USA Trip Day 3, May 13, 2006 Saturday

Tita Jing & Tita Tessie brought me to the Glass Chapel also known as Wayfarers Chapel located on the shore of the Palos Verdes Peninsula offering a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. The first time this chapel was introduced to me was through a picture about 20 years ago when my mother visited the chapel.

Our next stop was at Saks Fifth Avenue to buy the love of my life a Coach shoulder bag. In this part of the globe, it’s called ‘purse.’ I know I said I was on a tight budget but this is an exception. And the items that I got for my kids are also exceptions.

In the afternoon, my two Titas and I went to the J. Paul Getty Museum in LA. T’was very nice! Their garden is picturesque. It’s a haven for museum buffs like me. But I don’t think the children will find the place interesting. The Getty Museum is so big! It has a cluster of at least 6 buildings. And they even have their own tram (a train system).

Dinner was at a buffet all-you-can-eat in Torrance. I stayed at Tita Jing’s place in Torrance. Tita Jing is one of my godmothers and I have not seen her in at least 20 years. I used to write her often when I was in my teens. After almost a 15 year respite, I will resume writing to her.

USA Trip Day 2 / May 12, 2006 Friday

The day started early. The call time was abt 8AM but I was up as early as 6AM. I went outside Tita Ita’s house and just walked around, have a feel of the “most sought after” country. The weather was a few centigrade colder than Baguio City. Tita Ita, her daughter Jenny and myself had breakfast at Jack in the Box. After breakfast, we were off to downtown LA. On our way, we saw the Staples Center where the Lakers and the Clippers play basketball. The first stop was at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The LA Music Center was just across the street. Then we went to Hollywood blvd where we saw the Kodak Theatre, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Hollywood star walk and went inside Ripley's Odditorium. We saw the Hollywood sign via the viewing deck of Hollywood/ Highland Mall. Lunch was at a Persian restaurant. Whew! We’ve already covered so much and it’s only been half a day.

After lunch, we were off to Beverly Hills. I enjoyed Beverly Hills because of the high end stores (I guess the word ‘sale’ is taboo in that part of town) and the high end vehicles. The place was like a car show – Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Aston Martins abound. Our star gazing proved to be a success as I saw Denzel Washington driving a spanking new black Porsche Carrera 4S.

The last stop for the day was Santa Monica. They have a very nice promenade. I successfully resisted the shopping temptation. My first US purchase was a Nokia 6101 phone at a T-Mobile store for $50. It was more of a necessity than a luxury purchase. I computed it already and it's cheaper this way than using the international roaming service of my Philippine based cellphone. Sorry Smt, I was operating on a self-imposed-real-tight-budget. Dinner was at a Japanese resto in Santa Monica with Tita Ita and her two lovely daughters Jenny & Tina.

USA Trip Day 1 / May 11, 2006 Thursday

I left our place in Makati around 5PM. My PAL flight was at 1030PM…being excited is an understatement. I didn’t mind waiting. I also didn’t mind the 12 hour non stop flight. During sleep breaks, I watched Narnia & KingKong on the inflight movie. My seatmates were Kapampangan and was tempted to talk to them but I wanted my rest so I was on “silent mode” the whole time.

I reached LAX around 8PM. It took me almost 2 hours to get out of the airport because of the luggage release delay. The travel tips from my parents, relatives, friends the travel agent helped a lot. The US immigration officer asked a lot of questions but I believe I was able to give the right answers reason why he allowed me to enter their country. Also, they did not bother to open my luggage despite declaring food - baked products. I was fetched at the airport by my Titas Ita & Tessie. I stayed at Tita Ita’s house in Palos Verdes, CA. I slept around 3AM since my body clock was still adjusting. Besides, I slept majority of the 12 hour flight.

USA Trip Day 0 / April 19, 2006

My journey to the US started on April 19, 2006 when I was interviewed at the US Embassy in Manila. While I was really, really hoping to get a US visa, I was praying that He'll lead me to the right path. If I get a visa, I’d be grateful. Else, I’ll patiently wait for my time.

Here are some tips on getting a US visa which proved effective for me:
1. The US Embassy in Manila probably receives 500 applicants a day and my guess is that only 10% is granted a visa.
2. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time.
3. Read as much information as you can. It's pretty much like applying a job.
4. Stick to authentic records. Thou shall not falsify.
5. Wear comfortable clothes. No need to wear all the jewelries from your heirloom.
6. Follow the steps to the letter.
7. Internalize all possible questions and have a ready reply to them.
8. Answer questions direct to the point. Don't beat around the bush.
9. Avoid suggesting information that is not relevant or not asked by the officer.
10. Be pleasant. Say Good morning/afternoon and Thank you.