Heart Pumpin',City Hoppin'
Now that the mad jet lag is over, it’s time to scribble about my latest trip abroad. I’d like to refer to it as the U.S/U.K. trip, since the trip began in the States and ended in the UK.
Pre-trip
The trip to the States was my idea. I’d really wanted to meet Yours Truly (YT), whom I’ve virtually known for 5 years. Since the thought of meeting a stranger (a male one, for that matter) in a foreign land was extremely scary, I asked a very good friend of mine, Faiz, to accompany me. He’d mentioned that he’d accumulated enough Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Enrich points that would entitle him to a free round trip to LA. Since I was planning to meet YT in LA anyway, I thought we might as well go together. Luckily, he agreed. I’ve known Faiz for a few years now. He’s so dear to me, almost like a brother. So, the plan was for us to fly to LA, meet YT, and Faiz and me would split. He’d proceed to Las Vegas whereas I’d fly to Seattle to spend two or three weeks with YT. One thing that I have in common with Faiz is the avid interest in traveling. Before I knew it, he’d roped in his wife, Surya, and two of his good friends, married couple, Hasni and Fiza. He was also quick to come up with an itinerary! From LA, the fab four would proceed to Las Vegas, then New York, then London. I was green with envy since I only got to travel in the States. But for YT’s sake, I was content!
Soon, all 5 of us applied for the US Visa. Faiz didn’t waste any time in reserving the tix for us! In fact, he did that way before the Visa interview. After a nerve-wrecking interview with the US Embassy, we were all set to go! We’d heard so many horror stories about US Visa applications so naturally we were very anxious and I was cvonvinced I was going through another test of sanity. After the successful interview, I got busy dreaming. Of YT (naturally). And of countless shopping sprees in the States!
My enthusiasm for the trip was brought to an end when I got a voice msg from YT, asking me not to buy the tix, not to come to the States - citing family problems - just as I was about to buy the tix. I can’t even begin to describe how I felt when I got that message. It was the last straw for me. After some lengthy discussions with Intan and Faiz, I didn’t see why I should cancel my trip. I’ve always traveled anyway. I decided to just join Faiz and the other three. At this point too, I was convinced that YT and me were never meant to be. On that very same day, Faiz, Fiza and me headed to the MAS Office in Putrajaya to buy the tix. A few days before we departed, I was saddend by the fact that Faiz might cancel this trip due to some financial crisis but fortunately everything turned out well towards the end. Faiz and me got busy making reservations online. Faiz and I split the job of booking hotels and buses since credit cards were involved and it would be a burden for him to arrange for everything.
Pre-trip
The trip to the States was my idea. I’d really wanted to meet Yours Truly (YT), whom I’ve virtually known for 5 years. Since the thought of meeting a stranger (a male one, for that matter) in a foreign land was extremely scary, I asked a very good friend of mine, Faiz, to accompany me. He’d mentioned that he’d accumulated enough Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Enrich points that would entitle him to a free round trip to LA. Since I was planning to meet YT in LA anyway, I thought we might as well go together. Luckily, he agreed. I’ve known Faiz for a few years now. He’s so dear to me, almost like a brother. So, the plan was for us to fly to LA, meet YT, and Faiz and me would split. He’d proceed to Las Vegas whereas I’d fly to Seattle to spend two or three weeks with YT. One thing that I have in common with Faiz is the avid interest in traveling. Before I knew it, he’d roped in his wife, Surya, and two of his good friends, married couple, Hasni and Fiza. He was also quick to come up with an itinerary! From LA, the fab four would proceed to Las Vegas, then New York, then London. I was green with envy since I only got to travel in the States. But for YT’s sake, I was content!
Soon, all 5 of us applied for the US Visa. Faiz didn’t waste any time in reserving the tix for us! In fact, he did that way before the Visa interview. After a nerve-wrecking interview with the US Embassy, we were all set to go! We’d heard so many horror stories about US Visa applications so naturally we were very anxious and I was cvonvinced I was going through another test of sanity. After the successful interview, I got busy dreaming. Of YT (naturally). And of countless shopping sprees in the States!
My enthusiasm for the trip was brought to an end when I got a voice msg from YT, asking me not to buy the tix, not to come to the States - citing family problems - just as I was about to buy the tix. I can’t even begin to describe how I felt when I got that message. It was the last straw for me. After some lengthy discussions with Intan and Faiz, I didn’t see why I should cancel my trip. I’ve always traveled anyway. I decided to just join Faiz and the other three. At this point too, I was convinced that YT and me were never meant to be. On that very same day, Faiz, Fiza and me headed to the MAS Office in Putrajaya to buy the tix. A few days before we departed, I was saddend by the fact that Faiz might cancel this trip due to some financial crisis but fortunately everything turned out well towards the end. Faiz and me got busy making reservations online. Faiz and I split the job of booking hotels and buses since credit cards were involved and it would be a burden for him to arrange for everything.
