31a. Hike Oahu continued (North Shore to Maunawili)

North Shore to Maunawili
[x] Pu'u Manamana, June 2013

Considered one of the most dangerous hikes on the island, I was pretty excited for the opportunity to finally hike this trail. Unfortunately, the hike was overhyped for me. I was anticipating very narrow cliff edges and that sort of technical difficulty, but it didn't seem as challenging as some other trails I've been on. The best part was the beginning 1/3, climbing to the Crouching Lion rock (looking over the rock was hairy) and other opportunities to rock climb. This lived up to photos and reviews. But everything after that first 1/3, the dense overgrown brush and the entire descent, was more tedious than fun.

 

Me and Jack on the Crouching Lion rock

 Atop the Crouching Lion rock

 At the Turnover lookout before heading back down the mountainside

[x] Mokoli'i (Chinaman's Hat), July 2012

This trail is located on Chinaman's Hat, which is a small island off from Kualoa Regional Park. It is possible to walk over in low tide, but I took a kayak over (first time kayaking, which was fun!). Once you reach Mokoli'i Island, take a trail up to the top. There's also a nice, secluded beach on the side of the island facing away from Oahu. It's pretty cool to see Oahu from this perspective. No pictures since we didn't want to get camera wet.

[x] Waihe'e and Hamama Falls, April 2013
These two easy-to-hike-to waterfalls that you can find at the end of Waihe'e Rd in Kahalu'u. Although there is a "No Trespassing" sign at the start of the trail since it's on Board of Water Supply land, lots of people (and dogs) go on this hike. Just follow the gravel path to the end to reach Hamama Falls. Near the top is a large banyan tree, with a side path leading to Waihe'e Falls. This one was more impressive of the two when we went (and harder to get to). Just be forewarned, there are PLENTY of mosquitoes, and they're not afraid to bite. It was fun trekking on this hike with Jack, who looked after my safety (I was particularly clumsy this day).

 I really like this picture of me and Jack, fronting Hamama Falls

 

 Notice the height of Hamama Falls

  Funny pose in front of Waihe'e Falls

 Proof of how vicious the mosquitoes here were

[x] Pu'u Ma'eli'eli, May 2013

Short trail in the Temple Valley area that Jack and I completed one day after work. Good running trail, though there are quite a bit of inclines that made it difficult to run all the way through because I'm not in that great a shape. Great views of Kaneohe at the top standing atop a World War II bunker. Fun/scary running back down as I was being chased. RAWR (inside joke).

At the top

Nice view in the background

[x] Ulupaina Trail, January 2016

I initially attempted to complete the Likeke Trail on this day, but not being able to find the route to continue the trail after reaching the falls, I turned back, went home, and then decided to try this trail. The loop trail hike was about 3 hours and quite muddy going up but nice and dry coming down. The views at the top were okay; tall grasses made it difficult to see the Kaneohe skyline. The views from the trail directly across the way (Pu'u Maelieli) is more satisfying.

[x] Ha'iku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven), August 2011

This took a lot of research and coordination since it's actually against the law to do this hike. There are legal issues with access to the trail, so a security guard is hired to stay at the trailhead to catch those who try to trespass. But if you go early enough in the morning, you'll get there before the guard. If he sees you on your way coming down, he's cool about it and makes small talk with you. Please remember to respect the residents who live there, especially if you're getting there in the wee hours of the morning. Sharon, who is afraid of heights, was a real trooper for agreeing to attempt this with me.

 View from platform 1

Directions to the stairs are not straightforward, but you can find detailed instructions on Yelp or other sites. Yet even with directions, my poor sense of direction managed to still get my friend and me lost. Luckily we were able to backtrack and figured which fork we turned the wrong way at. I read that there are 3,922 steps up this trail, and tried to train for it. It's actually not bad at all. If you hike Koko Head, you'll be fine on this trail. Jacket is necessary because it gets super cold at the top.

[x] Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, March 2013 

This multi-acre botanical garden is nestled in the residential area of Kaneohe near the Windward City Shopping Center. Took a nice bike ride from Jack's house to the garden. The garden is spread across rolling hills, which were quite high for me to conquer on a bike. As much hiking as I've accomplished, the leg muscles that are required to pedal a bike must be totally different because I could not for the life of me get up all the hills and resorted to getting off the bike and walking it up a few of the steeper ones. 

