Natasha Cynn

[natashacynn]

Gatorland 🐊 - Happy Thanksgiving! :)

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve known as “The Alligator Capital of the World.”

I called their business line and omg! An automated Southern Floridian greets you while directing your call. Eventually, you reach a live person.

It takes about 3 to 4 hours to do everything in Gatorland. I went in November when it was not humid & breezy. It is unlikely that you’ll get bit by bugs (chiggers) but you can still get bit by them on the swamp walk. I got a few bites on my ankles and behind my legs. Wear sunscreen if your skin is sensitive.

Business Info: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837 [phone] www.gatorland.com

Hours & Admission

Gatorland is open 10 am-5 pm rain or shine, 365 days a year. There is ample free parking, and stroller and wheelchair rentals. Tickets are about $32 but you can find many promos online. Veterans get in free and their guests get 20% off. Florida residents enjoy half off with an ID.

Me at the iconic entrance.

There are flamingos, snakes, big cats, emus, and more. There is a section about the Egyptian God Sobek by the Nile crocodiles. I took a photo of the hieroglyphics and Sobek is featured in it. My favorite part of Gatorland was the swamp walk. It’s a real swamp! Signs to beware of snakes and chiggers are posted.

[natashacynn]

The Equalizer 3 (2023)

“Since giving up his life as a government assassin, Robert McCall finds solace in serving justice on behalf of the oppressed. Now living in Southern Italy, he soon discovers his new friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall becomes their protector by taking on the mafia.”

Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) is a retired government assassin in the final chapter of The Equalizer series. Without watching the previous 2 films, the Equalizer 3 is a good stand-alone film. I watched it in IMAX and you truly felt like you were in Southern Italy. The action scenes were packed but not as bloody as the original film. Vengeance confronted the Italian mafia, concluding the series with a dramatic climax.

(Watched Sep. 4, 2023)

[natashacynn]

Carlos (2023)

“Follows Santana's journey from 14-year-old street musician to a 10-time Grammy winning global sensation. Features unseen archival footage and tracks.”

Loved this documentary! I found it inspiring.

The documentary did an excellent job showcasing Santana's musical journey, making it a must-watch for hardcore fans or lovers of his music. Through the film, I gained valuable insights into Carlos Santana's artistic journey, including his Mexican heritage and his transition from playing the violin to mastering the guitar after moving to San Francisco. The documentary effectively captures his background and highlights his monumental career achievements.

Santana has had a successful and influential career, yet what I loved most about him is his spirituality. The film also shares his ideologies on life and work ethic. Santana is known for incorporating spirituality into his music and personal beliefs. He often speaks about the importance of love, unity, and the power of music to connect people on a spiritual level. His work ethic is often described as dedicated and passionate, with a focus on spreading positive messages through his music.

Highly recommend it for Carlos Santana fans and music lovers.

(Watched on Sep. 24, 2023)

LETTERBOXD

[natashacynn]

Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

"Real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal as Mollie Burkhart, a member of the Osage Nation, tries to save her community from a spree of murders fueled by oil and greed."

This movie accurately portrays journalist David Grann's 2017 novel. Based on the historical murders of the Osage nation in the early 1920s, it recounts how a white businessman & "true friend" to the Osages masterminds the brutal murders of numerous tribe members.

The film's cast is talented with past Oscar-winning performances under their belt. The film could've easily been a poor execution of a controversial novel, but Scorsese and his entourage do a brilliant job.

The film captures the greed and racial privileges between Osages and Whites from an omniscient point of view. You get to feel hatred for the villains Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) & William Hale (Robert DeNiro), sorrow for Mollie Burkhart (Lily Gladstone) & the Osage victims, and pity for the characters. Upon seeing the family of Burkhart's lawyer W.S. Hamilton (Brendan Fraser), the audience understands how deep the corruption runs in Oklahoma. After Mollie goes to Washington DC to voice the Osage tribe’s fears and murders including her family, justice prevails with the birth of the FBI. Tom White (Jesse Plemons) investigates the murders and helps stop the reign of terror in the Osage nation.

I enjoyed watching this film. I watched it in AMC's Dine-In theaters for a relaxed viewing that included a meal with reclining seats. The film's running time is almost 4 hours. It was a great film, but I needed comfort over a premium format like IMAX's immersive experience. I am a big fan of Leonardo DiCaprio & Scorsese's films. I would re-watch this film to delve deeper into details I missed in my first viewing or simply enjoy this cinematic masterpiece. This is my first letterboxd review & I hope to share more reviews in the future!

LETTERBOXD

PURCHASE THE NOVEL ON AMAZON

[natashacynn]

OC's Best Gentleman's Club: The Library Anaheim

We’re not talking about a normal library… just a secret one for adults.

The Library in Anaheim feels more like a nightclub than your typical gentleman’s club.

The lighting is top-tier with screens that wrap around the whole room. There is a speakeasy club behind lockers on a wall. There is a third club area called the “Principal’s Office”. The smoking section has a pool table and a lingerie & lashes vending machine. I have never seen a speakeasy club area or lingerie & lashes vending machine before at a gentleman’s club… even in a Vegas gentleman’s club.

The photos show an empty club, but if you dare to adventure here expect to leave with a memorable experience. It might not be your thing to visit places like this, or it might be a really good thing you came to The Library.

[natashacynn]

PLAYBOY BUNNY NATASHA

WWW.PLAYBOY.COM/NATASHACYNN

[natashacynn]

Yelp Elite Event: 2nd Annual Dine & Play at ICON Park

“What’s it like being a food influencer?” “Why do you Yelp and write reviews?”

