tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15005337313477637062024-03-08T15:31:06.817+08:00family wanderlustwe travel. we explore. we learn. we experience. life's simple pleasures.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-21685249407406807182019-08-22T18:27:00.000+08:002019-08-22T18:27:11.530+08:003D2N Island Fun at El Nido, Palawan (June 2017)<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KM0LvdkGQOs/WaliGSvECVI/AAAAAAABdTI/P1wQVqPk1H44r2zLQInihWztET5ZITJMACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KM0LvdkGQOs/WaliGSvECVI/AAAAAAABdTI/P1wQVqPk1H44r2zLQInihWztET5ZITJMACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2998.JPG" width="640"></span></a><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the trips that was more impromptu compared to others, our 3D2N stay in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines was indeed short but sweet. It helped that the resort offered an all-inclusive package (full board plus activities) and we engaged the services of a local travel agent which booked the flights for us as well.</span></div>
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</div></div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2019/08/3d2n-island-fun-at-el-nido-palawan-june.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-86500877543139165632017-09-01T16:31:00.001+08:002017-09-01T16:38:04.566+08:00Basking in Bali: Day 4 Spectacular Sunset Atmosphere at Kuta Beach (Jan 2017)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDfLhZXRxhA/WSUuMu0Pu4I/AAAAAAABWcU/jsE0ATF6UMQQGXnmoPHEFHQ-qFco62eOwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDfLhZXRxhA/WSUuMu0Pu4I/AAAAAAABWcU/jsE0ATF6UMQQGXnmoPHEFHQ-qFco62eOwCLcB/s640/IMG_2948.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sunset shot at Kuta Beach</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day 4: Stay at Puri Clinton and Visit to Kuta Beach</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On our fourth day in Bali, I thought about booking an accommodation somewhere in Kuta (for the beach and sunset) or Jimbaran (for the seafood) but did not find the perfect match in terms of location and price. I decided to settle with the same area, Bali Benoa/Tanjung Beach, and found one near Holiday Inn Bali Benoa. It was within walking distance so we did not have to take a taxi. We just carried our bags along and strolled to the place where we would be spending our final night in Bali. How convenient is that!?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Address: Jalan Pratama No. 63, 80363 Nusa Dua, Indonesia</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Puri Clinton has been given a whopping 9.3 review rating by booking.com guests, a very high rating given its location as well as facilities and staff. Upon reading very positive guest reviews considering the very affordable rate oft as low as SGD32 (IDR298,350) per room per night, I decided this was the perfect place for our last night in Bali. We were happy with the decision to stay nearby.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Puri Clinton is hidden behind famous hotels and resorts in the area but has its own allure with its garden setting and private pool. The guest reviews were really convincing you may thought it is too good to be true. Our experience that has proven to be positive as well. We were given welcome drinks upon our arrival, while waiting for our rooms to be ready. There was a special waiting area for guests facing the pool. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our rooms were located on the second floor of the two-storey building. The rooms were basic - one double bed, small TV, small table with chair, mini fridge, a Balinese wooden wardrobe. The bathroom was simple - with toilet and shower facilities. The bed was comfortable enough, just right for a one night stay for our last day in Bali. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We asked if we could arrange a Balinese massage as we did not have a chance to do that yet. We were quoted IDR300,000 per couple for a 1-hr Balinese massage in our room. We would never be able to get this rate back in Singapore for a couple massage. While we were having our massage, the boys were settling in their room. After an hour of Balinese massage (tick on our list), we rested for about another hour or so before our planned visit to Kuta Beach.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We booked a cab via Uber as this was said to be the cheapest way around. Our host offered to book a taxi for us but we tried our like with Uber. We paid about 1.9 times the normal rate (IDR110,000) due to high demand during that time of the day but we found the rate to still be reasonable enough after comparing with fees found online and what our host quoted us. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Travel tip</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: The toll fee is added to the total fare when crossing the Bali Mandara Toll Road from Tanjung Area to Kuta Area. That’s IDR11,000. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We arrived in Kuta Beach area, as expected, the streets were packed with motorists. We asked to be dropped just along the road so we could walk around the vicinity. We looked around for a place to eat as it was already past lunch time. I was craving for babi guling but Ira spotted Pizza Hut first. So as per his request, we dined at Pizza Hut which was just across the entrance gate to Kuta Beach. It was the perfect spot as we only need to walk across in time for sunset.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">at Pizza Hut waiting for our order:<br />2 pizzas for about IDR105,000 each,<br />a pitcher of 7-up for IDR71,000<br />and 1 large pepperoni beef lasagna for IDR24,545.