Anyway, at the visitor's center, we found a map of an easy hiking trail that passed by a lake and some interesting flora and fauna. Our exploration led us up a hill overlooking houses on the Kaneohe hillside, including a view of Jack's grandparents' house. The facilities and landscape are very well-maintained; makes for a great picnic spot. On the way home, we had to lift our bikes over the fence at the other end of the garden, but Jack was the man and managed to find a way. All in all, a pleasant experience.

Told Jack we didn't have any pictures of us two, so here's one of the attempts

 The best take (well, except for the fact that it looks like a tree is sprouting from my head)

[x] Kawa'ewa'e (Oneawa Hills), February 2013

This hike is along the hill that separates Kailua and Kaneohe. We did it as a one-way hike, starting in the Friendship Garden on Kokokahi Place and ending on Lipalu Street. Although it's not very long (a little over two miles), it is quite steep. It goes up and down a couple of hills, with ropes for assistance in some parts. Overlooking Kapa'a Quarry was pretty cool. My best friend and I joked that this was  make-or-break it hike for our friendship. We're still best friends :)

 Towards the start of the trail

 

Overhead view of Kapa'a Quarry

 Manmade lake in the quarry

 

 View of Kaneohe

[x] Kalaheo Hillside, April 2007

Did a double hike back in the day. This was the second hike, up the hillside from the back of the parking lot at Kalaheo High School. Tradition is for seniors to make the trek during their last year to paint the rock with their year. Notable memory from this hike was on our way down...we apparently trailblazed because the way we came down was not the right trail or even a trail at all.

Looking towards the pillboxes, which we hiked earlier that morning

 

More of Kailua town

 

 Enjoying my Teddy Grahams at the top

 Rock that seniors paint

 The way we came down, which you'll notice is not a trail

[x] Ka'iwa (Lanikai Pillboxes), April 2007

This was the first of the double hike I did years ago. We were supposed to catch the sunrise but didn't. Did the trail again several other times, but the best time was when I went with my friend Tracyn and Reid. Hiking is always more entertaining and adventurous when Tracyn's around. First, Tracyn only had coffee that morning. Let's just say she left traces of her breakfast somewhere along the trail. This trail also wins for The Best Tracyn Fall Award. When we were almost done with the trail (literally like 3 steps from finishing), Reid (who was in front) told Tracyn to run. She listened and ended up falling in a manner where she somehow flipped was facing me (who was behind her when we were coming down). If that doesn't make sense, you're right. Tracyn somehow defies physics.

 One of first, if not the first, times doing this hike

 Sun rising above Mokulua Islands in the distance

 Crew for the epic pillbox hike

[x] Olomana, April 2012

I had actually attempted this hike twice. The first time, Sharon and I only went to the second peak and chickened out because it was like an almost vertical drop down the backside of peak two. I consider this the best of all the hikes I've done. It sounds kind of cheesy, but the feeling you get being on the top of peak one is one of being on the top of the world. Go there and experience it and you'll know what I mean.

The second time I attempted this, I went with my sister. I was determined to make it all the way. They say that this hike is considered advanced, and I agree very much with that rating. When I got to the part that I turned back at the first time, I saw that it wasn't as steep as I thought it was. There was also rope to assist, so that helped a lot. It started getting pretty difficult in the technicality of the hike going to peak three. When I got to the summit of peak three, I attempted to look for the geocache that I read about. Unfortunately, I couldn't find it and so there's no physical evidence there that I made it up to the third peak. 

 To the right side is where I almost slipped

The scariest part of the entire hike was coming back from peak three. It was tricky to navigate, especially since I climbed to the section called "The Key" to take a picture. There is no easy way to get down from there, and I somehow misjudged my step. Luckily there was rope to catch me. My sister was scared crapless and yelled at me in a motherly way. Although I think she should be more adventurous, I had to agree with her that time that this was a dangerous hike.

[x] Maunawili Falls, quite a few times

This is a relatively easy trail on the Windward side. I've done this a few times, but the most recent was in 2010 (I think), during the time when my best friend and I were into hiking for a bit before our lives got busy. It starts in the Maunawili neighborhood. Gets muddy easily. I remember the last time I went, there was one section where my friend got quicksand-trapped in some mud and started to slide down a sloped portion of the trail that was headed towards another hiker. Luckily they missed each other. I also recall getting yelled at by my mom for tracking so much mud when I got home.

