The Americas
The University of California, Irvine
(Because 101 would have been too much for you to take in)
So you’re thinking about going to UCI? Or maybe you’ve already been accepted and you’re still weighing your options. Well, don’t fret -- we can help you out with your decision.
Over the past few months and years, the 5 of us have come to call the University of California, Irvine, our home. Part of the notorious UC system, UC Irvine, or simply UCI, is a UC campus located in Orange County. Because it’s on the border of Irvine and Newport Beach, many of the students like to call it UC Newport.
Campus
The UCI campus is fairly easy to follow because all the buildings form a ring around the center, Aldrich Park. If you ever get lost, just find the 2 main roads, conveniently named "inner Ring Road" and "outer Ring Road." Theres also the "Zot finder" app which can help you get around, but once you walk (or scooter or skate or bike) through campus a couple times you'll know your way around. Since students sometimes have 10 minute gaps between classes, if definitely helps that you can get from one side of campus to the other in 10 minutes - not sure if the campus was planned for this, but it's nice to keep in mind when you're rushing from Biological Sciences to Social Sciences.
Living
All in all, UCI is a commuter school, which means the campus is pretty empty during weekends. However, if students choose to live on campus, they have several options. Starting with first years.
First year students are guaranteed housing, which causes a liiittle bit of an issue when housing applications come out for the rest of the student body. First years have a choice between dorming in Mesa Court, Mesa Towers, or Middle Earth (yes, like Lord of the Rings) OR living in an apartment in ACC housing or Arroyo Vista. Basically, everyone else (i.e. second, third, and fourth years) are limited to ACC housing and Arroyo Vista - that is, if they want to lease through the school.
There are of course other housing options that are open to all students such as the University Town Center (UTC) apartments just across the street from campus or beachfront houses in Newport. "UC Newport" definitely came from the UCI students who claim it's tradition for fourth years to live out by the beach. Regardless of the housing you choose, make sure you take into account the cost of parking on campus too!
Transportation
Speaking of parking, there are other modes of getting to and from UCI when you don’t want to deal with the congested parking lots. The school has a very convenient shuttle system called the Anteater Express, which takes several different loops around campus and is free for all students to use. But be wary if you’re using the shuttles during Week 1 or Finals week because they will definitely be packed - so plan accordingly. The OCTA bus also stops at the UCI campus for those who are a little further away. Worse comes to worse, you call an Uber (like that really sounds so bad).
Places to Eat
The UCI campus has multiple dining facilities including several food courts and our own campus pub. Our favorite spots include:
Nearby Attractions
________________________________________________________
LOS ANGELES
So I went downtown with the boys on a Friday morning. We left around 10am and to no surprise, we caught some traffic getting to the heart of the city. By 11am we had arrived; here are the highlights:
Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken
Walking in, I can see this is a contemporary establishment because of the good old school hip hop music and the white & lack layout. I ordered "The Works" (chicken sandwich with lettuce. tomato, and egg on doughnut bread) and a creme brulee doughnut. the sandwich was tasty but the doughnut I did not care for. However, it might just be personal taste because it is their most popular doughnut. My friend enjoyed his peanut butter doughnut at least. I'd come back but I think there's better fried chicken places to check out in LA instead.
Being in downtown, it's worth visiting this seemingly small but large open market (it's a block long and half a block wide). Grand Central Market is like a flea market with food truck sized vendors and filled with sweet smells and rad signs. There's tons of different food options and many are worth trying. Stop by here for a quick bite to eat before you head out for some more sightseeing!
Dominic Toretto House
Galco's Old World Grocery
Yes there's other "world" markets in other places, but this one specializes in different beverages! Seeing so many colas and drinks was daunting, so I asked the clerk for some help picking a few. The old man has probably tried all the drinks in the store because of his vast knowledge of each product. I bought a ginger ale made with hints of wasabi (great ginger ale and the little kick of wasabi doesn't linger in your mouth), a root beer made with dry ice (so the carbonation lasts hours after you've opened it), a ginger beer that I didn't like and some delicious bottled lemonade. Definitely recommend visiting if you're looking for something new to crack open with the boys (or girls).
Things to Consider
Traffic. It varies with the day and time so take it into consideration when you visit. Parking is another important aspect, so bring some quarters (many meters take card too) or a few bucks (not all take card) to park in a lot. You can also park in one spot for a day and take the Metro bikes to get around.
It's Los Angeles, there's so much to see and do both in and around the city. So don't stick to your usual spot(s), try at least one new thing (simple Google searches or Yelping can help). If you're planning your first trip, do some researching and plan out what you want to do so you can get the most out of your trip. Los Angeles has a lot to offer. There's something for everyone, you just have to find it. Cheers.
-- Eric
________________________________________________________
HAWAII
Dole Plantation, a well known Hawaii attraction that offers various activities for anyone visiting the island. It’s most well known for the Dole Whip ice cream! It doesn't cost to visit the plantation itself; however, they do have additional charges for activities such as train tours and plantation maze. There are also cute shops where you can purchase Hawaii souvenirs or specific Dole Plantation items. If this is a place you’re planning to visit, you have to try the world famous Dole Whip!
________________________________________________________
SAN FRANCISCO
Boba Guys Located in 5 different places all around the city, this hipster boba place has become very popular recently among boba lovers. My go-to drink is usually the Earl Gray Milk Tea (left), but sometimes I like to change things up and get the Strawberry Matcha Latte. Whatever drink you decide on, make sure to add-on their grade A tapioca balls!
