Tag Archives: AirBnB

Mexico City 2023 – Day 1 and 2

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Flew out of SFO Friday at 2pm, and landed in CDM at 7:30pm. Immigration into Mexico was pretty easy. You just scan your passport, and you are in (no person or stamp).

Our AirBnB was in Roma Sur (south), which is conveniently located Av. Insurgentes (a street which seems fairly safe to walk during the day time, and has lots of shops and eateries).

Our first place we checked out is in the nightlife area of Roma, called Zona Rosa (apparently where the rich and gaybourhood is). We went to the 3rd best bar in the world, Handshake Speakeasy. Details can be found here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/12/16/handshake-speakeasy/

After, we walked around a bit. Got some tacos (at the Taconte place pictured below). They were just alright (so not blogging about it). Also checked out a “sort of club”. It was $4 per person to enter. Sound system and drinks were not good (and would not recommend).

I’d be down to explore the area again, but definitely need to really see reviews of places first before committing.

Before ending the first night we did try to find alcohol to take back to the AirBnb. FYI, seems like buying alcohol you can’t do past 2am in Mexico City. You can buy it at convenience stores like Circle K or 7 eleven. Also it is available by Uber eats. (You can buy it past 2am at circle k if you pay by cash).

The next day (our 2nd day), started by walking from our AirBnb to brunch on Av. Insurgentes street. As mentioned above, lots of shops and eateries, and also found an ATM to withdraw cash (at the BBVA bank).

For brunch, we went Marques. Details can be found here

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/12/16/maque/

After brunch we went to a nearby Park, Parques Mexico. Lots of things going on in it. It’s a place where people sell dogs, a dog park, people throwing frisbees, people salsa dancing, and some water fountains.

After, we walked towards the Condesa area, where I got some Starbucks, and also people clothes shopped. We also stopped by this Korean restaurant, Jowong, for drinks:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/12/16/jowong/

After we walked to our dinner place called Contramar. Details here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/12/17/contramar/

After, we got drinks at a place called Limantour:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/12/18/limantour/

To end the night, we went to this club (they technically classify it as a bar) called Departamento. It has three floors, with the top being a rooftop club, and the middle floor looking like a warehouse. They played playa tech house music in the top floor, and more progressive in the middle floor. Would totally come back to this “club” (fyi, security does check thoroughly, and some people’s socks were checked).

New York City (Lower East Side) + Buffalo 2023

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The week before the annual Thanksgiving break that Apple gives us, I decided to work remotely in New York with a friend. I’ve mentioned before that the New York office Penn 11 is pretty sick. It’s located across Penn Station, you basically have a full sized office (first come first serve phone rooms), and there are a lot of eateries around it.

I flew out of SF around 8:25am Monday, and landed at 4:20 in EWR. Since I had meetings, I used my United Club pass to take meetings (stayed there for 2.5 hours). The EWR lounge in terminal C is one of the best United lounges, and it allows people arriving to go in them (you don’t have to book a refundable ticket).

From the airport, Ubered to our AirBnb in Hell’s Kitchen. It only took 35 minutes as there was zero traffic for some reason.

The AirBnb was not what we were expecting though (the heat was not working… so they had to buy us space heaters, and the main area was super small). The next day we ended up switching to a hotel the lower East side (which I’ll get to later).

That same night my friend and I went to a a bar called Valerie (near Rockefeller center). I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it because the food was just ok, and the bartender didn’t know what Asian glow was. We then pivoted to a speakeasy in the flat iron called Patent Pending. Details can be found here (I highly recommend this place):

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/11/19/patent-pending/

The next day (Tuesday), worked until 10:30am to 6pm. Grabbed lunch at a Mediterranean placed called Naya. Details can be found here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/11/19/naya-penn-station/

After work, we met up with Jon’s friend Nick for drinks. We went to one bar near the Apple office called District Tap House. I liked the vibe there (very after work professionals type thing), and they had a full bar (could go from whisky to Aperol Spritz). We then decided to bar hop to the cafeteria area under Penn Station. Grabbed a bunch of whisky drinks there. Will say, that cafeteria in general is great and I highly recommend for just quick eating as well.