[x] Maunawili Connector Trail, January 2016
Getting on this trail was totally unplanned. I incorrectly assumed that I could hike from the Maunawili Falls trailead and connect directly to the start of the Maunawili Demonstration Trail. Oh how wrong I was. This section was very overgrown, so it was not fun to travel through it. It took us to a point about 1/3 of the way on the Maunawili Demonstration trail. Not very eventful. When we got onto the Demonstration trail, we did come across a family of tourists who were trying to get to Maunawili Falls. They didn't look too prepared for the hike; to this day I wonder if they did push through to the other side or if they gave up.

[x] Maunawili Demonstration Trail, March 2016
This was the last trail we completed for our training to hike Kalalau. It is an 11-miler of slight gradation and covered in shade, so it wasn't too strenuous. Didn't find this trail to have anything special or exciting to look at. But maybe because I'm spoiled with other trails that offer breathtaking views for shorter the distance.

31. Hike all the Trails I Want to on Oahu (list)

Completed: 02/16/2015

This is perhaps one of my greatest achievements on my bucket list. I remember wanting to take up something fun to stay active with the coming of summer break in 2011. I recall thinking in my ignorance that there didn't seem to be many hikes on the island, but oh how uninformed I was. With a little research, I uncovered a myriad of trails on all parts of the island. After discovering all that nature had to offer, I settled on hiking as my new hobby, and made that the summer of hikes by completing over 20 trails on the weekends during that period.

For the most part, when I take up a new hobby, I am often very passionate about it, but for a short-lived, brief period. With hiking though, I've noticed that I have maintained my interest for quite a while now. I'm not one who's good with words, but there's something indescribable, yet feels incredibly satisfying about being immersed in nature. It's so easy to get caught up in today's world of technology and fast-paced living; to be able to trade this for a few hours of peace and serenity in Mother Nature rejuvenates me and refreshes my sense of appreciation for the beautiful paradise I live in and have the privilege to call home. If you have a chance to get out in nature wherever you are, please take up the opportunity. Enjoying the simplicity of nature and admiring its grandeur is especially humbling considering how small a part of the world I inhabit as a person on this Earth.

[Side note: This bucket list item initially started as a list of about 30 must-do hikes that I wanted to complete, which were mainly concentrated in the Windward and town (not really past Pearl City) areas. But as I continued to find more trails and take people up on opportunities to explore more areas, my list expanded. I slightly modified this goal to accomplishing 50 trails on Oahu, including all the must-do ones that were part of my original list (indicated by an asterisk). The day I complete my 50th hike on this island will mark when I can officially check this item off my bucket list. But if I do venture onto new trails, I'll continue to log them down as they are completed. Click on the geographic section titles or check out subsequent post for pictures and a short blurb on each hike to add a little more detail about my treks.]

North Shore to Maunawili

[x] Pu'u Manamana*, June 2013
[x] Mokoli'i (Chinaman's Hat), July 2012
[x] Waihe'e and Hamama Falls, April 2013
[x] Pu'u Ma'eli'eli, May 2013
[x] Ulupaina, January 2016
[x] Ha'iku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven)*, August 2011
[x] Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, March 2013
[x] Kawa'ewa'e (Oneawa Hills)*, February 2013
[x] Kalaheo Hillside, April 2007
[x] Ka'iwa (Lanikai Pillboxes), April 2007
[x] Olomana*, April 2012
[x] Maunawili Falls, quite a few times
[x] Maunawili Connector Trail, January 2016
[x] Maunawili Demonstration Trail, March 2016