</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">KUTA BEACH</span></b></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we were done with our late lunch, we made our way to Kuta Beach, crossing the busy street criss crossing paths with cars and motorcycles. We entered the narrow gate into Kuta Beach. People were already flocking to the beach to get a good view of what this beach area was famous for. There were people putting up drinks stalls. Some were renting out lounge chairs, too. There were surfers riding the waves providing entertainment to onlookers.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here were some of the photos we took during our visit to Kuta Beach:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0JLgVRdE7I/WSUtoyZpBjI/AAAAAAABWZM/ivK-sTgjCl0XxY9lWQKWP5PfkOt9pOiCgCLcB/s1600/20170108_182535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0JLgVRdE7I/WSUtoyZpBjI/AAAAAAABWZM/ivK-sTgjCl0XxY9lWQKWP5PfkOt9pOiCgCLcB/s400/20170108_182535.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">our perfect spot - unblocked view of the sunset we were waiting for</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">We found a good spot, front and center, and sat down awaiting the sunset. But looking at the horizon, we knew the sunset would not be as glorious as seen in several photographs. It was cloudy and there was very little chance of the sun coming out. Still we waited and we were rewarded with the beautiful golden orange colors. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nc0KHn8HqcM/WSUuMHPrBxI/AAAAAAABWcQ/H3HrEdN_6MkZy8azby4iGCRyfEhWMNH2wCLcB/s1600/IMG_2942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nc0KHn8HqcM/WSUuMHPrBxI/AAAAAAABWcQ/H3HrEdN_6MkZy8azby4iGCRyfEhWMNH2wCLcB/s640/IMG_2942.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">clouds covering the golden orange along the horizon</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3sdPvab2bjE/WSUuLLcnhJI/AAAAAAABWcI/X9EF5LCmP9Aht5-T9xeXk4rga02pvig2QCLcB/s1600/IMG_2925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3sdPvab2bjE/WSUuLLcnhJI/AAAAAAABWcI/X9EF5LCmP9Aht5-T9xeXk4rga02pvig2QCLcB/s640/IMG_2925.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for a few seconds or minutes the sun came out</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>PURI CLINTON BALI</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">at the Puri Clinton saying our farewell....</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bali has been good to us. The food. The weather. The places. The people. This may not have been a holiday where I needed to do a lot of planning as what I usually do but it turned out to be more than we expected it to be. In five days we have only seen and experienced a part of Bali. There are still a variety of food to taste, several island hopping and snorkeling trips to make, much of the local culture to experience, and we have not even met Pak Ketut (of Eat, Pray, Love, that is)! </span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-6086039051049723392017-08-13T17:04:00.001+08:002017-09-01T16:38:16.093+08:00Basking in Bali: Day 3 at Holiday Inn Bali Benoa (Jan 2017)<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a giant sitting area, one of a few, at the hotel lobby. A must-have photo op after our check in.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Late check in at Holiday Inn Bali Benoa</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From the cultural heart of the island we moved to Tanjung Beach area famous for its water sports activities. We arrived at Holiday In Bali Benoa at about 7pm with our bags and McDonald’s takeaway dinner. The resort was chosen by the company and was where we had our meeting and company gatherings for the next 2 days. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some of my colleagues from Singapore, Japan and Indonesia arrived earlier and have already checked in. We were among the last ones to check in for the day.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">"Holiday Inn Bali Benoa offers travellers a fresh, modern, and family-friendly stay." </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">I</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.3333px; white-space: pre-wrap;">t is about 15 minutes drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. The resort has themed rooms for families with young children, a Kids Club, four pools, a gym, several chill out lounge zones, free wi-fi, and their signature Tea Tree Spa. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HOLIDAY INN BALI BENOA</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Address: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jl. Pratama No.86, Benoa, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Contact details: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a0dab; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">+62 361 8947888</span></div>
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</div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2017/08/basking-in-bali-day-3-at-holiday-inn.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-67889510804111378662017-07-13T14:55:00.000+08:002017-09-01T16:38:30.011+08:00Basking in Bali: Day 2 at the Island's Cultural Heart - Ubud (Jan 2017)<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">DAY 2: Farewell, Bali Culture Guesthouse... Hello, the rest of the island...</b><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check out day at Bali Culture Guesthouse and we were sad we only had to stay there for a night. We all agreed that we would want to come back and next time it's going to be for a few days.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We woke up early to a simple but filling breakfast of toast, juice, tea, coffee and a selection of fruits. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We could get used to this food and service....<br>and this sight every morning, even noon or night!</span></td></tr>
