2007

It's a very happening year. I just find that it is an important year for me.

1st time on business trip with Tech ppl
1st time watching live football match
1st time to USA
1st time to Canada
1st time doing backpacking
1st time doing white water rafting
1st time going to Sabah
1st time summited Mt. Kinabalu
1st time to Miri, Mulu, Brunei
1st time taking Air Asia
1st time Christmas without jie2 and her family
1st time having Christmas in S'pore
1st time...
1st time...

And the list will go on.

I thank God for His provision, protection, blessings, seeing and guiding me through.

I thank the people around me who supported me, encouraged me, challenged me at all times. Because of you, my life is never the same. :)

What about 2008? What will happen in 2008? I shall continue to learn to surrender all unto Him and depend on Him. I shall continue to count His blessings in 2008 and give my very best unto Him.

Singapore

It's my 1st time to have Christmas in Singapore. This Christmas is different without jie2 and her family. They have moved back to Perth around Oct. So, we went visiting grandpa, grandma and Mimi ah-yi's family in Singapore. Else, jie2 and family will be back from S'pore to home to have Christmas with us. So, we missed them so much this Christmas. It was quite emotional when we rang them on Christmas Day.

Well, in S'pore we went out to Orchard Road. So many people. pengsan... So humid as well.

Ah-yi took us to her friend's place for BBQ. Her friend work as a warden in NUS. So, we went to her place at the hill to have BBQ. :)

Of course, we celebrated May Hui's b'day as well.

It was a different Christmas altogether and I don't like this different feeling at all.

Meeting Up

It's public holiday and I didn't go back to S'ban cos I am meeting up with Swee Nyuk and Lee Nyiuk. It's been a long time that we meet. We planned this about 1 month ago and we are all so excited. We met at 1U. Actually, I went back to S'ban and back to 1U the next day again.

Both of them went movie and I just walked around a bit by myself since I am not keen in the show.

Then, we met for lunch. We just makan, talked, shopped a little. Then, I have to leave to pick-up Viveen to Karim's open house.

Christmas Function DCF

Normally a few of us would meet up on Friday for fellowship. In this Christmas season, we thought to have something and invite our friends over.

It was great as we started to assign task. Get things prepared.

We sang some Christmas songs, games, shared on the story of Christmas and we have fellowship and food.

It was very encouraging to see so many guests were there and everyone was so comfortable.

From Heaven's Throne 14 - 16 Dec'07

Many hours and effort has put into this musical drama.

I was involved... in usher for 3 nights. And the 'best' thing is I have to wear the costume with heavy make-up and stand all night outside. It was HOT!! And a lot of times, when there was no visitor, I will lift up my long skirt, no worries, I have pants in there to put my mobile.

It has a great turnout and all glory unto the Lord!

Big Day

It was a very special birthday indeed. It was arranged and I didn't know anything about it at all. I didn't even know the time and venue until Karim fetched me there to the restaurant. Later, Faris told me that it was communicated a day earlier and they were worried what if I was tied up with work and unable to go. Wow!!

Sherine bought me flowers. Lovely flowers.

I was truly touched by all these. It will be a day to remember for a long time. :)

Thank you so much! *Hugs*

Brunei

We also make a trip to Brunei. Susanna get Julian to drive. The custom clearance was a breeze since Julian also has been dealing with the officers for clearance (they are in transport company). It was another 1.5 hours drive from the checkpoint to Bandar Seri Begawan.

The petrol is really cheap. $0.53/ litre. It is still cheap after conversion.

And we saw this 1st old extraction machine which has a stop function just by the road side. Saw another one, really old one in the middle of roundabout. Actually, all these machines are every where. That means the country is really rich in petroleum.

We stopped by Jerutong Park which has been abandoned.

Then, we visited The Imperial, 6 stars hotel in Brunei. It was really huge. And painted with golden colour. I was asking if all these were gold. Then, my sis told me, this is not Middle East country.

The most interesting part was we visited the rest room. It was a huge restroom, where they have sofa to allow people to chit-chat (?). I don't know. But, it was huge. Actually, it was nice just sitting there, really relaxing.

