A World of Lights and Stars

Hi! Sorry that I haven't really been posting lots of stuff on here, but as you guys clearly can tell this is a travel blog and it's very unfortunate that I don't get to travel around the world every day. However, over Christmas break I did head out to Las Vegas and Sedona for a relaxing trip with the family! So, unlike most of the other trips that we've had, this isn't really an all-out exploring, intensive,  getting to know the world trip, it's more of a getting to know the family kind of trip!

We started off by landing (at night) in Las Vegas. And can I just say that Las Vegas is one of the most extravagant and flashy cities by the night time. The flashing lights, the glamour, the tackiness... it's a completely different sight than most of us are used to. I remember just being curious as we were going to our hotel (Mandalay Bay) and passing by Luxor (the black pyramid hotel). I swear when I saw the miniature Sphinx my mouth dropped open and a bunch of Las Vegas fancy flies flew in. The city itself is so vibrant and tacky, and with the gambling going on practically everywhere (I'm not kidding the airport had a couple of those machine things too) it gives you a feel of all the opportunities that we have present in the world.

Behold Las Vegas's captivating beauty!

We only spent one night in Las Vegas; we were mostly just arguing about where to eat that night (and now I can't even remember where we did go to eat) before sleeping in our really big two bedroom suite. The morning after we woke up reasonably late, we headed out to Jean Philippe's pastry shop in the Bellagio hotel. If you're a chocolate fanatic like me, I suggest you definitely go there to check out the world's largest chocolate fountain. And maybe, if you went at the same time as me, you saw a girl whose face was pressed up against the glass. I'd like to introduce myself as that girl. However, I still truly love the Santana Row desert shop Cocola and also Nothing Bundt Cakes, because I'm supporting my home teams (heh they should pay me for advertising).

Next we went to Sedona, Arizona, home of the really really red rocks, and the actual Red Rocks. Even though it was winter, Arizona's weather was actually really pleasant and great. The sky never even had a cloud in it, it was always just a beautiful shade of blue.  Over the course of the couple of days we had in Arizona, it was one of my most relaxing trips. After spending time with my family and baby cousin, we went to see some of the most beautiful sights I have seen since Iceland trip (all of which cheered me up greatly before studying and preparing for finals). The first day we went to see the gorgeous red rocks that stood out brilliantly against the blue sky. Note: I can't really give you all that much advice about these red rocks, but I can tell you that you can hike up them, and I would definitely recommend this, because I'm sure the view is awesome.  I really would have done this except our family was with a one year old, so naturally we wouldn't want to hike extensively.

As a volunteer at the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland, stars are certainly things that fascinate me. And on the drive to the house we rented in Arizona, the stars looked infinite and beautiful, and all that I wanted to do was to pull over and lie down in the middle of the freeway and take pictures (all without getting run over, naturally). But the stars there were so vast and as I pressed my face against the glass you could see the Milky Way. Nothing I had ever seen previously could even compare to this view. I only wish that I could have taken some of my friends to see it.

Captivated by the beauty and then there are some rocks behind me

Although most of our trip was spent with viewing little pieces of Sedona, major trips to Safeway and Starbucks (my parents are addicted to coffee) and just shopping, we actually did spend an entire day doing some sightseeing, rather than looking around in little chunks of time. On Christmas Day, we went to Antelope Canyon, which was one of the most worthwhile things that you can possibly do in Arizona. I mean, think about it, you'll be able to tell your friends that you went canyon exploring! That's definitely a first, unless you know, you do this all the time... and in that case, I'm supremely honored that you're reading this.

The trip was mostly photography geared, which means it was geared towards my mother. However, due to a time limit, my mom was constantly complaining that she didn't even have enough time to set up her tripod and take the picture. (These are what I call professional photographer problems). But currently, it's time for an Ipsita Tip# Was I Supposed to Number These: When going to Antelope Canyon, maybe you won't need a super thick jacket like recommended but a pair of fluffy earmuffs and some gloves will definitely do you the trick! Naturally we'll apply this trip only to winter, but it is a lot cooler than the outside temperature, so you'll want to dress appropriately. (wow that sounded sorta fancy)

The picture opportunities at Antelope Canyon are fantastic and the trip isn't very long so it's also geared towards younger children as well! Kids with really great imaginations (not to brag, but imaginations like mine) will be able to spot all sorts of things in the canyon walls!

