travel – Page 4 – Rich Cervales Blog

Serendipity 3

September 13, 2014UncategorizedLeave a Comment

Serendipity 3 is a renowned celebrity favorite thanks to its famous original New York City location, whimsical desserts and frequent appearances in film. Begin with its famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate drink that blends 20 different kinds of chocolate into an icy cocoa concoction. Indulge in unique takes on classic dishes like the colossal dinosaur-sized BBQ Ribs, Monster Meatballs and Spaghetti and hundreds of other items. — Source

With an old-fashioned ice cream parlor décor, Serendipity 3\’s setting is colorfully appealing to both adults and youths. Expect the pleasantly unexpected at this casual, quirky dining and drinking destination located just off the Las Vegas Strip near Caesars Palace\’s front fountains. —SOURCE

Me and my sisters-in-law waiting in queue.

Interiors transcends a colorful ambiance that appeals to adult and children. The vibe is still comfortable which makes this place perfect for meet-ups and get-together with friends or families (if the place is not packed). Make sure you come here at off-peak hours to avoid a long queue.

We came there for dessert. While waiting for our order, I was pa-simple looking at other customers table. Servings are HUGE. But, I was still surprised to see what Serendipity has in-store for us.

The Best Red Velvet Cake. Moist, not too sweet (for my taste) and creamy. Delicious!

It\’s delicious as well but, the serving was overwhelming I felt full right away. I think 1/4 of the serving will do for me the next time. Better yet, share it with someone.

Fried Oreo…Sinfully good!

This chocolate-y drink looks innocent at first but, wait till the alcohol runs straight into throat…

More alcohol-based desserts for adults!

Whoa! We finished everything!

The next time that I\’m here, I\’ll definitely try their other desserts and classic dishes.

Customer-service: OK.

Cleanliness: OK.

Price Range: $$-$$$

Crowd control: Pleasant

XOXO

Vegas After Sunset

July 25, 2014Uncategorized2 Comments

A night in Las Vegas is a delightful treat to your senses. We didn\’t came here for gambling and partying, we just enjoyed the sights. I just hope the next time I\’m here I\’ll be seeing Britney Spears, Jabbawockeez and Cirque du Soleil.

The Champs replica with Gordon Ramsay\’s imagery. I tell you, his presence in Vegas is everywhere.

This Eiffel Tower replica almost looks like the real thing (in picture).

It\’s Britney! B*tch!

I can see my Prada somewhere out there…

Dinner courtesy of Jaina

I\’m not a big fan of steak. Although if I\’m given one, I will eat it.

Jaina\’s plate. This one looks more delicious.

We are supposed to try Gordon Ramsay\’s steak place, but it\’s too expensive! Maybe with a Registered Nurse\’s salary grade I can afford it the next time hehehehe. I also want to try his burger place that has quite a queue.

My SIL Marilou and I decided to explore more of the The Strip. She discouraged me of exploring alone and insisted of coming with me. Turns out, there are more lurking photo-bombers.

I was ready for my beauty shot when this two guys came. I asked them to join me. They gladly obliged.

Ooops my ride (from the left of the pic) is waiting for me…Chos!

Nevada Patrolman.

The famous Bellagio watershow. A-must-see at The Strip. Guess what?! It\’s free. Just make sure you get a nice place for a good view.

At this time, the streets are crowded as ever! We contributed to the congestion hehehe

There\’s this group of ladies and gents who suddenly came out of nowhere while where taking photos. Everything happened so fast! Next thing we know Kuya Joel was sandwiched by chika-babes. Just see the look in face, he likes it! Turns out they are staff/crew from a local channel. In one way or another our faces appeared on TV.

Weeeeeeeee!!!!!

As we approached Palazzo and Wynn, we were \”mobbed\” again by partially intoxicated photo-bombers.

Alright!

Parang matagal na kaming magkakakilala!

I blend well…tsk tsk tsk Lakas maka-adjust at adapt. Wooohoooo!

Kainez! kung kelan mas madami ang barkada malabo ang kuha! Hahahahaha F na F!

Ang masasabi ko lang…I\’m freakin\’ cool!

To continue…we\’re on our way to Palazzo.

The crowd in this area is tamer, everyone seems business-like especially at Wynn.