And we moved on. After lunch, we went to Gadong Mall. Just to experience the local lifestyle. A lot of Jawi words here.

The Bandar itself is very quiet. Doesn't feel like bandar at all. And mosque. Nice.

And yupe that was Brunei. It was kinda boring. I wouldn't recommend people to visit there. Apparently, people there do not need to work and the lifestyle is really slow. And so, I appeared o be the weird one who walked so fast.

Mom reckon that I am so much happy during my holiday, this trip. I laughed and smile from my heart.

And we left Miri the very next day. It was a great trip. It was great to catch up with old friend.

Mulu & Miri part II

We woke up at 6.45am. We have to be punctual today as we need to catch the afternoon flight back to Miri. We were told that our luggages will be transported to the airport directly and we will go to airport from the cave. So, no shower or anything like that? hmm.. ok...

The air is so fresh and Melanau River is so calm. We will be in boat today. Actually, there were other fun activities around, like ATV motor which I think will be really fun.

The sampan motor boat ride was good. We enjoyed the view and saw people living by the riverbank. We stopped at Kampung Bangan to help a bit on the economy there. The locals were selling crafts. Then, we continue the journey to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave.

We have to climb the staircase to the Wind Cave. It was humid, very humid and I didn't like it at all. Was amazed by all the limestone formed there. We are not allow to touch the stones. Actually, there is an adventurous trail in the cave which is only 1 way. There is no turning back.

Then, we moved to Clearwater Cave whis is neighbour to Wind Cave. We had some snacks before taking the 200 steps up. It was total darkness in the cave, and we have to use the headlight. There were some stones used to be washed by water and the marks can still be seen. It has a very wide river in there. I don't know how deep was that and I don't want to know. We cross the bridge and walked along the river. We can hear the rushing water. It was kinda scary that you can't see but, you can hear. Imagine the blind and be grateful.

Then, we need to proceed to airport by boat. Bob, our guide, told us that the airport was very near to the river only. Indeed. We WALKED to the airport. Wow.. Another experience. It's like 1 minute slow walk away. This was really cool.

I reckon people here in Mulu has very simple life.

After resting awhile, Susanna brought us out to market. Since mom wanted to go market.?! Pasar Tamu. OK. We went. It's really interesting to see the local fruits. Durian hutan(?) also. It doesn't have a strong smell like the normal durian. Still, I will not try it. Sarawak manggo. Looks like a big ciku. It tasted weird. Talap, weird fruit. Nice sayur bilin and many more. I kept taking pictures and people thought I just came back from overseas. Yes, over the South China Sea. :D

Next is to a local park to walk on the canopy. So many people in the park. It's a nice park with nice view, I must agree.
Before we proceed to dinner. We went up to the 1st oil well and look at the sunset. It tells us the history and the process of oil discovery to extraction.

Mulu Caves, Miri, Sarawak

Susanna helped to arrange for the Mulu Caves for 2 days 1 night only me and sis.

After waited for about 1 hour and much announcement that our flight got delayed, finally, we were told that the flight was cancelled. Well, there was nothing much that we can do. We were told to proceed to FAX office for next arrangement. By then, Susanna has gone and I have to call her to come to pick us up. And we have to pick-up our luggages from the arrival hall.

It was a havoc. Some people wanted refund, some were alright to take on the flight the next morning. For us, we wanted the refund as we have got other plans. And then, we were being told to wait for arrangement. Waited patiently. And Susanna arrived. As I was sitting trying to be patient waiting for my arrangement, then, we were told to board the plane immediately as the flight was waiting for us ready to go. The flight has only 2 seats available which was just nice for us.

So, we went to departure hall again. Actually, ran. Our luggages became hand luggages. An official was waiting us at the departure hall. And walked us to the flight. By then, the propeller started and ready to go. Once, we were in the flight, the door closed, and took-off. What an experience!! This was like movie, wasn't it?
Everything happened too fast.

It was a small flight and only fly up to 3,000 m. Hey, that's lower than Mt. Kinabalu, isn't it?