Hot Cookie Located in the center of Castro, this small bakery is known for their deliciously baked cookies and erotic treats such as a penis-shaped macaron! You can choose a white or brown one, with an option to add on whip cream! Time to get your Instagram pictures in!
Off the Grid Every Friday night at Fort Mason center, many different food trucks come together by the Marina District with a variety of yummy cuisines, from Chinese pork buns to thick fish tacos. There's also free parking for this weekly event. Personally, I always stop by the SeniorSisig for some authentic Filipino lumpia and KojaKitchen for their rice burgers and kamikaze fries.
Golden Gate Bakery Located in the heart of Chinatown San Francisco, this local Chinese bakery is known for their large egg tarts! This drop of sunshine is guaranteed to make your day better. Hurry though, they always runs out before closing time...
San Tung Chinese Restaurant There are two right next to each other, but make sure to go to the original one, #1! This restaurant is known for their rich honey glazed chicken wings and is always packed from open to close!
Sunday Brunch? Count me in! There are honestly so many delicious brunch places all around the city that it’s hard to choose just one! From Eggs Benedict to bottomless mimosas, here is a list of my go-to brunch places with my favorite gals: Zazie, Sweet Maple, Kitchen Story, Mama’s
Clarion Alley An alley full of beautiful murals in Mission District with deep history and political messages, often seasonally changed. Stop by and learn more about what the Mission is all about!
Maiden Lane This narrow street is located in Downtown SF and used to be a prostitution corner, thus the origin of the street name. It is now turned into a high-end shopping area with aesthetic night lights and coffee shops.
SFMOMA 18 and under? Know someone who works for
Kirby Cove This hiking spot is not exactly in San Francisco but located on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge. After hiking down to an isolated beach area, there is a hidden swing set by the cove! I would recommend driving past the bridge and park your car by the parking lot then hike down. Make sure to wear some shoes with grip because the hike is a downhill curve!
Stow Lake Boathouse This is a lovely date spot to rent out a boat while viewing the lovely Golden Gate Park scenery. You can choose from paddle to row to electric boats -- but it takes two to get the boat going!
_______________________________________________________
SEATTLE
Looking for a breakfast or brunch place -- head to 5 Spot. They have a rotating menu so their dishes are always changing. When I went, they were serving dishes from the California Central Valley. I ordered the Elvis waffle which is topped with peanut butter, chocolate syrup, and bananas (delicious) and the Sonoran scramble.
Need another place to get your breakfast fix? I definitely recommend stopping by an edgy breakfast parlor, Biscuit Bitch, for some delicious old-style eggs and grits! What’s funny is that everything on the menu has the word “bitch” on it, but don’t be discouraged. Workers are not actually a bitch and are extremely welcoming! (Pro-tip: Check in on their Yelp page and get your very own “Biscuit Bitch” sticker!)
After breakfast, head to Kerry Park, which is a great viewing area of the Seattle skyline. It’s a lot smaller than it looks in pictures, but a beautiful view of Seattle nonetheless. Day or night, you won’t be disappointed.
Looking for an alternative view of the water? Located right on the border of downtown Seattle, Olympic Sculpture Park is a great place to take a breather. It’s a 9-acre outdoor sculpture museum and beach that’s free and open all year. There’s walking trails and chairs all over for visitors to use and enjoy. In the summer, there’s tons of events hosted at the Park, including Saturday morning yoga sessions!
Check out the University of Washington’s Suzzallo Library for some Harry Potter vibes. The rest of the campus is gorgeous too, as is their University Village which is a 5 minute drive away.
Need a quick bite before continuing your endless tourist attractions? Stop by Ezell’s Famous Chicken, a fast food restaurant, to-go-orders-only type of place, and enjoy some quality chicken drumsticks and their corn muffin!
Pike Place Market is a Seattle must. It’s Seattle’s well-known farmer’s market. Stand and watch the “flying fish” at the fish market. Browse through all the local vendors and try some of the delicious local food. Be sure to take a photo in front of the Public Market sign! #PicsOrItDidntHappen
There’s also a lot of great food located around the market as well including the first Starbucks, Rachel’s Ginger Beer, and Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. If you’re heading to Beecher’s, I recommend ordering their flagship sandwich.
Located right below Pike Place Market on Post Alley lies the infamous Seattle Gum Wall. Chew some gum and leave your mark here during your visit! A lil nasty but you can take very aesthetic photos in front of the wall!
Head to Gas Works Park for a view of the Seattle skyline for sunset. Unfortunately there’s no paintball arena like in 10 Things I Hate About You. Nonetheless, the view is beautiful.
The Space Needle is an iconic structure in the Seattle skyline. With the Chihuly Garden right next to it, you’ll be sure to enjoy a couple hours of your day. There’s a package deal for both the top of the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden for only $37.80! If you’re looking to just go up the Space Needle, the tickets are cheaper if you go early in the morning, or later at night. Remember to get your tickets online to avoid lines at the door (they may run out of tickets at the door so plan early!)
If you’re craving the seaside, head to Alki Beach and munch on some food at Marination Ma Kai. I recommend the Spam Sliders, which are $3 each. This is also a great spot to watch the sunset.
