Monday, November 14, 2011

USA - Los Angeles, San Diego


Los Angeles - To Do
Los Angeles  - To Eat

To stay while in San Diego
KINGS INN Motel

Dated decoration. Air-con ran on a really old system which when we stayed, couldn't be adjusted via the thermostat. Either cold or warm air really. Else its a great location, not too far from attraction, great eateries or city center and easy excess via the freeway located beside it.
At approximately USD50 a night, for its location, free WI-fi and on location eateries, it was pretty reasonable. Available are a waffle place and Mexican food attached to the lodging.1333 Hotel Cir S, San Diego, California 92108, United States
ABBA tip: Go with a friend and take the car pool lane. Driving down from LA Hollywood to San Diego would take about 2hr30mins. The return leg, if going to the airport would take you approximately 1/1/2hrs on the coastal freeway.
- Buy Southern California Citypasses if you are definetley going for many of the attractions while in Los Angeles. It saves you about 30% and more. Click here for ABBA details to Citypass
MUST Do in San Diego
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier
Definitely worth every buck that you pay! The grand awe of the Midway, restored beauty of the aircrafts, informative tours and best of all, talks with retired veterans who had served on board, makes the entire visit worth while.
Almost the entire ship is accessable and you get a great view of the active naval base across the shore and of the city side.
A comfortable 4 - 5 hours would be sufficient for the visit.
ABBA tips: speaking to retired veterans and tours conducted by some of them are the most rewarding and eye opening. They're eager to share with whoever is willing to listen to them.
910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, United States
Click here for ABBA details on the Midway
San Diego Zoo
A beautiful zoo with a great variety of enclosures and exhibits on display. A full day from opening to closing times would just be about sufficient for exploration.
Although great in variety, the convoluted routes in the park are non comprehensive and often lead you in a either or route with no real flow. After a while, variety through variants seem a little repetitive and the bars and gates between you and animals hinder awesome photo ops.
Lastly, the lack of close animal encounters "production" shows results in a somewhat monotone experience at the Zoo.
ABBA Tip: - Arriving early, is often when the animals are getting their meals for the day and are most active.
- Staying on to watch animals interacting can bring you that special moment of photo op or fun interactions, as I did in the gorilla and hippo enclosures.
Click here for ABBA details to San Diego Zoo

San Diego Sea World
The park has an even mix of rides, shows and sea life. Their large animal exhibits like the Orca, polar bear and penguins enclosure deserve special mention and are mesmerizingly beautiful.
Also catch a leisurely round trip ride on the cable car to catch a view of the park.
Of all the shows, Shamu show is the show to catch, though speculating the shows have been tweaked with less human Orca interaction due to an incident years back.
Stick around to watch the Orca's behaviour on how they try to 'fish' for Birds with the fish they get. On an occasion, they were successful during a live show at San Diego Seaworld. Look at time 1:54
ABBA Tip - Splash zones are called for a reason. By splash, I mean totally soaked. Come prepared. It's all great fun.
Click here for ABBA details on San Diego Seaworld
Las Americas
Located about 20miles via freeway from the Zoo and just a mile from the Mexican boarder of Tijuana, this is a highly accessible outlet shopping. Closing late (check operating hours) and with free parking, this place offers good deals at reasonable prices with a multitude of brands to choose from. Also lots of eateries choices located on-site.Las Americas Premium Outlets, San Diego, CA 92173, USA
Click here for ABBA details on Las Americas
Can Do in San Diego
Westville Horton Shopping Center
Supposedly the heart of San Diego shopping, this place seemed pretty quiet. Your usual fanfare of branded good and food eateries on the upper floors.
Special mention of a two story collectables, t-shirt, music store which offered interesting finds.
All in all this wouldn't be the top of my list to go places, and would have rather traveled to Las Americas to do some shopping.
ABBA Details on Westville Shopping Center
To Eat while in San Diego
TGI Friday
The first time at TGIF was pretty good. Look out for the great deals available and the specials for the day. Reasonable pricing and good all American cuisine. Plus its pretty near KingsInn hotel where we were put up.
*pictured from left, Signature Shrimp, ultimate salad, (C) Pork Chop, Steak (R) Red Velvet Cake*
Ordered 2 entrees a dessert set and +1 appetizer at USD20 + USD4.55upgrade. The pork chop had great charring. Steak for a 6 to 10oz(upgraded +4.55) was a good cut but a little dry to the bite. Red Valvet Cake with Serve of vanilla ice-cream. Sweet sweet decadence.
Extra order: Ultimate Salad. Decent and fresh. Not overly dressed.
Total:USD40

