California Vacation: San Francisco day 2

Next day, we had plans to drive down the crookedest street and then go straight to fisherman's wharf, we did the same. After leaving from hotel, we drove to the Russian hill and then drove down the crooked street, it was super fun. Very different from just looking at it from afar. And after the crazy turns and bends, we left for fisherman's wharf. Parked our car and walked towards the bay, we clicked some pictures on the way as well. 

We spent quite a while around that area and then moved on to Pier 39 to see the sea lions. And it was super crowded, we also joined others and it was very different to see sea lions out in the open rather than in an aquarium. They were so playful and seems to be enjoying the sun on a cold day. We clicked pictures and even climbed up to the 2nd floor deck to have a good view.

                                                                           Pier 39

Then, we explored more of pier 39, with the shops and restaurants - it was quite a tourist attraction. Around 1, we decided to have an early lunch and went to Neptune's Palace for a delicious meal. The bay side view and the food, made it a memorable experience to take back home. And then, we walked towards ghirardelli square to take the cable ride. Got in the line and waited for our turn. It was really slow, but we had no choice - so waited for about half an hour before getting on the car, it was filled to the brim before they started it.

And there began our bumpy ride, it was really different - went up and down the steep roads of San Francisco. And we all were holding on to the side railings and after many stops in between, we got off at union square, the downtown area of the city. Another beautiful part of the city, a typical downtown with tall buildings but it definitely was unique as it had that san francisco  touch. The cable car runs through it, the roads go up & down steeply, the architecture and the California crowd - all these made it different from other down-towns like Manhattan.

                                                           Our tickets for the cable car ride

We spent quite sometime there, clicked pictures and enjoyed the fun atmosphere. And then took a cab back to ghirardelli square for the heavenly hot cocoa and sat outside on the same seats as yesterday. We were there for a while and then walked across the street towards the beach. Many people were swimming, and there were even some kids playing on the beach in such cold weather. We sat there for a long time, and enjoyed the views. It was so relaxing to just sit by the beach and look at the sunset. It was a perfect setting to soak in some more of the beautiful views.

And then it was time for dinner, we went to Joe's Crab Shack for a fun night of mouthwatering food and in-house entertainment. It sure can be called - 'ending on a high note'. Yes, that was our last dinner of the vacation before heading home. We had the most amazing time and it was one of the best vacations ever.

California Vacation: San Francisco

After being in some frigid conditions in Carson city & Lake Tahoe, we left for San Francisco the next day. But we really enjoyed Lake Tahoe, the views were phenomenal and Reno as well, for the casinos and fun atmosphere.

                                                The temperature in Carson city on 2nd Jan, 2013

We were on our way by 11 in the morning while stopping for brunch in between. Drove through Reno and took the I-80 route, which took us through Tahoe National Forest, another breathtaking drive. The route is supposed to be a quicker way but because of an accident, there was a huge traffic jam which lasted for about an hour. That really put us back in our schedule, and it took forever to reach Berkeley where there was another traffic jam. And finally, we arrived in San Francisco around 8. 

Checked into the hotel & went for dinner in a close by Indian Restaurant. The food was good, and there ended our day on a delicious note. The following day, we drove up to Crissy fields as suggested by many to see the 'golden gate bridge'. The view was definitely amazing, we clicked some pictures and then took the walking trail down to the bay. It was such a bright and sunny day but a little chilly too, we had a great time there. From there we went back to the car and left for a ride on the famous bridge. Another awesome ride and views, and we stopped on the northern side or other side of the bridge, where there were so many tourists posing for pictures. We also got off there, and clicked some pictures. The bridge looked breathtaking and we spent quite a while there.

                                                                Golden Gate Bridge
                                                
From here we drove up to Sausalito, a bay area city. It has some stunning views across the bay and the boutique shops and outdoor bistros give it that European feel. We were there for some time before leaving for the city. The next destination was Lombard Street, we parked our car in the hotel and decided to walk up to the Russian hill. It took us around 15 minutes and it was quite a steep climb, unexpectedly. The crookedest street was just as crooked as we had seen in the pictures. We walked down the steps towards the other side of the street, where there was traffic and tourists both. The views were great and we also clicked pictures, though it wasn't easy as the cars were driving by all the time.

Next, from here we went to the Ghirardelli square, and walked past the muni cable car queues, as there long lines waiting to take the ride. And because of a long wait, we decided to do it the next day and went straight to the Chirardelli store for some hot cocoa and brownies. We sat there for a while sipping hot cocoa & enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the beach street. After a while, we walked towards the Fisherman's wharf, buzzing with people and smell of seafood.

