The America Diary: My Big Trip

"I'm a big big girl in a big big world... But I do do feel That I do do will Miss you much...America!"

Arizona: Lower Antelope Canyon

" Yes, got my air ticket to Houston! I'm visiting you, my friend" I exclaimed. Finally a trip to America, just an excuse to visit you though. A trip that was planned 8 months before the flight date, thought I would be celebrating a good friend's Birthday, but it turned out to be a semi-solo trip, my friend couldn't make it from Texas. Oh well, air ticket confirmed, why not make the best of it and enjoy the trip.

“It was a dream come true watching the NBA playoffs at Staple Centre. The feeling is just like sitting in Eden Park Stadium watching the All Blacks play in the home ground.”

I just needed to escape work for 2.5 weeks. No fun being a target of office bully.

The big Trip, 5th Mar 2017

Planning for my 2 weeks trip alone was pretty quick. I knew I have to travel to the West coast as I have another friend staying in Los Angeles. Boom, contacted and we will meet up at L.A and make a road trip to Las Vegas while I will travel on my own in Houston and San Francisco.

11 hours of flight from Auckland to Houston in the comfort of Air New Zealand plane. (#airnz #holiday #Unitedstatesofamerica) Upon arrival, I would have thought buying the US prepaid phone call would be easy. To my surprise, there wasn't any stall at Houston International Airport that sells phone call. You could imagine calling for Uber was such a pain (oh, I didn't have roaming access with my NZ phone so overseas call are denied :X). The 1st driver drove off after failing to find me. I was so glad that the 2nd driver parked his car and walked over to search for me. On the way to the apartment, Mr. Driver told me that it was his last day in Houston and he would be moving to Chicago the very next day. I always believed that there's a reason why strangers are fated to meet one another in whatever ways. Hopefully you are doing well in whichever city you are after 3 years, Mr. Houston Driver.

The first activity I've planned for myself was the infamous Houston Livestock show & Rodeo at the NRG Park. I just missed Lady Gaga by a day where the NFL was being played the day before. Still feeling amazed to be visiting the famous stadium. Got myself a hot dog bun and hopped in to find my seat. The American Hot dog bun with mustard and grilled onions! It's a massive stadium with a big American flag hanging at the center. As this was my 1st Rodeo show, it took me a while to understand their points systems and how the event was being competed. My thoughts? Not used to seeing aggressive livestock (yea, the horses, cows and sheep) whereas in New Zealand they are just farm animals grazing everyday in the green fields. I would still recommend to visit at least watch it once in your lifetime if you are out at Houston. Ratings: 3.5 stars (#Houston #Rodeo #NRGPark)

On the 2nd morning, I had to wake early to catch a flight to San Francisco for the next 2.5 days. I still recalled jumping out from bed thinking that I had to go to work that morning, only to realize that I was on my semi solo trip! Happily packed, had my complimentary breakfast at the apartment and temporary saying goodbye to Houston.

The flight with Southwest Airline was rather enjoying. Flew across Hoover Dam and saw part of the Canyon National Park from above. Just into the midway to SF, there was an emergency announcement asking for trained medics for some help. Apparently there was a passenger having difficulty in breathing. The young passenger who sat next to me got up immediately and went for support. Upon returning to his seat after 20 mins, he told us the patient was currently in a stable condition. God bless him. (#SouthWestAirline #HooverDam)

Finally I had landed in San Francisco, checked in to the hostel and went sourcing for my prepaid phone card. Planned my route to avoid the dodgy areas and got to the shopping areas. I remembered a friend telling me to visit Ross, the one stop shop for Budget shopping on branded stuff. Indeed, did some retail therapy and headed off to the next stop. Feeling great getting connected on the US pre-paid card and moving around using the Google map. Adventure starts!

During breakfast at the hostel the following day, I was on the same table as a Chilean guy. We were chatting about the trip and he invited me to join in his mates who would be arriving late noon. Since I wasn't driving so why not join in some new friends for half a day trip to the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco has an such amazing vibe that you would want to stay there much longer. We got down to the windiest road at Lombard Street, Haight Ashbury and some viewing points of the Golden Gate, day & night. Not forgetting to get myself a bowl of seafood chowder at Pier 39, the home of the sea lions.

Still indulged in the lovely city, I had to prepare for depart the next morning. Heading to Los Angeles via 8 hours bus. An experience with Mega Bus with affordable price. (#SanFrancisco #GoldenGateBridge #Pier39 #HaightAshbury #LombardStreet #megabusUSA #roadtripUSA)

City rating: definitely my fav, 5 stars!

What's awaiting in Los Angeles, as the bus arrived at the terminal. First thing in the evening, All -you-can-eat Korean buffet at town centre. Not the best in town but good enough to fill 2 hungry tummies. Seriously, I can't be more excited waiting for the NBA game. It was a childhood dream came through. Watching a NBA playoffs live at the Staple Stadium. Oh well, no Kobe, nor any star players this season but still an amazing experience. You can't miss out doing your shopping in L.A. Shopping paradise as long as you have some spare. Unfortunately Santa Monica was foggy when we visited. On the other hand it created a mysterious and moody feel to my aged eyes camera. Can't complain. Done with Hollywood trail and a free Getty museum visit on top of a mountain, off to another road trip to the sin city, Las Vegas! (#LosAngeles #Museum #Hollywood #santaMonica #shoppingparadise #NBA #StapleCentre)

City Rating: 4 stars

Like in the movie, such fanciful city. Vibrant lights, casinos, beautiful & sexy ladies, all night long, parties and gambling, life never ends. No lady luck with us on the gambling side therefore, we chose to go for the buffet at Le Village instead. Value for money. *Thumbs-up* (#LasVegas #LeVillageParisLasVegas #buffet #sincity)

We had booked a day tour to the less touristy Antelope Canyon and the Horseshoe Bend for sight-seeing and some photography. 5am meet up for a 5 hours drive down to the National Park. To be honest, it wasn't a long walk though the canopy. It was more of visitors hoping to be Insta famous and getting multiple shots in the amazing nature. The colours are more or less enhanced via phones settings, taught by the guides. This is also due to the rays that were trying to squeeze through the holes creating many shades of earth colours into our eyes. A must visit destination. The horseshoe bend is only 10 mins away from the Antelope Canyon by bus. Queues of visitors could be seen walking towards another act of nature. Beautiful contrast on the water against the cliff on this sunny day. All worth the 10 hours bus ride from Las Vegas town to the National Park. Flat out after arriving our apartment that evening. Had to give up on next best thing to do in Vegas. Concerts & talk shows. Oh well, there's always another reason to be back now. (#LowerAntelope #GrandCanyon #DesertCity #HorseshoeBend #Utah #Arizona)

Another fulfilling 3 days past and it's time to head back to Houston for my return fight. Thanks to this kind mate who have accompanied me the past 5 days from L.A to Vegas.

On the last 2 days in America, good to slow down and some self time to reflect on the whole journey. It wasn't that bad to be travelling alone. You get to be more attentive to your surroundings. Will I do it again? Definitely! Waiting for the next time...Thank you and Bye for now, America!

Journey ratings: 4.5 stars