Later, we found out that it was the 1st and only flight into Mulu that day. The morning flight went in and couldn't land due to bad weather and couldn't start the engine upon returned to Miri. So, we are actually very blessed. And all flights have to fly out before 5pm so not to destroy the ecosystem there. Bats are coming out about 5pm.

We arrived Mulu at 4.30pm. Then, we started the walk to Deer Cave and Lang Cave. It was an easy walk. We tried to walk as fast as possible so to reach there before the gate closed at 5pm. We reached there at 5.10pm and too bad, we can't go in any more. Instead many have to come out. Else, we will disturb the bats.

It was kinda sad that we couldn't go into the Deer Cave, the world largest cave. Then, we just sat outside and watch the bats coming out. It was so majestic. So many of them.

Then, it was getting dark and we started to walk back. We enjoyed the walk. Malaysia is very rich in the rainforest.

Then, we were transferred to Mulu Royal Resort. It was a really nice resort. And we had our dinner and rested there.

Miri, Sarawak

Planned for this Miri trip with mom and sis. Mom has been saying that she has not been to Miri. So, I booked Air Asia. And I can visit Susanna as well.

Susanna picked us up from Miri airport and we went to town awhile. Basically, didn't do much for the day. Only went to the beach. Look at where Shell expatriates live. Bungalows! Like Australia/ NZ type of houses. The whole environment is so nice.

Susanna also took us to look at the bungalows built near the beach. There were all so huge, like a mansion. Some really make us wonder if that's a house or motel or hotel. They have huge land, huge house, private pathway to their private beach. This is in Miri. Wow...

White Water Rafting

MC invited me for RAND (Radio Access Network Development) outing for white water rafting. I accepted that of course with my boss approval that I can go. Yippy!! :D

Then, the fear kicked-in. Is it safe and alright? I don't know how to swim wor though I was told that we will be having life jacket? But, still... Cos, I have had very bad experience riding on the Banana Boat thingy. Despite the fear, I still went.

The bus was late. So, late. Upon arrival at KKB, we were divided into groups, briefing and instructions were given. And off we went into the boat.

There were some practices before the real thing especially to get us familiar with the instructions. And off we started. It was a lot of screaming, laughing, fear, excitement. I rescued a few of the team members. Rescued means pull them back into the boat. And I also fall into the water once. And other will have to rescue me. There's rope at the side of the boat for us to hold on.

We stopped at a waterfall for some snacks. We were all so hungry. And continued. Then, we had late lunch.

It was a great experience! I like it. More of it. :)

Well, I was a little late for TIC. Sorry.. And the team let me got down of the bus and I ran back to office and conducted TIC. haha....

Mt Kinabalu part III

It's 1am on Sunday morning. We woke up and get ready for the summit. Can I make it? I don't know. It rained pretty heavily the night before and so it's gonna be wet. We were in the non-heated room again. The gate only opened at about 3am. There were so many people.

I find it really difficult after KM6.5, haven't even at Sayat-Sayat check-point. It was close to the finishing of the rope part. Initially, John told me to follow his step, then, he hold my hands and we walked together.

Air is getting thiner and thiner and I find it more difficult was I went higher. I wasn't cold. I only need Oxygen. This was a totally different and new experience in my life.

I only remembered that I was so sleepy and wanted to sleep so much especially when we were at the rock surface. I literally lean on him at one point. And I remembered him telling me not to close my eyes, but, keep walking. He will squeezed my hands when we are ready to go. And I will did that whenever I wanted a stop. We walked about 10 steps and we stopped for 5 seconds. Later he told me that he can't hear me breathing at one point. I didn't know what happened besides that I wanted to sleep.

Finally, I was there at 6.45am. Yes, I missed the sunrise. But, does it matter? Well, I wasn't so excited/ emotional like most people did. I thank God for His guidance, thank John for being responsible and his patience. I gave him a big huge. Thank KG for encouraging. I don't think I am able to make it without them.

As I was standing on the top of the mountain, I was reminded that I am just so tiny little in this universe. There are so many things that yet to be done. I need to treasure everything and everyone and not take them for granted.

I have been there - Low Peak of Mt. Kinabalue. 4,095 meter = 14,435 feet! Really speechless of the magnificent view.

