Bye for Now, New York

remembering this day on 9/24/2017


On our last day in New York, I decided to walk around 5th Ave on my own while my sister and her husband visits with his family. I also decided to go buy the Star Wars slippers for my nephew so decided to walk towards Dylan's after visiting St. Patrick's for a quick prayer.

My next stop was at Times Square where I had another hotdog with lots of sauerkrat on it =) I know, I liked it on the sandwich and my  hot cocoa. However, an unfortunate thing happened that I wish did not happen to me, but it did. While I was sitting alone enjoying my sandwich, a homeless man approached my table. I wasn't really scared because there were a lot of people around me. The guy was asking for my sandwich but I told him that I couldn't give it to him because I have bitten into it already but he insisted, so I gave it to him. He bit into it right away but it was a messy bite that all condiments on the sandwich fell on the ground and on the table, and then he proceeded to sit down next to me on my table. At this point, I was a bit scared already and thankfully, the family beside my table was looking at us and so, I decided to grab my cocoa (before he asks for that, too) and told him I'd better get going. I was a bit frightened that he might follow me so I went around Times Square until I was sure that he did not follow me. This was a scary experience but I think, it was an experience that made me reflect on some things - not everything in America is rich, there are homeless people, same as where I am from. If the poor in the Philippines are wary of the rain and floods, these guys here contend with the cold. I was told before that I shouldn't give leftover food to these people because they have pride but maybe, just maybe, that person was just really hungry that he overcame his pride to ask for food. I'd like to look at it that way, and not because I was a female, alone in town, that he made me out as an easy target. I'd look to think that person is good and was just hungry and did not mean to scare me. I'd like to think that I may have been a source of blessing for him at a time that he was hungry. Anyways...

my sandwich before a homeless man asked for it

So after this incident, went back to Queens to meet up with my sister, say goodbye to our hosts and go back home to Baltimore.

Thank you, New York, and goodbye for now.

Visiting Lady Liberty

remembering this day on 9/23/2017


We started a bit late today and so missed our ride but lucky for us, we can take the next ride going to Liberty Island. It was an experience to join a long queue before we can even enter the waiting area for the next ferry so we spent our time watching the birds ride the wind. It was a beautiful sight to see. Once we reached the entrance of the ferry station, I was astounded by the security there! I think it was more tight than airport security, with all their x-rays and extra bag checks. My brother-in-law even had to go outside to leave his pocket knife somewhere before even being able to come back inside.

waiting line was long so we just watched the birds flying above us

The ride to Liberty Island was really nice despite the really cold winds. It was a sunny day and the view was really clear. It was really exciting to see the Liberty statue getting bigger and bigger as we drew nearer the island. Arriving there, the first thing we did was go around the whole island, around the statue, and take lots of pictures! LOL. From down below, the lady was just so majestic! and its size had given us a hard time fitting her in our camera frame. Later, we decided to go up near her base and we went through another security check again. We were asked to leave our bags in the free lockers, and only our water was allowed inside if we have it with us. As we were going through inspection, the park ranger said, "Magandang umaga!" and when we looked at her in surprise, she asked us, "Filipinas, right?" It was amazing because she must have met a lot of tourists and have learned to identify them, and learned their language. It was really nice and the officer was really nice. Strict, but nice.

so near the Liberty statue now! 

Inside the base of the Liberty was an exhibit on how she was built and how she was transported. It was amazing to see her designs, a few of her parts and to hear narrations about it. Going out, we had a better view of the island's surroundings and the city beyond the water. If one has the time, this place is a nice spot just to be still and appreciate the sights and sounds, or the solitary.

motorcycle built out of the parts from Lady Liberty

Later, we boarded the ferry again to go to Ellis Island. I did not know that this was also part of our ticket so I was pleasantly surprised. This island has a lot of immigration history for the USA as this was the island where all immigrants arrived at from across the Atlantic. The building where they were checked for papers and their luggages (sort of Newt Scamander when he arrived in America from Britain), stories about how they were checked medically were displayed there. I liked the story about the first few Asian immigrants, like the Chinese who were said to be approved to carry out work in the west during the gold rush, but because of their numbers, the government had to issue a law that bans the entry of additional Chinese. Later in history, this ban was lifted but a stringent immigration process was put in place.

