Nice month!

So, it's the last day of 2008. No worries, we don't have to wait long for the next countdown.

Yesterday, went with ng ping, Caleb and Bernard to watch bedtime stories at cineleisure. The guy behind us kept laughing away like some hyena! anyway, the movie is quite pleasant and better than the spirit. Oh yeah, I watched the spirit in malaysia with my bro and dad. WORST MOVIE OF THE YEAR, hands down. No reasons why, but it stinked. Wanted to watch australia but they all dun want to 'stay for three hours'. -.-

Anyway, after the movie, went to play some pool on the 8th floor. Damn ex, but managed to have some fun. Caleb was on form siol! Last pool game of the year, it is. Or maybe today, we'd be playing again. Today, 4C's class gathering at Pasir Ris there and going to Li Zhi's house for the countdown. Definitely welcoming the new year with joy. Time for a change! ;D

What a year.

A year not to be forgotten for 10 reasons:

1. 4C' 08 in VS will live forever, and though we will part ways, 38 of us share a special bond.
2. Obama winning! Remember him winning just after O levels ended. Change we must believe. :)
3. O LEVELS, how can we forget you? For 10 months, as much as we hate studying, it had become a part of our lives. Next hurdle: A Levels. :/
4. USA trip! 2nd Dec to 16th Dec. I'm not even done writing about the trip yet! Thank God for this heartfelt vacation as I totally forget about the books and enjoy what the country has to offer. The people, views and weather are fantastic. Last big family trip for next 4 years. :(
5. Music! Received Ipod this year and opened my eyes to COLDPLAY and other music! Best band on earth! Not to mention Guitar Hero, which is the best music game the industry has to offer.
6. The Dark Knight. THE BEST movie of the year, or even the decade. Was totally immersed into the story from start to finish. Wonderful performance by Heath Ledger.
7. Crazy world. From the highest oil price in a decade to the lowest in the same decade within the space of 2 months is definitely crazy. And the economic plight, with the Aussie dollars about the same rate as Singapore dollars, made the markets so vulnerable. Not to mention the crazy weather in the USA and around the world.
8. Family. Another year with the Chandras and we always get through them. But things will be different next year. Bro's going NS and Sis is going overseas in June. Things will change. And glad we went to the US together.
9. Friends. From class to church, glad to have met you all. Thanks for everything. Next year, things will be different in a mixed school. Nevertheless you all make time in Singapore more enjoyable, especially during the crunch time of the year.
10. and of course, God. I know this year I have neglected You during the exam periods, but You have always been there for me. I know it.

Next up, my resolutions!
but still,
What a year.

Look at the scenery

One,

two,

three!
Three of my most favourite shots.

Miss those days in USA. :(

Anyway, I haven't been updating on the past week after arriving from US. But many things have happened, trust me.

Let me talk about the last part of the glorious trip: LA!!

So it was LA for the last 5 nights. Arrived in the airport about 12, and boy was it hot that day! That afternoon, think it was 25 degrees. But even then, the weather was bearable cos of the low humidity. The only thing bad about the dry weather is dry lips. So we rented the car again at the depot and my dad, being the chinese food fanatic, brought us to the same chinese restaurant that we went 10 YEARS AGO. Still remember the place, cool aye? The food there was awesome by the way. Next we went to citadel outlets to buy JEANS. And a pair of shoes too, but we took a while there. So by the time we headed out of the place, we had to take away CHINESE FOOD again, and off to the hotel we went. Fairfield Inn by Marriott. Anw the food was good once again, and saw an episode of the office there. Funny. Then snooze for the night, cos the next day, we are going... DISNEYLAND!

DISNEYLAND it is the next morning and off we went to the magical place. It was so cool to be back. We started off with star tours, and honey I shrunk the audience. Then we ate some lunch, pizza, which was quite ex. Then went to autopia...

Kk, I'm gonna sleep now.

Las Vegas!!

Sorry for the last post, my 'later' took a while, like 5 days? Anyway the US is fantastic, wish I can go there again. Who wouldn't?

