Flashback. US trip in 2010.
Attending Jamie and Trenton's wedding at Hyatt Hotel, Honolulu.
All together for the first time in over 30 years.
Reunion of the family at Atlantis Seafood and Steak, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Celebrating my parents 80th birthday party at Tina's house at Rolling Hills.
Then, in November 2011, MAA, the company I worked for was taken over by Zurich Insurance. The new company was eager to integrate us into the new work system. So in November, they sent a team of Senior Management to Farmers Insurance in California for a study trip. We were housed at Sheraton Hotel at Agoura Hills, about 30 miles from downtown LA. We attended Farmers University for a week and thereafter, I took another week off to spend Thanksgiving with my siblings at Rolling Hills.
At the University of Farmers in November 2011.
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Celebrating Thanksgiving with siblings, nieces and nephew at Rolling Hills.
This year's trip to the US was decided half a year ahead. Sherman had been accepted to San Francisco State University at the end of August, 2012. He had flew there on his own in July to stay with Tina at Rolling Hills for a month to help him adjust. It's easy as he has his uncles, aunties, nieces and his cousins for company. They had sent him to San Francisco at end of August to start the semester. I thought it was a good idea to bring the whole family over to the States during the year end to spend our holidays together. And so on 18.12.12, we checked into KL Hilton at Sentral as I had two complimentary rooms there, courtesy of being a Hilton Club member. It was also a convenient arrangement as we could just checked all our baggage at KL Sentral Station and take the train to KLIA. It was really a hassle free arrangement.
The train ride to KLIA.
at KLIA.
The flight took 6 hours to reach Narita, and after a 2 hours layover, the second leg to LAX took another 9 hours. The flight landed ahead of time, and surprisingly, the queue at the immigration wasn't as long as it always had been. The process at the airport was surprisingly quick, we took only 15 minutes queue at the immigration, collect our luggage from the carousel in 10 minutes, and took another 15 minutes to clear customs. We actually had to wait for a good half hour before Joanne and Tina showed up at the airport to fetch us. Upon arrival at Rolling Hills, Tina wasted no time and took all of us shopping. We stopped by Kohl, then Ross and made some purchases as these two mall sells clothes and other things at prices much lower than back home, even after conversion! At night, we had dinner at Seafood Pot, a favourite chinese restaurant frequented by all my siblings in LA.
at Kohls, our first stop upon arrival.
Dinner at Seafood Pot.
Valen couldn't resist taking a ride home in uncle Kang Cheng's sports car.
Budget Car Rental at Torrance.
I drove the car and headed north towards San Francisco intending to use Interstate 5. The problem with using GPS is it had the knack of taking you away from your intended route. Half an hour into driving, it just took me into Highway 101, the route I had planned to use on my return from SF. To detour would take us one big loop, so I decided to continue nortwards on 101. That changes my plan and we stopped by Camarillo Outlet Center as Yvonne had wanted to buy some handbags for her friends.
Callum and Valen outside the Coach Outlet at Camarillo.
As it was almost midday, we took lunch at the eatery at the Outlet food court. We visited 2 outlets, Coach and Nike. Yvonne had purchased some handbags and after about 2 hours, we continue our journey. We are terribly late and were supposed to meet up with Ting Keat and family at San Francisco for dinner. To catch up with lost time, I drove a bit faster at about 80mph and was promptly stopped by the highway patrol just 30 minutes after Camarillo. There was no ticket being issued, but a caution by the police officer to stick to the highway limit of 65mph. I cannot afford to be pulled up again and was law abiding thereafter and travelling at 65. Ever other car on the road seems to be overtaking me from then on. I was a bit tired and Yvonne took over the wheel for a good part of the journey.
Yvonne taking over the wheel from me.
She drove a good part until it gets dark.
It was dark going into Salinas and I took over the wheels back from Yvonne who had drove for at least 3 hours. I had to call Kiat and inform him to go ahead with his dinner without us as we would not be able to reach SF in time to join them. It was another 2 hours or so before we reach San Francisco and we head straight for San Francisco State University to meet up with Sherman. It was already eightish when we arrive SFSU. We were all glad to see Sherman, but he looked so hagard with his unkempt hair and beard. He had not cut his hair since arrival 5 months earlier and had not shaved when his electric shaver battery ran out!
A mother's love. Meeting Sherman at the varsity campus.
Brothers do missed each other too.
Since it was late, Sherman suggested we eat at his campus food outlet as he had his meal vouchers that he would not be using for the semester break. It was a good idea as we could sample what he had been eating all this while. There are a few eatery, but only one is open, and the food is certainly good. The other outlets too looks good and they even have a Subway right in the campus that opens 24/7.
Waiting for the pizza to be ready at the campus eatery.