I also liked  the story of immigrants that were shown in video. One story was that of a man who is originally from central Asia who started an ice cream business and the other is the story of the Filipina who became the executive chef of the White House for two administration, Bush and Obama. These stories were so inspiring. Only one observation though that made the visit a bit unpleasant: there was this park worker whom I asked about something on display and it was really unaccommodating for  her to answer me in "I don't know. I just work here." Well, I think if one person works in a place such as this, she should know something about it, right? Anyways...

one of the displays showing a doctor in the facility checking the 

medical condition of a young female immigrant

The next two stops for today was a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and a walk to the Brooklyn Bridge. I do not know why people smile when they have their pictures taken here. After all, this is a place where a lot of people died. It is, in a way, a cemetery, a memorial to all those innocents who died and all those who passed away trying to save the victims. Seeing the place where the building has fallen - one cannot just imagine how it could really happen. What happened was so sad, and also scary. I hope that that will never happen again.

I think this is the saddest place in New York City

The walk along Brooklyn Bridge was nice and the view of the city at night was really cool, one that is uniquely its own. I liked how there was a path for pedestrians and bikers alone. If only we can adapt it in the Philippines, that would be good. Walking and biking becomes encouraging then. I hope, one day, our city planners can do this, too.

nice walking along the Brooklyn Bridge at night

The last stop is a famous bakeshop (whose show I watch whenever I can on TV)  that I have been wanting to visit at Jersey but since it's out of the way, I was happy to find out that they have a branch near Times Square. So happy to be able to see the place but I am not sure if it is just because of the cold weather, or because we bought our pastries late in the day already, but I have tasted better pastries than this. Maybe next time when I'm in town, I'd like to visit and try it one more time. I hope it will taste better then.

Finally, the long night ended with a visit to Jollibee (again!) and a quick reunion with my high school classmate who had been living in the US for more than five years. It was good catching up with her even if it was quick. I thank god for these blessings.

More of New York

remembering this day on 9/23/2017

First order of the day was to see the Grand Central Station which is actually, truly grand. Although my first impression of it was that it is small, y grand with its staircase overlooking the lobby or the main concourse and the ceiling that represents the sky, showing the stars. It is really amazing to find out that this station has 44 platforms! In the Philippines, we only have one platform per station! Imagine how many people, how many destinations 44 platforms can serve. Maybe next time, I will have a chance to go through one of those arches and take a train to somewhere. One day.

After the Grand Central Station viewing, the most important thing today was to  go to St. Patrick's Cathedral to listen to mass as today is Sunday. It was beautiful spending my time with my family during this special mass - the second advent. I feel that it is only apt because He had just fulfilled for us one of our dreams. The church is so huge but what I am so glad about it is it is open to the public but the church-goers are made to be their priority for entrance. The belen was already set up and we just had to go and look at it. Truly, it is universal. The belen was really simple, as it was when Joseph and Mary had to stay in a barn on the day that Jesus was born, and where the shepherds and angels visited. Thank you, Lord, for this blessing.

Simple Nativity scene - just like the ones at home

We tried to have lunch at the Serendipity restaurant. However, waiting for a table was so long (estimated to be one hour) so we decided to eat somewhere else later. We went to Dylan's as well to buy some candies for the kids and I saw this Darth Vader slippers for sale. It was bulky so I am still thinking if I'm going to buy it (I can still go back for it tomorrow, anyway). It would be nice to be a gift for the boys, I'm thinking. We also went to M&Ms where all the chocolate goodies are. I love the vending machine for all M&Ms flavors available. I couldn't help filling the bags up for my favorite (and rare back home). There were a lot of stuff for sale and I even bought this thermos with the M&Ms in the Star Wars universe. It was really cool. We also went to the Hershey's store across the block but I found it smaller than the other one and not much choices. I am not sure if it's just because I saw a lot at the M&Ms first or I just found the place too crowded. Anyways, it's all fun though.

