Yes, this is kinda reunion from the Epic Road Trip (see December/January): Ace, Jamie and I (together again, omg, this is a nightmare.....dahah jocking) will explore the beauty of Honolulu for the next five days...
AWWW!:)
I'll try to update the blog every day;)
C.
giovedì 31 marzo 2011
Day 4: Chino, Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills, UCLA, Bel Air, Hollywood Boulevard, Universal Studios, Encino!
Sooo our last day in LA has been a blast! In the morning we woke up early and we drove through Chino (GUESS WHY.....?!The O.C., OF COURSE! ;)).
Our first stop has been LA downtown, which was extremely surprising compared to the first time I saw it. Completely another feeling.
We saw many business suits, you can totally say that it's a business center! The weather was awesome and the skyscrapers stood out. I really liked all the buildings in that area, specifically around the Disney Opera House. And wow, so many fire escapes like in movies haha!
Around Noon Josh and I took a street to get as close as possible to the Hollywood sign. The neighborhood was veeeery pretty, so many awesome houses and the landscape was woodsy and flowery! We got very close to the sign and we clearly took a hundred pictures under it ;)
Sooo cool, I can't wait to go back there!
Right after that we headed to the Sunset Boulevard, reaching Beverly Hills. Such a prettyyyy area, oh my God....! And pretty expensive too! It was full of famous brands, especially close to Rodeo Dr.
Our next stop was UCLA (University California Los Angeles). This university has been used as set for several tv shows and movies, since it appears as the typical American college environment. The campus is great, very huge and full of green. One of the most popular site is the Powell library, which is right in front of the Royce building.
Requirements to get into this college are very high, and if you happen to visit you'll understand why!
And now - my favorite part!!!We drove up to Bel Air drive (which is really close to UCLA) for thirty minutes, and we got to the end of it. Houses there are U-N-B-E-L-I-E-V-A-B-L-E!!!!!!!
Not to be repetitive, but you know what you see in movies!??? THAT'S IT!!!OH MY GOD!!! I couldn't believe my eyes! Josh and I already decided a couple of options that we'd like to consider for a future purchase. Haaaaaaaahaha. SURE!
The "old money" of LA, musicians, artists, politicians, actors, movie stars filled up Bel Air. Stereotype talks.
"New money": Newport, Laguna, San Bernardino, Escondido, San Fernando Valley...:)
Afterwards we had a great, romantic and intimate meal at In n Out (sitting in the parking lot), right before visiting the Chinese Theater, Kodak Theater and Hollywood Boulevard! We went to get a T-shirt at the Hard Rock Cafe (I'm such a turist -.-), I took a picture in front of the Kodak Theater (heart heart heart), and there we also met Jenny and Cat - who told us that also the rest of the I-House crew was around!
We decided to meet them in front of the Chinese Theater and again, I took another picture with my beloved Johnny Depp haha! (see Thanksgiving)
Our last stop before heading to Encino (at Josh's auntie's house, Margie) was the Universal Studios! A kind parking guard allowed us to get into the parking for free (because it was very late!), and we went to see the entrance of the park. Yeah, the famous globe is right there ;) I wish I spent more time there, and the next time I'll definitely go visit the whole park!!
Ahhh, I can't even explain how much I love movies!
..After such a long day, we went to bed around midnight, ready to wake up at 4.30 to head back to SJ ;)
...Waw, I really love Los Angeles:)
C.
Our first stop has been LA downtown, which was extremely surprising compared to the first time I saw it. Completely another feeling.
We saw many business suits, you can totally say that it's a business center! The weather was awesome and the skyscrapers stood out. I really liked all the buildings in that area, specifically around the Disney Opera House. And wow, so many fire escapes like in movies haha!
Around Noon Josh and I took a street to get as close as possible to the Hollywood sign. The neighborhood was veeeery pretty, so many awesome houses and the landscape was woodsy and flowery! We got very close to the sign and we clearly took a hundred pictures under it ;)
Sooo cool, I can't wait to go back there!
Right after that we headed to the Sunset Boulevard, reaching Beverly Hills. Such a prettyyyy area, oh my God....! And pretty expensive too! It was full of famous brands, especially close to Rodeo Dr.
