Movies/Shows that inspired me to Travel
First year in the US - one of my colleagues and I were talking about zip codes. I could not recall why, but it probably has something to do with zip code validation or some testing input. I told that I only use 90210 as zip code. And she told me, "you're watching too much TV".
And perhaps she's right. Even growing up in the Philippines, I had been familiar with the American culture because of Hollywood, and these shows and movies somewhat became an inspiration for me to say - "I'm going there someday". Which lead me to the first on the list:
California / Los Angeles / Beverly Hills
Back in the Philippines, during the time when there's no cable TV, nor streaming services, Baywatch and Beverly Hills 90210 are shown every Friday. I was too young then and I did not really understand the context behind the conversations in those shows. I remember not understanding why Kelly was disappointed when her mom told her "I'm pregnant", by the pool (I did not know what "pregnant" meant at the time). Nevertheless I loved the characters, the colors, outfits, the city and even the houses themselves, though I know they're just sets. My friends and I would often pretend play choosing who each were in the series. In 90210, my bestfriend likes Andrea. For some reason I was more inclined to Kelly. In Baywatch, I was CJ and my bestfriend was Erika (whose stay was cut short). And I have a CJ Barbie!! Both shows were located in California. I did not know about Malibu Beach then, but I knew I wanted to see Beverly Hills 90210! It was first on my list!
New York
When I was in Tokyo, I watched a lot of shows that are set in New York. Sex and the City & Gossip Girl (the OG) were huge influencers, wherein New York, the city, seems to be one of the characters as well. My first New York trip was winter time, and it snowed (my first). I was a bit clueless in terms of layering and dressing - too much focus on fashion but not practicality. I was wearing my new boots at the time, something that was not designed for snow! My feet were super cold, but I somehow survived anyway. I've been traveling in and out of New York since that first time, there was a time when I was visiting every year. There's always something magical about it regardless of season.
Las Vegas
You would probably think it's all about just rom-coms but The Hangover made the list. It is a bit dark-ish comedy but somehow still a feel good one. It advertised Vegas and Caesar's Palace well. I celebrated a milestone on this place. Even the high end hotels have bigger space area and are cheaper even. It's always a treat going here. Here is also where I met my divas in person
Seattle, Washington
I was hooked with Grey's Anatomy's first and second seasons. Seattle is actually one of the first states I visited in the US because of this show! And here's what ChatGPT can *gasp* say about it:
Seattle is a city in the state of Washington, USA. It is known for its iconic Space Needle, its thriving tech industry, and its location on the Puget Sound. Seattle is also famous for its coffee culture, music scene, and its diverse and vibrant neighborhoods.
"Grey's Anatomy" is a popular American medical drama television series that first aired in 2005. It is set in the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle and focuses on the lives of surgical residents, attending physicians, and their supervisors. The show is known for its engaging storyline, complex characters, and emotional scenes, and has become one of the longest-running medical dramas in American television history.
I stopped watching it though.
Paris, France
And we are back to Sex and the City! Though I'm at a point in my life where I'm over the series (and that my eyes are now open that Carrie is annoying), I couldn't deny that it lead me to places. I knew of Paris already but that season finale of SATC definitely sealed Paris on the map for me. It was just romantic.
Normandy, France
I'm not a history buff but HBO show's Band of Brothers made me do it! We hired a tour guide and he gave us a private tour for all the actual location. It was a really great experience, I will hopefully find more time to write about it.
London, United Kingdom
I can't wait to talk about Bridget Jones. We've been a Bridget Jones once (or maybe imagined to be one)! I had a wonderful time in London, it was what I expected it to be - moody, overcast and full of life. We were there for the Christmas season so it's been a blast.
Scotland, United Kingdom
This was a recent inspiration that came from the pandemic era. I unexpectedly got hooked to Netflix's Eurovision movie, starring Will Ferrel and Rachel McAdams. It has all the elements of a great movie - the scenery, comedy, the music. It is just hilarious.
More pics!
Thankful to have the opportunity to travel :) I'm cataloging everything in our photo book, go get a glimpse, my photography skills improved there: https://cheekabels.com/