Indian Wells Mini Break 2019, President’s Day Weekend
Indian Wells, Feb-16, Saturday
After missing to find snow on our Lake Arrowhead trip last January. I took the first opportunity to booked for a room at the the special offer Indian Wells Resort Hotel.
We departed Arcadia at 2:45pm. It wass a short and easy 2 hour drive from Los Angeles. No traffic, no rain plus the majestic snow covered mountain view along the 10 freeway east makes the drive smooth. I recollected to Matthew and John our trip with Angkong and Ama on June of 2001. Angkong called the “7 States – 4 Corners Tour“. How time flies. Nostalgic, and longingly remembering our beloved parents brought more urgency of us (503 and 113) of spending more time with the boys. Along the way, my thoughts were already in the planning stage for our next mini-break…
Along Freeway 10-E 
Really a 60+ Year Old Hotel
We arrived at the resort hotel a little past 5 pm. The hotel entrance was grand, the facade gorgeous, and the lobby pleasing. The hotel was originally built by Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball in 1957. The check-in process was smooth and easy, although I was expecting 20s-30s front desk clerks. I later realized that the hotel is manned by staff who are mostly 40s-50s. We got Room 101. Hmm, this must be the very first room of the entire hotel resort, I guess. The room is nice and clean, although, most of the furnishings require repairs or replacements. When John John flashed the toilet, the water closet started to flow like a fountain! 113 tried to fix, but would later call the housekeeping for help. In 5 minutes, a handyman came to fixed the water closet, and less than courteous said “the next time anything happens, please do not fix it yourself, ok?“ Hmmm, I thought it was a bit rude. But well, we are here for a mini vacation, and not to worry about anything, right?
Nothing Beats Chinese Food
At 6:30 pm we proceeded to a well advertised German Restaurant, Schnitzelhaus. Arriving hungry, we were told that we had to reserved. So here we come, the next door Chinese Restaurant — China Wok. The restaurant was 80% filled with non-Asian, non-Chinese. We enjoyed our dinner, like ‘ham-ham’, and before leaving, we were approached by the Owner-Chef (a Vietnamese-Chinese). Still nothing beats Chinese food. For the hungry or the cheapy (stingy). $44 fed a family of 4 hungry visitors. (The restaurant exhaust needed some fixing though.)
Indian Wells, Feb-17, Sunday
We started not-too early. Free breakfast of bagel, toasted, cup cakes, banana cake, oatmeal, boiled eggs, juices and coffee is not bad, most specially because it is free.
After breakfast, we proceeded to the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountain Monument Visitor Center at 51-500 CA74, Palm Desert, 92260. We spent more than an hour, taking pictures, picking “bato”, strolling around in the cool temperature of low 50F. We next drive around the Old Town of Indian Wells, the tennis garden, multiple golf courses.
We originally planned to have lunch at the Old Town La Quinta, a near by town southeast of Indian Wells. But decided otherwise. The town looks nice, but somehow looks deserted. Perhaps we were expecting something like the Pasadena Old Town or even the Monrovia Old Town — this definitely is not. 113 instead decided to have lunch at the “MyThai” restaurant, still in La Quinta, approaching Indian Wells.. Full lunch for the price of $60 is not bad. Although the servings are a little smaller than usual, it was best, I guess.
Never Again
By 2:45 we proceeded to our next destination, the Desert Holocaust, located at the Desert Civic Center, along Fred Waring corner San Pascual, Greater Palm Springs.
“I have told you this story not to weaken you, but to strengthen you. Now it is up to you. Never Again.”
We spend another 2 hours around the park, pictures, running around, feeding ducks.
Finally arriving at the hotel before 6pm. For our dinner, we had simple dinner of Cup Noodles, Trader Jack’s Salad, and Turkey Wrap. Ready for the nights rest for a good night rest.
Homeward Bound after Cabazon, Feb-18, Monday
10:30am, after breakfast, we headed home. Actually headed to Cabazon. We arrived at Cabazon around 11:30am, and 113 was already super excited. Upon arrival, she immediately proceeded, by herself, to the shopping jungle. Matt, John and 503 on the other hand, proceeded to McDo for lunch.
Everyday Blessing
By around 3:30pm, with 113 back from shopping, we saw snowflakes falling! Right in the middle of the huge Cabazon Outlet parking complex! It lasted less than 30 seconds, but it sure feel wonderful. We did not experience snowfall, but at the very least we had snowflakes!
On the way home, 113 driving… I mentioned that I felt the same wonderful feeling I had on May 8 of 2012 at the Lake Arrowhead with Papa and Mama and their friends.
Everyday is a blessing from God. Some like it sunny, some like it snowy. Matt and John likes to just play with their gadgets, while 113 wanted to go shopping. For me? I just wanted to be with the most precious people in my life – Rene, Matthew and John. Thank you Jesus for my family. We arrived Arcadia a little past 6pm, passed by Michelle’s Pho for warm Pho soup. Finally arriving home safe, sound and full.