Aren't we having so much fun?! lol
For this blog post, I will just share the major stops that we did in our epic journey. And diving right into those details, the special occasion that I was talking about above was the wedding of Michael and Toni. It was an opportunity for the family to attend that special day and of course, get-together again after many years of not seeing each other. Thus, the plan of doing the interstate popped up and later on transformed into a solid itinerary for the family to do while most of us are here.
P.S. This was a 2-week plan but I only arrived in the second week since my employer at that time only granted me a week of leave. It was a favorable response already since I just literally started working with them like weeks short. And the story of my scariest flight yet happened. The full story here.
So, before I arrived, they already have done quite a handful. They already visited SeaWorld theme park in San Diego, Big Bear Mountain/Lake in California, and Venice Beach in the neighborhood of Los Angeles.
water show at SeaWorld
Ziplining at Big Bear Mountain (Lake)
posing wacky at Venice Beach
Some of the highlights here as they told me were the unexpected sudden drop roller-coaster ride at SeaWorld and the series of zip lines at Big Bear. They also highlighted how cold it is at Big Bear so make sure to ready your sweaters when going here.
Alas! I arrived somewhere around this timeline and was present at the wedding. Congrats Micro and welcome to the family Toni!
wedding crashers lol
And before we started our long interstate journey, our parents reserved a day for the Universal Studios (Hollywood) experience. Yey! This was my first time visiting here as the second time was when we flew again just to use my older brother's visa.
Universal Studios Hollywood
We also availed of the Hollywood studios tour which was the highlight for me, personally. Seeing how big their sets were and how grand they were made was just mind-blowing. All I can imagine was the vast amount of dollars used to create them. Well, if they gain more profit on the shows and movies produced there then yeah, now I see.
And after all of those happenings, our interstate journey began,
3-car convoy
Nikki and I always reminisce this time as we were the usual seatmates then. And even after talking about life and much other stuff, we were still going, and going, and going. We even remember the time that we were so hungry but since there was no available food place to stop at that specific time on the way, we needed to wait it all out. Yes, we remember but we actually did not mind it to be honest since the places we did see along the way were worth it.
First major stop while on the interstate journey was at Arizona Snowbowl at Flagstaff (Mt. Humphreys)
Snowbowl cable lift
We rode this insanely high and open cable ride lift to go to the top of the mountain for the view. With the 11,500 feet of elevation, we all enjoyed the snow-covered summit of Mt. Humphreys (highest point of Arizona) except for Gia who felt sick on top. The cold was too much for her to stand.
Mt. Humphreys summit
The second major stop was at Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona
Grand Canyon view
It was a treat for everybody to see this wonder of the world in person. I still remember dad saying why are people going gaga over this huge hole (lol). I actually caught myself starring blankly over the horizon since it was a fresh view for me. Well, we had a lot of fun here. The cliffs were exciting to traverse and it was so spacious that we were all running and jumping at some point (haha!)
jump shot at Grand Canyon
The third and last major stop was at Hoover Dam - Nevada
Hoover Dam
This was the indicator for us that we are already near Vegas since Hoover Dam is already part of Nevada. Aside from its scenic view, this place was made popular by movies like "Transformers" and other movies where some action scenes were done. Besides, we can already hear some helicopters above us where some Vegas air tours include this area.
But before we get to the Vegas strip, we were blessed enough to stay in one of the houses at Royal Highlands (still part of Nevada) to spend a night there. The place was super neat and classy. Literally a Hollywood vibe just like what you and I see on the television (haha!). #90210 #random #haha
Home poolside at Royal Highlands
Ladies and Gentlemen, after the long drive, we finally are arriving at Las Vegas, Nevada.
Viva! Las Vegas
This was indeed an entertainment city where all you need to do is just walk on the streets of it and be amazed by the shows you'll pass by. There were street performers scattered all around and shows you can freely watch like this water fountain show.
Bellagio water fountain show
Well, this is just one of literally so much you can watch just by walking around its strip. There were casinos, entertainment places, and a lot of architectural designs that are pleasing to the eyes here (replicas of famous landmarks), and more. Feel free to watch the video below for more of it.
photo op at a random slot machine (relax)
And by the way, just as I said on my Las Vegas business trip post, strolling in the morning VS doing it at night is a totally different thing, you need to experience both.
Fam groupie! lol.
Believe it or not, we then again went back to Los Angeles after this since our flight back home is at LAX. Ang tiyaga lang. And before leaving, we even managed to squeeze in a crazy schedule of visiting some more places. Well, the group was divided, it was team Six Flags VS Hollywood strip with Venice Beach.
Simon, Ate Chinky, and me went to Six Flags Magic Mountain, while all the rest went the more relaxing route. lol!
X2 at six flags magic mountain
This picture is by Joe Rollerfan on Flickr. We actually don't have any actual picture inside the theme park since we were all hyped for it. I remember us running the minute the gates of the park were opened since Ate Chinky recommended us to do so, so we will be first in line.
Six flags really set the bar for me when it comes to theme parks as we have literally tried different kinds of roller-coasters here: from standing, sitting, hanging, to even a zero-gravity experience at superman ride was done. A really day to remember.
P.S. We ate here at our all-time favorite Panda Express inside the park (lol).
Anyways, it looks like the other group is having a great time too at Hollywood Boulevard.. Taking pictures at the Hollywood walk of fame and, uhhmmm.. let Ira tell you more about it. Haha!
Ira happily being kidnapped (lol)
It was a nice tone down activity for them as they will be ending the trip with a sunset view at Venice Beach before leaving back to the Philippines. It was an epic journey for all of us to remember and we are all grateful for the experience. Thank you, parents, and of course, thank you, Lord! Looking forward to our next memorable visit.
Venice beach sundown
For more of our journey, watch this video below:
If you cannot see the video above, click HERE for it