I started to feel better after a few minutes rest at the peak. John told us that we needa keep moving and start to descent. And I started to take a few pictures since I am not coming here again. I just enjoyed the view so much!!!

Looking down from the plateau of Mt. Kinabalu. We have an awesome God!!!

As we arrived at Laban Rata, we rested and packed to go back to Timpohon Gate. We are going back to West Malaysia the very night itself. It's a recce trip, not suppose to have fun so much.

Saw these workers were carrying so heavy things going up. They are so fit. Descending wasn't easy as well. Peter and I were having pain in the knees and toes. It was a really big 'aiyoo' when we saw more steps ahead of us though we tried to divert by taking pictures. That did not help much. We took about 4 hours to reach Timpohon Gate.

Then, Mr. Faustine (our transport guy) arranged a place for us to freshen up before taking us to KK town and airport.

We had our dinner and head to airport. We managed to change to an earlier flight and that flight was delay. So, we are back to original. Dennis came to meet me at the airport. It was so nice of him. :)

We reached LCCT about midnight and I am going to work the very next day. yes.. crazy me... Thank God that my legs are not sore as all the local hikes.

Mt. Kinabalu part II

Started from Mesilau Park at 8.30am. Was told that it is a tougher trail. Well, I read from internet as well. It's about 2.7KM more than the Timpohon trail. I really doubted on my ability.

I vomitted after 1.5KM hike. I really wanted to turn back. The other team(3 of them) has gone ahead. And it was only KG, Peter, me and John (the guide) in my team. My team members kept encourage me and they prayed for me. I find it so difficult to walk any more. And we walked really slowly after that. KG took over my bag so that it will be lighter for me.

I thank God for His mercy and grace. I felt much better and started to take pictures again. Then, I started to tell them that I wanted to eat ice-cream, lychee, longan, etc... And they were laughing at me that mountain sickness has started to kick-in at early stage.

At some stretch, I tried to move a bit faster and scolded by them as I should let my body to adapt to the height and take it slowly. I didn't eat much for my lunch as I really have no appetite. I drank water and took some chocolates.

I really like the scenery. We enjoyed the journey and take it really slowly to just be in the nature. Then, finally hours of walking only we reached the Layang-Layang junction. It was just halfway and we have to continue to walk.

Well, we have some 'booster' on our way up. Peter will know that. haha...

The type of plants changes as we move higher. It was so marvelous that the wind will blow the clouds in and out just like that.

Finally, we arrived Laban Rata at about 5.45pm. We took so long and we were all so tired.

Mt Kinabalu part I

So, this is the day and it's here. We went to LCCT early in the morning and caught a flight to KK.

This is the recce team for the real climb in September. To check out the place, to find out the condition and go back to prepare the September team. Since, I will be busy in September and couldn't join them. Busy with work lar, with forecasting lar.. So, I am in this recce team. I am the only female. And we are going to use the Mesilau trail.

It was raining when we arrived at KK. We had our lunch and KG did went to Sutera office to sorted out something before heading to Mesilau National Park at Kundasang. It was gloomy and rainy, and we knew, it will be wet and cold and it will not be easy.
We stopped to get some food. And it started to rain again. I started to doubt if I could ever make it to Laban Rata.

It took about 2.5 hours from KK to Kundasang. A long journey. At last, we arrived at the National Park HQ to register ourselves and get our guides. Then, we continue to Mesilau Resort. The road to there was narrow and some really steep one where everyone will have to get down from the van except me. hehe... :)

And we rested. We were all in the non-heated room. Problem for me to sleep: (i) new environment, (ii) didn't use much of my brain and not tired. But, I have to get some rest for the hike.

Gunung Nuang

I know it sounded so crazy. Just came back from US and then, went to work the very next day. Then, now, went to hiking in the weekend. But, well, for the recce in July. I have to do it.

Gunung Nuang is located in Selangor. We departed Seremban before 6am. It's so crazy.

Then, we met up some of the gang traveled from KL. Divided into few groups and the journey started.

