Getting My First Tattoo

As the year comes to a close, I can only think of how crazy 2018 has been! Normally, I would be coming up with a year-end recap post. But this time around, I would like to dedicate a post to my proudest moment this year and maybe in my lifetime so far-- getting a tattoo!

The date was August 26, 2018. I clearly remember because it was a long weekend, and the timing was definitely one of the many things I considered. I'm not kidding when I say I prepared long and hard for this (saving up some money, doing heavy research, etc.)-- read more below the cut to find out!

Kamakura: Kyoto of the East

Located in the Kanagawa Prefecture just south of Tokyo, Kamakura is also a must-see if you have time to spare to go outside of the capital. The city is abundant in Buddhist and Shinto temples, which is why some people hail it as the "Kyoto of the East".  One can very well spend an entire day exploring the city; however, we decided to limit ourselves to covering a few tourist spots in half-a-day. Read up on how we spent our time in Kamakura below the cut!

Yokohama: Noodles Over Canoodles

True story: I could hear the rain pouring hard as I began writing this story within the comforts of home. Even with bursts of sunshine in between days, the rainy season is truly upon us. Cuddle weather, ramen weather, whatever-you-wish-to-call-it weather, it definitely makes us want something that will keep us warm. That's why I find it really timely posting about our quick day-trip to Yokohama last April. Wonder what makes it timely? Well, read on to find out!

Hawaii: Iolani Palace

Maybe it was due to the implications of the animated film Moana, but I didn't exactly associate the Renaissance with Polynesian royalties. That is, until I visited Iolani Palace in Honolulu.

Chasing Blossoms

Last April, my family and I flew to Tokyo with the main goal of catching the sakura trees in bloom. Although the buds began opening up a week earlier than expected, we're glad to have seen a bunch of trees still covered in varying shades of pink at Shinjuku Gyo-en. 

Hawaii: Kualoa Ranch

Whenever I hear "Hawaii," these are what come to mind: the beach, surfing, hula, all things tropical, and from time to time-- dinosaurs, too. Wait, what? Did I just say "dinosaurs"? You bet I did! September last year, I got a taste of the aloha way of life in Oahu, HI. Out of the tourist-y things I did, one of the highlights of my trip was seeing Kualoa Private Nature Reserve, also named "Jurassic Valley" after the Jurassic Park/World films shot there.

San Francisco: Palace of Fine Arts

One day in San Francisco was all we had, and we used it to be typical tourists yet again. Some sights revisited, some seen for the first time-- but this has to be the highlight for me.

Lights Out

LA is full of "instagrammable" spots, to say the least. One of them is Urban Light, an outdoor art installation at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art or LACMA. Whether at day or night, it truly is a beautiful sight to behold.

Universal Studios Hollywood

A staple on every LA tourist's list-- Universal Studios Hollywood. It's home to many attractions inspired by well-loved television shows and films. But you don't have to be a movie geek or TV aficionado to enjoy this place. Just have a fun-loving, adventure-seeking persona, and you're good to go!