Day 1 – L.A./Anaheim
Our flight departed in the afternoon. I got an aisle seat, there was a lady sitting at the window, and nobody was sitting between us. I was happy. But I was even more euphoric when that lady got off in Taiwan and I got all three seats to myself! I wasted no time in pulling the blanket and going to sleep! Funny, it was an 18-hour-flight but I didn’t really feel it was that long. Probably because I’d filled my time with enough activities. Sleeping. Watching 27 Dresses starring Katherine Heigl. Playing Bookworm, which is about the only game that I knew how to play!
We arrived in LA at around 6. We got a cab and checked in at Super 8, a motel within walking distance from Disneyland. The motel is superb, similar to any 3-star hotel in Malaysia, maybe even better. I got a room to myself since the other four are couples. This is something different about this trip since I would normally share a room with my friends. But then, I’ve always traveled with single friends.
We wasted no time walking to Disneyland, just to have a view of what’s awaiting us the next day. Faiz repeatedly said that he’d never dreamed of stepping foot in Disneyland. Or the States, for that matter. Well, the feeling was mutual, I told him. However, by the time we arrived at Disneyland, near the entrance where the the shops and restaurants are, it was already close to 10 so most eating outlets were already closed. So we walked back to the motel, stopped at the petrol kiosk, bought some sandwiches and mineral water. Fiza asked us not to worry and invited all of us to come over to her room to eat. She’d brought along a rice cooker! I was shocked! I’d never traveled abroad with a rice cooker!
Day 2 – L.A./Disneyland
Our flight departed in the afternoon. I got an aisle seat, there was a lady sitting at the window, and nobody was sitting between us. I was happy. But I was even more euphoric when that lady got off in Taiwan and I got all three seats to myself! I wasted no time in pulling the blanket and going to sleep! Funny, it was an 18-hour-flight but I didn’t really feel it was that long. Probably because I’d filled my time with enough activities. Sleeping. Watching 27 Dresses starring Katherine Heigl. Playing Bookworm, which is about the only game that I knew how to play!
We arrived in LA at around 6. We got a cab and checked in at Super 8, a motel within walking distance from Disneyland. The motel is superb, similar to any 3-star hotel in Malaysia, maybe even better. I got a room to myself since the other four are couples. This is something different about this trip since I would normally share a room with my friends. But then, I’ve always traveled with single friends.
We wasted no time walking to Disneyland, just to have a view of what’s awaiting us the next day. Faiz repeatedly said that he’d never dreamed of stepping foot in Disneyland. Or the States, for that matter. Well, the feeling was mutual, I told him. However, by the time we arrived at Disneyland, near the entrance where the the shops and restaurants are, it was already close to 10 so most eating outlets were already closed. So we walked back to the motel, stopped at the petrol kiosk, bought some sandwiches and mineral water. Fiza asked us not to worry and invited all of us to come over to her room to eat. She’d brought along a rice cooker! I was shocked! I’d never traveled abroad with a rice cooker!
Day 2 – L.A./Disneyland
We woke up early and had breakfast at the motel. After that, Fiza wasted no time in setting up her tripod – so that we don’t have to ask people to take our pics. I was impressed. Fiza brought this bulky camera, the kind that Nat Geo photographers use (and the kind that I’d have no idea how to use). I thought only men were into gadgets but Fiza proved otherwise. We spent the whole day in Disneyland. Took all the rides we could and explored every nook and corner of Disneyland. And took pics, pics, pics! One pic was taken with Ziana Zain, whom we’d stumbled upon (not that I’m fond of her, but for the sake of taking piocs, why not?) and one with Aflinda, a colleague of mine who was on vacation with her hubby and four kids. We had checked in to the same motel Aflinda and her family were staying but we didn’t get to see them at the motel!
If I were to summarize what Disneyland is like, I’d say it is the place that brings out the child in you. And the princess in you. It’s like a totally different world. Everytime I looked at all those kids wearing their favourite Disney princess gowns, I wished I were a kid again. I didn’t buy anything except two fridge magnets. Disney’s merchandise is overpriced, unfortunately.
In the evening, we took a cab to Hollywood and checked in to another motel. Since we were too tired to go out and eat, I ordered some pizzas (vegetarian, if only we had other options). I’d also text Rafael, a friend of my friend, Suzy. He’s an American, whom we were going to meet the next day and whom I’d have to pass on Suzy’s gifts.
In the evening, we took a cab to Hollywood and checked in to another motel. Since we were too tired to go out and eat, I ordered some pizzas (vegetarian, if only we had other options). I’d also text Rafael, a friend of my friend, Suzy. He’s an American, whom we were going to meet the next day and whom I’d have to pass on Suzy’s gifts.