can't get enough of these M&Ms

The chocolate places are already near the Times Square so our next stop was this exciting place. So excited to be actually there! LOL. The lights were so cool and it's just so full of energy with locals and lots of tourists around, taking the sights in, staring, and taking lots of pictures! LOL. The screens showing ads, shows, and news were so bright! And yet, it was so cold! We tried eating at the "famous hotdog" booth and sat like locals at the open tables in the center of Times Square. I don't know why but that hotdog, though it was just a regular hotdog, tasted so good and it was only then that I appreciated sauerkrat. I'd love to have sauerkrat all the time on my hotdog sandwich now. The hot cocoa was also just a regular choco drink but the cold made it taste good, giving me a warm feeling inside. This was one of the most happy experience I have in New York!

 so many things to see!

 the sauerkrat is somewhere there

Times Square at night - view from the viewing deck

Last stop for tonight is yes, one of my favorites! A Broadway show! So I think I am already complete since I've ticked off West End many years ago. And what's best is that I'm ticking off this place with the same play - Wicked, which my sister has not seen yet. I have now seen it in West End, Manila, and now in Broadway. Even though I've seen this show before, it never ceases to amaze me. I can watch it over and over again (and it would be best if it's free! LOL!).

welcome to the world of Oz again

This day was so full of exciting things. Thank you, Lord.

Around New York

remembering this day on 9/23/2017

And my sister is a torturer! LOL. I feel like I've walked the whole New York today, my feet is killing me. But it was such a fun day, even if it was cold. Saw a lot of sights and my sister really prepared a long itinerary for us during our visit to this crazy, crowded, wonderful city. There were a lot to see: the New York Public Library (Sex and the City, right?!) and Philippine consulate while walking along 5th Ave towards the Top of the Rock, the Radio City with lines forming at the entrance, view of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Central Park from the Top of the Rock, and so much more! It is overwhelming how big the place is (and how cold and windy it was there at the top! LOL). It was more enjoyable spending this time with family.

Empire State Building from Top of the Rock

Lunch was quick but the waiting was really long because the menu we wanted was not to be able yet until a certain time so we had to wait and wait. So I decided to go look for the Post Office while my sister and her husband stayed at our table (wow! first time to go on my own in New York City!). It was not hard finding the Post Office but it was sad because it was closed for the day and since there was still a bit of time for lunch, I wandered around the Rockefeller Center with its Christmas displays - a tourist even offered to take my picture but she took a selfie of herself first - I guess to remember her by? Hahaha. But she was so nice so I kept her picture. And there was the ice skating rink too with lots of people on it, and others watching them skate. The line to the Lego store was so long, it was disappointing not to be able to go inside. But over all, I think I love New York during Christmas! =)

Christmas is in the air at the Rockefeller Center

Ice skating is now on at the Rockefeller Center

Next on our agenda was walking the length of 5th Ave (I mean, as far as the Central Park) and we got to see the St. Patrick's Cathedral (so many people because there was a mass), Trump Building with all its security (even got into the bandwagon of having our pictures taken with the guys guarding the entrance! LOL), visit the Apple Store and saw the new Sphero BB8 controlled from an Apple watch, and the autumn foliage of Central Park. I think the nicest surprise there was the Alice in Wonderland section. I have never heard of it and it was a cool discovery. If only we had so much time, I would really like to have a picnic here.

St. Patrick's Cathedral along 5th Avenue

Louvre-like entrance at the New York Apple store

New York yellow cabs near Central Park

 One of the many fascinating views in Central Park

 Fascinating views in Central Park

A jump to fairy land with Alice in Central Park

On our way home, we decided to take a break from the cold at Bryant Park (it felt like Serendipity for me). It was a cool experience hanging out watching people go about their business, others skating, while we were enjoying a cup of hot cocoa in a park, in New York City. Truly, I'd like to come back here.

