12-10-2011
After tying up a few loose ends one of which being shipping things to Australia, we headed to the airport.
My mother joins us in London on our way to Delhi. We still have a lot to look forward to, a school reunion, Diwali in Darbhanga, visiting Manipal and Goa, time with my sister and her family, then to Sri Lanka for Christmas and New Year's, a fiftieth wedding anniversary celebrations, time with Jeevan's brothers and their families and a lot of relaxing.
In spite of all that I am a little sad as our exploring new places for the year is over. It has been wonderful, an experience that has taught me so much, each moment enjoyed - the difficult ones in retrospect and I am going to miss the newness of each day.
This is my last travel blog, could not have asked for a better companion than Jeevan as we held hands through it all ( figuratively sometimes :) ).
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Thursday, January 5, 2012
US- Los Angeles- Day 2
11-10-2011
First things first, a new suitcase is needed. After that the electronics - a camera, our first SLR, then a kindle, electric toothbrushes ( my old one fell into the loo ) and a few other things.
A break from the shopping , walked along Santa Monica Boulevard, ate churros, heard more Spanish than English.
We cannot come to LA and not watch a movie. First we made our way to a Movie Plaza, thinking with a name like that a movie theatre was guaranteed. We nearly missed the place as it was a run down open area with a few shops. Then went to our second option, the dome. What a welcome change, large, a semi- circular screen (our first), a lady welcomed us and announced the show and it started without any previews (I actually enjoy the previews). The Ides of March, good movie but somehow brings out the point that there is no such thing as a clean politician.
Thai dinner after a lot of Mexican meals, both cuisines fill the city. Our last night in the US and somehow for us it is our last night of traveling. Sounds strange but now we go to two familiar countries, India and Sri Lanka.
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First things first, a new suitcase is needed. After that the electronics - a camera, our first SLR, then a kindle, electric toothbrushes ( my old one fell into the loo ) and a few other things.
A break from the shopping , walked along Santa Monica Boulevard, ate churros, heard more Spanish than English.
We cannot come to LA and not watch a movie. First we made our way to a Movie Plaza, thinking with a name like that a movie theatre was guaranteed. We nearly missed the place as it was a run down open area with a few shops. Then went to our second option, the dome. What a welcome change, large, a semi- circular screen (our first), a lady welcomed us and announced the show and it started without any previews (I actually enjoy the previews). The Ides of March, good movie but somehow brings out the point that there is no such thing as a clean politician.
Thai dinner after a lot of Mexican meals, both cuisines fill the city. Our last night in the US and somehow for us it is our last night of traveling. Sounds strange but now we go to two familiar countries, India and Sri Lanka.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
US- Los Angeles- Day 1
10-10-2011
LA- the city of the glamorous, the beautiful, the talented, the rich and definitely the crazies.
First stop the Hollywood walk of fame and the famous Hollywood sign in distance. I think I am done with all things touristy now to concentrate on the shopping. But of all days this is the day our card stopped working! Called the bank and it was sorted. We restarted. Shopping is so much fun.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
LA- the city of the glamorous, the beautiful, the talented, the rich and definitely the crazies.
First stop the Hollywood walk of fame and the famous Hollywood sign in distance. I think I am done with all things touristy now to concentrate on the shopping. But of all days this is the day our card stopped working! Called the bank and it was sorted. We restarted. Shopping is so much fun.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
US- Vegas- Day 4
9-10-2011
Today was a rest day.
Shopped a little, luggage is already overweight. Ticked off the rest of the things on our touristy list. The musical fountains at Bellagio, walking through their beautiful lobby, then the musical skit at the Treasure Island and then the oh so beautiful Venetian. The paintings on the ceilings, the canals with the gondolas, the brightly lit shopping street with another great ceiling. Saw some great artwork at one of the galleries, someday maybe someday.
Early morning tomorrow so an early-ish night, at least as per Vegas standards.
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Today was a rest day.
Shopped a little, luggage is already overweight. Ticked off the rest of the things on our touristy list. The musical fountains at Bellagio, walking through their beautiful lobby, then the musical skit at the Treasure Island and then the oh so beautiful Venetian. The paintings on the ceilings, the canals with the gondolas, the brightly lit shopping street with another great ceiling. Saw some great artwork at one of the galleries, someday maybe someday.