Clean and neat food outlet at SFSU.
We then drove to Ocean Park Motel 2 miles away. This is the very first motel in San Francisco and is run by a couple who had been operating here all their life. I had chosen this place for the rich history and is charmed by this quaint place. We were not dissapointed when we checked to have a good rest. The boys are happy to have Sherman sleeping over with them.
At the motel car park. Free parking is rare in San Francisco, even at the hotels you stay. But it's free here.
Inside the courtyard of the motel.
Two years ago, I had drove the Lombard Street and was eager to show my family the world's longest crooked street, which was a mere 500 meters in length probably. But for marketing ploy, it was made world famous by that claim and remains a tourist must drive and see when you are at SF.
Lombard Street, touted as the world's longest crooked street !
After that, it started drizzling on and off when we drove towards Chinatown area. We had parked our car at a car parking complex at Columbus Street. This street diagonally cuts across the old San Francisco shophouses and is adjacent to Chinatown. It was drizzling all the time as we walk around taking in the sights and noise on the streets of San Francisco. As we walk over the chinese side, we chance upon a hair saloon and promptly send Sherman in for a hair trim and shave.
It drizzles again as we were walking around.
Mona Lisa Hair Saloon.
Sherman having his hair cut.
A much cleaner cut Sherman after the hair trim and shave. Cost, USD12 including gratuity.
We had to soak in the scenery of the old San Francisco streets and buildings, rain or shine. It would be lovely to be able to sip a cup of coffee alfrresco at one of the old outlets and watch the world go by, but it was drizzling and we did not have too much time. But the city did not dissappoint, whatever little we saw.
Sights along the streets of San Francisco.
Callum enjoying himself.
After about 2 hours, we drove back to to SFSU to pick up Sherman's luggage. He is following us back to LA to stay out the semester at Rolling Hills. We still have some sightseeing to do. Near the campus is the Golden Gate bridge. I wanted my family see that fame bridge and the seaside town of Sausalito. After packing all the luggages into the car, we drove over the Golden Gate bridge to the other end into Marin County. Just a mile ahead on the right is the seaside town of Sausalito. As it was drizzling, we did not stop as we drove slowly pass the seaside town. I had to drive into the hillside residential area on the right to get me back to the highway, cross over and up the hill for a vantage view of the bridge. But driving the hillside at Sausalito can be a hair raising experience for first timer like me. The roads can slope to almost 45 degree with a sharp turn down the other slope. You feel like the car will topple over at the turn !
Back to SFSU. Background is the Humanity Faculty.
Sherman packing his stuff into the trunk.
Seaside town of Sausalito.
Sherman and Callum in a rare pose together
Enjoying the strong wing up here.
Valen is well padded up to protect from the cold.
At about 3.30pm, we were on our way to Monterey. Despite this being a non rush hour, the traffic was heavy all the way to San Jose. By the time we reached Monterey it was pitch dark at 8.00pm. It's winter time and by 5.00pm, it is already dark. I had booked Super 8 motel, and apparently, there are two Super 8. I had gone to the wrong one first before getting it right on the second one. The room is big with 2 king size bed and a roll out sofa. It was recently refurbished but had a whiff of incense smell. This motel chain is owned by the Patail family.
That evening, the boys wanted to stay in the room and latch on to their computer. Yvonne and I including Valen, we went out to check out the mall opposite the motel. Monterey is a favourite holiday getaway town for quite a number of celebraties. In this small town, we're surprised to see a large shopping mall, the
Del Monte Shopping Mall. Not just that, it's christmas season and for the entire week, the mall never close. It stays open 24/7. Yvonne and I made some purchases, branded stuff at price lower than Malaysia, after conversion ! Our plan for the next day was to drive the "17 miles" drive first thing in the morning, then check out and drive back to LA via the Big Sur. The "17 Miles Drive" is a popular private real estate located on scenic coast along the 17 mile stretch. One of the most famous property is the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Course which is located on that stretch.
Nice holiday resorts at Monterey.
Boutique Hotel at Monterey coast.
Holiday homes at Monterey
Coast of Monterey
Nice family photo
Rugged coastline.
at the 17th Mile Drive
Windswept trees.
The Sports Gallery of Pebble Beach.
Outside the sports gallery
Pebble Beach Golf Links practice green
The famous pebble beach.
At the first Tee
at the clubhouse.
Inside the Sports gallery.
By the time we got of Monterey, it was about 11.00am. Nevertheless, we head straight towards Highway 1 which is the coastal highway, intending to have a leisurely drive along the Big Sur with stops to view the California coast. Even though I know the drive is along the mountainous region, I had underestimated the timing. You can only drive about 30 to 40 mph as it is narrow, winding and hilly. Moreover, the light rain had made the road wet all the way.
