LA

There were too many pictures but here are just some. We did a lot of touristy stuff here unlike in SF where we just slacked, drove and ate. So we did the usual Disneyland, Universal Studios, Hollywood and a tour around LA which includes some movie star homes, the beaches; Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Bel-Air etc. In Disneyland, as you would expect, we took rides and saw the various characters but the highlight would have to be the night parade with the fireworks and christmas theme.
I guess it was a bit too touristy for my liking but the kids had plenty to see and do here.

Disneyland

Beautiful Japan

We only had four days in Japan and we spent the time taking the train and going around Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya and managed to squueze in one day to see Mount Fuji and Hakone. Hoping to come back Japan one day if we could.


Streets of Tokyo

Grand Canyon

On the way to Grand Canyon. This is THE San Andreas faultline. Beautiful yet deadly.

Viva Las Vegas

Vegas wasnt part of the plan but we had to stop at Vegas for a night before making our way to Grand Canyon as GC was too far from LA. We walked the strip and the architecture was very elaborated. You can see from some of the pics below.
We found a 3 storey MnMs store and had a good time in the there. They even had a 3D show in the shop.
It also turns out to be a pretty fruitful lesson time for irfan after he bombarded us with questions on why we can't play at the casinos, what is gambling, why it's wrong, what's wrong with drinking and why they were giving out pictures of semi naked girls on the streets. Poor boy, had never been exposed to so much 'forbidden fruit' in one day. As you can see, those are pretty tough questions so we answered the best way we know how. Not easy man!
Look at the grandeur of the structures below and imagine all the money pumped in.

San Francisco

San Francisco was pretty foggy when we were there. We had a good time relaxing and we enjoyed the parks, the tram rides , driving around the lovely streets and of course the irresistable seafood!. Some of the pics below.



The long drive from LA to San Francisco.

Canyon to mountain and now back home

Alhamdullilah, we are home!! We had a fabulous time! Ok, so none of my crazy paranoia happened; no earthquake, I didn't lose any kids and we didn't get shot or mugged. Yes u can laugh now but I was really hesitant about travelling to the US for so many reasons. And so I'm sooo thankful that everything went well, considering we have 2 young kids with us, travelling across different cities, different states, 2 countries, survived all kinds of transportation; long flight, long bus rides, train rides, long drives, boats, cable car...but it was amazing! So yes divine intervention was definitely something we needed and I'm thankful that everything went as planned and there were no major disruptions to our plans for one reason or another. So glad that the kids did not get sick at all and to our surprise, were great company and very easygoing.
And I'm most thankful that the most important person was well throughout the trip and I am so glad to have such a calm, cool headed, dependable and extremely patient person as my travel partner. It makes all the difference I tell ya! I must say, without Alim, the trip would not have been possible and the kids n i will never have had the best times of our lives. So thank you dearest partner, for carrying the heavy bags, for all the milk making and diaper changing, (sorry alisha had to poo at the Grand Canyon AND Mount Fuji! haha) for thinking of everything before I did and most importantly for sharing these experiences with me. You really amaze me all the time.*hugs* :)

While I was there I did write in my blog but did not have the time to post them so I'm posting it now. They are the entries below. Will put up pictures soon!
Till later!;)


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Unposted entry:Dec 12, Tokyo, Japan

Dec 12, 2010
Part 3: Tokyo, Japan
With a heavy heart, we left San Francisco early this morning and just landed at narita. We are in the narita express now, an hour and a half train ride to shinjuku where we will be spending the last 4 days of our trip. I'm super excited to see Tokyo and hoping to hop on the Shinkansen and see mount Fuji! For sure irfan is looking forward to that ride!
Will catch up later! We've been all over but somehow the holiday still felt too short! At first the thought of travelling from LA to Nevada, Arizona, San francisco, Oakland and then to Tokyo, japan was absolutely crazy with the two kids but alhamdullilah, we are having a wonderful time. The time spent with them, every sec was very precious indeed!
Be home soon. Insyaallah!: bye!


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Unposted entry:Dec 8th, California Part 2

Dec 8th, 2010
California part 2
We are at San Francisco now and loving it so much! The quaint architecture of the buildings, the really yummy seafood at pier 39, the unique roads with the cable cars ( trams ) and ol skool technology. It's a quirky place where modernity and history exist side by side. The hanging bridges just add to the unique road system here.
We have only a few days left here but there's so much more we want to explore.
And everyone is so friendly and nice around here, also coz probably we have lil kids with us. It is a wonderful place to just relax and soak in the San Francisco charming atmosphere.
Till later, good nite!


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Unposted entry:Dec 6th, California Part 1

Dec 6th, 2010
California part 1
Hi all, finally free Internet connection. Everything has been beyond expectation here especially the kids! They have been nothing but little angels. We took a tour to grand canyon from LA and they went through the whole 12 hour tour without giving us any trouble and people in the tour were commenting how good they were. I'm totally surprised myself! Alhamdullilah. I never believe I would say this but it was actually so much fun travelling with them.. The funny things that came out from their mouths and the neverending tunes from Alisha. :)
We are good and having a good time so far. Got a lot of places covered from Disneyland, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Sunset strip, to Las Vegas and the breathtaking Grand Canyon. Of course a lot of damage done in Camarillo premium outlets! My boots was a steal and went home with more than a couple of bags! God!!!
Tomorrow we are starting our second leg; the drive out from LA to San Francisco. Im super excited but at the same time nervous about this road trip. Insyaalaah we are hoping to reach sf without a hitch.
Ok we are off to do our laundry now. We didn't bring much clothes and in dire need for fresh clothes. Had coffee, milk powder and sardines spilled all over my one n only jeans.
Take care everyone! The kids miss everyone back home:)
Much love from the 4 of us!!bye!




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Unposted entry: Nov 28th, We turn 6!

Nov 28th, 2010
Happy 6th anniversary to us! Love from narita, japan.;)


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