New Year 2011

 Destination: Las Vegas, Nevada

When: January 1, 2011

We had this huge family outing in Vegas last year. It consists of around like 30-35 people. The most number of people who I hang out with in an outing. I can't even recall everyone who came with us, since not all of us came at the same time. We stayed overnight at Casino Royale, a small hotel in between Harrah's and Imperial Palace. Due to age differences and interests we separated into groups. I went with my brother, May, Kris and Ryan. 

First we went to the Rum bar at the Mirage and bought ourselves something to drink while walking on the strip. I forgot the flavor I bought but I can still remember the taste. Since we have nowhere to go we just walked as far as we could. From Casino Royale we reached Planet Hollywood, we ate some appetizers and had fun bull riding. It was a great experience, all of us were first-timers that's why we had fun. Then we saw this street party going on the opposite street, we went there and drink and dance. After that, we walked going back to our destination but had a quick stop at a liquor store for some beers. Then suddenly it was 2am. I wonder how time flies when you're having fun. 

Back at our hotel, they all started drinking. Knowing that I'm going to have the greatest migraine when I wake up, I did not add anymore alcohol to my system. Then I was supposed to sleep beside my cousin but it was 4am and my key doesn't want to work. I wanted to knock but knowing that my Aunt and Uncle were in the same room, I never want to wake them up. So at around 5am feeling helpless with no room, I pass by this guy twice at the corridor asking me to hang out with him and his friends. He's a black guy, tall, nice eyes and athletic type. He scared the crap of me so I started knocking at other's room. Then, I found my brother's. I don't remember who slept beside me, there were 3 of us in a bed, all I remember is that it was really crowded. And as predicted, I woke up with a great migraine or hangover. 

So why is this great escape become a nightmare? We left Vegas 3 o'clock in the afternoon. It was expected to be traffic since the day after would be a Monday. But we did not expect snowfall in Vegas since it almost never snow in that town. And so there we were, stranded in the middle of nowhere. There were lots of accidents due to slippery road. It was 9pm and we're all hungry. We stopped somewhere in the middle of nowhere, pumped some gas, tried to empty our bladders but the line is too long. We went to Subway instead, waited for the long line to order and to pee. I didn't have that appetite because I know we're stranded and there's no restroom anywhere. We traveled again and arrived home at around 3am.

Now I know how it feels to be stranded. It's one horrific night I would never forget. So take this helpful advise, don't ever go to Vegas on a long weekend for New Year. It's a New Year destination in the West coast, so expect huge crowd. Plus, always check the weather. 

LA Auto Show

Annually, LA Auto show is held at the LA Convention Center around November and December. Since I came here last 2009, I have been a fan of this event. It's a fantastic way of scouting for the perfect car. The event is like a huge display of cars where every car has a card that entails its price, specs, and everything you wish to know. You'd be surprised to the fact that you can actually afford cars that seemed to be expensive whenever you see them on the road. 

Usually at the two main big halls are display of cars that you see every day, those are the affordable and realistic: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Chrysler, Jaguar, Mazda, Hyundai, Scion, BMW, Mercedes, Ford, Mini Cooper, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Audi and a lot more. The only company that has their own exhibit hall is Porsche, so every thing you see in that room is literally Porsche. There is also this small hall in between the two big halls that display luxury cars, these companies do not display more than 5 cars of the same brand. At the underground is where customized cars are displayed, last 2011 Kim K's Black Bentley was on the exhibit. 

Although I believe that it's not practical to buy one, I love luxury cars. Every one wants a Bentley, Rolls Royce, Maserati, Aston Martin and so on and it's joyful to feel them, touch them, see them right before your eye, and even go inside and press all the buttons you want or even test drive some. The experience is like a "Prelude" to every big-time dreamers like me. 

Viva Las Vegas!

When I first came to visit the town, I did not enjoy much because that place is for old people. What would a thirteen year old do in Vegas? Nada. So when I came to the US at legal age, I told myself, "Hah! I 'm gonna gamble!". And yes, I sure did lose. So I ain't gonna gamble again!

Las Vegas is not just about casinos and girls, this small town has plenty of things to offer. Cirque du Soleil and attractions on every hotel. The Bellagio fountain, Treasure Isalnd's Pirates, the Volcano at the Mirage, the talking statue and the ceiling that changes from day to night at Ceasar's, Gondola ride at Venetians, the rides on top of Stratosphere and so much more. Though I've been there countless of times, I'm always excited to go, there's always something to see or experience. 

So, I celebrated my birthday in Vegas last 2010 with my brother and my boyfriend (now my husband). We stayed at Stratosphere for 3 days (thanks to a friend who gave us employee discount). Although he made me rode this one for free I am never gonna try it again. They call this the Big Shot, it's a free fall ride on top of the tallest building in Las Vegas, so how high was it? I don't know, but it's the highest thrill ride in the WORLD.

If you have fear of heights, please, you're just gonna give yourself a heart attack.

After the ride, we changed outfit for clubbing. We went to Lavo to see another friend who will hook us up for free. It was 35 bucks per head excluding the drinks, so for the 3 of us, it really wasn't cheap. Then in the bar, we were the only ones who weren't wearing costumes. It was a fun night, danced for 3 hours straight 'til my feet ache. It was plain drunk and dancing. Epic night.

Lavo with a fake Michael Phelps

The highlight of our trip was watching LOVE by Beatles Cirque Du Soleil, best show in town! Two thumbs up! They played songs that I grew up with and I just can't get enough of it, I don't want it to end. I wish my parents were there watching beside me coz I would love to see their reactions. Well maybe in the future.

Great deal at the box office!

At the end of the trip, everyone is happy. Best Vegas escapade ever! This place is not definitely for family outings though. Imagine drinking, gambling and dancing with your parents or see them doing it? Yay! But though I went there with my bro, it didn't bother me, come on we're good friends too.