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</div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2017/07/basking-in-bali-day-2-at-islands.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-72246896745504721092017-07-07T13:00:00.000+08:002017-09-01T16:37:47.834+08:00Basking in Bali: Day 1 at Bali Culture Guesthouse (Jan 2017)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmbA3Pb3QKg/WWCAgTXOmAI/AAAAAAABarI/ENNIgJq0is0dBzN54FlTWDpZL4-YNFcvACLcBGAs/s1600/20170105_103457%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmbA3Pb3QKg/WWCAgTXOmAI/AAAAAAABarI/ENNIgJq0is0dBzN54FlTWDpZL4-YNFcvACLcBGAs/s640/20170105_103457%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Selamat datang di Bali!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although 2016 was a quiet year for us in terms of holidays/travelling because both our boys were having their national exams, waiting on results and applying for schools, we kick-started the new year 2017 with a short getaway to the Island of the Gods.</span><br>
</div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2017/06/basking-in-bali-day-1-at-bali-cultural.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-59035634906184061692017-05-31T22:32:00.000+08:002017-12-10T21:33:50.129+08:00USA 2015 Road Trip: Dollars, Stats and our favorite snapshots<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuqwzMcU_hg/WS7Ugwt5ieI/AAAAAAABW0E/lakFMYcoTXoLN61nS8WKJWv8f3mcBI8xACLcB/s1600/IMG_0612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuqwzMcU_hg/WS7Ugwt5ieI/AAAAAAABW0E/lakFMYcoTXoLN61nS8WKJWv8f3mcBI8xACLcB/s640/IMG_0612.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by the Golden Gate after crossing it TWICE</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br>Twenty-one days, four states and several cities after, caught in the transition of seasons from fall to winter, it was like we have participated in the Amazing Race with all the challenges we had gone through although we were not really on a race (except for that Thanksgiving Day when we had to race for time to find a gas station) but an adventure of a lifetime. I could say that our recent US road trip definitely brought up the ante for the next one. </span><br>
</div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2017/05/usa-2015-road-trip-dollars-stats-and.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-9741165193521178372017-05-06T17:25:00.002+08:002017-05-06T17:25:17.030+08:00USA 2015 - Day 20-21: Driving back and saying farewell to San Francisco<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">after days at the slopes we headed back towards San Francisco for one last look at the outlet shops.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here we were with my Aunt, Uncle and cousin before we parted ways.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br>Early morning of Day 20, we almost didn't want to get up because that meant we were leaving the snowy front lawn and powdery slopes. We were just not ready to do so. We received a call at about 8am from my Uncle asking us if we were already driving back! They still wanted to meet us before we fly off the next day. </span></div>
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</div></div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2017/05/usa-2015-day-20-21-driving-back-and.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-86926533361647250362017-04-17T23:27:00.003+08:002017-12-10T21:33:50.692+08:00USA 2015 - Day 17-20: Snow Play at Squaw Valley<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We're ready to go skiing!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On Day 16, we travelled yet another long distance to get to another family adventure. This time the snowy mountains were calling for us. This skiing trip was first for the family and we couldn't wait!</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From Mesquite Sand Dunes in Death Valley, we drove along US-395N, stopping by Lone Pine, California to grab lunch at Carl's Jr, then continued all the way to South Lake Tahoe (315 miles for about 6 hours), not to visit the sights (unfortunately, we have to reserve that for another trip) but to pick up groceries/snacks to bring all the way up to Squaw Valley which was another 50 miles via US-50E and NV-28.</span><br>
</div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2017/04/usa-2015-day-16-19-snow-play-at-squaw.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-40518974967062941962017-03-21T14:17:00.001+08:002017-03-21T14:17:28.763+08:00USA 2015 - Day 16-17: Desolate but Dazzling Desert that is Death Valley<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Badwater Basin, another perfect spot for stargazing.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was our second sighting of the Milky Way galaxy during our US2015 road trip.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">"<i><b>You have never really seen the stars till you have seen them in Death Valley. The clear, limpid atmosphere brings them very close. You feel you could reach up and pull them down</b></i>." </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">- Bessie Johnson</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Here we were, at the point of the lowest elevation (282ft) in North America (Badwater Basin), standing on salt flats in front of the highest point (3,366m) in Death Valley, Telescope Peak, staring into the illuminated night sky with the view of the galaxy that contains our solar system, the Milky Way. And yes, it did feel like we could reach up to them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eerie. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Breathtaking. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Priceless. </span><br>