There we went to the Red & White Fleet's ticket window and bought our tickets for the bay cruise for 4 p.m. And waited there before the lady let us in after checking our tickets, we got in the 'Harbor Princess', picked up our head phones and radios and went to the upper deck. Most of the people went inside the covered deck as it was really breezy but we stayed out to enjoy the views. The cruise went on for an hour, and we enjoyed the awesome views. It is a must for anyone visiting San Francisco - it goes under the golden gate bridge and passes by Alcatraz and the beautiful SF bay - along with the informative audio tour.

                                                              Our tickets for the Bay Cruise

After the bay cruise, we also bought our tickets for USS Pampanito tour, a World War II submarine which is open to public. We went in and it was completely different being in a real submarine after our submarine ride in Disneyland. The doors are super tight, it had single beds for the crew who were traveling in it, there was a torpedo room, crew's mess and gallery, the radio room and many others. Everything was small and compact, I wonder how people lived in it for days together while on a mission. We finished the tour and went straight to the gaming center, where there were machines from olden days. The machines had such weird games, it was so much fun, we tried a lot of them though some of the machines were not even working. We really had a great time and then it was time for food. We had dinner in one of the fisherman's wharf restaurants - the food was good and then we went back to the hotel after a fantastic day in San Francisco.

California Vacation: Lake Tahoe, Carson City & Reno

Next day, we woke up early and left from hotel around 10. We wanted to look around the city of Sacramento, the Capital of California before leaving for Lake Tahoe. We drove around the downtown which is nice, and city is quite small as compared to others. 

We had breakfast and left from there for our next destination. It was about two hours from there, the drive was amazing as I-80 passes through the Tahoe National Forest. Everything was covered in a fresh blanket of snow and this was one of best drives so far. We were there in time and found a good parking spot on the sludgy road. It had been snowing in the area for the past one week and there was a lot of snow but thankfully it was a bright and sunny day. 

                                                                     Lake Tahoe
                                                            

We got off, and walked towards the splendid lake- what an unbelievable view. It was breathtaking, the blue of the lake and the sky and the white of the snow - it was all so perfect. It was just out of a painting. We enjoyed the beauty of nature, slipped and dug our boots in the snow and even had a snowball fight. Spent quite a while there and clicked pictures as well before leaving. We drove around the lake, and stopped at many points on the way to see the lake from different angles.

We were in Tahoe city around six and after running around in the snow for so long, we were super hungry and decided to have an early dinner. We drove around the crowded city, it was buzzing with people, and the hotels were all decorated for the New Year's eve. The city looked really pretty with snow and lights, and it sure was chilly outside. Got in Applebees and ordered some of our favorites. The food was delicious, and the jolly atmosphere made the experience even better. We enjoyed a relaxed dinner for a while and we were on our way to Carson City around 8. It was quite close from Tahoe city, and we checked into hotel around 9. It was a great day, we had a fabulous time.

The following day, we had plans to visit Reno, known as the biggest little city in the world. Left from hotel while it was still snowing, had sumptuous brunch on the way and within 30 minutes we were there. We parked our car in 'Harrahs' and went straight to the casino area. It was crowded with people and cigarette smoke, we went around and played some slot machines as well. From here, we went to the 'The Eldorado', as usual even this was abuzz with noises and machines clicks. We came out but it was freezing, so went inside 'Silver Legacy', another hotel and casino which was teeming with people and we spend some time playing the slot machines again.

                                                                           Reno

And the next was 'Circus Circus', the moment you enter - you see gazillion kids running around and playing games. Yes, we also joined others and enjoyed some of the games and even won some stuff toys. Then, we sat down on the stands to wait for a show to begin and after about 10 minutes, it did. The girl in the show did some amazing acrobats, walked the rope with a cycle - it was fantastic. And then it was time for dinner, we went to the Courtyard Buffet and enjoyed a great meal before leaving for the hotel. Another day well spent, we did have a great time in Reno, even though the temperature outside was '-10' degrees. 

California Vacation: Tulare & Sequoia National Park

After a long and tiring day at the Disneyland, we just wanted to relax. And left for Tulare next day in the morning and were there by four and checked into the hotel. Rather than sightseeing, we decided to just a watch a good movie and have dinner. And according to the plan, we went out for dinner and then a late night movie 'Jack Reacher' - at the Galaxy theaters. Sure, it was a relaxing day. 

