Disneyland California Adventure

Be a kid     
   Be an adult         
        Be yourself

This would be my second time in Disneyland California Adventure and there hasn't been a boring been-there-done-that dejavu feeling. So I made a list of top things you must visit and experience when you are here.

1. Aladdin: The Musical Experience

- Photo Owned -

This musical extravaganza is not quite the same as its Broadway counterpart in terms of musical scoring; however, it stands on its own. The songs you've known from the movie comes to life as they transport you back to Agraba. But the highlight of the show is the comedic timing of the Genie; not quite the same as Robin Williams, but the actor's comedy is current and very entertaining. One would just be giggling and laughing all throughout the show. Also, fall in love all over again with Aladdin and Jasmine as they sing, " A Whole New World" and be amazed of the magic carpet ride.The blending of their voices is simply divine and will give you goosebumps.

The sets, the dances, the music is one you would not want to miss in your visit. 

2. Disney Animation Academy

Get in touch with your inner animator and sit with a masterclass as you draw some of your most lovable Disney characters. The glee you feel when you manage to complete it is an experience like no other. It is also a nice souvenir which you can frame... I sure did photo frame mine. 

- Sully from Monsters Inc -
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3. California Screamin and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

For the adrenalin junkies out there, Disneyland California Adventure has two rides that will surely satisfy your " I am SUPERMAN " or " I am a flying Jack (Titanic)" feeling. 

California Screamin' is one of the park's original rides, and is the only roller coaster at the Disneyland Resort to feature an inversion. Its top speed of 55 miles per hour (89 km/h) makes it the fastest ride at the Disneyland Resort and one of the fastest rides at any Disney theme park.( Credits : Wikipedia )

- California Screamin-
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The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

This ride manages to combine your fear of tight spaces, fear of dark, fear of Casper non-friendly ghosts and definitely your fear of heights. 

- Hollywood Tower Hotel -
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Instead of the autonomous vehicle found in the original incarnation, the scaled down version uses only a single shaft for each car. As the elevator doors close, the lights of the service elevator flicker out. The re-designed, multi-level boarding ride system for the Californian version of the tower requires that one elevator loads while another is in the drop shaft progressing through the ride cycle. As such, the first movement guests experience is horizontal, as the elevator itself is pulled back from the Rod Serling's voice is heard as the elevator is pulled back from the door ( Credits : Wikipedia )

These are just the top three things that you would not want to miss out, however, Disneyland California Adventure offers more rides and activities for you and your family. I would suggest to seize the day and spend one day in this park. Exciting thrills and adventures awaits you here; and I am sure that the memory you will make will be with you for a lifetime. 

" Live a Life where you begin your Once upon a time "
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Freedom

Berlin Wall

( German : Berliner Mauer )

The Berlin Wall (German: Berliner Mauer) was a barrier that existed between 1961 and 1990, constructed by the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany) starting on 13 August 1961. Between 1961 and 1989, the wall prevented almost all such emigration.During this period, around 5,000 people attempted to escape over the wall, with an estimated death toll of over 100 in and around Berlin, although that claim is disputed (Credits: Wikipedia)

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The Berlin Wall is located in Bernauer Straße 111, 13355 Berlin, Germany. The wall that used to be just cement covered bricks has been changed to show graffiti arts with powerful statements from artists showing freedom and change.

Wars from non acceptance led to the creation of these brick stones reflecting segregation and anarchy. Yet today, in this day and age this wall stands more than ever a symbol of the eradication of diversity.  

Rarely does it cross our minds how privileged we are to be able to live without having the restraints our forefathers had in the time of the Nazi regime; or even in time for us Asians, the Japanese empire rule in world war II. Some hardly appreciate the sacrifices our ancestors made for this privilege to become a right. 

Our right of speech
Out right to be free
Our right to live

The Berlin wall would be a emotional sight just like the concentration camps. This is one of those places where you would be able to realize how fortunate we are to be born in this age. How lucky we are to be able to write what is in our minds, to speak what is in our hearts, and to do what our dreams have envisioned for us. 

These are powerful emotions you would not want to miss when you visit the Berlin wall. A symbol of both suppression

..... and freedom. 

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Paradise

El Nido Palawan

Nestled in one of the islands of the Philippines, El Nido Palawan boast mother nature's best creation. 

A plane ride from either Manila or Cebu, this pocket of nature's splendor is about 238 kilometres (148 mi) northeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital. One would need to hire a van in advance from the airport to reach this place.

A word of caution to those who suffer from motion sickness is to make sure to drink meclizine (Bonamine) or you'll end up like me having side stops to deposit some fertilizers a.k.a your morning breakfast. 

But the trip which is roughly 6 hours is all worth it, especially when you arrive and witness a breathtaking sunset that you wouldn't be able to see anywhere else.

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El Nido is spectacular in itself, but what made this trip special was when I shared a memory with a friend. I went here with one of the closest people in my life who have been with me through my ups and downs; and who knows me inside out. This is one of those moments that will be forever embedded in my heart. Friends come and go but when you have those people who never let go and you know will be with you through hell and back, that ends a friendship and starts a family. A sister from another mother and a loyal partner in crime that you will only get to have once in your lifetime.

Treasure your friends...

         Treasure your family....

- Leah's Photo -

So when you visit this place, share it with people who are dear to you. Enjoy a one of a kind island hopping experience at one of the best destination Philippines has to offer.