Packing & Changi Airport
It was 10th June 2011, 7pm (Luggage was 50% packed). Was sitting in a dental clinic at Bishan waiting to get in the torture chair before leaving for United States. Didn't want any dental visit while I was in states, especially when it's much more expensive.
Got home and started packing, making sure I brought all the apparels and important documents. The time was 3am when I finished packing, jumped into bed and took a 45 minutes nap. /Snap 5:15am, I was already in the airport sipping a cup of milo while waiting for the rest to arrive!
Not going to type every bit of details, we bid farewell to our close ones and boarded the 3 hour flight to Hong Kong which we will then transit to another flight to Los Angeles. I spent most of the time sleeping here.
Hong Kong International
We had no opportunity to use the washroom during the flight as there was constantly a long queue... First thing upon getting off the plane was to the gents, we went in pairs as someone had to keep their eyes on the luggages. Bunch of immigration officers were picking people exiting the plane to screen them, fortunately we weren't stopped by any, else we probably missed our flight.
Had like 30 minutes to get on board the flight to Los Angeles and we had no idea gate 04 was on the other end of the terminal. Arrived at gate 04 and the airport personnels were so anxious that they kept rushing us to get in and not wait for Tanner who was being held back a little longer for security checks. The 14 hours agonizing journey starts now, you'll be glued to your seat for 90% of the time and I would be sandwiched between 2 female strangers, not too optimistic... =_=
Not going blog about it but instead I'll upload a video which was recorded during the process.
Video: Traveling towards gate04
Video: On-board flight to Los Angeles
Funky chinese noodles, breakfast
Los Angeles International (LAX)
I survived and am now making my way down to the immigration and customs checkpoint. The immigration and customs officer at counter had a serious expression and his attitude towards me and Tanner was either impatient or rude. Basically ordered us for our documents and kind of tossed it back at us upon stamping them, if you are ever in our shoes... Just don't take it personal! Haha
This would be the final procedure. Picked up our checked-in luggages and went for the exit, another officer was stationed there to request for our 'Custom Declaration Form' and take a peek at our items. Mission accomplished! We've officially entered United States of America.
Pushed the trolley up the ramp and Mr Michael was right there waiting for us, appears that his mobile phone had no service so there was no contact with Dr Newton Lee. Switched on my cellphone and T-Mobile was in service, Mr Michael made a call and Dr Newton Lee and his wife (She happen to be an gorgeous American lady, was stunned for a moment) appeared. Got out of the airport and flag a cab while Bryan & Lu Sheng followed Dr Lee's lead to his vehicle, we would eventually meet up at the apartment which will be our home for the next 2.5 months.
Video: Arrived at LAX
Arrived at apartment (1843 19th Street, Apartment C)
Took us approximately 30 minutes to reach there, cab fare was US$35.00 and by the way, the fare here increases 30 cents per tick unlike Singapore (20 cents per tick). The temperature struck me after I alighted from the cab, guessing it's close to 16 degree Celsius.
As we waited by the metal fences for the rest to arrive, Miss Danielle (Landlord) came out and invited us to bring our luggages into the apartment first. She gave us a quick tour around the compound and dropped us sheets of paper with information such as wireless login, contacts and locations for good food. She was a really nice lady, found out she used to hold a job related to movie production but she didn't elaborate in details, maybe some other time!
Mr Michael suggested we freshen up and he's going to give us a quick tour of 3rd Street Promenade which is where Side Effects office is located and at the same time grab a bite there too. Short walk out to Pico Boulevard and catch the Big Blue Bus No. 7 which will send us straight down to Ocean Avenue and another less than 5 minutes walk to 3rd Street from there.
Video: Tour of the apartment
3rd Street Promenade
Walking down the streets of Santa Monica, everywhere are foreigners and didn't really feel awkward having them around me. Probably because I've always watched discovery travel and traveling tv programmes? Anyways, we went straight to SESI main entrance and had a brief chat there and went for a bite at La Salsa which sells tacos and burritos. They tasted okay, wasn't really my kind of food but still managed to down most of it...
SESI is just towards the right
Back to apartment
Think I'll just skip most of the tour, separated from Mr Michael and boarded the bus back towards Pico Boulevard and back to 19th Street. Entire group was extremely exhausted due to both the long flight and afternoon tour in the city, Tanner and Lu Sheng decides to stay in bed while Bryan and myself was going to step out to buy dinner back. We attempted to make our way down to Ralphs (Supermarket) which was on Olympics, but daylight was running out and were forced to turn back and purchase Burger King instead.
The day finally came to a close... ate dinner, catch a little tv, shower and it was off to bed.
Video: First american good night
end.
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