So, from where I left off, it was Las Vegas. We did eat dim sum in the morning before we went to the airport and it was bye bye to SF. :( Gonna miss it, and it was off to sin city, LV! It was a short flight before we reached the airport, we did the usual car rental thing and off we went to the Strip before Sunset. It's a stretch of road with hotels and casinoes along the side. So without wasting time, we went to treasure island (hotel) to get tix for the night's cirque du soliel performance, Mystere at 9.30. Then we went outdoors to see Volcano show, went inside Venetian and ate dinner (Prime Rib!) before checking in the hotel. Grand Chateau was amazing and majestic with 80 plus channels! Then went to see the show, and almost fell asleep in the end. But it was a great show, with trampoline, muscular guys balancing and girl drummers.. basically fantasy circus stuff. Loved the wannabe magician and the fat baby segments. Then back to hotel and snooze after watching some shows.

Next day, it was going about town and went to some outlet stores. Girl stuff was the most boring so dad me and bro went to eat some fast food. Ate Samurai Sam Teriyaki Grill and it's good stuff. Then went to another outlet store after that and bought a Nike T shirt. That's all for the day. By then, it was night time so we went to eat dinner first before heading back to the city. That day, we had the best Prime Rib ever ! It was huge! Anyway back to the city where I got a beanie and walked around MGM Grand, New York New York and of course the streets. Went back to the hotel to prepare for the Grand Canyon trip the next day.

Woke up at 6.30 to go to the Grand Canyon, it was a 4 hour drive there! So sat in the car and looked outside. Pure desert areas for the next 200 miles. But managed to survive the drive with the radio. Then the scenery became greener and greener as we crossed the border to Arizona across Hoover Dam. Then came the beautiful Grand Canyon.Vast is one way to describe it. Then bro sis and me took a walk down this stretch to just enjoy the environment we were in. Just taking it all in. Took pictures and all. Speaking of pictures, they have been uploaded, but it is A LOT. So gonna be hard to put all in. Off we went back to Las Vegas for ANOTHER 4 hour drive. On the way, yet another Prime Rib dinner, but was not as good as last night. Then we went back to the city, feeling quite exhausted. We had to go downtown Las Vegas to see the chapel where Britney Spears got married and also to see the World's largest TV screen in Fremont, the 'Old' Las Vegas. Walked around to just take in the scent of cigarettes with all those casinoes there and looked around the Plaza hotel. Saw a presentation of Queen, which I enjoyed thoroughly. It was back to the hotel and so long to Las Vegas. It was a great city where size and glamor do matter. Helicopters. Planes. Neon lights. The atmosphere was that much different from SF. Watched a fountain show before going to the airport to Los Angeles, baby. DISNEYLAND!!!

Next time, I'll continue the magical journey to Disneyland, but for now, I've got to go do some Christmas party thing. :D

God Bless and Peace.

US!!

Back from US! and one more week to Christmas.

Really need to eat first getting stomach gastric. Later I'll update on the wonderful trip!

Current song playing: Single by Ne-Yo

$1 or $1000000?

That was the extreme case of Deal Or No Deal last night at 12. This guy went to the extreme last two cases after rejecting 416000 dollars. And guess which one he got? Oh well, that's for me to know and for you to find out. :P

So it was the 6th day in USA and spent the last night in San Francisco. Wonder when will be the next time I come to this city. Definitely not in the near future. Didn't know Tarang's here in SF till just now.. anyway hope he will enjoy his stay here. He definitely will. But I'm definitely coming back to this city in the future. LOVED SF.

Anyway today, went to 16 Mile Drive near to Santa Cruz. Ate Macs for lunch, which has been normal for the past few days. Then drove on down to Poppy Hills Golf Course to see some great golf action. Then went to the seaside and Pebble Beach golf course, which will host the US Open 2010! Anyway, it was wonderful, and reminded so much of Great Ocean Road in Australia. The wind literally froze me up. haha, then we went back to the city to have some look-see along the streets and ate chinese food (once again) for dinner and that was pretty much the day. Was a relaxing day to just enjoy with the family. People and animals here are just lovely and am just treasuring every moment of it, especially the weather.

Next up, LAS VEGAS, baby! Will be eating dim sum in morning before the flight in Chinatown. Bye all!

God Bless and Peace.

Yosemite!

Hey.. back from Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. there were freaking long drives but the drives were worth the while. On thurs, we left for lake tahoe in the morning and had Safeway chicken for lunch! Safeway's a supermarket but the chicken they sell is great. then, went all the way to lake tahoe on a mountain top. the temperatures are crazy! it's like -6 degree celsius there inthe morning. but the crazy temp was neutralised with the hot sunshine. California's known for its sunshine and they have every reason to be proud of it! So we went around only two areas with fantastic views and that was the entire day. Emerald Lake was one of a kind, man. views were breathtaking. At night, we went to the casino! Saw blackjack and all, but not really into these things which is a good thing. Then went to this place called latin soul for dinner. LOVED THE STEAK THERE.

