On the Greyhound Bus to Toronto

Just finished my 3day trip in Toronto. Loved it! On the bus now going to the Niagara falls now! bout half an hour more before we reach!

Anyways, just some updates! I just watched my FIRST STANDUP COMEDY yesterday! its super funny! a little vulgar though. I didnt really get every single joke but its certainly an experience. Its a pity singapore doesnt have such stuff! The wit and spontaneity of the comedians impressed me! But what shocked me even more.... was how Canadians were so liberal... and troubled. HAHA.... jokes made out of their marriage/affair/what nots life! And they are definitely not afraid to reveal anything which will be condemned by the Singaporean/Asian society. While munching on my fries, I suddenly felt glad to be living in a much more peaceful and simple country. Maybe its just my social circle! makes me feel really innocent and UN-complicated. Which is a good thing i guess (: Oh that was the last item on Hawrer's Must-do-list! So, GREAT! satisfied!

Anyways, I havent been really faithful on my quiet time recently. Haven't been spending sufficient time with God. yea, i better do something about it. Busy-ness and fatigue are no excuses... Speaking of which, during quiet time yesterday, I asked God... about the level of my emotional independence. Somehow I know... only Him alone can provide the kind/amount of love I really want. But yesterday... I realise... no matter what, though nothing can compare to God's love for me, I still yearn for affection. and... it was then that I realise.... i kinda misunderstood the real meaning of God's love for myself. His love is definitely all-encompassing because He loves us wholeheartedly... but in the very same way... He wants us to receive and have the love from all around us as well. To put it simply... having God's love is simply not enough.. haha! oh wells. im starting to speak incoherently... maybe i'll return to this topic again.. when I've really thought through it properly...

Toronto!

So.... its my third day of independence now! things are going really well. I am happy and thankful to be here. loving the weather!

Anyways, on my plane ride from Singapore to HK(transit), I was reminded of Y Camp! As i wore the earphones over my head, it suddenly dawned upon me that all these would not have been possible without the MINDS people! It makes me feel really sad that these ID people are doing their part for the very society which has looked down upon them and despised them! Speak of a gracious society. Sigh. But I wore the headphones with pride and smiled to myself as memories from Y Camp start flooding into my head....

Anyways, I really thank God for bringing me safely from Singapore to New York and from NY to Toronto. Guanghui and Zhiyang were like angels sent from heaven, here to protect and help Iris and myself. Without them, I really would have been at a loss when I met with problems filling up my US customs declaration form. What Guanghui said really touched me! Being laden with guilt and all for delaying the rest, I apologised to all 3 of them... And Guang hui said, "No worries, that's what we are here for." WOW! Thank you God, its certainly your blessings to have brought such wonderful people to me! It's really comforting to have people around to watch out for you, to take care of you... and people just being there when you need them. As I look back , many people have played that role in the different phases of my life! I'm forever lamenting and grumbling about how I've always wanted an older brother... God hears my yearnings and desires. He sends amazing people into my life to fill up this very "gap" in my emotional life! Everything seems planned for all of a sudden! ((((:

New York and Toronto's pretty similar. Suited more for the shopping kings and queens though.. definitely not for a poor, un-shopaholic girl like myself! But nonetheless, its definitely an experience. Though i would very much prefer the suburbs and countryside.. oh wells. contented with what I have! (:

Anyways, Hawrer is sick... really prays that he gets better! it sure sucks to be sick while on a holiday! Really can't do without him man! ahha... sometimes i think i take him for granted, just depend on him for all directions! HAHA! he's definitely another blessing sent from heaven... another angel here to look after me! really cant thank him enough! very accomodating and helpful (: HAPPY! trish is meeting WONDERFUL people in her life!

NIAGARA FALLS ACCOMODATION

ACBB Hostel Niagara
Phone: +1 905 354 6425
Address: 5741 McGrail Ave, Niagara Falls, Canada

Directions from Toronto:

Partnership with a cool tour bus company that features:

• Door to door transfers between us and all the major hostels in Toronto
• Guided sight-seeing of several attractions along the way (Niagara on the Lake, the Niagara Whirlpool, Winery tours etc.)
• Departs Toronto towards ACBB Hostel Niagara at 9am daily
• Departs ACBB Hostel Niagara towards Toronto at 4pm daily
• Cheaper then the train or a bus!
  
