Carmen CK x California

Chapter I

The child in me; Disneyland

Remember those dreams when you were a little girl? The times where you would beg and kill to sneak a ride on Aladdin's magic carpet just to make princess Jasmine insanely jealous? No? Sorry if I'm the only one with twisted childhood dreams.

Well, I finally got to live my Disney dream... at the cost of 187 dollars. My post-Disnyeland verdict? "I'm too old for this shit". Please excuse my French. The idea of a tangible land filled built upon the magic of stories and ideas you've held so significantly once upon a time is very tempting, and much more compelling than the actual form itself. But if you don't mind waiting in line after line after line, enduring whiny kids and distressed parents, then it's worth a shot! Let me share some wisdom with you while we're at it: 

1. Abuse the heck out of the "fast past". It lets you skip the queue (most of it, at least) which therefore reduces the risk of you pulling all your hair out. 

2. Bring your own source of hydration. You'll either find yourself hunting for a water fountain till you're utterly convinced that it's just a myth or deciding if you should forgive yourself for paying 3 dollars for water. 

Chapter II

Mellower days in Monterey 

After 48 hours of Disney, it's time to cleanse the system. The journey from Anaheim to Monterey was  deliberating, but we still managed to harvest a tiny speck of joy from our full day of travel. For those who has never taken a sleeper train ride, I highly recommend it just for kicks. It really was an experience like no other. 

I would describe Monterey as a shabby chic yet charming town. It was beautiful in its own form of peasantry. There really wasn't anything adrenaline-pumping to do there, but most will come for the scenic view and of course, rich seafood! 

Fresh fish tacos (top); 

the-holy-grail-best calamari I have ever tasted in my life-- and I've had a fair share of them (bottom)

Chapter III 

San Francisco; bidding goodbyes 

Final stop: SF. Being in a sizable city as such brings a sense of familiarity. I'd like to think that my day-to-day practice of maneuvering in Chicago factored in this case. But deep down, I know, surer than anything, that my heart belonged to a majestic city. 

San Francisco, you've been amazing.  

No adventure is complete without great company. And I am thankful to have weaved these memories with an old friend. 

xx
Carmen