We went to this supermarket after the dinner, and the wind was like -5 degree celsius, and it was blowing right into our faces. swear that was the coldest walk ever. then watched mtv in the hotel. some shows there are banned, cos they are downright wrong or stupid. "Paris Hilton New BFF"??? wild girls try to be Paris' BFF in this show. -.-

Friday morning, we went to eat some American breakfast in the buffet section. there were some dudes looking at us, as if it was their first time seeing some Chinese guys. Or maybe it was. Then, we headed down for an uber long drive to Yosemite. We were talking about a freaking 6-hour long drive. But in between, we went to eat KFC for lunch. That is the day I will remember for life for eating 7 pieces of chicken for lunch and dinner. Went to this hotel that cost 600 bucks a night to look-see for a while, which had this room that is so eerie. Then it was back to the hotel, with extremely dark roads, and watched some Grinch before sleeping. Oh yeah, people are really into the Christmas mood here and I love it. Snoooze for the night and woke up at 7 today, which is like 11pm in Singapore. Awkward..

We left for Yosemite National Park and according to my bro, we experienced the complete Yosemite tour. We went to this wonderful lake area with frozen waters, and took postcard-perfect pictures. The views we saw today were beyond words. Went down to do some trailwalking in the coniferous forest. it's weird that everything I learned in the Geog textbook about these forests are quite applicable to the experience. Then it was the world famous Yosemite Valley that was memorable. Promise that I will post the photos, but I took a lot of them. Many Asians there too admiring the scenery. Then it was down to this park with freaking huge tree trunks that's like 10 times the size of Yogi. Speaking of Yogi, we saw this deer right in front of us just now at this place called Mirror Lake. It was nature at its best. That would probably be the last time we get to see temperate coniferous forests for a long time..

Anyway we went down to San Francisco again and went directly to the city for some shopping. Got a hoodie for 30 sing dollars, half the price that Junrong bought for. :P Walked around the city and it was much more crowded today cos it's a Saturday. People too were doing their Christmas shopping and just hanging out with friends. That's the city mood I love, especially in the winter conditions. LOVE THE WEATHER HERE. Think I was the youngest person on the streets, besides little babies in prams. Then ate some Chinatown before heading back to the hotel and now, here!

Ending on a high note, I'm happy to say that Liverpool are still top of the table with a 3-1 win! That completed the entire day, like the icing on the cake. Besides the long and sickening car rides, I'm loving it here so far! Overseas exposure is great. 10 more nights to go. Night!

God Bless and Peace.

Finally back from the hotel after a long day out... but was a great day in San Francisco! First, we went to see the SF Bay Bridge, but it was totally covered with fog. -.- So we tried our best to take some photos of the 'disappearing' bridge, cos it looked like half the bridge was gone!

We headed to this area called pier 39 at the seaside, and saw Alcatraz, the prison that appeared in the movie 'The Rock'. And also walked around the old-fashioned shopping area, which I loved! Then came the big highlight. Went to see Golden Gate Bridge, and walked along it for a while. It was opened on me birthday, of all days. Anyway, was so high up from sea that people actually succeeded in commiting suicide there. Gave me the goosebumps and also saw this class excursion there too. you know, along with the nerds and the glamor girls. It'd be fun to have a tour with some of your classmates to further cities away from Asia. will cost more, but I wouldn't mind at all. It's just as fun with the family of course.

By that time, it was 3pm, so we headed to the Golden Gate Park, and the view was spectacular. It was just like in Autuum with the fallen leaves and the wet grass. We headed down to the city centre, and we went to Macy's department store. swear nothing in the store costs less than US$50, even with the hats. Just an observation, but crazy prices. Then we walked down to Japantown. It's like chinatown, but a lot more sophisicated. quiet yet convenient there. Then it was down to chinatown for chinese food for dinner, ate the same kway teow there. Realised that most of the people here are more independent than Singaporeans, always going around places on their own. Singaporeans love going in groups, not that I don't like that.

Love the atmosphere of San Francisco: a city with modern infrastructure and countryside scenery. Tomorrow, we'll going off to Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. Don't think there will be Internet Access there so till then!