  

FROM TORONTO TO NIAGARA FALLS
via Rail Canada https://reservia.viarail.ca/search/tripreview.aspx
Sunday Jun 7, 2009

Departs: 08:30
Arrives: 10:33
Train: 97

CAD$25.20

FROM GREYHOUND STATION AND VIA RAIL STATION (Canadian Side)
Walk along Bridge Street to River Road then walk along the beautiful River Rd for 30 minutes until you reach the Falls Area.
Walk up Clifton Hill (reasonably steep hill) Continue from the top of the hill on Centre Street for two blocks then turn left on McGrail Ave.
We are one block down McGrail at 5741 McGrail, a white building with green trim.
Entire walk takes about 35-40 minutes depending on your luggage size!
This walk is beautiful, but please NOTE: Many of our guests elect to use a taxi as it only costs between $8-$9.00.
Or local city bus for $2.50/person. Once you are at our Hostel you are only a five minute walk back to the Falls, Restaurants, Night Clubs, Casinos, Clifton Hill etc

TORONTO ACCOMODATION

Canadiana Backpackers Inn
42 Widmer St., Toronto M5V 2E9

From Pearson Intl Airport: Take the Downtown Airport Express bus ($16.65) to the Hyatt Regency Toronto on King St. then walk one block North on Widmer.

Niagara Falls Transportation

Niagara Transit runs a Falls Shuttle that runs in the busy season. It visits all the major attractions, and you can buy an all-day pass for the Falls Shuttle and all other Niagara Transit buses for $6.00; the pass also entitles you to a discount on the Niagara Parks People Mover System buses.
There are three Falls Shuttle routes, which all meet at the bottom of Clifton Hill:

• Red line (Lundy's Lane): Oh Canada Eh?! Dinner Theatre, Canada One outlet mall, historic Main & Ferry, Lundy's Lane Historical Museum, Clifton Hill (museums), Maid of the Mist, Casino Niagara, Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, Skylon Tower, Imax Theatre. Red route map.
• Blue line (Chippawa/MarineLand): Chippawa Business area, Marineland, Greenhouse, Minolta Tower, Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, Imax Theatre, Skylon Tower, Clifton Hill (museums), Casino Niagara, Maid of the Mist, Queen Victoria Park, Table Rock House, The Falls. Blue route map.
• Green line (Downtown): Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls Aviary, bus terminal, downtown (shopping), Niagara Helicopters, Spanish Aero Car, Great Gorge Adventure. Green route map.

In addition, there are all the regular routes of the local transit.
People Mover: The Niagara Parks Commission operates their own transportation system known as the People Mover. Buses run in a continuous loop from the Rapidsview parking lot in the south to Queenston Heights Park in the north. The buses stop at all the Niagara Parks attractions. All day pass: adults 13+ yrs $7.50, children 6 to 12 $4.50, children under 5 years of age ride for Free!
Via Rail travels into the City from Toronto. www.viarail.ca/
Niagara Falls Ontario does not have an airport. The closest airports are Hamilton ON, Toronto ON, and Buffalo NY- Buffalo being the closest.

Niagara Falls Attractions

1. Maid of the Mist Steamboat
   Address: 5920 River Rd at Clifton Hill Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6V6 Canada
   Tel: 905-356-5781
   
   The original Maid of the Mist was a steampowered paddlewheeler ferry, and entered service in 1846. Today, the name Maid of the Mist is shared by four modern diesel-powered ships. Maid of the Mist IV and V carry 300 passengers, Maid of the Mist VI and VII can hold 600 people.
   Hooded raincoats are provided for all passengers and you are certain to need them. The wind-driven mist at the base of the falls is astounding and will bring thrills to adventurers of all ages.
2. Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
   Address: 5685 Falls Avenue Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6W7 Canada
   Tel: 905-374-4444
   
   The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark located in the Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex directly across from Niagara Falls is the ideal family vacation destination. Standing eight stories high with 125,000 square feet of water fun for all ages the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark features 16 thrilling slides up to six stories high, a giant wave pool, adult Jacuzzis, Beach House, Mammoth Aqua Play Area and arcade.
3. Niagara Falls
   Address: Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6T2 Canada
4. Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
   Address: 2405 Niagara River Pkwy Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6S4 Canada
   Tel: 905 358 0025
5. Greg Frewin Theatre
   Address: 5781 Ellen Ave Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 3P8 Canada
   Tel: 905-356-0777
   
   The Greg Frewin Theatre is a great new attraction in the area that offers a "Las Vegas Style" magic show that is enjoyable for the entire family. The almost 2 hour show is jam packed with amazing illusions that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The Theatre also offers dinner packages which can be combined with the show. This show is an incredible addition to Niagara Falls which desperately needs some larger scale attractions to compete with the likes of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. A must see!!
6. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum
   Address: 4960 Clifton Hill Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 3N4 Canada
   Tel: 905-356-2238
   
   Open since 1963! Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum in Niagara Falls, Ontario is part of Robert Ripley's growing collection of the strange, the odd and the unbelievable. There are more than 10 galleries with over 500 exhibits, illusions and interactive displays. All the exhibits are authentic including a real human shrunken head, a two-headed kitten and a large landscape 'painting' done entirely with clothes lint, proving that fact really is stranger than ficition. Check out the Niagara Theater, a history of people who have dared defy the Falls. Explore the Vortex Tunnel, our most popular interactive display!
7. Niagara SkyWheel
   Address: 4946 Clifton Hill Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6S8 Canada
   Tel: 905-358-4793
8. Bird Kingdom at the Niagara Falls Aviary
   Address: 5651 River Rd Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 7M7 Canada
   Tel: 905-356-8888
   
   3x winner of Niagara Falls' "Attraction of the Year" award, the worlds largest, indoor, free flying Aviary is home to over 400 tropical birds from around the world! Interactive feedings, bird shows and hands on encounters make Bird Kingdom more than just an ordinary walk through the rainforest! The main atrium is truly a sight to behold with a 6 storey waterfall, giant palm tree's, rippling streams and birds of every description and colour, flying free!

