Day 13: Homebound

After spending the night in Sioux Falls, its the day we're finally heading home. On the way back we stopped in Fargo for gas and lunch. Then we shopped around for a bit since we're there. Brought some last day clothing items. At the gas station we once again brought our daily soda cans hehe. I enjoy that tradition. The bottles are pretty. hehe it's our third year and at the same gas station too :D We also stopped at office depot and brought a few school supplies item. Dad said we've gone shopping crazy cause we even went to office depot. Last stop was the duty free shop. And then home.

Day 12 Mount Rushmore

As this trip nears end, its still hard to believe that so many things/events has happened since then. After another 7 hour drive, we finally arrived in South Dakota. Its really nice here. They have a YMCA gym too! Reminds me of home. Oh, how I miss home so dearly. After two weeks of hotel and outside food, I really miss home. I miss him. We visited Mount Rushmore. It was quite nice although the carvings looks much smaller in person than on the internet. We drove there for 6 hours and stayed there for less than an hour... lol oh life then we headed to sioux falls for the night and homebound tomorrow!

Day 11 On the highways again

Nothing really special about today except on the highway for a good 14 hours. We're in Billings, Montana now. Once again we had trouble finding finding a hotel. Its odd because we only have this trouble when we're in the states. LOL After going through 6 other hotels we finally found one thats non smoking and has two beds. Although it's very expensive with no swimming pool too lol. On the bright side it doesn't stink here... Sleep Inn

Day 10 Exploring Portland

Since we're stuck in Portland we decided to stay for a bit. At least until rush hour traffic is over. They treated us out for dimsum at that same restaurant again. After that we went to the Portland outlets. These ones are much better than the Seattle ones. I also got a new backpack for 10 bucks! There's also no taxes here. Maybe that's why the city is so sketchy and poorly maintained. My mom and her friend were fighting to pay at the cashier. I just stood there and thinking "what" everyone kept looking at them. At me. After our shopping we want to McDonald's and I ordered a salad. It was good I may say. Then we officially said our goodbyes. They were very nice people. They offered to carry our shopping bags and paid for so many of our expenses. They even help Timmy put his shoes back on. Can't wait to see them again though I don't think I'll be in Portland for quite awhile. Even after all that we couldn't avoid the rush hour traffic but we got a good look at Oregon Portland. Beautiful city with many tall buildings. I guess only that part was sketchy and the grasses were yellow. After we got out we had trouble finding a hotel. We always seem to have that problem in the states. We arrived at a town name Boardman with a population of 5000 and stayed at a hotel. My dad asked him if it's safe and the guy said "it's the Safest place because we only have 5000 people". And so we were stuck at that motel with five other people for the night and a crappy wifi connection. Let's just say it was worse than the one in Portland. 

Day 9 Seattle and Portland

We woke up early and drove to Seattle. We got there pretty early and parking was easy to find. We went to the Seattle premium outlets and shopped for a bit. I brought a couple of t-shirts. Although I must say that the variety of stores ain't that much compared to the ones in albertville. At least my mom's day was made. She got three coach bags for her belated birthday gifts. Then we headed to portland to visit my mom's homeland friends. Supposingly a two and a half hour drive turned into a seven hour drive. We were stuck in rush hour traffic because all the cities and towns were so close together. It's my first time that I've seen such rush hour traffic on a highway despite the fact that the highway had 7 lanes. It was crazy! We finally got there around 8:30 ish. We went out to eat at this seafood restaurant where the guy works at. Very very nice people. They opened the door for me when I needed to get out of the car. Then we went back to their place and they talked until 1. Their son Raymond gave us their wifi password so I was able to message my baby goodnight even though he was sleeping already. After saying our goodbyes we went to suites that they paid for us. I must say the area that they live in is quite sketchy. It's sketchier than Winnipeg. It was also the first time I've been in a hotel where there is no lobby. All the rooms are located outside and the room had an odd odor. Also our bathroom door had a hole and the bathroom sink is not located inside the washroom. It was interesting. That's how we ended up in Portland for the night. 

Day 8: English Bay

Today was a pretty chilled day in Vancouver. We always seem to run out of things to do on our last day... Any who, we explored Richmond one last time and eat breakfast at this random Chinese mall that doesn't even open until 11. Then we went to English Bay. Beautiful there. I got some nice sea shells :D Some random dude asked us where we're from. We hesitated cause you know strangers... then he said "don't worry I'm a good person" so we said "We're from Winnipeg". He said "China?". We said " Winnipeg. He said "Japan?". So we just agreed... We had lunch after at this Vietnamese place. PHO :D After that we went back to cousins. The dog likes me now! though I got a random rash...:/ then we ate dinner at the place we first ate at when we first came here. Where it start is where is ends. Cool, chilled, relaxed day. Goodbye Vancouver. Until next time. Thank you for the experience. Bittersweet.