The hilly coastal road is winding and also wet because of the rain.
Our first scenic stop was at the Bixby bridge. The bridge has shortened the route by dramatically linking two hills by bridging over the deep valley. We had stopped to gaze at the engineering feat and scenic coastal drop into the ocean despite the light shower.
We continued our journeyafter about 15 minutes stop. After half an hour drive along the mountain road, there were some rocks lying on the winding road. At the turn from one of the bend, I had saw a couple of small rocks right on my path. You cannot swerve at the bend on the wet road, and ran over it. Immediately, I can feel the back tyre had gone flat. Just 30 meters ahead, there is some space by the road side. I had pulled over there to check and true enough, the tyre had burst after hitting the rock and was flat. Despite the shower, I wasted no time to get the luggage from the boots to the front seat. Sherman and Callum had to vacate the seats for the luggage and was helping me to get the spare tyre out from the boot. In that wet condition, I managed to changed the spare tyre which had a smaller radius. Within 40 mins or so, we were moving again, but I have to be extra careful as the the smaller spare tyre had created an imbalance. The nearest stop was at Lucia Lodge which is a good 100 miles ahead. About an hour and half, we reached Lucia Lodge and tried to look for a tyre shop. The lady owner of Lucia Lodged informed me the nearest garage is possibly at Cambria, a town about another 80 miles away. She had advised me to contact the car rental company instead. Unfortunately, this is a remote part of the states, there are no line lines no cell phone lines until Cambria. Since it was already 1.00pm, we had lunch at Lucia Lodge. The fish and chip was really good, but very pricey. It cost us USD 21.00 per set , for a "kampung" area.
Lucia Lodge. Our car is on the left.
Simple beauty.
Karyn catching up with the boys.
Tina's house on the right.
Stephen's house on the left.
Callum with his usual antic.
Downtown LA.
Our destination is on the left signboard.
Traffic at Hollywood.
First souvenir shop.
Callum at the boulevard
The boys at the upper open deck where Howie shoot a number of "Mobbed" series here.
Yes, a lot of inspiring rags to riches and fame stories here.
Sherman at the Dolby Theatre, which was the Kodak Theatre during the American Idol weekly.
The white patch behind at the hills is the fame Hollywood sign.
Don't know why there is a bed/sofa here in the open.
The words on the floor are the success stories of real life actors of Hollywood.
Valen is just happy to be here.
Stephen with the boys.
He died before the boys were born, but they know him.
The walk of fame is ever expanding at both side of the walkway.
Familiar cafe the world over, Hard Rock cafe at Hollywood.
But the cafe we went to is popular only in America.
It's called The Hooters Bar and Cafe. That's where we went for a bite.
Hooters is fame for their waitress, friendly and pretty. That's one of the calender Hootie girls.
Sherman and Valen having a pose with a Hooters waitress.
Callum must have his too.
After a couple of hours, left Hollywood and head towards Venice Beach. Venice Beach is always a hive of activities at the walks where street performers just go about doing their thing for all who care to see. It has drawn a lot of tourist to that area over the years. By the time we reach there, it was almost 5.00 pm and at this time of the year, it gets dark. Most of the "street performers have already left and the shops were closing fast for the day. We strolled around for a little while before we too head back for home.
At Venice Beach.
At 5.00 pm, it starts getting dark.
Valen in front of the outdoor gym. The body builders have already left the gym at this hour.
Shops are closing for the day.
This one remains open.
The popcorn sold at this stall is crispy and good.
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This year's trip to the US was decided half a year ahead. Sherman had been accepted to San Francisco State University at the end of August, 2012. He had flew there on his own in July to stay with Tina at Rolling Hills for a month to help him adjust. It's easy as he has his uncles, aunties, nieces and his cousins for company. They had sent him to San Francisco at end of August to start the semester. I thought it was a good idea to bring the whole family over to the States during the year end to spend our holidays together. And so on 18.12.12, we checked into KL Hilton at Sentral as I had two complimentary rooms there, courtesy of being a Hilton Club member. It was also a convenient arrangement as we could just checked all our baggage at KL Sentral Station and take the train to KLIA. It was really a hassle free arrangement.
19.12.12 Day 1 Long long flight.
The next morning, after our breakfast at the Hotel, we the checked in at KL Sentral station, and took the 28 minutes train ride to KLIA. 