</div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2017/03/usa-2015-day-16-17-desolate-but.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-67180250780928131862017-01-20T21:34:00.000+08:002017-12-10T21:33:50.317+08:00USA 2015 - Day 14-16: Las Vegas and Hoover Dam<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sin City with the family</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Day 14</b> and we're on our fourth and last state - NEVADA - to visit it's largest city - LAS VEGAS. Smacked in Nevada's Mojave Desert, this resort city is famous for its nightlife, numerous casinos and entertainment options. We narrowed it down to the the city's main street, THE STRIP, an area that is quite familiar to us being big fans of the series CSI Las Vegas and having seen parts of the The Strip in movies like Jason Bourne, Now You See Me, Ocean's Eleven and Thirteen to name a few. And who wouldn't recognize famous iconic places like the Pyramid, Bellagio and its Fountain Show, and the Stratosphere (this was where we stayed). So here's breaking the "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" cliche and sharing our visit there with you... </span></span><br>
</div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2017/01/usa-2015-day-14-16-las-vegas-and-hoover.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-23242159580300280772017-01-15T15:12:00.000+08:002017-12-10T21:33:49.813+08:00USA 2015 - Day 13: Zion National Park<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 21px;"><i><b>"Hiking is a bit like life:</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 21px;"><i><b>The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other... again and again and again. And if you allow yourself opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek, you will witness beauty every step of the way, not just at the summit." - Unknown</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"></span>Day 13 was one of the most exciting day of our trip because we looked forward to one of the most famous and thrilling hikes in all of USA's national parks. We've seen pictures and watched videos of visitors who made it to the top and we knew we could do it, weather permitting. So here's what our day was like at Zion National Park....</span></div>
</div></div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2017/01/usa-2015-day-13-zion-national-park.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-46349589724211445022016-12-01T16:37:00.002+08:002017-12-10T21:33:50.001+08:00USA 2015 - Day 12 (Part2): Horseshoe Bend<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">overlooking Horseshoe Bend</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From one natural landscape to another, we drove to Page town from Lower Antelope Canyon and back to Horseshoe Bend, the turn-off to which we passed on our way to Lower Antelope Canyon. This is the second natural attraction in Page that has made it to the list of most photographed and most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest. Visiting these two attractions is convenient as they are just about 8 miles away from each other.</span><br>
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</div></div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2016/12/usa-2015-day-12-part2-horseshoe-bend.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-40536839105243515412016-10-05T17:43:00.001+08:002017-12-10T21:33:49.878+08:00USA 2015 - Day 12 (Part1): Lower Antelope Canyon Tour<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuYBsqee2vE/V9pTxor0hDI/AAAAAAABMzg/yyfORkioL-wvPR_HpYE9961t4Ltb7sa9wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuYBsqee2vE/V9pTxor0hDI/AAAAAAABMzg/yyfORkioL-wvPR_HpYE9961t4Ltb7sa9wCLcB/s640/IMG_1805.JPG" width="640"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">standing between wave-like walls of the Lower Antelope Canyon, carved by flows of water for centuries</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Day 12, we left Grand Canyon at Tusayan, Arizona and headed north to Page for another canyon tour. At the Grand Canyon we had the view of the natural landscape from the top looking down into the abyss and across the horizon. In Page, on the other hand, we had a different view and experience of another famous canyon, the Lower Antelope Canyon, this time from under the cracks of the earth our view was from the depths of the canyon looking up to the top of the canyon walls and into the sky. And before we made our way to Zion which was the final stop of the day, we visited the Horse Shoe Bend which was on the way.</span></span><br>