Day 3 –L.A./Hollywood/Barstow
We arrived at the Universal Studios at around 10.30. I was a bit worried since we’d promised to meet Rafael at 10. But I guess it’s hard to be on time when you’re traveling in group. Plus, Malaysians would adhere to Malaysian time no matter where they are. Rafael works at USH. He got us two free tix and got my friends a $25 tix each, which was a lot of savings compared to the actual tix price , which was $66! Rafael practically gave us a 5 cent tour of the Studios. He told us what to do and where to go. He even got me a lot of discounts for the merchandise I bought! Being a staff at USH has its privileges, I guess! Rafael is a nice chap, I enjoyed his company. At the food court, while queuing for the buffet, a Malaysian girl who had been on the same flight with us asked me if the food there was halal. I nearly laughed my head off! If only! Earlier on, I’d told Rafael that we were all vegetarians and he had said “Good Luck!”
I was really impressed with I saw at the Studios. The film sets and props (Wisteria Lane, War of the Worlds, Backdraft, King Kong, to name a few) were extremely awesome! Faiz was really happy, too, since he is a movie and TV producer. Faiz repeatedly said that he’d never dreamed of stepping foot in USH. Or the States, for that matter. Well, the feeling was mutual, I told him.
We left USH at around 5, if I was not mistaken. After a brief stop at HRC outside USH, we said goodbye to Rafael and he asked me to pass a teddy bear to Suzy. He’d also bought an Oscar replica for ‘Best Mom’ for Suzy.
We left the hotel at around 6 to catch a bus to Barstow, a small town in California, about 3 hours’ drive from Hollywood. A lot of people don’t know where Barstow is. The only thing I knew about Barstow is that it is a 2-hour drive from LA and has 2 huge outlet centers! So, it goes without saying , Barstow is a must-stop!
Day 4 – Barstow/Las Vegas
We arrived in Barstow after midnight. I had purposely booked a hotel that is just opposite the bus terminal so the minute we arrived, we crossed the street and checked in to the motel. The next morning, I woke up with an extra zest! The outlets were mere minutes away! We had breakfast at Starbucks, just next to the motel and were all set to start our shopping spree. The other four really had no idea what outlets are all about! Wait till they get there, I thought. The outlets were situated about 7 miles from where we were, so we took it for granted that transport was not going to be a problem. Instead, it became a major one! We asked a few people, at length, but they didn’t seem to have any clue how we could get a bus or a taxi there. I was worried sick that we might not get there in time since we have to leave for Las Vegas that evening. I’d already promised my sis and her fiancée to buy stuff for their upcoming wedding. For a while I had this panic attack. I imagined heading home with nothing. After crisscrossing the street a couple of times, at last a guy at the petrol kiosk told us that we’d have to wait for the bus that provides services to the whole town. We waited and waited but didn’t see any bus. We asked a lady that was waiting at the bus stop and she told us to take the bus she was waiting for and get on to another bus once we arrive at the City Hall. She also said, “Welcome to a small town!” with a big grin. So, we waited and waited. To kill time, Faiz started crooning Jennifer Hudson’s One Night Only. Later, it became our official song for the trip! Then we got bored and played the guess-the-song-based-on-snippets-of-the-song-that-I-sing game. I was really cursing inside cuz I knew that I’d not have enough time to shop! At last the bus came. The ride to City Hall was short but the ride to the outlets was looooooong. The bus went through every nook and corner of Barstow before it got to the outlets! Well, at least we got to sight-see the place. Small town and all.
When we reached the Tanger Outlets, I nearly broke down in tears! All of the American brands were there! Stuff that I’d only dreamed of buying were sprawling right in front of my eyes! Since Coach is the first brand that caught my eyes, I headed there first. My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when I looked at the price tags! Everything there was like two or three times cheaper than in Malaysia! I spent quite a long time in Coach cuz I had this everything-looked-so-good-I- feel-like-buying-all spell. In the end, I got myself two handbags, one belt and one cosmetic bag for my buddy, Intan. Then I headed to the other outlets like the Perfume Mania, Guess, Liz Clairborne and Calvin Klein. At the latter, I nearly burst into tears again! I could actually fit into CK jeans! I’d never, ever, thought I’d own a pair of CK jeans in my entire life! My last purchase was a traveling bag cuz I was sure the one that I got won't be able to accommodate all the purchases that I’d made! At 5, we gathered at one corner and everybody had this big grins on their faces and armloads of shopping bags! Our gaiety however, was brought to an end when we were told that there wouldn’t be any bus to take us from City Hall to the motel. Bus to the City Hall was not a problem, it’s just that by the time we arrive at City Hall, it would be 6 and that is the time when the bus services end. We were shocked and extremely worried cuz to walk from the City Hall to the motel is a feat. Plus, one of us is pregnant! Luckily, Faiz managed to persuade the bus driver to send us to the motel. We were so lucky!!! The minute we arrived at the motel, we quickly packed our bags and proceeded to the bus terminal. At this point, I was so glad I had booked for a motel right in front of the bus terminal!
