Houston, Clutch City

Recently, a very good friend has finally decided to move from one continent to another. Thus gave us enough reason to make a quick R & R. No need to fly, just drive around 240 miles south of Dallas. 
Now we see Houston, the clutch city of Texas.

Since this is just a 3-day, 4 night trip. We tried to make our itineraries loose but fun since we have a toddler tagging along. With no time to waste, and a few dollars to spent. We went for the easy way to go around. A City Pass.

http://www.citypass.com/houston

Purchasing these passes are the quick and easy way to navigate the city. The pass itself has already hand- picked 7 of the most popular destinations in Houston. It also gives you plenty of time to explore because the admission tickets provided in their booklets are good for at least 9 days. And the best part, they're cheap. You can save more with this passes rather than paying the admission fees via gate price. 

Without any time to waste, we went to one of Houston's popular destination. The NASA Johnson Space Center. 

Located along NASA Road. This huge mecca of space houses a ton of space artifacts, space shuttles, modules and even space suits.

They are strategically located in the middle of the main hall, where most people are around. 

These are amongst the few shuttles I've seen around. We also had the chance to see one of their museums where they recreate men at space centers.

And for sneaker heads. The real space walker behind the glasses, which still remains beautiful even after almost half a decade of life.

Memorabilia of the Apollo 11's voyage.

One of the most exciting part of the trip is the NASA Tram Tour. It gives you a chance to see the actual space laboratory where scientists does their research. 

You shouldn't miss the chance to see their work tables. 

And at the end of the the Tram tour, you'll reach the Independence Plaza. It houses a huge space shuttles that a visitor shouldn't miss.

We finished our day with a smile on our faces. Amazed with the wonders that Science can do.

Day 2: We had a quick breakfast at our friends place. And of course, had our second destination in mind. The Houston's Downtown Aquarium.

This special place which is included in our CityPass is an Aquatic wonderland. A home to over 200 species of aquatic life from around the globe. Has a full-service restaurant, an upscale bar, a fully equipped ballroom, aquatic & geographic exhibits, shopping and a mini amusements park which is loved by kids and kids at heart.

Right outside the main aquarium area are small kiosks and rides that you usually find in state fairs. They have this huge wheel, the big drop and a lot more for a small fee. We tried the Diving Bell Ferris Wheel. 

And the Lighthouse for less than  $7 per ride. 

And of course, with the help of CityPass, we we're able to navigate the Aquarium for free. They have a lot of exhibits which kids and kids at heart will love. 

Aside from their aquarium, they also have a collection of mammals inside.

As a whole, It is a fun place to see. Most specially if you have a kid with you. They have mini amusement par, some rides, aquarium, mini zoo and a restaurant on the side. And its not bad of a deal since it's included with the CityPass.

Day 3: Our last day in Houston, Making the most out of it. We started far south form the City Center. Going towards the beach side. We went to the Kemah Boardwalk.

Located just 20 miles from downtown Houston, Kemah Boardwalk is one of places that is a must see. It has fabulous waterfront restaurants, amusements, charming retail stores, festivals and seaside shows every day.

Lots of rides and places for sight seeing. Also feels good to be near the sea. 

Some of its charm comes from its variety of rides.

Which will make you hungry, so we decided to have a hearty lunch. 

We ate at Saltgrass Steak house, One of the best steaks here in the Lone Star State. 

What makes the steaks here in Saltgrass Steak House special is that the food tastes as though it was made from an open campfire. Their steaks are chargrilled to perfection. After our lunch, we continued our sight seeing.

But the sun was too much for us, Said our goodbyes for now. And vowed to try Kemah's seafood the next time.

We drove back to Dallas the next day. I will always remember Houston as a living city empowered with energy and is very rich in diversity. With it's is a dynamic mix of imagination, food choices and first-class attractions, it is indeed a world-class city. Full of optimism and spirit, it's no wonder that Houston is indeed the Clutch City. 

Plano- I am HOME

It took a while to get me here. But finally, after years of endurance. I am HOME.

My dream of becoming an RN started a year before I finished college. I told my parents. "Hey folks, looks like you ain't gonna get a doctor, but you'll get a US RN." Got my approval and placed a period on my 20-year Operating Room fantasies.

Day One has begun...

Fast forward today. After nine years, an engagement, a wedding, a beautiful wife and an amazing daughter. Finally, I can start living the young boy's dream.

I always wanted to see the Lakers.
I'm going to buy a sports car.
I'm having a minimalist type of pad.
I've salivated over In-N-Out burgers for a decade, it's about time.
I want to live in the land of the free... And the home of the brave.

United States of America. You've been elusive. But I am persuasive. We're a match, Uncle Sam. It's meant. You, my family and I.

Now I'm here in Plano. It's a good 10-minute drive north of Dallas. And I've never been happier.  Because it's a whole new world...

Gone are the days that I was an EDSA Road warrior. Done are the nights where I almost believed that the road wasn't made for cars. No more of those times where I'm scared to use my mobile cause there maybe muggers around.

But as the saying goes. You win some, you lose some.

Having Jollibee is now a Challenge. Eating Kwek kwek is a dream. There is none of those dirty ice creams. Buko Juice is expensive like my jeans. There are no BBQ on the streets. Because the ones around looks too sanitary to be delicious. Fish tastes nothing but processed. The Veggies ain't that fresh. 

There's no more "Manang" here to do the laundry specially on those times that I feel super lazy. I just have to go on and fill those tubs, and say hello to another long day. 

When I came to this country, I was a different guy. I believe I have changed, though my name is still Jefferson. I still have the same dreams, though I have them modified. Into something that would tailor fit, my brand new style of life.

I still pledge my loyalty to Kobe. But now I also admire Dirk. But I'll never watch a game between them, because that might break my heart.