Afterwards we ended up checking into our hotel at the Lower East Side called Hotel on Rivington (we were able to get a full refund for our AirBnb, minus one night plus cleaning fees). Hotel itself is very nicely located.

Staying at the lower east side for a week sort of has given me a view of what it’s like to live in New York. Going to and from the Apple office I just need to take the F line (hotel was 5 stops away from Penn Station). Admittedly I did Uber a bunch (as I can work / use my laptop in it… however the estimates to get to work were usually off since closer to Penn station traffic becomes unpredictable). Also lots of eateries and bars close by the hotel.

Should also note that I went to the coffee place, Froth, every morning since it was so close to the hotel:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/11/19/froth/

The next day (Wednesday), worked until 6:30pm. Ate at a ramen place in the Penn Station cafe with our friend Yash. After work, we walked over from work to the Nederlander Theater to see a play called Shucked (fyi, we brought our bags, and they let us bring it in. Search was super lite). I will say the play was great. Very funny about all things related to corn. (Drinks were a bit pricey though. $40 for a double whisky on the rocks).

After the play, we ended up going back to the lower east side to a so called “speak easy” (it’s just a late night Chinese restaurant with a full bar). Details can be found here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/11/19/froth/

Next day (Thursday) we started the day by going to Katz’s, where I got a pastrami sandwich and matzaball soup. Soup is fire.

After work, met up with another friend for dinner in the meat packing district called Buddakan. Really like this area and want to explore it more (Tao nightclub is close by). Details can be found here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/11/19/buddakan/

Afterwards, we checked out a really great rooftop near our hotel called Mr. Purple. Details can be found here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/11/19/mr-purple/

We ended the night by meeting some people in Williamsburg. Not sure what the name of the bar was, but it was a very whisky type night.

The next day (Friday) was great day, and what we did is kind of why working remote and staying the lower east side made sense. We basically started the day by going to the great bagel places called Russ and Daughters. Details here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/11/19/russ-daughters/

Worked only a 4 hour day. At around 1pm, we did a 15 minutes walk to SoHo for some shopping. I specifically was looking for a jacket to keep me warm for the upcoming Bills game and Boston. Visited ArcTeryx and Moncler. Would’ve for a jacket at Moncler, but they didn’t have my size (and at $1700 it should fit perfectly!). So ended up getting one at ArcTeryx.

After shopping, we started the night at 7pm by bar hopping around West Village. The places I remember us hitting up are (in this order): MacDougal Street Ale House, Off the wagon, Down the Hatch (had a sick beer pong set up) No and Duplex. After duplex, things are a bit blurry. We did end off the night at a friends Eric’s place (only for like 10 minutes). Also, most people in the group, uh, became very lit.

Also, I did meet up with two other friends, Sam and Celine. We went to Off the Wagon and grabbed Chinese food around that area with the rest of the group.

The next day (Saturday) we started off by having brunch near our hotel called Sons of Essex. Full review can be found here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/11/19/sons-of-essex/

We then had some drinks at our hotel (we had a free bottle of champagne to finish). Then walked around SoHo for some shopping. Bought some gloves at North Face. Also stopped by this Rice Pudding place:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/11/19/rice-to-riches/

We then went back to Moncler since some people in the group really wanted to check it out.

After shopping, we met up with my friend Vince, and got some Prince St Pizza:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/11/19/prince-st-pizza/

After eating, we wanted to go to a speakeasy called Attaboy, but basically had to wait a bit so we went to another place nearby for an hour called Two Doors Down (would recommend Hong back, just the music is slightly louder than expected). For Attaboy, you can read the recipe here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/11/19/attaboy/

We ended the night at McDonalds, bringing it back to the hotel.

The next day (Sunday) we got up at 5:30am to go to Buffalo for the Bills game. We got a hotel in downtown, the Hyatt Regency (apparently the Jets stay there during their away games). We then chilled a Jon’s friend’s place, Pete for some drinks.