On the bus, I had wanted to catch on my sleep but this lady sitting behind me was chattering non-stop in Spanish. At this point, I really didn’t feel like I was in the States. We arrived in Vegas at around 10.50. I was shocked that the hotel that I’d booked in Vegas is just right next to the bus terminal! I had booked for the cheapest hotel near to the bus terminal but I’d never imagined it was just next to it! and what a grand hotel it is! We quickly walked into the hotel and saw nothing but gambling machines and the like. We had to actually walk through the whole casino until we got to the reception. The room that I got was nice, but as I was turning the key, I heard some rowdy noises from the room opposite mine. A couple was fighting, and it sounded just like what I’d seen on American TV programs or movies! It was scary and I quickly stepped into my room. Vegas is the home of CSI, after all.
When we reached the Tanger Outlets, I nearly broke down in tears! All of the American brands were there! Stuff that I’d only dreamed of buying were sprawling right in front of my eyes! Since Coach is the first brand that caught my eyes, I headed there first. My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when I looked at the price tags! Everything there was like two or three times cheaper than in Malaysia! I spent quite a long time in Coach cuz I had this everything-looked-so-good-I- feel-like-buying-all spell. In the end, I got myself two handbags, one belt and one cosmetic bag for my buddy, Intan. Then I headed to the other outlets like the Perfume Mania, Guess, Liz Clairborne and Calvin Klein. At the latter, I nearly burst into tears again! I could actually fit into CK jeans! I’d never, ever, thought I’d own a pair of CK jeans in my entire life! My last purchase was a traveling bag cuz I was sure the one that I got won't be able to accommodate all the purchases that I’d made! At 5, we gathered at one corner and everybody had this big grins on their faces and armloads of shopping bags! Our gaiety however, was brought to an end when we were told that there wouldn’t be any bus to take us from City Hall to the motel. Bus to the City Hall was not a problem, it’s just that by the time we arrive at City Hall, it would be 6 and that is the time when the bus services end. We were shocked and extremely worried cuz to walk from the City Hall to the motel is a feat. Plus, one of us is pregnant! Luckily, Faiz managed to persuade the bus driver to send us to the motel. We were so lucky!!! The minute we arrived at the motel, we quickly packed our bags and proceeded to the bus terminal. At this point, I was so glad I had booked for a motel right in front of the bus terminal!
On the bus, I had wanted to catch on my sleep but this lady sitting behind me was chattering non-stop in Spanish. At this point, I really didn’t feel like I was in the States. We arrived in Vegas at around 10.50. I was shocked that the hotel that I’d booked in Vegas is just right next to the bus terminal! I had booked for the cheapest hotel near to the bus terminal but I’d never imagined it was just next to it! and what a grand hotel it is! We quickly walked into the hotel and saw nothing but gambling machines and the like. We had to actually walk through the whole casino until we got to the reception. The room that I got was nice, but as I was turning the key, I heard some rowdy noises from the room opposite mine. A couple was fighting, and it sounded just like what I’d seen on American TV programs or movies! It was scary and I quickly stepped into my room. Vegas is the home of CSI, after all.
Through the window in my room, I could see a big part of Vegas and it was awesome! After some time, Fiza, Hasni and me went down to explore the Fremont Street. The whole Vegas was lit up, I'd actually never seen a city like it! All the images that I’d seen on the Net practically came alive! It was awesome with capital A! As usual, we took pics, bought some souveniers, then quickly went back to the hotel.
Day 5 – Las Vegas/New York
After breakfast, we headed to HRC in Vegas. It was quite a distance from our hotel so we took a cab. On the way to HRC, we saw a row of outlet centers, similar to the ones we’d gone to in Barstow. But since Faiz was already planning to go to the one in New York, we sort of ignored it. Then we went to this part of Vegas called Paris where they had life-size replicas of major monuments in Paris ie, the Eiffel Tower. I’d never been to Paris so I did not really know what to make of this place. We went to the top of the tower and had a bird’s eye view of Vegas. I prefer Vegas at night, though. Anyways, we had fun!
Day 5 – Las Vegas/New York
After breakfast, we headed to HRC in Vegas. It was quite a distance from our hotel so we took a cab. On the way to HRC, we saw a row of outlet centers, similar to the ones we’d gone to in Barstow. But since Faiz was already planning to go to the one in New York, we sort of ignored it. Then we went to this part of Vegas called Paris where they had life-size replicas of major monuments in Paris ie, the Eiffel Tower. I’d never been to Paris so I did not really know what to make of this place. We went to the top of the tower and had a bird’s eye view of Vegas. I prefer Vegas at night, though. Anyways, we had fun!
After Paris, we went back to the hotel to catch the 4 pm "Viva Las Vegas" show. Well, when I saw the scantily-clad girls strutting their no-cellulite bodies, I was reminded of a similar show,an all-she-male show that I'd seen in Thailand a few years back. I began to have doubts about the show girls' beauty - some of them looked too womanly to be true. I was disappointed and so were my friends. But the stand-up comedian was really good. He was really old but full of energy and all these crazy, dirty jokes. I think he's even better that those stand-up comedians that I'd seen on TV.