The following day, we left early for the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, also known as the land of Giants, and it took us about one hour. We bought tire chains on the way to the park and bought our ticket at the gate around 12. The drive was amazing through the hills and stopped on the way at Potwisha and Buckeye Flat to enjoy the views. From there we drove up to the Giant Forest, but in between it started snowing pretty heavily. And because of that, all cars were to have tire chains and we had to wait in a long line of cars before getting a spot where we could put on the chains. We put our jackets on and took the chains out, it was quite difficult to do it as it was snowing. But we managed to hook it on side but were unable to do it on the other, and then we realized that it was not the right size for the tires.

                                                               Sequoia National Park
   

We were quite disappointed as we couldn't go beyond that point and we had to go back to the shop from where we bought it which was like two hours back. So, we left from there and on our way back, clicked some pictures and stopped for a while to enjoy the snow before heading back. By the time we came to the store, it was already getting dark, so we decided to just give back the tire chains and leave for our next destination.

Our next stop was Sacramento, which was about five hours from there. So we left Sequoia and were on our way by five. Drove past Delhi as well, yeah! the name of the city was quite amusing to us and it was like being in India again (not exactly). We were in Sacramento around 10 and checked into the hotel and went out for dinner before finally, settling down for the day. 

California Vacation - L.A. & Disneyland

After an amazing experience in the Universal Studios, the next day we drove up to see the famous 'Hollywood' sign. It was pretty crowded with tourists, we clicked some pictures which came out really well as it was a bright and sunny day. Spent a while there, and decided to drive around the hill. The roads were small, winding, had steep bends & inclines - I don't know how people manage to drive on such roads everyday esp. the ones who live there. But am sure the drive is worth it, as most of the houses up there were beautiful.

From there, we came directly to the Hollywood Boulevard to walk the 'walk of fame'. It is mainly the sidewalks with famous actors names embedded in a pink star. It was great to see the names of some of our favorite stars like Johnny Depp, Drew Barrymore, Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise and so many more. It was definitely a good place to take pictures and then we went to the Grauman's Chinese theater, the forecourt has the hand and foot imprints of celebrities. It was fun to match our hands with celebrity imprints, and no doubt, it was super packed with people.

                                                                      Walk of Fame
                                                 
The next was the Hollywood & Highland center, a great place for shopping and dining. We also did some shopping and even bought our tickets for the Disneyland, as the lady at the visitor center told us that we could avoid long lines by buying it here. And then, we had some delicious dinner before leaving for hotel. Following day, we left early from the hotel around 8 in the morning for Anaheim - the place for Disneyland. It took us about 40 minutes and we found a good public parking before going in. Well, the definition of a crowded place changes the moment you step in a Disneyland and thus begins the story of lines & lines & more never-ending lines.

First, there was a huge line  and security - just to get in the gates; then, there were lines to get the tickets, then, there were even more lines to finally get beyond the main gates. In the end, it was a sigh of relief to be inside the Disneyland. We planned our visit and decided to take the  Disneyland railroad for a look around before getting down in tomorrow-land. Once again, there was a line - we got in and got our seats on the bumpy train. The view from up there was quite amazing and we got a clear idea of the place as well.

We got off in 'Tomorrowland' as some of the rides there looked interesting and again joined the hoards for 'Autopia' ride. It was kind of fun but am sure it must be more fun for the kids. We finished that and joined another line for 'Finding Nemo- Submarine voyage', which was actually really good. The submarine takes you under water and the views are pretty amazing with coral reefs and divers, they have done it perfectly. And then the story of finding nemo is played and concludes with a happy ending - when nemo is found by its parents.

Standing and waiting for so long, is quite tiring and even makes you hungry. So, from there we went straight for - no prizes for guessing - another line to get lunch from tomorrowland terrace. And some more work was still pending before we got the table to sit and relax. We had to wait for about 15 minutes to get a table, and finally ate our lunch. From there, we went to the fantasyland for 'Matterhorn Bobsleds' ride, which looked quite daring. Yet another long line, yet another long wait but it was worth it in the end - as the ride was  so good - it went up and down the hill with high speed and splashed into the water before stopping. After the ride, we went towards the parade route, which had begun some time back. Watched it for a while and went to 'It's a small world' Holiday attraction which was nice. And then it was 'Mickey's Toontown', which was super cute, the houses were so pretty and there were so many kids to get on the Donald's boat ride.

The next was the Sleeping Beauty Castle walk, all through the castle they have the story of sleeping beauty being played and it was also good. We came out on the other side and clicked some pictures of the famous castle. And moved to the Frontierland, which was different from all others- there were canons and artillery and even the games were all about hunting & other stuff. My husband enjoyed this part of the visit the most and he also joined others in some of the games.

