Back in LA, we explore iconic spots like Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, indulging in local flavors at Petit Trois and a Korean BBQ in Koreatown. Our drive through Death Valley is a scorching experience, with temperatures soaring to 49.2 degrees Celsius. The trip concludes with a Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas and a return to Philadelphia for the 4th of July celebrations, before I finally head back home to Singapore.

Links:

• Tacos El Gordo — A popular taco chain known for its authentic Mexican tacos, particularly the Taco al Pastor.
• Cali Cream — An ice cream shop in San Diego offering a variety of homemade ice cream flavors and cookies.
• Morning Glory Breakfast — A trendy breakfast spot in Little Italy, San Diego, known for its diverse and delicious breakfast options.
• USS Midway Aircraft Carrier — A historic naval aircraft carrier museum located in downtown San Diego at Navy Pier.
• Old Town San Diego State Historic Park — A state-protected historical park in San Diego that commemorates the early days of the town of San Diego.
• Casa Guadalajara — A vibrant Mexican restaurant in Old Town San Diego known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and festive atmosphere.
• Griffith Observatory — An iconic observatory in Los Angeles offering public telescopes, exhibits, and stunning views of the city and the Hollywood Sign.
• Neptune's Net — A famous seafood restaurant located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, known for its casual atmosphere and fresh seafood.
• Santa Monica Pier — A large double-jointed pier located at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, California, offering various attractions and restaurants.
• The Beatles LOVE — A Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas that celebrates the music of The Beatles with a mix of acrobatics, theater, and dance.
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Continuing our journey, we marveled at the giant trees in Redwood National and State Parks, enjoyed a cozy barbecue in Eureka, and admired the picturesque views of Mendocino. Napa Valley's rolling hills and wineries offered a taste of luxury before we crossed the iconic Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. The city's rich culinary landscape, from In-N-Out Burger to Burma Superstar, and the haunting history of Alcatraz left a lasting impression. Despite the challenges of homelessness and the pervasive smell of marijuana, the trip was a tapestry of unforgettable experiences, scenic drives, and culinary delights.

Links:

• LeChon — A downtown Portland restaurant offering South American-inspired dishes with a focus on shared plates.
• Mount Hood — Beautiful mountain in Oregon.
• Proud Mary Cafe — An Australian-style cafe known for its specialty coffee and hearty breakfast options.
• TokyoSando — A food truck in Portland specializing in Japanese Katsu Sando sandwiches.
• Powell’s Books — One of the largest independent bookstores in the world, located in Portland.
• Departure Portland — A modern Asian restaurant with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of Portland.
• QuarterWorld — A classic arcade hall in Portland featuring a variety of vintage and modern games.
• Redwood National Park — A series of parks along the coast of Northern California known for their giant redwood trees.
• Flow Restaurant — A restaurant in Mendocino offering ocean views and a menu featuring local ingredients.
• RamenGaijin — A Japanese restaurant in Sebastopol, known for its ramen and other traditional dishes.
• Screamin' Mimi's — An award-winning ice cream parlor in Sebastopol, known for its unique flavors.
• Voodoo Doughnut — The magic is in the hole!
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Our travels then take us through the picturesque landscapes of Arizona, where we marvel at the Horseshoe Bend and explore the Navajo Arts and Crafts at the Cameron Trading Post. The vast red rock formations of Monument Valley leave a lasting impression, and we savor the tranquility of our remote Airbnb stays. As we journey through Utah, the green scenery of Monticello and the unique rock formations captivate us. In Salt Lake City, we are pleasantly surprised by the vibrant, inclusive atmosphere, visiting charming bookshops and enjoying local delicacies. The Bonneville Salt Flats and the quirky Shoshone Falls in Idaho add a sense of wonder to our trip, culminating in a memorable dining experience in Nampa.

Links:

• Hotel in Las Vegas | Luxor Hotel & Casino | Las Vegas Hotel — Luxor Hotel & Casino is a pyramid-shaped resort located on the Las Vegas Strip, offering a variety of entertainment, dining, and accommodation options.
• Home - Eggworks and Egg & I Las Vegas Family Restaurants — The Egg & I is a popular breakfast and brunch spot known for its extensive menu featuring waffles, eggs, skillets, and more.
• Hoover Dam - Wikipedia — An iconic American landmark, the Hoover Dam spans the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona, providing hydroelectric power and attracting millions of tourists annually.
• Cameron Trading Post — A historic trading post offering Navajo arts and crafts, a restaurant, and lodging, located in Cameron, Arizona.
• Monument Valley — Monument Valley is a scenic region known for its towering sandstone formations and cultural significance to the Navajo Nation.
• Spitfire Smokehouse BBQ — A barbecue restaurant in Moab, Utah, offering a variety of smoked meats and traditional BBQ sides.
• Jailhouse Cafe — A local favorite for breakfast in Moab, Utah, known for its unique takes on classic breakfast dishes.
• The King's English Bookshop — A beloved independent bookstore in Salt Lake City, offering a wide selection of books and a unique "Blind Date with a Book" program.
• RubySnap — A bakery in Salt Lake City known for its gourmet cookies with a variety of unique flavors.
• Bonneville Salt Flats — A vast, flat expanse of salt crust in Utah, famous for land speed records and its stark, otherworldly landscape.
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The following days are a whirlwind of experiences: from an insightful slum tour to the breathtaking Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where we admire unique African flora. We indulge in ice cream at Tapi Tapi, enjoy a dramatic drive through the mountains to a secluded Airbnb, and savor a traditional braai under a starlit sky. Our journey wraps up with a visit to Stellenbosch's wineries, a Segway tour, and a final night of local food and dance in Cape Town.

Links:

• Hussar Grill - Best Steak Restaurant | Home — A renowned steakhouse in South Africa, known for its quality steaks and extensive wine list.
• @jarryds_eatery — A popular breakfast and brunch spot in Sea Point, Cape Town, frequented by locals and celebrities.
• Cape Point Ostrich Farm — A farm near Cape Point where visitors can interact with ostriches and learn about their farming.
• Boulders Penguin Colony — Home to a colony of African penguins, located near Simon's Town in Cape Town.
• Table Mountain — A national park encompassing Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope, offering stunning views and diverse wildlife.
• The Old Biscuit Mill — A vibrant market in Cape Town offering a range of artisanal foods, crafts, and design shops.
• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden — One of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, located at the eastern foot of Table Mountain.
• Tapi Tapi — A famous ice cream shop in Cape Town known for its unique and delicious flavors.
• Waterford Estate — A beautiful winery in Stellenbosch offering wine tastings and tours.
• De Vrije Burger — A popular burger joint in Stellenbosch known for its gourmet burgers.
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The adventure didn't stop there. We made our way to Memphis, exploring Elvis Presley's Graceland from the outside and indulging in a classic American barbecue. Our stay in a former recording studio-turned-Airbnb added a quirky twist to our trip. The journey took us further south to New Orleans, where we reveled in the French Quarter's charm and embarked on a thrilling swamp tour, encountering massive alligators up close. The culinary delights continued with alligator bites and a taste of the local nightlife, capping off an unforgettable segment of our road trip.

Links:

• Mammoth Cave National Park — Mammoth Cave National Park is a national park in south-central Kentucky, US. It encompasses portions of Mammoth Cave, the longest known cave system in the world.
• Ski Daddy's — Family-owned restaurant in Kentucky known for its American comfort food, including deep-fried dishes like fish and mozzarella sticks.
• Honky-tonk — Information about honky-tonks, a special kind of bar in the South of the US.
• Honky Tonk Central — A popular bar in Nashville, Tennessee, known for its live country music, vibrant nightlife, and bustling atmosphere.
• The Home of Elvis Presley | Graceland — The official website for Graceland, Elvis Presley's famous home in Memphis, now a museum showcasing his life and legacy.
• Sonic Drive-In — Official site of Sonic Drive-In, a fast-food chain where customers order and eat in their cars, offering a variety of burgers, fries, and shakes.
• National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel — Part of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, the Lorraine Motel is the historic site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
• Central BBQ — Renowned barbecue restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee, famous for its smoked meats, including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.
• Bass Pro Shop — The world's largest Bass Pro Shop located in a massive pyramid in Memphis, offering a wide range of outdoor gear and attractions.
• Vicksburg National Military Park — National park in Mississippi preserving the site of the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg, featuring a driving tour and historical exhibits.
• Ragin Cajun Airboat Tours — Offers airboat tours through the swamps of Louisiana, providing close encounters with alligators and other wildlife.
• Restaurant Iron — A highly-rated restaurant in Pensacola, Florida, known for its gourmet dishes, including foie gras and steaks.
• French Quarter - Wikipedia — The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans.
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As I adjust to being alone, my travels take me to the serene surroundings of El Nido. Opting for a secluded Airbnb in the jungle, I embrace the quiet, finding peace in the simplicity of my surroundings despite the initial boredom. Learning to ride a scooter becomes a thrilling necessity, opening up new vistas of lush landscapes and local life. Adventures to local waterfalls and beaches interspersed with moments of reflection and unexpected social interactions enrich my experience, marking a significant, introspective phase of my travels.