Right after the show, we left for the McCarren International Airport. Earlier on, in Hollywood, Faiz had already purchased the cheapest flight tix to New York. We took pics around the airport and I asked Fiza to take a pic of me with the Virgin America sign board as the background. I told them that any signboard with the word Virgin on it was significant to me cuz I was a virgin! A recycled one!
A jolly African American lady greeted us at the check in counter. She was so funny. She seemed so perplexed looking at our bags and laughed at herself when she couldn’t pronounce our names properly. In the end, she called me ZZ, based on my initials. I didn’t know that we were only allowed one bag for check in, so I had to pay for my second bag. It cost me $20 but that lady’s great sense of humour made me comply without much fuss. I slept throughout the flight. I guess all the traveling had started to take its toll on my body. During the stop in in Atlanta, we saw the news on TV – USH was on fire! Luckily it happened after we went to USH. I quickly asked Rafael about but he didn't seem to know what was going on! Later on, he text me that King Kong got baked!
Right after the show, we left for the McCarren International Airport. Earlier on, in Hollywood, Faiz had already purchased the cheapest flight tix to New York. We took pics around the airport and I asked Fiza to take a pic of me with the Virgin America sign board as the background. I told them that any signboard with the word Virgin on it was significant to me cuz I was a virgin! A recycled one!
A jolly African American lady greeted us at the check in counter. She was so funny. She seemed so perplexed looking at our bags and laughed at herself when she couldn’t pronounce our names properly. In the end, she called me ZZ, based on my initials. I didn’t know that we were only allowed one bag for check in, so I had to pay for my second bag. It cost me $20 but that lady’s great sense of humour made me comply without much fuss. I slept throughout the flight. I guess all the traveling had started to take its toll on my body. During the stop in in Atlanta, we saw the news on TV – USH was on fire! Luckily it happened after we went to USH. I quickly asked Rafael about but he didn't seem to know what was going on! Later on, he text me that King Kong got baked!
We arrived in New York in the morning. We took a cab to get to Orangeburg in New York. I was impressed cuz the cab driver was using GPS for directions to our hotel. We arrived at Holiday Inn in the afternoon. All of us were over the moon when we discovered there was a small Thai restaurant near to the hotel! We had the biggest meal, ever, since we got to the States!
After the meal, we took a bus to NYC. Neesha from the front office, told us to catch a bus instead of a cab. She gave us directions to get to the bus stop which was a good 10 mins walk from the hotel. We were lost a bit but in the end we managed to find the bus stop. The bus comes on an hourly basis so we had to wait for quite some time. Hasni took out his laptop and started working on his exam paper. Faiz busied himself crooning One Night Only. I got busy appreciating nature.
The bus we got on took us direct to Port Authority, NYC. It took us sightseeing aorund Rockland for a good half-an hour before heading to NYC. We didn’t mind cuz we got to see what a typical housing area in the States look like. It looks like Desperate Housewives’ Wisteria Lane, only better!
When we arrived in NYC, it was already evening. We went around the city and headed to HRC. This time around, I'd decided not to but any more HRC tshirts cuz they all look the same no matter where that particular HRC is located. We ended up at the Theater District and I could only marvel at the list of shows going on! We spent quite some time observing this street artist working on his very celestial pieces of art. At around 10 something, we took a bus back to Holiday Inn. I guess Holiday Inn was about the best hotel that we’d stayed in the States. I couldn’t really sleep that night so I opted for one of those watch-and-pay movies.
After the meal, we took a bus to NYC. Neesha from the front office, told us to catch a bus instead of a cab. She gave us directions to get to the bus stop which was a good 10 mins walk from the hotel. We were lost a bit but in the end we managed to find the bus stop. The bus comes on an hourly basis so we had to wait for quite some time. Hasni took out his laptop and started working on his exam paper. Faiz busied himself crooning One Night Only. I got busy appreciating nature.
The bus we got on took us direct to Port Authority, NYC. It took us sightseeing aorund Rockland for a good half-an hour before heading to NYC. We didn’t mind cuz we got to see what a typical housing area in the States look like. It looks like Desperate Housewives’ Wisteria Lane, only better!
When we arrived in NYC, it was already evening. We went around the city and headed to HRC. This time around, I'd decided not to but any more HRC tshirts cuz they all look the same no matter where that particular HRC is located. We ended up at the Theater District and I could only marvel at the list of shows going on! We spent quite some time observing this street artist working on his very celestial pieces of art. At around 10 something, we took a bus back to Holiday Inn. I guess Holiday Inn was about the best hotel that we’d stayed in the States. I couldn’t really sleep that night so I opted for one of those watch-and-pay movies.
