Snow White and The Huntsman

Director : Rupert Sanders
Cast : Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Sam Claflin
Release date : 1 June 2012
Running time : 127min


Snow White, imprisoned daughter of the late King, escapes just as the Magic Mirror declaires her the source of the Evil Queen's immortality. 

The Queen sends her men, led by a local huntsman to bring her back. But upon her capture, the huntsman finds he's being played and turns against the Queens men, saving Snow White in the process. Snow's childhood friend, William, learns that she is alive and sets off to save her.

Verdict : Interesting twist, definitely more action and adventure.

Hiking @ Blue Sky Ecological Reserve

We decided to try hiking at Blue Sky Ecological Reserve here in Poway. Started around 8.30am after I had dropped my car off for servicing. The trail was pretty flat, and was nice as the trees grew over each other, like what you see in the South. So it was pretty cooling and shady. But it was rather hot, over 80 deg's out in the open. We walked about an hour along the trail.

Along the trail, there are 2 branch out of which one is to Lake Poway, the other to Lake Ramona. Decided on the former as the trail looked flatter (but uphill), though winding, where as the latter looks like it's uphill all the way. It took about 45min to get up and the view was worth it. Decided to walk down to the street to head back to the car. Good 5 mile hike in about 2 hours. Then, time for some food!

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Director : Stephen Daldry
Cast : Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Thomas Horn, Viola Davis
Release date : 20 Jan 2012
Running time : 129min

A troubled young boy, Oskar, is trying to cope with the loss of his father. Oskar starts lashing out at his mother and the world.

Until a year later, he discovers a mysterious key in his father's belongings and embarks on a scavenger hunt to find the matching lock, just as he used to when his father was alive. On this journey he is bound to meet a lot of people and learn a lot about himself and his family, but will he ever find the lock?


Verdict : So much tragedy, so much that is hopeful. Found it to be quite a moving story.

Thor

Director : Kenneth Branagh
Cast : Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgaard, Kat Dennings
Release date : 6 May 2011
Running time : 115min


The warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard by his father Odin for his arrogance and sent to Earth to live among humans.

Falling in love with scientist Jane Foster teaches Thor much-needed lessons, and his new-found strength comes into play as a villain from his homeland sends dark forces toward Earth.


Verdict : How does a Norse god join the Avengers?

Happy Birthday Ikeda-san!

Yes, the nickname is 肉 niku, as in meat

No, we did not smash his face in the cake

Laksa!

Semi-home made....packet paste with all the works..pretty good I must say. Was a good lunch with Christina :) 

Hiking @ Rose Canyon

Very easy hike at Rose Canyon by Genesee Avenue this morning. Overcast day, rather cloudy and chilly. The trail was pretty much flat, lots of yellow flowers around, past the freeway 52.

After the 2 hour hike, headed for brunch at El Pescador Fish Market in La Jolla, a very small local fresh seafood place. Very popular with the locals and good reviews on yelp. The many seafood (halibut, yellowtail etc sandwiches and salads) are highly recommended. A quick stop by the cove after eating, high tide is in and the ocean was rough.

Small place, with very few seating but supposedly rivals Point Loma Seafood

 Dungeness crab sandwich, clam chowder and ceviche

Yumm...

Rough seas

Recent eats ;)

 Opera cake @ Champagne Bakery, Carmel Mountain

Signature salad @ Champagne Bakery, Carmel Mountain

Vegan lemon cheesecake @ Loving Hut Vegan Restaurant, Mira Mesa

 Tofu+eggplant and veggie delight @ Loving Hut Vegan Restaurant, Mira Mesa

Fresh rolls @ Loving Hut Vegan Restaurant, Mira Mesa

12oz Cattleman's Ribeye Steak @ Pinnacle Peak Cowboy Steakhouse, Santee

 Tonkatsu bento @ Oton, Kearny Mesa

Shio ramen @ Tajima2, Convoy

Crabstack Salad @ Sony Club 

 $14 All-You-Can-Eat hotpot (after 9pm) @ China Chef, Mira Mesa 

Lake Miramar

My regular spot for running and walking if no hike takes place on the weekends. Got to get in the rhythm for the 5K! Trying to find a race to target...

Hiking @ Del Dios

Hiked this morning at Del Dios by Lake Hodges with Lizie and Maria. Quite a warm morning but a good 6 mile hike partly around the lake. Over 200 mountain bikers along the path as with the Challenged Athletes Foundation Fundraiser. Upside down pineapple pancakes at Beach Grass Cafe after that ;)