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. 

San Diego

Flashing back to my four-day visit to San Diego last March. 

Seriously, how can you not love this city ???? The clear blue skies, the sunset, California burrito, city, people, and oooh so many reasons to love San Diego that I wouldn't mind at all to move there in a heartbeat and eat guacamole day and night ( but wait, I also have this obsession with Santa Barbara, San Francisco, New York, etc etc. errr...never mind, just daydreaming away ) 

While it seems only yesterday my girl Arianna picked me up at Solana beach and we spent few days exploring Balboa Park, Old Town San Diego, Hotel Del Coronado, even went trekking with her friends at Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. It's always the little things mean a lot. I still remember we walked for hours through the night listening to the soothing sounds of flowing water, standing tall at the top of the hill and sharing beers while watching the stars. Arianna and Jason could talk about stars and constellation for hours while I just simply felt grateful to be there with them, fell in love with her family and obviously that day I didn't know I would end my West Coast trip soon only to continue my journey to Europe then Asia. I guess it was better that way, as much as I am always curious about what future will bring but I love when life surprises me in a way I've never imagined, well who doesn't ? In the night alone under the stars, I found Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve to be one of the most peaceful places in California. Left my heart in San Diego and look forward to coming back one day.

Santa Barbara, CA

Let's take a little break from Euro trip and let me take you to one of the best episodes in my life when I was visiting Santa Barbara last March.

 

If I have to describe the beautiful American riviera in one word, that would be love. Love for the first sight ? Possibly. Afterall Santa Barbara offers endless beauty, perfect sunsets, the beach, wine and amazing food you just can't resist, beautiful people, restaurants and cafes, oh the nature and stunning view you could never get enough, so it's not so hard to fall in love with this town. Even though when I arrived there I was mentally and physically super exhausted from a long journey exploring West Coast USA for a month non-stop, but by the end of it to see Santa Barbara has everything I ever dream about living a simple life in a pretty little town, I felt I got my energy back and couldn't wait to explore more. Especially I had a little mission to find my favorite American sweetheart Miss Kelsey Roberts that I had an honor to work together at Club Med Cherating Beach 5 years ago, we ended up having wine at  Deep Sea Winery - a place that I would suggest anyone to have a glass of wine or two, simply because celebrating life with wine and surrounded by Santa Barbara stunning view just...perfect. I told Kelsey if i could choose any places in the world to live, I would definitely pack my stuff and move to Santa Barbara. It's small, less crowded, but they have everything you need, from pretty shops, unique coffee shops, theater, art galleries..and the best part was when Kelsey and her amazing parents were being so kind to take me out for dinner and we got to see the sunset, continued with delicious food and cocktails. Something pretty cool about working with Club Med and Disney, you ended up having friends everywhere. At the beginning I thought I wasn't really good at handling goodbyes but as I keep traveling and been really fortunate to see many places in the world, there I found myself reunited again with bunch of special people. Many thanks for The Roberts family for the warmth hospitality, look forward to coming back home soon.