It was a long walk before starting to ascend. It was toughed. We went beyond the mid-point and it started to rain. Then, we decided not to summit and turn back since we are tired and it's raining. And it's muddy.

And we rested at Pacat (means leech). Indeed, a place filled with leech. I am very afraid of leeches actually. Then, I felt a pain at my left ankle and I thought I was bitten by an ant or what. But, when I looked at it, it was a leech there. ARRHHH!!!! I screamed. And it was so painful. KG helped to put the salt. But, it was still there despite the salt. And it was getting more painful. So, KG has to put more salt and pull it out. Gosh!! It was horrible. The mark is still there until today. Who said salt is very effective to get rid of leech? Who said it doesn't hurt bitten by a leech?? All NOT true. Pain so much.. and salt is useless.

After awhile, we started to descent. And it was getting darker and the rain started again with thunder. It was so dark especially when we were walking in the jungle. I was walking alone for quite a distance. No one was with me, they have gone ahead. I just felt like as if I was going to die as my legs were really tiring. I was thinking, what if a tree felt hit by thunder and fall on me? What if I was hit by thunder or lightning? What if a tiger came out? There were so many thoughts in my mind. And I was praying. And I kept telling myself that I have to get out of that place.

And finally, I was out. And we waited for those who sumitted to come back as well. Everyone arrived at about 8.30pm. It was a super tiring trip. We only had our dinner closed to 10pm. Of course, we had our shower before we depart. Well, the shower place has got no light. Gee....

I don't want to go back to Gunung Nuang. It has no fun at all. It's torturing, both physically and mentally. Not good.. :(

Richmond, Vancouver BC

We visited Stanley Park. It is a huge park. We only went to 1 part of it. The world famous aquarium is here too. They have beluga whale (the white whale) and with more than 70,000 creatures. I would love to visit if given a chance. However, we do not have the time. Maybe I shall come back next time.

I like Vancouver as it has a good combination of water and mountain. And the weather is nice and cold.

Each Totem poles is unique by itself. It has their own stories.

It was hot there but thanks to the breeze which helps to cool down a little.

We didn't have much time. And I just took the picture of Art Gallery as we stopped in front of the traffic light.

We tried dim sum as well. And yes, it was superb. One bite and I just indulged in it. It was really super yummy. I have not had this super yummy dim sum for a loooong time.

We head back to Seattle after the meal. We do not want to be trapped in the traffic as it was Memorial weekend in US. Well, thank God that the traffic wasn't that bad.

While we were waiting. I went out of the car to take some pictures. A lot of people did that. All the crosses were not there when we went to Canada yesterday and there were all up now.

And so we were back and time for me to do my packing. I am leaving at midnight. My flight is at 2am. So, that's my 3 weeks of US holiday.

Do I like US now? Maybe. I like the shopping at the factory outlets a lot though. Do I want to go US again? Maybe. Since I have been to the West Coast. Maybe I should visit the East Coast, the Niagara Falls. But, well, let's think about that later. I need to start savings for another holiday.

Vancouver, Canada

Canada was not in my plan. But, Pei Shih told me to apply my visa just in case we decided to go. And I applied hoping that we will go.

Yes. We are on our way to Vancouver after church and it was raining in Seattle. Pei Shih was trying to contact her friends who were frequent traveller to Canada to find out places to eat.

Since I am the visitor, non-greencard holder. We have to get down from the car to the immigration. Well, it was smooth and fast. I like Canadian. They were friendly. :)

The 1 most obvious change once we were in Canada was the unit of measurement. KM instead of miles.

By the time, we reached the hotel and settled down. It was time for dinner. And we knew about the Summer night market. And we went for that.

The Summer Night Market was really huge with so many people. They sell all sorts of food, mostly Asia food and a lot of other things. Everyone just buy and eat and walk and buy and eat... So, we just joined them. It was fun.

So, this is Richmond Night Market.

Mt. Rainier, Washington

Mt. Rainier is located south of Seattle. It is an active volcano. The height of Mt. Rainier is 14,410 ft (4,392 m).

Finally, I am here on this mountain. The one that I have been seeing from far, from the city and beach.

It was not that near. There was this huge lake on the way there, apparently, it is a dam and people were having water sports on it.

