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It is my last day in USA. I set out to visit one long stretch beach. while buying presents for my friends.
I tried to top up my public transport card which I last used in 2016. Unfortunately, I pressed the wrong button, which means I purchased a new public transport card. Gah!
Upon reaching the destination (near Venice Beach), the first thing is that I bought See Candies chocolate. I checked with saleslady if there is any issue to carry the chocolate boxes around - I was assured that there is no problem (fast forward, the chocolate didn't melt in 2 days later by the time I reach in Singapore).
I have no plan to swim there. Probably Jaw movie implanted in my mind.
I am walking towards Santa Monica beach.
I made sure I find In-n-Out outlet so that I can try animal fries which I didn't get to eat in 2014.
Goodbye Los Angeles and USA.
As I check-in (using the self check-in machine) in front of the presence of ANA air stewardness, she checked my ticket. She wanted to smooth my flying experience. Somehow, she seemed to be surprised because my arrival destination is Haneda Airport (instead of Changi Airport).
I told her 'Hai (yes), that is right'. I assured her that there is no mistake on my air ticket.
Tony Del Piero wrote and posted at at 3:57 pm
Day 48
Finally, I am in Los Angeles for the second time. I sort of like Los Angeles city.
You will see palm trees like this in Los Angeles. It is sort of trademark to know whether you are in Los Angeles within big California state.
Instead of taking a bus to Griffith Observatory, I spent about 1 hour 30 mins to walk through this route. It was fun!
I spotted Griffith Observatory. I would advise you not to drive there. I did see crowded road leading to Griffith Observatory.
It is a 3D movie theater about the space theme. It was so fantastic that everyone clapped at the endof the show.
I would recommend this to someone who is interested in space.
I didn't make any trip to Hollywood icon on my second trip to Los Angeles because I prioritize Griffith Observatory more.
On the way back to accommodation home, I chose to walk on the same path. This time, there was no lamps. As usual, I have touch light in my bag - no problem. I was surprised that there are some people doing the same on the way up to Griffith Observatory at night. They have even much more powerful touch light (bigger light exposure!).
I had jajungmyun for the first time in Koreatown - I often wonder how it tastes like when I see Korean show. Now, I know how it is like. It is cheap and filling food!
Tony Del Piero wrote and posted at at 3:37 pm
It is quite long hiatus from writing my personal blog here. For now, I am resuming to write where I last stop at. I do hope that I can write my Japan trip which I did in 2017.
Day 47
I woke up and check outside my accommodation. Why am I checking? I was worried if the bears broke in and took anything from me. All is well. Other than hearing insect noises, I slept well although it is cold. There is no heater in my accommodation. It was great experience for me. I have proven many people, who doubt that the Asians, like us, cannot survive there. I just needed blanket to sleep well - thick one at least!
I took free shuttle bus to a nearest bus stop where I go to the starting point of Mist trail.
Oh, oh, oh, there was a mess outside the starting point of the Mist trail - I don't know what happened.
We should not be so smart aleck that we can do this and that. I duly heed the warning even though I am expert in swimming.
After reading 'Intelligent Investor' book, I always apply margin of safety everywhere.
Hiking ah hiking!
I walked and walked....Ah, I saw the first waterfall on the shorter-leg of Mist trail.
I hear the noise from waterfall well.
In 2016, I started using (second hand) Sony RX100 MK3 camera.
Can you see mild top rainbow and obvious bottom rainbow? DOUBLE RAINBOW thanks to waterfall.
Moving close to the side of the waterfall. I am getting myself wet because of the waterfall.
GRASP! Need to walk down the rock ah. It is quite dangerous if your shoes soles is 'bald'. It is important to invest in good hiking shoes for this reason. I didn't expect it with my poor sole grip but I didn't get any injured.
Another one. I need to cross this on the rock if you want to see 2nd waterfall and continue on the Mist trail. Most people stop at the first waterfall.
I get to see the second waterfall afar. Thereafter, I need to do U-turn because I cannot complete whole Mist trail due to lack of time. I would need to leave Yosemite Nature Park by evening.
As I am out of Mist Trail. From starting point of Mist trail, I started to hike for Mirror Lake.
Indeed, I did see beautiful reflection on the lake. I am not sure what is the main attraction there other than that.
I collected my backpack from the counter area. I am quite thankful that American staff in the lodge allowing me to leave there for my Mist trial hiking.
Finally my bus came. After showing my printed paper to the bus driver (that I have paid for the trip back to Amtrak station at Merced), I fell slept instantly the moment I sat. 10-20 mins later, the bus driver woke me up because he wanted to know where my destination is at. Uh-huh, I found the paper and showed him.
I caught this beautiful sky as the bus is on the way to Amtrak station at Merced.
Probably, it was the most ridiculous plan to go back to Los Angeles by 1am. That is why I always advocate 24 hours self-check in for my solo trip like that. It was my first time doing this way.
Day 47 is the most tiring day for me. 90% of my energy was totally spent well.
Tony Del Piero wrote and posted at at 3:15 pm