Hawaii Kai
[x] Makapu'u Tom Tom*, May 2013
[x] Makapu'u Lighthouse, a bunch of times
[x] Makapu'u Tidepools*, October 2012
[x] Pele's Chair*, sometime in 2011/2012
[x] Hanauma Bay*, June 2012
[x] Koko Head Stairs*, started 2010
[x] Koko Head East Rim*, December 2012
[x] Koko Head West Rim*, February 2015
[x] Kamehame Ridge, July 2013
[x] Kamiloiki Ridge, August 2011
[x] Kaluanui Ridge (Mariner's Ridge)*, July 2011
[x] Hahaione Ridge, November 2015
[x] Kuli'ou'ou Ridge*, July 2011
[x] Kuli'ou'ou Valley...and then some. July 2011
[x] Pu'u O Kona, April 2015
[x] Kulepeamoa Ridge, November 2015
[x] Hawai'iloa Ridge*, August 2011
[x] Wiliwilinui Ridge*, July 2011

Nuuanu/Pali
[x] Pali Puka*, April 2012
[x] Pali Notches*, August 2014
[x] Pali Lookout, long ago
[x] Likeke Falls*, March 2013
[x] Lulumahu Falls*, September 2011
[x] Nu'uanu Trail, many years ago
[x] Judd Trail/Jackass Ginger Falls, February 2013
[x] Luakaha Falls, April 2014
[x] Alapena and Kapena Falls, February 2013
[x] Pu'u Ohia-Pauoa Flats, July 2011
[x] Kanealole-Makiki Valley Trail-Ualaka'a-Maunalaha*, July 2011

Diamond Head to Pearl City
[x] Diamond Head Crater, April 2011
[x] Lanipo/Mau'umae, February 2016
[x] Ka'au Crater*, June 2014
[x] Wa'ahila Ridge-Mt. Olympus*, November 2011
[x] Pu'u Pia, August 2011
[x] Waiakeakua Falls/Seven Bridges with side trip to part of Manoa Middle Ridge, February 2013
[x] Manoa Falls and also to Aihualama, August 2011
[x] UH Manoa Boulder, Spring 2010
[x] Kaminiki Ridge, June 2013
[x] Naohia Falls (Ice Ponds), June 2013
[x] Kamananui (Moanalua Valley), February 2013
[x] Aiea Loop*, January 2011
[x] Upper Waimano Trail, January 2016
[x] Lower Waimano Trail, January 2016
[x] Waimano Falls, December 2012

Below are references to blogs/sites that were motivational and extremely useful in my research, especially in figuring out directions to the trail head of many of these hikes:

-Island Trails

-Unreal Hawaii
-Hike One Hike All Hawaii

-Punynari's Island Adventures 

-Exploration Hawaii 

-Yelp

30. Get Married

Complete: 12/20/2014

  

On the way to the ceremony

Jack and I first met at the birthday party of Z.Z., who is a good college friend of mine's and Jack's cousin. We interact a few times later, playing tennis, going out to eat, and the sort, before we officially become a couple on February 28, 2013. We're kind of opposites who attract. He's the more laid-back one who can be a protector. I am more intense, but affectionate (and likes receiving affection) too. Jack proposes to me on June 11, 2014 in front of his entire family and my parents, sister, and her boyfriend. We decided to get married on December 20, 2014.

In regards to wedding planning, there were definitely obstacles I didn't foresee. First, wedding planning is never really about what just you and the groom want, so trying to be accommodating to other people's suggestions was quite the challenge. Some people may argue that weddings are about the bride and groom, so what they say should go, but it really doesn't work like that in Chinese culture. Chinese weddings can be very elaborate affairs. It wasn't easy for Jack and me to try to incorporate all the stuff of Chinese weddings since we don't really have much background on all the cultural customs surrounding this big life event. For me, I was mainly concerned with not spending an obnoxious amount of money for just one day. We set a budget of $20,000. We ended up going over, but not by more than $1,000. I'd say we did a pretty good job of tapping into family and friends for their talents and DIY-ing a bunch of stuff (my proudest projects would be the photobooth props and my origami bridal bouquet).

Origami bouquet resting atop veil



Now let's talk about the actual wedding day. The planner that I am thought that I would have an easier time that most because I have experience planning events and paying attention to the small details. I created a very detailed schedule and supplies list and tried to be as organized as possible. Let me just tell you off the bat that many things will not go according to plan on your wedding, yet in the end, it will be fine for the most part. There are so many things going on that day, especially in Chinese weddings, that you just can't account for everything running perfectly. But I think those are some of the moments that make your wedding memorable. Some of them make for good laughs, too :)

Obligatory jumping picture

Here's how the day panned out:
5:00 Groom, bride and families wake up to get ready
8:00 Groom and his posse of men arrive at the bride's house to take part in Chinese Bridal Door Games. This is a Chinese custom where the bride has a group of gals that guard the door and make the groom and his men complete certain tasks to "prove" his love to the bride. My sister organized three games before letting them through. For their first mission, the guys had to apply lip gloss and create some kind of picture for the bride. In the next challenge, the guys had to complete some pretty advanced group yoga poses. The last hurdle they had to get over was to sing a boy band song (Backstreet Boys "I Want it That Way" was their choice of song), and then sing it again with marshmallows stuffed in their mouths.