Toronto Transport

TCC
TCC is usually the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to get around central Toronto, making it ideal for travellers. Most downtown routes have very frequent service, some run 24 hours, and the fleet of subways, buses, and streetcars is safe and graffiti-free.

Buses in Toronto operate the same way as most buses in other North American cities. Bus stops in Toronto are white, with two red stripes on top, and an iconogram of a bus on the stop. Major stops will have timetables and route maps posted. Most bus routes have branches, these are noted by a letter next to the route number on the route sign (For example: 87 Cosburn - To Broadview Station as the main route, and 87B Cosburn - To Coxwell as a branch). Branches are noted on the timetables by the letter of the branch next to the time. If the route sign displays a street name and the word "station" then the bus is terminating at a subway station. If it displays just a street name, assume that it is not terminating at a subway station. (For example 8 Broadview - To Coxwell is not terminating at Coxwell Subway Station, but 70 O'Conner - To Coxwell Station is terminating at Coxwell Subway Station).
NOTE: Buses with route numbers starting with "14" are special rush hour expresses that require payment of a double fare.

Streetcars
Streetcars operate much like buses on rail. The stops look exactly like bus stops, except with a picture of a streetcar. Some stops are shared by streetcars and buses. If the stop has a platform for the streetcar, wait on the platform; otherwise, wait on the sidewalk. The streetcar will stop in the centre lane of the street. Board through the front and pay the same way you would on a bus. To signal to the driver that you want to get off, pull the yellow cord, just like on the bus. The route signs display the route number and destination, but not the route name. For example 506 Landsdowne, the 506 is the route number (in this case the 506 Carlton route) and Landsdowne is the name of the street where the streetcar terminates. As with buses, if the word "station" (or abbreviation "stn") is used on the route sign, it means that the streetcar is terminating at a subway station. Unlike buses, short turns (the turning of the streetcar before it runs the entire route) are often not scheduled. Ask the driver if you are unsure. Since streetcars often stop in the centre lane of the street, make sure that traffic is stopped before you step out of the streetcar. The exception is stops that have platforms in the middle of the street for the streetcar.
NOTE: The 501 Queen route operates on a Proof-of-Payment system, unlike the other streetcar routes. If you are paying with cash, a token, or a ticket, enter through the front doors of the streetcar. You must obtain a transfer after paying, no matter whether or not you are changing routes. If you have a pass or are transferring from another line, enter through the back doors. A TTC employee may ask you for your pass or transfer at any time.

Subways
Toronto's Subway system is comprised of 4 lines: The East-West Bloor-Danforth line (Green), the North-South Yonge-University-Spadina line (Yellow), the East-West Sheppard line (Purple), and the L-Shaped Scarborough RT (Blue). The lines that tourists will most often need to use are the Bloor-Danforth and Yonge-University-Spadina. The subway runs from approximately 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM, except on Sundays, when service starts at 9:00 AM. When the subway is closed, buses run in lieu of the subway. Fares are paid in the station. Some stations have unmanned, secondary entrances where only tokens, weekly passes, and monthly passes can be used, but the main entrances are always manned. Every station has pay phones, and most have a newsstand. Trains arrive about every 2 minutes in rush hours, and about every 5 minutes during other times. Stand back from the edge of the platform when waiting for a train, as trains enter stations at upwards of 50 kilometres per hour. If there is a delay for any reason, it will usually be announced, and the screens on the platform list delays. If the delay is serious, buses will be provided to take over for the subway. There are no local and express trains, all trains stop at all stations along the route. However, during morning rush hours, some Northbound trains on the Yonge University Spadina line terminate at St. Clair West Station, as opposed to the normal terminus at Downsview station. The name of the next stations is announced immediately after the train leaves the station, and again as the train enters the station. It is illegal and dangerous to walk between subway cars.

Cash Fare, Tickets, and Tokens
You can pay cash for each ride ($2.75 as of July 2006), but it's the most expensive option and you won't get change.
You can buy tickets in groups of 5 at any subway station and many convenience stores. They're about 20% cheaper than paying cash. Reduced-rate tickets are available for children and seniors (65+).
Tokens are priced the same as adult tickets and can be used the same way. Unlike tickets, tokens can also be used at automated turnstiles. Each station has at least one staffed entrance, but using an automated entrance may be faster. Tokens are sold from vending machines at subway entrances as well as the collector's booth.