Afterwards headed to the stadium for tailgating. When we got off our Uber, we were greeted to a party bus with some awesome shots. We then spent time at a bar called Prohibition 2020 (it is actually right in the middle of the tailgating action). Drank a bunch of beer, some pizza, and also did a Red Bull vodka. After, we got some beers at a gas station across the street to party at Pete’s friend’s fire truck for like 20 minutes.

Went to the game shortly after. We won! I learned some things about football. (1) there is a 4 in 10 (sometimes could be more if there is a penalty), which mainly describes how many yards (the ten in this case) needed to reset the downs. And (2) there are 5 avenues for points in a game (field goal (3), touch down (6), touch down plus kick off (6 + 1), touch down plus replay (6 + 2), and one other one). For the stadium itself, will say it is almost impossible to find hard liquor. I did end up finding one near section 140 at a very not obvious cart.

We ended the night at a bar to get Buffalo Wings called Bada Bing. Details here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2023/11/21/bada-bing-sports-bar-and-grill/

And that concluded the New York experience for this trip. Honestly, really had a good time. (next day headed out to Toronto by getting a rental car through Avis).

Joshua Tree

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Although this is the second time I’ve been to Joshua tree, wanted to actually write down this one for future logistics.

First, we went here in early November. Weather during the day is actually pretty nice (around 25 degrees). However at night it can go to around 14 or 14 degrees, which is pretty cold if you’re sleeping without a heater (which we accidentally did the first night out of the three nights we’ve been here).

We stayed at an Airbnb that is 12 minutes away from the entrance of the actual national park. I think the location is pretty good (3946 Anita Ave). Also less than 20 minutes from downtown Joshua tree (where we usually got our morning coffee, at a place called Joshua Tree Coffee (haha yes, very original)).

One thing to also note is that Door Dash is available (which is useful since there was an initial stop at the Costco at Palm Springs, but some things were forgotten). Vons and other eateries were door dash able.

The Airbnb we got had a hot tub, corn hole, and pickle ball court. Utilized them fairly well during this trip.

We ended up going to Joshua Tree national park the third day we were here. We went to the trail called Skill Rock trail. It’s only 1.7 miles, but we took around 1.5 hrs with it since we stopped by to take photos. I recommend the trail because of how easy it is, and the scenes. Also it loops back to where you parked your car!

A couple of things to mention about this trip is that we did go for a friends 25th bday. And so she had some theme nights like PJ night, ABG/ABB night and cocktail dress to impress hour.

Europe 2022 – Santorini and Mykonos Day 12

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We started the day by leaving our AirBnb in Thira (Santorini), and heading to the docks slightly south of where we are staying over in Athinios (only cost $30 to bring all 5 of us).

I think the most interesting part about the the ride is that since the west side of Santorini is basically on a cliff, there is a road that descends I would say about 500 meters down. Pretty cool.

We then grabbed lunch at another Mediterranean place while we waited. Details found here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2022/08/05/athinios-restaurant-cafe/

Fyi, for the ferry, booked it the day before using ferryhopper.com. It was only $89. I would recommend getting there really only 30 minutes before departure (and it was easy to get in front of the line). Line was a bit chaotic, but going inside the ferry itself was fine (and seeing cars go into the ferry was kind cool). Also, the interior of the ferry was more upper scale than I expected. Definitely a good experience.

Along the way we stopped by the islands Ios and Naxos. Ios didn’t seem too interesting, but it did have more “rectangular” looking buildings, but still white and blue (but obviously judging the “interest” tfrom the boat isn’t the best). Naxos looked pretty cool though (looked fairly modern and lively). Think that may be a good place to visit next time.

When we got to Mykonos, we ordered an “Uber” (it’s a van contracted by Uber) to the Airbnb. Interesting thing is that Mykonos itself is a walking city, so the Uber can only drop you off to a street that is “close-ish”.