Jack singing with marshmallows in his mouth



9:00 Tea ceremony with my side of the family. My parents gifted me a very nice gold necklace and bracelet in matching floral design, and Jack a nice Citizen watch.
10:00 Wedding ceremony at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden. The weather fortunately held up. It rained until the day before, cleared up for the morning, and then began raining again the day after. Mother Nature approves of our wedding. We held it at a location overlooking a pond. For our sendoff, we had people toasting us with pink lemonade.

 At the altar

Walking away as Mr. and Mrs. Wu

10:30 Pictures at the Garden.

 

12:00 Lunch at Jack's house. Bride and groom perform tea ceremony for his side of the family first.

3:30 Head down to the restaurant to finish setting up for the reception.
5:00 Guests begin to arrive. Can take part in the photobooth or just hang around as live music playing in the background.
6:15 Start of the program. Summary of it: Bride (in Western wedding attire) and groom make grand entrance. Go directly into bouquet and garter toss (for the garter, instead of it being on my leg, we put it on Jack's). Intermission as food started to come out. Bride (in Chinese wedding attire) and groom play a slideshow. Two guy cousins do a toast for Jack, sister does a toast for Sylvia, cake-cutting ceremony, then onto wedding game. Jack has to go down a line of girls blindfolded, feeling their hands to see if he can pick out Sylvia's. He succeeds. Sylvia then gets blindfolded, and has to go down a line of guys who are positioned in different bodybuilding poses to see if Sylvia can pick out Jack by his bicep. She fails very badly. Intermission. Bride (in final reception dress) and groom listen to musical performance by C.T. and S.O., followed by Sylvia's aunty and a family friend of Sylvia's aunty. Then the newlyweds do a toast. Centerpiece giveaway. Program ends at around 9:00pm.

3-tier guava chiffon wedding cake

 Guessing time for Jack

Sylvia's turn to guess

 Jack's toast by his two oldest cousins

 Sylvia's toast by her sister

 Us with the co-emcees

Celina and Scott performing

My Aunty Jenny singing

Things have been pretty hectic since, moving over to his house, trying to recover from the wedding and tie up any loose ends from that, and just getting accustomed to married life together. So far so good :)

If I had to reflect on my wedding, here are some important considerations:
1) If you want to do more DIY stuff, then I suggest you give yourself more time between engagement and the wedding just so it's not as jam-packed as I felt it was for me. Thinking about wedding stuff every weekend for months in a row can get pretty tiring. Give yourself room to take a break from it once in a while. It's also good to give yourself more time so you can try to figure out when sales are for the things you'll need. For example, we saved on some of our photobooth props because we got it after Halloween.
2) We were very fortunate that our restaurant was accommodating in allowing us to come a few days beforehand to start setting up. If we didn't have that Thursday and Friday to go in and get the table decorations set, test out the A/V equipment, and try to figure out our photobooth, I think our wedding would have left a lot to be desired. Very grateful for that.
3) I put together a list of pictures/video to capture on that day. It was so useful and efficient to have that on hand. But for the times people wanted to take pictures that weren't planned, it did take up some time. Just be sure to account for those moments in your schedule. Glad we had wiggle room between getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception so it wasn't as stressful as it could have been. Also, in your list of photos, be sure to specifically make an effort to get pictures with individual people. I look back now and wish I had taken more pictures with my parents at the reception.
4) I wish we advertised the photobooth more because we put together an awesome one with all kinds of cool props. We also made that our guestbook, where folks would stick one set of prints and write us a message, and then they got to keep a set of pictures for themselves. We only got like 40 pictures total when we had well over 200 guests so that was kind of a bummer.