Our next stop was UCLA (University California Los Angeles). This university has been used as set for several tv shows and movies, since it appears as the typical American college environment. The campus is great, very huge and full of green. One of the most popular site is the Powell library, which is right in front of the Royce building.
Requirements to get into this college are very high, and if you happen to visit you'll understand why!
And now - my favorite part!!!We drove up to Bel Air drive (which is really close to UCLA) for thirty minutes, and we got to the end of it. Houses there are U-N-B-E-L-I-E-V-A-B-L-E!!!!!!!
Not to be repetitive, but you know what you see in movies!??? THAT'S IT!!!OH MY GOD!!! I couldn't believe my eyes! Josh and I already decided a couple of options that we'd like to consider for a future purchase. Haaaaaaaahaha. SURE!
The "old money" of LA, musicians, artists, politicians, actors, movie stars filled up Bel Air. Stereotype talks.
"New money": Newport, Laguna, San Bernardino, Escondido, San Fernando Valley...:)
Afterwards we had a great, romantic and intimate meal at In n Out (sitting in the parking lot), right before visiting the Chinese Theater, Kodak Theater and Hollywood Boulevard! We went to get a T-shirt at the Hard Rock Cafe (I'm such a turist -.-), I took a picture in front of the Kodak Theater (heart heart heart), and there we also met Jenny and Cat - who told us that also the rest of the I-House crew was around!
We decided to meet them in front of the Chinese Theater and again, I took another picture with my beloved Johnny Depp haha! (see Thanksgiving)
Our last stop before heading to Encino (at Josh's auntie's house, Margie) was the Universal Studios! A kind parking guard allowed us to get into the parking for free (because it was very late!), and we went to see the entrance of the park. Yeah, the famous globe is right there ;) I wish I spent more time there, and the next time I'll definitely go visit the whole park!!
Ahhh, I can't even explain how much I love movies!
..After such a long day, we went to bed around midnight, ready to wake up at 4.30 to head back to SJ ;)
...Waw, I really love Los Angeles:)
C.
Day 3: Manhattan Beach, Rancho Palace Verdes, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Venice Beach, Malibu, Santa Monica
So this morning we left around 9 and we got lost and drove through South Central Los Angeles, Compton, and collected directions fron Taco Bell. At that point we arrived in Manhattan Beach, and took that Pacific Coast Highway South through the scenic way Rancho Palace Verdes. Such a great drive, we also stopped to take some pictures:)
Afterwards we went over Long Beach Harbor (so many cargo ships from Asia!) and then we headed to Downtown Long Beach - and stopped because nature called.
Long Beach is a very commercialized and industrialized port, there are many cargo and cruise ships. Definitely not a touristy place, even if the name is pretty popular.
Next we drove North through Torrence and we arrived in Redondo Beach. Such a pretty spot!!! We headed to the pier and we enjoyed some warm sun. The beach was very clean and not too crowded, definitely a place that you want to check out!
After that we headed back to Manhattan Beach, where we stopped for half an hour. The pier was very nice, and not too many people were around. BUT I'VE SEEN THE POLICE ON BIKES!! THAT'S SOOO TV SHOW!!Hahha:)
But here's the big part! VENICE BEACH!!! We arrived there around for 4pm and we found that there was kind of a sunset festival, so it was pretty crowded! Music, dancers, street performers, skaters, tourists, medical marijuana head shops....yeah I mean...A MESS! And I loved it! Typical Californian beach and surroundings! If you're looking to visit one of those places full of blondies with big boobs and white teeth, sculpted tanned surfers and cheap marijuana...well, go to Venice. Haha!
It's not all that though, the beach is great and so is the weather. Oh, and great palm trees ;)
After a great two hours spent there, we headed to Malibu (yeah, I wanted to see Britney Spears' house....FAIL!). The coast was simply amazing, we even wanted to stop for a meal butttt yeah, for poor university students the thing was a little too pricy -.-
It was almost sunset time, and the colors started getting warm and "Californian"...so beautiful!!!
We arrived to Santa Monica right for the last half an hour before sunset, and it was amazing! The pier was great (that's why it's the most used pier for TV shows....like The OC...OMGGG. Heart.)
