California Trip

5 days of rollover time-offs at office, some non-stop checking for prices at Kayak.com, farecast.com, $320 and good set of friends are all that you need to make a trip to California. Being constantly bugged by the winter at NYC, I longed to spend some time at a more saner place (I believe some real hot sun can make you active) and bingo..this California Trip.

Starting on 21st evening by Jet blue on a 6.5hrs flight to San Jose, CF was eventless except for some 45min delay at JFK. I was told by my friends that domestic flight experience in US is something not worth mentioning, they felt that all of them were a bunch of Deccan Airways. But Jet blue was awesome, it had all features of an international flight, with individual movie screens and decent leg space. Very efficient I must say and they boasted on their in door catering menu – ” assorted chips, biscuits, nuts all for free….”.. I was joking with my friends that my company provides a much more bigger variety for free.

My friends were out there at the airport to pick me up and we all headed for a quick rest as we had action planned for the next 2 days. Early morning we headed to Disney Land, LA. A very long 6 hrs ride and I felt sad for my friend who was the only one who knew how to drive in that group. We gave moral support by not dozing off The route was just scenic, with lot of vineyards (California is supposedly famous for wine tasting events) and grew hotter when we hit LA. We made it to Disney Land at around 1:30pm. Now at the ticket counter, we were bit confused whether to go to the usual Disney Land or the California Adventures theme park. For the uninitiated, California Adventures has all that an amusement park needs to have for teens and adults like roller coaster and other mad rides. Disney Land park is more of a fantasy land and I am sure it would be hit among kids.

Making into California Adventures, me and friend made some quick strategy on what all rides we need to cover which obviously would be the ones with long queues and that provided the most of adrenalin rush. Disney has Fast Pass system, where in like our tirupathi system they tell us when you actually you need to come for your chance so that you can meantime spend your time on other attractions. But the catch is, you can’t get another Fast Pass if your previous fast pass has not been used for its ride. So invariably you will be in some queue or other or force yourself to mediocre rides. So the big thrills you should’nt miss include

a) Maliboomer: A full pressed spring which throws you up the sky when it recoils

b) California Screamin’ : An awesome roller coaster which will literally throw your guts out

c) Hollywood tower of horror: A 13 floor free fall in a lift ( the dramatics is awesome here)

d) Grizzly River Run : A cool rafting

e) Mulholland Madness: Will get you prepared for the roller coaster

In the night, Disney has a wonderful parade which dazzles in light and music. Tired and hungry we hit back to our hotel for a good sleep. Next morning we made a late start to Universal studios, some 40 miles drive from Disney.

Coming to Universal studios, one of the hollywoods’ biggest production house (and competitors to Disney..they keep saying that), is an attraction in itself. They take you on a studio tour which gives a glimpse of the making of special effects of explosion, back drafts, locales (they have recreated almost everything out there). The conductor was sweet, chirpy, funny chap who kept us in splits through out the ride. Universal has also its own theme attractions, but the difference, its linked to a movie like the jurassic park, mummy etc. The mummy roller coaster ride (all in dark) was a hit not because of the speed, but the way they take you deep in a cave and literally bring you back with the same speed like a full rewind. This is added with a feeling of those blood sucking bugs literally moving all around you. Awesome!!!. Next we headed to Terminator 3-D show another impressive show of technology and special effects and finally the Shrek 4D show, where the theater seats rock to the gallop, rough roads and donkey’s pranks.

After taking enough pictures (as a proof!!!) we head back home for another damn long drive back to Fremont and it was 1am when we hit our beds.

During the weekdays, I kept myself busy by visiting my relatives in Sunnyvale, Campbell and Milipitas. The scenic beauty of green fields, mountains didnt tire me out. Actually we made a partial trek of Mission Peak. After seeing all those big apartments, rush back at NYC, the 2 storied buildings, green yards, lakes was a blessing change. The life style was very much laid back and people were just enjoying life. Cool!

During the week I got a chance to go around the Pal Alto, Silicon valley, places around Standford and finally got to step into Google. Google looks like a big college campus, people eating, chatting and doing work at their own pace/style. I did get a chance to taste our usual Indian cuisine at infinite number of extremely affordable Indian restaurants serving really tasty food and my uncle who made some really exotic Italian Dinner. Loved it and good to see so many men have got a liking to cooking. My aunt was surprised herself and I explained her that one thing in the so called “women’s territory” (no more I think) that impresses men is cooking. Men perceive cooking more of a science, chemistry, mixing portions in different ratios and be intrigued by the different aroma and taste. Another thing that impresses them is geometry and cutting of vegetables using appropriate knives ( I love really nice and sharp ones) gives another satisfaction of symmetry.

Meanwhile I embarked on a missionary zeal to spread the ubiquitous rasam recipe but with a different flavor (sans dhal yet soupy). Click here to get it.

And finally on saturday, my friends took me to San Francisco to see the golden bridge. The structure is similar to Brooklyn bridge in NYC (Hanging bridge I meant), but what makes it really attractive is , it connects two mountains with sea in between. Further it bit more higher and the whole view is just awesome. I got a view of downtown San Francisco, but NYC downtown just beats it way down. I can’t just keep praising California always right

Then we headed to the Oakland international airport to catch my return flight to NYC. After performing the usual temple ritual (removing your shoes for security check) I boarded my flight back home. This time the journey was just 4.5hrs because of tail winds and I was back home at 6:30am thanks to MTA and Airtrain. Quickly took bath, had a good lunch and crashed to charge up for work the next day.

Getting back to work the next day was difficult, but the company helped me to get back to senses with loads of work . Looking back the trip would always be etched on my mind for a long time. Whats the reason…the place ofcourse..but more than that..its the people. If you have good friends, even Alaska would be interesting. Luckily I had some awesome friends (Venu, Saravana, Sreeja and Family) and relatives who took all the pains to make this trip of mine a big hit!

So where are you guys heading for long weekend??

Disney Parade