We are in the dawn of the new vampire era.   The Twilight saga had seem to capture our thirsts for more vampire stories.  I hate to say it but I really don’t like how she had written the books.  Twilight fans, before you throw your tomatoes at me hear me out first.  I do love a good vampire story.  Dracula was the first vampire we knew, well maybe aside from The Count from Sesames Street.  Depends when you where born.  Anyhoo, I think Miss Meyer had some good ideas.  The plot is good, though not the great.  So I give her points for her efforts.  But her writing style is not at par with the greats.  Though I admit and guilty of owning the whole series and even read the excerpts from Midnight Sun.  My opinion still stands, she’s not a really good writer.  So I really wonder why people kept comparing her to Miss Rowling.  Their genre aren’t the same nor their writing style.   Meyer’s characters lack depth, they are 2D cut out paper dolls.  Don’t get me wrong, I like her idea for the Cullen family.  Unlike Rowling’s have more in depth look on the characters lives and thoughts a 3D effect.  Your probably itching to throw that tomato on me now.  But before you do, try reading the Vampire Chronicles of Anne Rice first.  Then decide which vamps are better.

The Cullen Family Crest

We arrived last November 18 which officially ended our honeymoon.  Kinda sad actually because that meant we won’t be together for 24/7.  But it’s back to reality so here we are!

The day we departed in LA.  My niece saw Brandon Fraiser in the airport.  That time we were in line for our boarding passes.  So I lucked out.  When I found out that he was there.  I wanted to stalk him with my camera!!!  Too bad we didn’t know his whereabout or I would have been following him around.  Hehehehe.

We had our last dinner in the airport fast food.  I was really sad to leave my sister and my nieces.  I don’t know when we will see each other again.  So I was bawling and just can’t suppress my tears. I hope they are all well.

The flight home wasn’t boring at all unlike the one we took going to LA.  We have personal tv’s, movies and games to our disposal.  Though the down side is that the arm rests won’t go all the way back up which disenable us to have a better sleeping position.  It was a much longer flight back because we have to stop and refuel in Guam.  By the time we got here.  It was already 5:45am.

Once home, we had an impromptu spring cleaning.  Dust occupied our lil’ abode while we’re away for a month and a half.  Then the unpacking started.  I don’t like unpacking.  It just gives me a headache where I have to put all the stuff and have it all organized again.  The Frog was sweet enough to cook lunch for us while I make a lot of mess unloading our stuff.  By 1:30pm, I was already in bed and ready to go to sleep.  I slept for 14 hours straight!!!  And I woke up around 3 am.  So I kept organizing til it was time to go to work. Yep, it’s back to work for me.  I’m already dreading the piled up papers that I have to do in the office.  Froggy is more lucky, he starts work today.

I have a slight jet lag from the time difference.  Though the Frog seems to be coping better than I do.   I guess his used to the weird hours with his work.

 

“Home Sweet Home”

(http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld)

November 11, 2008 (Tuesday)

We’re back in Universal Studios, this time my 2 nieces came along with us. They don’t have any classes that day because it was Veteran’s Day. Naturally the place is more crowded when we first went there. Lots of tourists and non-tourist roam the theme park. We first headed off to Krustyland. My nieces haven’t been on it yet so they were really looking forward to take that ride. The wait time was about 45 minutes or so. That’s how crowded it was. We then had lunch right after the ride. Next stop is the Studio Tours which Froggy and I weren’t able to do the last time. The queue was really really long. But still we waited patiently for our turn. When the time came for us to take the tour, I was really looking forward to what new changes or non-changes they had. The usuals are there, the flood machine, the broken down bridge, Bate’s Motel, Jaws, Earthquake, and the different studio lots. Missing of course was the big hulking King Kong, the studio where the big guy used to be got burned down and they are in the middle of rebuilding the studio and other sets that got hit by it. New on the tour are Fast and the Furious, The Mummy, Wisteria Lane, War of the Worlds and some sets used in other films. The tour ran for about 45 minutes. When we’re done the kids wants to take the plunge at Jurrasic Park and The Mummy ride. So we went to those rides again. We parted ways for awhile when they wanted to take the Simpsons ride again. And we waited for them in the Universal City Walk. Time flew by and the next thing we know we’re going home.

“Step on the star, that will be your seating arrangement for the Studio Tours.”

“The Tale of Desperaux, will be shown this December. I just finished reading the book the other day. Cute story.”