Transportation: Traveling without reliable transportation may be difficult and time-sensitive. To make the most of your visit (if you’re not personally driving to Seattle), we would recommend flying into the Seattle-Tacoma Airport and using a rental car service called Turo. This is an inexpensive and flexible car rental company that allows you to rent someone’s car in advance for the time of your trip.
Pro-Tip: Rent out a gas-efficient car such as a Toyota Prius to save on gas money as you will probably be visiting many different locations around Seattle during your trip!
If you’re renting a car, Seattle has public parking. Although it may be hard to find spaces in the city, their system is pretty neat. Download the app “PayByPhone” and whatever block you’re parked at you can use the app to pay as you go. This allows you to enjoy the city more without having to worry about going back to refill the meter.
Where to Stay: We both recommend using Airbnb. It’s much cheaper than staying in a hotel. It is basically renting out someone’s home during your visit. You can rent out a private room or the entire house. There are homes available in almost every part of Seattle! Make sure to download the app to stay connected with your host wherever you go.
Seattle is a beautiful and amazing city and these are just some of our favorites from our trips. Please share your favorite places in Seattle!
-- Emily and Jannell
________________________________________________________
When you look up Rio, the first picture you usually see is Christ the Redeemer. It's plastered on billboards, postcards, and travel magazines and truly is a sight to see. It definitely qualifies as one of the top 5 places to see in Rio. There will be thousands of tourists just like you, trying to get the perfect picture, but it’s almost impossible due to the high volume of people that will pass in front of your camera. Therefore, I recommend that you just enjoy the scenery and don’t waste any time on becoming angry at other people destroying your photo session. The best memories are those that you can carry in your mind and heart.
__________________________________________________________
MEXICO
Mexico can be split up into regions a lot like the U.S. So when visiting the country, it's important to keep that mind. If you're interested in certain things like architecture and history you might consider going to central Mexico (kind of like going to northeast US). If you want beaches then you'll end up in a different area(s). However, you can still grasp the culture where ever you visit.
Although I have visited a few places in Mexico, my experiences have been limited.If I were to plan a trip to Mexico, I would want to explore some of the southern states, like Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.
When natives talk about tourist attractions in Guerrero, they'll most likely mention the beach town of Acapulco. It's a touristy are but still home to one of the best beaches in Mexico and La Quebrada cliff where people dive off from. But Acapulco isn't only the beach worth visiting, Ixtapa should definitely be considered an alternative for its beach life and snorkeling. Moving away from the ocean, some might find intriguing visiting the raw caves in Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park (it's one of the largest cave systems in the world). It's also worth visiting Taxco, which is known for its silver jewelry (great souvenir idea right?) and Spanish colonial architecture which you'll find spread throughout the country.
Going to Oaxaca, there is plenty to see and do. The state has a coast and as a result, is bound to have at least one really nice beach. Puerto Escondido and Huatulco (which has 9 bays) are great options for surfing, fun nightlife, and enjoying a beach environment. Besides the beaches, Oaxaca is a state rich in culture. It has kept alive pieces of indigenous culture as well as a distinct cuisine. You can visit the Monte Alban pyramid complex (yes pyramids exist outside of Egypt) which dates back at least 1500 years ago. It is easy to try different foods that you cannot readily find at Mexican markets in the U.S. The cuisine includes eating grasshoppers, Oaxacan cheese, and 7 different moles (it's like the curry of Mexico) among others. Very important in Mexican culture are the various fiestas and culrural events held in different areas of the country. La Guelaguetza is annual event held in the state's captial city of Oaxaca and is celebrated on the 2 following Mondays after July 16 (you don't need to know the history behind the event to enjoy the festivities).
Neighboring Oaxaca, Chiapas is a go to destination if you're interested in nature and colonial town architecture. The state is home to vast greenery like the Canon del Sumidero National Park which is known for its scenery and kayaking (& boat tours) and Agua Azul waterfalls (series of waterfalls with majestic looking water). There's also the Lacandon jungle whose rain forest can be appreciated by those willing to venture in it. Spanish colonial architecture can be experienced in towns like San Cristobal de las Casa where it's been preserved and with it, certain cultures that have been integrated with the indigenous and Mexican populations.
There's many way to enjoy Mexico, and depending on the time of year, you'll likely experience different things. So find out what you'd like to get out of your trip. You might find what you are looking for in one city or one state (or multiple cities in multiple states).
-- Eric
__________________________________________________________
DISNEYLAND in ANAHEIM, CA
In 1956 Walt Disney created the Happiest Place on Earth in Anaheim, CA. Admission tickets used to be $1 when the park first opened. However, as you may already know, prices no longer look like that. Prices vary depending on the day. Admission for one park costs $97-$135. One day park hopper costs $147-$185. In Anaheim, there are two Disney parks: Disneyland and California Adventure, which henceforth shall be known as DCA. Also, unless otherwise stated, every time I mention a hack for Disneyland it will also apply to DCA.
First thing to do before entering the park: Download Disneyland App onto your smartphone. It will save your life. The Disneyland app gives you all the information you will ever need during your visit to the parks including a map of entire park (no need to carry around the paper map). The app also allows you to check wait times and Fastpass availability, purchase a MaxPass, view character’s locations, find restrooms, reserve dining, and so much more!!