New York, Here We Come!

remembering this day on 9/23/2017


After having a good night's rest, my sister, brother-in-law, and I took a Peter Pan bus from the Baltimore bus station to New York! This is a pretty exciting day because I'd finally see New York, one of the most famous places on Earth! And of course, because of the Broadway scene. Looking forward to see lots of famous sights and watching a play.

somewhere between Baltimore and New York

We are thankful for my brother-in-law's friend who offered her place at Queens for us to stay in so we don't have to pay for hotel rooms. The trip took us around three hours, with traffic going into the main town of New York. It was pretty exciting to finally be in the subway system and  trying to figure out how the ticket booths work so we can get buy our tickets and get on the train (LOL!). My miss home sister had been there a couple of times but it was just an experience figuring it all out on our own. It was easy, anyway.

at the subway! taking the train going to Queens

But guess what was the first thing we stopped at when we arrived there? LOL. Jollibee! It was just a couple of blocks from where we were staying so it was pretty convenient, and a taste of home for my sister and her husband who had been away from home more than a couple of months already. I thought though that the place would be as big as what we have back home but it was just small, but even though, the place was always full, with mostly Filipinos eating there. It was even nice to find out from some of them would drive for hours to this place just to have Jollibee, just because they miss home. The taste is the same but the chicken is bigger and the peach mango pie is always sold out.

Jollibee... Bida ang saya! =)

The weather is colder up here in New York, and if feels more cold because of the wind but since I won't experience this often, I'd say I love the weather! LOL.

Finally, Baltimore!

remembering this day on 9/17/2017


After two flights and kinda long (from the estimated 25 min change of aircraft at Atlanta - I had to run to the next gate to catch my flight, only to find out it was a bit delayed) layover, I am finally at my sister's in Baltimore! It feels like home, so I guess home is truly where the heart is =)

Funny thing on the Atlanta-Baltimore flight, though. The flight attendant, upon landing said over the PA, "Welcome to Ronald Reagan Airport!" and I was like, "Did I hear it right?" And then suddenly, my seatmate (who looks half-Asian) looked at me and said, "I thought we were landing at Baltimore?!" and then the guy beside her said, "That's too bad! My car is in Baltimore!" "If I heard that right, then that's good for me because I'll be nearer my destination." And all the while, I was thinking, if we were diverted and we were truly at another airport, how am I going to Baltimore?! LOL. But fortunately, the flight attendant corrected herself and said we were actually landing at BWI. Thank God!

 view from the air as we were nearing BWI

view from my sister's place. this is sweet home away from home - for now...

Meeting Friends and Family

remembering this day on 9/17/2017

On my last day in Texas, we spent it meeting family and friends. I am relieved that they were nice and welcoming. It would really be a pleasure to meet them again.

But one thing I noticed, I do not know if there was a prior arrangement that I am not aware of, but in the households that we visited, invitation to dinner was not forthcoming much, even just for snacks. Or maybe, it is just a truly Filipino trait that in whoever house's we go to, the first thing that is offered is a light snack, or whatever meal is served at that particular time (e.g., breakfast, lunch, or dinner). I am just wondering, is it really like that in all places? Anyways, all in all, I had fun spending time with each other on my last day here.

Cool Texas designed pancake breakfast =)

Friend in an Unlikely Place

remembering this day on 9/17/2017

And out of nowhere, a friend of mine sent me a message asking where in Texas I am after reading a post in Facebook. It was a happy surprise to find out that we were at the same place at the same time! So that meant only one thing - meet up! =)

She brought me to Hooters (woot woot!), which I have heard of before. I did not think though that I would get a chance to eat at this place. Like usual, the food serving was really huge that I could only consume half of it. At the end, we asked to have it packed. It was a surprise, and a new experience, to be given a pack where I can put the food I want to take out. In the Philippines, if you say you want the leftovers packed, they take it from the table and pack it from the kitchen. I see that it is different here.