“The broken down bridge.”

“Fast and the Furious cars did a collision scene. It even danced to the tune of Gasolina.”

“The rain and flood machine.”

“The prop used in the movie King Kong by Peter Jackson.”

“Earthquake!”

“Good Ol’ Jaws still working to fright the tourists.”

“A house from Wisteria Lane. Too bad we weren’t able to see the other houses because they were filming Desperate Housewives that time.”

“Bate’s Hotel”

“Norman Bates in the scene of the crime.”

“A real 747 plane that was wrecked for the movie War of the Worlds.”

“Film students in action.”

“What a bright full moon we had that night!”

(http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld)

November 7, 2008 (Friday)

The Frog and I were suppose to go home that very day. Since the Frog is really a big Houston Rockets fan plus he found out that they were coming to LA to play against the Clippers. We opted to stay for another week. And got ourselves a couple of tickets via Stubhub. It was both our first time to watch a live NBA game. So naturally we got a bit star struck with the immensity of Staple Center, where the usually basketball game is always in play. We really got a good seat for a good price too!!! I was snapping away most of the time especially at Yao Ming (the Frog’s favorite player) I always see him on sports channel but in person he is really huge!!! He towered above all the other players. Froggy also gave me a crash course in basketball 101. I was really not into the game. But live games I found can be really exciting especially if the scores are really really tight. In the end, even if I didn’t become a converted basketball fan. I am in total respect for the game. By and by. Houston’s won!!! It was 83 - 92!!!

“The Golden Ticket!”

“Excited to watch the game live!”

“A statue of Shaquille O’Neil”

“The Staple Center basketball court.”

“Houston Rockets are warming up before the game.”

“A lively dance number by the Clippers girl.”

“The National Anthem sang by Georgina.”

“The Jump Ball.”

“Standing tall.”

“2 points for Yao!”

“The Clipper girls.”

“Clippers 83 - Rockets 92″

“Houston commentators.”

November 6, 2008 (Thursday)

We visited my brother-in-law’s niece, Caroline.  She works in WB.  We had a brief lunch with her in one of the lots.  And their food is really good, for a canteen its not bad at all plus it ain’t that expensive.  She also brought us to the WB stores and offered us her employees discount!  Thank you so much!!!!

“The costume used by Daniel Radcliff on his first Harry Potter movie.”

“Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny welcomes guests.”

“The infamous Warner Brother water tank.”

(http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld)

November 5, 2008 (Wednesday)

My sister got us 2 day passes in Universal Studios Hollywood. (Thank ya sis!!! <3 ) It has been 7 years since I last visited. So I was really excited to check out what new attractions they had added in the theme park. Marge and Homer Simpson greeted the guests with a photo op. Of course the Frog and I didn’t pass that up. They are promoting the newest ride in the park which is the Krustyland ride that was where Back to the Future ride used to be. Gonna miss that time traveling car of Doc Brown. There wasn’t much of a queue because it was a week day. TV screens showing a story that the whole Simpsons family are going to try out the newest ride in Krustyland in which Krusty the Clown got the land from Doc Brown. On another note, Side Show Bob escaped prison and wants to extract revenge from the Simpsons. Thus the ride began with Side Show Bob trying to off the Simpsons family. While we the rider went along for the wild ride. We headed next to The Mummy ride. A very short roller coaster ride in the dark. Then to Jurassic Park wherein we got chased by escaped dinosaurs and got splash around in our boat trying to get away from them. Since we got a little wet from that ride, we decided to go to the behind the scenes of Backdraft. The host told us how they try to control the amount of fire from that movie and gave a demonstration. The heat from the fire did dry us off quickly. After that we took a tour on how the special effect are done on the small and big screen. Up next is the Terminator 3D and the Shrek 4D show. By the time we’re done, its time to watch the Live action Waterworld stunt show. Lots of splashing and explosive effects where done that the Frog really enjoyed it a lot! We almost finished the whole of Universal and opted to go to Universal City walk which is right outside of the theme park.

“Marge and Homer Simpson”

“Abu trying to sell anything and everything.”

“Shaggy is driving the Mystery Machine while Scooby hangs on.”

“Backdraft controlled flames was really hot!”

“Beetlejuice! Say it 3x!”

“A costume worn by Brandon Fraiser for the Mummy and an armor for Cate Blanchett for Elizabeth.”

“Dancing Queen costumes from the hit musical movie Mamma Mia.”