The flight took 6 hours to reach Narita, and after a 2 hours layover, the second leg to LAX took another 9 hours. The flight landed ahead of time, and surprisingly, the queue at the immigration wasn't as long as it always had been. The process at the airport was surprisingly quick, we took only 15 minutes queue at the immigration, collect our luggage from the carousel in 10 minutes, and took another 15 minutes to clear customs. We actually had to wait for a good half hour before Joanne and Tina showed up at the airport to fetch us. Upon arrival at Rolling Hills, Tina wasted no time and took all of us shopping. We stopped by Kohl, then Ross and made some purchases as these two mall sells clothes and other things at prices much lower than back home, even after conversion! At night, we had dinner at Seafood Pot, a favourite chinese restaurant frequented by all my siblings in LA.
20.12.12 Day 2 Road trip to San francisco
The next morning, Stephen drove us to Budget Car Rental at Torrance where I had made reservation for a Camry. I had added the insurance cover for the car at the last minute, good thing I did.
I drove the car and headed north towards San Francisco intending to use Interstate 5. The problem with using GPS is it had the knack of taking you away from your intended route. Half an hour into driving, it just took me into Highway 101, the route I had planned to use on my return from SF. To detour would take us one big loop, so I decided to continue nortwards on 101. That changes my plan and we stopped by Camarillo Outlet Center as Yvonne had wanted to buy some handbags for her friends.
As it was almost midday, we took lunch at the eatery at the Outlet food court. We visited 2 outlets, Coach and Nike. Yvonne had purchased some handbags and after about 2 hours, we continue our journey. We are terribly late and were supposed to meet up with Ting Keat and family at San Francisco for dinner. To catch up with lost time, I drove a bit faster at about 80mph and was promptly stopped by the highway patrol just 30 minutes after Camarillo. There was no ticket being issued, but a caution by the police officer to stick to the highway limit of 65mph. I cannot afford to be pulled up again and was law abiding thereafter and travelling at 65. Ever other car on the road seems to be overtaking me from then on. I was a bit tired and Yvonne took over the wheel for a good part of the journey.
It was dark going into Salinas and I took over the wheels back from Yvonne who had drove for at least 3 hours. I had to call Kiat and inform him to go ahead with his dinner without us as we would not be able to reach SF in time to join them. It was another 2 hours or so before we reach San Francisco and we head straight for San Francisco State University to meet up with Sherman. It was already eightish when we arrive SFSU. We were all glad to see Sherman, but he looked so hagard with his unkempt hair and beard. He had not cut his hair since arrival 5 months earlier and had not shaved when his electric shaver battery ran out!
Since it was late, Sherman suggested we eat at his campus food outlet as he had his meal vouchers that he would not be using for the semester break. It was a good idea as we could sample what he had been eating all this while. There are a few eatery, but only one is open, and the food is certainly good. The other outlets too looks good and they even have a Subway right in the campus that opens 24/7.
We then drove to Ocean Park Motel 2 miles away. This is the very first motel in San Francisco and is run by a couple who had been operating here all their life. I had chosen this place for the rich history and is charmed by this quaint place. We were not dissapointed when we checked to have a good rest. The boys are happy to have Sherman sleeping over with them.
21.12.12 Day 3 The end of the world today !
The next morning, we checked out and have breakfast at a local cafe called Bashfull Bull. It was just two blocks away and is recomended by Mark, the motel owner. This eatery is operated by a local chinese family but serving American breakfast, huge sausage, hash brown, eggs, toast etc, all big portion, including the big cup of bottomless coffee. After the hearty meal, we headed straight towards bar area for some city tour.Two years ago, I had drove the Lombard Street and was eager to show my family the world's longest crooked street, which was a mere 500 meters in length probably. But for marketing ploy, it was made world famous by that claim and remains a tourist must drive and see when you are at SF.
After that, it started drizzling on and off when we drove towards Chinatown area. We had parked our car at a car parking complex at Columbus Street. This street diagonally cuts across the old San Francisco shophouses and is adjacent to Chinatown. It was drizzling all the time as we walk around taking in the sights and noise on the streets of San Francisco. As we walk over the chinese side, we chance upon a hair saloon and promptly send Sherman in for a hair trim and shave.
We had to soak in the scenery of the old San Francisco streets and buildings, rain or shine. It would be lovely to be able to sip a cup of coffee alfrresco at one of the old outlets and watch the world go by, but it was drizzling and we did not have too much time. But the city did not dissappoint, whatever little we saw.
Sights along the streets of San Francisco.
After about 2 hours, we drove back to to SFSU to pick up Sherman's luggage. He is following us back to LA to stay out the semester at Rolling Hills. We still have some sightseeing to do. Near the campus is the Golden Gate bridge. I wanted my family see that fame bridge and the seaside town of Sausalito. After packing all the luggages into the car, we drove over the Golden Gate bridge to the other end into Marin County. Just a mile ahead on the right is the seaside town of Sausalito. As it was drizzling, we did not stop as we drove slowly pass the seaside town. I had to drive into the hillside residential area on the right to get me back to the highway, cross over and up the hill for a vantage view of the bridge. But driving the hillside at Sausalito can be a hair raising experience for first timer like me. The roads can slope to almost 45 degree with a sharp turn down the other slope. You feel like the car will topple over at the turn !
