You know how when you really love a movie, and you keep telling a friend to go see it. How you enjoyed it so much, that you’re willing to go with that person to watch it a second time, a third, or even a 6th? :) And it’s funny how for a good part of those two hours in the theater you catch yourself staring more at her reaction, rather than actually staring back at the screen?
Well that’s exactly how I feel when I travel to some of my favorite places in the world with someone who’s never been. I find myself checking if he or she resonates with the delight and excitement I felt in my own first visit.
Just last month, after two straight summers in Europe, GP and I decided to travel back to the U.S. (the last time we were in America was in 2011 so we felt this year would be the ideal time to return) Only this trip was truly special and meaningful particularly because of the person we brought with us.
You see, last year, my mom was diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer but through the grace of God and she is now completely cancer free (see previous post about mom)! As a gift and reward for beating the disease GP promised to take my mom to the US with us. It had always been a dream of hers, but with 4 more kids to raise and a business to run, she never thought she would ever be able to make that trip! So when GP surprised her with the tickets she was crying tears of joy :)
GP set about planning an action packed three week tour of the states. LA-SF-NYC-DC- then back to LA.
And all I can say is…it truly was one of the best trips ever. Like viewing a movie you love for the second time but this time with the people you love, and enjoying it even more than when you first saw it. ♥
Here are photos from the first leg of our trip.
We got to stay with my wonderful sister-in-law, her husband Raff and my nephew AJ, who was just a baby when were were last there. We did all the touristy stuff From Old Town Pasadena to Americana, to Beverly Hills, to the Graumann’s theatre (can you believe it’s now called TCL Chinese theatre! The chinese actually bought the chinese theater!!)
Of course I completely obliterated my diet and GP too… Panda Express, Taco Bell, Thai Barbecue, In ‘n’ out! BUUUTTT… One of the highlights of this first leg was a private tour of the Warner Brothers studio. Courtesy of the big man in WB, Rey Rolle!
From touring the backlot in Ellen Degeneres private golf cart (which i got to drive).. To seeing the super awesome Batman Exhibit, the Harry Potter Exhibit.. and for the ultimate Friends fanatic like GP and I… Rey is the man! Oh and the best part of it was… a closed door tour of the actual CENTRAL PERK set! It was a dream come true…. To be able to sit in the very same couch Phoebe, Ross, Rachel, Joey, Chandler, and Monica sat in… GP played gunther and stood behind the counter, I held Phoebs guitar, we replicated the Ross and Rachel kiss by the door… What a truly unbelievable experience and the perfect way to start the trip!
Americana!
Yummy Thai BBQ!
Got to go to the outlets too!
Mom trying to take a #selfie :)
Tourist photos!
Make a wish!
OH YES!!!
HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOO!
This is where she parks! She drives a Porsche cause her wife’s name is Portia ;)
Artist only entrance!
Yup… Bradley Cooper!
The actual sofa <3
Perfect for a photoshoot ;)
Pretty Little Lairs golf cart!
This is where spiderman kissed MJ!
With my actual superhero!
The original sign and building of WB!
We even went to the CEO’s office and took pictures of the Oscars they had!
Thank you Rey!!!
Yummy!!! :D I like your blog, Miss Andi! ^_^ hope to see you! <3
I DIED! :((((
awesome pictures! pwede pa fansign tomorrow?
Hahaha love you Riki :P
So you just copy paste and edit whatever GP writes in his album and post it in your blog? sure ur readers would appreciate if you blog about your experience… in your own simple words :)
Nope, just this one cause he wrote it so well :)
it was almost the same with the Korea trip :)
Hi Andi, awesome photos and blog post as always. Just want to ask what camera do you use as i am canvassing one myself for an upcoming trip. I hope you can help me out as this is a major buy for me.
Continue blogging, i look forward to all your travel posts. And i noticed you love balenciagas hoping you can post a review on that too.. (style, make, etc)
Thanks Andi. More power to you and GP.
hi andi. sorry to be kulit. still waiting for your reply as my trip is this first week of september already.
thank you :)
Hi Marien, I use a Leica Dlux-6 :) Its totally worth it! Yes i love Balenciaga bags! I dont know if i should do a review i might not be credible :P hehe
FRIENDS!!!!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Hi, Miss Andi!
I was just wondering, how do you manage to stay fit from all the traveling and foodtrips? Do you have a particular routine or habit for looking THAT amazing?
Would appreciate a response. You’re one of my role models, and I’d like to know how you manage your time :)
More power!
Hi Coco, I just watch what i eat. Sometimes i diet before a trip so when im on vacation i can eat anything i want :P
Amazing!
Hi Andi,
I have always admire your blogs, but my favorite is the San Francisco trip. I wish i was as good as you in expressing and narrating every experience i had in my U.S. trip best of everything for you Andi.
Your Fan forever
Myra
My boyfriend and I discovered the Original thai bbq place while strolling that strip! It wasn’t an accident. It is meant to be. lol. It is so nice to know that you guys liked that place too!
and you’re a fan of in and out burger also.
Your photos are incredibly awesome!
I dont know what to say. You are beautiful in every picture!
I hope you can post your daily skin routine and everyday make up one day.
God bless you Andi!
Ps: Come visit Seattle, Washington someday. I’ll send you a list of hotspots here.
lois -23