“Shark Attack!!!”

“Fivel from American Tale.”

“An actual sized Terminator.”

“Interactive Donkey from Shrek.”

“Waterworld stunt show.”

“Universal City Walk”

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(http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld)

October 31, 2008 (Friday)

My sister with my nieces brought us to Anaheim where the happiest place on earth can be found. It’s none other than Disneyland. It took a few hours to get there because of the rush hour traffic. Then we settled in the Grand California Hotel with a rustic log cabin feel to it. We also had reservations at the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney. The theme as the name says is rainforest complete with jungle looking interior and animatronics animals with sounds. And an occasional thunder completes the effect.

“Our room.”

“The exterior looks like a Mayan temple. “

“Stuffed animals on display.”

“The aquarium is the main door for the restaurant.”

“In Downtown Disney……”

“Inside the Lego store.”

November 1, 2008 (Saturday)

Disneyland!!! Had an early start, we first head to Toontown and became honorary citizens of Toontown led by the Mayor Mickey Mouse. After that we buzzed from one ride to the other to get most of our time in the theme park. Dinner was at the Storytellers Cafe. To top our evening off. We watched the infamous fireworks display in the Main Street.

“All decked out for Halloween.”

“Main Street”

“The Castle”

“It’s a Small World After All.”

“Mayor Mickey honored us to be Toontown Citizens.”

“To infinity and beyond!”

“Sally and Jack Skeleton.”

“The Haunted Mansion is turned into Nightmare Before Christmas.”

“A ghostly apparition of Jack.”

“Caramel Apple…yummmmmm.”

“Bolt”

“The Main Street Parade”

“Beauty and the Beast”

“Lion King”

“The Princesses on Parade”

“Pooh Bear!”

“The writing on the floor of the restaurant”

“Fireworks show”

November 2, 2008 (Sunday)

Today is Elora’s birthday! Whooohoooo!!!! Next on our agenda is the California Adventure. It’s right across Disneyland. Still having a Halloween theme, some are bedecked with candy corns! Having my nieces as guides, we rushed through ride after ride. The best ride so far for me is the Toy Story Mania, an interactive ride where you can also play carnival games in 3D and compete with your fellow riders. This is the newest addition in the theme park so naturally the queue was quite long. I also like Turtle Talk With Crush, an interactive talk show with the turtle from Finding Nemo. He literally answers your question no matter how stupid it is! We had dinner at Ariel’s Grotto where we can rub shoulders with the Disney Princesses. Plus the food was really really good too!!! Sorry Ariel, I ate one of your friends!

“They have a Hollywood style backlot in the theme park.”

“Interactive test from Sorcerers Workshop.”

“Never expected that talking to a turtle can really be entertaining.”

“Chaaaaaa (bob your head while saying the word, it’s like yeah in Crush talk)”

“Monster Inc ride.”

“Muppet 3D Vision”

“Heimlich welcomes the guests.”

“And his here hiding in the grass.”

“California Scream’ and yeah that’s us in the car.”

“My score is on the left and Froggy’s is on the right. I still say we needed a rematch!”

“Paradise Pier”

“Ariel’s Grotto”

“An assortment of appetizers.”

“Filet of Redfish”

“Spinach and Ricotta Agnolotti”

“Cioppino” (Sebastian is that you?!)

“Assorted desserts”

“The birthday girl, Elora just turned 17!”

November 3, 2008 (Monday)

Time to go back to LA.

“The stained glass entrance to the hotel.”

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 October 29, 2008 (Tuesday)

My brother in law had phoned in days ago to the studio, the tickets are for free only trouble is that if it’s available.  And around noon, we were informed that we will be able to take part in the live show that very day.  Arriving at NBC, there was already a short queue.  We were there at 2:30 pm.  Was able to get in around 4 or so just in time to have a live telecast of the show in other parts of the states.  Jay was really funny while he prompt the audience on the do’s and dont’s.  There was no taped applause nor a laugh track that’s why when they tell a joke we really have to literally laugh out loud or clap so that the mic above us can pick it up. If the joke bombs it really would be awkward for the comedian.  That day, they had Sarah Silverman, Australian TV host Rove McManus and special live music from The Kooks who came all the way from Britain.  Dinner was at Big Boy.  On weekends, the customers bring in their vintage cars and just hang out in the diner.  One of their famous customer is Jay Leno who loves collecting vintage automobiles.