I definitely need to give a shout out to lots of friends and family who made the special day happen, because without their skills and willingness to help me out, I definitely would not have been able to pull off all the elements that we ended up incorporating:
Of course our parents for raising us
S.T. - day-of coordination, planned a wedding shower for me, gave an excellent toast
S.O. - ceremony music, reception background music and performance with C.T.
C.T. - musical performance with S.O.
Z.Z. and T.W. - reception emcees
J.K. - transportation, photobooth
B.K. - photobooth
J.Y. - day-of coordination
J.C. - day-of coordination
E.C., A.C. - video/pictures, photobooth
A.B. - pictures
K.B. - hair and make up
M.I. - video
M.F. - photobooth
L.T. - orchids for our centerpieces
L.C., K.C. - Chinese customs
G.N. & Y.L. - impromptu photographers who shared some excellent shots
Also to some aunties for helping me with my attire
And both sides of the family for helping to get things together for the wedding and helping with all kinds of logistics on our big day.

29. Ride an ATV/Try Go-Kart Racing

Completed: 11/08/2014

 Chillin' before the test run

  

As should already be known from previous posts, I plan an annual two-day trip for a small group of students in my college. The past two trips have helped me to achieve a few items on my bucket list. But this year, I didn’t intentionally plan to fulfill any this time around. In fact, I actually planned it around something my boss had always wanted to do: a flume ride down an old irrigation ditch in the historical Kohala district of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Group picture outside the tour office

 

Amusingly, fate would have it that I would get to check off another thing from my bucket list instead. It was unfortunate that my boss didn’t get to do his activity because of some damage from falling rocks that rendered the tour inoperable around the time we would be on our two-day excursion. Instead, we were lucky enough to reschedule for another tour offered by the same company that does the ditch ride: an ATV adventure.
 

 
Ready to ride

For this tour, we arrived at ATV Outfitters early on a Saturday morning. We were greeted by very laid-back, friendly folks from the tour and fitted with our gear. We got a head sock-like thing to cover our heads before putting on a motorcycle helmet, goggles, and riding gloves. We then signed waivers and reviewed important safety information with the crew. Afterwards, we got to go onto the ATVs to do a practice run on a smaller nearby track before heading out on the actual tour.
 

 

Line of ATVs at first pit stop

 

We rode through small hills and a ranch where we got very close to a herd of cows and baby calves before hitting our first pit stop: a private beach with waters that they likened to the conditions of the North Shore of the island of Oahu. We then rode through a macadamia orchard before making a second pit stop at a section that intersected with the flume ditch ride. We could see that the water level was really low and not suitable conditions to kayak down. We then continued on our way back through even more muddy hills where we rode in all-wheel drive before heading back to our starting destination. Overall, the tour took about 1.5 to 2 hours, which was just the right amount of time.

Both groups reunited at the private beach

It was an awesome experience to ride in the whipping wind. I thought I was going pretty fast, only to look down at the odometer registered about 12 miles per hour. I was able to reach speeds of 20 miles per hour, which was quite exhilarating. The hills and curves along the trail definitely added to the excitement of the experience, though I will admit there were times when I was slightly concerned that I might topple over. There was also one part of the trail that had an especially large puddle of mud. I paid too close attention to the ground in that section that I failed to duck in time for an overhanging branch. The branch conveniently hooked right in the eye area of the helmet, pulling the goggles off my head, with almost the helmet doing the same. Luckily, I was able to pull the helmet and goggles back into position at some point along the trail.

All in all, it was a great last-minute back-up activity. Not only did I enjoy the outdoor activity, I think the students found this thoroughly entertaining as well and weren’t at all disappointed by the change in plans. On top of that, the guides were quite humorous and down-to-earth. If anyone happens to be in the Kohala area for vacation, I would highly recommend this tour. As for my boss, I hope he eventually gets to complete the tour he’s been longing to do for quite some time now!
 