At about 3.30pm, we were on our way to Monterey. Despite this being a non rush hour, the traffic was heavy all the way to San Jose. By the time we reached Monterey it was pitch dark at 8.00pm. It's winter time and by 5.00pm, it is already dark. I had booked Super 8 motel, and apparently, there are two Super 8. I had gone to the wrong one first before getting it right on the second one. The room is big with 2 king size bed and a roll out sofa. It was recently refurbished but had a whiff of incense smell. This motel chain is owned by the Patail family.
That evening, the boys wanted to stay in the room and latch on to their computer. Yvonne and I including Valen, we went out to check out the mall opposite the motel. Monterey is a favourite holiday getaway town for quite a number of celebraties. In this small town, we're surprised to see a large shopping mall, the
Del Monte Shopping Mall. Not just that, it's christmas season and for the entire week, the mall never close. It stays open 24/7. Yvonne and I made some purchases, branded stuff at price lower than Malaysia, after conversion ! Our plan for the next day was to drive the "17 miles" drive first thing in the morning, then check out and drive back to LA via the Big Sur. The "17 Miles Drive" is a popular private real estate located on scenic coast along the 17 mile stretch. One of the most famous property is the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Course which is located on that stretch.
22.12.12 Day 4 Monterey and the 17 Miles drive.
We woke up early the next morning, but the rain put paid to our plan. We had breakfast at the motel and wait out the rain. After an hour, we decided to check out straight and do our leisurely drive while heading south. The shops along the famous Cannery Row had not even open when we were there. We took some photographs and were soon driving the the coastal area admiring the holiday homes while heading towards The 17 Mile drive. At the drive, I had to stop at the Pebble Beach Sports gallery to buy some souvenirs for my golfing colleagues. Because of it's iconic status the world over, arguably one of the best golf course in the world, everything is expensive, golf balls, markers, caps, T shirts, anything that bears the name Pebble Beach! Still had to fork out some money for those small items.
Cute car.
At The Cannery Row
Coast of Monterey
By the time we got of Monterey, it was about 11.00am. Nevertheless, we head straight towards Highway 1 which is the coastal highway, intending to have a leisurely drive along the Big Sur with stops to view the California coast. Even though I know the drive is along the mountainous region, I had underestimated the timing. You can only drive about 30 to 40 mph as it is narrow, winding and hilly. Moreover, the light rain had made the road wet all the way.
Our first scenic stop was at the Bixby bridge. The bridge has shortened the route by dramatically linking two hills by bridging over the deep valley. We had stopped to gaze at the engineering feat and scenic coastal drop into the ocean despite the light shower.
The Bixby bridge that bridge the gap and create a shorter route.
The mountains dramatrically drops into the ocean.
The spare tyre is smaller and created an imbalance.
Lucia Lodge is actually another scenec spot. We took smoe photos there and were soon on our way at about 2.00pm.
Beautiful view from Lucia Lodge.
The road towards Cambria slowly becomes less mountainous. It is flatter and straighter progressively. We passed by San Simeon and could see the fame Hearst Castle nestled by the hillside. After more than an hour, I reached Cambria and pulled up at a gasoline station.
The road is straighter and flatter as we neared Cambria.
At the Cambria Gas Station. It's here I contacted the car rental company.
After filling up the tank, I made a call to Budget Car Rental and was attended to very profesionally by the customer service. They had sympathise with my situation, and despite this being a Saturday where most shops close early for Christmas, she managed to locate a car rental location that stays open until 9.00pm. She had made arrangements for me to change my car at Budget Car Rental at Goleta Airport, 6 miles from Santa Barbara. That is another couple of hours drive heading south. We were grateful for that. It was almost 5.00pm and getting dark by the time we left Cambria. We had to skip our plan to stop by Solvang, a quaint Dutch town tucked away in Santa Ynez Valley, Central California. At about 7.00pm, we reach Goleta Airport and after half an hour queue and paper work, we were given a KIA Optima K5 in exchange for the Camry. By the time we reach Rolling Hill, it was 9.00pm. We had stopped by In and Out fast food outlet for our dinner on the way home. Are we glad to be home finally.
23.12.12 Day 5 Hollywood and Venice Beach.
The next morning, Stephen had planed to take the boys to downtown LA. Jo had prepared breakfast with Lilian, Tina and Karyn dropping by to catch up with everyone. It was nice and warm with everyone staying so near one another and having meals together.
Breakfast prepared by Jo with Tina and Lilian dropping by to join in.
