Theme Parks

America is known for having so many theme parks, that’s why we didn’t waste time in visiting two of it’s well-known parks.

First on our list was Knott’s Berry Farm being a stone throw from our place, we started walking at 10:30 am. We took the wrong way & it took us 30 minutes to reach the park (normally it’s only 15minutes) Avie was tired already of walking while our little girl is safely tucked in her stroller. It gave us a big sigh of relief when we finally saw the entrance gate & we happily took photos of our first journey here in the US.

The park’s theme for the day is Snoopy Safari Adventure & Althea felt the experience of being a real safari adventurer. She was not afraid of trying some of the best rides there.

We really enjoyed our first bonding moment here and had a great time though it’s a bit tiring walking around the huge park.

Next stop, the Universal Studios. 

We arrived an hour earlier than the opening so we had quite some time to take some photos before it gets crowded.  What we really enjoyed here most was the studio tour where we got the chance to  see for ourselves some locations where some famous movies were shot like “War of the Worlds”, “Jurrassic Park”, “King Kong”, “Jaws” and many others.  It was really amazing! We also had the chance to experience earthquake and flood as if we’re really part of the movie King Kong.

We also had a chance to watch Fear Factor live and it was really awesome! we also catched Shrek 4-D, water world and we also witnessed how the special effects were done in Hollywood.

Althea had a time of her life & was overwhelmed with Dora & Diego! Spongebob! Shrek & Fiona! she’s just used to seeing them in DVDs, but now she was able to mingle with them.

Till next time! see you in our next adventure!

 

Trip to AMERICA

Althea’s graduation just wrapped up and we have to buy some more things for our US TRIP. I still have to get an international drivers license one day before we leave. We still don’t feel the excitement of going to AMERICA, maybe because we were so stressed out with all the things we have to accomplish in the office before taking a leave of absence (which is quite longer than usual) & we’re still worrying what school we would enroll Althea.

We only packed our bags the night before our trip while watching MARIMAR, as you can see we’re not that excited. Finally, we finished packing by 2am, after having a short talk with Avie & wondering how our flight with Althea would be, we finally hit the bed… to…rest! (WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?)

It’s the big day! We prepared early for our 5pm flight via china airlines. Hit the road by 1:30 pm, usually it took only an hour to the airport, but I forgot that it is the last day for the off-peak rates of airfares that’s why there’s so many travelers and we were caught in the traffic. Luckily we arrived just in time for our 3:30pm check in time & have to wait for a long queue in the immigration.

Because we have a child traveling with us, they let us board first and we tucked ourselves in our seat, prayed & hope that everything’s gonna be ok.

After 2 hours we arrived in Taiwan (same timezone as ours) for our 11:30 pm connecting flight to LA. We are so amazed by their airport, it’s like you’re inside a 5-star hotel. Have to ride a train inside the airport to transfer to another terminal for our next flight. We didn’t notice that we’ve waited for almost 4 hours because we stayed in their lounge where they have free internet service, Althea was enjoying every moment of it because she’s playing her favorite Dora and Barbie online games.

Inside the plane, we’re enjoying the inflight movies, there are lots of new movies to watch. Although, the food doesn’t taste that good we were still able to finish it because we’re so hungry.

After almost 12hours in the plane, we finally arrived in Los Angeles International Airport. There were so many passengers from other airlines & we have to wait in line for almost 2 hours just to be interviewed by the immigration officer. During that time, I’m so nervous praying that they will give us a 6month stay here in the US. When it’s our turn, luckily it was a breeze. The officer just ask how long are we gonna stay here & what do we do in the Philippines. After showing our office ID the officer smiled & told us to enjoy our stay and he gave us a 6month stay.

Thank you GOD!

1st Honor – Althea Caitlyn G. Andaya

March 14, 2008

St. Audry Learning Center

Avie (my wife) and I were so excited for this day. It was a day before our trip to the US of A (more story later), but more importantly it is when we’re gonna witness the graduation of our very smart daughter (1st honor for the second straight time!).

Everybody was up and about by 7am (graduation starts at 9am). Althea as usual, was so slow in finishing her milk. She’s not that excited because she hates being pressured to do so something (she has a solo part in the program for being the first honor) & I keep on urging her to recite her piece.

We arrive in school maybe 15minutes before the program, I thanked Teacher Brenda (adviser of Althea) for making her top the class. She said Althea deserves to be the first honor.

During the program I am so nervous waiting for the time Althea would do her part. I just made myself busy documenting the event & enjoy every moment of it. The emcee finally called her name to go up the stage for her speech, slowly climbing the stairs.  I can see in Althea’s eyes that she’s a little nervous. She started to recite her part, everyone was quietly listening to her soft but clear voice, afterwhich everyone applauded.

I was so relieved & very proud, just saying to myself Hey! she’s only 4years of age & she recited a speech without mistakes.

We’re so proud of you girl, keep it up!

We love you so much.