Monthly Archives: October 2009

Hike to the Hollywood Sign

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A couple of weekends ago, a group of us gathered at Bronson Canyon Park for what I thought was going to be a leisurely hike up to the Hollywood Sign.  I remember hiking the path maybe 10-15 years ago with my parents and it was not very strenuous.  I must be out of shape or something because I was not prepared for all the uphill hiking.  One of the sites we found said that the hike would be approximately five miles roundtrip, but it was definitely more than five miles.  Despite all of my complaining, I am really glad that we all chugged along the path because the view of the city from the top of the hill was breathtaking.  It was also cool to be up closer to the Hollywood Sign than the usual view from the freeway.

Left to Right: Cousin A, Cousin S, V, J, Hollywood Sign, C, S and Hubby (I’m the one taking the photo!)

Cousin S and Cousin A

the beautiful engaged couple J and V

Hubby and I

After the fun but tiring hike, we headed over to Phillipes in Downtown LA for their famous beef dip sandwiches.  We tried the beef dip without cheese, beef dip with cheese, and the turkey dip sandwiches.  For sides, we ordered the potato salad, the macaroni salad and the cole slaw.  I had been craving Phillipes; unfortunately though, it didn’t really satisfy like I expected.  Still good but not great.

Left to Right: Hubby, me, Cousin S, Cousin A, C and S

Honeymoon: Where are we going?

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Four and half months after the wedding, we finally have honeymoon plans! “Where are we going?”, you ask.  Well, that my friend, is a secret for now.  I know, I’m such a tease!  But, I will share with you all the options that we considered.

Option 1: Australia (Sydney, Cairns, and Melbourne)

I was extremely excited for Australia.  It is international which means my new passport with my new last name would be put to good use.  It is a continent that I have never traveled to before.  I really wanted to see the Great Barrier Reef.  The trip would be approximately 9 days with 1 day lost for travel, 3 days in Sydney, 2 days in Cairns and 3 days in Melbourne.

Pros: international, new continent, Great Barrier Reef, LONG flight out of the way while still young

Cons: LONG flight, similar to US

 

Option 2: Mediterranean Cruise

The Mediterranean was very intriguing to me because of the history and culture of the cities and it is international.  Most of the meals will be taken care of by the cruise, and that is a good thing since Hubby and I tend to be indecisive when it comes to food.  The trip would be approximately 10 days with 1 day lost for travel, 1 day in Barcelona, and 8 days on the cruise.

Pros: international, historical and cultural sights, food included in cruise

Cons: sea sickness

 

Option 3: Hawaii (Oahu and Kauai)

Hawaii seemed like a great location to enjoy both relaxation as well as some sight-seeing.  I love Kauai because it is the greenest of the islands.  Unfortunately, going to Hawaii would not involve international flights and stamps in my passport.  The trip would be approximately 8 days with 3 days in Oahu and 5 days in Kauai.

Pros: shorter flight, waterfalls, kayaking, snorkeling

Cons: not international

 

 

Which option do you think we picked?  Where are you going for your next vacation?

Photo Credit: Australia and Hawaii; Mediterranean Cruise

Black and White

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There is a black and white roly-poly that has captured the hearts of people all over the world.  The baby panda cub was born on August 5, 2009 and doesn’t have a name yet, due to Chinese customs of waiting until the 100th day after birth.  His name will be announced on November 17, 2009 (104th day) at a special ceremony.  He is the fifth cub of his mother, Bai Yun.  His father, Gao Gao, and his older sisters, Su Lin and Zhen Zhen, are all loved members of the giant panda research program at the San Diego Zoo.  His other siblings are in China.

I have watched the Panda Cam every day since his birth.  It has been a great experience and privilege to be able to watch the baby panda cub grow.  He was born about the size of a stick of butter* and at nine weeks, he is now 7.7 pounds and 20 inches.   The next milestone for him is forward motion.  It’s so fun to see him build up his muscles and try to move.  I also look forward to the blog posts, pictures, and video from his weekly exams.  It’s great to see him up-close and personal with his beautiful eyes, calm personality, and fluffy fur.  I just want to hug him and never let go.

Head on over to the Panda Cam…I promise you will be in for a treat!

Left top to right bottom: 14 days, 29 days, 36 days, 43 days, 55 days, 64 days
Photo Credit: San Diego Zoo

*At birth, a panda cub is about 1/900th the weight of the mom whereas a human baby is about 1/15 the weight of the mom.  How is that fair??