God Bless and Peace. (Oh yeah, somebody was giving out brochures of scriptures from the Bible, for charity work. Such nice people. And my Ipod right earpiece is DAMAGED. :( though I have no complains of the trip so far.)

2/14

So the first night was completed. Had a great time last night at the city. Was so tired from jet lag and lack of sleep, but was awaken with the fantastic city. The streets quiet at Chinatown, as most homes with lovely christmas decor are brightly lit from the dark cold night. Lights out by 10 in most of these houses, but we enjoyed the cold weather. Max temp at cloudy and foggy San Francisco is 13 degree celsius! 9.30 here in the morning on Wed, but the sun will set at 4.45pm.

The atmosphere for Christmas here is greeeat. Having a radio station dedicated to Christmas as we toured around the hilly city. People can actually park their cars sideways on the steep hill! But there's no wonder to why people call this the best city to live in US. It's neither buzzling like Los Angeles, nor quiet like Salt Lake City. It's perfect for a city. Walked along Chinatown yesterday and boy was it huge. Bought chinese food last night and gleefully ate them up in the comfort of the hotel room. Delicious... especially the beef kway teow. And also had the first fast food meal on US soil for 10 years. Cost: US$11! But the price is fitting to the fries here, they are original here.

My 15 minute limit is almost up, haha. WIll be seeing the famous bridge (forgot thr name of it) and touring around the city. Glad to see a part of the world's greatest city!

God Bless and Peace.

SAN FRANCISCO!!

Yes, I'm in San Francisco right now! Can't believe it. Been on the plane for the last 24 hours and finally checking into the hotel. Free internet access here in the hotel and it's quiet. Oh yeah, the most important part, the weather. 12 degree celsius, and simply loving the weather and the sights. It's Tuesday, 5.30pm sharp, so it should be bout 9.30am in Singapore.]

K going off now for chilling out in the hotel room! :D

less than 7 hrs to the flight! Gonna sleep for a while, before watching the Liverpool match. i'm quite happy today, cos i can play CLOCKS from coldplay! but the song stuck in my head is Next Plane Home. Wonder how the American influence over the past decade on me had such impact on my life. going there will complete the entire picture of an eventful year. SO excited that I'm actually wearing my winter clothing like right now. lol, and updated my songlist to listen during some long drives in the states. Bro's still not back from his grad night! wonder what's he doing, but guess he's guai. i'm dead if someone finds me still awake. gonna sleep now! 2nd to 18th december will be the days I'll be away. Will be going back to the past and coming back to the future during my long plane flights, but glad there's inflight entertainment! dad also says Chinatown in SF is great, so our first meal will be there. and by the time I reach there, it'll be 4pm SF time! it's like 16 hrs earlier in US from Singapore time, but the sun sets at 5pm in the states. so everyday we need to get up early. -.-

All in the fun of a holiday :D

God Bless and Peace.

Current song playing: Adonai by Hillsong United

Tomorrow, the Chandra family is flying off! Will be sure to take a whole lot of pictures in America. The last time I went there, I was 6. A decade later, we'll going back! Think the main reason was cos' my bro's going NS next year, and the next big holiday together would be 4 years later. By then, sis would be 25 and she'l be working liao. And also, trading in 10 months of labour for 2 weeks of pleasure.

By the time I come back, Twilight would open and it'd be a week to christmas. Also, will FINALLY be getting a new CPU after the trip. Can't wait for that too. Actually suppose to get it today, but Sitex yesterday was siao. couldn't even enter there, so harvey norman it is for new CPU.

on sat, went to watch four christmases and slack around plaza sing with joel and chun yong. then had gathering with sister venny and family at night. oh yeah, found out something: you can't spell families without LIES.

then on sun, went to see lexus cup, and poor thing team asia. oh well, a swansong it is for annika sorenstam, and happy for that. then, at night, had dinner at jumbo seafood restaurant with sister venny. $225! at least the food was good.

and so it is today. bro has graduation night afterwards, and won't be going to zouk after all. so maybe getting a haircut before going away. will definitely be watching liverpool's match at 4am before heading to the airport. going to San Francisco first, then heading to Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe before going to Las Vegas and Los Angeles for the remaining six nights. total duration: 14 days. Must remember to bring me ipod and charger. and also must get jeans and guitar in US. Guitar Centre in Las Vegas is a must-go.

alright, time to eat my lunch!