Very soon, we were on our way out. I had to return the car at Budget car rental at Torrance. Yvonne had plans with Lilian and Tina to go out shopping for the day. Stephen with the boys and I headed towards downtown LA. Our destination, Hollywood boulevard. It is the place where Callum and Valen had seen so much on TV, particularly the Mobbed series which was mostly shot at the boulevard. It is also the place where Hollywood superstars would gather for any glittering events. This is one place where you would want to set foot on if you are in LA, particularly the walk of fame and to see that Hollywood letters on top of the faraway hill at the back of the boulevard.
We're all ready for another day out, the womenfolk shopping, the boys downtown.
On the way out, we dropped by KC's workplace at Torrance to say hello to him.
at Radio Shack, KC's workplace.
He was pleasantly surprised to see us.
arrival of the "stars" at Hollywood boulevard.
Who else can it be.
Let's get to the other side.
After a couple of hours, left Hollywood and head towards Venice Beach. Venice Beach is always a hive of activities at the walks where street performers just go about doing their thing for all who care to see. It has drawn a lot of tourist to that area over the years. By the time we reach there, it was almost 5.00 pm and at this time of the year, it gets dark. Most of the "street performers have already left and the shops were closing fast for the day. We strolled around for a little while before we too head back for home.
No we were not hungry for the pizza.
It is this dark at 5.30 pm when we left for home.
23.12.12 watching christmas lighting at Candy Lane, Calle Mayor residential area.
The residence of Calle Mayor have been decorating their homes during christmas season every year. It literally turn the whole neighbourhood into a fairyland by night. It is just at the next residential area from Rolling Hills and it was decided after dinner, we would go over there and enjoy the lighting. What we saw did not dissappoint, the residence did not hold back in the lighting decoration. It lighting flowed from their house onto the road and into all the streets at the neighbourhood. Some residence would warm themselves by the fireside within their compound eating and drinking and just be merry. The roads were filled with cars who came from elsewhere to marvel and enjoy this lighting wonderland.
24.12.12 Day 6. Spending Christmas eve at Disneyland.
Our plan for Christmas Eve was to spend the entire day at Disneyland. Disneyland is big and has so much entertainment that to cover most of it would take a minimum of 12 hours. It billed itself as the happiest place on earth. If you are in a happy environment, you will not feel the time passes you by. Jo had earlier helped us purchased 5 tickets online at 85 USD each and had kindly let me drive her SUV downtown to Disneyland. After breakfast at home, again prepared by Jo, we drove off and arrive relatively at 8.45 am. We had parked our car at the designated parking lot and took the shuttle over to Disneyland. There were already small crowds lining up at the entrance to go in. In less than 10 minutes, we were already inside ready to take in all the rides. Sherman had been there a few months earlier with Jo and Jamie, and he already figured what rides we should enjoy first before the crowds start coming in. But knowing how to use the fast pass really save us a lot of queuing time. Because of that, we aerer able to cover so many rides, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones, Thunder Mountain etc before moving to the lesser Peter pan flight, Haunted mansion and many many more.
25.5.12 Day 7 Christmas at Rolling Hills.
It is already a week since we arrived and we looked forward to having our first christmas celebration among family members at home. Christmas celebration has always been the tradition with the Schills, and each year, all my siblings and their family in US would partake in the celebration at Schills home at RPV. This continue even when the Schills are away, and with Janice being base in Morocco the Schills decided to spend their christmas holidays in nearby Spain. The christmas celebration continues in US at Stephen's house this year. An so, on Christmas day morning, the women folks were busy with the food preparation, the guys were literally loafing around waiting to eat. All the presents were stacked below the christmas tree. Shortly, lunch was served and we had great traditional christmas fare on the table. Wines were served and the present exchange was with a twist. Everybody had a christmas gift from everyone and also a goofy one for good fun. It was good that my cousin Teng Kiat and his family too came over to the states for the holidays at the same time. The gift exchange took a almost about 2 hours! Everyone have a lot of fun.
Christmas Gift Exchanges.
Would you believe it, by the time the party is over it was already dark. Yes, it gets dark at 5.00pm during winter. This brings another happy day to an end when we start winding down to family chats around the fireplace.