Transfers
Your cash fare, ticket, or token allows you to travel to any destination in the city of Toronto; you can connect to other route(s) for free. However, if you make a stopover or a return journey, you have to pay a new fare.
A transfer is a small piece of paper that shows where and when you paid your fare. At subway stations, get a transfer from the red machine just past the turnstiles; on streetcars and buses, get one from the driver after paying your fare. When you change routes, just show the transfer to the driver or, when entering the subway system, at the collector's booth.
You may not need a transfer — at some subway stations, buses and streetcars load and unload within the "fare-paid" area. But since you must get your transfer at the start of your trip, it's easiest to take one even if you're not sure you'll need it.

Passes
The TTC Day Pass , only $8.50 as of July 2006, is good for unlimited travel on the TTC for one day (until 5:30 am the next morning). It's a good deal if you're taking more than four rides in the day, and gives you the option of taking short streetcar and subway rides downtown if you're tired of walking.
On Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays, the day pass is an even better deal because the same $8.50 pass can be shared by two adults and as many as four youths 19 or younger (or one adult and up to five kids).
You can buy day passes at subway stations and TTC ticket agents such as many convenience stores. They can also be bought in advance (you scratch off and write in the date yourself).
Weekly and Monthly Passes
TTC Weekly Pass allows you unlimited travel for one week, which must run from Monday to Sunday. Unlike a day pass, it's never good for more than one person at a time (though you can let someone else use it when you're not). It's worthwhile if used for 15 rides or more. Make sure you don't accidentally buy the more expensive GTA Weekly Pass, which is only useful if you're travelling around the suburbs.

Maps
You can get a free Ride Guide, with maps and travel tips, at the collector's booth at any subway station.
The TTC's downtown map (180 KB PDF) covers most major attractions and is handy even if you're walking or driving. Maps and schedules for every bus and streetcar route are available on the TTC web site.
Unfortunately, the TTC doesn't have an online trip planner to calculate best routes and travel times. For subway travel, assume two minutes per station; for streetcars and buses multiply the distance in kilometres by 3 for the approximate number of minutes. The TripAdvisor Toronto Forum can help you find the best route, or you can call the TTC at (416) 393-INFO (4636).

Exploring Toronto

Downtown East

1. City Hall
100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, Canada

Highlights:
*Council Chamber
*Hall of Memory
*Nathan Phillips Square
*Metropolis
*Henry Moore's Three Way Piece Number Two
*Peace Guarden
*Reflecting Pool

www.toronto.ca

2. Design Exchange
234 Bay Street, Toronto, ON, Canada

Highlights:
*The frieze on the facade
*Murals
*The Staircase
*Canadian Industrial Design Collection

www.dx.org

3.Distillery Historic District
55 Mill Street, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada

Highlights:
*Distillery Walking Tour and Segway Tours
*Glass Artist @ Tank Studio
*Sandra Ainsley Glass Gallery
*Jane Corkin Photographic Gallery
*Mill Street brewery tour

www.thedistillerydistrict.com

4. Hockey Hall of Fame
30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, Canada

Highlights:
*Stanley Cup
*Rink Zone
*Montreal Canadiens' Dressing Room
*Impact Zone
*The Stanley Cup Odyssey

www.hhof.com

5. St. Lawrence Market
92 Front St E, Toronto, ON, Canada

Highlights:
*Sausage King
*Carousel Bakery
*Mano's Meats
*Future Bakery
*Scheffler's Deli
*Alex Farm Prdts
*Caviar Direct

www.stlawrencemarket.com

Accomodation in Toronto

1. Hostelling International (HI)-Toronto
76 Church St., Toronto
USD25- mixed dorm/night

2. Clarence Castle
8 Clarence Square
USD 26- mixed dorm/night
(no male dorm)

3. Canadiana Backpackers Inn
42 Widmer St., Toronto M5V 2E9
USD 25- mixed dorm/night

LOVE STORY (Taylor Swift) meets VIVA LA VIDA (Coldplay) - Piano Cello - by Jon Schmidt

Hillsong - This is Our God - With Subtitles/Lyrics

God's Plan of Salvation! (Lesson 1 & 2)

God is worthy to receive:
1) Glory
2) Honour
3) Power

When men turned away from God, they refuse to glorify God or worship Him as King and became unthankful for His daily care

This led to men's mind being corrupted and their foolish hearts were darkened

Men's heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked

Sin
an inward spiritual attitude of rebellion toward God, expressed in outward acts of disobedience.
1) Sin of Commission
2) Sin of Omission (greater of the 2 sins)

Deaths that a sinner faces:
1) Spiritual Death
2) Physical Death
3) Eternal Death

BUT
Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Jesus Christ Himself was not a sinner.

