After leaving Palo Alto town area, we headed to a bank for me to get a prepaid card. I really it's a great option for travelers who do not want to carry loads of cash around.
We were there for a-month long holiday, so of course, we should have more than a thousand dollars each. Note that we have plans to visit 3 outlet stores. But it could be dangerous to have so much cash on you. It is also not foolproof to leave your cash hidden in the room.
So the next best thing is to get a plastic. Debit cards are tied to bank accounts, which I do not have in the States. Credit cards require a credit check which might take a while - time is a luxury I can't afford while on holiday. Thus, we opted for a prepaid card, which functions pretty much like a debit or credit card.
I just loaded money into the card via deposit at the bank itself. I could even shop or make reservations online! And if my card get stolen, I just have to inform the bank asap so that they can block my card. I believe my money can be recovered that way in case of theft!
But note that you cannot spend more than the loaded balance. Also, you have to go to the bank branch to get it done. If you have a friend or relative in the States, maybe you can get them to help you get a card in advance so that you will save the time required to drop by at the bank.
We were there for a-month long holiday, so of course, we should have more than a thousand dollars each. Note that we have plans to visit 3 outlet stores. But it could be dangerous to have so much cash on you. It is also not foolproof to leave your cash hidden in the room.
So the next best thing is to get a plastic. Debit cards are tied to bank accounts, which I do not have in the States. Credit cards require a credit check which might take a while - time is a luxury I can't afford while on holiday. Thus, we opted for a prepaid card, which functions pretty much like a debit or credit card.
I just loaded money into the card via deposit at the bank itself. I could even shop or make reservations online! And if my card get stolen, I just have to inform the bank asap so that they can block my card. I believe my money can be recovered that way in case of theft!
But note that you cannot spend more than the loaded balance. Also, you have to go to the bank branch to get it done. If you have a friend or relative in the States, maybe you can get them to help you get a card in advance so that you will save the time required to drop by at the bank.
Lunch at Pho Queen, Sunnyvale
Address: 1133 Tasman Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, United States
Hours: 09:00 am - 09:00 pm
Ample parking lots. Casual dining place. Extensive menu. Huge bowl. Generous portion. Delectable broth. Large lunch time crowd from noon onward.
But as the service is efficient, you don't usually have to wait long. The prices are also reasonable at less than US$ 10 per bowl.
Santana Row
Address: Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128, United States
Santana Row is definitely one of the prettiest shopping areas in San Jose and pricey as well. There are designer boutiques, intriguing shop-houses that boast unique finds, alfresco restaurants which exude relaxing ambiance, and boutique hotels with European feel, all set along the beautifully landscaped, tree-lined avenue.
Nearby Westfield Valley Fair Mall provides a more affordable alternative shopping option though. And its enormous, we spent over 3 hours there!
Santana Row is definitely one of the prettiest shopping areas in San Jose and pricey as well. There are designer boutiques, intriguing shop-houses that boast unique finds, alfresco restaurants which exude relaxing ambiance, and boutique hotels with European feel, all set along the beautifully landscaped, tree-lined avenue.
Nearby Westfield Valley Fair Mall provides a more affordable alternative shopping option though. And its enormous, we spent over 3 hours there!
Dinner at Village California Bistro & Wine Bar
Address: 378 Santana Row #1035, San Jose, CA 95128, United States
Hours: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Mixed berries and vegetable salad - generous portion!
Extremely fragrant roasted chicken with amazing seasoning
Too bad the flavorful taste stopped with the skin as seasoning was only skin-deep :( The meat was quite bland.
A form of strawberry shortcake deconstructed
Too much syrup - Don't order
Mister's cocktail - decent but nothing to shout about
Amazing alfresco dining location. Superb customer service. Friendly wait staff with ready smiles. Great ambiance to soak in Santana Row atmosphere. Quite bland tasting food though. I wouldn't go back there for a meal.
We then left Santana Row around 8pm as we still had to drive for about an hour to reach home. However, if you have time to spare, you should definitely stay till 10pm or so as the nightlife was notably vibrant!
Adios!
xoxo
Miss N
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