Can you see the bear?

Did this help?

Bear snout?

Flame on a hand torch?

The... Wave (say this in a spooky manner)

Another thing you can do in Sedona that will appeal to all members of the family is Slide Rock State Park. It's pretty much a natural water slide that you can go into, for just a small fee of ten dollars. And if  it's winter, instead of going down the rock, there's another part to the canyon that we didn't know while going into the park. Enter Oak Creek Canyon. This was actually my favorite part of the entire trip, so I'd certainly recommend going there. If you liked the Red Rocks, here's a great chance to go see them, with the added bonus of water.

 Here's a little story about how WE got there though. We were just a bit bored, driving around and we didn't really know where to go with a sleeping baby. As we drove by Slide Rock for the millionth time (we didn't really want to pay the fee of 10 dollars cause we only had 30 minutes till Slide Rock closed) we saw this beautiful canyon. We couldn't park anywhere nearby, so my mother and grandfather decided to stay behind to watch over the baby (aka my mother was wearing her high heels and didn't want to walk very far, and my grandfather actually didn't want to walk), and my aunt, uncle and I went on a long hike to Oak Creek Canyon. We searched for an entrance and finally found this very shady and dangerous looking path. Of course, we HAD to take it. And when we got to Oak Creek Canyon.... it was beautiful. It's pretty much this haven for children and photographers in Arizona. Children run around and explore the area with its rocks and steps, and photographers... take photos. So because, I actually have no words to describe it, I'm just enclosing some photos that my uncle took.

This feels like it could be in 3D.

*So, my mother says to put drama.... On a fine fine day I was weary from boredom (is that a thing) and I sighed, my fingers drumming against the car. My uncle dragged to a halt.... "Do you see that canyon over there?"
I roll my eyes "Yes."
"That canyon is filled with mystical secrets... the water swirls with fog and the souls of millions..." okay this is taking a creepy turn, obviously I don't know drama.

On one of the last days that we stayed in Arizona, our family had a white shirt, blue jeans completely Arizona-ish photoshoot. (Well I don't think my grandpa got the memo) Although in practically all of the photos nobody was looking directly at the camera, due to *gasp* hilarious family "drama", I hope that in at least one of these photos we were all looking in the same direction and smiling and ACTING normally. I'd like for you to realize that it says ACTING because lets face it, nobody in my family is remotely normal.

oops bye mom! I guess you're not part of the family? jk what would we do without our  photographer?

Derpin' at the finest levels

When we left for the journey back to Mandalay Bay, where we were going to spend a total of 2 night, 2 day and less than half a morning, I was completely excited. Las Vegas, craziest place ever. I got to meet minions, a Stormtrooper, dead bodies, alligators, sharks and touch Manta Rays. What was that you ask? The alligators maybe, is that what you're referring to? Obviously not, you probably want to hear about the gruesome story of how I met bodies.... or you might just think I've gone crazy and press the little close on your computer and give up reading my blog. But let's face it, there are stranger things on the internet than my little pieces of information that I share with you.

So my day in Vegas was what you would call a tad bit hectic. The morning began, all relaxed and everything, and we headed down to the bottom floor of Mandalay Bay to see the Shark Reef Aquarium (unless you have small children you have never seen Monterey Bay Aquarium, DO NOT GO I'M WARNING YOU, unless they let you in for free). The line was super long so we just decided to buy the ticket and check out other things.

Meet my biggest hero!