He bore our sins upon Himself and brought us close to God
Unforgiven sin is a great barrier between God and men. When Christ was put on the cross, the way was opened for men to come back to God. "Faith" in God can only be built on facts.

Because Jesus is alive, He is able to save us completely by
*forgiving our sins
*renewing our minds
*healing our emotions
*healing our bodies
*breaking the curse of failure and defeat
*prospering our lives

In the name of Jesus, God offers to men:
1) Repentence
2) Remission of sins
3) Salvation

We should seek Salvation now. But we can never save ourselves by our own good works/efforts. God's laws was not given to make man righteous, but to show man that he is a sinner and he cannot save himself.

It is only because of God's mercy that we can be saved.

We need to confess and forsake our sins if we desire God's mercy. As we confess our sins, he will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we desire to be saved,
1) With the heart, believe that God has raised Him from the dead
2) With the mouth, confess that Jesus is Lord

This is what faith is all about; making a decision to believe and keep speaking out what you believe.

Assurances of Salvation
1) The assurance of acceptance by God
2) The assurance of fellowship with Christ
3) The assurance of authority to be part of God's family
4) The assurance of the new birth
5) The assurance of eternal life
6) The assurance of faith to live the Christian life
7) The assurance of victory over Satan and tempations

Beaches in SF

#1: Ocean Beach

Walk to Market St & Montgomery St, San Francisco - (13 min walk)
*Continue along Sacramento St, San Francisco 0.08 miles
*Turn right at Montgomery St, San Francisco 0.29 miles (0.36 miles)

Muni - 38 - towards Cabrillo/La Playa/Ocean Be... - Fare $ 1.50 Schedule
*Board, W Corner of Market St & Montgomery St (next 2:57am)
*Off Board, NE Corner of Cabrillo/La Playa/Ocean Beach (33 min ride)

Walk to OCEAN BEACH, San Francisco - (5 min walk)
*Walk along La Playa St, turn right into Fulton St

OR

Walk to Kearny St & Sacramento St, San Francisco - (1 min walk)
*Continue along Sacramento St, San Francisco 0.03 miles

Muni - 1 - towards 33rd Ave & Geary Blvd, San ... - Fare $ 1.50 Schedule
*Board, NW Corner of Sacramento St & Kearny St (next 5:29am)
*Off Board, NE Corner of Sacramento St & Van Ness Ave (6 min ride)

Muni - 90 - towards San Bruno Ave & Arleta Ave... - Fare Schedule
*Board, NW Corner of Van Ness Ave & Sacramento St (next 2:52am)
*Off Board, SW Corner of Van Ness Ave & Mcallister St (5 min ride)

Muni - 5 - towards Cabrillo/La Playa/Ocean Bea... - Fare Schedule
*Board, NW Corner of Mcallister St & Van Ness Ave (next 3:02am)
*Off Board, NE Corner of La Playa St & Fulton St (19 min ride)

Walk to OCEAN BEACH, San Francisco - (3 min walk)

#2: Aquatic Park

Walk to Clay St & Stockton St, San Francisco - (6 min walk)
*Continue along Sacramento St, San Francisco 0.19 miles
*Turn right at Stockton St, San Francisco 0.04 miles (0.22 miles)

Muni - 91 - towards 19th Ave & Holloway Ave, S... - Fare $ 1.50 Schedule
*Board, E Corner of Stockton St & Clay St (next 2:32am)
*Off Board, NW Corner of Van Ness Ave & North Point St (8 min ride)

Walk to AQUATIC PARK, San Francisco - (8 min walk)
*Walk along Van Ness Ave and turn left into Mcdowell Road

Taking a Walk on the WILD side

Walking Tours

Walking tours to SAVE $$$

touched

Beautiful Saviour

Jesus, Beautiful Saviour,
God of all Majesty,
Risen king,
Lamb of God,
Holy and righteous,
Blessed redeemer,
Bright morning star

All the heavens shout your praise,
All creation bow to worship You

How wonderful, how beautiful,
Name above every name, exalted high
How wonderful, how beautiful,
Jesus your name, name above every name, Jesus

I will sing forever, Jesus I love you, Jesus I love you
---------------------------------------------------------

I am so happy to be a Child of God! I am so thankful that He's slowly revealing His words to me. Ultimately... I'm touched by His glory and grace!

I feel so happy recently, I don't know why! I feel so easily contented! haha! oh wells!

Anyways, I am so happy for Jacq!! Talking to her made me relive my past. About how gloomy my darkest days felt and how uncertain I was when I was going through my journey of recovery.