*special mention are the mash potatoes* creamy and full flavor.
They say they mix cheddar cheese into the mash to give its great flavor.
Click here for ABBA details on TGIF
Cowboy Star
A butchery and semi fine dining restaurant. This place offers great cuts, well aged, full flavoured, great food, albeit at a price.
Ambience is a little under lit but some might call that romantic. Parking is available along road side or across in the public parking lot.
Bill USD80
640 Tenth Ave., San Diego, CA, United States
Click here for ABBA details on Cowboy Star
Red Lobster

Sample 4D3N Itinerary

from LA California -San Diego - LA
Day 1
Drive from Travellodge Hollywood
Check-in at KingsInn

USS Midway

Westville Horton Shopping Center
Dinner @ TGIF


Day 2

San Diego Zoo Las Americas Shopping
Dinner at IHOP
Day3
San Diego Sea World
ComicKaze
Cowboy Star

Day4
Drive back to LAX
Lunch @ Red Lobster
in LA
1300hrs LAX Airport Check-In

Sunday, November 6, 2011

USA - Los Angeles, California


Los Angeles - To Do
Los Angeles  - To Eat

USA - Los Angeles, California
https://www.facebook.com/abbatravelblogspot
To Stay while in Los Angeles
Travelodge Hollywood @ Vermont
The best value that I could find which was within a 5mile drive to Hollywood Blvd, La Brea Tar Pits and about 12miles to San Monica Pier/Venice Beach and Universal Studios.
- Comes with Breakfast, Parking and Free Wi-Fi included. At about USD70/night, clean and a great location.
ABBA Tip:
- Buy Southern California Citypasses if you are definetley going for many of the attractions while in California. It saves you about 30% and more. Click here for ABBA to Citypass- While renting a car, get insurance which covers your vehicle being hit and you hitting others.
Must Do:Universal Studios
*pictured bottom left and right are the clock tower from "Back to the Future" and scene shot for "War of the Worlds"*
The rides are so-so, but the main attractions are defiantly the lot tour as well as the other shows featured in the program. Be careful that the program timings you receive is valid for your visit, else you may miss shows with limited performances per day.
*pictured left Sound Stage Magic and on the right Waterworld show not to be missed*

Personally I feel show times are not as well organized as other parks which result in long waiting times and shows being missed. Although on paper, published timings it ought to work out like clock work, in reality it doesn't.
Click here for ABBA to Universal Studios
Abba tip: - Arrive early! The opening hours are just barely enough to cover everything if keeping to a tight schedule. Be aware published duration of show times are't very accurate and you may miss a proceeding show if catching one after the other. Ask the operating staff if you can make the next show.
- Go for the universal studios and King Kong 3D tour first. Yes they are one in the same.
The Hollywood Blvd strip area
*pictured from left, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Mdm Tussades, Ripley's, Jim Henson
The Hollywood Blvd strip is pretty overhyped but is a must see when in LA. Iconic buildings like the Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Kodak theatre, Roosevelt Hotel namely being the oldest building.
Worth while to take a look is the Mdm Tussades Hollywood. Get up close and grab shots of your favorite celebs and movie superstars. The Ripleys museum though a bit small is alway fun for a visit.
Jim Henson Company - This is purely a functioning place of business and not for visitors as I came to find out. You get to see Kermit at the gates entrance.
ABBA tip:
- Flip through the TV guide at your hotel or tourist pamphlets. You may come across coupons that give you discounts up to 50% off tickets, like I found for Mdm Tussades Hollywood.
- Look out for bundle ticket sales to attractions along the Hollywood stretch and that can save you a few bucks.
Disneyland Anaheim LA California
Parking is separate from Disney land and adventure but a platoon of trams will bring you to and fro from the park. Parking goes at USD15 a whole day.
- As far as parades go, catching those after dark are definitely more eye catching and enjoyable.ABBA tip
- Always go for the Fastpass. Sure there maybe double backing and lots of walking involved, but it can save you up to 80mins in waiting time for more popular rides.
- Take note of your planned day of travel as certain big shows, involving cast members and fireworks are limited only to selected days. Furthermore, park closing times varies throughout the week. You wouldn't want to miss out on that new rides/show imagineers thought up at Walt Disney.
Click here for ABBA to Disneyland
Disney California Adventure

