Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012, Movie)

This movie stretches a simplistic story-line on for far too long, and it isn't that funny. Ice Age 4: Continental Drift just wasn't that good when compared to the others.

Argo (2012, Movie)

Based on true events and packed with stars, "Argo" is a political thriller about a life-or-death operation intended to rescue six Americans in Iran. On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reached its height, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. In the middle of the crisis, six Americans steal away and find security in the home of the Canadian ambassador. However, knowing it is only a matter of time before they are found, and the fact that they will likely be killed, a CIA specialist named Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) comes up with a plan to get them out. 

Great directing, great acting, great screenplay and suspense. Ben Affleck proved his directing skills with this one.

My Orchid at home

USS Iowa Tour

The USS Iowa is the oldest running navy ship around that has survived multiple war times. We spent about two and half hours roaming the ship and seeing all its glory. There is so much history on this boat. 

The USS Iowa has been here for about 8 months now, and is a pretty cool part of a day trip to San Pedro. The ship was in mothballs up in Northern CA for many, many years before they decided to tow it down here for renovation and tours. Even today they are still putting on the finishing touches.  The Tour Alpha is self guided, but there are many people along the way to answer questions and help us out. 

Our lunch was spent at the Seafood Market Restaurant inside Port O'Call Village, San Pedro. Good quality food and sea breeze really made our day.

聖地牙哥一日遊 (北一女校友會所辦的春遊活動)

Our first stop was Little Italy Mercato in the morning. The best part is the amount of free samples the vendors give away.  I walked out of there with a full stomach. For example, Zeb's Bitchin' Sauce is one of the best.  They have a very good selection of locally grown and organic produce. There are also a ton of fresh fruit stands and flowers. Each corner usually has some type of live music too.  It's very lively and full of people walking their dogs. This is probably the best way to spend our Saturday morning. A few people asked me about what Cherimoya is, but it's at the pricey end of $5 per pound though.


We dined at Harbor House in Seaport Village with a bay view。My meal was 'Soup and salad', simple enough. The sour bread was not even served with butter. Of course, servers were overwhelmed with us 100 plus guests and not to be bothered too much. I believe you're just paying for the view.  Plain and simple.  An oceanfront restaurant in the middle a popular seaside destination, it's going to cost you. 

It was a busy Saturday at Balboa Park. The buildings were amazing to see. This is a beautiful park with all kinds of museums and fun activities to do, along with beautiful gardens to see. However, due to limited time, we only strolled over rose and desert gardens. 

On our way back, we stopped by La Jolla shores and Carlsbad flower fields shortly. Seals really stink. I was told this is such a great place to learn how to surf because the south end of the beach has a small wave and as you move north, up the beach towards the pier and Scripps the waves get bigger. No wonder we saw lots of surfers and plenty of lifeguards on duty.

The Flower Fields was absolutely stunning. The flowers were so colorful and attractive, simply fantastic. You can see a giant America Flag view from highway. The driver took us on Armada street behind the fields, and got a great shot of the fields, the mall, the ocean and the sunset without paying the admission fee. Smart, hm?

It was a tiring and fun day. Still, the grouching driver at the end of the trip really ruined our mood. Sigh. 

Prometheus (2012, Movie)

Even though the atmosphere and tone are a perfect match for the original Alien, the story just didn't deliver in my opinion.  Yes, this is a prequel to Alien. Ridley Scott works the camera like a painter, showing impressive visual after impressive visual to draw you in.