Day 6 – New York
When Faiz mentioned about the States trip, Fiza and Surya quickly looked for a conference in New York. Kill two birds with one stone, I guess. In the morning, we set out to IBM at Palisades. The plan was to let the two attend the conference in the morning, and then head to the outlet center in Central Valley. Faiz, Hasni and me hung around at IBM and wasted no time getting hooked to the Net. There were laptops everywhere at IBM. Faiz browsed through comments regarding the outlet center in Central Valley and he came across this one cute comment: “ I nearly peed in my pants when I arrived at the outlet center.” Well, that statement really foreshadowed what was awaiting us at the outlet center. I couldn’t wait! Faiz and me were ecstatic cuz it seemed that the outlet center is much bigger than the ones in Barstow. We took a cab and when we arrived at the center, and I felt this chill coming down my spine. I knew I was going on one of the best shopping sprees in my life! True enough, I had a blast! I’d seriously thought that sitting down and enjoying lunch for a couple of minutes was a waste of time! There was a problem, though. I had to buy another bag to accommodate what I’d bought this time around. I also didn’t find any outlet selling MAC despite having 7 hours to spend. A friend had told me that my favorite make up brand would cost much less in the States. I was devastated until Faiz told me he’d found an outlet selling MAC. I couldn’t believe my ears! At that time, the cab we hired was clearly already on the way to pick us up. Fiza (who’d also wanted to buy MAC) and I dashed to the shop and quickly grabbed whatever we could! In the process, my handphone rang twice and I just ignored it. I knew it was Faiz, calling to tell that the cab had arrived. But I guess answering his calls would be a waste of time. I was BUSY.
Faiz realy enjoyed shopping I guess, that his credit cards were declined! Well, that would summarize his experience of shopping at Central Valley, I guess. Long live outlets in Central Valley!
We arrived at the hotel and quickly headed to the Thai restaurant. After spending hard that day, we certainly deserved a feast!
When Faiz mentioned about the States trip, Fiza and Surya quickly looked for a conference in New York. Kill two birds with one stone, I guess. In the morning, we set out to IBM at Palisades. The plan was to let the two attend the conference in the morning, and then head to the outlet center in Central Valley. Faiz, Hasni and me hung around at IBM and wasted no time getting hooked to the Net. There were laptops everywhere at IBM. Faiz browsed through comments regarding the outlet center in Central Valley and he came across this one cute comment: “ I nearly peed in my pants when I arrived at the outlet center.” Well, that statement really foreshadowed what was awaiting us at the outlet center. I couldn’t wait! Faiz and me were ecstatic cuz it seemed that the outlet center is much bigger than the ones in Barstow. We took a cab and when we arrived at the center, and I felt this chill coming down my spine. I knew I was going on one of the best shopping sprees in my life! True enough, I had a blast! I’d seriously thought that sitting down and enjoying lunch for a couple of minutes was a waste of time! There was a problem, though. I had to buy another bag to accommodate what I’d bought this time around. I also didn’t find any outlet selling MAC despite having 7 hours to spend. A friend had told me that my favorite make up brand would cost much less in the States. I was devastated until Faiz told me he’d found an outlet selling MAC. I couldn’t believe my ears! At that time, the cab we hired was clearly already on the way to pick us up. Fiza (who’d also wanted to buy MAC) and I dashed to the shop and quickly grabbed whatever we could! In the process, my handphone rang twice and I just ignored it. I knew it was Faiz, calling to tell that the cab had arrived. But I guess answering his calls would be a waste of time. I was BUSY.
Faiz realy enjoyed shopping I guess, that his credit cards were declined! Well, that would summarize his experience of shopping at Central Valley, I guess. Long live outlets in Central Valley!
We arrived at the hotel and quickly headed to the Thai restaurant. After spending hard that day, we certainly deserved a feast!
Day 7 - New York/London
We left the hotel early for IBM. Surya and Fiza joined the conference whilst Faiz, Hasni and me adjourned to the coffee house and helped ourselves to some scrumptious breakfast from the buffet table. We hung around the place and finally stepped outside and sat near the river that crosses through IBM, enjoying the view and taking pics. We also talked a lot about ourselves and our history. Around 11, we took a bus to NYC. The plan for today was to check out the Statue of Liberty and head off to London in the evening. We’d also hired the cab to send us off to the airport at 6.
We had fun at the Statue of Liberty. The first thing we did was eat! I was surprised that the guy that was serving me had given me more portions than I should get. I guess he liked me (chuckle, chuckle). After taking pics and what not, we headed back to the main land. On the ferry, I dozed off. So did Fiza and Hasni. Faiz and Surya had fun watching us, I guess.