The entire park can be easily covered within the day and shorter with fast pass queues. If you're selective on your rides or shows, you have to catch Aladdin's - A Musical Spectacular. This hour long, top class musical stage performance is worth at least half, if not all of what you paid to get in.

 Special mention goes to the 4D Toy Story's Midway Madness for multiplayer fun and interactive. The variety of mini-games brings joy and that little bit of a competitive spirit in everyone, great fun guaranteed.
ABBA Tip:
Immediately get a "World Of Color" fast pass at the Grizzly River Run ride (accurate as of Oct2011) as it guarantees you a location within closer proximity of the viewing area.
Arriving early to get into your viewing area is crucial to securing top spots.

*Collecting this fast pass does not restrict you to taking another fast pass*Click here for ABBA to Disneyland
Citadel Outlet Shopping
Good location for all major brands featuring clothing, sports wear, shoes and cooking wear at great discounts. Always ask what's the bundle package they may have to get the best deals. Food wise and other activities are lacking at this outpost. There are shuttle services available.
Purchased Addidas Bball shoes + Bag @ USD35.
Sketches had 2nd pair of shoes going for half price. Shoes purchased @ USD40.
Click here for ABBA details of store. 100 Citadel Drive, Suite 480 Los Angeles, CA 90040

La Brea Tar pits and Page Museum
It is great to see and learn from one of the most richest and still active fossil excavation sites. See full scale fossils at the page museum and the Paleontologist working on their next big project sorting and reassemble creatures of the yesteryears.5801 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
Queen Mary
*pictured from left, the Queen Mary, (center) The Queen Mary enlisted during the war.
Right, View of Long Beach from Queen Mary.*
See a part of this beauty's great history and inner workings. Though by today's standards it is relatively dark and cramp, but to imagine what it was back in the day and to walk the decks starboard to bow is magical in itself. Not to mention the great view of long beach that'll you get from topside.1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802
ABBA details on the Queen Mary in Long Beach
ABBA tip: go for the walk through tour if available. You'll maximize your visit as compared to the self guided tour. Getting to each of the exhibits is quite a challenge.
Venice Beach
*pictured from left the newer Muscle Beach, Venice Beach and skate park.*
This famous mile long beach is laden with vendors and performers, delighting crowds from all over. Catch gym buffs at the world famous muscle beach, or skateboarders and basket ballers putting on their A-game.
Enjoy the beach and relive where bay watch was filmed. Look out for sideshows and creative mural painted on the walls, as well art graffiti art works.
Click for ABBA details on Venice Beach
Can Do:
WackoWacko shop offers a variety of interesting trinkets, awesome for a quick unique gift to bring back home. As featured in Lonely Planet Book. I do feel its a little over hyped, but after the travel from Vegas to LA, it was a nice easing into surroundings.
Beside are a cool costume shop, along with must eat food chain, Umami Burger.
10min walk from Travelodge at Vermont.
4633 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027


Roadrium outdoor flee market
Though featured in travel brochures, don't get your expectations too high. A large flee market selling all things from domestic goods, to electronics, toys and old random stuff.

