron asked as we checked into our flight. As a matter of fact, they did.
So what's the difference between business and first class? I can't honestly say, because I've never been in first class, but I can imagine that it is pretty sweet considering the kind of service we received in just business class. So, we were greeted at our seats with glasses of champagne in real campaign glasses. We had reclining chairs with lots of leg room, so much that I had to take my seatbelt off every time I tried to reach my purse beneath the seat in front of me. We were given cute little "hygiene packs" that contained convenient things like socks, slippers, eye covers, ear plugs, tooth brush n paste, lotion, etc.. then we were delighted with a huge 3-course meal (including our first steak [let alone filet minion] in over 6 months!) Yeah. talk about living the good life.
United, wow. that was amazing. Thanks for stuffing our faces with great food paired with bottomless glasses of wine. Once we finished the fruit and cheese plate for dessert, we PASSED OUT. Like, instantly. Sleep on a plane, what a concept! Never really been able to do that before....
And the best part? I haven't even told you yet. We woke up to this:
Yeah, that's right. We slept the entire flight. Woke up with a little over an hour left 'till landing. Oh, and of course, another filling and yummy meal. Breakfast.
-San Diego, California-
My number one paradise on EARTH.
It's GOOD to be back
I mean, C'mon. Are words even necessary? look at this, just look at it.
All I can say is that this is my home and these are my friends. To be away from your normal life for so long, and to be able to come right back to it [like nothings changed] is simply wonderful. I returned to San Diego knowing exactly what I loved most about it and why. Japan taught me to appreciate all the little things. I could even make a list for you of, like, 51 things that I love most about California. But why do such a thing? I have way too many things to share before I can start making lists.
Ok, ready?! Let's play tourist in Southern California! or how about 'so-cal-stay-cation'? I swear now that we have all the time in the world to hang out in san diego, with no jobs, and a completely new view of the world, we've been living it up.
Margo's Mexican Grill. tortilla soup. adobado tacos with cilantro and salsa verde. God how I've missed you!
So we did things like go to the San Diego Zoo (twice. found out our season passes are still good 'till April!), the Los Angeles Natural History Museum, tacos every tuesday, watching the sunset every-single-night, bronzing like everyday, elaborate home cooked meals. mimosas. like I said. Paradise.
That would be Cam, me, Kim and Travis. Our super amazing friends who have been letting us stay with them most of the time. There are no words to describe their awesomeness.
Another awesome thing was that I really surprised my sister (age 5) when I came home for Christmas. You see, I'd been talking to my little sis via Skype from Japan and pretty much all we ever talked about was her saying, "are you coming home for Christmas?" I told my parents that I'm coming home, but Shhh! don't tell Tina. Let's make it a surprise. and it was. And I quote, "This is the best christmas ever. I have the best big sister" She was so cute and so excited. We played with her toys. played with her cats, discussed Santa's upcoming visit. Made homemade tamales. It was fun, a nice welcome home. Thanks momOh, duh!!! and New YEARS!?
Pacific Beach
The world famous San Diego Zoo
View from Roger's house
Los Angeles Natural History Museum
Comments
Hong Kong |||amp; Macau [China]
Jan 07, 2010 09:10
| Permalink
Located on China's South Coast, Hong Kong City is on an island with one of the most dense populations in the world. The entire territory of Hong Kong, including Kowloon and the New Territories, is approximately 426 square miles with a population of 7 million.
The blue pin on the left marks Macau, where we spent two days of our trip. Macau is about 35 miles west of Hong Kong.
The blue pin on the right is HK Island.
Separating Hong Kong Island from Kowloon Peninsula is Victoria Harbor. This naturally deep harbor handles some 400 massive ocean-liners each week, connecting to more than 500 destinations around the world.
Separating Hong Kong Island from Kowloon Peninsula is Victoria Harbor. This naturally deep harbor handles some 400 massive ocean-liners each week, connecting to more than 500 destinations around the world.
-Hong Kong-
Hong Kong is a sensational destination. It's incredibly diverse, boasting one of the largest and affluent financial districts in the world. It's highly international, attracting people from all over the globe. Once a British colony, Hong Kong boundaries were extended beyond Hong Kong island to include the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories in 1898. It eventually became sovereign territory of People's Republic of China in 1997.
The Hong Kong megalopolis, reflected on the Victoria Harbor, is one of the most famous and easily recognizable skylines. Its dramatic wall of lights, from the horizon to the heavens, will leave you feeling small and insignificant. It's truly a beautiful sight to see.
The Happy Valley Horse Races exudes a unique, electrifying type of energy. It's the kind of pure energy that makes you want roar in laughter, shout out to your lucky horse, befriend the Australian standing next to you, and even dance to the outdated rap music blaring on the speakers.
We were invited to tag along with our new Dutch friend, Joroen (pronounced Yorin), to enjoy this invigorating atmosphere. [See the picture below]
Standing along the track, surrounded by high-end residential towers, enjoying a pitcher of beer and admiring these beautiful horses, it occurs to me that we are standing on an island. in the middle of the South Chinese Sea. surrounded by locals and tourists alike, listening the British announcers over the loudspeakers. Indeed, the world is a colorful place and we are so lucky to be here to experience it all.
This is the Bank of China Tower located in Central HK, which is by far my absolute favorite skyscraper! How ironic though, that this building has long been criticized for its lack of attention to the laws of feng shui. The locals who practice this ancient Chinese system of aesthetics simply don't like it, not one bit. It is said that this building gives off 'bad' feng shui to the surrounding buildings due mainly to its sharp, triangular edges and numerous "X's", which resembles that of a meat cleaver and is perceived to give off negative symbolism. Nonetheless, it's still my favorite!
Here is a slideshow of photos taken in Hong Kong:
-Macau-
[Special Administration Region of the People's Republic of China]
Traces of Portuguese cultural influence and architecture can be found throughout Macau. In 1557 the Portuguese established a permanent settlement in Macau. The Chinese government assumed formal sovereignty over Macau on December 20, 1999. Cameron and I were present for this ten-year anniversary, as we were staying in Macau December 17th through the 18th, 2009! Consequently, we received free T-shirts and hats from the Chinese Government. Yippee!
Macau, often referred to as the "Las Vegas of China", has many attractions to offer to its curious visitors, including several big-name casinos, restaurants, shows, luxury hotels, shopping and more. Cameron and I indulged at the Venetian, had dinner at Cafe Deco's and watched the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil show. Afterwards, Cameron quadrupled his money at the Roulette and Blackjack tables!
The next day, we ventured all over Macau, visiting all the historical sites. Pictured above is Macau's most famous historical landmark, Ruinas de Sao Paulo. It was built in the 17th century to serve as a Portuguese cathedral dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle.
Below is a slideshow of our adventures in Macau:
