I've always loved being on the other side of the world. First, because I get to be with my family. Second, I get the chance to go to places I've never been to. Third, because there's so much food (and we don't have to worry about getting short on our budget). Fourth, greater chance of seeing people I admire. Fifth, the weather!
There are so many things that I'd like to share about my previous summer vacation. And before classes legitimately resumes, let me rant about random things which I may not have shared yet.
People always ask me what do I do whenever I'm in Mexico or the States. Well, believe it or not, I do what I usually do. I'm always online, I watch series or movies, I read books, and I fangirl. So what's the difference? There's a smaller chance of being annoyed because the internet connection there is speedy! Actually, sometimes, I feel like I've watched all the videos I want to watch and I am left staring at the wall, wondering what to do next.
Where do we buy groceries? Little items which can be usually brought from a sari-sari store (when there are no sari-sari store in sight)? We usually buy at Walmart (if we're in California or Mexico) or Ley (if we're in Mexico). The meat there is cheaper compared here. But vegetables are precious and hard to find. When it comes to buying little items, we go to the nearest OXXO. (There are numerous OXXOs available) It is a convenience store that sells a variety of products. Yes, even vegetables and fruits.
The border! Since we're staying in Mexico, we have to pass the border inspection for us to get to California. There are different types of Border and Customs officers. Some are jolly while others are strict. We are asked basic questions like the purpose of our visit; or what are we bringing to the States. We cross the border almost every week so we're used to the same routine. Some recognizes us, Filipinos and they try to connect by creating a little chat about the Philippines.
The police in the states are strict and friendly at the same time.They will not call your attention unless you did something wrong or there is something that you have to know. I remember, we were once pulled over and I was wondering for what reason. Can you guess why? The lights on our car's plate number went out. Fortunately, we were not given ticket but we were reminded to fix it. By the way, they talked so nice and polite.
We feel closer to the Philippines by buying groceries from Seafood City or by eating out at Goldilocks or Jollibee or Chowking or Max's. Seafood City is a supermarket that sells Filipino grocery items. Their staff are also Filipinos.
In my one and a half month stay, we've been to Downtown LA (when we accompanied my sister to a kpop boy band-concert at Nokia Theatre). Nokia Theatre is just across Staples Center so we had to take an obligatory picture there as well. A little walk will bring you to the Grammy's Walk of Fame too. I really enjoyed strolling!
We also visited our relatives in Arizona. We enjoyed swimming and I got tanned. My cousins, Dana and Lucas were playful as usual. I love them like that.
Then before leaving for the Philippines, we went to Santa Monica Pier!!! I've always wanted to go to Santa Monica because Josh Duhamel's charity run are regularly done there so I got to feel Josh Duhamel's vibes. Also, the whole place was picture-worthy. An amusement park beside the ocean. How cool is that! (literally and figuratively.)
I've always loved being on the other side of the world. First, because I get to be with my family. Second, I get the chance to go to places I've never been to. Third, because there's so much food (and we don't have to worry about getting short on our budget). Fourth, greater chance of seeing people I admire. Fifth, the weather!
There are so many things that I'd like to share about my previous summer vacation. And before classes legitimately resumes, let me rant about random things which I may not have shared yet.
People always ask me what do I do whenever I'm in Mexico or the States. Well, believe it or not, I do what I usually do. I'm always online, I watch series or movies, I read books, and I fangirl. So what's the difference? There's a smaller chance of being annoyed because the internet connection there is speedy! Actually, sometimes, I feel like I've watched all the videos I want to watch and I am left staring at the wall, wondering what to do next.
Where do we buy groceries? Little items which can be usually brought from a sari-sari store (when there are no sari-sari store in sight)? We usually buy at Walmart (if we're in California or Mexico) or Ley (if we're in Mexico). The meat there is cheaper compared here. But vegetables are precious and hard to find. When it comes to buying little items, we go to the nearest OXXO. (There are numerous OXXOs available) It is a convenience store that sells a variety of products. Yes, even vegetables and fruits.
The border! Since we're staying in Mexico, we have to pass the border inspection for us to get to California. There are different types of Border and Customs officers. Some are jolly while others are strict. We are asked basic questions like the purpose of our visit; or what are we bringing to the States. We cross the border almost every week so we're used to the same routine. Some recognizes us, Filipinos and they try to connect by creating a little chat about the Philippines.
The police in the states are strict and friendly at the same time.They will not call your attention unless you did something wrong or there is something that you have to know. I remember, we were once pulled over and I was wondering for what reason. Can you guess why? The lights on our car's plate number went out. Fortunately, we were not given ticket but we were reminded to fix it. By the way, they talked so nice and polite.
We feel closer to the Philippines by buying groceries from Seafood City or by eating out at Goldilocks or Jollibee or Chowking or Max's. Seafood City is a supermarket that sells Filipino grocery items. Their staff are also Filipinos.
In my one and a half month stay, we've been to Downtown LA (when we accompanied my sister to a kpop boy band-concert at Nokia Theatre). Nokia Theatre is just across Staples Center so we had to take an obligatory picture there as well. A little walk will bring you to the Grammy's Walk of Fame too. I really enjoyed strolling!
We also visited our relatives in Arizona. We enjoyed swimming and I got tanned. My cousins, Dana and Lucas were playful as usual. I love them like that.
Then before leaving for the Philippines, we went to Santa Monica Pier!!! I've always wanted to go to Santa Monica because Josh Duhamel's charity run are regularly done there so I got to feel Josh Duhamel's vibes. Also, the whole place was picture-worthy. An amusement park beside the ocean. How cool is that! (literally and figuratively.)
“For once, for once, for once, I get the feeling that I'm right where I belong .”
- Fun.
This blog was created August of 2008. Putting up an account here wasn't really on my plans. It's just that I was so crazy about Chris Tiu before and he runs a blog so I thought of creating my own as well. Years have passed, and I have grown yet I still keep my personal stuff here. Yes, things may change but one thing's for sure -- I will continue running this blog as long as I can.