Move over Kris Aquino, we now have a mandatory picture in the Palazzo waterfalls.

I love the decorations!

I was initially rooting for Caesar\’s Palace for \”The Hangover\” experience. I\’m hoping to stay at Wynn the next time around. I found out from Travel Channel\’s Best Buffet in Las Vegas that Wynn buffet has an upscale ambiance and seafood menu that is to die for!

The Venetian at night…

Caught a glimpse of Palazzo.

Whew! I should say we had one helluva night! After all the eating, photo-taking and walking, I declared myself a Pagoda Cold Wave Lotion.

XOXO

Las Vegas Newbie

July 23, 2014Uncategorized4 Comments

We had this trip last year, a day after Halloween. My sister-in-law Jaina and her husband came for a visit. My other sis-in-law Marilou planned a short getaway to Las Vegas to make their stay worthwhile. As for me, this was my first out-of-state trip.

It was a smooth 6 hours drive from Chula Vista. With mandatory stops for snacks, restroom use and coffee break. We arrived around 2 AM at The Strip. We checked-in at The Quad. Here\’s the view from our window.

The Quad is in the middle of everything! It\’s just a matter of choice to go from left or right. We opted to sleep through the night so we could conserve our energy for tomorrow\’s walk.

The next day…

The weather was conducive for walking and I love it!

Missed a Cirque show…Maybe next time.

This place is an architectural delight! I can\’t help but admire the structures.

The ceiling of The Venetian.

I have to say this, it looks glorious.

Breakfast time! Opted for a Chinese meal. Thanks Jaina!

The restrooms are so clean! I love the mirrors.

With my in-laws

I love the \”sky\” ceiling. It looks real.

After frolicking inside The Venetian, time to go out.

If you want to have your pics taken with them, you have to give a tip. It\’s a must. Same thing with the other costumed people along the road.

I forgot the name of this mall. It feels like you\’re inside an ancient city.

Check-out the spiral/curved escalator.

3 floors of H&M goodies

In Vegas, photobombers are everywhere. Seriously! But for me, every time someone does that I simply ask them to join me. They will oblige of course. Especially if they had a few glasses of \”spirits.\”

My husband thinks this guy is in the military. Look at the haircut. And there\’s a military base near Las Vegas.

My pogi na brother in law.

Only one thing comes to my mind about Caesar\’s Palace…THE HANGOVER!

I find each hotel has their unique gimmicks to attract people. Nowadays, Instagram-worthy interior and decorations are a must. People flock in to take pictures. You don\’t have to pay a dime for it. Just remember: No photo-taking at the casino area.

I forgot the name of this hotel. I love spacious lobbies.

They have a Halloween-themed garden.

The strip at daytime.

To be continued…

Things To Do In Phuket

March 19, 2014Uncategorized6 Comments

There are lots of activites to do in Phuket. It will highly depend on your interests. Here\’s what we had.

1. Participate in local festivities

We arrived during the Loi Krathong Festival. Too bad we were not able to witness the floating lanterns (darn!). Performances along the beach and Bangla road are available to entertain. Not to mention the colorful decorations all over town were beautiful. Take note: we didn\’t pay anything at all.

2. Thai Massage

I\’m a sucker for a good relaxing massage. There are lots of spa nearby the beach. Prices starts from 250 Baht. It also depends on what kind of massage that you will be having.

A complimentary foot scrub was done before starting.

3. Food Trip!

This was the shopping and food bazaar in Bangla road during Loi Krathong.

My all time favorite Thai dessert: Mango with sticky rice – 80 Baht

Reminds me of gulaman and buko pandan.

One of the random food joints that we stumbled upon…

Hindi sulit! Ang konti ng serving

4. Elephant Trekking

5. Night Clubs

Night life in Patong is ALIVE and WILD!

While roaming the streets, we chanced upon this bar in Bangla Road that hosted the ship that my husband served before he retired.

6. Island Hopping

Two of the most popular island hopping destination is James Bond Island and Maya Bay (\”The Beach\”) . I opted for the latter, I\’m more of a Leo fan.

Little did I know, our boat won\’t be exactly docking in the island. And even if we do, Maya Bay is congested with boats and people.

Make sure when booking a day trip of island hopping, know the exact details.

