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Sightseeing in CA

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Before we continue on to the Hawai'i portion of our trip, Goh Wee Shian reminisces about our California activities. 

The long awaited spring tour has finally arrived! High in spirits, the glee club set off on Friday to their first stop at California.

San Diego was refreshing in many aspects. Aside from the wonderful weather, San Diego also boasts some incredibly beautiful spots. For example, we visited the Garden of the Self-Realization Fellowship located in San Diego County. Taking a stroll in the gardens definitely gave me a sense of serenity. Moreover, the garden was situated on top of a hill and offered a magnificent view of the beach. The ebb and flow of the waves, together with the occasional breeze that brushed across my cheek, were inexplicably therapeutic, casting all my worries out of my mind momentarily.

Next, we visited the Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island. This edifice counts ex-presidents, royalties and head of states as amongst its many distinguished and important guests. Thereafter, we wasted no time in hurrying to the beach, where we then promptly removed our shoes and stepped into the water. Before long, many of us were climbing the rocks along the coast. The more daring ones went further out and perched themselves precariously on some of the more irregular-shaped rocks. It was interesting to observe the incredibly rich array of marine life and community that existed among the rocks, including sea urchins and clams.

Thereafter, we performed our first tour concert at the First Presbyterian Church of San Diego. It was immensely gratifying to perform to a strong turnout at the concert.

The Yale Whiffenpoofs also joined us in the performance. They captured the hearts of the audiences with their incredibly captivating voices and choreography. After the concert, I finally met my host, who had so kindly offered her place for me to stay for that night. The homestay was in my opinion the mainstay of the spring tour experience, because we had the opportunity to interact with the host families on such a personal level. The house was sprawling and located atop a hill within an affluent community. More importantly, my host family was extremely generous and hospitable, and even went out of the way to ensure that we feel at home. For example, she prepared food bags before we left, knowing that we would be hungry while travelling on the bus. We were really fortunate to have met such an incredible host family.

On the second day, we performed at the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. All of us could not stop marveling at the exquisite and breathtakingly beautiful interior. Thereafter, we left for Hollywood! It was surreal to finally come into encounter with this world-famous district! We had a great meal at In-N-Out Burger, followed by a casual walk around the district. I particularly enjoyed my time at the Chinese Theater, where I managed to take some photographs with the handprints and footprints of famous movie stars, including that of George Clooney!

California seems to me like paradise on Earth. With its distinctive laidback culture, its wonderful fun-loving and warm-hearted people, its amazing weather, and its beautiful beaches, it definitely counts as one of my ideal places to live in the future!

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