We were supposed to leave at 5 but somehow the bus that was supposed to take us back to Rockland was going on another route. A man at Port Authority told us that the next bus would be coming at 6 something. Again, we had a panic attack. Faiz decided that we take the 5 o’clock bus anyway and get off at its last stop and ask the cab driver to fetch us there. Luckily, the cab driver didn’t make any fuss about it and was there waiting for us when we arrived. I am really amazed with the many problems, transport-wise, that had unearthed throughout our trip. I don’t think I’d have these problems if I were traveling in Europe.
At the airport, everything went on smoothly even though we had to take off our shoes during screening. I also got a text message from Agil, my friend, who was already in London. His text: Prada and Zara await you! I was giddy instantly!
Somehow, we were required to board early by Aer Lingus. I was separated from the rest and had another bout of panic attack when I didn’t get to see them anywhere. But a few minutes after I got on the plane, the fab four arrived.
On the plane, we had another problem with the meal cuz according to Faiz, he’d ordered for vegetarian meal. Somehow the crew didn’t get this message and we’d have to wait for quite some time. Somehow they managed to unearth vegetarian meals. We stopped at Dublin for while. The immigration at the officer looked at my passport and remarked: “You’ve been traveling around the world, haven’t you?” I smiled from ear to ear, silently proud of my achievement. We arrived in London in the morning and headed straight to Malaysian Hall. After checking in, we quickly adjourned to the Malaysian Hall café and ate to our hearts’ content!
Fiza, Hasni and me decided to got to HRC London. London was a bit chillier than New York, but I didn’t mind. I was enjoying the moment! We walked all the way (about 2.5 kms) and it took us quite some time to reach HRC. After asking a lady at the Underground station, we found it. I wasn’t impressed with HRC London, though. Then, we headed to Trafalgar Square which had changed a lot since I last saw it 5 years ago. The pigeons were no longer there. After that we headed back to Malaysian Hall. In the evening, Faiz, Surya and me walked to Queensbay and bought some souvenirs. It was during this time too, that we got news that the fuel price in Malaysia had increased twofold! What the ****?
We left the hotel early for IBM. Surya and Fiza joined the conference whilst Faiz, Hasni and me adjourned to the coffee house and helped ourselves to some scrumptious breakfast from the buffet table. We hung around the place and finally stepped outside and sat near the river that crosses through IBM, enjoying the view and taking pics. We also talked a lot about ourselves and our history. Around 11, we took a bus to NYC. The plan for today was to check out the Statue of Liberty and head off to London in the evening. We’d also hired the cab to send us off to the airport at 6.
We had fun at the Statue of Liberty. The first thing we did was eat! I was surprised that the guy that was serving me had given me more portions than I should get. I guess he liked me (chuckle, chuckle). After taking pics and what not, we headed back to the main land. On the ferry, I dozed off. So did Fiza and Hasni. Faiz and Surya had fun watching us, I guess.
We were supposed to leave at 5 but somehow the bus that was supposed to take us back to Rockland was going on another route. A man at Port Authority told us that the next bus would be coming at 6 something. Again, we had a panic attack. Faiz decided that we take the 5 o’clock bus anyway and get off at its last stop and ask the cab driver to fetch us there. Luckily, the cab driver didn’t make any fuss about it and was there waiting for us when we arrived. I am really amazed with the many problems, transport-wise, that had unearthed throughout our trip. I don’t think I’d have these problems if I were traveling in Europe.
At the airport, everything went on smoothly even though we had to take off our shoes during screening. I also got a text message from Agil, my friend, who was already in London. His text: Prada and Zara await you! I was giddy instantly!
Somehow, we were required to board early by Aer Lingus. I was separated from the rest and had another bout of panic attack when I didn’t get to see them anywhere. But a few minutes after I got on the plane, the fab four arrived.
On the plane, we had another problem with the meal cuz according to Faiz, he’d ordered for vegetarian meal. Somehow the crew didn’t get this message and we’d have to wait for quite some time. Somehow they managed to unearth vegetarian meals. We stopped at Dublin for while. The immigration at the officer looked at my passport and remarked: “You’ve been traveling around the world, haven’t you?” I smiled from ear to ear, silently proud of my achievement. We arrived in London in the morning and headed straight to Malaysian Hall. After checking in, we quickly adjourned to the Malaysian Hall café and ate to our hearts’ content!
Fiza, Hasni and me decided to got to HRC London. London was a bit chillier than New York, but I didn’t mind. I was enjoying the moment! We walked all the way (about 2.5 kms) and it took us quite some time to reach HRC. After asking a lady at the Underground station, we found it. I wasn’t impressed with HRC London, though. Then, we headed to Trafalgar Square which had changed a lot since I last saw it 5 years ago. The pigeons were no longer there. After that we headed back to Malaysian Hall. In the evening, Faiz, Surya and me walked to Queensbay and bought some souvenirs. It was during this time too, that we got news that the fuel price in Malaysia had increased twofold! What the ****?