It’s a question I get asked after I mention I go to Yelp Elite events or do influencer stories for restaurants and food brands. To answer simply— it’s fun & rewarding! :) It started as a hobby and a way for me to meet new people. I enjoy writing and trying new things. I get to be a part of the foodie community. When I had severe depression during Covid, I turned to Yelping as a hobby. I also made friends through the foodie & Yelp community when I moved to San Jose & Florida. Besides Yelping, I also write reviews on Google Maps as a Local Guide. Again, it’s mainly just for fun and bragging rights… but that’s for another post. I started writing on Google Maps a few months ago and I’m at level 6 with over 500k views on my reviews.

Let’s Get Back to Talking About Yelp’s 2nd Annual Dine & Play @ ICON Park ^.^

You can find my original Yelp review here. Below is a copy of it:

”Free valet or garage parking. A total of 13 businesses participated in this Yelp elite event. Check-in was smooth! I'm looking forward to seeing our group photo! -- 1) Brother Jimmy's (Check-In): The Mac and cheese was the favorite thing I tasted from them. The buffalo cauliflower was tart. The pulled pork & chicken sandwich was bomb. 2) Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips: The Fish, Shrimp, & Chips were yummy. It came with 2 sauces. Signature Milkshake. 3) Tin Roof: Great live music (I think it's all day) & tacos. 4) Sloppy Joe's: Sloppy Joe hot dogs, nachos, mojitos, & margaritas. Free t-shirt! 5) The Lawn Bar: Tequila Sunrise was complimentary. 6) Brick & Fire Pizza: Slice of exotic pizza... first time I had fried banana pepper. 7) I-Cafe De Paris: Yummy strawberry & chocolate crepe; one of my event favorites. 8) The Wheelhouse Bar: Received a souvenir cup with my drink! 9) Max Action Arena: Received a Play Card. :) 10) In the Game: Received a Play Card. :) 11) Sky Bar: Complimentary drink... thank you for the High Noon. 12) Wheel of Icon Park: The Ferris wheel ride with my Yelp Elite squad was a memorable experience! 13) The Museum of Illusions: It was closed at 8 PM before the event ended. :(“

My fav food during the event was between Brother Jimmy’s & Gordon Ramsay’s. Overall, ICON Park is a cool tourist spot. I’m hoping to eventually see Madame Tussard’s Wax Museum. The Museum of Illusions changes their theme and had Halloween decor up. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see it. I have been once during normal season. I’’m from the Bay Area, and I’ve never seen the Wax Museum there but I liked the SF’s Museum of Illusions better. If you’ve think you’ve seen everything, each city is different. SF’s Museum of Illusions uses more backdrops. Orlando’s has a consistent theme and few backdrops. They are entirely different museums.

Enjoy the photos I captured from the event!

[natashacynn]

DISCOVERY FUSION BBQ 碳所 in Silicon Valley

Aweome place. Chinese/Taiwanese skewers/ bbq. You can taste the cumin tho.

Come with a big group & appetite! Skip the cigar rolls, Chinese chess is okay, & the Chanel dish was cute. Live karaoke singing.

Go to their drink menu. It’s pretty funny. They have a happy wife drink. There’s also dice, spin the wheel, and mystery drink game.

 Order through your phone with a QR code.

[natashacynn]

NO FOMO NOVEMBER 🙅‍♀️

Hey Friends,

It’s no secret that the Internet has changed everything.

IDK about you… but I’ve been getting super FOMO with the holidays fast approaching. I was just in OC & it reminded me how nice it was to be home. Believe it or not, it’s cold & rainy in Florida. Hopefully, it’ll be sunny again soon. I really miss home.

I had a dream about penguins playing on a Florida beach swimming. According to dream interpreters, it means good big changes are in store for me. Penguins mate for life, so the dream is telling me to keep loved ones close. I don’t think penguins are native to Florida, but they are in South Africa. I’ve been to South Africa once for a safari but didn’t see penguins on a beach when I was there.

The year is almost over, and it’s giving me a little anxiety… but I’m hanging in there. I hope you are too.

I use the app I Am- Positive Affirmations to calm my thoughts.

How are you? Who are you currently listening to that I should add to my playlist? Feel free to drop a comment! Wishing you the best.

Seize the Day, Seize the Night.

All My Love,

Natasha Cynn

[natashacynn]

The Orlando Auto Museum

The Orlando Auto Museum

5250 International Drive

Orlando, Florida 32819

(Free Parking & Located inside Dezerland Indoor Theme Park)

Tickets

I spent a day at The Auto Museum in Orlando which holds one of the largest car collections in the world. There are over 2,000 vehicles valued at $200 million!

Outfit of the Day: A Sporty & Casual look. Balenciaga Hat, YesStyle cover-up & sports bra, Guess shorts, & Nike Air-Force 1’s. Get my YesStyle look here

Before you can enter The Auto Museum, you go through Dezerland’s entrance. Dezerland is an indoor theme park with go-karts, movies, axe-throwing, mini-golf, bowling, & of course The Auto Museum.

Of all the cars, my favorite was seeing the real Batmobile used in the film. I saw authentic military vehicles, James Bond film cars, and more! There were cars from Russia, the 30s & 40s, and other films like Ghostbusters and the famous Delorean from Back-to-the-Future.

This is an excellent detour from your typical Disney trip or outdoor theme parks. It makes a great indoor date or family activity.

If you’re a car-lover or enjoy museums, I would stop by here on your next Orlando trip. :)