Aside from this new experience, I am so glad to meet my friend whom I last saw in our last day of Spanish class about five years ago, just before she moved to the US. It is a happy coincidence that we were at the same time at the same place that we look at it as a blessing.

Yummy quesadillas! I do love Mexican food.

Later, my friend and I went to a mall and I realized that this American mall is big but spread out, unlike Philippine malls that have at least four to five stories. We were looking for my postcards but could not find one, even in the card shop. As we were walking along the hallway, a guy hailed us to ask if we want to have our hair fixed. Of course, because the two of us were not interested, we politely declined but this guy said, "Filipina, Filipina, let me do your hair." And I was like, this is the second time that these people has correctly identified me as Filipino. I guess I really do look like one, or they are just used to seeing Filipinos. In Norway, I was mistaken for a Latina and in Korea, I was once been mistaken as American. Hahaha. That was so funny!

P.S. Still trying to drink lots of fluid because of my colds!

Burger and Star Wars

remembering this day on 9/17/2017


As promised, dinner was to this Star Wars inspired restaurant near Fort Hood. It was such a treat because I have been told of this for quite sometime now and I was looking forward to just enjoying the place.

My company was the best, the food was great, and the place makes me happy. Therefore, it was a great night (even though I really have a bad colds coming!).

 The Galaxy Burgers Breakfast is such a cozy place where one can just relax...

... and good food (notice the cut burger and dipped into-nachos, could not wait to start eating before remembering to take a picture first).

And before the night ended, we had fun looking at stuff at the supermarket (HEB). Even got an R2D2 toy at the children's section. LOL... and of course, I had to buy one stack of bottled water to keep me hydrated due to the cold weather and my incoming colds..


(For me to remember it by, the hotel we stayed in for the duration of my Texas stay was the Quality Inn).

Happy in San Antonio

remembering this day on 9/16/2017

view of San Antonio from the air last night

Finally arrived in San Antonio late last night and was picked up by the person I wanted to be with for the longest time. It was a happy moment and will never, ever be forgotten. It was not a mistake to do this. Thank you, Lord. It was special.

Today, we played tourists starting with brunch at a Puerto Rican place. Had a taste of their fare which is almost similar to ours, especially the pork lechon. It was good food and would love to go back there again. Next stop was at the Alamo, the site of Texan independence fight from the Mexicans. The site was first a mission and occupied by the Texans for thirteen days. The displays in the site showed the weapons used at that time and how living conditions were, especially the sick bay. It also displayed how the fight for independence affected the lives of the people under siege at that time. It was so sad. Truly, there are no winners in wars.

Yummy brunch at La Luna Rosa in San Antonio

Entrance to one of the buildings inside the Alamo complex

Here is another large cactus. I was careful to give some distance from this plant this time.

After our Alamo stop, we walked towards the Riverwalk, one of the places I wanted to see because it was featured once in The Little Couple. I am a fan, so I just wanted to see the place they went to, as well. LOL.

A view of the River Walk

But the most important thing we did today was go to Mass at the San Fernando Cathedral. This was pretty special because today is also the first Sunday of Advent and that we got a blessing from the presiding priest. I would like to think that this special day is a gift of God and a blessing.

Celebrating the first Advent at the San Fernando Cathedral with a blessing

Thank you, Lord.

(For me to remember it by, the hotel we stayed in for the night was the Four Points by Sheraton San Antonio Airport).

A Half-Day in LA

remembering this day on 9/15/2017

The trip last night back to LA with my Uncle, Aunty and nth degree cousins  was long due to traffic but I'm glad to have a room to myself and I slept really well. This afternoon, they will be taking me to LAX for my flight to San Antonio for the next leg of my trip. But before that, I got to enjoy their company.