If you have your own snorkeling gear, bring it. Tours charge it per hour.

I have to admit, this place is beautiful. I could just imagine, it could have been more serene, peaceful and pristine pre-production of the movie.

7. Hammertime

I just made up the name. I saw this in one area of the mini bars in Patong. It\’s like you strike the nail hard, the deeper it goes through the wood, you win (?!) If anyone knows how this game goes, I stand corrected.

8. Pingpong Show

Curiosity killed the cat (I\’m the cat).
Just google search it. And if you do, these are the critters that came out of the V.

There are lots of activities to choose from, really! There\’s go-kart racing, ATV trekking, para-sailing, jet ski and speed boat rentals. If you want a tailor-made yet affordable suits and formal dresses that will be ready within 24 hours, they have it. My husband got his pants and shirt there.

Phuket is nice but, I didn\’t like it that much. It\’s tiring to go from one place to another. Much of the attractions and must-see places are far. Though I can still see myself coming back, because I want to see James Bond Island but I\’m not in a hurry. I suggest to those who wants to go, research a lot about the place and match it with the kind of vacation you want.

We all deserve relaxing vacations. Good Luck!

xOxO

Phuket, Thailand

March 12, 2014UncategorizedLeave a Comment

The island of Phuket has long been misunderstood. Firstly, the ‘h’ is silent. Ahem. And secondly, Phuket doesn’t feel like an island at all. It’s so huge (the biggest in Thailand) that you rarely get the sense that you’re surrounded by water, which is probably the reason why the ‘Ko’ (meaning ‘island’) was dropped from its name. Dubbed the ‘pearl of the Andaman’ by marketing execs, this is Thailand’s original flavour of tailor-made fun in the sun. —LONELY PLANET

We visited Phuket on the second week of November 2011. Just in time for the Loi Krathong Festival.

I have to admit, the town is one busy place. It seems like everybody has their business to attend to. Just look at the traffic.

Traffic jam. This was around late in the evening.

We arrived early in the afternoon via Air Asia. It was our first with them. The whole flight was a pleasant experience. A good sign of things to come, I spotted a rainbow during the flight. Cool!

//instagram.com/p/TiOMr

Upon arrival from the airport, we rented a taxi to take us to our Hotel. From there we decided to explore the Patong beach area. We used the hotel\’s shuttle service then off we go to the beach.

I like Patong beach for the shore\’s adequate proximity from buildings and establishments. Lots of space to roam, lounge and relax. It won\’t matter if the tide is high.

I didn\’t swim because the water looks murky. I\’m not sure if it was the time of the year when, sea water goes through a phase which gave it a brownish color. I was expecting clear blue water, white sand etc. We should\’ve visited Krabi instead (guess my research wasn\’t good enough).

There\’s lots of beach activities available like para-sailing, jet skiing etc. I\’m not sure about the prices and whether it\’s negotiable.

Nevertheless, we enjoyed the place with a romantic stroll.

The couple in this picture, NOT us.

There are markets, food stalls, tour agencies, tailoring shops, spas, hotels etc. near the beach. There are lots of choice for recreation and eating. It\’s just a matter of choice. Prices varies according to beach proximity (my personal opinion). Prices are higher if establishments are near the beach.

For shopping and mid to up-scale dining, Jungceylon mall is a short distance walk from Bangla road. Fast food joints (KFC, Burger King), Starbucks, bistros, cafes and fancy restaurants they have it. ATM machines are available inside as well.

Good to Know Info:

Many locals can speak English. Its easy to communicate especially when asking for directions.
The tuk-tuk usually costs 200 Baht per tuk-tuk NOT per person. If you can get it lower than 200 Baht, well good for you.
Shopping in Phuket is expensive. This is in comparison with what Bangkok shopping has to offer.
Money changers are all-over the place. Not all establishments accepts credit cards. Better to have cash at all times.

This is Day 1 of Phuket. Will post Day 2 in a while.

XOXO

Halloween and Vegas Weekend

November 5, 2013UncategorizedLeave a Comment

I had a very memorable weekend with my in-laws… It was my first time to meet my sister-in-law Jaina and her husband Arnold from Virginia. And my first time celebrating Halloween in California. I\’m still in the process of editing pictures. Another blog post coming up…

View from our room.

XOXO

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