26.12.12 Day 8 Boxing Day. Off to Vegas.
The last place in my itinerary was to take the family to Las Vegas. I had earlier booked the Bally's hotel and made the car reservation. And so, in the morning of boxing day, after breakfast at home, Stephen drove me down to Torrance to collect my car from Budget Rental office. They had given me a Kia Optima K5 as there were no more Camry at that rental office. Kiat had came over from Tina's house to bade us farewell as he would be flying back home in the next two days. I've set my GPS to Calico as I intend to bring my family to see the real cowboy town. It's located almost midway from LA to Vegas and would be an ideal stopover. However, as we move along, I realised that the direction that we headed for is towards north instead of east. While checking the GPS again, I discovered that there were quite a number of Calico in the states, and they were taking me to the Calico in California. The one that I had intended to go to is Calico at Nevada state. By the time, I had gone too far north to turn back and continue towards Bakersfield and from there head east to Bastow. That route had cost us at least a couple of hours extra. Between Bakersfield and Bastow it's country road, so I ask Sherman to take over the wheels for a while as I wanted him to have a feel of driving with left hand drive and on the right side of the road. Shortly after, it began to rain heavy. About half hour, Sherman didn't feel comfortable driving in the rain and I took over the wheel again. This is the first time I'm using this route to Vegas and the vista here is certainly different. Around Bakersfield, the region is mountainous with farmland on both sides but once you near Mojave, it's all desert. From the highway, you could see aircrafts at the military camp and jets flying overhead.
Soon we were entering Bastow interchange and to our horror, we could see long line of cars at the highway heading towards Vegas. At certain stretch, it was bumper to bumper before it ease off and then bumper to bumper again. It's christmas holidays and looks like everybody is going towards the same destination.
It took us about three hours before we reach Primm, a town just before Vegas. We had to stop for our dinner break as it was already about 7.30pm. We were looking for Denny's but couldn't find it and had to settle for KFC. After almost an hour stop, we were on the road again and it was another hour before we were right at our hotel, The Bally's Hotel. I was so glad to hand the car over to the valet and head towards the reception. I had indicated during booking I wanted connecting room. They did not have it on the Deluxe rooms but gave me a free upgrade to Superior rooms where there are connecting rooms available. Boy, are we glad to be finally getting into the hotel room for a warm shower and a good rest.
After an hour, we send the boys back to their rooms. Yvonne and I went to have supper at a Vietnamese restaurant at the Bally's Hotel before we called it a night. It had been another long day and we are glad to hit the sack finally.
27.12.12 Day 9 Hoover Dam.
When I woke up in the morning, it was already 8.00am. The boys were still sleeping. After a good shower, and having waited for all to washed up and getting ready, we went down to the hotel restaurant to have our buffet breakfast. It was good solid american breakfast, big portion and very filling. After an hour, we went out to the valet stand to get our car. Our destination this morning was to visit the Hoover dam. It is just a 40 minutes drive. As I understand it, the construction of Hoover Dam during the depression in the 30's was to harness the mighty Colorado River to irrigate the low lying areas and in the process supply electricity to California, Nevada and Arizona. During the construction years, it had fueled the growth of Las Vegas which had legalised gambling when workers would frequent Vegas for it's entertainment and obviously gambling. This is an important dam that you had see if you come to Vegas. For me, this third trip was just to bring the family for them to see. The water at the dam had over the years receded to a dangerously low level.
We left the Dam after an hour and half there and head back towards Vegas. On the way in, we stop by the factory outlet at the north end of the strip. The outlets here have almost every branded stuff that you are looking for. I got myself two pairs of Florsheim for USD 150.00 and a golf shoe for USD55.00 It would have cost a 1000 ringgit back home for all three. Valen could not decide what he wants and finally I got him a Nike casual for USD 30.00. Callum as usual do not want anything. Yvonne had already "sapu" all the "Coachie" at Camarillo. After some two to three hours there, we headed back to Bally's Hotel for a rest.
At about 4.00pm, we went out and walk all the hotels along the Strip. I don't think you can see so many humongous hotels all outrageous in design and decor within that 4 mile stretch. And the names all sound so familiar, MGM, Bellagio, Wynns, Planet Hollywood, Venetian, Stratosphere, Excallibur, Luxor, Aria, Treasure Island, Ceasar's Palace, Mirage, Monte Carlo, Paris Las Vegas etc.. We walked them all !
We walked till dusk and then looked around for a place to eat. We had never tried Bubba Gump at home and thought should try it out here. Well, the place is a family restaurant popular for it's mostly shrimp and other seafood. They had cool drinks with fancy glass and you could take it home with you. We ordered their shrimper net catch and scampi and seafood feast with mango quenchers and lemonade. They had a pleasant way of surprising the customers. Half through our meal, during one of their periodical "everything okay?" check, the serving waitress says I'll give you guys another free free seafood feast ! Boy, we love that.
After dinner, we drove over to downtown Vegas. This is where it all began, before Vegas expanded towards the strip area with huge outlandish hotels. I was here the last 2 trips and had wanted to bring my family to the Fremont Street where all the hotels of the old resembling the old western era such as the Golden Nugget. Binion, Golden Goose etc converged on that one street. The street is roofed with computerised images and sound like a huge computer monitor over your head which the called it The Fremont Experience. Every 15 minutes, on the ceiling roof, a popular song would be played with images as you would seen on TV. One of the all time favourite song which was played when we were there was The American Pie. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and so were the children.
