(Facebook post)

I've been extremely energetic and hyped after returning from California, USA. The trip was really awesome, and I've also made many new friends.

It'd certainly be incongruous to talk about whatever's happening after the California days without first sharing about my America experience; so here's what I've gleaned from this memorable family vacation:

I used to think American food was mostly junk food, with the "cockroaches and worms" burgers, oily fatty fries and all. However, I had the chance to eat very good food in Las Vegas and Los Angeles (San Francisco food also wasn't bad). On the first evening, we had Mexican tacos and Subway cookies, and boy, the cookies were really delicious (It was a pity we didn't try their Mexican burritos). On the second evening, just before we went back to our hotel, I bought myself a cup of hot chocolate from a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory store. It was entirely excellent - the smooth brown texture was thirst-inducing, and the thick, viscous, chocolatey taste was as good as that of Rittersport chocolate, with an aftertaste which seemed to last perpetually. In sum, it was a good warm treat in winter Los Angeles. Then, at Las Vegas, we had dinner at a posh and classy (not to mention the delightful ambiance) steakhouse in Paris, one of the plethora of hotel casinos in "Sin City". I ate French bread for appetizer; Wagyu beef steak, medium-cooked, and bona fide escargot for my main course; and, to complete my decent European-style dinner, crème brulée and lime sorbet for dessert. At San Francisco, we mostly ate Oriental food - Chinese dim sum, Thailand cuisine, and Asian style buffet dinner. I guess it was also fairly good, except it wasn't strikingly tasty vis-à-vis the Western food I'd eaten in LAX and Las Vegas.

Another thing I recall very well is the general attitude and behaviour of the Americans. They were mostly friendly, if not hospitable. Their restaurant service was, in my opinion, very fine. The frequent "thank you"s and "you're welcome"s are all but a small facet of their excellent service. I guess it's not really surprising tipping is an American practice after all.

Of course, I've also experienced many other aspects of the American culture, but I'll reserve some of my personal opinions to myself. (View my photo album "California, US (2009)" for other parts of my American adventure)

Anyway, I'm now back in Singapore, after having returned from California last Saturday noon. Of course, I had a very bad jet lag, having slept and woken up at 12 AM and 5:30 AM for the past couple of days. I am probably still suffering from the jet lag, since I'm feeling a tad tired.

I've been eating significantly more these few days; my breakfast for Sunday, Monday and today comprised omelette, pancakes, cornflakes, hot chocolate, red tea and bread. I guess I'm really contemplating too much America, and unable to revert back to the (good?) old days.

Oh, I still have my Singapore Science and Engineering Fair report to edit. I guess I'll stop here.

Call me incoherent. Because I really am.

(By the way, to all of my US friends, I really think America's an excellent place! Your people, service and culture have all left me with a great impression of your country; I guess this impression will be an eternal one!)

Labels: Vacation