Day 7: Mountains and Trees

First off, no matter how tired and lazy I am I will always try to write a post about what I did today. After all I did promise you(:

Woke up pretty early this morning but had a decent night of sleep. It was certainly better than the previous nights. Then we headed off to Whistler village. The design and set up is very similar to Banff. The only difference is that the activities there are more expensive. It was pretty nice and we watched parts of the olympic closing ceremonies. After all, Whistler was where the athletes trained for the Vancouver 2010 winter olympics so I thought that was pretty neat watching that there. After that we headed to Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. I got quite dizzy crossing it because throughout the entire day I only ate one timbit and a hash brown. It was nice though. We walked in the cold water for a bit and shirley knocked someones shoes down. It was quite funny. I want to swim there next time. It's also really beautiful there. Amazing hiking place. It was a great experiences. Then we got food and bubble tea and headed back to the hotel and went swimming for a bit. To end the night we explored the Richmond night market. It was neat. It remind me of the ex. We saw our hotel friend working there. We see him everywhere! He's nice. He gave us a discount at the hotel. Most importantly he's Chinese and can actually talk to my dad. I want to go to the night market with my baby boo and we can have chips on a stick. I was sad that I couldn't find it. It reminded me so much of him and his excitement while he waited for it.

Here are some funny moments that might put a smile on your face:)

1) In Whistler my mom, sister and I all had to go to the washroom. There were only two stalls and so they went first. I waited for them and I kept yelling at them "Hurry up!" cause you know how public washrooms are... Then all of a sudden this Asian woman comes in and she starts yelling at them too copying me and saying "hurry up!"At first I thought she was trolling but then I realized that her jean zipper is already unzipped and her belt is already loose... Talk about awkward. Then I said "you can go first" and she thanked me. It was uh... yeah...

2) On the car ride yesterday Timmy said "I am number 1"
Sister "No you're not"
Timmy "Yes I am, if not why do I have this number one badge"
Sister  "Because you brought it for 79 cents" HAHAH I thought it was pretty funny :)!

3) Also in Whistler today; We were taking pictures at the olympic rings. Then we turn around and see Timmy drinking a Mcdonalds coffee. My mom asked "who's is that" and we all said we already threw ours out. It turns out we have no idea who the coffee belongs too but it certainly wasn't us. Mom freaked out and told Timmy to go wash his mouth. LOL and at the night market we saw another coffee cup on a rock. My sister said "timmy this is not ours! Don't drink it" HAHAHAH!

I hope that these moments will brighten up your day :)

Day 6: Shopping In Vancouver

It was a pretty chill day. Meet up with dad's friend Stanley and we went for dim sum. After took he took up to Richmond Shopping Mall or something and I brought a couple of books and a top from forever 21. He left and we meet up with cousins and we all went to Metrotown. I brought another cute top at H&M. And my parents spent a good hour and a half at the T&T superstore. My parents are obsessed with those. Then sis meet up with her shad friends. While we wait for her we went to Crystal Mall. It was pretty lame. It looked better on tv. Then we all went to cousins for dinner and played with their dog. Chilled day. Everything I saw today reminded me of him.

Day 5: Beautiful Inspiration

Woke up pretty early and took a ferry to Vancouver Island. It was amazing other than some difficulties but it was truly inspiring, We were the only car in lane 41. It was odd. I wonder how they built those ferries. We were on the ferries with like 1 trucks and 100+ other cars. Quite heavy eh? After we got to the island we went to see the Butchant Gardens. It was so beautiful. I want my wedding photos taken there. Although it was expensive to get in. It was worth it but probably won't go again until who knows when. Too expensive. It was really inspiring though. After that we explored Victoria for a bit. Again beautiful sceneries. We went to the Chinatown and we ate lunch. After that we drove around and we went to the parliament buildings. I want to live in Victoria one day. Maybe. Its not big and complex like  Toronto or Vancouver and not small and limited like Winnipeg. Maybe just maybe. They have beautiful buildings and apartments. We missed our ferry so we delayed an hour getting back. I wish I could have msn with him while on the ferry so I can share with you that beautiful landscape of water but the connection was horrible. This was my day

Day4: Exploring Vancouver

Today was quite an interesting day. This trip was poorly planned but overall its been good to me somewhat. Anyway, meet up with dad's friends after arriving a couple hours too early at the aberdeen mall. Ate lunch together. After that we headed out to Stanley Park. Amazing park I would say. I wouldn't mind living in that area and waking up to that scenery everyday. The Vancouver Aquarium was nice although it didn't catch much of my attention. Shedd in Chicago is still by far the most interesting to me. We explored Chinatown for a bit. It was creepy so we left. I'm glad I got to talk to him. I really am. It feels like its been awhile.

Beautiful British Columbia Part 2

After 10+ hours of driving. We finally got to Vancouver. We met up with our cousins living in Richmond. They have a dog its so cute! My cousin is such a shopaholic. She brought so many Chinese sauce that the person working there asked her if she opens a restaurant. They treated us to a nice Chinese restaurant. The food was quite good and the soup was free. Watched some dramas there while waiting for the food to come. All her kids have DSI. It was a nice night.