Breakfast was truly a Filipino fare with tuyo and rice (yum!). All I can say is, my Uncle's home feels like just any other Filipino home and it was comforting. After breakfast, I went with them to this Flea Market where my cousin spent her time looking for old stuff (just like the things the Pickers would buy) to decorate her home with. As for me, I had fun just looking around and experiencing the moment. I just did not find anything I like that would make me buy but there were cool things there, like the old typewriter with the maker's signature handcrafted on the lid, or the whip made of pure leather (the design was neat). My aunt bought me a pomegranate because I was interested. I did not know that that fruit could be as big as double my fist! Unfortunately, I was not able to even taste it because we had forgotten about it during lunch at home. If only I had space in my bag, I would have brought it with me to Texas. Oh well, maybe next time.

the flea market was near this place. unfortunately, I truly forgot what it is really called

New discovery was a Hawaiian place in Carson called Poke something (if you're Filipino, you would cringe from the word because it sounds to mean something else). I was curious about it, I saw that it was just like ceviche or kinilaw. It tasted okay but unlike my cousin, I did not see what the fuss was all about because to me, it kinda tasted like any other kinilaw I've tasted, even the tuna. Oh well, to each his own, I guess.

First view of LAX. Feels like I was in the set of NCIS LA. LOL.

Waiting for my flight to San Antonio. This airport is so huge!

A Day in the Old Town

remembering this day on 9/16/2017

Last night was a pretty happy moment - it was Thanksgiving Day and I get to meet my cousins and their families, and getting to know them a little better. There was a huge buffet dinner that we all attempted to consume! LOL. It was a feast and most of the fare was very Filipino. Anyways, after all the fun, I decided to stay overnight at one of my cousin's place. It was also a treat to spend time with her, specially since I only met her once years ago and at that time, we did not even get to talk much but now, we had the whole night to get to know each other. It is really great because even she's way older than me, it seemed we liked the same books and tv shows. These things must really run in the family. LOL.

And today, I had a nice treat from her, as suggested by one of our aunts. Ate took me to San Diego's Old Town and it was fun to see some Gold Rush stuff. They preserved some buildings, including the Whaley House which they say is haunted. I love the old Catholic Church and I was glad to be able to go inside and say a thanksgiving prayer. I also liked the place where they have one of the first Wells Fargo carriage that carried the gold bars from the mines. It was amazing! And then, there was also the Casa de Pedrorena which is close to my heart - they sell gems and rocks and maps, and other stuff with geologic significance. That was really cool.

But I really had a cactus scare. I was trying to pose hands up under a large cactus when my fingers accidentally hit once of its spine. It felt numb for a while and I was worried that I do not have an anti-allergy meds with me. Fortunately, the numbness went away after a while.

Lunch was also really good. I ordered a sampler and I was so surprised to have a really large plate of food in front of me, not counting our extra order of tortillas! I forgot that American servings are really large, but it was really good so I think I was able to consume half of it. I would definitely come back if given the chance.

Different kind of Mexican dishes in a platter at the Mexican Cafe in San Diego Old Town

thanksgiving

My nephew who was my age could not at first understand why I asked the question, "What do you do on Thanksgiving?" I was only later that he realized that it is my first time in the US and that we do not celebrate Thanksgiving in the Philippines. Sure, we know about the Pilgrims coming to their country and sharing their blessings with the local people. But how does a Filipino-American family, whose kids totally grew up in the US and never been back home (or only been there once when they were really young), celebrate this holiday?

Apparently, it's like Christmas - with lots of food to be shared with family and prayer for the things we are grateful for. For me, I am grateful for the warm welcome of family and the chance to visit the US. I am grateful for my job, for well timed chances, for our good health, for our safety, the laughter shared with friends and family, for supportive family, for the love of everyone around you, and most of all, for the ever present relationship with the Lord for whom with Him, everything is possible.

the children in the family being busy setting up the Christmas tree after our Thanksgiving dinner

House Bound in San Diego

remembering this day on 9/15/2017

Woke up late this morning and found myself having a late breakfast with the kids who did not have school today. Was watching TV with them until lunch time when my aunt arrived back from her errands. It was only then that I realized they left me at home to babysit the kids! LOL. I thought all the time that my cousin was in the garage fixing his stuff, but I guessed I was wrong. Wow, that must be my first babysitting experience in America. LOL.