Early morning tomorrow so an early-ish night, at least as per Vegas standards.
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US-Vegas- Day 3
8-10-2011
Wind tunneling or indoor skydiving, one and the same. We all came out loving it and importantly without any bruises. Alpana, the person who wanted to do it the least was the best at it. Had a good laugh at Jeevan, I think the surface area was lacking.
Walked through the newer hotel, Wynn and Encore. I love Vegas, as you enter a hotel you get transported to another land. Explored the adjoining hotels and then headed to sleep again. I actually hit the gym after a short nap, jogged after quite a long time, felt good.
Loved "O". The set with all it's water, colour and the gymnastics, wow. We had the wet seats so got a slight spray, nothing like I had anticipated.
One of my best birthday presents ever, a limousine ride up and down the strip at night. Could not have asked for a better way to see Vegas at night.
Drank a bit and danced the night away. Finally managed to curb Ankush's sleeping tendencies and we gambled a little, lost it all at Black Jack. Have to be up in 3 hours to say goodbye to our friends as they head back.
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Wind tunneling or indoor skydiving, one and the same. We all came out loving it and importantly without any bruises. Alpana, the person who wanted to do it the least was the best at it. Had a good laugh at Jeevan, I think the surface area was lacking.
Walked through the newer hotel, Wynn and Encore. I love Vegas, as you enter a hotel you get transported to another land. Explored the adjoining hotels and then headed to sleep again. I actually hit the gym after a short nap, jogged after quite a long time, felt good.
Loved "O". The set with all it's water, colour and the gymnastics, wow. We had the wet seats so got a slight spray, nothing like I had anticipated.
One of my best birthday presents ever, a limousine ride up and down the strip at night. Could not have asked for a better way to see Vegas at night.
Drank a bit and danced the night away. Finally managed to curb Ankush's sleeping tendencies and we gambled a little, lost it all at Black Jack. Have to be up in 3 hours to say goodbye to our friends as they head back.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
US- Vegas - Day 2
7-10-2011
It's my birthday, it's my birthday. I love my birthday and I am so happy to be in Vegas with Jeevan, Alpana and Ankush.
As with most of our birthdays in college, a lot of food was involved, the morning was spent at a brunch buffet. We pigged out, one cannot come to Vegas and not indulge in a buffet. There is so so much to eat.
Next was a walk down the strip, started with shopping for sunglasses and then shoes for Jeevan. There is so much happening at the strip, the various themed hotels, the pimps pushing cards of their women, people dressed in various costumes and of course the tourists. Nobody here is in a rush. Bought Margarita by the yard, where else but in Vegas. The food, the jet lag and the sun finally caught up with us and we slept the rest of the afternoon
Yummy seafood dinner, along with a bouquet of flowers and a gorgeous cake. Followed by French Cabaret, Crazy Horses. It was a new experience, a good one. Topless ladies doing various dances, after sometime the novelty of the breasts wore off and we got to enjoy the acrobatic movements. The kicks, the mirrors and the costumes kept us entertained.
I am not sure if it was being in a dark room for a period of time or the wine but instead of partying we headed to bed. Old age is upon me.
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It's my birthday, it's my birthday. I love my birthday and I am so happy to be in Vegas with Jeevan, Alpana and Ankush.
As with most of our birthdays in college, a lot of food was involved, the morning was spent at a brunch buffet. We pigged out, one cannot come to Vegas and not indulge in a buffet. There is so so much to eat.
Next was a walk down the strip, started with shopping for sunglasses and then shoes for Jeevan. There is so much happening at the strip, the various themed hotels, the pimps pushing cards of their women, people dressed in various costumes and of course the tourists. Nobody here is in a rush. Bought Margarita by the yard, where else but in Vegas. The food, the jet lag and the sun finally caught up with us and we slept the rest of the afternoon
Yummy seafood dinner, along with a bouquet of flowers and a gorgeous cake. Followed by French Cabaret, Crazy Horses. It was a new experience, a good one. Topless ladies doing various dances, after sometime the novelty of the breasts wore off and we got to enjoy the acrobatic movements. The kicks, the mirrors and the costumes kept us entertained.
I am not sure if it was being in a dark room for a period of time or the wine but instead of partying we headed to bed. Old age is upon me.
