The Year That Was 2011

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival): Thailand

05.01.2012

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Posted by Teriz 00:20 Comments (0)

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Dragon Boat Festival Break - Xian

05.01.2012

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Chinese National Week Break: USA

CN to USA (Chicago-New Orleans-Las Vegas) in 23Days

15.09.2011 - 07.10.2011

Fine Day for Cycling

Nightime at the Bean

Shedd Aquarium's Jelly Fish

Shedd Aquarium's Jellyfish

Clowning around at the Swamp Tour

Gator with 'Hair'

My sister making out with a Gator at the Swamp Tour

Swamp Tour

Family Pic

Random Church

Hotel's Street Name

Viva as Vegas

From from our room @ Luxor

Cancun Resort

View from Cancun Resort

Cancun Resort

The Strip from the Luxor

Monte Cristo

Paris Restaurant

Bellagio's Lobby

Bellagio's Fountain Show

Bellagio

Rockhouse Drinks

Arc De Triompe

DrunkShirts

It was that time of the year again that I've got extra days to add onto my Annual Leave. That means Fam + Good Friends Time.
I'm gonna try to make this one short (wish me luck)
Chicago Highlights:
1. Witnessed a Bust: On the way home as we got to an intersection waiting for the traffic light to turn green (we we're the 3rd car from the corner of the traffic light). A black van was pulling in fast from the perpendicular street into the one way road we we're on. It stopped abruptly just inches from my sis's door. My sis had to move her car forward just to give the driver some room. Then, A c-u-t-e hunky guy stormed out and pulled out a hand gun! I was like Ohhhh my gawd! He pointed the gun towards the driver of the car behind us. I thought it was some sort of a mafia feud. Cute guys now 2 of 'em we're approaching with caution and we're clearly undercover cops. A cop car that was some ways behind us came pulling in tight behind the car they we're pointing the gun to. It happened so fast and when they we're almost on top of the driver behind us (who we're an elderly couple about 50's) the light turned green. We sped off on our way and saw more cop cars with their sirens on converging to the scene.

2. Driving around:
2a. Stop signs on corners that you have to be on full stop for at least 3secs is tiring. Bad combination if you have poor eyesight) + if your Math counting skills sucks + if there's a cop around the corner. If you stop a millisecond longer, drivers behind you will give you the eye. If I 'miss' the stop sign, I'lll never hear the end of it from my Mom. It's like Driving holding your breath and fingers crossed.
2b. GPS can sometimes answer questions accurately or even give you tips... My Mom and then sometimes it forgets.
2c. Don't count on me driving for hours :D sound of the tires on asphalt road is like a lullaby to me
2d. I got pulled over for speeding from a road trip back to Illinois.

3. Road Accidents: In my 4 years living and working in China which has clearly no strict road rules (people apparently drive crazier: not wearing seat-belts, signals not used when turning or pulling over, blaring horns, no slowing down for anything be it kids, pedestrians, cyclists or anyone else on the road, no giving-in to drivers who has Right-Of-Way, stopping on major road to answer a call - yes I saw that happen one time). With all these, you'd think that accidents happen often, but I haven't seen any major accidents. In my first 2 weeks in the Chicago this vac time - I saw 2 MAJOR accidents in spite of strict road rules. I noticed tho in the US, Drivers watch out more for where cops are just hanging out and waiting. If they are not around - all rules are broken and you see cars speed off way over the limit. If you're unlucky to spot a Cop while you're in this situation and decide to slow down - you could get bumped off the highway by others in a turtle-turn. You'll know that a cop is nearby when you notice all other cars ahead are slowing down. Hmmmm... which road is the lesser of 2 evils China or US?

4. NOLA
Sunny, lovely New Orleans with diverse culture and crazy street parties, costumes and jazz music:
- Got whistled at almost every block
- Endless trip to the ATM at the French Market for souvenirs, clothes, Poboys, Gumbos, Jambalaya and a looong cue at Cafe Du Monde.
- Home Team Saints won against the Texas Team.
- My sister touched down (passed out in bed) after a glass of Touchdown
- Best ever Margaritas at Felipe's
- A nice Caucasian lady thought my sister was Hawaian
- Guys trying to grab my attention by talking in Chinese (mostly ni-hao and xie-xie)
- Walked the Bourbon Street tipsy like everyone else
- Lots of Working Girls working the Streets in their stilettos and skimpy clothes
- Got a marriage proposal from one Filipina woman for her Son... yikes! We did get a good discount from her shop tho. She should have a sign up there... 'Son For Sale' or 'Wanted: Daughter-In-Law'
- Went on a Swamp tour ad I think my Mom wants a Gator for a pet

5. What happens in Vegas gets posted on Facebook and now on Travellerpoint
- Girls on the loose with my sis and her good friends at my godmother's Time Share Resort. This vac served as my late birthday bash and my sis's early birthday bash.
- Walked around with Rockhouse's Slushy alcoholic drinks the entire night
- Watched the Zumanity by the Cirque. Our group picture was featured on the way out
- Went Vanity Clubbing but went home earlier. My sis and her friends stayed on. I think something did happen in Vegas for them that should stay in Vegas :D
- Donated money on slot machines
- Meet up with good friends originally from China who now resides at Canada
- Cabs cannot be hailed at any given time. You can get a $300 fine for it. They are called by phone to pick you up specifically.
- Got dropped off to our Resort in a nice limo service
- Vegas is now more of a Tourist Spot than being the Sin City it once was. I didn't see any 'Girls' on the Streets but there we're flyers/cards handed out to people.
- Hunted Jack Sparrow at Treasure Island to no avail

Posted by Teriz 04.01.2012 22:39 Archived in USA Comments (0)