Day 8 – London
After breakfast, we checked into another hotel close to Malaysian Hall. The day before, Faiz suggested that the three of us shared a room together at the new hotel. We didn’t like the fact that at Malaysia Hall, we had to be back in our rooms before 11 pm. Plus, there was no phone in any of our rooms so communication was difficult. Plus men and women cannot share a room, which upset Fiza tremendously. She had to share with Surya and Faiz with Hasni. After checking in, I split from the rest. They’d wanted to go to Harrods and the Big Ben but since I’d been to those places, I decided to go to Oxofrd Street instead. The previous day, I’d seen Primark and I’d known that all the UK and European brands can be found along Oxford St. I really, really, really missed Primark. I went to Primark in Manchester 5 years ago and had a blast. So, by 10.30 I was already in front of Primark. I walked all the way from Malaysian Hall. It was quite a distance but I didn’t care. There’s something about walking in that temperate weather that really appealed to me.
I went crazy at Primark! Everything was so cheap! I also spent hours at Marks and Spencer! I realized that the M & S store at KLCC was like, one tenth of the M & S in London. Stuff were also cheaper by half. I wasted no time! I also went to the other stores like H & M, Zara, Dorothy Perkins and so forth. As I was shopping, Faiz text and told me that he’d purchased tix for The Sound of Music and wanted us to leave from the Queensway station at 6.30. I arrived at the hotel at 6 and quickly dashed to the Malaysian Hall café for lunch. I'd been shopping the hwole day without having lunch!
The Sound of Music was brilliant! I enjoyed it tremendously! I was impressed by the fact that the props were all moved mechanically. In Malaysia, you could still see people moving and pushing props!
After the theatre, I set out to wait for Agil at Queensway. Somehow Maxis line got crazy and I had problems calling Agil. I had another panic attack cuz I really had no idea whether Agil was coming to see me or not. In the end, I managed to call him and he came all the way to Queensway (by bus) to see me. I was touched! We had supper and talked about our experiences. Agil and I are colleauges and good friends but we don’t really get to see each other in Malaysia. It’s amazing that we could actually find the time to meet in London! I felt guilty for not buying him anything in the States.
Day 9 - London/K.L.
After breakfast we took a cab and arrived at Heathrow. To our dismay, MAS, in view of the fuel price hike, had, with immediate effect, decreased the 30kg luggage weight to 20 kg! We had another panic attack cuz we were sure that each of our luggage would weigh more than 20 kg, especially mine! True enough. So we had to sit at one corner and reaaranged stuff in our bags, while cursing and swearing at MAS. I had to put some of my stuff in Faiz’s and Fiza's bags, as well as in my hand carry. Even the hand carry was weighed and mine was 1 kg overweight! I was fuming! At this point too, I was determined not to fly MAS ever again, unless it’s free. My check in luggage was 2 kg overweight and they’d asked for 300 something pounds!!! They must think the’re the best airline in the entire universe! Well, I do not think so. Your food sucks and your cabin crews desperately need training on proper English!
Luckily, my hand carry was not weighed, it looked small enough for a hand carry, I guess and I passed security. That is, after they got rid of my saline solution.
In the plane, I sat between an English lady and an old Englsih chap, who kept going to the loo, who didn’t care about inflight entertainment, and who was always scribbling something in his notebook every 2 or 3 minutes, and who farted like nobody’s business! I killed time by watching a movie, starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, The Bucket List. A drama about two terminally ill old men who left hospital to pursue their ‘to-do list’ or what they call ‘the bucket list’. I enjoyed it tremendously! It started me thinking about my own ‘bucket list.’ If I’d known I was going to die, what would be the things that I’d want to do? Hmm. Let me see. Wear a red-carpet ball gown and go ballroom dancing. Entertain my loved one (if only) with belly dancing. Write a book (probably fiction). Have a mind-blowing sex. Have a baby. Drive a Mercedes. Go to Portugal. And Korea. Make peace with God.
The plane touched down at KLIA at around 7. My bro in law and my sis picked me up. That was the end of my journey. And the beginning of my jet lag.
Post-trip
This trip was totally different from my previous trips. Reasons:
Besides the company, this is the first trip that I’d actually spent using credit cards. I’d never used credit cards while I was traveling before.
Thiis the most expensive trip I’d ever been on. If I’d had a partner traveling with me, like the others, hotel expenses would be greatly reduced. If only we could move about with trains or a rented car, we wouldn’t have spent so much on transportation.
I felt a bit disappointed cuz I didn’t get to go to any bookshops. Oh, well.
There were a lot of panic attacks. Heart pumping, nerve wrecking. But I guess those are inevitable and certainly added value to our trip.
This is about the only trip where a lot of my pics were taken without me actually posing for them. Thanks to Fiza, our Nat Geo photographer.
I also felt that we didn’t get to cover and explore the cities we went to thoroughly due to the short stint in each city. Next time, we may have to limit our trip to 1 or 2 cities only.
But do I have any regrets going on this trip? NO. Would I go again? YES!!!
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