New York City, United States

A three day mid-week getaway to the "Big Apple", New York City for me, and a nine day US trip for my two noonas from Seoul. It had been six years since my last visit to NYC, so I was excited to visit and be not only a tourist but also a guide to the (North) American way of life as opposed to the culture in Korea. So I booked my stand-by flight to Newark (EWR) with Porter Airlines and we booked our stay at two hostels in Manhattan.

For their first visit to America, the culture shock was apparently there from the start. Our meeting point and time was for Wednesday morning, but their flight arrived from Seoul on Tuesday night. Their slow and odor-filled subway ride from JFK and their sights of countless homeless people could have already scared them away from this adventure, but they were fine after some reassurance by myself that its just the way of life here. There were also many firsts for myself as well: Getting around NYC without a car or coach bus, understanding how the subway lines work, and staying at hostels.


Getting to Manhattan from Newark International Airport was quite easy; going back to the airport from the city, now that's another story. After taking the airport train to the NJ Transit Station, the ride to Penn Station was $12.50, a direct train ride with easy to read signs and announcements. The return trip...well, no signs or indications of which trains from Penn Station would get me to the airport. After some assistance by some nice passengers, I was told I would still be able to get to the airport on that train but I would need to make a transfer.

Chicago, United States

Going on this trip was something of a different sort- a weekend getaway. The only other times I remember of going on these weekend trips was when I was younger and going on a family trip by car or bus. But this time, with Air Canada's 50% promotion to select eastern United States cities, I managed to snag a cheap airfare to Chicago with a friend. With the flight already booked, finding accommodations for that weekend, the civic long weekend in Ontario, proved difficult as it was also the Lolapalooza weekend in Chicago.

Through researching all sorts of different accommodations from Bed and Breakfast Inns, hotels, AirBnb.com, Priceline.com, Expeida, and hostels. But there were no vacancies available, so it did become a bit stressful. But we always had the backup cheaper option of staying at a hotel by the airport. Luckily, I found a sweet deal of 20% off from the Air Canada website for booking our flight at the Fairmont Chicago- Millennium Park. The location was ideal, just steps away from everything, shopping, Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, and the Chicago River.

Our plans were simple that weekend: See as much of Chicago as we could in the two days, be relaxed and enjoy our time there, and eat deep-dish stuffed pizza. To see the city, we walked around the downtown area along State Street for shopping as well as the 'Magnificent Mile' along Michigan Ave. We also took the train towards the former Sears Tower, now named the Willis Tower and walked back to the hotel from there. We also had the chance to take a river cruise that showcases the architecture of the city and concluded with a fireworks show by Navy Pier. The second day, we also took part on a biking tour which was also very informative and allowed us to explore the northern part of the city.

So the bike tour brought us to the northern part of the city where we rode past Streeterville, Near North Side, Old Town, and to Lincoln Park. Our guide had instructed us to rub Lincoln's shoe as a sign of good luck. We stopped by at a cathedral which was unique and beautiful. We then had a break at Lincoln Park, so we quickly walked around the free zoo in the city and it also had a nice view of the skyline in the back. We then rode along Lake Shore Drive with its beautiful beaches and skyline (shown as the first picture), most notably known as the world's third most beautiful skyline after New York City and Hong Kong respectively.



As our tour concluded, it was almost time to go home; but we had to just make one more stop on the way to the airport, and that was to Giordano's for their famous Chicago stuffed pizza. It was so much more delicious than expected, (we had it as a midnight snack the night before) but eating in and having it freshly baked, and in tropical Hawaiian (my favourite) was just so mouthwatering, also considering we didn't have much of a breakfast and after a 3hour bike tour.

I had a wonderful time at Chicago, truly amazed with its beautiful architecture, green parks, its river, and its food (stuffed pizza and Chicago hot dog). If we had one more day, it would have been perfect to just spend it at the beach or to explore the south side of the city.

November 2011- San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California- The City by the Bay, Fog City, SF; This city no longer feels like a tourist destination for me, but more of a second home, really. I go there nearly every year, with family there, it makes a good getaway from the cold Toronto weather with its all year round warm and cool weather. The city has its iconic features like Alcatraz Island, its cable cars, the steep roads, Lombard St., and the Golden Gate Bridge of course.

I also spent some time at Fisherman's Wharf aka Tourist Land, simply because I wanted to be a tourist for a day. And it turned out they had a really beautiful Christmas tree too, similar to the one I found at Union Square the first day.