The Golden Nugget has a cowboy and western feel.
After a couple of hours there, we drove straight back to our hotel at the strip. Another eventful day is over and by the time we hit the sack, it was already past midnight.
28.12.12. Day 10. driving back to LA.
We woke up from a very good sleep and checked out of Bally's Hotel by 9.00am. After seeing the number of cars coming in to Vegas on the day of arrival, we were determine to avoid the traffic crawl and left the strip by 9.30 am. The plan was to have breakfast at Denny's at Primm Valley, a small town just outside Vegas. When we arrive at Primm valley half an hour later, we could not locate Denny and decided to settle for MacDonald. It was cold, and we were glad to be indoors. After breakfast, we had to have a look at the factory outlet store there. After slightly more than an hour there, I came out with 2 sunglasses, 2 Florsheim, 2 pullovers. They were just too cheap to resist.
The road trip back was long, but smooth. It was about 11.00 am when we left and we did not feel like stopping anymore aside from taking periodical "pee breaks". So we passed Bastow, another popular Factory Outlet place, Calico, an old silver mining town where Buffalo Bill used to reside, Bakersfield that boast of the world's longest thermometer. Along the way, you could see strange names of towns, places or roads like Zzyzz Road, Ghost Town, Death Valley.
As we near LA at about 4.00 pm, we decided to have a break and the nearest food outlet we found was KFC. It wasn't exactly finger licking good, but certainly gives us a good rest.
We were at Torrance, another 15 minutes to Rolling Hills when we decided to surprise "uncle" Kang Cheng by dropping by at his shop. and yes, he was a little surprised to see us there as he was about to leave office as well. Valen decided to go back with KC as he just loved his Fairlady.
Valen just love Uncle KC's car.
At Radio Shach, where KC worked.
By the time we reached Rolling Hills, it was about 7.00 pm. It was good to be home among families again and having a good home cooked meal together. It had been another long day, but still we stayed up till almost midnight before we retire to bed.
29.12.12. Day 11. Whale watching plan foiled by bad weather.
It was a day when we had planned to go out to sea for some whale watching. Lilian had already booked the boat that was to take us out from Redondo Beach. We worked up early, had our breakfast and was on the way when it rained. A few calls back and forth and we were told that whale watching for the day had to be called off for safety reasons. We tried a few other operators, and they all had the same answer. It was just too bad as watching the whale breaching would have been an awesome sight, something you would never forget. As it was early and we are already out, we went to Del Amo Mall at Torramce. It wasn't opened yet, but we waited another half hour for it to do so. What an excuse to be shopping again.
While at the mall, Tina had arranged with TC to meet up at Kuma Seafood Buffet for lunch. This is a Japanese outlet which is popular with Asians. The spread was quite good. After lunch, TC took the kids home while I join the lady folks at the Mitsuwa Market Place.
Today being the last day, we had to spend some time packing all the stuff that we had bought since we arrive 10 days ago. And we had planned to have our farewell dinner together at a Vietnamese restaurant in another neighborhood.
After dinner, we adjourned to a place called Honey Boba. This is our local equivalent of ChaTime. They served essentially the same kind of chemically sweetened drinks with pearl jelly. It is a teenagers joint.
After that we went back to the cosy homes at Rolling Hills and spend some family time together until the wee hours.
Kid's toy's, and big boy's toy.
30.12.12. Day 12. Leaving with good memories.
This being a weekend and our final day here, everyone was around to bid us a good trip home. Only KC had to work, but we had a good early breakfast at home. We had been here for 12 days and till now have not eaten at Denny's, and decided to stop by there on the way to the airport. TC together with Kelly and Karyn too joined us there. At last, Callum and Valen were eating the all american popular food at Denny's that they heard a lot about.
After Denny's, TC, Stephen, Jo and Lilian came with us to the airport to see us off. Tina went back with the girls. At the airport we check in our luggages and had a chat for a while before we bade everyone farewell.
Our flight took off in time at noon LA time on 30.12.12. Due to time difference, by the time we landed at Narita for half an hour, it was already New Year's eve even though we were on the plane for 10 hours. When we arrive at KLIA, it was already 1.1.13. So you can say, we left LA last year and arrive KL this year. It was still morning when we arrive home, and being a New Year's Day, it was a holiday. After unloading all our heavy stuff at home, had a good shower, the boys and I could not wait but to go over to our favourite neighbourhood hawker stall at Matahari Coffee Shop. Most of the stalls were closed that day, but we savoured our Char Koay Teow. That's what we missed the last two weeks.
Posted by TKH.