I was so excited as I saw the snow as we ascent. I have not seen any snow for about 10 years now. Ever since I came back from NZ. It wasn't snowing, just ice. Yeah!! I had my hiking boots on thinking can do some hikes. I got this hiking boots at only about US$ 49.99. :) But, well, too bad. The tracks were all covered by snow and we can't do any hike. Even part of the visitor center was still covered by snow. Well, it wasn't that cold and jacket was not needed.

I saw this glacier which was now shorten due to global warming. It was sad that it has to happened that way.

Then, we make a stop at this Christian Fall where we did a bit of hiking here. The water was so clear.

In the evening, Tyson's family came over for BBQ. It was a dinner welcoming me. I felt so touched by them. Thank you so much!

Pike Place Market

Visited Pike Place Market. It's a MUST go. Seattle produces lotsa Salmon and it can be found here.

I was there a little early, hence, I just walked around and took pictures of the harbour and the mountains far away. Since it was still early, and the 1st Starbucks is here. I just went in. Wow.. So many people in that small shop. They literally throw the cup after taking order to the coffee maker. Since I am not a caffeine taker, I bought myself a vanila ice blended which was really yummy... And I noticed the logo there was a bit different than the normal. It was the full picture, unlike others which has been truncated.

And I moved on to the market itself. The fruits, the veg, the flowers, the fish, the jumbo lobster tails, huge scallops, Alaskan King crab... wow... they were so fresh, so huge, must be so yummy. Of course, it is a bit pricey too (cos a lot of visitors mar).

And yes, they will 'perfom' throwing huge salmon for cleaning once it has its owner.

And we passed by Amazon.com. hmm... another interesting place. Then, later I was told Microsoft is in Seattle also. I should have visited Bill Gate, shouldn't I?!

Later of the day, Pei Shih, Cora and I picked Tyson up from his office at Bellevue to go to cell group. It was cool to attend the cell meeting. :)

More Seattle

Every morning, I went out with Pei Shih at 6.30am. This is even earlier than while I was working.

Today, I went out with Linda, Fong got to know this person in KL and introduced to me. She is a native Indian, Tulalip tribe. We visited the Tulalip casino which is next to the factory outlets, fishing village. It was really nice of her to show me around.

Then, she sent me back to the city. It was about 1 hour drive away.

There are 2 hanging bridge in Seattle. This is one of them. We are going into Mercer Island, passing through Lake Washington. It is a very deep lake. And so, the bridge is hanging. Was told that the bridge was once closed due to stong wind. The water level is almost reaching the road level, that's how I felt. We have to cross this bridge to get into the other side of the city.

We went to Alki Beach. Mt. Rainier was there in the sunset. It is really pretty as it looks like hanging in the air due to the cloud. The sunset was really beautiful. The sun only set at about 9.30pm as it summer was coming. Seattle city with all the lights was just gorgeous!

Seattle

My flight to Seattle from SF kept delaying. I just sat in the airports for hours. This is the budget airline. Like Air Asia? I don't know. I have not been on Air Asia.

The most important part of my entire trip is to Seattle, to visit Pei Shih. We have not see each other for 10 years. It's been a long time.....

Seattle. The most wet city.

I rested one day and did all my laundry before continue the visiting. hehe..

I went to Space Needle. You may visit http://www.spaceneedle.com/about/funfacts.asp to find out more. The escalator is really fast that I didn't even feel anything. It was cold when I went out the day. Of course, the exploration was cool too...

The view from the top of the tower was superb.

Since Pei Shih and Tyson (Pei Shih's husband) have to work. I was on my own. I went to the city with Pei Shih early morning, hang out a bit in her office before taking the bus to the city.

Then, I went back to Pei Shih's office and we went for beef noodle. Vietnamese beef noodle which is really yummy before taking Cora. I saw this cool convertible BMW on Pei Shih's in-laws house and I couldn't resist and took the picture. :p

SF

I felt so weird of not going to church on Sunday. Well, I do not know where to go. So, I went to Borders, library, walked around in the city before I left. I didn't take the cable car as well. Too expensive.