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USA- NY-Day 4/ Vegas- Day 1
6-10-2011
Our last day in NY was spent shopping. Visited Nike town, bought a pair of trainers, loved how I could test them on the treadmills provided. Ate some lovely cupcakes, bought a few clothes before we bid goodbye to this lovely city.
Had such a lovely time here, the places, the food and Jeevan's friends ( mine too by now), we will surely be back.
Landed in Vegas at night, (sat with Alpana and talked all the five hours). It is so exciting to be here, spotting MGM and the light at Luxor both of which can be seen from space.
The airport is filled with slot machines, incase you don't get enough of them in town.
Checked into MGM and then went out for dinner. Everything is so shiny here. We were back by one which is early by Vegas standards but for us it's four in the morning.
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Our last day in NY was spent shopping. Visited Nike town, bought a pair of trainers, loved how I could test them on the treadmills provided. Ate some lovely cupcakes, bought a few clothes before we bid goodbye to this lovely city.
Had such a lovely time here, the places, the food and Jeevan's friends ( mine too by now), we will surely be back.
Landed in Vegas at night, (sat with Alpana and talked all the five hours). It is so exciting to be here, spotting MGM and the light at Luxor both of which can be seen from space.
The airport is filled with slot machines, incase you don't get enough of them in town.
Checked into MGM and then went out for dinner. Everything is so shiny here. We were back by one which is early by Vegas standards but for us it's four in the morning.
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USA- New York- Day 3
5-10-2011
Early morning start to get to Liberty island. What a rush, obviously a lot of people had the same idea. On the first boat to visit Lady Liberty. She seems smaller than I had expected, not towering over the city as all the Bollywood movies have had me believe. There are a lot of security checks to go inside, we only managed tickets for the platform. The history behind her is demonstrated in pictures in the hallways. A park ranger took us around though she focused more on her account of the 9/11, poor woman witnessed the horrific crashes.
Next stop Ellis island. We watched a movie about the place,embarrassingly the late night caught up with us and we both slept. Though we missed the movie we learnt a lot about the place from rooms which has detailed accounts from the immigrants that crossed through the building.
Used the metro to get to Brooklyn before crossing the Brooklyn bridge,along with a multitude of pedestrians and cyclists , back into Manhattan. Walked along to Ground Zero but could not see a thing as the construction site is covered from all sides. Strolled along to Wall street where a protest was in progress, there was even a naked protestor, later saw her in the news ( Jeevan somehow recognized her, though only her face was shown on tv! ).
Tried to make it to the top of the Empire building for sunset, along with every other tourist in town. It is chaos in there, reminded us of our Eiffel tower visit. The Top of the Rock is a much better organized experience. We did make it there by sunset and the view was worth all the jostling around though we had to rush down to make it for our show.
Off Broadway tonight, Avenue Q, loved it. Had us laughing throughout. It is a combination of puppets and people and there is even a piece in which the puppets are shown having sex. So different from our Broadway experience but loved them both.
Some Sri Lankan cuisine for dinner, after a long long time, Indian food is so muc easier to find.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Early morning start to get to Liberty island. What a rush, obviously a lot of people had the same idea. On the first boat to visit Lady Liberty. She seems smaller than I had expected, not towering over the city as all the Bollywood movies have had me believe. There are a lot of security checks to go inside, we only managed tickets for the platform. The history behind her is demonstrated in pictures in the hallways. A park ranger took us around though she focused more on her account of the 9/11, poor woman witnessed the horrific crashes.
Next stop Ellis island. We watched a movie about the place,embarrassingly the late night caught up with us and we both slept. Though we missed the movie we learnt a lot about the place from rooms which has detailed accounts from the immigrants that crossed through the building.
Used the metro to get to Brooklyn before crossing the Brooklyn bridge,along with a multitude of pedestrians and cyclists , back into Manhattan. Walked along to Ground Zero but could not see a thing as the construction site is covered from all sides. Strolled along to Wall street where a protest was in progress, there was even a naked protestor, later saw her in the news ( Jeevan somehow recognized her, though only her face was shown on tv! ).
Tried to make it to the top of the Empire building for sunset, along with every other tourist in town. It is chaos in there, reminded us of our Eiffel tower visit. The Top of the Rock is a much better organized experience. We did make it there by sunset and the view was worth all the jostling around though we had to rush down to make it for our show.