Crowd Tracker is a useful tool to get a feel of how long your waits will be. It’s not 100% accurate but good enough. The key is to go during the weekdays and non-holiday times.
If you’re staying at one of the Disneyland resorts, take advantage of their Early Magic Hour and Magic Mornings. Early Magic Hour gives you early admission to both parks one full hour before parks open to the general public. It’s for selective dates, but works for every day of your hotel stay. Similarly, Magic Mornings also give you early park admission for one full hour before parks open to general public on select days. However, Magic Morning can only be used once during your stay. It’s also only available for guests who purchase a valid 3+ day theme park ticket OR those who have purchased a Southern California CityPASS.
Where to charge phone: First of all, always bring a extra battery pack or portable charger of some sort if you’re planning to stay the whole day. But if you forget, or run out of juice, there’s a couple hidden places to charge your phone. So someone else has generously taken the liberty to compile a list of outlets around Disneyland and DCA.
So once you find your way into the park, you obviously want to get on your favorite rides and see your favorite shows. So here are some hacks:
(Because 101 would have been too much for you to take in)
So you’re thinking about going to UCI? Or maybe you’ve already been accepted and you’re still weighing your options. Well, don’t fret -- we can help you out with your decision.Over the past few months and years, the 5 of us have come to call the University of California, Irvine, our home. Part of the notorious UC system, UC Irvine, or simply UCI, is a UC campus located in Orange County. Because it’s on the border of Irvine and Newport Beach, many of the students like to call it UC Newport.
Campus
The UCI campus is fairly easy to follow because all the buildings form a ring around the center, Aldrich Park. If you ever get lost, just find the 2 main roads, conveniently named "inner Ring Road" and "outer Ring Road." Theres also the "Zot finder" app which can help you get around, but once you walk (or scooter or skate or bike) through campus a couple times you'll know your way around. Since students sometimes have 10 minute gaps between classes, if definitely helps that you can get from one side of campus to the other in 10 minutes - not sure if the campus was planned for this, but it's nice to keep in mind when you're rushing from Biological Sciences to Social Sciences.
Living
All in all, UCI is a commuter school, which means the campus is pretty empty during weekends. However, if students choose to live on campus, they have several options. Starting with first years.
First year students are guaranteed housing, which causes a liiittle bit of an issue when housing applications come out for the rest of the student body. First years have a choice between dorming in Mesa Court, Mesa Towers, or Middle Earth (yes, like Lord of the Rings) OR living in an apartment in ACC housing or Arroyo Vista. Basically, everyone else (i.e. second, third, and fourth years) are limited to ACC housing and Arroyo Vista - that is, if they want to lease through the school.
There are of course other housing options that are open to all students such as the University Town Center (UTC) apartments just across the street from campus or beachfront houses in Newport. "UC Newport" definitely came from the UCI students who claim it's tradition for fourth years to live out by the beach. Regardless of the housing you choose, make sure you take into account the cost of parking on campus too!
Transportation
Speaking of parking, there are other modes of getting to and from UCI when you don’t want to deal with the congested parking lots. The school has a very convenient shuttle system called the Anteater Express, which takes several different loops around campus and is free for all students to use. But be wary if you’re using the shuttles during Week 1 or Finals week because they will definitely be packed - so plan accordingly. The OCTA bus also stops at the UCI campus for those who are a little further away. Worse comes to worse, you call an Uber (like that really sounds so bad).
Places to Eat
The UCI campus has multiple dining facilities including several food courts and our own campus pub. Our favorite spots include:
- Anthill Pub and Grille Definitely order some beers (only if you’re of age!) and try out the campus favorite “stoner fries.”
- Panda Express Quick and easy and who doesn’t love orange chicken and chow mein.
- Au Bon Pain This is where we spend most of our time. Not only is the food pretty high quality, but the large space filled with many tables makes it our ideal studying area.
- Chick-fil-a so many sauces to choose from and those waffle fries, yum
- GOGI Make sure to order the stacked bowl, which gives you 2 choices of meats and an array of sides (get 2 scoops of kimchi).
- Cha for Tea because you can’t talk about UTC without mentioning Cha and its boba
Nearby Attractions
- Fashion Island A nearby shopping center overlooking beautiful Corona Del Mar and Newport Beach along the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway)
- Irvine Spectrum Featuring 184 shops, an Edwards Movie Theater, various restaurants, and fun activities like its own ferris wheel (it has some cool views). The Anteater Express makes round trips to the Spectrum for only $2 on Saturdays!
- UTC Theater If you want convenience and a neck ache (there is no stadium seating)
- Crystal Cove State Beach Hike its rocky trail and roast some hot dogs at its fire pits
We’re almost certain you can find a organization for whatever you’re into (if not, make one). Hopefully this brief overview helped you out in deciding what to do and where to go!
LOS ANGELES
First things first, you can’t do all of Los Angeles in one day. You should definitely visit a few tourist attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Griffith Observatory, and Grauman's Chinese Theatre if it’s your first time (or if you have just never seen them). But the focus of my last trip to LA was to try something new. And with how dense and seemingly large the city is, it wasn't that difficult.
