Whenever things in life are stressful I want to escape somewhere. My next trip was suppose to be U2 related but dates for the third leg of the tour probably wont be released until sometime next year. I don't know if I can wait that long, argh! I wanna go somewhere, NOW.
This is a list of places I want to go:
Tokyo, Japan - Last time I was in Tokyo was when I was 13. It was a 2 day trip on our way to the US. I have vague memories of the Imperial Palace and other Tokyo sites. I remember buying japanese slippers and the biggest apple I've ever seen. Back then my only interest was Hello Kitty. I always love anything cute so I think Tokyo would be perfect for my cuteness overload. Kyoto and Hiroshima would be nice side trips.
London, England- Last time I was in London was in 1997 for work. Recently I've been thinking of London again. I want to go to the Tower of London maybe because of all the Henry the 8th books and movies I've been reading and watching lately. Visit the London Eye and the British Museum. Another thing, there is a Laduree cafe in London, not to mention Orla Kiely.
Egypt - Pyramids, pyramids, pyramids. But I would only go on a tour. I've heard of not so good stories about Egypt from people who went there independently. Too many touts that won't take no for an answer.
Rio, Brazil - Hopefully U2 performs in Rio rather than Sao Paulo. Love to see the Christ the Redemeer, Sugar Loaf and the beach. Oh not to mention the food:)
Greece- I should have gone in 2007 but changed the plans. I'd like to go to Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and take a cruise.
New Zealand - Explore Auckland and Christchurch. Go on a Lord of the Rings Tour and soak up on the countries beauty.
Rome, Italy - It's been a while since my last visit to Roma. It was 2000 and it was a holy year. Gelato 2000 here I come!
Amsterdam, The Netherlands - It must have been more than 10 years since I last was in Amsterdam. I'd go back to Anne Franks House and go to the tulip farm.
Manila, Philippines - It would be nice to visit again and go to Palawan or maybe even Boracay again.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Remembering.....
A few noted people have passed away the last few months. It seemed like from June to today, the headlines have been all about deaths and funerals.
Here are my personal encounters with some noted men who passed away:
Michael Jackson- I saw Michael in 1984 just after the Pepsi accident. I was in junior high and went to 7-11 to buy a newspaper for my current events homework. I had to report on a notable event that happened the last week. When I walked towards the doors of 7-11, I saw Emmanuel Lewis (Webster) and another person with him, which I actually thought was his mother. They were heading out as I was entering the store. Michael opened the door for me, I was stunned and slowly made my way in. Michael still had bandages on his head but he was smiling at me. Before they left, Michael waved goodbye to the store staff. I couldn't even mumble a thank you to him. 1984 was the height of his popularity. It was one of those so L.A. moments. Oh yeah, Michael loves Slurpees.
Frank McCourt- author of one of my favorite books, Angela's Ashes. My sister and I lined up for the book signing at Brentanos Century City of his follow-up book 'Tis. We arrived early in the morning for the afternoon book signing. We were so early that we were 1 and 2 in line. Mr. McCourt read to the crowd and took questions. When it was time to sign, he made a joke to us about being so early for the book signing. He signed 'Tis and also my copy of Angela's Ashes.
Edward Kennedy- I think it was 1987 and I was at LAX with my friend. We were on the people movers and my friends was saying something to me that sounded like "DEAD KENNEDY". I kept on asking her "Who"? and she kept saying something that sounded "Dead KennedY". So I blurted out "Dead Kennedy?" and as I looked up, Ted Kennedy and his entourage were walking the other way. I think he only heard me mention Kennedy so he gave us a smile. I was so embarrassed but I truly think he only heard me say the "Kennedy" part.
Rest in peace Michael, Frank and Ted.
Here are my personal encounters with some noted men who passed away:
Michael Jackson- I saw Michael in 1984 just after the Pepsi accident. I was in junior high and went to 7-11 to buy a newspaper for my current events homework. I had to report on a notable event that happened the last week. When I walked towards the doors of 7-11, I saw Emmanuel Lewis (Webster) and another person with him, which I actually thought was his mother. They were heading out as I was entering the store. Michael opened the door for me, I was stunned and slowly made my way in. Michael still had bandages on his head but he was smiling at me. Before they left, Michael waved goodbye to the store staff. I couldn't even mumble a thank you to him. 1984 was the height of his popularity. It was one of those so L.A. moments. Oh yeah, Michael loves Slurpees.
Frank McCourt- author of one of my favorite books, Angela's Ashes. My sister and I lined up for the book signing at Brentanos Century City of his follow-up book 'Tis. We arrived early in the morning for the afternoon book signing. We were so early that we were 1 and 2 in line. Mr. McCourt read to the crowd and took questions. When it was time to sign, he made a joke to us about being so early for the book signing. He signed 'Tis and also my copy of Angela's Ashes.