Riding off
 

28. Go to at Least Three More Theme Parks

Completed: 09/24/2014

 

At Tokyo DisneySea

I love theme parks.There's just so much thrill-inducing excitement and splendor in one compact area. Part of my fascination and affinity to theme park amusement stems from the denial of entry to rides when I was a younger - and shorter - child. I remember on our trip to California when I was 5-6 years old, I was not allowed on many rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain because I didn't meet the height requirement. And I was also very bummed when I couldn't go on the Indiana Jones ride (which was a new ride at Disneyland at the time we went). Before putting this item on my bucket list, I had already gone to a bunch of theme parks, all of which I had fun on the rides I was able to get on. These included: Disneyland California, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, (I don't count Magic Mountain since I couldn't really ride much when I went), Disney World (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM), Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Island of Adventure, Wonderland in Canada, Ontario Place, and Knoebel's in Pennsylvania. 

 

 Dad and Mom posing like Mickey and Minnie Mouse in the background

The first theme park after making this goal was Tokyo DisneySea. Our trip to Japan was a perfect opportunity to squeeze in some amusement park fun. DisneySea is apparently the only Disney Park that is not owned by Disney. It is mainly praised for its attention to detail in the construction of the park's features (including the volcano, which is the center of attraction at this park). These were the imaginings of the Oriental Land Company, which licenses the Disney themes that appear on the premises. 

  Disney parks are always so well-decorated

To make the most of my entry ticket to DisneySea, I planned what route I would take to hit up all the rides I could at the park. I hear that Disney attracts tons of visitors and that lines can get crazy. They were right about the crazy. We arrived at 7:45am, and there was already a line forming outside the park for the 9:00am official rope drop. When the park opened for the day, people started running (yours truly included). What we came to find out is that similar to techniques at other Disney parks, starting at the back of the park is the best strategy for knocking down a bunch of rides with little wait time. We hardly waited in line for any rides (the only major ride we had to skip out on was Toy Story Mania).

Dad driving the Indy Jones car and pointing at "something" coming for us from the back

Outside Raging Spirits

 

Here's how we did it: 

-Park opens at 9:00am, Sylvia to get fastpass for Tower of Terror. Meet up with rest of family at Indiana Jones.

-Indiana Jones (very fun), Raging Spirits (all right, but not worth it if have to wait, so luckily we didn't), Sindbad's Storybook Adventure (somewhat like It's a Small World, but Japanese, so could only guess at the storyline of the ride), with less than 5-minute waits.

-Disney Steamer Line back to the front of the park.

-Sylvia gets fastpass for Toy Story Mania while rest get coffee and make way over. Meet up outside Tower of Terror. When I went to get the Toy Story fastpass (around 10:00am), the next available time was already at 8:00pm. Had to skip :(

-Tower of Terror (different storyline than the American version, quite enjoyable). Watch "A Table is Waiting" show (kind of boring since we didn't understand the Japanese, so didn't stay for the whole thing). Autotopia and Storm Rider with little wait time. 

-Mystic Rhythms show (no dialogue so non-Japanese people can enjoy it, but it was all right). Lunch. -Big Band Beats jazz performance (this was worth it to see and we didn't really have to stand in line so perfect. The parents enjoyed very much, to both my sister and my surprise).

-Tried to see if wait time was shorter for Toy Story. Estimated 90-minute wait so no go for us.

-20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (kind of boring, definitely not worth it if we had to wait, but, again, didn't have to). Explored fortress (not that exciting). Caught some of afternoon water performance.

-Magic Lamp Theater (wish we could understand Japanese since it was a bunch of slapstick comedy, which is in line with our humor). Mermaid Lagoon Theater for Under the Sea performance.

-Tried to ride gondola, but it was closed because of the performance. Instead, headed for the airport at about 5:00pm.

 

 Sindbad's Storybook Adventure

Autotopia

The park was perfect for our last day, since we had to check out of the hotel by 10:00am but our flight wasn't until 9:00pm. The lockers are spacious so we were able to stuff it all in one locker (score!). One good thing about the park was that we were able to bring food, so instead of eating at the Disney dining establishments, we were able to quickly eat our lunch (bought bunch of stuff from 7-11 the previous day) on a park bench in between two shows. And speaking of food, the popcorn carts scattered around the park offered yummy flavors. I think there were a total of about 6 flavors: black peppercorn, curry, strawberry, apple cinnamon, caramel, and salt. We tried all except the last two. Lastly, we were sad that we had to miss the Journey to the Center of the Earth ride (closed for renovation), but I'd say we accomplished quite a bit for the time we were there.