So I went downtown with the boys on a Friday morning. We left around 10am and to no surprise, we caught some traffic getting to the heart of the city. By 11am we had arrived; here are the highlights:
Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken
Grand Central Market
Dominic Toretto House
LA is home to tons of popular movie and TV settings like Jerry Seinfeld's Manhattan apartment building from Seinfeld and Mithell and Cameron's house from Modern Family. But I decided to visit 1327 (the address referenced in the Fast and Furious movies). That's not the real address, but it was nice to see the house and remember scenes of the famous Toretto house. Sadly, the driveway was not full of Dom's cool cars.
Galco's Old World Grocery
Yes there's other "world" markets in other places, but this one specializes in different beverages! Seeing so many colas and drinks was daunting, so I asked the clerk for some help picking a few. The old man has probably tried all the drinks in the store because of his vast knowledge of each product. I bought a ginger ale made with hints of wasabi (great ginger ale and the little kick of wasabi doesn't linger in your mouth), a root beer made with dry ice (so the carbonation lasts hours after you've opened it), a ginger beer that I didn't like and some delicious bottled lemonade. Definitely recommend visiting if you're looking for something new to crack open with the boys (or girls).
Things to Consider
Traffic. It varies with the day and time so take it into consideration when you visit. Parking is another important aspect, so bring some quarters (many meters take card too) or a few bucks (not all take card) to park in a lot. You can also park in one spot for a day and take the Metro bikes to get around.
It's Los Angeles, there's so much to see and do both in and around the city. So don't stick to your usual spot(s), try at least one new thing (simple Google searches or Yelping can help). If you're planning your first trip, do some researching and plan out what you want to do so you can get the most out of your trip. Los Angeles has a lot to offer. There's something for everyone, you just have to find it. Cheers.
-- Eric
________________________________________________________
HAWAII
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous and recognized beach in the entire world. There is always fun things going on at Waikiki Beach, no matter what time of the year you are visiting. Waikiki beach basically offers everything. It's a perfect spot to just relax in a sun-bed and watch how other tourist are trying to learn how to surf. If you prefer to be more active you can visit the Honolulu zoo, aquarium or just stroll around in the city and visit high-end boutiques or enjoy a drink in one of the many restaurants that is located within the city. A must-do while visiting Waikiki is to experience a real Hula Hula-show that is offered for free to the public every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. It’s a spectacular show where you experience the real Hawaiian culture and get a touch of how to dance like a local.
Dole Plantation, a well known Hawaii attraction that offers various activities for anyone visiting the island. It’s most well known for the Dole Whip ice cream! It doesn't cost to visit the plantation itself; however, they do have additional charges for activities such as train tours and plantation maze. There are also cute shops where you can purchase Hawaii souvenirs or specific Dole Plantation items. If this is a place you’re planning to visit, you have to try the world famous Dole Whip!
Pearl Harbor Memorial Try and get an early start at the Memorial because you need to get a ticket for a specified tour time. It’s one of the must-see tourist attractions in Hawaii with its rich history so definitely plan ahead of time when you want to go. While waiting for your tour time you can walk around and look at different parts of the harbor memorial.
Kailua Beach When visiting Oahu, Kailua Beach was one of my favorite beaches to visit. It’s a gorgeous beach that offers views of amazing turquoise waters as well as an small island out in the water. Kailua is a beach that both locals and tourists visit because of its accessibility and beauty. This is a great beach to lay out on and take a dip in the water if Waikiki is too crowded for your preferences! Also, if you ever want to try windsurfing, Kailua beach is the place to do it! For windsurfing there are specific areas that allow for a safe and fun experience in the water. For those who enjoy laying out and taking the occasional dip in the water Kailua is amazing because it is rated one of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu with shallow waters and powdery sand.
Next to Kailua is a smaller beach called Lanikai which is also a great spot to lay out and go in the water. However, if you prefer a place with public restrooms and ample parking -- Kailua Beach Park is the place to go! Also, don't forget to visit the famous Boots & Kimos Homestyle Kitchen which was featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives!
North Shore If you’re planning on visiting Oahu for the water scene or surfing, North Shore should definitely be on one of top places on your list! This is where the best surfers choose to spend their time when visiting the island. During the summer, the waves tend to be a little smaller; however, during the winter is where you will experience the most intense waves. During my visit to Oahu we visited Turtle Bay Resort where you are also able to snorkel and see turtles under the water!
Ko’Olina Lagoon If you are wanting to have a resort like experience while visiting Hawaii, then Ko’Olina Lagoon is a great place to visit. It contains three natural and four man made lagoons. This is also where popular resorts, such as Disney, are located on Oahu.
-- Marisol and Carl
SAN FRANCISCO
From a local San Francisco resident’s perspective, I hope this blog post gives you some insights on where to go beyond the basic tourist attractions as well as tips & tricks to maximize your visiting experience, including some of my personal favorites!
DID YOU KNOW? Karl the Fog - The Bay Area is known to always be cold, gloomy, and foggy so it’s a rare sighting to have sun in. Residents have created a nickname for the infamous fog that lies between the city and the bridge, Karl. There’s even an Instagram account for it! Check out beautiful shots @karlthefog.