Unless you're looking real thrift store equivillant clothing, you may consider a visit. This place is about 20miles from LosAngeles and nothing of real worth in terms of shop items or food selection.
Click here for ABBA details on Roadium

2500 W. Redondo Beach Blvd. Torrance, CA

Santamonica Pier
*pictured from left Santamonica Pier, (C) Original Muscle beach, (R) Santamonica Pier
Apart from the famous pier and paying homage to the original muscle beach, there really isn't a whole lot more to it to fill up even half a day. You could catch the pier aquarium which has a token entry of USD3.The shopping strip offers some interesting finds and a nice walk.
ABBA tip:
Parking at the lots would be about USD10 for whole day parking

Arriving at about 11am would have most of the street vendors and shops setup as well as the pier carnival rides operational.
Click here for Abba details to Santa Monica Pier
LA Markets
Again another overhyped LA site to visit. It's got a great selection of vendor foods and great produce, but not enough there to really fill up a whole day's worth of activity.

The crepes seem to be the crowd favorites, but the other stores weren't lacking in variety or flavor. You've got other stalls offering Spanish tapas, Brazilian roasts, southern favorites, fresh pastries, desserts and so much more.
Click here for ABBA details to Farmer's Market

To Eat:
Umami Burger
Japanese inspired burger joint, which also came recommended in the lonely planet guide serves up delectable burgers between sweet buns. Some of the better burgers I've had compared to known ones in Perth like "Flipside or Just Burgers". Approx USD30 for 2pax.
Located right beside Wacko and a 10min walk from Hollywood @ Vermont.
4655 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Feliz, CA 90027, United States
Thai Patio
*pictured (C) Squid Salad (R) Seafood Volcano*
Squid Salad - delectable citrus, accents the freshness of the flash boiled squid. Fresh and refreshing. Excellent.
Seafood Volcano. A signature dish, curry paste, Otah like dish with a seafood mixed infused within, paired really well with rice.
Good tang and full flavored with every spoonful.
Sukiyaki non-spicy was pretty good as well. Total USD32
5273 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Original Roadhouse Grill in Long Beach
*pictured from btm left, Bison Rib and on the right, steak*
Really good food. One of the few places that serves up Bison meat, touted to be leaner and healthier alternative to beef. Served in rustic environment with one of those hard to find places where you can just sweep peanut shells onto the floor.
Ordered a good serving of Bison Ribs and steak. Done to perfection and a very healthy serving. USD75 total.
Click here for ABBA details on Roadhouse Grill.
7391 Carson Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90808-2361, United States
Sushi IkeMonk fish liver (Akimono) USD8
*Creamy rich and delactable pictured left
Uni Sushi USD 11
*A solid serve of Uni. Fantastic! pictured right
Chirrashi set USD22 Sushi set USD22
*Thick slices of fresh fish beautifully prepared. Pictured center.
Total USD63
6051 Hollywood Blvd # 105, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Soot Bull Korean BBQ
If the local Korean community are dining there and the place running almost full at only 1700hrs, thats a mark of good Korean BBQ. At about USD20 a serve with the usual trimmings of soup, rice and appetizers taste and flavor doesn't disappoint.
However, the dining process was rushed and a tad unpleasant in some degree. Perhaps needing table turn overs, owners rushed patrons by cooking their meats for them in a somewhat haphazard manner and were not tentative to request or welcoming in service rendered. Good food but poor dining experience.
May your experience differ from perhaps this once off if you so choose to try this place.3136 West 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90005-1903
Red Lobster
As always seen in film, had to try what the big fuss was all about. You can have a go at Red Lobster. Defiantly fresh and juicy.

Also had a crack at their all you can eat Shrimp at USD16. Shrimp prepared either baked, fried, and many other variants. Shrimp seemed frozen but still passable.
Total bill worked to be USD60.

Located near LAX, we visited this place before returning our vehicle to Payless Car Rentals. A good one last meal before flight stop.
Click here for ABBA details on Red Lobster
3400 W. Century Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90303, United StatesLink
Sample LA 9 Day Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival at Vermont Travelodge hotel from Las Vegas at 12.30
Wacko, costume Gallery
Umami Burger Dinner
Day 2
Universal Studios
Thai Patio Dinner
Day 3
Hollywood Blvd
Mdm Tussades Hollywood
Ripleys museum
Jim Henson Company
Citadel Outlet Shopping
Day 4
Disneyland
Day 5
La Brea Tar pits and Page Museum
Roadrium outdoor flee market
Queen Mary in Long Beach
Dinner at "Original Roadhouse Grill" in Long Beach
Day 6
Santamonica Pier
Venice Beach
Dinner at Sushi Ike
Day 7
LA Markets
Citadel Outlet Shopping
Soot Dip Bull Korean BBQ
Day 8
Disneyland California Adventure
Day 9
Early morning departure for San Diego, approx 2/1/2hrs