Later, I accompanied my aunt to the supermarket to buy some stuff (again!) for tomorrow's dinner.

It was also a time for me to go around the house and it made me realize that you can never take out from a person the things that you grew up with. My father's family lived in the province and lived off from the produce of farms. My dad usually tells us stories of how he and his friends would trek the mountains near their homes to climb trees and pick the fruits, or how they'd go fishing and swimming in the river. That was simple living and I guess my aunt, who has lived in the US for most of her life, carried that with her. In her home, there is an apple tree, vegetables at the yard, and to my surprise, a flourishing calamansi tree. That was so cool!

It was also cool seeing the kids watching Filipino teleserye with their great-grandma. They even know the story line more than me! LOL. But what was cool today was staying up late with my aunt and hearing her love story that brought her to America.

weird looking apple from my aunt's apple tree beside their house

Family Bound in San Diego

remembering this day on 9/15/2017


After these few days of travel, I am glad to finally just be - no worries of getting up early, having a permanent place to stay for a few days, and living a normal house-bound life. LOL. What kept me busy was getting to know the family staying at home and helping my aunt out in her preparations for the Thanksgiving dinner with family on Thursday. So it was a time of not playing tourist and experiencing regular life in the US.

Funny to see a familiar fare (upper left) in my home here in America. Truly, there are a lot of Filipinos here.

On the Road to San Diego

remembering this day on 9/15/2017

It really is a blessing to have a welcoming family who are excited to show you to new places and drive for you - that was what my Ate (and her kids) did for me. Instead of me taking the Amtrak to San Diego, she drove all the way up to San Francisco to pick me up, show me around, and then drive down south again. We started early in the morning, around 6, 7 am and reached San Diego around 7 pm. It was such a long drive and I am grateful that we arrived safe (was supposed to stay at LA first but decided to go straight to San Diego because I did not want them to get stuck in LA traffic after dropping me off at our other uncle's house) and that we were still in good humor after all those hours on the road.

Seeing the coastal view of California was also cool, especially after our lunch at Solvang, a Dutch-inspired town where we tried their famous aebleskiever at the Solvang Restaurant. Solvang was a good place to take a break to on a long road trip. I was glad the weather was really nice, cool but sunny. If given the chance, I would like to go back to this place and roam around more.

 Lunch time at Solvang

Nearing San Diego, I could not believe that traffic can be as bad as that in Metro Manila, only difference is that the motorists follow traffic rules. Even learned a few American road rules, as well, like lanes for carpools, penalties and shoulder use. I noticed that their shoulders are one-car width unused except for emergency purposes while in Manila, I'll be shocked to see if we even have a half-meter wide shoulder, and that is mot being used during traffic. Oh well. I would assume that I would notice a lot more differences like this in the coming days while I am here.

Another noticeable thing is that, the wideness of California (especially the ones I saw going to San Diego) can be pretty drowning. It was just so wide and most houses are low-lying or flat. And it had a desert feel. From inside the car, I can see that it was really sunny but for sure, it is pretty cool, too. That is one great weather then! =)

So wide! On our way to San Diego.

Next great blessing is to finally be at my Aunt's house and meeting the rest of the family who lives there at the moment.

Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings.

san francisco in one day

Only on my second day in the USA and I feel that I've already done so much!

I had a great stay with my friend whose kids were so adorable and sweet. I've been treated to a normal day at a normal house, complete with take away food (instead of dine-in because the kids were becoming cranky already and wants to go home) and a quick stop at a supermarket to buy stuff that I've forgotten at home.

My first day was a taste of normal in an otherwise, very packed one month trip.

The best thing is, spending time with my friend who I haven't been with for the longest time since University days. For that, I am so grateful and catching up with her felt like it was only yesterday that we last saw each other. It felt like one of those times when I was hopping in their room after lights out at the dormitory.

