ABBEY: We planned to take the train from California to Chicago and experience a cross-state railroad journey. But Kuya Victor was more adventurous. He told us that it will be a road-trip. We were all excited and headed our way on a bright morning of December 27 after bidding farewell to our family in California. First stop is Las Vegas, Nevada. We got to see Red Rock Canyon and the “busyness” of the city. It was really lit with colorful signs. You can’t help but look up. We had the night to recharge ourselves at MGM Grand and checked out to go to Arizona. Funny story is we were stopped by a State Trooper citing our violation that we’re driving too close to another vehicle. Abiding by the law we crossed another border and reached New Mexico where we spent our second night. As Filipinos, rice is staple in our meal. We were so craving for it but we settled on bowls of ramen as the rice ran out. After a good night sleep, our next destination is Texas. Here we stopped by Big Texan Steakhouse for our steak fix. And on our fourth day we pushed it to reach Chicago but detoured first to Gateway Arch at Missouri. It was a great experience. We really enjoyed; the snow-covered and long ranges of mountains, vast lands, sights on each state we passed, and flurries. We got to eat at a diner and stayed at hotels where your fellow roadtrippers were also busy unpacking/packing their things. Definitely will do it again.
Los Angeles to Chicago Cross Country Road Trip
WILL: Instead of flying, Abbey and I planned to take train from San Francisco to Chicago. But Ate Gail and Kuya Victory proposed to take a road trip. We are quite hesitant for few reasons.
It will be tiring for Kuya Victory to drive thousands of miles.
Does Boy Thor can manage the monotony of seating for hours
And finally, how about the expenses. Haha!
Kuya and Ate ensures that there will be no problem and everything was taken care of on their side, so Abbey and I decided to agree with them.
For 4D and 3N, Kuya Victor drives, Abbey helps to navigates, Thor and Ate Abigail Sings and me?, Well I am sleeping at the back of the car. Haha. I am wide awake in the late evening kasi! Hmf! Jet lag.
Our first stop is Las Vegas:
I never dreamt in my whole life that I will set foot there! Indeed the casinos, bars and restaurants have their own ways to attract customers. Well, Nevada does not only serves those glaring electric lights but they have this Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. My first time to climb a non-man made wall. Another first time? Snowball Fight! Until now, it brings a smile whenever I hear Thor’s giggles. Haha! Not in lifetime that I will be staying at MGM Grand! This is where most of Manny Pacquaio’s fight was held.
Second Stop – Arizona:
The inspiration for Lightning McQueen CARS! It feels like I am inside that Pixar’s animation! The road, the car, the warmth welcome from people and the satisfying service of Mr. D’z.
It is indeed an outskirt part of US. It seems so peaceful!
Third State – Claremore Oklahoma:
But before reaching Oklahoma, we stopped by at famous Texas Restaurant, Big Texan Steak Ranch! Gosh! The serving is overwhelming! The beef is tender and swipe some jalapeno…whew! I am drooling while writing this! Haha! Love their corn muffin too! Texas is so huge vast of land and there are harnessing the power of wind! Windmill is everywhere!
Forth and Last Stop: Missouri
Before heading ThurThor’s home, we stopped by to visit the Gateway Arch at St Louis Missouri. The design and the architecture of the arch is wonderful! I hope this kind of masterpiece will stand the test of time like Egypt’s Pyramid!
Chicagoooo!!
We were welcomed by snow flurry! And I am happy to see that but do not dare to go out.. Haha! Abbey enjoyed the thick snow on the following day.
Thank you so much Austria’s Family for planning this kind of bonding with us! We really appreciate it and thankful in spending time with you guys! Di pa lang talaga nasasagot ni Kuya ang tanong namin na “What is your lovelife before Ate?” Haha!
ABBEY: I was surprised when Wilma told me that we’ll be having dinner at Muji at Jewel. Seriously? It is all household items. Turns out they have cafe and deli. Wow. I got the Hamburger with Burdock, Shiitake Sauce (SGD 18.9). What I like the most is their 16-grain rice. It has a lot of texture and you can even eat it on its own. The meal is savoury and will really fill you up. Pay extra for the drinks.
Café&Meal MUJI at Jewel Changi Singapore MEALS
Café&Meal MUJI at Jewel Changi Singapore MENU
WILL: Even that our workplace is kilometres apart, Abbey and I find time to have a date night after office hours. What’s the newest “tambayan” for me and Abbey? It is the Jewel Changi. You should not ask why. Everybody knew that Jewel caters a wide array of food pallete. And one of those is the huge floor for Café&Meal MUJI. For dinner, I chose to have Pork Katsu Donburi ($15.90). The pork is not that salty and perfectly soft and juicy. Well unlike other that’s overfried. The unique onset egg that gave the extra creaminess in my mouth. And the star of the meal...the 16-grain rice! It is indeed a luxury! How a simple looking rice will be that mushy and will give emphasis to every flavour of your viand. Wow! Just wow! I am an instant fan of Muji Cafe! If you are at Jewel Changi, this is another cafe to visit and try!