Frankly, I do now understand why so many people like SF so much. Not for me except Alcatraz Island.

Alcatraz Island

I have wanted to go to Alcatraz Island. Knowing that it is a very popular place and I have to book my ticket earlier. Another booking through internet. And I changed my ticket to an earlier day since there was a little changed of my schedule. Well, that's alright. I told myself to be flexible, it's a holiday afterall.

I went to Pier 33 to wait for my ferry. Indeed, a lot of people. Some wanted to buy ticket only that morning which they can't get. I was just glad that I had mine earlier.

SF is well known of its fog as well. The fog was still around at about 10am. It was a really short journey from the wharf to the island.

Alcatraz Island was where all the top criminals were kept. They couldn't escape due to the freezing cold water. However, still, they managed to escape and hence it was closed and for visiting.

Was given an audio set where it will guide me and tell me the story. It was really nice. I just need to walk and listen. There were some background sound as well, hence, I just need to imagine and pictured the scenes myself.

The prisoners are not allow to come out at all. If they behaved well, they do get their chance to be at the courtyard.

The city is just at the opposite. Indeed, it has a nice view from this island. Now, seagulls use the island as a nesting place. And we are not suppose to disturb them.

I met someone, Gavin, here. He was also alone, like me. And so, we just walked and be friend. :) Someone I could speak Mandarin after separate with Annie. But, I lost so much of my Mandarin. And Gavin was just wondering if I really know Chinese or not.

From Alcatraz Island, I went to Pier 39, the most happening place at Fisherman's Wharf.

San Francisco

Arrived at SF in the evening. And I witnessed the fog coming into the city. Cheng's friend picked me up from the airport.

OK. We are joining the rush hour in my holiday. Yes.. I am going to Silicon Valley.


I have been wanting to visit Google, Intel, Yahoo,... You named it. Why on earth do I want to go there? A lot of people couldn't understand. Well, we use the search engines so much, and we use computer with Intel chips so much, I wanted to visit lor. As simple as that only.

So, Brian took me. I was sooooo excited. The funny thing was we have to googled Google's address. And we got there. And we walked. Hey... The place is really cool.. Like offices in the park. Google has a few buildings and I saw people cycling from one building to another, another on her roller skate. Cool... And the best thing was they all greeted me. Well, too bad, I couldn't go in. They do not have a visitor center. I was not allow to go in to the office at all withouth any purpose. Interview? hmm.. Well, sorry, no appointment make. So, I just wonder outside and took pictures. Even that, I was satified. REALLY!!

Next went to Intel. Brian works in Intel, not this office though. And I visited the Intel Muzeum. Cool... We only passedby Yahoo.

Then, we went to the beach. It was a bit chilly. The flowers there are so lovely. I saw Ice Plant, cos it is easily broken.

And we went for a bit of hiking. That's where I got to see the Golden Gate Bridge. Well, one thing I didn't do was to be on the Golden Gate Bridge. That's ok.

Lombard Street. We drove down rather than walked down. It is the 'crookedest' street in the world. It has 8 sharp turns on a 40-degree slope. The turns, were known as switchbacks, were build in the 1920s to allow traffic to descent the steep incline. There are stairways (without curve) on either side of the street for pedestrians.

I didn't like Haight District in Ashbury. I just don't feel comfortable there at all. But, was told that the creativity and diversity of the community was recognised worldwide. The living style there is exactly like 60's. And I went to Chinatown as well. :)

Zoo

I am so excited to be in the zoo. WHAT??? Yes.. ZOO. I went to zoo. San Diego Zoo = World LARGEST zoo...

I took the bus and went there early as was told it might be a lot of people. I bought the ticket from internet, so, I do not need to queue. hehe...

I saw a lot of animals and I was on the bus. Yes, the zoo is really big. Huge, I must say. Free bus ride, gondola are available.

I spent another whole day just in the zoo. Hence, I didn't borther to go back to Balboa Park.

I really like San Diego. It's not hot. I didn't go to Mexico. I planned for it initially. But, I wasn't sure how safe was it to go alone and too lazy to apply for visa.