MEAL O'CLOCK
Food is definitely one of the best parts of traveling. And having the opportunity to taste a variety of ethnic foods is definitely a privilege. Know for its diversification, the city of San Francisco is the right place to enjoy delicious cuisines from many cultures. Whatever time it is, there’s plenty of food conveniently around for any occasion, satisfying any craving so you’ll never run out of options! Being in the city for over 20 years, I still have yet to try every place I’d like to! Here are some of my personal favorites:
 |
| Delicious Boba Guys Boba Earl Grey (left) and Thai Tea (right) |
 |
| Brown Penis Macaron from Hot Cookie |
 |
| Friday Nights at Off the Grid |
 |
| San Tung's Honey Glazed Chicken Wings |
Sunday Brunch? Count me in! There are honestly so many delicious brunch places all around the city that it’s hard to choose just one! From Eggs Benedict to bottomless mimosas, here is a list of my go-to brunch places with my favorite gals: Zazie, Sweet Maple, Kitchen Story, Mama’s
BORED? NEVER…
There is ALWAYS something to do around the city! Just like the food, you can never run out of options. Here are some inexpensive and adventurous activities to do in between your meals:
Thrift Stores and Piercings in the Haight There's an entire district called the Haight just for thrifting and any type of piercing you can imagine! Find one-of-a-kind apparel as your souvenir from San Francisco; there’s something for everyone!
Clarion Alley An alley full of beautiful murals in Mission District with deep history and political messages, often seasonally changed. Stop by and learn more about what the Mission is all about!
 |
| Murals of Clarion Alley |
 |
| Sunset Down Maiden Lane |
SFMOMA 18 and under? Know someone who works for
Gap? Then you get a FREE entry! The museum’s art gallery changes seasonally so it’s always a good time visiting more than once! You aren’t able to touch the paintings, but you can sure take great pictures in front of it.
 |
| Hidden Swing in Kirby Cove |
 |
| Stow Lake |
Stow Lake Boathouse This is a lovely date spot to rent out a boat while viewing the lovely Golden Gate Park scenery. You can choose from paddle to row to electric boats -- but it takes two to get the boat going!
TRANSPORTATION
- SF MUNI Bus Lines: more for local and frequent stops; extremely accurate and dependable; goes all around the city with many different lines that go as early as 6am to midnight. Super easy to navigate and bus maps almost everywhere in the city
- Driving: Personally, I feel that it’s not too bad to drive around certain areas in San Francisco but if you don’t feel comfortable driving steep hills, there are a couple alternative ways to get around the city. However, make sure to have loose change with you because buses and trains don’t offer change for large bills.
- Train System (Metro, Bart, Caltrain): if you’re traveling to get from one district to another, the train system would save you more time than bus routes.
- Uber/Lyft: also very convenient and affordable for Uber Pool. Many come within 5-10 minute depending where you are.
These are just some local restaurants and attractions that I would bring any tourist to (beyond the typical visits to the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf). Choosing between so many favorites for this post was so hard! Just remember, whenever you decide to visit, pack warm clothes because the city is windy and cold all year long. Happy traveling!
-- Jannell
_______________________________________________________
SEATTLE
Thinking about visiting Seattle after your Portland trip? You’ve landed on the right blog! Here are some of our favorites and recommendations when we each took a spontaneous weekend trip up to Seattle. The Pacific Northwest is known for its rain and lush green vegetation while the city has a large tech industry presence. If you’re planning to visit, a quick stop by downtown for some shopping (or window shopping!) is always a great idea. Downtown Seattle includes many gift shops where you can treat yourself and bring a souvenir or two back for your loved ones. (You can even purchase some replica Grey’s Anatomy scrubs for all you Grey’s Anatomy fans out there!) Here is a quick day-to-night guide to maximize your time here:
MORNING
Looking for an alternative view of the water? Located right on the border of downtown Seattle, Olympic Sculpture Park is a great place to take a breather. It’s a 9-acre outdoor sculpture museum and beach that’s free and open all year. There’s walking trails and chairs all over for visitors to use and enjoy. In the summer, there’s tons of events hosted at the Park, including Saturday morning yoga sessions!
AFTERNOON
After a morning of exploring, stop by General Porpoise Doughnuts for a quick bite to eat. Their handmade doughnuts filled with handmade custards, creams, and jams are made fresh every day. Try their iced vanilla chai latte too! I think it’s the best vanilla chai I’ve ever had.Check out the University of Washington’s Suzzallo Library for some Harry Potter vibes. The rest of the campus is gorgeous too, as is their University Village which is a 5 minute drive away.
Need a quick bite before continuing your endless tourist attractions? Stop by Ezell’s Famous Chicken, a fast food restaurant, to-go-orders-only type of place, and enjoy some quality chicken drumsticks and their corn muffin!Pike Place Market is a Seattle must. It’s Seattle’s well-known farmer’s market. Stand and watch the “flying fish” at the fish market. Browse through all the local vendors and try some of the delicious local food. Be sure to take a photo in front of the Public Market sign! #PicsOrItDidntHappen There’s also a lot of great food located around the market as well including the first Starbucks, Rachel’s Ginger Beer, and Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. If you’re heading to Beecher’s, I recommend ordering their flagship sandwich.
Located right below Pike Place Market on Post Alley lies the infamous Seattle Gum Wall. Chew some gum and leave your mark here during your visit! A lil nasty but you can take very aesthetic photos in front of the wall!NIGHT
Head to Gas Works Park for a view of the Seattle skyline for sunset. Unfortunately there’s no paintball arena like in 10 Things I Hate About You. Nonetheless, the view is beautiful.
 |
| View of Seattle from top of Space Needle |
 |
| Space Needle during day time |
 |
| Space Needle during night time |
If you’re craving the seaside, head to Alki Beach and munch on some food at Marination Ma Kai. I recommend the Spam Sliders, which are $3 each. This is also a great spot to watch the sunset.