My mom, grandfather, and I headed out to Bodies exhibit in Luxor (yes yes! There's a chance for me to look at the wide nostrils of the Sphinx and walk into the very chic black pyramid). The line was reasonably short in comparison to most of the other shows, so we walked in. Ipsita Tip# I really should get around to numbering these: Don't even bother bringing your camera if this is your only destination, they make you put it away anyways. And if you're really squeamish about guts and skin, then I really do suggest that you don't go. Although this is really great and informational, some people might not be able to handle it.

The bodies are amazing, they're all... real. The nails, the skin, the muscles.... every inch of it was ironically enough "Made in China". The bodies were actually dissected and examined in a medical school  in China. Because I'm considering a career in neurobiology and psychology I think that this was definitely informational. So here, just to interest you... I'll tell you SOME of the interesting things I witnessed there.

• Did you know that people are born with a liking for sweet or salty foods? (I'm torn between Lays and tiramisu) 
• Have you ever seen all the arteries in your leg... without the skin, muscle or any gross stuff?
• Have you ever seen a brain after a stroke?
• Have you ever touched a liver and gallbladder?
• Do you even know what any of these are?

If the answer to all of these are no, then this place is right for you! It's as simple as that!

And then I went to the biggest waste of my time.... also known as the Shark Reef Aquarium. I am not even kidding, the most interesting part of that thing was touching the manta rays (slimy and also a very grouchy-ish companion, I recommend a dog, cat, maybe a fish or a bird?) Personally I needed this manta ray touching thingy, because when I was little I was always deathly afraid of manta rays. And then enter Steve Irwin's death.

The greatest story right now! Forgive me for interrupting my only beginning rant about the aquarium, but I just Googled "that alligator guy" and I got Steve Irwin. It is true google has answers to everything. Now isn't that just a tad bit of humor for our days filled with monotonous boredom?  

But this aquarium, in all honesty, is not worth the huge line unless you have a kid. Because, I was completely, utterly, bored. (If my aunt and uncle are reading this... heh, hi) There was a SEVERE lack in interesting sharks. And I know you could argue "Some sharks are endangered... they need to be kept in the wild and we must just view them through the images we find on Google) but nothing there was truly interesting. One of the reasons I personally hate these things is because most of the times, the animals are too frightened and scared to do anything. And let me just say (and maybe I'll lose people who like this blog but) if you're one of those people who use FLASH in an aquarium, YOU NEED TO STOP. I think this actually is one of the most self explanatory things in the world. Most PEOPLE don't like flash, and you think AQUATIC CREATURES will like it? 

And last Ipsita Tip# Gosh darn it how about I call this 4: Make sure you check when places are CLOSING. Don't be like me and then get really confused "Las Vegas has a CLOSING time?" Because practically everything like the pizza places shut their kitchens down at 9:30. 

One more thing about Las Vegas! ENJOY your time there. Go to the Eiffel Tower, it's really a great view. And from there you can see the water shows at the Bellagio. GET GOOD SPOTS for the volcano thing at the Mirage because that's just a nice thing to witness, and by the end you might even have a faint little sunburn on your nose! (I'm completely exaggerating here so if you've taken me seriously...). It's really a great experience.

Oh, and one more thing. When you're outside in the morning, you practically don't even need to look at your surroundings. It's a huge letdown. It kind of looks.... bad. I mean sure you get to see the New York, New York roller-coaster and all but seriously, it's not that great.  So just take this wise piece of advice from your new best friend/mother bird Ipsita: (should this be an Ipsita Tip) SPEND YOUR MORNINGS INDOORS. Just wake up LATE for once in your lives!

I hope you all will forgive me for this abrupt ending, but I have to go study the lovely subject of chemistry in preparation for finals.

SO UNTIL NEXT TIME YOU CAN ADD YOUR OWN COMMENTS ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO HAPPEN WITH THIS MYSTERIOUS DRAMA WOOOOO. IT'S ONE OF THOSE STORIES.  You don't even need to tell me your name... just tell me your story. Okay this is strange... but seriously I really love to read your comments. Shoot away!

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P.S Did I mention that we stopped over by the Grand Canyon on our way to Vegas?? Classic Ipsita... doesn't even mention that we went to the greatest landmark of the U.S.