We went on the back of it, took a picture in front of the Route 66 poster and enjoyed the last sunshines. Sunset was amazing, I can't wait to go back there.
Finally, after a great day, we headed back home ready for tomorrow! Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles!
Good night!
C.
Afterwards we went over Long Beach Harbor (so many cargo ships from Asia!) and then we headed to Downtown Long Beach - and stopped because nature called.
Long Beach is a very commercialized and industrialized port, there are many cargo and cruise ships. Definitely not a touristy place, even if the name is pretty popular.
Next we drove North through Torrence and we arrived in Redondo Beach. Such a pretty spot!!! We headed to the pier and we enjoyed some warm sun. The beach was very clean and not too crowded, definitely a place that you want to check out!
After that we headed back to Manhattan Beach, where we stopped for half an hour. The pier was very nice, and not too many people were around. BUT I'VE SEEN THE POLICE ON BIKES!! THAT'S SOOO TV SHOW!!Hahha:)
But here's the big part! VENICE BEACH!!! We arrived there around for 4pm and we found that there was kind of a sunset festival, so it was pretty crowded! Music, dancers, street performers, skaters, tourists, medical marijuana head shops....yeah I mean...A MESS! And I loved it! Typical Californian beach and surroundings! If you're looking to visit one of those places full of blondies with big boobs and white teeth, sculpted tanned surfers and cheap marijuana...well, go to Venice. Haha!
It's not all that though, the beach is great and so is the weather. Oh, and great palm trees ;)
After a great two hours spent there, we headed to Malibu (yeah, I wanted to see Britney Spears' house....FAIL!). The coast was simply amazing, we even wanted to stop for a meal butttt yeah, for poor university students the thing was a little too pricy -.-
It was almost sunset time, and the colors started getting warm and "Californian"...so beautiful!!!
We arrived to Santa Monica right for the last half an hour before sunset, and it was amazing! The pier was great (that's why it's the most used pier for TV shows....like The OC...OMGGG. Heart.)
We went on the back of it, took a picture in front of the Route 66 poster and enjoyed the last sunshines. Sunset was amazing, I can't wait to go back there.
Finally, after a great day, we headed back home ready for tomorrow! Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles!
Good night!
C.
Day 2: Mexico Border-Tijuana, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Balboa Island
This was definitely a great day!
Josh and I left LA around 9ish and drove til the Mexican border. Everybody told us not to go - because apparently it's pretty dangerous -, but yeah, I really wanted to see the beginning of Mexico:)
For what I could see, the difference between California and Mexico (Tijuana) was pretty distinct: on the US side things were still pretty ordered and organized, whereas on the Mexico side I could see soooo many houses everywhere. The whole Mexican territory was overcrowded!Woo!
What I liked the most though was the HUGE Mexican flag waving wight in the middle of Tijuana.
How I wish I could have gone there! Josh's passport was expired - unfortunately - so we had to stay on the US side.
Anyways, another thing that I noticed was the strict control applied especially to all people and cars coming from Mexico to the United States. The queue to get into Mexico from California was flowing, on the other hand the queue to come to California was endless.
After spending a reasonable time in the zone, Josh and I headed to Laguna Beach. And that was incredible! Both of us thought it was somehow "homy", a small high class village! We stopped on the beach for a while - it was freezing haha - and seriously, the house on the top of the cliff looking at the Pacific Ocean one day WILL BE MINE! Muahahha!
Oh dear, that was amazing. Really amazing.
Back on the road, we headed to Newport Beach, my dream since I got to California (Yes, I admit it, it's because of the TV show The OC, yes...oh come on, can you blame me!??:P). And...yes, what to say....I LOVED IT! Even higher class than Laguna (from our point of view) and full of crazyyyy houses...and with "crazy" I mean "AWESOME"! And most of the houses closed to the port had their own pier right in front of the entrance. Seriously, "Bye honey, I'll go sailing for half an hour around the Californian islandssss!"...yeahhh O_O
From there, we took a ferry to visit Balboa Peninsula, a tiny and cosy peninsula right in front of Balboa island...sooo nice! Josh bought a frozen banana and we enjoyed it next to the colorful feris wheel. Lifestyle was slower, much slower than downtown LA. Everybody seemed to be calm and relaxed, the atmosphere was really nice:)
So yes, I finally realized my dream to see the places of my favorite TV show haha:)
Afterwards, we drove back home, through amazing hills and cuddled by the sunset's tint.