So every time I visit San Francisco, I try to do something new and different. This time was no different. With my love for aquatic life, I visited the Aquarium of the Bay where I got to pet a shark, star fishes and sting rays. YES, a shark, it was awesome, cause if you didn't know already, I kinda like sharks.

Also, last year in 2010 visiting San Francisco, I rented a bicycle to bike to the Golden Gate Bridge like so many others, but this year I wanted the awesome, and that was the GoCar. Cruising around the city at 40mph including up the steep roads was sure better than pedaling on the bike. Also caught this gorgeous up close photo of the Golden Gate Bridge (with my phone camera).

Thanksgiving Disneyland Day 2- Anaheim, California

The second day spent at Disneyland Parks was spent at the Disney California Adventure Park, which seems small, but is still packed with beautiful sights and exciting rides. The park features different zones: Buena Vista Street, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, Paradise Pier, Golden State, and the upcoming Cars Land due to open in summer 2012.

California Screamin' pictured above in Paradise Pier pictured below, is an exhilaration of a ride where passengers are launched from the get-go. Other fun rides include Goofy's Sky School, Grizzly River Run, Soarin' over California, and Toy Story Mania! as well as the classic- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The lines were all long on such a gorgeous day, but that's the sacrifice considering all the fun involved.

Paradise Pier features Games of the Boardwalk where guests can play classic carnival style games for a chance to win a prize. And right beside it is the Mickey's Fun Wheel, which offers amazing views of the entire park.

In the end of this two-day adventure to Disneyland, I was surprised at the quality of rides and attractions at both parks. Having been to Florida's Disney World in Summer 2009 and Hong Kong Disney in May 2011, this park is ranked relatively high. It is still on the small scale of amusement parks, but it makes up for it for its location, attractions, and affordability. Perfect for a weekend vacation, from anywhere in the vicinity, us driving down from San Francisco, it was well worth it.

Thanksgiving Disneyland Day 1- Anaheim, California

I had the opportunity to visit Disneyland Park in Anaheim California during the Thanksgiving holiday. Instead of the Black Friday shopping frenzy that follows Thanksgiving in the states, spending it at Disneyland is like a fairy tale. This was the second Disneyland I visited in the year 2011, the first being the Hong Kong Disneyland back in May. However, this time was with my two younger cousins aged 6 and 9, and their parents. Let me say, being here with kids, it did help in feeling like a kid myself again.

The park itself is not large by any means but it's effective in its layout. The Disneyland Resort in California is separated into two different parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. This makes purchasing the park hopper pass highly valuable if you plan on staying in the area for a couple of days. It was perfect for us in the sense it allowed us to experience both parks at a leisure pace for two days and allowing you to visit both parks on the same day.

The rides there? There really is something for everyone of all ages! The Astro Orbitor pictured above was our first ride at the park where riders sit in a rocket and are able to control its height while the ride is in motion. Pictured below is the Disneyland Monorail and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage which are also for all ages. Also, don't forget about Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Space Mountain Ride, all of which are able to satisfy the brave thrill seekers.

Sometimes waiting in line is long, the most being around 60 minutes. The benefit of a Disneyland Park is their Disney FASTPASS Service- a complimentary program that allows guests to save their place in line while they enjoy the rest of the Park. But don't forget a moderate amount of sugar for the little ones for their Disney adventure for the entire day.

Pictured below is the Disneyland Railroad a railroad that encircles the entire park with four different stations: Main Street USA, New Orleans Square, Mickey's Toontown, and Tomorrowland. We hopped on and off this train numerous times, not only because was it my little cousin's favourite, Trains; but because it allowed us to get around the park quickly and some much needed rest as well.

Visiting on Thanksgiving holiday, they had this delicious turkey entree with cranberry sauce, mash potatoes, and veggies. It was rather delicious as well, not too dry, not too sweet, just right. Also featured is their kids meal in a cute Mickey ears inspired plate with Mac & Cheese, and with some healthy treats along.

Mickey's Toontown was a favourite for the kids that included numerous number of kid and pre-schooler friendly rides and attractions. Also, don't forget the Mad Tea Party ride. I still remember the time in Florida with my friends, and we were getting a bit crazy on the ride. Needless to say, I was scarred afterwards. Other than that, it's still a fun ride when spun moderately.

Lastly, once the sun sets and the lights are lit, the scene is truly breathtaking. Additionally, the fireworks at every Disney Park are always my favourite part of the day. And being Thanksgiving, this monstrous Christmas tree shown below was the landmark of Main Street USA.