Tip for non-Japanese speaking visitors to Tokyo DisneySea, you do lose some part of the experience by not knowing the language, but the park can still be enjoyed. The shows that don't necessarily require English: Mystic Rhythms (no dialogue), Big Band Beats (English dialogue), Magic Lamp Theater (it's all in Japanese, but some of the stuff can be enjoyed by context), Under the Sea (singing of Under the Sea in the beginning is in English, but then there's a Japanese dialogue part for much of the performance). There are rides that have Japanese commentary, but you can still enjoy the rides visually (Indy Jones, Storm Rider, Tower of Terror). Also, we were fascinated by how into Disney the park-goers were, all decked out in their Disney gear. From little children dressed like Woody from Toy Story to men with their Duffy bears (read about how big a craze they are in Japan), and grandmas with their Minnie ears and hats. Japanese people really go all out, and that just added to the atmosphere.

Ono popcorn

The second new park experience was Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. The first time I went to Disney World back in 2008, we skipped out on this park. But in October 2013, I had the privilege to come back to Disney World and experience all four parks plus the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this time with Jack and his sister, Jiali.

 

Got Butterbeer? (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

 

Being Miss Planner, I mapped out our route for our days at each park. We were able to accomplish everything we set out for at Animal Kingdom. My personal highlight was Expedition Everest, which had an interesting twist that I did not expect at all. The Primeval Whirl was also another pleasant surprise. We marveled at the ingenuity of adding the spinning aspect to the roller coaster. Here's what we conquered at the park:

-Discovery Island: It's Tough to be a Bug

-Camp Minnie-Mickey: Festival of the Lion King

-Africa: Kilimanjaro Safaris

-Rafiki's Planet Watch: Wildlife Express Train

-Asia: Flights of Wonder, Expedition Everest, Maharajah Jungle Trek, Kali River Rapids

-Dinoland USA: Finding Nemo - the Musical, Primeval Whirl, DINOSAUR

 Expedition Everest

 Festival of the Lion King

 At It's Tough to be a Bug

Tree of Life in the background

Per the suggestion of other parkgoers, head to the safari ride during the morning time. In the afternoon, the animals tend to laze around since the sun is out, so you might not get a good view of them. Also, we brought ponchos for Kali River Rapids since it's a water ride. If it's a hot day, then forgo because the wetness factor is not too high.

On the Safari ride

The third new park that I visited also happened to be a Disney park: Disney California Adventure. I don't particularly prefer Disney parks, but I guess that's just the way the cookie crumbles. Anyway, I went to this park in September 2014 when our family followed my sister to Anaheim for her CPCU conference.

 

Like all other parks, I made sure to plan beforehand. I tried to map out a route, but all that went out the window when the Fastpass I got for the Radiator Springs ride (the most popular attraction of the park at the time of writing) was valid for 2:30pm in the afternoon instead of the morning time that I was hoping to get. Here's what we did instead:

 

Parked by around 10:00am, but still had to take the tram and walk to the gate entrance, so we got in a little past opening time. I grabbed Fastpasses for the Radiator Springs ride while the rest of the group made their way to Toy Story. We waited for maybe 40 minutes for the ride. Afterwards, we took the single rider for the California Screamin' to avoid the long wait. Cut our wait time to about 15 minutes. Then headed to the Little Mermaid ride. Had lunch at Flo's 8 and Award Wieners. Then went to the Grizzly River Run and Soarin before heading to the other side of the park. Did the Bakery Tour, and then went to Luigi's Flying Tires before getting onto Radiator Springs. Then we went to It's Tough to be a Bug, Tower of Terror and Monsters, Inc. We missed the next showing of Aladdin by 2 minutes, so did the Muppet 3-D and called it a day. Bummed we missed out on the Hollywood Backlot Stage and Aladdin, but we were just about getting hungry for dinner and so decided food was more important. Also, sorry for the lack of pictures from this park; I guess we were more focused on the rides than documenting our experience there.

 

Now that I'm getting older, I can tell that my endurance for thrill rides is going down. The amount of fervor I had when I put this item on my bucket list has certainly been diffused as I have gone on to complete these three new theme parks. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the theme park experience and am glad that I had a chance to complete them while I'm still young as opposed to being older, but I think I'm content with my share of amusement park rides under my belt.