(http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld)

October 27, 2008 (Monday)

We decorated my sister’s home for Halloween. It was really interesting because this was the first time I had done something like it. I usually decorate for Christmas. So this was really a first for both me and Froggy.

“Trying to make it look like a haunted house.”

“Igooooorrrr”

�

October 28, 2008 (Tuesday)

We started off the day by going to Pinkberry. It’s the “IT” frozen yogurt place. I did heard of it before but now I finally got a chance to try it out. Not bad for a healthy snack. Then we’re off to “Bossanova” for lunch. Where we had yummy steaks! After that, we went to the Kodak Theater and roamed around the shops in Hollywood and Highland mall. Had some pics taken too with the infamous Mann’s Chinese Theater. And finally, to what we had been waiting for. Pantanges theater where “Wicked” is being played. I do love the interior of the place. Too bad I left my camera in the car so I wasn’t able to take any photos. It was really grand inside. And my sister got us great seats too! The play is about Elphaba the Witch in the Wizard of Oz, the story is set just before Dorothy got blown in by the tornado. And why the people of Oz deemed her to be Wicked. We really enjoyed the play immensely, even Froggy admitted that it was good that it surpasses all the plays we watched so far. He was even humming some of the tunes after that. I do love a few of the songs like “Popular” where its upbeat and funny. The play was about two and a half hours long. But it didn’t seems so because we’re really engrossed with it. We even waited for the actors to come out and have out programs signed by them. By the time we’re done, it’s already pretty late. We then stopped by at “Pink Hotdog” it’s also one of the original the-place-to-go that even big celebs still seeks it’s yummy hotdogs til this day.

“Jayme having a Pinkberry moment.”

“Delicious skirt steaks at Bossanova.”

“Lamb Kebabs for the Frog.”

“The pizza monster”

“Mann’s Chinese Theater”

“Kodak Theater”

“Inside Hollywood and Highland mall”

“Still in Hollywood and Highland Mall.”

“Saw a Sanrio Store tucked inside the mall.”

�

“Ooooohhhh Harry Potter!”

“Jayme trying on Emma Watson’s footprint in front of the Chinese Theater.”

“All Cheese!!!”

�

“Wickedly the best!”

” Celebs like this place.”

(http://blog.hellokitty.com/traveltheworld)

October 24, 2008 (Friday)

After saying goodbye to the “City that never sleeps” we’re off again on an intense flight back to LA flying by Delta airlines. In my opinion, after taking different flights from different airlines. I think Delta is the best! Encountering a delay in our take off, the pilot manage to get us earlier than expected in Salt Lake City. We were in a rush to get to our connecting flight to Burbank, LA. But all ended well since we were able to catch our flight back without a hitch. It felt like we’re in the amazing race! Because once we set foot in the airport, my sister and her family whisk us off to Grand Canyon!!!! It took about 6 hours or so before we got there. The traffic was also part of the factor why we got there so late. By the time we got our rooms, I was ready to zonk out.

“The lobby of Grand Canyon Railway and Resort.”

October 25, 2008 (Saturday)

Waking up early, we had a buffet breakfast and then we took a the Grand Canyon Railway to get to the Grand Canyon National Park. The train ride was really comfy and felt like we went back in time to the an era where cowboys roam the area. The city of Williams was a quiet place if not for the tourists it would have been more deader than a ghost town. Inside the train, a live entertainment ensues in each train compartment. We even had bandits taking our money. Who ever heard of a train stopping for the bandits to get in and let the tourists get rob?! Only here in Grand Canyon! Once our train stops, we hopped on a bus to get us to the park itself. It was breathtaking. We took lots of photos, because we never know if we’ll be able to go there again. At least we had done it once in our lifetime to visit such a natural marvel.

“Our ticket to one of the natural wonders in the world.”

“The Frog trying to look cool!”

“An old locomotive.”

“Live entertainment!”

“The scenery around us.”

“Where our train stops.”

“Grand Canyon Vista”

“The multiple view of the canyon.”

“A champagne toast for a good trip.”

“Getting chased by bandits.”

“Getting rob is part of the entertainment!  O_o”

�

October 26, 2008 (Sunday)

We were suppose to watch a show, but we got the wrong time and got there once the show is over. Nevertheless, we had some photo opts with the entertainers. Then its time to head back to LA.

“Got to pet a real live wolf!”

“Meet the lovable pair, Crash and Dash.”