California Dreaming

I've always wanted to see things happen on a big scale.

How they produce Disney shows. How artists make music then produce albums.  How some people audition and get their big roles in Hollywood or Broadway. How fashion designers come up with creative ideas and turn those sketches into real pretty dresses. Or, how Cirque Du Soleil team turn imaginations into amazing shows and oh so much more. It's just so many cool things happening out there and some people are truly lucky to be a part of it. While it's always been quite clear to me from the beginning I want to pursue a career in entertainment industry, the only option left for me was if I really wanted to make it big then I had to find jobs overseas ( go big or go home, right ? ) I had no idea how, but little did I know something bigger was happening. From working at Club Med then Disney World, Orlando 2 years ago to my current job at one of the biggest music companies, I still found it hard to believe how much life has given me a lot of opportunities to travel the world, meet interesting people and even being a part of so many exciting projects I never thought I'd have a chance to experience in my life. They don't happen overnight, it's a long road but it's worth it.

Last June I decided to revisit and celebrate my birthday in California with my Brooke. We started the birthday trip in Las Vegas, went to see Backstreet Boys, Calvin Harris, Cirque Du Soleil 'Love', a day tour to Antelope Canyon then LA. Los Angeles still and will always be busy, hectic, but I won't deny a part how much I love the creative vibe LA has. Having brunch in a cafe only to find yourself sitting next to producers, writers, bunch of creative thinkers who talk about big projects. Ah just the kind of place I want to stay. Came back here after my first visit in 2015 not only brought so much memories but mostly I'm proud to return as the same person, only stronger and better than I was 2 years ago. I love how California sort of reminded me again on some personal goals I've been neglecting, am I getting closer to my dreams, what else I can improve. To dream big, stay humble, be patient, and always believe in myself even though things may not always easy. 

Antelope Canyon

Recently I found myself back in Nevada with my best friend on a mission to visit Antelope Canyon ( after a night out in Las Vegas dancing to Calvin Harris and Backstreet Boys ). Once again life never ceases to amaze me, what started out as imagination, wish lists, those "I want to..." eventually came true at the right time with the right people. Antelope Canyon has been on top of my list for quite a while, I thought I would do it sometime next year since my original plan this summer was visiting Dublin. So I cancelled Dublin, booked my last minute flight ticket to California - including a day tour to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend with GC Tours ( $149/person ). They pick you up early morning in your hotel in Vegas then take you to Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell and Lower Antelope Canyon. Unfortunately that day was really hot ( honestly the hottest place I've ever visited, 48'C ?) so Lower Antelope Canyon was closed but our tour guide did above and beyond to get us into the Canyon, so we headed to the Upper Antelope Canyon. I have to admit I had no idea what to expect, of course we all knew it was going to be a beautiful destination, but I don't think I was prepared for just how stunning it is. Make it so worth the 8 hours drive, the heat - well people said difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.  

Grand Canyon, South Rim

Flashing back to one day trip to Grand Canyon, South Rim - Arizona I did last March, a place you definitely have to visit if you plan to explore the West Coast, or about 5 hours drive from Las Vegas. Since I was in Las Vegas by myself, it would be a lot easier to go to Grand Canyon with a travel agent. I was looking for the cheapest deal to get to Grand Canyon until I saw an offer for $85.99 ( including lunch buffet, early morning pick up and drop off at your hotel, you're going to visit Hoover Dam and 5 points at Grand Canyon ) from Paradise Found Tours / Grand Canyon Tour & Travel. After several discussions with their travel consultants, I came up with a decision to visit the South Rim. The journey was a lot longer than if you're going to the West Rim, but I didn't mind at all to sit in a bus, drowning myself in  music while my eyes starring at Arizona view, wonder what's going on over there and how the past 3 weeks on the road have once again changed the way I see life. Never settle for less.

This is How I Vegas

"Whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas"

It seems like everyone has stories in Las Vegas. Including me .My story started on a last minute decision to take Megabus from LA to Las Vegas. You know when you're in California - you just can't skip Las Vegas. First, i've always wanted to see Grand Canyon, and second perhaps I'm lucky enough to get a good deal on Cirque Du Soleil shows. I arrived early morning, dropped my bag at Hostel Cat ( $22/night ) and met a girl from Vancouver before we decided to explore the city together. She told me she knew the city really well so could be my tour guide for a day. Sweet. I only heard things about Las Vegas obviously from media or movies, it's been on my bucket list for a while but to be honest I never thought I'd make it. Las Vegas is ... something.  When you walk along the Las Vegas strip, you can feel the dynamic energy. For a second I feel like playing a cameo in a hip hop video clip where girls with nice booty passed by with shopping bags, ridiculously good looking gentleman, street performers, and just when I thought only Disney World can do an excellent job at creating world show case themed park, Las Vegas does it pretty neat with different hotel themes you'll catch easily as you keep walking towards the Mandalay Bay. From New York to Paris, Venetian to unique Excalibur, each hotels not only rich of details, but they also offer different nightly show, wide variety of entertainment and of course casino casino casino - isn't it why you're going to Vegas ? Even rumour has it they're about to expand the hotels by building some more and adding new themes like Philippines, China, Japan , etc. Wow now I Look forward to seeing little Asia in Vegas.  

In the evening I went to see Cirque Du Soleil One at Mandalay Bay. Never imagined myself would sit in theater at Las Vegas dancing to Billie Jean and daydreaming it would so cool to be a part of Cirque Du Soleil dream team ( I am not doing circus, of course ) The show was amazing. Beautiful set, costumes, talents, lighting, sick sick sick choreography. One of the dancers has only one leg but he proved everyone including me that sky is the limit. The key is believe.  Later after the show I went out for drinks with the Vancouver chic I met earlier at the hostel. She told me she was a little upset as she didn't get the job.

"What job ?" 

"Stripper." 

She left Vancouver few days ago to do few auditions to get some dance gigs. Unfortunately the competition is tough, it was a very long day for her line up with other girls - she complained the manager was horrible but she didn't stop there. She excitedly told me she would head back to LA and give it a try at LA famous night clubs. After few shots of tequila, she kissed my cheeks goodbye "Nice to meet you. But I gotta go, darling. I met a guy.."

"Good luck in LA" 

I have only spent less than 24 hours in Vegas but the city and people inspired me a lot. She wasn't the only girl fighting to get a dance gig and behind Cirque Du Soleil stage there's even more talents, courage, hard work and opportunities, right before I left the Las Vegas strip I turned my back for the last time - all those buildings, hotels, night clubs, casino, every single thing in this city have kept so much stories and secrets. I wish they could talk. I don't know how many other girls feeling broken or torn apart behind those show curtain, people celebrating life, or perhaps runaway from frustration and anger, some people sacrifice their life, struggle really hard, while others just won big things and craving for more. That's life. And what was my story ? Tonight I am one of those who won the big things, no not money, but my dreams came true and I am proud to have come so far after years struggling and work hard. I promised myself I won't give up, I am ready for more...including my little adventure toGrand Canyon South Rim tomorrow.