Girl's Weekend in San Francisco

Sometimes you just need a getaway. The stress of life can be very overpowering. Sometimes a getaway means a roadtrip with your friends or a weekend away with your significant other in the city. For me, it's getting on a plane to visit friends or family. Even though flying stand by can be just as stressful as work, it's all worth it once you land at your destination.

My best friend not only lives in a different state, but a different timezone. No weekend road trips for us. It would take a whole weekend just to drive to California and back. Anyway, she is always gracious enough to host me when I need to get out of Illinois and into a more favorable climate. 

Here's a photo diary of the things we did during my weekend visit to San Francisco.

Travel buddy

Always in the air

SFO

Empanada from Tacolicious

Tacos for two

Chocolate torte with sea salt from Dandelion Chocolate

Nothing better than chocolate, esspresso, homemade marshmallows and cookies

Love the Mission District murals

Breakfast of champions

Sparkle on everything at PikaPika in Japantown

"We're so cute girl" Haha

Ramen time at Suzu Noodle House 

Kimchee ramen to die for

Japantown exploring

Professor Pikachu

Tsum Tsum addiction and new Disney San Francisco bag

A taste of home on the west coast

I love spending time with my girl. You know she spoils me when I fly out. But she's been so gracious and generous to let me stay with her and of course she finds the best places for us to go out and eat. But I love that we could just watch friends and talk for hours as well. Just like college. Next time, more adventures in the big city.

-Akemi-chan

Christmas 2014 in Las Vegas

My impressions of Winter are not improving. Sickness and subzero weather conditions are not my friends. Luckily I did get to spend some of the colder months away from the snow and with family. Not the greatest time to fly standby, but it's worth it. Here are some pictures from our annual Christmas in Las Vegas. 

Airport arrival

Saimin, just what I needed

Breakfast buffet at Main Street Hotel

Standard visit to the Pawn Stars shop

Vegas style Christmas

Me and Mom

Gotta try a new restaurant every time we visit

Ceviche with plantains

Fish tacos

Carne asada

Burger

Enchiladas

Victory ice cream

Noms from Fuku burger

Bellagio Conservatory

So pretty

More noms

Lunching it up at the oyster bar in Palace Station

Oysters and mussels

Gumbo

Bouillabaisse

Dinner at Triple George Grill, Shrimp George

Steak

Caesar

Carrot cake and key lime

Downtown

Fremont Experience

Shark tank at Golden Nugget with brother and cousin

Short trip, fly back home

Breakfast in first class

It was so refreshing to be out of the cold and with family. Although, they might disagree with me, Vegas was mild. I think they wore coats while I wore short sleeves or had bare legs. Oh well, I guess I'm slowly becoming accustomed to Midwestern weather. But don't tell anyone that.

_Akemi-chan