Pro-Tip: Rent out a gas-efficient car such as a Toyota Prius to save on gas money as you will probably be visiting many different locations around Seattle during your trip!
If you’re renting a car, Seattle has public parking. Although it may be hard to find spaces in the city, their system is pretty neat. Download the app “PayByPhone” and whatever block you’re parked at you can use the app to pay as you go. This allows you to enjoy the city more without having to worry about going back to refill the meter.
Where to Stay: We both recommend using Airbnb. It’s much cheaper than staying in a hotel. It is basically renting out someone’s home during your visit. You can rent out a private room or the entire house. There are homes available in almost every part of Seattle! Make sure to download the app to stay connected with your host wherever you go.
Seattle is a beautiful and amazing city and these are just some of our favorites from our trips. Please share your favorite places in Seattle!
-- Emily and Jannell
________________________________________________________
Top 5 Things To Do In Rio De Janeiro
1. Sugarloaf Mountain
Located right off the coast, this peak gives a spectacular view overlooking the city. By taking a glass-walled cable car from the ground station, you can reach the summit within 5 minutes. From the top of Sugarload Mountain, you will get all of the beautiful pictures. I recommend you visiting this landmark in the beginning of your stay in Rio, so you can get a visual sense of the different areas of the city.
2. Christ the Redeemer
When you look up Rio, the first picture you usually see is Christ the Redeemer. It's plastered on billboards, postcards, and travel magazines and truly is a sight to see. It definitely qualifies as one of the top 5 places to see in Rio. There will be thousands of tourists just like you, trying to get the perfect picture, but it’s almost impossible due to the high volume of people that will pass in front of your camera. Therefore, I recommend that you just enjoy the scenery and don’t waste any time on becoming angry at other people destroying your photo session. The best memories are those that you can carry in your mind and heart.
3. Dance the Samba
If you want to immerse yourself within the Brazilian culture, you should definitely look into taking a Samba class. There are many small dance studios where you can learn and experience this dance and truly enjoy and put your skills to the test when experiencing Brazilian nightlife. Don’t worry if you don’t have any prior experience -- the teachers are very friendly and will get you going. It might sound embarrassing to take a dance class, but imagine how cool it is to come back home and show your friends what you learned. They will definitely be impressed, I promise.
4. A favela tour
A favela, which means slum in Portuguese, is a low income area where historically the police haven’t been able to take control. Since 2008 a great deal of resources have been allocated to solve this problem and nowadays you can actually visit some favelas. The best way to do it is to ask one of the locals to take you there on a motorbike, which will make you look like you are part of the surroundings and not like a tourist. You have to keep in mind that these areas are still very dangerous and you should not bring any valuables because there is a high risk of getting robbed. There are organized tours as well, which will probably make you feel more safe but you won’t get the full experience and see how the poor inhabitants actually live.
5. Eat a “Pastel”
Wherever you go, I always want to try some of the local dishes. Brazilian’s local dishes are known for having a lot of specialties but the pastel is the absolute must-eat. It's basically a crispy pie with various kinds of fillings. The most common fillings are beef, cheese and chicken. Make sure you buy it from a small stand in the street, maybe while visiting a favela for the truly local experience. That’s how you receive the best dining experience and probably find the best pastels.
Lots of love,
Carl
Carl
__________________________________________________________
MEXICO
Mexico can be split up into regions a lot like the U.S. So when visiting the country, it's important to keep that mind. If you're interested in certain things like architecture and history you might consider going to central Mexico (kind of like going to northeast US). If you want beaches then you'll end up in a different area(s). However, you can still grasp the culture where ever you visit.
Although I have visited a few places in Mexico, my experiences have been limited.If I were to plan a trip to Mexico, I would want to explore some of the southern states, like Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.
Guerrero
When natives talk about tourist attractions in Guerrero, they'll most likely mention the beach town of Acapulco. It's a touristy are but still home to one of the best beaches in Mexico and La Quebrada cliff where people dive off from. But Acapulco isn't only the beach worth visiting, Ixtapa should definitely be considered an alternative for its beach life and snorkeling. Moving away from the ocean, some might find intriguing visiting the raw caves in Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park (it's one of the largest cave systems in the world). It's also worth visiting Taxco, which is known for its silver jewelry (great souvenir idea right?) and Spanish colonial architecture which you'll find spread throughout the country.
Oaxaca
Going to Oaxaca, there is plenty to see and do. The state has a coast and as a result, is bound to have at least one really nice beach. Puerto Escondido and Huatulco (which has 9 bays) are great options for surfing, fun nightlife, and enjoying a beach environment. Besides the beaches, Oaxaca is a state rich in culture. It has kept alive pieces of indigenous culture as well as a distinct cuisine. You can visit the Monte Alban pyramid complex (yes pyramids exist outside of Egypt) which dates back at least 1500 years ago. It is easy to try different foods that you cannot readily find at Mexican markets in the U.S. The cuisine includes eating grasshoppers, Oaxacan cheese, and 7 different moles (it's like the curry of Mexico) among others. Very important in Mexican culture are the various fiestas and culrural events held in different areas of the country. La Guelaguetza is annual event held in the state's captial city of Oaxaca and is celebrated on the 2 following Mondays after July 16 (you don't need to know the history behind the event to enjoy the festivities).