*****

My friend, her kids, and I woke up early today so they can bring me to where my cousin is. I am so grateful for my friend who is willing to do that for me! Upon reaching the hotel, I was greeted at the lobby by my niece (whom I've only met once and just got familiar with through Facebook). They were already getting ready to take me for a one day-filled trip of San Francisco. So excited!

From the hotel, we went first to see our newest nephew in Palo Alto (I'm thinking I'm near Stanford already? This was where my teacher used to live!). He is such a very adorable kid and it was such a nice surprise to find out that my cousin's partner speaks Filipino fluently even though she definitely looks like Caucasian. She even told a story about her being in Glorietta and she can hear the sales ladies tell each other that "that American can speak Filipino!" to which she answered, "Of course, Pilipino po ako." It was a great to have spent time with them and getting to know them more and hopefully, there's another chance in the near future to meet with them, especially since my cousin is still in Dallas and only talked to us through video call.

Next stop? North to the - guess where? - Golden Gate Bridge, of course! The weather was good (no fog!) and the wind cool so it was a good time to go around and take pictures. I couldn't believe that I am finally seeing the Bridge. It's a nice view and awesome to think that this has stood up for a long time (even withstanding earthquakes), but most of all, because it had been featured in a lot of American shows in the past, especially in Charmed (sorry, can't help mentioning that one). 

Afterwards, my cousin decided to drive through the bridge and go to Muir Woods! The bridge is such an amazing view, too, while you are at it. I couldn't really believe that it was that huge until I got under its arches and saw the sides where people can walk along at (like a sidewalk). Before reaching the road to Muir Woods, we passed through the Robin William Tunnel (also called the Rainbow Tunnel). I didn't know until that moment that there's a tunnel named after the actor. Anyways, during the drive, my cousin informed me that according to her friends, the road to the woods was dizzying and if she feels it is risky, we will just turn back but fortunately, she was able to drive through it and I am so glad (because I told her I really want to see this) because when we got there, she and her kids were pretty amazed and happy about seeing the woods, and breathing the fresh (oh so fresh) air. It did not disappoint. We only took the shortest trail but it was still worth it to see so much nature in one place. And we got to hug the trees and have photos taken in some trees with trunk openings bigger than doors. If I have a chance, I'd go back here, but I'd also want to see the other forests in the National Park list, too.

Next stop was the famous Fisherman's Wharf. Today is Sunday so the place was overly crowded but we had fun taking photos of us with the big Christmas tree (yes, Christmas is in the air even if it's still November). There were a lot of tourists and if I was not careful, I might have lost my family in the crowd. As we were a bit hungry already, my cousin decided that we should eat at Bubba Gumps. It had been a long time since I was in this restaurant so I readily agreed, but the menu was not really familiar to me. I am not sure if it was because I've never been to Bubba Gumps lately, or if the menu is really entirely different. I don't even remember if they have pasta in the Philippine menu. Anyways, as is usual in the countries I've been to, the serving was really huge and the atmosphere at that huge place was a bit overwhelming for me - it was a bit crowded and of course, noisy. Well, at least we got seated in a nice table with a nice view of the ocean, and the service was good.

Walking around this tourist area, my niece decided to go to this shop and what caught my attention was this coin guide for foreigners. I could really have a great use for this so I took a picture. It really confuses me that the size of an American coin is not proportional to its value. For example, their 5c is bigger than the 10c, and they are both silver. Oh well. That's one American thing I've got to get used to.

When I thought the day is finally ending, my cousin took us to Metreon to watch the Fantastic Beasts movie. This is my second one on 3D because before I left for the US, my friend and I watched it (I guess I was pretty advanced compared to my family here in this case). This is one whole new experience to me too, because there were only a few tickets and since my cousin wanted to really watch it, we just took what was available - the front row seats. So there we were, almost lying on the chair gazing up, watching the 3D movie. It was a whole new perspective, I tell you that. 

So in totality, this day was really great. We did a lot of things and saw a lot of things and most importantly, we got to bond as a family.

Thank you, Lord, for family.