Thursday, November 3, 2011

USA - Nevada, Las Vegas


GMT -7
LAS VEGAS

Traveling from International to Domestic
LAX airport, after quick customs clearance with domestic travel within a 10min walk radius after exiting the international terminal. Free airport transport services are readily available to hotels and car rental companies in front of each terminal.
Click here for LAX International
To stay - Las Vegas
- Hampton Inn Tropicana (Las Vegas)4975 S. Dean Martin Dr. Las Vegas, Nevada
USA 89118-1656
1-702-948-8100
Click here for Hamton Inn

Free shuttle service to & from airport as well as drop of service to the main strip. 5min walk from the hotel to main strip if you don't want to follow bus timings.
Excellent breakfast buffet included. Self made hot waffles, pastries, fruits, juices, eggs, sausages etc. A hearty breakfast & Free Wi-Fi!
P.S Great room sizes, location to strip, excellent conditions and breakfast at approximately USD30/night on promo booking through www.expedia.com. My photo doesn't do it justice abut would definitely return for another stay.
Getting around Vegas
A Bus service running 24hrs and till late up and down the Vegas main streets, as well as a monorail service from some of the hotels provide good coverage of all major attractions and hotel casinos.
ABBA tips:
Purchase the 24-hr bus ticket at 7USD and provide exact change. Your 24hr bus card allows you to ride all buses if you do travel outside of the main strip.
Purchase hotel, show and airplane tickets from a single website to get good discounted bundles.I did mine through www.expedia.com. By bundling air fare and hotel (at discounted rate) together it saved about USD150.
Half-Price show counters located along the strip to offer last min tickets sales at amazing deals. But if you want best seats in the house, per-purchasing is probably the only way to go.
Casino offer discounts through ticketing booths offer bundle deals, which sell tickets cheaper to attraction and shows. Some even bundle with casinos gambling chips at cheaper rates than the exhibitor's sales offices.
Must See & Do:
Mandalay Bay
A sunken amazonian motif follows the beautiful displays which house a small variety of reptilians and aquamarine within the hotel.
Grand and impressive architecturally with a nice variety shopping track linking to Luxor. On this occasion, saw a signing and photo op with Pete Rose, baseball legend in one of the stores.
NewYork NewYork
New York New York: A city so nice they not only named it twice but built it twice as well. See scaled down Newyork iconic landmarks like lady liberty, the Brooklyn bridge and have a meal in miniaturized streets of New York.
Thrill seekers can catch the roller coaster at 8USD which runs through this NewYork skyline with loops and twirls through the city.
MGM Grand
MGM Grand: Catch the two resident lions in their large enclosed habitat (free activity) and be at awe at the massive infrastructure, which respectfully lives up to the MGM Grand name.
Paris
Like NewYork NewYork, Las Vegas kills two birds with one stone. See Mini Paris like New York and dine up high in the Eiffel tower over looking the illuminated strip.
Bellagio
 
Music fountains (free)
 
Beautiful and spectacularly in sync with music which plays every half hourly and quarterly towards the later parts of the night to pop songs and classic. Click here for Bellagio Fountain schedule.

Do take a look at their main hall where decorations suiting the seasons capture your wonder and awe. Seen here during fall.

Art gallery not so much especially with their cover charge and its small size. You really got to love and appreciate art to get your bang for your buck. Plus side is there's audio guide to better appreciate the works and understand the artist's mind. Got in free because of some survey and promotion that was going on.
Caesars
Ceasars is a must go. The grounds which made Mr Evil Kenivale famous! The interior decors are over the top roman beauty with painted ceilings and stunning statues. Shoppers are spolit for choice with an eclectic supply of high end brands and speciality shops dealing in signed memorabilia and collectables.