                                                          Sleeping Beauty Castle
                                            
We walked by the rivers of america and across the bridge - it was a mutual favorite - New Orleans Square. It totally reminded us of our trip to Louisiana in November. It looked exactly the same, the decorated balconies - it was amazing. We spent a while there and then left for Adventureland, and Tarzan's house was right near the entrance. Went up on the tree house, it was fun to walk on the rope bridge and on tiny stairs up the tree. Thereafter, we thought of getting in the line for Indiana Jones adventure but when we saw the wait time of 120 minutes, we backed off and went for the 'Jungle Safari' instead. It was a relaxing ride through the jungle with Hippos, elephants and alligators.

We covered most of the disneyland by the time we finished with the jungle safari and decided to walk towards the main street. But on the way we saw Astro orbitor, and waited for our turn for about 30 minutes. Another smooth ride and we were ready for dinner.We had dinner in Carnation Cafe and bought souveneirs on the way to castle again. This time it was for fireworks, we spent some time there along with many others who were waiting for the fireworks to begin. The spectacular show began right on time and before it got over we started walking towards the main street through the magical snowfall. What a perfect ending to our visit to the Disneyland.

                                                             Our Tickets to Disneyland

Christmas in California

The vacation began on 25th December, 2012 - when I landed in San Francisco Airport. The flight was long and even had some issues with the baggage but arrived in SF around 11:30 in the morning. My husband was already there and together we left for Los Angeles right away. 

A cloudy day it was and we decided to take the 'Route 1' - known for a picturesque drive along the ocean. This drive has also featured in the book 'Drives of a lifetime: 500 of the world's most spectacular trips'; it sure lived up to the expectation and even beyond that. It begins in the city of Monterey and passes through Carmel Highlands, old coast road and the beautiful bixby bridge; along two state parks and the incredible pacific coastline.

The ride is truly breathtaking - with twisting and winding roads, deep blue ocean views and an unbelievable scenery. It took us approximately six hours to reach Los Angeles via the route 1 with a few stops on the way.

                                                                   View along 'Route - 1'
                                                                                                                   

The drive was amazing but tiring and we checked into the hotel around 8:30 after a dinner stop in between. The next day, we decided to visit the Universal Studios & left from hotel around 11. We were there in half an hour, parked our car and got in the long line for tickets. The studios were completely decorated in the 'Grinchmas' theme - with red all around. We got in and went straight to the 'House of Horrors' where we had quite a great time especially because of the people in front of us in the line - they were all shouting and making scary sounds. We actually came out laughing out of a horror house. 

Next, we went to the 'Terminator 4D show' which was really good, there were real actors who were playing the parts of the robot and the mother-son duo along with the 3D movie. From there, we got in the long line for 'Shrek 4D', which was again pretty awesome, the seats were literally making us jump out. And the Shrek story as usual ended on a happy note with Fiona & kids. 

After that, we headed to the market area, and played some games and yeah! we won some cute stuff toys. And then, we went for the famous 'studio tour', for which we had to get in a line again and wait for almost 30 minutes before getting on the tram car. The tour began with an introduction by Jimmy Fallon, and we were driven through the sets where so many famous movies and shows have been shot. 

The sets looked so real - the streets of Texas & New York, Wysteria Lane of desperate housewives, plans crash site where they have used a real aircraft to create it, dancing cars and many others used in the movies like batman, the set of the movie 'Tokyo Drift', a flooded village, the inflatable shark used for the movie 'jaws' and much more. And the 'King Kong 360 3D' ride - which was out of this world, it felt like we are on a train which is caught in a fight between king kong and T. Rex - one hell of a ride. It was fabulous to see all this and this was definitely the best part of our visit to the studios.   

And then it was time for food, we had lunch and went to the souvenir shop as well. The next was the Jurrasic Park ride, and surprisingly, there was no line for it. Another fun ride, especially the part when it falls on a steep slope and the dinosaur head pops out. Next was the awaited 'Transformers: The Ride 3D', and the wait time was almost an hour before we finally got in. This was the most thrilling ride of all, it was like falling off a building and then being saved by the transformer. The following one was the 'Revenge of the Mummy ride', which was different as it was pitch dark and it actually stops suddenly in front of a wall and goes back in reverse at a fast speed. 

We wanted to see one more show before leaving and that was the 'Water World' based on the movie by the same name. That was fantastic, with great actors and water stunts, it was the prefect ending to our visit. After watching that, we clicked some pictures, had dinner and left for citywalk. We spent some time there, the place was bustling with people and had some really good options for shopping. Around 9:30, we left for hotel and called it a day.

                                                           Our tickets to Universal Studios