</div></div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2016/10/usa-2015-day-12-part1-lower-antelope.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-17597537592702966612016-09-07T18:11:00.004+08:002017-12-10T21:33:49.688+08:00USA 2015 - Day 11 & 12: Grand Canyon<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Okay, so I had a loooong break from blogging about our USA Road Trip. I promise to finish the remaining half as soon as I can and share with you the rest of our holiday stories before the end of the third quarter (before year end exams of my boys begin). Please bear with me. Now let me pick up where I left off with Days 11 & 12 - our trip to the Grand Canyon.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="358" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVN1cYZm_Ws/V6w5pL_B9EI/AAAAAAABLyw/KYwsWoRZ1-UBr-hmomrzanLBpo78-fL8wCLcB/s640/IMG_1615.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: justify;"><i>It's like trying to describe what you feel when you're standing on the rim of Grand Canyon or remembering your first love or the birth of your child. You have to be there to really know what it's like.</i> - </span><a class="qa_288197" href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/jack_schmitt.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0000aa; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" title="view author"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jack Schmitt</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was exactly what was going on in my mind and what I felt as I stood (or sat) there surrounded by one of the Seven Wonders of the World</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I've seen hundreds if not thousands of amazingly breathtaking photos of the Grand Canyon from the North, South and West Rims as well as the photos taken by my husband from his first visit at the Grand Canyon back in the Fall of 2004. They are just canyons, I said, but then something pulled me into the view and I took a second, third, fourth look and I'm hooked! There's just something about the Grand Canyon.</span><br>
</div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2016/09/usa-2015-day-11-12-grand-canyon.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-82958980601434382202016-05-23T17:00:00.000+08:002016-08-21T17:45:21.659+08:00USA 2015 - Day 10: Black Friday at Meteor Crater<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8H0v8WQZHY/V2EEGpND-wI/AAAAAAABH3Q/kLY0F6swi2UH2KkdZWPRjPFTSqQeAM5AQCKgB/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8H0v8WQZHY/V2EEGpND-wI/AAAAAAABH3Q/kLY0F6swi2UH2KkdZWPRjPFTSqQeAM5AQCKgB/s640/IMG_1471.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the boys at the Meteor Crater viewing deck on Black Friday</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While everyone was probably up and about before the crack of dawn on Black Friday to beat the rest of the crowd to the shopping malls, we were in our hotel room recovering from the long drive during Thanksgiving and preparing for another day on the road (this time slightly shorter distance).We drove 300 miles north to Grand Canyon passing by Meteor Crater in Winslow, AZ. My cousin Hazel and her family decided to drive up with us to Grand Canyon so we could spend more time with each other. Sweet!</span></div>
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</div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2016/05/usa-2015-day-10-black-friday-at-meteor.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-10015463422712019772016-05-02T12:00:00.000+08:002017-12-10T21:33:49.503+08:00USA 2015 - Day 9: An Eventful Thanksgiving Day (roadtrip from Pasadena along Route 66 to Joshua Tree National Park, ending in Arizona)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">"There is always, always, always something to be thankful for."<br>Wigwag Motel, Route 66, San Bernardino, CA</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This leg of our trip was plagued with hiccups - three, to be precise. Nonetheless, we hoped and prayed and by the end of the day we celebrated our very first Thanksgiving, the traditional American way.</span></span><br>
</div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2016/05/usa-2015-day-9-eventful-thanksgiving.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-62368366633875095332016-04-28T16:00:00.000+08:002017-12-10T21:33:50.193+08:00USA 2015 - Day 8: Queen Mary and Santa Monica Pier<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">with the RMS Queen Mary - a retired ocean liner which was the grandest ever built during her time</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Queen Mary made her first voyage in 1936, a little over two decades after the disastrous maiden voyage of RMS Titanic. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">From being the benchmark in elegance, class and style (the grandest ocean liner in the world) for transatlantic travel on her first transatlantic voyage, to being a troopship in camouflage color during WWII, RMS Queen Mary has made quite a name in history.</span></div>
</div></div></div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2016/04/usa-2015-day-8-queen-mary-and-santa.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-74633439536741328232016-04-25T17:22:00.000+08:002017-12-10T21:33:50.507+08:00USA 2015 - Day 7: Night at the Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Boulevard<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">at the Griffith Observatory</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While on the final stretch of our drive to LA, we noticed the slowing down of traffic. By the time we were approaching the city limits it was evident that we will not be arriving at the hotel on schedule. So we decided we'd make another adjustment to our itinerary. Seemed like that night we were destined to see the moon and the stars.... while in the city!</span><br>
</div></div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2016/04/usa-2015-day-7-night-at-griffith.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-63970158472652923912016-04-22T16:37:00.000+08:002017-12-10T21:33:50.256+08:00USA 2015: Day 7: Missed Malibu beach-hopping <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunset caught up with us on our way to Malibu. We were supposed to drive along the coast and stop at all the beaches of Malibu. For some unfortunate reason though our GPS brought us to the inland Highway and we couldn't find the exit closer to the beach. We wouldn't be able to get a good sunset view anyway so we decided to just head straight to Los Angeles. </span></div>