As we got dropped off, I did notice that Mykonos I less hill-y than Santorini, and a bit more upscale, but has more space (same crowdedness).

After going to the AirBnb, we ended up going to a beach nearby (Paralia Choras Mikonou) for about an hour. The beach had a bit too much small rocks (not super sandy). Probably wouldn’t go back to it (although it did have a wheelchair accessible beach contraption).

We then went around town to shop. I actually a couple of things. I got a Greek type shirt, and also some Ray Ban sunglasses (to replace the ones I lost).

Afterwards, we ended up going to a restaurant that is right below our AirBnb called Eva’s Garden. Details can be found here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2022/08/06/evas-garden/

After dinner, pregamed at the Airbnb (learned a game called shoot the dealer).

We then ended the night at Cavo Paradiso, where Afrojack played. Some key notes is that shirts and shorts are allowed in the club, DJ came on at 2:30am, and they don’t check ID. Also, grabbing a (didn’t use Uber) taxi costs $35 (although kinda got scammed since he said $25 initially). Overall, people were good to talk to, and had a great night.

Croatia / Bosnia – Vodice / Dubrovnik Day 13

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We left our hotel in Vodice around 10:30am and headed to Dubrovnik Airport (to drop off our rental car)

Really the only areas of interest along the way during the drive was the gas station stopped (to get some supplies, refuel, and throw things away), and crossing Bosnia. (Also the trip did affirm that Croatia’s highway system is pretty modern, but with a lot of tolls (the inner city roads however are a different story, since they are all small and tight).

Crossing Bosnia was really easy (we gave them our passport, and they didn’t even look at all 3 or scan them). It was a 9 minute drive to Bosnia, so super short. Going back to Croatia, they did check and scan all our passports.

After the border, it was about an hour till the airport. At the airport, when returning of our rental car to XL rental cars, we did have a bit of bad luck (guess because was Friday the 13th). There was two slight scratches on the hood of the car, which cost $400 USD (we really don’t know how they got there). Hopefully Chase Sapphire reserve will be able to cover it.

We then took an Uber to our AirBnb (what had crossed our minds is to take a ferry from a close city called Cavtat to Dubvrovnik, but decided against it since the port is far from the AirBnb).

We got to our Airbnb in 20 minutes, and then got some food at a place our host recommended called Belvedere. Details can be found here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2021/08/15/belvedere/

After dinner, got to the AirBnb, and I actually booked a separate hotel (for logistical reasons). Booked Arch B&B (super close to the AirBnb), but they then moved my reservation to Studenski Dom (a really awesome new dorm). It was great, from the newness, to no mosquitos, to the free breakfast. The only thing I did have to do is ask them to allow me to have the AC be able to set at a lower temperature (lowest was initially locked to 28 degrees Celsius!).

I did ask the receptionist at the AirBnb what club he recommends to go to. He said Revelin. I looked it up, and I was convinced (they do bring in famous DJs like Tiesto, and the website said it was in a castle).

Revelin is in the old town (which makes sense since it’s on/in a castle). The Uber ride was 12 minutes. The DJ did not disappoint (some refreshing progressive house and deep house). Great way to end the night.

Croatia – Split Day 1

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Left SFO around 7:55pm on 7/31, and took a Swiss flight from SFO to Zurich, Switzerland. The flight experience was actually really good. They served free Glenlivet (so got 4 of those), two meals (dinner and breakfast), and had blankets and pillows. They also had free snacks and bottles of water laid out for “overnight to” eating. One key decision I did also make is upgrade my seat to an exit row, where I basically had unlimited leg room. From the above, the 11 hour flight went by pretty fast (and also binge watching Below Deck season 4 while buzzed helped).

When I arrived at Switzerland, didn’t have to go through passport control. However, there was security, where they did a pretty thorough screening of my personal bag (I think because there was a good amount of electronics). One thing to call out though is that the mocha from the airport did make my stomach upset.

