USA (WEST COAST)

 I LUV THE BIG APPLE

 

United States of America (USA) had always been my 'dreamland' ever since I learn about this Big Apple from movie or print media while I was a little girl.

The ‘dream’ finally materialised, and it turned out to be a bigger dream than I visualised when I landed on the grounds of The Grand Canyon, which is one of the 7^th Wonder of the World, as one of the selected place apart from other places planned for a 10-day tour itinerary to West Coast.

Getting to USA, was a hassle due to the long tedious hours of just sitting 24 hours inside an aeroplane. The long flight had been a stumbling block for many people but I persisted, and Here I am - putting my first step onto the grounds of LA Airport.

Another stumbling block for Malaysians is the difficulty of applying for US visa. I applied way back after I graduated from college where I skipped the interview process. It was in 1997, I just had to submit my application and wait for one month. That's it. I got it!!

Here are the top 10 places in the west coast of USA, I will recommend to friends who are planning to visit the Big Apple.

ONE FOR THE ALBUM

1. DISNEYLAND - is dubbed “The Happiest Place on Earth”, and it is everyone’s favourite located in Anaheim, Los Angeles. This magical Kingdom of Disneyland will allow visitors to unlimited rides, live performances and colourful parade showcasing Disney characters mainly Micky Mouse, Donald Duck, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, on Main Street USA. Try swooping down the “Indiana Jones Adventure”, “Splash Mountain” and “Big Thunder Mountain Railway”. Take a peep into the Haunted Mansion, Mad Tea Party, Alice in Wonderland and King Arthur Carrousel Land.

A MAGICAL SHOW OF THE SEVEN DWARF AT DISNEYLAND,LOS ANGELES

  

2. UNIVERSAL STUDIO - is the world’s largest and busiest studio, where the secrets of Hollywood movie-making in the studio back-lots are revealed to visitors, at Anaheim. There will be stunt shows like “Waterworld” followed with a breathtaking journey through “Jurassic Park-The Ride”, “Mummy Ride” and “Terminator 2-3D” ride.

A WATERWORLD PERFORMANCE AT UNIVERSAL STUDIO

 

3. MANN’S CHINESE THEATRE (WALK OF FAME)- In Hollywood, check out the 2,000 footprints/palms of popular filmstars and singers built along the 18 star-crested sidewalks. One can also take photographs with characters such as Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks.

VISITORS POSING WITH MOVIE CHARACTER AT WALK OF FAME

 

 4. USS MIDWAY - is an aircraft educational carrier museum located at San Diego. It is the longest-serving aircraft carrier in US Navy history - a 47-year odyssey that spanned the end of World War II and the liberation of Kuwait 1991. 

USS MIDWAY

 

5.  The Old Town of San Diego is the birthplace of California founded by Jose Antonio Aguirre whereby he built one of the first house in Old Town, in 1853. This quiet town has great influence of all things Mexican, including food, souvenirs and the attires. For the daring, there is a number of Ghost houses worth visiting as well as a museum.

GET YOUR SOUVENIR AT SAN DIEGO (BORDER OF MEXICO)

6. COLORADO DESSERT - It is interesting to stop-over the Colorado Dessert, on the way to Grand Canyon where one can only view cactus plants, Red Indian huts and massive stones. It is advisable not to walk around as there are snakes in the vicinity.

SCENIC COLORADO DESSERT

7. GRAND CANYON - one of the seventh wonders of the world which is opened to public in 1919. Take a guided tour along the rim which provides spectacular views as the sun sets on the canyon walls. Alternatively, take a 60 steps walk around its Skywalk glass bridge equipped with transparent glasses to view the Colorado River flowing across the Grand Canyon. Order for yourself a fried chicken from Canyon’s fast food chain while be entertained by a Red Indian dance, atop.  

MAJESTIC GRAND CANYON

 

8. LAS VEGAS - is a place well-known for elegant casinos, shopping plazas, amusement and theatre shows. Stroll down “The Strip” road to get a view of its majestic hotels and entertainment outlets namely Marriott Grand Chateau, MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, Monte Carlo, Mirage Volcano & Bellagio Fountains, The Venetian & The Grand Canal Shoppes and Jockey Club. 

COLOURFUL LAS VEGAS

 9. GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE - is the world’s most celebrated bridge measuring 2,780- metre long, and 67- metre above sea level constructed in 1937, in San Francisco. This bridge, can accommodate up to 120,000 cars which connects San Francisco to a marine county called Sausolito.

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

 

10. FISHERMAN’S WHARF - attracts a lot of visitors to its numerous seafood restaurants especially its giant crabs. It is a carnival-like place of games, entertainment and live shows performed on the coastline of San Francisco.

BUSY FISHERMAN'S WHARF