Why Retire in the Philippines/Marinduque Vacations: Los Angeles, Disneyland and Vicinity-10/10/10

Planning to Retire Soon!

If you are planning to retire in the Philippines soon, I suggest you visit several excellent websites on pro's and cons of retiring in the Philippines. However if you want to retire in the provinces, where life is simple, standard of living cheaper, less traffic congestion and pollution, availability of fresh seafood and vegetables compared to the big cities, my island province is the place for you! If this is your first time in my site, welcome. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on the infringement of your copyrights. The photo above is the front yard of Chateau Du Mer- Our Retirement Home in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Los Angeles, Disneyland and Vicinity-10/10/10

Macrine and I at the Huntington Beach Pier, 2010
We have been to the Los Angeles area more than a dozen times since 1960. Like New York, my personal opinion is that it is a nice place to visit, but even if you gave me a million dollars, I will never live in the area. Why? the Smog, the overcrowded freeways and just too many people. But as far as tourist attractions, the area is one of the best in US with Disneyland, Catalina Island and the surrounding beaches such as Huntington Beach, Santa Monica and of course Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

Even in the most remote corners of the world, the name Los Angeles is known. As one of the most popular cities in this country, LA draws millions of tourists every year, catering to the unique desires of each one with unparalleled diversity and countless entertainment options. There truly is something for everyone around this city. Take a tour through the world of the rich and famous in Beverly Hills, find the classic California surfing lifestyle at Huntington Beach, or follow the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole into the funky and eclectic world of Venice Beach. Appease your inner child by visiting attractions like Disneyland and Magic Mountain, or summon your inner performer by visiting Universal Studios and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. While picking the right destination for activities may be difficult, one sure thing is that there will never be a lack of options. Los Angeles is almost synonymous to Disneyland in Anaheim. We have visited Disneyland three times since 1960. It is a must see for both adults and the children of all ages. Here's a short video for your enjoyment.

Here are a few suggested tours besides Disneyland for you to consider if you happened to be in the LA area.
Newport Landing Whale Watching
1. One of the most unique ways to spend any day is by taking to the sea to watch whales and dolphins in their sparkling natural habitat. Newport Landing offers multiple whale watching tours departing daily, year-round, from Newport Beach, and individuals, groups and school classes are welcome to enjoy this breathtaking experience. Gray whales, giant blue whales (the largest animal on the planet), finback whales, and several other species of whales, 6 different species of dolphin, sea lions, and more are all viewable from their large specially made for whale watching ship.
2. Escapes Sightseeing and Food Tours
See famous sites in Hollywood and dine at the hottest restaurants. All this can now be accomplished with TOURific Escapes' Hollywood Sites & Bites Tour. The four-hour tour kicks off at iconic landmarks around Hollywood. Experience major attractions like the famous Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the site of the Academy Awards. Next up is a trip down Hollywood Boulevard, swinging by trendy Melrose and down The Sunset Strip, probably LA’s most famous attraction. Along the way, you’ll dine at some of LA’s best restaurants. Some are hidden gems known only to Foodies and locals. Don’t miss this TOURific adventure.
Another Side of Los Angeles Tours
3.Whether you're visiting Los Angeles or you're a local, Another Side of Los Angeles Tours is a great way to see all the sites that LA has to offer and in a very unique way. This LA tour provider is famous for their Segway Tours covering the best spots around LA including Beverly Hills--probably the most popular tour--and Another Side of Los Angeles Tours also offers studio tours, golfing tours, shopping and LA spa tours along with general sightseeing tours. For the ultimate Los Angeles experience, try the Ultimate Hollywood Tour which cruises through Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, the Farmers Market, swings by Hollywood Mann's Chinese Theatre, takes a stroll on the Walk of Fame, rolls down Sunset Strip, drives through the Avenue of the Stars, and checks out amazing Hollywood homes.
Cruise Newport Beach
4. Whether visiting Los Angeles or living there, a cruise exploring the beautiful waters of Southern California is a treat for anyone. Cruise Newport Beach offers affordable sunset cruises and brunch cruises, as well as evening cruises and Latin themed cruises complete with margaritas and live Latin music. This Los Angeles cruise company also offers ship rentals for events like bachelor parties, company parties or holiday gatherings.
.Go Los Angeles Card
5.The Go Los Angeles Card offers free general admission to over 35 Los Angeles attractions, including Universal Studios Hollywood, the Los Angeles Zoo, California Science Center, Los Angeles City Tour, LEGOLAND California, and the Hollywood Wax Museum.

Note: This is No.10 ( Part 1) of a series of articles on places that the Katague family have either resided or visited in the US. Posted on 10/10/10 at 10:10AM today!

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Fruit Trees in the Gardens of Chateau Du Mer

The Mango Tree-I have three varieties in my Garden-The Indian, Guimaras and Carabao Mangoes My caretaker/gardener informed me last month that due to the El Nino drought in Marinduque, two of my Durian trees died in spite of his vigilant watering. One of the tree was attacked by insects that looks like a big fly but yellowish in color that sucks the sap of the seedling. The roots of the other tree was attacked by ants residing in the soil. However, my other fruit trees, the rambutans( 2), the lanzones(2) and the jack fruits ( 2) trees are doing well. The above eight fruit trees were given to me by Retired General Recaredo Sarmiento of Boac and Lucena., about three years ago. General Sarmiento is the “atid” of my wife. “Atid” is the colloquial term for brother. Evidently, Macrine's father, the late Bernardo Jambalos was the Godfather of General Sarmiento during his baptism and comfirmation. Gen Sarmiento's hobby is orchard planting, reforestation and farming. The other fruit trees in my garden are guayabanos, cashew, avocados, starapples, duhats, ates, guavas, mangoes( 3 varieties) and papayas as well as several varieties of bananas . Of the above fruit trees, my favorite is the guayabanos, also known as soursop tree known for its anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties . The following are photos of the fruit trees. The Durian photo is from the web. Note that it almost look like a jack fruit tree, except that the leaves are bigger and shiny. My desire is to have a passion fruit tree in the near future. You are welcome to visit my orchard and flower gardens any time, if perchance you are in the vicinity of The Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and Conference Center.

The Rambutan Tree and Fruits

The Lanzone Tree and Fruits

The Jack Fruit Tree

The Durian Fruit Tree