Hey there! I was away for close to a month (Jan 31st to Feb 26th). It was my first time to the continent, the country, the state, the city…well I’m pretty much a virgin in that part of the world. Where was I? California, baby! Except for three days in Vegas, Nevada.
The trip was great! Despite what happened to me on the last few days. I learnt someone I trusted and travelled with used my card details to make payments…we’re talking about $1k+ here. Expensive lesson learnt! Well, let’s save that story for another time.
I’m not even done sharing my India trip, but I’ll try my best! For now, here’s a summary of my US trip!
No trip to California is complete without a shot with the Hollywood sign! After a good sleep (surprisingly no jet lag for me), I went to see this famous cultural icon the first thing in the morning!

I did not attempt to carry or pinch the sign. This was taken seconds after styling my hair.
I got to see (and touch) history. This is the world’s longest (40 feet) stretch of the Berlin Wall outside of Germany!

Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles
I got up close and personal with fossils! Pretty cool, huh?

Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits
It has always been a dream to see Chris Burden’s Urban Light! Three words: It. Was. Magical.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
A nature-lover, I am always fascinated by landscapes, and here is the third tallest dunes in North America, Kelso Dunes!

Mojave National Preserve
I was on top of the world, partying in Vegas, baby!

VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub at Rio
The two things I really wanna see: Britney and Disney!!! Here’s Britney, THE CONCERT WAS AWESOME! That 12 year old in me was brought to life!

Britney: Piece of Me at The AXIS auditorium, Planet Hollywood
This marks my 7th day in the US. A friend was teaching me, obviously I didn’t (and still don’t) get the coins. Mind you, he wasn’t the first to teach me…I think I’m a pretty slow learner. Now that I’m back, I only know quarters, they’re pretty easy to spot. Why aren’t there numbers on the coins, why, why, why? How did I survive? I normally hand the cashier all my coins, “take what you need”.
I let the kid in me out.

Tongva Park, Santa Monica
I’ve always wondered what it’s like to swim in the cold. Oh dear. It was freezing. How do you guys do it?

Santa Monica
After a terrible accident when I was six, I have a cycling phobia. Since then, I only cycled thrice. Cheers to the fourth time! From Santa Monica to Venice Beach and back! (It would take months for my skin to go back to its original colour. Dayum.)
So this is how it feels like to finally meet your long-lost sister!

Disneyland Park, Anaheim
I shot a zombie, y’all! No guns (and yes, gums) in Singapore, so I decided to give shooting a shot. I suck at it. You know who to NOT look for if there’s a zombie apocalypse.
I saw some great street art. (Not much in Singapore.)

Art Walk, Downtown Los Angeles
Ate a live octopus! You didn’t suck, sannakji. (Pun not intended.) Oh, just so you know, I couldn’t feel any sucking or movements…I guess I shifted my focus on chewing. Definiely need to try this again.

Yes I’m Asian but I have never tried these in Asia.
Braved some challenging rides.

GREEN LANTERN: First Flight at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Took a photo with a superstar!

Chuy Bravo from Chelsea Lately
Teared beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.

San Francisco moved me…..
Chuckled like a child at the sight of dolphins. Not bad an eyesight, eh?

San Francisco
Laughed my ass off enjoying Dane Cook and the other comedians.

Laugh Factory, Sunset Strip, Hollywood
Saw my favourite painting from one of my favourite artists!

Van Gogh’s Irises, Getty Museum
Admired the beauty of Los Angeles, from Downtown all the way to Santa Monica, while the sun was drowning into the horizon.

Getty Museum
ATE CHICKEN AND WAFFLES! TWICE!

Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles
People (even strangers) asked, “Where next?” and all I could reply was “I don’t know”. Now, I have a few places in mind. Suggestions are welcome!