Edward Kennedy- I think it was 1987 and I was at LAX with my friend. We were on the people movers and my friends was saying something to me that sounded like "DEAD KENNEDY". I kept on asking her "Who"? and she kept saying something that sounded "Dead KennedY". So I blurted out "Dead Kennedy?" and as I looked up, Ted Kennedy and his entourage were walking the other way. I think he only heard me mention Kennedy so he gave us a smile. I was so embarrassed but I truly think he only heard me say the "Kennedy" part.
Rest in peace Michael, Frank and Ted.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Eiffel Tower
The first time I saw the Eiffel Tower was back in 1989, my first trip to Europe. Back then I had a bulky camcorder and video taped the Eiffel for 15 minutes, lol. When I showed my friends the footage, they were like okay already it's the Eiffel Tower, can we fast forward.
When I'm in Paris, I always go see the Eiffel especially at night. I love the light show. Although I do not always go up the viewing decks, seeing the Eiffel from Trocadero is enough. I would say that it's my favorite structure.
When I saw this in June at Longchamp, I just had to have it. My only regret was not buying more. Obsessed much....
When I'm in Paris, I always go see the Eiffel especially at night. I love the light show. Although I do not always go up the viewing decks, seeing the Eiffel from Trocadero is enough. I would say that it's my favorite structure.
When I saw this in June at Longchamp, I just had to have it. My only regret was not buying more. Obsessed much....
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Time flew by.....
I suck at updating this blog. I will try to be more up to date. So much has happened since 2007 I will just highlight the major ones:
I got laid off in October 2007. It was not a surprise if you read my previous post. I was given 3 months notice which was nice, I was able to settle my finances and other personal stuff. I was given 6 months severance, which was expected. My co-workers throw a swanky going away party for me with matching going away present.
I went to China in January/February 2008. Joined Friendly Planet's A TASTE OF CHINA tour, for $999 plus $120 in taxes. The trip took us from Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. I absolutely loved it. Seeing the Great Wall was one of my travel dream. The Terracotta soldiers were impressive and I marveled at the modern high rises of Shanghai. I would go again in a heartbeat. China hosted the Olympic Games in August and wowed the world with the best opening ceremonies ever.
I was unemployed for 1 year, well technically 10 months since I did have a temp job at Disney for two months. In October 2008 I got a full time job. It's in the entertainment business and can you believe only 2 blocks away from where I live. I work weekends though which is actually not bad since it's so quiet.
My regret was that I should have travelled more while I was idle. Now that I'm back to basic vacation allotment at work, I'm saving every precious day for my next trip (wherever that may be).
I was obsessed with the US elections and was so proud that the country elected Barack Obama. I never contributed to a presidential campaign before but felt compelled to donate. After 8 years of Dubya, and a recession we needed change.
In June I went to Paris/Lourdes. I needed the break from work and it had been 2 years since I was in Paris (to me that's an eternity). The trip was good except for the accident my sister had in the Paris Metro. She fell down the stairs and hit her head on the railing. Both her legs were so badly bruised. She had a bump on her shin bone the size of a large mango. It was a first for us to visit the ER abroad. They really didn't care about insurance, they just made her pay 44 Euros which her insurance company reinbursed. Now why can't we do that here?
I got laid off in October 2007. It was not a surprise if you read my previous post. I was given 3 months notice which was nice, I was able to settle my finances and other personal stuff. I was given 6 months severance, which was expected. My co-workers throw a swanky going away party for me with matching going away present.
I went to China in January/February 2008. Joined Friendly Planet's A TASTE OF CHINA tour, for $999 plus $120 in taxes. The trip took us from Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. I absolutely loved it. Seeing the Great Wall was one of my travel dream. The Terracotta soldiers were impressive and I marveled at the modern high rises of Shanghai. I would go again in a heartbeat. China hosted the Olympic Games in August and wowed the world with the best opening ceremonies ever.
I was unemployed for 1 year, well technically 10 months since I did have a temp job at Disney for two months. In October 2008 I got a full time job. It's in the entertainment business and can you believe only 2 blocks away from where I live. I work weekends though which is actually not bad since it's so quiet.
My regret was that I should have travelled more while I was idle. Now that I'm back to basic vacation allotment at work, I'm saving every precious day for my next trip (wherever that may be).
I was obsessed with the US elections and was so proud that the country elected Barack Obama. I never contributed to a presidential campaign before but felt compelled to donate. After 8 years of Dubya, and a recession we needed change.
In June I went to Paris/Lourdes. I needed the break from work and it had been 2 years since I was in Paris (to me that's an eternity). The trip was good except for the accident my sister had in the Paris Metro. She fell down the stairs and hit her head on the railing. Both her legs were so badly bruised. She had a bump on her shin bone the size of a large mango. It was a first for us to visit the ER abroad. They really didn't care about insurance, they just made her pay 44 Euros which her insurance company reinbursed. Now why can't we do that here?
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