I used to think it was a competition. A race. I wanted to be the BEST patient. I came to support group in my nicest dress to SHOW others how well I am... I talked to everyone I saw in clinic just to PROVE that I was well...I didnt know what Evelyn meant when she said "Focus on yourself!" but now I do. After so long...But I'm glad I finally did. Life used to be so tiring. It was like a battle everyday, one which you feel you can never conquer. Days and days of tears and self-indulgence, wallowing in nothing but self-pity. Thinking back, I just feel so ashamed of myself. Imagine the amount of time I have wasted, the amount of lies I have told, the amount of tears I have caused the people around me to shed. All these sins were enough to send me to Hell.

Sighs, its certainly a miracle to be where I am now. And I have no one else to thank but God... for his glory and mercy upon me.

I Just Want You - Planetshakers

'Beautiful Saviour' Planetshakers

Where to get BEST views!

Bernal Heights Park
Many San Franciscans never travel to Bernal Heights, located as it is at the southern edge of the Mission valley, served by only a few city bus lines and perched atop a steep hill, to boot.

Getting there:
Walk to Metro Montgomery Station/Outbound, San Francisco - (11 min walk)
*Continue along Sacramento St, San Francisco 0.08 miles
*Turn right at Montgomery St, San Francisco 0.29 miles (0.36 miles)

Muni - J - towards Balboa Park Bart/Mezzanine ... - Fare $ 1.50 Schedule
*Board, Metro Montgomery Station/Outbound (next 12:35pm)
*Off Board, SW Corner of 30th St & Dolores St (21 min ride)

Muni - 24 - towards 3rd St & Palou Ave, San Fr... - Fare Schedule
*Board, SW Corner of 30th St & Dolores St (next 1:01pm)
*Off Board, SW Corner of Cortland Ave & Bronte St (6 min ride)

Walk to BERNAL HEIGHTS/POWHATTAN, San Francisco - (7 min walk)
*Walk along Bradfort St and turn right and walk along Franconia St.

BE READY FOR A GREAT VIEW

Planning- SF (Alcatraz Island)

Directions
The only way to get to Alcatraz is by a ferry operated by Alcatraz Cruises, LLC. They are located on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street - just a bit south east of Fisherman's Wharf.

When in San Francisco public transportation is the best way to get around. The Muni F Line runs along Market Street (east) then turns north on The Embarcadero, and runs right past the ferry terminal (on your right) and then on through Fisherman's Wharf.

Timings
Departures are available about every half hour throughout the day beginning at 9:00am. Evening tours and combined Angel Island - Alcatraz Island tours are also available depending on the season.

Fees
There is no entrance fee to visit Alcatraz Island. However there is a charge for the ferry service to and from the island which is supplied by a private company under contract with the National Park Service. For additional information on schedules, prices, and to purchase tickets in advance (tickets are made available about 60 days in advance) please visit the Alcatraz Cruises website.

The price includes the cellhouse audio tour, which is available in English, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin and Dutch. If you do not wish to do the audio tour you can receive a refund by contacting a supervisor in the cellhouse bookstore.

There is no entrance fee to visit Alcatraz the America the Beautiful passes and the Golden Eagle/Access/Age passes, do not apply to the price of a ferry ticket for Alcatraz.



Alcatraz Night Tour

The Alcatraz Night Tour operates year-round, Thursday-Monday evenings. The evening includes roundtrip ferry transportation, a live boat narration, a guided tour from Dock to Cellhouse, the Cellhouse Audio Tour, a keepsake souvenir brochure, and a variety of special presentations. Tickets are $33.00 for adults, $33.00 for juniors (ages 12-17), $30.50 for ages 62+, and $19.50 for children ages 5-11. Children under age 5 are free.

The evening includes roundtrip ferry transportation, a live boat narration, a guided tour from Dock to Cellhouse, the Cellhouse Audio Tour, a keepsake souvenir brochure, recreation use fee, and a variety of special programs and presentations offered only at night.

Hotline: 415-561-4926
Purchase Tickets: 415-981-7625

Planning- SF (City Pass)

CITYPASS- SF


Muni & Cable Car 7-Day Passport : unlimited transportation on Muni cable cars, street cars, and buses for 7 consecutive days (compare with $5 regular fare per cable car ride)
Unlimited transportation on Muni for 7 consecutive days beginning day of first CityPass use.
Does not include BART; May be used for the Candlestick Ballpark Express for an additional $3 per person. Use is subject to all existing rules, regulations and charges approved by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.

You can also use your passport to get to these points of interest:
*Golden Gate Bridge: 28 or 29 bus
*Fisherman's Wharf: 15, 30, F-line or 10 bus
*Chinatown: 30, 45, 15, 1 California, 12 Pacific or Cable Cars
*Union Square: 2, 3, 4, 30, 45, 38 Geary, Cable Cars, or any streetcar (F-Line)
*Haight Ashbury: 6, 7, 33, 37, 43, or 71 bus
*Cliff House/Seal Rocks: 18 bus or 38 Geary
*Golden Gate Park: 71, or 5 Fulton, 21 Hayes, 33 Stanyan, 7 Haight, N. Judah, or 44 *O' Shaughnessey Moscone Convention Center: 15, 30, 45, 14 Mission, or 12 Folsom

Hotline: 415-673-6864


California Academy of Sciences: general admission including exhibits, aquarium, rain forest, planetarium, natural history museum and the living roof

Open Monday - Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Penguin Feeding Daily at 10:30 am & 3:30 pm.