Nope. Not a sports car. But something practical and useful. And maybe in the near future. Something more spacious for my girls.

When the right time comes. I'm still dreaming for a place of my own. But no more of those bachelor stuff. Instead, I want someplace safe and homey for my lovely ladies. I live in an apartment right now, and it always feel wonderful to go home. With them, my heart has a home.

My 10 year obsession with In-N-Out burgers ended right after I had my first bite. Don't get me wrong. It was good. It just did not live out to my expectations. And because...

Steak and Shake burgers are a whole lot better...

 It's been six months. It actually felt longer. I am still the same man, but now a different person. It feels amazing to have a big step towards your dreams. You always have to start somewhere. Now I'm finally here. I've got everything I need. The Girl in my dreams and the Love of my life. These is going to be an amazing ride.

"Our worlds collide
Become one in the starlight
Forget perfect endings
Let's dare and live for the day
Today
Today's like no other
I am HOME"- Bamboo

Guam, a step towards a dream come true

And so I went to Guam. Not for a leisurely purpose, but for a career cause... And since I am already in the place. I might as well explore the beautiful island that is located 4 hours away from ours.

I had to know the vicinity. So walking around the place is the deal. I came to a restaurant near my spot. King's resto.

Felt like you never left. Lot's of Filipino's here. They're very hospitable. And the place looks great too.

They taught me the way around, where to buy the cheap stuff and more importantly-- To avoid cabs, because they're overtly expensive :) They told me that trolley's we're the cheaper means of touring around the area. And they stop at places that is worth seeing. So I went to the nearest stop where they sell tickets.

Tour buses/ Trolley's are all over major malls. So the closest from my hotel is the Micronesia Mall. It's a good 15- 20 minute walk from my hotel. Sun is up, looks like a great day :) I looked for the trolleys. They are located on major malls and goes around the tourist spots along Tumon and Hagatna area. I bought the 5 day unlimited pass for $30. They have different colour codes for the buses. My first stop is via the pink one.

 Goes directly to Two Lovers point. One of the most visited sight seeing area in the country.

 Lot's of Asians around.

It's a 10 minute drive from the MM (Micronesia Mall). Finally here. Theres a legend about the place. Two lovers from different race and culture was involved in here.

The place is way up the Tumon Bay. Overlooking from way up. View is amazing. Weird part, It ain't cold.

Good thing they have freebies. 30 ml of fruit slushes for free. And you'll get to try all the flavours. PS: I did not buy any since I'm good with the freebies

Legend says that two forbidden lover's cast their love ala- Romeo and Juliet style. They jumped off the cliff though. Entrance to the tier is $3. Yes, the view is picturesque but I did not pay for the fee because theres nothing much of a difference if you view the bay from top.

Now it's a place where you declare your feelings for your partners. They sell these rubber hearts and locks for $6. You have to write a note as a declaration of your love in the hearts and place it with the locks. I won't miss the moment, so...

Scribed in a pink heart for the whole world to see... Next stop, the tourist area of Guam... Gun Beach Road.

Located at the heart of Tumon is the Beach Road. Lot's of tourist's roaming around. Lot's of high end shops. Lot's of stuff to see.

Amongst most of the hotels, I love the Outrigger the most. It has a beach access at the back which also houses the best beachfront BBQ house in the area. For $50, you'll get to cook and enjoy your own BBQ with unlimited drinks.

Tourists are very nice and are ready to be photographed by random guys, like me :) Specially the Asians. They're fond of pictures. Randomly, I tried to pull my cam off the bus and it was an instant reaction.

 Correct me if I'm wrong. But from my observations, Japs tend to make a straight peace out signs. While Koreans love their peace outs bent. After walking around I decided to hit the beach and do my usual thing, people watching and taking pictures.

 Everyones doing their own thing.

The norm should be of course, enjoying the waters.

Or getting a tan

Sun bathing

Kids and their sand castles...

Adults doing the sand thing too.. 

Kayak and Football... Of course there are also people just having a quiet time. Relaxing activities like..

Reading under the sun. 

People watching in the sand. And let's not forget..

The people who forget that they're supposed to drink in moderation.

Oh and one more thing. The "IN" thing nowadays.

 Beach Selfies...

 The sand is fine and white. People are nice. But the sun is scorching hot. I have to leave to see another spot. The Chamorro Village.

The place is located in Hagatna. A trolley ride away from the Tumon Bay. They house barbecues on stalls for a dollar a piece. The stalls are up during Wednesdays. So its best to travel on a weekday. Around the area is also a park where there are good sightseeing spots.

 The bayside is clean and has clear waters.

They also have a mini replica of the Liberty.

Around the area is this Basilica. It is the largest on all Guam. One of the most visited place in the island.

 The tour buses stops adjacent to the church. Its hard to miss it.

Another popular area is the Latte Stone Park. It is located south of the Basilica. There you will find the remnants of the old Guam homes. These stones once stood as the pillars of their ancestors. At sun down, I decided to go back to Gun Beach and see the sunset.

 The place is serene and quiet at sundown. A whole lot of different from the beaches in the Philippines. Nevertheless, the place is amazingly beautiful. So the darkness came. And boy, I'm hungry. I walked around the road and spotted this place where there are a lot of tourists in line.

 The Hot Diggety Dog. They sell great hot dog meals at $10. Since travellers like me prefers this place. I gave it a shot. It was good.

Guam is a island that is 4 hours away from the Philippines. It's a silent summer paradise. If your up for a relaxing and stress free vacation. This place is for you. Less parties, Less hassles. And yes it is a USA territory. Though it is located in Asia, one thing is for certain. I am a step further towards my dream coming true. Mainland, you're next.