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</div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2016/04/usa-2015-day-7-missed-malibu-beach.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-76861398557245178952016-04-19T16:00:00.000+08:002017-12-10T21:33:50.569+08:00USA 2015 - Day 7: Solvang: the "Little Denmark" of California<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who would have thought that a quaint Danish village can be found nestled in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, a good 2.5 hours drive from Los Angeles and just an hour away from Pismo Beach? Well, that's where we had our third stop of the day before heading to Los Angeles - in SOLVANG.</span><br>
</div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2016/04/usa-2015-day-7-solvang-little-denmark.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-11172353704423938552016-04-15T16:00:00.000+08:002017-12-10T21:33:49.626+08:00USA 2015 - morning of Day 7: Beach-hopping along the Pacific Coast Hway (Morro Bay and Pismo Beach) <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Early morning of Day 7 and we geared up for our drive to Los Angeles (that's about 220 miles for the day's road trip). First challenge of the day was how to put all of our stuff (including items we shopped for along the way) inside our small car. We were only on our 7th day and we seemed to have problems trying to fit everything in! When we were finally done this was how our packed car looked like. Still had a little bit of wiggle room, we think.</span><br>
</div></div></div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2016/04/usa-2015-morning-of-day-7-beach-hopping.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-44577498554456460902016-04-12T18:53:00.002+08:002017-12-10T21:33:49.941+08:00USA 2015 - Day 6: Leaving Mariposa for Gilroy then Monterey and spending the night at Morro Bay<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check out time from Miners Inn at Mariposa.<br>I love this bench located at the entrance of the building so I said we should take a photo sitting on it.</span></td></tr>
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</div></div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2016/04/usa-2015-day-6-leaving-mariposa-for.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-89489473665675128802016-04-06T17:49:00.001+08:002017-12-10T21:33:50.754+08:00USA 2015 - Day 5: Yosemite National Park<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.5px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space.” - Ansel Adams, Photographer</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.38;">Best known for its waterfalls, </span><i style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.38;">Yosemite National Park </i><span style="line-height: 1.38;">with its</span><span style="line-height: 1.38;"> nearly 1,200 square miles is among the top ten most visited national parks in the US. Visitors not only come for the waterfalls though as evident in the variety of magnificent photos of famous rock formations, meadows and wetlands, lakes and rivers, viewpoints, giant sequioas, and the wilderness taken around Yosemite in different seasons throughout the year. </span></span></span></span><br>
</div></div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2016/04/usa-2015-day-5-yosemite-national-park.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-20263384645365871372016-03-23T19:50:00.005+08:002017-12-10T21:33:49.751+08:00USA 2015: Night Tour of Alcatraz<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="line-height: normal; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>"It's mighty good to get up and leave. This Rock ain't good for nobody." </b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And yet, a decade after its closing, The Rock became one of the most popular and most visited attractions in San Francisco. People were curious about how life was inside the notorious prison. Tourists wanted to see for themselves how the prisoners supposedly successfully escaped from America's premier maximum-security prison in its time. Some, on the other hand, were simply mesmerized admiring it from afar specially on a foggy day (I knew I was).</span><br>
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</div></div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2016/03/usa-2015-night-tour-of-alcatraz.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1500533731347763706.post-69680173723577832052016-03-02T10:00:00.000+08:002017-12-10T21:33:50.382+08:00USA 2015: A Day or Two in San Francisco<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">"San Francisco is one of my favourite cities in the world…I would probably rank it at the top or near the top. It’s small but photogenic and has layers…You never have problems finding great angles that people have never done."- Ang Lee</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">It's one of cities we love the most, too! So much so that this visit is already our third and we are still hoping we can go back for more. There's just so many things to see and do in this vibrant city that is San Francisco.</span></span><br>
</div></div><a href="http://czyreil-travelogue.blogspot.com/2016/03/usa-2015-day-or-two-in-san-francisco.html#more">continue reading.....</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08693929759818771839noreply@blogger.com0