MUNI Bus lines: 44 stops in front of the Academy; 5 & 21 stop just 2 blocks outside the park. The N-Judah Muni Streetcar stops at 9th Avenue, 4 blocks from the park. For only $3, upgrade to the new 74X CultureBus, the fastest and easiest Muni option. Note: show your Muni transfer ticket at the Academy and receive a $3 cash refund.

Hotline: 415-379-8000

Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure: one one-hour cruise
PIER 39 west of the marina at Beach Street and the Embarcadero, 2 blocks east of Fisherman's Wharf

The Blue & Gold Fleet morning adventure cruises are least crowded; see the world famous sea lions seasonally at PIER 39 K Dock.

Daily departures starting at 10:30 a.m.; contact prior to visit for schedule and operating hours

MUNI Bus Routes: 15, 10, 47; bus lines go within a block of PIER 39; The F line trolley stops right in front

Hotline: 415-773-1188

Aquarium of the Bay: general admission

Mornings at the Aquarium of the Bay are less crowded than all other times; see the world-famous sea lions seasonally at PIER 39's K dock

Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 7 p.m.; extended summer hours (May 25 - Sept 3): 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Christmas Day

PIER 39, The Embarcadero at Beach Street

MUNI Bus Routes: 15, 10, 47; bus lines go within a block of PIER 39; The F line trolley stops right in front of PIER 39

Hotline: 415-623-5300

SF Museum of Modern Art: general admission
The least crowded times to visit San Francisco Museum of Modern Art are Monday or Tuesday in the early afternoon or Thursday evenings.

Open daily (except Wednesdays) 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.; Thursdays until 8:45 p.m.; summer hours (Memorial Day - Labor Day) open at 10 a.m.

151 Third Street (between Howard and Mission) in the Yerba Buena Gardens cultural district

MUNI Bus Routes: 30 Stockton bus, 45 Union bus or 14 Mission bus to 3rd and Mission

Hotline: 415-357-4000

Exploratorium: general admission
Beat the crowd at Exploratorium weekdays 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.; the first Wednesday of every month is very crowded due to free admission day so you may choose to visit using CityPass on a different day

Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays, except some holidays, call for details

Near the Golden Gate Bridge at the Palace of Fine Arts, 3601 Lyon Street

MUNI Bus Routes: 28, 30, 43

Hotline: 415-397-5673

OR
de Young Museum and Legion of Honor (if visited on the same day): general admission

Both Museums are open Tuesday - Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.; de Young open Friday evenings until 8:45 p.m. late January to early November only

de Young: Golden Gate Park; on the concourse at the intersection of JFK Drive and Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
Legion of Honor: In Lincoln Park Golf Course at 34th Avenue and Clement Street

MUNI Bus Routes: From downtown SF to the Legion take the 38 Geary bus to 33rd Avenue and transfer to the 18 bus

Hotline: 415-750-3600

Planning- SF (1st day)

MONTGOMERY STREET STATION (NEAR HOMEEE)

California Historical Society of America
An opulent 1890s San Francisco Victorian mansion and library.
Getting There:
Montgomery Street BART: Short walk to 678 Mission St.

California Palace of the Legion of Honor
Lincoln Park at 34th Avenue and Clement Street
Phone: 415.863.3330
Modeled after the famed Palace of Versailles, this palace houses an impressive collection of 4,000 years of ancient and European art. Located in San Francisco's Lincoln Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge and all of San Francisco!
Getting There:
From M. Stn take the #38 Geary to 33rd Avenue and walk two blocks north to 34th and Clement.

Chinatown (San Francisco)
One of North America's oldest and largest Chinatowns! The official Chinatown Gate is located at Grant and Bush.
Getting There:
Montgomery Street station. Walk up Kearny to California (about 6 blocks) or take Muni 15, 30, or 45 to Chinatown.

Exploratorium
3601 Lyon Street, at the Palace of Fine Arts
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415.561.0360
An artful museum of science and perception that includes hands-on exhibits about subjects like sound, hearing and electricity. One of the Bay Area's most popular museums.
Getting There:
Walk one half-block up Market Street to Third Street and catch the #30 Stockton bus on the corner.

Presidio Army MuseumDisplays about the history of the Presidio from the Spanish occupation in 1776 to the present.
Getting There:
Montgomery Street BART: Muni 45 and walk to Lincoln Blvd. & Funston Ave.