C.
venerdì 25 marzo 2011
Day 1: From San Jose, through Santa Barbara, to LA!
Soooo, another adverture has started:)
This morning Josh and I left the house at 10.35 (late, obviously) and headed to South Silicon Valley for some travelling suppiles - and to wake up Jenna of course!:P
Afterwards, we headed to the US 101, dreaming of Santa Barbara Palm trees! The weather was not good at all up to Monterey, but it started improving after that. Thank God O_O
We passed San Luis Obisbo, Pismo Beach and Santa Maria. At around 4.30pm we finally got to Santa Barbara's Pier! It was pretty sunny but VEEERY COLD!!!SOOO WINDY!!!!My haird became straight! O_O
What we noticed immediately was the slow lifestyles and the lack of professional suits, totally different from downtown San Jose!
After enjoying Santa Barbara's atmosphere, we headed to LA County.
We arrived around 7.30, and on the way to our accommodation we saw film related buildings (NBC Universal, Capital Records....awww!) and downtown Los Angeles:)
We arrived at home at about 8.30 and now here we are, super tired ready to recharge for tomorrow!
Mexican border, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Long Beach!
...Can't wait!
ps: of course you're gonna sleep here...aribaba!!!
C.
This morning Josh and I left the house at 10.35 (late, obviously) and headed to South Silicon Valley for some travelling suppiles - and to wake up Jenna of course!:P
Afterwards, we headed to the US 101, dreaming of Santa Barbara Palm trees! The weather was not good at all up to Monterey, but it started improving after that. Thank God O_O
We passed San Luis Obisbo, Pismo Beach and Santa Maria. At around 4.30pm we finally got to Santa Barbara's Pier! It was pretty sunny but VEEERY COLD!!!SOOO WINDY!!!!My haird became straight! O_O
What we noticed immediately was the slow lifestyles and the lack of professional suits, totally different from downtown San Jose!
After enjoying Santa Barbara's atmosphere, we headed to LA County.
We arrived around 7.30, and on the way to our accommodation we saw film related buildings (NBC Universal, Capital Records....awww!) and downtown Los Angeles:)
We arrived at home at about 8.30 and now here we are, super tired ready to recharge for tomorrow!
Mexican border, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Long Beach!
...Can't wait!
ps: of course you're gonna sleep here...aribaba!!!
C.
mercoledì 23 marzo 2011
Spring Break is coming...Stay connected ;)
...So, the beloved Spring Break is almost here, and I can't wait to leave for another adventure:)
The plan is to visit with Josh all the major beaches in LA area, LA downtown, Hollywood, til all the way down to Tijuana, Mexico - even if his passport has expired, and I'll have to go by myself -.-"
After that...3 members from the Epic Road Trip (see posts from December to January!) will get together again (kill me now ==") to go and visit HAWAII!
Stay connected, it'll be fun O_O
ahhaha!:)
C.
The plan is to visit with Josh all the major beaches in LA area, LA downtown, Hollywood, til all the way down to Tijuana, Mexico - even if his passport has expired, and I'll have to go by myself -.-"
After that...3 members from the Epic Road Trip (see posts from December to January!) will get together again (kill me now ==") to go and visit HAWAII!
Stay connected, it'll be fun O_O
ahhaha!:)
C.
mercoledì 16 marzo 2011
Japan: A Worldwide Tragedy
This wants to be a short post. What happened in Japan should touch everybody's mind, not only for the tragic images that we all got to see, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxL36ngIJA8 but also because it's a problem that could affect more than one country.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sMxKHx2tD8 & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXW-s8sT-gs&feature=relmfu
This is probably the best moment to stop and help. Here's the unicef link to give a donation to Japan.
The world is one, help saving it!
https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=9640&9640.donation=form1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sMxKHx2tD8 & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXW-s8sT-gs&feature=relmfu
This is probably the best moment to stop and help. Here's the unicef link to give a donation to Japan.
The world is one, help saving it!
https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=9640&9640.donation=form1
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