Exploring Colorado Springs with cousin Chong Shin

One of my cousins was visiting Colorado from Singapore. And he happen to also have a nephew in Colorado Springs. So, we decided to explore Colorado Springs together and do a few of the touristy stuff.

We started our tour with Garden of the Gods which is one of the local favorites. It was a beautiful day with sunny skies and gentle breeze. After a walk around the loop and taking loads of pictures, we drove to Manitou Springs in search of natural sparkling spring water before stopping at PJ's Bistro for some delicious Polish food.

After we've had our fill, we drove up to Pikes Peak to experience some really thin air. Unfortunately, the road to Pikes Peak was only open 16 out of 19 miles. But it was still way above tree line and a definite weather change!! We meandered off to the open fields a little before the Singaporeans complained about their ears falling off due to the cold! I felt perfectly fine in my down jacket and Muk Luks boots! ha!!

We stopped off at another view point on the way down to take more pics where the wind wasn't so bitingly cold. By the time we got to the bottom of the mountain, the weather had taken a turn for the worse and decided it was perfect weather to go shopping. But not without stopping at the USAFA to visit its famous chapel and airplane.

My cousin's wallet took quite a beating that day at Castle Rock outlet mall. But i'm sure his family's joy would surely sooth that pain. After shopping, we went looking for dinner and went for Korean for a safe choice. Food was plentiful and food was good....

We ate till we couldn't eat anymore before bidding each other goodbye and promised to stay in touch. I had a fantastic day out with them and it was fun to hang out with my cousin and the two young boys. They were the most level headed yet full of fun and life youngsters that I've met in a long time. They even gave me flowers for Mother's Day.. this is just called good upbringing! :)

First stop Garden of the Gods

Walking around GOTG

Do what every tourist does

We found our sparkling spring water

Delicious polish food.. shall have to come back again..

Top of Pikes Peak.. ok, mile 16 of Pikes Peak Highway

Chapel at USAFA

You know you're out with Asians when a) you can't see the table when the food arrives

b) They print you a copy of your picture while you eat.. They're just cool like that.. 

c) They take lots of selfies.. and not just any selfies, awesome selfies!!!