A little highlight of the day: While driving by the mountains my dad said "What beautiful scenery this is" My mom said "You're looking at the same thing for hours" Dad: "Look that woman even stopped to take pictures" We drive pass that woman and we see that the hood of her car is opened LOOL Funny moments with the fam.

Day 3: Beautiful British Columbia

Basically drove the entire day. Nothing interesting. Meet up with cousins in Vancouver Richmord. Amazing people. Went out to a restaurant to eat. Will upload pictures tomorrow. Passed by a couple of towns in BC that I never heard of before. Like Salmon Arms, Chase, and Kamloops. Interesting but for now Goodnight

Day 2 Exploring Calgary

Calgary is nice but nothing special at least not the way I thought it would it yet it was still pretty cool. I mean once you get used to a place its not as "cool" as you once thought it would be. It reminds me a lot of my hometown Winnipeg. We went to a Chinnok mall today. There was a staples near by and it reminded me so much of polo. I miss home. I finally brought an infinity scarf today. I brought it at Spring. It was 18 bucks but it was so worth it. Sis met up with her shad friend and my dad went looking for her instead of waiting at the food court where we said to meet. My mom said that if we go through the bay it would be easier but dad didn't agree. He got angry so he ran into a store he thought it was the bay. We went to the second floor and it ended up bring the store Jacob. It was a good laugh.  After that we explored chinatown for a bit. It was nothing special although its nice how the street names are in Chinese. I brought a cute domo keychain. Why do I buy these useless stuff? ... After that we explored a couple of Chinese Malls because my dad is obsessed with it. We ate at a restaurant and we ended up with no many food that we thought we crossed off on our order so we ended up paying a good 60 bucks. At least dinner is taken care of. We went back to the hotel after and basically we just sat on our beds. We then headed out to Crossiron mills. Very big mall. Dad thought he was going the right way and he kept saying "I'm going the right way" like 10 times then he went the wrong way and he said "I'm going the wrong way" and we all started to laugh. Reminded me a whole lot of home. Then we headed back to the hotel and went swimming. Sis and I went to the sauna room and it was insanely hot so we left after 30 seconds. We took the wrong elevator and ended up at a different 6th floor lol. awkward.

Official Day 1 of Vacation.

After an entire day of driving, we are finally beginning our adventure.  Today we went to the town of Banff. I've never seen so many mountains and trees in one day. It was amazing. It was a great experience. We stopped on a edge of the highway and took pictures. The scenery was truly inspiring. Sometimes we need to take a pause in life and enjoy the world around us. I was disappointed that we didn't get to go to the hot spring but then again it was insanely hot today. Next time, in the winter. hehe I can go with my boo. I brought a banff hoodie and a couple of other things. I hope my boo likes his surprise. :') hehe. We went up on those cart things way up into the mountains. It was so amazing up there. I can't even put my feelings into words. The view is still lingering within me. It was amazing. That is all I can say. We also took some pictures at the lakes too. I was scared going up those carts cause we were so high up. I kept thinking "OMG what if we fall". But the scare was worth it. After that we went into downtown Calgary and ate at a restaurant called Harbour City Restaurant. The food was pretty good. I love peppers. 

Time to hit the covers for me too. We're exploring downtown Calgary tomorrow and the Chinatown. Excited :D Worked on my essay for a bit. Goodnight my baby boo. I love you:) talk to you tomorrow. Don't let the panda bugs bite kekekek

Chicago VPA trip Day 2 - FIELD MUSEUM

VPA Chicago Trip Day 1

Below are the photos from Day 1 of this trip. When we got there the first thing we did was shopping at the Magnificent Mile. We then went to the Water tower and there was a Lego store there. Jeff literally ran there. Too cute. We went met up at the chicago arts institute museum. It was interesting I mean all the pretty portraits and stuff. After such a long day we finally got to eat Supper @ Gino's Pizza. My memory there being that my friends poured spirit as their drink and found white stuff floating in their drinks... After that we watched million dollar quartet perform. The piano dude is so talented! We arrived at the hotel at around 11. I shared rooms with Mayanne, Jessica and Trisha. HAHA I think it was this night, we stayed up until two in the morning watching Suite life of Zack and Cody and we just chat. It was relaxing and vacation like. I remember Mayanne wanting to pull the curtains all the way but it still left a tiny opening and I said "What if you look out the window and some guy was just hanging there in front of you?" HEHE I kinda scared them. It was a good night.

chicago arts institute museum

Chicago Trip 2012

On the way there we stopped at McDonalds and Starbucks 

To do list for Chicago

• delete some photos from Ipod
• pack a comb and hair ties 
• lotion and hand sanitizer 
• tooth brush cup
• camera
• face wash cloth
• charger
• head phones
• English Novel