Off Broadway tonight, Avenue Q, loved it. Had us laughing throughout. It is a combination of puppets and people and there is even a piece in which the puppets are shown having sex. So different from our Broadway experience but loved them both.
Some Sri Lankan cuisine for dinner, after a long long time, Indian food is so muc easier to find.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
USA- New York- Day 3
5-10-2011
Early morning start to get to Liberty island. What a rush, obviously a lot of people had the same idea. On the first boat to visit Lady Liberty. She seems smaller than I had expected, not towering over the city as all the Bollywood movies have had me believe. There are a lot of security checks to go inside, we only managed tickets for the platform. The history behind her is demonstrated in pictures in the hallways. A park ranger took us around though she focused more on her account of the 9/11, poor woman witnessed the horrific crashes.
Next stop Ellis island. We watched a movie about the place,embarrassingly the late night caught up with us and we both slept. Though we missed the movie we learnt a lot about the place from rooms which has detailed accounts from the immigrants that crossed through the building.
Used the metro to get to Brooklyn before crossing the Brooklyn bridge,along with a multitude of pedestrians and cyclists , back into Manhattan. Walked along to Ground Zero but could not see a thing as the construction site is covered from all sides. Strolled along to Wall street where a protest was in progress, there was even a naked protestor, later saw her in the news ( Jeevan somehow recognized her, though only her face was shown on tv! ).
Tried to make it to the top of the Empire building for sunset, along with every other tourist in town. It is chaos in there, reminded us of our Eiffel tower visit. The Top of the Rock is a much better organized experience. We did make it there by sunset and the view was worth all the jostling around though we had to rush down to make it for our show.
Off Broadway tonight, Avenue Q, loved it. Had us laughing throughout. It is a combination of puppets and people and there is even a piece in which the puppets are shown having sex. So different from our Broadway experience but loved them both.
Some Sri Lankan cuisine for dinner, after a long long time, Indian food is so muc easier to find.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Early morning start to get to Liberty island. What a rush, obviously a lot of people had the same idea. On the first boat to visit Lady Liberty. She seems smaller than I had expected, not towering over the city as all the Bollywood movies have had me believe. There are a lot of security checks to go inside, we only managed tickets for the platform. The history behind her is demonstrated in pictures in the hallways. A park ranger took us around though she focused more on her account of the 9/11, poor woman witnessed the horrific crashes.
Next stop Ellis island. We watched a movie about the place,embarrassingly the late night caught up with us and we both slept. Though we missed the movie we learnt a lot about the place from rooms which has detailed accounts from the immigrants that crossed through the building.
Used the metro to get to Brooklyn before crossing the Brooklyn bridge,along with a multitude of pedestrians and cyclists , back into Manhattan. Walked along to Ground Zero but could not see a thing as the construction site is covered from all sides. Strolled along to Wall street where a protest was in progress, there was even a naked protestor, later saw her in the news ( Jeevan somehow recognized her, though only her face was shown on tv! ).
Tried to make it to the top of the Empire building for sunset, along with every other tourist in town. It is chaos in there, reminded us of our Eiffel tower visit. The Top of the Rock is a much better organized experience. We did make it there by sunset and the view was worth all the jostling around though we had to rush down to make it for our show.
Off Broadway tonight, Avenue Q, loved it. Had us laughing throughout. It is a combination of puppets and people and there is even a piece in which the puppets are shown having sex. So different from our Broadway experience but loved them both.
Some Sri Lankan cuisine for dinner, after a long long time, Indian food is so muc easier to find.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
USA- New York- Day 2
4-10-2011
Walked to the Metropolitan museum of Art, fell in love with it. Could have spent hours and hours there but had to to restrict ourselves to one morning, the rest for another day. Weird thing is they don't sell tickets though they recommend a donation of a fixed amount.
We went on a guided tour of the top things to see here. The seated couple in the African section is very regal ( and cute), the wall hanging made by another African artist was spectacular. It is called Between Heaven and Earth, made with flattened tops of beer bottles and sewn together with copper wires, the artist let the curator hang it on the wall as each time it is picked it falls in a different manner thus involving the owner in the formation of the art piece.
