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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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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