San Diego

Met an old uncle in the train and we chatted. Hence, I wasn't so bored afterall. Of course, I must be aware of what I say. I arrived San Diego about midnight and I needed a cab to the hostel. Well, I was really scared to this totally new city in the middle of the night and taking cab by myself. Of course, I have done my studies from internet and books on the location and fare, etc. And I got there safely. *phew*... I am in a room with another 3 girls. It's also my 1st time ever sharing room with total stranger. And yes, I read that I need to be careful with my belonging.

I have to make my own breakfast in the hostel, pancake, which is cool. I like pancake. All inclusive in the rate. Then, I decided to go for a walk in the park. Question: how do I get there? Thank God the people in the hostel are very helpful, perhaps all are travelling and backpacking. So, I was told the direction are all on the wall, so, I picked up the bus route, the map, studied it, try to memorise as much as possible before I go out. Why? If I am alone and having a map in my hand, I am telling the whole world that I am visitor and I might get myself into trouble.

So, I walked to the bus station, went on to the bus and on my way to Balboa Park.

I was there pretty early. Since I got down 2 bus stops that I supposed to be. I just walked and enjoyed and it was really awesome. The weather was just nice to walk. San Diego has always been gloomy.

Balboa Park has a lot of museums, all kinds of museum, and plants, IMAX, Japanese garden, etc. I enjoyed myself so much. There was no rush at all.

Then, I found out that the zoo is just nearby and I could walk there. Yes. I am going to the zoo. Not today, will be there tomorrow.

Since I am alone, I just went back to the hostel, prepared my own dinner, loaded pictures and talked to people. Yes. Indeed, meet different kind of people and hear different stories. I like it! :)

Las Vegas

Vegas was never a city I wanted to visit. Vegas is just about casinos and it has got nothing to do with me.That was my thinking. I complaint so much to Fong and Cheng when I was doing the planning. Still, I went since it was part of route.

Arrived Vegas after visited Grand Canyon. Checked in Circus-Circus and we have a few options to do at night. And I was told by Fong that I should take up the night tour. Well, since it is the cheapest and to spend my night time. I choose that.

Yes. Indeed, it was great. We were visiting hotel to hotel for their shows. Each casino hotel will have a show at different and the best thing was it is free. :) All the shows were so awesome. The performances were superb. The musical fountain was great! Most of the hotels were huge. And here, the one who has the most number of rooms will be considered as the biggest (MGM was the biggest then). And they are building more and more each year.


Also, went to the old town of Vegas. There, we watched the giant laser show on top of our heads. So many people were standing and waiting for it. When the streets and casinos lights were off, the laser lights up and all was so beautiful. Of course, my neck was so painful as I needed to look up all the time.

The next morning, we spent a few more hours to walk around the city before heading back to LA. I was truly amazed with a city like Vegas in the midst of desert.

So, do I like Vegas? Well, maybe aside the casinos. I think the city is beautiful.

Upon reaching LA in the evening, I have to catch a train to San Diego by myself. Annie (the friend who went with me) is going to NY.

Continue to Grand Canyon

We have to depart at 5.00am to go to Canyon. It's cold out there cos we are in desert mar. Hot in the day and cold at night. And many continued to sleep in the bus and for me woke up means woke up.

Arrived at Grand Canyon National Park at about 9am. Well, too bad that we only got to spend about 1 hour at the site which is pretty sad. My initial plan was to spend a few days there and went down to the bottom of the canyon. Well, since I have financial constraint and most of the trip that I checked were full. I have to choose the alternative.

The canyon is really awesome! Just so amazed by His creation. Each layer of the stones are actually different in colours and it means it is formed in different timing and condition. And the canyon is still growing! Amazing!!! There were one spot where we can see a bit of the Colorado River running through the canyon. And of course, it was super hot there.

The weird thing was when I touched the stone on where I was standing. It was cold. Why? I don't know. I wonder why too... The entire place was just so pack by visitors.

Actually, the canyon will appear as different colours at different time.

Then, we proceed to Las Vegas. Another long journey. Maybe I will come back to Grand Canyon one day and spend 1 week doing all the hike and activities there...