The flight from Zurich to Split went by fast (basically a bit over an hour). When arriving at Split, passport control had a pretty long line, but went through it after 20 minutes. After, there was a declarations control area, where it looked like they were randomly picking who went through it.

From the Airport, we took an Uber to get to our AirBnb (30 minute drive that cost about 500 Kunas). Our AirBnB is at a pretty central location (5 minute walk from the main part of town).

After settling in the AirBnb, we first had dinner at an outdoor fast food place called Fast Good 058 (where I just had fries since I wanted to stick to something basic). Then we headed to a street called Obala Hrvatskog Preporoda (translated to Coast of the Croatian Renaissance ), where they have a good amount of nightlife and restaurants/bars going on. We checked out Roof68, where they were playing some house / tech house music. Drinks were ok (not cheap though), but I did like the vibe.

Hawaii – Kona Day 14

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Last day in Hawaii, which was pretty packed with small stops.

Started the day going to Green Flash Coffee. Here are the details:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/11/30/green-flash/

Then headed to Kahalu’u beach to get in some last minute snorkeling. I gotta say I liked the diversity of fishes here better than Captain cook monument (but the corals at captain cook were much better, and there were dolphins there). NJ did mention though he saw a turtle in the water while snorkeling.

After the beach, we cleared out our AirBnb (will always have the memories of watching season 28 of survivor there). We then dropped our bags of at Janie’s new place which is near Da poke shack.

From there, we headed to Kona Coffee and Tea to pick up some souvenirs (got some medium roast coffee. I also wanted to get the chocolate covered espresso macadamia nuts, but they ran out :().

We then headed to Kona Brewery, where we had a late lunch. Details can be found here:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/11/30/kona-brewery/

After the brewery, we stopped by a small chocolate shop called Puna (had an art exhibition in the upstairs). Got a chocolate covered stroopwafel, which was pretty good.

We then headed to HiCo, where I got an iced mocha plus a spam musubi. Here are the details: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/11/25/hico/

After, we went to costco to grab some additional souvenirs (macadamia nuts plus Kona account Crunch coffee).

After Costco, we quickly rushed to Pine Trees Beach to see a glimpse of the sunset. Afterwards, headed to ABC to get some souvenirs (a shot glass, a coaster, some chocolate covered macadamia nuts, and a shirt).

The last stop before heading to the airport was Janie’s place to eat a Sushi dinner (ordered from Sushi Cocoro & Udon, which details can be found here: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/11/30/sushi-cocoro-udon/).

We then dropped off our Jeep at Hertz, and boarded our flight. Till next time Hawaii!!!

Some things to check out next time I visit Big Island:

-Narnia

-Resort area 25 miles north of Kona (where there is other types of nightlife)

Whistler 2020

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Stayed here for 2 nights, and 2 days (Friday to Sunday)

Started off from Vancouver, where I got a ride from Sam (who rented a all wheel drive BMW car). Ended up driving at 3pm, and got to Whistler at 6pm (it took us an extra hour since we stopped to get liquor at BC Liquor store, and some groceries).

The AirBNB was located at 7406 Ambassador cres (6575 doorcode), and it was a good dive for 14 people (haha just enough bathrooms that I never noticed waiting for one).

The night off, played a bunch of drinking games including don’t drink and drive MARIO cart, and an awesome game of rage cage and flip cup. For food, we ordered at a noodle place (there aren’t ok many food delivery options, but literally googling “Whistler Food delivery” showed you all the options. The other option would’ve been pizza).

The next morning, got up at 9am, but ended up arriving to the Village / Gondela area at 1pm. A ticket was $110 for 1 day (it’s more expensive if we weren’t with Dersu, who has a buddy pass).

The first mountain I started off was Hwistler, where there were practice bunny slopes. Then I went down the easiest route (which took a long time, but not because of me).

Then I went to Blackomb, where the easiest route there was actually easy.

See all the Whistler tips here: http://lessons.awesomenessoflife.com/2020/03/01/whistler-and-snowboarding/

At the bottom of the mountain is a restaurant called Longhorn (which reminds me of a Vegas day club based on atmosphere, music, quality of sound system, etc). As you come down the mountain, you can hear the music, which actually got me going.