San Francisco Art Institute Galleries
800 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA
Phone: 415.771.7020
The San Francisco Art Institute has been educating students of contemporary art since 1871. The Campus presents regular, solo and student group exhibitions of contemporary fine art in four galleries.
Getting There:
Take BART to the Montgomery Street station. Take MUNI 30 to Columbus & Chestnut Streets, walk 1 block west.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
151 Third Street (between Mission and Howard)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415.357.4000
Exhibits of 20th-century art and host to major traveling exhibitions. Documents history of art from Matisse to Picasso to contemporary California artists.
Getting There:
Walk west to 3rd, turn left 2 walk two blocks. The museum is located at 151 Third Street, between Mission and Howard Streets.

Planning- SF (From SFO to PTHostel)

Landing at:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) --- North(3), Sounth(1), Central(2) Terminals

*Bank of America- Mezzanine level of North terminal
*ATMs- upper levels of all terminals
*Travelex Currency Exchange- Intl terminals
Hotline(SFO): 800-435-9736

From SFO to Pacific Tradewinds Backpacker Hostel
680 Sacramento Street
San Francisco,USA 94111

* Bay Area Rapid Trasit(BART)- Level 3 of International Terminal/ Take autmoated AirTrain to Garage G/BART Station stop from Domestic terminals

Take the subway (BART) to the Montgomery Street station. Then walk on Montgomery Street in the opposite direction of the traffic to Sacramento Street and turn Left to 680 Sacramento.
$5:35
Hotline(BART): 510-817-1717

Uncertainties

The first post to my online diary prepared for my journey to NYC.

Yes, no doubt, I'm excited and all. However, it is indeed a struggle to come up with this decision. I am not sure if I have made the right choice but no matter what, there is no room for regrets now and all I can do, is to look forward. I trust that God will lead me through this journey of uncertainty.

Today has certainly been an emotional day for me. A mixture of excitement and fear. I realised that this time I was more irrational that what I had expected myself to be. Just a day ago, I was bent on heading for the states. I know how rare this opportunity is and yes, despite objections from everyone, I insisted on my decision. I am not sure if this was an effort to prove that I can be independant or just a rash decision on my part. All I can say, is that the feeling is starting to settle in. The fear and sadness slowly but surely creeping up my bones.

I can't get to sleep tonight. Apart from my ultra-screwed biological clock, I guess my nerves are getting the better of me. After my phonecall with Chinny, I felt worried. His concern shook me a little as I am now clearer of the amount of uncertainties present in this "adventure". I know he is trying hard to support me and feel happy for me, just like my family, BUT i know through these 3 months away from home, these are the people who will be more worried than anything else. They have seen me through my thoughest times and its no doubt that they'll get worried. Hmmm, so trish, its up to you to assure them. I have to show them (and myself) that I have grown up and can take care of myself. Not sure how it's gonna work, but I'm sure it will! Have faith (:

It is funny how I already feel homesick before setting off!I can see myself hugging my nai nai and mummy in tears before I check into the departure gates... I can totally picture myself bringing many photos of mummy, daddy, yeye, nai nai, sis, and didi to the states. Pasting them all over my bedroom wall! I am starting to wonder... on the nights when I have nightmares, there will be NO mummy's bed/arms/quilt to crawl into. On the days when I'm feeling slightly lonely, there will be NO Chinny to call to. On the mornings when I am struggling to wake up, there is no yeye to say "Miss Tricia, kuai dian qi lai". And every evening, there will be NO daddy, sis or ryan messaging/calling me to ask what time I'll be home. There will be NO one waiting for me to return home. NO one to give me hugs or kisses or massages when I desperately need one. hmmmmmmm. Not sure how I'm gonna cope. Argh, why am I such a family girl.

So many times I have made unilateral decisions in my life and was momentarily happy with my "accomplishements" and "sense of control". But it always turns out to be something ugly and painful. I really hope that this time will be different. I don't know if it is a good thing that my family always gives in to me because I am really not sure if I am able to make mature, accurate decisions single-handedly. Episodes of my life have proved that I can't but this time round, I want to make things work out. Certainly, the multiple falls and struggles in life must have taught me something.

This is also the very reason why I started this subsidary online diary: to keep check of my feelings and to be constantly vigilant.

This trip can be referred as an exponential curve on my level of independence. To be frank, I really can't take care of myself. I'm not sure if throwing myself in the deep blue sea will force me to fight against the tides and swim back to shore. I really don't know. But I have faith that I can do this. I know I have to trust myself this time round. I know that I must be strong emotionally.. stronger that I have ever been. And that, no one can help me with.

So, let me face this with a brave heart, and STEP UP to this challenge. I'm sure it'll be a great experience! As i mentioned to Chinny, its all in the mind. If you think its gonna be boring... it definitely will be.

So BE HAPPY TRISH! It will be fine! God will be with me!