Goldstrike Hot Spring

Back in May Ironman and I took a trip to Vegas, besides the "Vegas Basic" such as blackjack, Broadway shows, nonstop eat and drinks, we went HIKING!

Yup, in Vegas!  When Ironman told me about the hike I almost got a chill down my spine.  It was a round trip 6 mile hike and I have never hike that far before, not only that it's in Vegas.  The hot sun, the dry heat... just scared me.

^ see me way at the bottom, those rocks were huge!

Even though I was intimidate by the heat and the distance, after hearing about the hotsprings I decided to went along with the group.

To be exact with the location, the actually city is Boulder city not Las Vegas.  Boulder city is about 30-45 minutes away from Vegas strip.  Remember to bring enough water, sunblock and a hat to prevent any dehydration.  Thanks to Ironman kept reminding me to drink water during the hike, otherwise I'm easily dehydrated.

Everyone were so exciting when we saw the hotspring, some folks jumped right in the water.  Temperature was just perfect.  It's not sulfur hot spring, unlike the hot springs in Taiwan that had a strong smell.

Another exciting part about this hike is rope climbing.  There are 8 fixed ropes if you go all the way to the Colorado river.  Make sure you have nice hiking shoes, it can be very slippery while climbing.  Some boulders were just so slippery that I needed someone from the top to pull me up.

While having lunch by the Colorado river, some people went for a swim.  They said the water was freezing cold as it gets towards middle of the river.

Going back was harder than coming to the river, especially it had gotten so much warmer after lunch.  Remember to drink lots of water while hiking, Ironman even pour some water on my head and body to cool me down because I was starting to get a little dizzy.

After we finally got back to our car, we drove to the famous hoover dam.

 This is a fun and challenging hike, someone like me who never really hike before can do it and liked it.  I'm sure many of you will enjoy it as well.  If you like more information on the hike, please click on the link below.

Click me please

Day trip to Sausalito

Took an one day trip to Sausalito at the end of July.  Ting ting was here for work, only here for one night and have to return to Taiwan the next day.  Can you tell she's tired!?  That's one part I do not miss about being a flight attendant.

We did not do much that day since she has to work back to Taiwan that night.

Every time I'm in Sausalito, I have to visit Lappert's from some ice cream!  There was a long line as usual.

Passed by a store with all kinds of cute toys!!!
Best time for goofy photographs! haha

Ended the night with delicious Japanese ramen in downtown San Mateo :)

[Salinas] Laurel Inn

Salinas is about 20-25 minutes from Monterey.  Hotels in Monterey are so expensive during the summer, if you don't mind driving and save about a hundred dollars I would recommend staying at Laurel Inn.

Don't let the title "motel" fool you.  Laurel Inn is very well kept, clean and family oriented.  Pool and hot tub available.  Continental breakfast provided every morning.

There are both outside and inside sitting area available for breakfast.

No hot breakfast though.

The only option for us was 2 queen beds.  Beds are very comfortable, room is very clean. 

Bathroom, simple and clean.

There is a small refrigerator too.

During weekdays their price is as low as $68!

For more information click to their website:  http://www.laurelinnmotel.com/home.htm

801 West Laurel Drive  Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 449-2474

[Sacramento]Japanese Shabu Fondue

What is Shabu?  shabu is cook thinly sliced meat and veggie in a pot with delicious broth then eat it with dipping sauce.  It's consider a winter dish, but it is eaten all year round.  How fun!

Japanese shabu fondue located in midtown Sacramento.  Street parking available, no need to feed the meter after 6pm.  On a Wednesday night there were only 4 other guest when we walked in.

There are 4 different type of broth you can chose from:

Shoyu: soy sauce based broth

Miso: Soybean paste broth

Chicken: Rich, chicken flavored broth

Kombu: salt, water, and seaweed

miso broth with chili pepper and shoyu

Starting from the left: garlic, scallion and daikon

peanut sauce and ponzu sauce

We had dinner for two, where you get to choose 2 of the 4 choices of meat.  Meat selections are American kobe beef, kurobuta pork, lamb or chicken.  Each comes with a plate of assorted veggies, tofu, black mushroom and udon noodle.

They are doing a yelp check in special, check in and get a $5 dollar worth of sides.  We chose kurobuta pork for our side, it was $8 so just had to add $3 to our bill.  

The restaurant is very clean, staff are very friendly with quick service.  Our dinner for two plus one extra side dish with the yelp check in special including tips came out to $42 dollars.  At the end of the meal there is choice of ice cream: green tea or chocolate. Yum!

Over all very satisfied!

1730 16th St
Sacramento, CA 95811
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Midtown

(916) 444-6688

http://www.shabujapanesefondue.com

Cheap ticket for New York Broadway shows-Chicago

Broadway show in New York is a must when visiting NY!!
I planned to watch a Broadway show but did not purchase tickets ahead of time.  I thought getting in line at the tkts booth in time square early enough I should be able to get some cheap tickets for boardway shows.  Unfortunately, the tkts booth open at 3pm, you can be in line but tickets are not guaranteed.

I didn't want to waste time standing in line, so I decided to go the the theater and find out pricing.

For the few days I was in New York I passed by the Chicago theater many times, and have heard of the show.  I walked in the theater, tickets starts at about $80-$125, just as I about to take out my wallet and pay for the cheapest ticket I can find, the clerk said, " I have stand tickets only $26."  I was still willing to pay $88 because I had been walking and shopping all day and legs were really sore.  Before I open my mouth again, the clerk said "come on, you're a young lady, you'll be glad you purchased the stand ticket."

Ok...how can I say no to that.. so, I purchased the stand ticket for $26.50.

And he was right, I'm glad I purchased the stand tickets!  Even though it's a stand ticket you will get your own spot, it's just like having your own seat, view is not blocked at all.  As a matter of fact, during intermission I was able to grab a chair and sat for the second half of the show.  The chair looked like it was for one of the people that worked there.  Glad I didn't get kicked out of the seat because after all the walking and shopping my legs were killing me!

I enjoyed the show very much, always loved jazz music and dramatic scripts, chicago was funny and clever.  I would say it's a must see.

If you don't mind saving yourself a $40, $50 dollars and not too tired after all the walking in Manhattan.  I would recommend asking for a stand ticket for broadway shows. :)

Grand Central Station, Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island Ferry, Statue of Liberty

Grand central station

Battery Park, this is where you would get the ferry ticket to the Liberty island.  It was too late for me, ticket clerk says you can line up but tickets are not guaranteed.

So I walked to ferry to the Staten island.  Got a good view of the statue of the liberty from staten island ferry.

Got a nice view of the statue of liberty from a distance.

It would be so nice to run a marathon on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Manhattan skyline from the Staten Island ferry.