All guide books seem to have a line about how asking, “Do you know the way to San Jose?” would lead to stinkeye from the locals.
Anyway, by the time this post is lived, I will be on the 18-hour flight from Singapore to San Francisco. (OK, a 1 hour 45 minute stop in Tokyo Narita in between.)
It will be a week of work in San Jose, covering a very cheem (Singlish lesson: cheem=profound) event, then a week of being a tourist in San Francisco.
You know what will be the first thing I do after I toss my luggage into my room? Toiletries shopping!
Anyway, since this is really a work trip, most of my time in San Jose will see me stationed at the convention center and my hotel room, busily taking interview notes and typing out–what I hope is–brilliant articles that would make Hemingway proud.
But since this is a travel blog, I’ll share some of the interesting San Jose sites which hopefully I would get to visit after typing out the brilliant articles mentioned above.
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Winchester’s Mystery House
Official site: http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/ (Creepy music on the site. Blah.)
Nice tour room-by-room description: http://mysteryhouseguide.com/
When I first saw the house in a TV program about scary places, I was very intrigued. Doors that lead to nowhere? Wealthy widow who keeps on building her house so spirits will be pleased?! WOW.
But then it’s not really that haunted so I’m not very impressed. I think I should get this off my list on Day 1.
Also, I’m really disappointed that I won’t be able to go on the Flashlight Tour which happens only on every Friday the 13th and on Halloween. Imagine a night tour of the mansion!
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Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium
Official site: Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium
Ancient Egypt has been a fascinating topic for me, although I haven’t read as much of their legends as I do Ancient Greek stories.
But a chance to see artifacts from that time period means a “must go” on my list.
Unfortunately, a lot of the Yelp reviews of the museum are negative.
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The Tech Museum
Official site: http://www.thetech.org/
My hotel is really near the Tech Museum. Think it’s a must-drop by since I am working in tech (sort of).
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San Jose MOMA
Official site: http://www.sjmusart.org/
I’m a fan of old art more than modern art. If I have time, I might drop by.
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Gilroy Premium Outlet
Ok, a premium shopping outlet is not supposed to be even on the indie traveller’s list. But it’s been recommended by a lot of my work acquaintances who, come to think of it, probably earns 5 times my salary.
Even though it’s on my list, the place is very out of the way. I’ll have to change trains and everything. Plus, I need to visit here before heading to San Francisco or else I’ll need to put in 4 hours of return trip and $52 for the Greyhound bus.
Yucks! (Maybe I should get the bags at the airport.)
First time in US of A
This will be my first trip to the US and I’m not very sure what to expect. Too much TV makes me think that I actually know the place and the people.
I’ll need to do a couple of American things while there:
–eat burgers at McDonald
–eat hotdogs from hot dog stands
–run for cover while super aliens destroy the city
–drink soda (what flavor is it?)
–buy Old Spice
–watch Mad Men on TV
–watch Game of Thrones on TV
–drink lemonade
YQtravelling 