The Royalty Life: Hearst Castle

So after our mini stop to Solvang, we went all the way up to Hearst Castle. On our way to the huge mansion of William Hearst, we watched a video explaining the history of the 40,000 acres ranch land and how the host pampers his select guests.

 

It sure was a loooong way up to Hearst Castle but the grandeur sure made the trip worth it. We were greeted by the huge door of the castle and we were in awe.

 

 

Flash photography was strictly prohibited inside the castle but most of our tour mates were not as cooperative and kept on using flash and stepping outside the carpeted area (a big no-no to our tour guide who almost lost her patience).

 

Food Truck: Tako

Food trucks. It is starting to create a wave here in Manila. There are now Mexican food trucks, ice cream trucks, and even a fruit juice truck. (Jamba Juice, anyone?) But in other countries, there are more choices. N and I spotted a Korean food truck on our way back from San Francisco and we just have to eat there (since we needed a break from Chinese food—as our tour guide kept on bringing us to Chinese restaurants throughout our 3 day tour!). 

Hello, Tako!

This Korean barbeque fusion food truck has a simple menu (well I think most if not all food trucks have simple menus). You have 6 choices for meat—bulgogi, spicy pork, spicy spam, short ribs, spicy chicken, and tofu. The fun part is that you can have it on rice, tacos, or even turn it into a burrito, quesadilla or burger. Since the drive’s still pretty long, N and I opted to have rice bowls instead.

Little Denmark: Solvang

Going to San Francisco via bus is no joke. It sure was a looooong ride. Good thing N and I packed a lot of snacks to keep us… well, with happy tummies. On our way though, we passed by this lovely area that made us feel like we were in another country. Plus, The Little Mermaid was there to greet us!

Hello, Solvang!

Such a pretty pretty place!

 

It was starting to feel a bit chilly so out goes my first “shield” a beanie.

 

We were all given a few minutes to stroll around and have lunch but since N and I bought a lot of snacks, we thought of looking for a bakery instead for bread or something light to snack on. 

 

While walking, we (or at least me) can’t help but be thrilled with everything we see. There were a lot of nice houses, stores and even telephone booth! 

San Francisco Food Stop: Boudin

A trip to SanFrancisco would not be complete without visiting the Fisherman’s Wharf. Best dishes to try? Clam chowder and sour dough. And it was just perfect as our faces were turning into some stone figures due to the cold fall wind. (Note: FALL, it was not even winter then.)

 

Hello, Fisherman’s Wharf! I’ve heard a lot of stories about you!

 

It was past 12 then when we arrived and since we were part of a tour (meaning, there’s a schedule to follow), we decided to ride the ferry first that will go under the famous Golden Gate Bridge (which happens to be red and not gold… anyway) and Alcatraz. We got a great view of the skyline of San Francisco and got quite close (too close at times) with some seagulls.

Restaurant Love: House of Prime Rib

I had a blast during my US trip last October-November as I was able to visit San Francisco and New York. The San Francisco leg was tiring but lots of fun and I found one place that made my heart skip a beat.

 

It was already a bit past 7:30 p.m. when we headed back (from the Golden Gate Bridge) for dinner. J managed to reserve a table at the House of Prime Rib. I wasn’t really super excited as I have no idea of what to expect but I heard that it’s pretty difficult to book last minute reservations there. We just got lucky.

 

We arrived a bit too early for our 8 p.m. reservation and we were already famished. Actually, I was already feeling sick and feverish that time as well as the cold weather got me bad. Nonetheless, we distracted ourselves with some chit chat as it has also been a while since N and J last saw each other.

A Sneak Peek!

I know it has been a while (a long while) since my last update and thanks to my sister's friend J, I got motivated to post an entry explaining my disappearing act. I'm on a Dora The Explorer mode. I got to visit several restaurants and places I can't wait to blog about. Here's a teaser of what I'll be blogging about soon! :)

San Francisco Tour  

Solvang

 

Hearst Castle

 

Palace of the Arts

 

Fisherman's Wharf (and it's clam chowder!) 

 

House of Prime Rib (steak heaven!!!)

Yosemite

 

Food truck stop