Their art galleries, are definitely worth a view and would beat having to pay for the Bellagio's art gallery.
Wynn + Buffet (must try!)
A gastronomical adventure of international proportions. Just attempting to sample a little of everything, will definitely leave you bursting at the seams and a grin satisfaction stretching from cheek to cheek. Good food, great ambiance, definitely a must try buffet while in Las Vegas!
The decor is splendid and comparable to the Belagio's interior decor.
Venetian

The iconic gondolas run through the heart of the venetian, with live performances. The painted ceilings and architectural splendor will leave you in awe and some over the top luxury shops like the Regis Galerie, which have had famous patrons such as the late Michale Jackson. Definitely worth a visit and the Mandam Tusade can also be found here.
The M&M World & Coca-Cola shop (located side by side)
With 4 floors of M&M fun, merchandise, memorabilia, and free 3D movie to boot, you'd be intrigued and tempted to customize even your own M&Ms. That's right, typed text, clip art and even down to the M&M colors!
3785 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89109
Coca-Cola Shop
Located just beside the M&M building, 2 floors of all things coke imaginable greet you. Starting from picture op with the Cola polar bear, Retro fridges, bottles, lamps, and even a coke bar where you can try coke mocktails of 8 samplers, or 16 cola flavors from all over the world.
*world famous* GOLD and SILVER pawn shop

 


ABBA tip: Try to go on a weekday if you wanna catch a glimpse of the crew from Pawn Stars as seen on the history channel.
713 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV
Rick's restoration was unfortunately closed. Likely operations are on the weekday so plan around that if able. Its approximately a 8min walk from Gold and Silver Pawn shop.1112 S Commerce St.Las Vegas, NV 89102
Nuclear Research Museum
Find out the history of nuclear testing in Nervada and be at awe at the destructive force of this man made power. A great collection of videos and photos to educate the public on its history.
755 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119-7363, United States
The Fermont street experience
Wait till sunset for the place to come alive with light shows, performers and costumed icons walking the Fermont. Hourly, after dark, the entire shelter lights up for an hourly music and visual presentation.
You can take the bus direct to Fermont.
 
425 Fremont St # 250, Las Vegas, NV 89101-5639, USA

Can see hotels:
Luxor
That tractor light beam which shines brightly into the Las Vegas skies. An Interesting architectural marvel the dead Egyptians kings would envy over.

The Mirage


Sigfried and Roy's secret garden and dolphin experience
At USD17 per entry, what you expect to see is pretty much in the name, a few dolphins and big cats. To really squeeze the most bang for your buck, you can be on the look out around the pools to catch non scheduled dolphin training of varied durations.

To Eat:
Harley Davidson
The best BBQ in town, or so the promo says. Great decor inside and Harley memorabilia. 
3725 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Their specials were huge proportions of starters of some of the best onion rings I've tasted. Mains were an excellent cheese steak and smoky, finger licking good BBQ ribs @ USD30.
Terribles all day USD9.99, 8oz steak dinner is definitely a worth while deal. Juicy cut meat with a steak sauce/soup, liquid brown gold! Whatever you call it, that goes splendidly with anything.4100 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89169-6528, United States
Cheese cake factory at Caesars Hotel and Casino.
Taking up a recommendation by the curator at free to view Martin Lawrence Art Gallery in ceasars palace, the chicken was delectable. Sweet savory and charcoal goodness with mozzarella cheese and mushroom sauce over just takes the cake.No pun intended.
Sample 5D4N Itinerary
Day 1 
Arrival from SIN-NRT-LAX-LAS VEGAS
*domestic flight arrival at Las Vegas 1800hrs*
Day 2
Mandalay bay - shark bay experience
Luxor
Escalibur
New York new York and lunch at Mexican venue
MGM grand - MGM lions
M&M shop
Coca-cola shop
Belagio waterfall magic
Harley Davidson dinner
Day 3
Gold & silver pawn shop
Rick's restoration
Terribles hotel and casino for lunch special
Nuclear research museum

Belagio art museum

Ceasars palace with free shows, the fall of Atlantis.
Dinner at cheese cake factory

Treasure island hotel and casino for Cirq Du Sole Mysteri
Day 4
Wynn Hotel and Buffett
Venetian Hotel and Casino
The Fermont street experience
Day 5 
Flight back to LA at 11am.