Links:

• Makati Shangri-La, Manila — A luxury hotel located in the business district of Manila, offering upscale rooms and a variety of amenities including a renowned breakfast buffet.
• El Nido Tourism — Official tourism site for El Nido, Palawan, providing information on activities, accommodations, and attractions in the area known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty.
• El Nido Tours A, B, C — Information about boat tours and Helicopter Island, a popular destination for boat tours in El Nido known for its unique shape and pristine beaches.
• Plaza de Roma — Historical plaza located in Intramuros, Manila, surrounded by significant landmarks and featuring a statue of King Carlos IV of Spain.
• Balut — Information about Balut, a traditional Filipino street food that is a fertilized duck egg with a developing embryo inside, considered a delicacy.
• Red Horse Beer — Information about Red Horse Beer, a popular strong beer in the Philippines known for its high alcohol content and distinct taste.
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The narrative then moves to Moscow, where the experience deepens. Here, making friends at the Kremlin Lights hostel, celebrating birthdays with new acquaintances, and getting a taste of local life beyond the tourist trails define our visit. Moscow stuns with its massive subway system and a military parade that's both awe-inspiring and a bit intimidating.

Links:

• Pervak Restaurant, Kiev — A traditional Ukrainian restaurant in Kiev, known for its unique decor and traditional cuisine. The website provides menus, location, and the ability to make reservations.
• @thebluecupcoffeeshop — A cafe in Kiev known for its breakfast offerings, including Eggs Benedict and pancakes.
• Saint Sophia's Cathedral, Kiev — A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cathedral is one of Kiev's best-known landmarks, featuring stunning architecture and historical significance.
• Kiev Monastery of the Caves (Kyiv Pechersk Lavra) — A historic Orthodox Christian monastery in Kiev. The site offers information on tours, the history, and the significance of the monastery.
• Old Bar, Kiev — A burger place in Kiev mentioned for its casual dining experience, though specifics were not provided.
• Moscow Metro, Wikipedia — Official website for the Moscow Metro, providing maps, fare information, and history about one of the world's most elaborate and deeply constructed metro systems.
• Kremlin Lights Hostel, Moscow — The legendary. Where we stayed in Moscow.
• @ketchup_moscow — A burger place in Moscow, recommended for its good burgers and social atmosphere, where we celebrated a memorable birthday.
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Budapest presented itself as a city of contrasts. From the initial confusion at Simpla to the awe-inspiring views of the parliament by the Danube, and a somewhat disappointing venture into a local thermal bath, Budapest was a rollercoaster of experiences.

Links:

• Szimpla Kert (Budapest) — Szimpla Kert is the original and iconic ruin pub in Budapest, known for its unique atmosphere, eclectic decor, and vibrant social scene, attracting locals and travelers alike.
• Hungarian Parliament Building (Budapest) — The official site for Hungary's Parliament Building, providing information on its history, architectural grandeur, and visitor tours along the Danube River.
• Buda Castle & Castle Hill (Budapest) — This site offers detailed information about Buda Castle and Castle Hill, highlighting its historical significance, museums, and panoramic views of Budapest.
• Central Market Hall (Budapest) — Central Market Hall is Budapest's largest and oldest indoor market, offering a vast selection of goods including traditional Hungarian foods, souvenirs, and crafts.
• Gellért Thermal Bath (Budapest) — One of Budapest's most famous thermal baths, known for its stunning architecture, therapeutic waters, and extensive spa facilities.
• @getto.gulyas — Instagram profile of Getto Gulyas, the most excellent gulyas we had in Budapest.
• Gravita Pub and Grill (Bucharest) — Facebook page of Gravita Pub and Grill in Bucharest, where we had quite good burgers.
• @gradinaeden — Instagram profile of the "Garden of Eden" (Gradina Eden).
• Smokehouse (Chișinău) — Smokehouse seems closed now – but for memories, I found this blog article.
• Notabene Cafe (Chișinău) — Facebook profile of the Cafe Nota Bene in Chișinău.
• Ștefan cel Mare Central Park — The main park of Chișinău, including the infamous fountain.
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