Chiapas
Neighboring Oaxaca, Chiapas is a go to destination if you're interested in nature and colonial town architecture. The state is home to vast greenery like the Canon del Sumidero National Park which is known for its scenery and kayaking (& boat tours) and Agua Azul waterfalls (series of waterfalls with majestic looking water). There's also the Lacandon jungle whose rain forest can be appreciated by those willing to venture in it. Spanish colonial architecture can be experienced in towns like San Cristobal de las Casa where it's been preserved and with it, certain cultures that have been integrated with the indigenous and Mexican populations.
There's many way to enjoy Mexico, and depending on the time of year, you'll likely experience different things. So find out what you'd like to get out of your trip. You might find what you are looking for in one city or one state (or multiple cities in multiple states).
-- Eric
__________________________________________________________
DISNEYLAND in ANAHEIM, CA
In 1956 Walt Disney created the Happiest Place on Earth in Anaheim, CA. Admission tickets used to be $1 when the park first opened. However, as you may already know, prices no longer look like that. Prices vary depending on the day. Admission for one park costs $97-$135. One day park hopper costs $147-$185. In Anaheim, there are two Disney parks: Disneyland and California Adventure, which henceforth shall be known as DCA. Also, unless otherwise stated, every time I mention a hack for Disneyland it will also apply to DCA. First thing to do before entering the park: Download Disneyland App onto your smartphone. It will save your life. The Disneyland app gives you all the information you will ever need during your visit to the parks including a map of entire park (no need to carry around the paper map). The app also allows you to check wait times and Fastpass availability, purchase a MaxPass, view character’s locations, find restrooms, reserve dining, and so much more!!
If you’re staying at one of the Disneyland resorts, take advantage of their Early Magic Hour and Magic Mornings. Early Magic Hour gives you early admission to both parks one full hour before parks open to the general public. It’s for selective dates, but works for every day of your hotel stay. Similarly, Magic Mornings also give you early park admission for one full hour before parks open to general public on select days. However, Magic Morning can only be used once during your stay. It’s also only available for guests who purchase a valid 3+ day theme park ticket OR those who have purchased a Southern California CityPASS.
Bare minimum to bring
- For long lines, try not to use your phone so you can save your battery. Instead, talk with whoever you came with or maybe even bring a book or magazine so you’re not bored out of your mind because lines can get very long.
- Hat + sunglasses + sunscreen for sunny days
- Sweater / layers for cold nights
- Water bottle so you won’t have to buy an expensive one in the park
Where to charge phone: First of all, always bring a extra battery pack or portable charger of some sort if you’re planning to stay the whole day. But if you forget, or run out of juice, there’s a couple hidden places to charge your phone. So someone else has generously taken the liberty to compile a list of outlets around Disneyland and DCA.
So once you find your way into the park, you obviously want to get on your favorite rides and see your favorite shows. So here are some hacks:
- Always consider the Single Rider option. There’s only a few rides that offer single rider passes and in Disneyland these include Matterhorn Bobsleds, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, and Splash Mountain. In DCA these include Radiator Springs Racer, Soarin’ Over the World, Grizzly River Run, and Goofy’s Sky School. Although Single Rider passes will split you from your group, it saves soooooo much time.
- Use Fastpass and/or Maxpass!! Both passes allow you to skip the regular line and/or reserve a spot at a show. The Max Pass is just like the premium version of a Fast Pass.
- Let’s start with the Fastpass. Use the Disneyland app to check a ride’s Fastpass return time before heading to a distribution kiosk. Return times are a 1-hour window and you can return to the ride at anytime within the given 1-hour return window. If the return time works for you, then head to the ride’s corresponding Fastpass distribution kiosk. Once at the kiosk, insert your park ticket into the machine and you will receive a physical ticket. Make sure you read the ticket because it will tell you at what time you will be eligible to get another Fastpass. Sometimes you can get one once the 1-hour window begins and other times you only have to wait 2 hours since obtaining one Fastpass. One thing to note is that Fastpasses don’t work until regular opening hours.
- Now the Max Pass is a new Disney development. The Max Pass keeps everything digital (saving you time by not going to a physical kiosk), does the same thing as a Fastpass, and also lets you download your day’s PhotoPass photos. All these great benefits come with a price. And that price is $10 per day, per ticket. To get a Max Pass open the Disneyland app and select “Get FASTPASS with Disney MaxPass.” Then select all guests in your party who wish to use the Max Pass feature and you’re good to go. Remember that whichever method you choose to minimize your time in line, you will still need to strategize and prioritize shows you want to see and popular rides you want to ride (i.e. Space Mountain).
Good Food
- Disneyland
- Breakfast: Carnation Cafe
- Lunch: Little Red Wagon corn dog cart
- Dinner: Plaza Inn
- Snacks: Churros, Pickles, Dole whip (juice, ice cream, juice + ice cream)
- DCA
- Lunch + dinner: Cove Bar, Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta
- Snacks: Churros (but low-key not as magical as the ones in Disneyland)
- Check if you need reservations.
Basically, the moral of the story is to strategize. Of course you want to maximize your visit to the parks, but so does everyone else. Hopefully this post helps with trip planning regardless of how long your stay is.
--Emily
--Emily
Comments
Post a Comment