After Whistler, we ate at Beacon: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/03/03/beacon/

After Beacon, we chilled back at the AirBnb for a little while, then headed to a restaurant called Araxi: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/03/03/araxi/

After Aroxy, we tried one club called Tommy’s. That place was literally complete trash (bouncer lied and said there were 100 ppl when there were only 30, and I did not like the music). We then tried a place called Moe Joe’s, which was infinitely better. Music was a mix of top 40 and after hours, and people there were better lol.

Next day, explored other parts of the village (including the south part), plus found the Olympic Rings and took pictures! The rest of the time up in Whistler was eating at a restaurant called Caramba (http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/03/03/beacon/), and then chilled at Longhorn (which I wish we chilled at a bit more soon as the DJ was great, although drinks were a bit pricey – $20 for an old fashion).

Drive back down from Whistler at 3pm, and arrived at the airport at 6pm.

Austin Day 1 and 2 (plus part of 3 and 4)

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On day 1, I arrived in Austin around 10pm. From the airport, we quickly dropped our stuff at our AirBnB (staying at the west side of Austin), and made our way to a local bar called Kung fu Saloon (a mix of game arcade and dive bar).

For the start of day 2, we ended up at the Costco to get supplies and breakfast food (note that at Austin, like in Vancouver, they only sell hard liquor at an independent store, but beer and wine can be found I. Costco. The independent liquor store was right beside Costco).

After Costco and eating an awesome breakfast, we walked to SOCO, and went through some local shops (for example, trying in some cowboy boots).

After SOCO, we walked all the way up to the Capitol building, and explored around for a bit (we tried to make it to the top floor, but looks like you can’t actually go to the top without being in the tour guide. We got to the 4th floor.

After, we got food at Black’s Barbecue. You can read the review here: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2019/11/16/the-original-black-barbecue/

After, we made our way south to a bar called Spider House, where they served hot liquor drinks. I got a got chocolate with vodka called the Hot Chodka.

From there, we ventured south. We ended up going through The University of Texas, passed by a frat party of KKT, then walked through the Capitol building and avoided a group of people casting spells, then made our way to the East part of Austin where DBL saw some dead. Key being out in a trunk. We then ended of this paragraph’s adventure by going to the Voodo Donut place (you can read the review here: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2019/11/16/voodo-donuts/).

We stayed in the east side of Austin for the rest of the night. First bar stop was the Buffalo Billiard bar. The place had the large sections, each with various games like billiards, connect 4, and arcade games. I was impressed. We ended of the night seeing Fleetmac wood at the Parish, which was an interesting EDM experience.

At the end of the night, we came back, and I ended up making my first candy for the next day.

The next day, we had brunch at Walton’s Fancy and Staple: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2019/11/25/waltons-fancy-and-staple/

Joshua Tree, Day 2 and 3

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The second, and main day of the trip we left the house at 11:30 (and before leaving, had A).

We headed to a trail called Cap Stone. The great part about the trail is that it is 0.3 miles only, which is great for not being entirely sober, but also there are many Joshua trees with many rock formations around as well, but it is relatively flat.

After, we headed to Skill Rock. This trail is definitely more involved than Cap Stone, but still do-able (I believe this one is 1.8 miles). We didn’t finish the trail, it got probably half way through. Still a great hike nonetheless 🙂

We then spent the rest of the day in the house. At night, we used the hot tub, and watched several episodes of Drunk History, as well as read an interesting picture book from Taschen about LA from the 1920’s onward.

On the last day, we left the AirBnB around 11:30am, and made our way back to SF. The one interesting thing along the way was a police stand off that was happening in the highway (basically there were two police cruisers stopping this one car, and one police had their gun out and longed towards this girl with her hands in the air).

After, since we had a full breakfast, we only stopped by Panda Express along the I5 for an early dinner.

Overall, great trip, with lots to reflect on 🙂