A Charming California City Named Pinole

Pinole is a charming city in California which is part of the Bay Area. It is located in the banks of the San Francisco Bay and is just a few miles away from the big city of San Francisco. It is my second home away from home for I stay with my relatives whenever I am in the west coast.

I cannot blame my aunts in residing there because it is a homey place. Its surrounds are mostly residential houses and it is a city which offers peace and comfort after a hard day's work in nearby San Francisco.

Of course, as in any other cities in America, it has its shopping area that cater to the daily and special needs of its people. Since it is near to other cities in the Bay Area, it is also easy to travel from Pinole to other places for shopping purposes.

There are many places of leisure in the city. There is the Pinole 10 Cinemas for moviephiles. There is also the Pinole Swim Center for waterholics. Children also have the Pinole Valley Park which has lots of playground space to enjoy.

The effective city management by its elected officials makes the city really livable. Its people feel secured knowing that they are well-guarded 24/7. It is one of the first cities in America to have CCTV cameras installed in the whole of Pinole thereby preventing serious crimes to be committed.

One sound that makes Pinole unique is the sound of trains passing by. It is music to the ears of its residents as well as visitors like me. The mere sight of the San Francisco Bay and the City of San Francisco itself are scenes to be cherished.

After this pandemic is over, it would be nice to visit relatives again and be charmed by this city by the bay. Of the many times that I have visited Pinole, I would not get tired of enjoying its environs aside, of course, enjoying the company of my maternal aunts.

Credit to the owners of the photos.

Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California

Disneyland Park is one of the two theme parks built at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California in 1955. Built by Walt Disney himself, it was the first of the many Disney theme parks built all over the world.

Founder Walt Disney thought of building an amusement park that cater to both children and adults alike. Initially, he envisioned it to be built adjacent to his office in Burbank, California but realized that the property was too small that is why he decided to purchase the Anaheim property after talking to his consultants.

Anaheim is the most strategic area since it has vast lands and has ample establishments that will be easier for the park visitors to go to for their other needs. Besides, hotels and lodging places are just a stone's throw away from Disneyland Park.

Inside the park, there are, of course, the usual rides meant for the children. But adults also enjoy riding on them. Aside from the rides, there are theme areas within the park for everyone to enjoy. The map shows the different places that can be visited in Disneyland Park.

Despite the size of the area, you cannot miss seeing the regulars of Disneyland Park - our most loved Walt Disney characters whom we grew up with. The likes of Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, Goofy, Cinderella, Show White and all the other characters that were popularized by Disney.

I was lucky to visit Disneyland Park years ago when I was commissioned to do the fashion show of Filipino fashion designer Toni Galang at the Disneyland Park Hotel Grand Ballroom. It was fancy because the hotel was inside the park and roaming around it was easy-breezy.

Of course, there is an entrance free going to the park. A little more than $100 per person is charged for those who would want to enjoy the amenities inside it. With lots of fun and enjoyment, the entrance fee is good for lasting memories. After the pandemic is over, Disneyland Park promises to be back for better entertainment.

Credits to the owners of the photos.

You Will Definitely Leave Your Heart in San Francisco

The song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" tells of someone who fell in love in this city but had to leave. Thus, leaving his love in San Francisco. But to most people, the city is easy to fall in love with. Its ambience and people are things to be cherished. Despite the hectic pace of the city, San Francisco is definitely a go-to place in America.

The Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge are two of the main entry points to the city from the different cities in the Bay Area (places bounded by the San Francisco Bay). But the Golden Gate Bridge is the icon that is identifiable to San Francisco. A photo with the said bridge on the background is a must.

The Market Street is on famous street in San Francisco which leads to the Fisherman's Wharf. Other San Francisco streets are as picturesque as the others. The long and winding roads of the city add personality. The streets are well planned that you will appreciate every nook and cranny there is to explore.

The Union Square is one area where you can find the best hotels in the city as well as big-named department stores and fashion brands. It is one place where people converge for a leisurely people-watching, chit-chatting or simply feed the birds that are aplenty.

Yes, San Francisco is a modern city having those different new structures of hotels and other establishments. But some have opted to maintain old structures that have been utilized as business spaces and hotels as well. Somehow, maintaining such buildings give San Francisco its own vibe.

Sailing and whale-watching are but some of the leisure activities that you can do in San Francisco. The vastness of the San Francisco Bay makes it conducive for such activities. Hotels and resorts offer these to tourists.

Of course, a visit to the city will not be complete without going to Chinatown. As in any other Chinatown, it offers a lot of food for those who like oriental menu. There are also the usual souvenir items of the city.

Whether in Chinatown or in other areas of San Francisco, restaurants and food stalls are always everywhere for you to choose from. High-end restaurants, regular fast food fare and fruit stalls can be found in every corner of the city.

Whatever is the purpose of your trip, you will definitely leave your heart in San Francisco...a city that doesn't sleep yet you find comfort and ease.

Credit goes to the owner of some of the photos.

The City of Angels Called Los Angeles

Los Angeles, as its name suggests, is called the city of angels. For me, it is an angel of a city. Just like any other major city in the United States of America, it offers almost everything. It is another city that does not sleep. Action is open 24/7.

With a city as big as Los Angeles, governing it is definitely horrific. With lots of people from different races and walks of life, it is amazing that the city government is able to maintain its stronghold as a major contributor to the country's economy.

It is a city that is very homey in feel. Though vast in land area, it seems that the city is a place where you can live and work with much ease and comfort just like its image...casual yet chic. It is a vibrant place that offers amenities that locals and tourists enjoy.

Los Angeles is also called the entertainment capital of America. Disneyland has a vast property there. Hollywood also calls the city home. Big stars reside in some of the posh communities in Los Angeles. It is ordinary to see showbiz personalities in the whole city.

Familiar venues are just part of the city everyday life. The Los Angeles Memorial Stadium is where two summer olympics were hosted. Universal Studios holds office in Los Angeles. Obviously, it is a haven of the stars.

Given another chance to visit Los Angeles, I would not have second thoughts. How can I go wrong with a city of angels. Besides, I have two sisters who live there.

I leave everything to ones imagination. A trip to Los Angeles is must for one's lifetime.

Credit to the owners of the photos.