Saw rooms that looked like they had been transported from Versailles, the Met has done a really good job. The pretty gate ( used to segregate the choir from the congregation) from a church in Spain which had been donated by an American Millionaire, he had bought it and with great difficulty transported it to New York only to find out that it was too large and heavy for his mansion. The delicate Loggia from Tiffany's, one of the only bits left after a fire. So many wonderful paintings, finally left when hunger could no longer be ignored.
Walked to the Central park,sat on a bench and ate chicken and rice from a vendor while we watched joggers run around the Jackie O lake. Strolled around the park, waffles satisfied my sweet tooth.
Rejuvenated we were ready for another museum. The American museum of Natural History. A very different museum and quite interesting. After missing a guided tour (due to me wandering off) we managed to get one an hour later. The lady was lovely, saw stuffed animals- elephants, deer and much more in the African section before heading to the Dinosaurs. They are massive, there is a fossilized bit that we can touch, very exciting.
Another section had beautiful fossilized trees, a meteorite (we were allowed to touch, again very exciting), learnt that the iron from a meteorite does not rust and saw lots of gemstones. The biggest sapphire in the world is on display, funnily enough it's called Star of India though it's from Sri Lanka.
With chestnuts roasting and people hurrying along, tried to absorb the essence of New York as we went to watch Wicked. Our first broadway show and it was a good one. Lovely costumes, good acting and songs and an unexpected storyline ( I expected a sinister plot). Ended the day in a small cafe with friends, though we did watch a lot of X- Factor on YouTube once we got back.
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Walked to the Metropolitan museum of Art, fell in love with it. Could have spent hours and hours there but had to to restrict ourselves to one morning, the rest for another day. Weird thing is they don't sell tickets though they recommend a donation of a fixed amount.
We went on a guided tour of the top things to see here. The seated couple in the African section is very regal ( and cute), the wall hanging made by another African artist was spectacular. It is called Between Heaven and Earth, made with flattened tops of beer bottles and sewn together with copper wires, the artist let the curator hang it on the wall as each time it is picked it falls in a different manner thus involving the owner in the formation of the art piece.
Saw rooms that looked like they had been transported from Versailles, the Met has done a really good job. The pretty gate ( used to segregate the choir from the congregation) from a church in Spain which had been donated by an American Millionaire, he had bought it and with great difficulty transported it to New York only to find out that it was too large and heavy for his mansion. The delicate Loggia from Tiffany's, one of the only bits left after a fire. So many wonderful paintings, finally left when hunger could no longer be ignored.
Walked to the Central park,sat on a bench and ate chicken and rice from a vendor while we watched joggers run around the Jackie O lake. Strolled around the park, waffles satisfied my sweet tooth.
Rejuvenated we were ready for another museum. The American museum of Natural History. A very different museum and quite interesting. After missing a guided tour (due to me wandering off) we managed to get one an hour later. The lady was lovely, saw stuffed animals- elephants, deer and much more in the African section before heading to the Dinosaurs. They are massive, there is a fossilized bit that we can touch, very exciting.
Another section had beautiful fossilized trees, a meteorite (we were allowed to touch, again very exciting), learnt that the iron from a meteorite does not rust and saw lots of gemstones. The biggest sapphire in the world is on display, funnily enough it's called Star of India though it's from Sri Lanka.
With chestnuts roasting and people hurrying along, tried to absorb the essence of New York as we went to watch Wicked. Our first broadway show and it was a good one. Lovely costumes, good acting and songs and an unexpected storyline ( I expected a sinister plot). Ended the day in a small cafe with friends, though we did watch a lot of X- Factor on YouTube once we got back.
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USA- New York- Day 1
3-10-2011
I think I am going to die from lack of sleep.Our non working year has so far not been a relaxing one, but I have loved it.
A bit of a rush to get to the station to get the train to NY because of a mix up on who was waking whom. It worked out in the end.
Staying for the next few days with Jeevan's friends - Ishaan and Charini at a very central apartment in Manhattan.
Left our luggage and set out to explore one of the most exciting cities in the world. We had been warned about the pace at which New Yorkers walk, managed to keep up, I think.
First stop the Rockefeller center. I love the concept of being in New York, it is so exciting. Stopped for a bit where the Christmas tree is placed, no tree at present. Ate our first New York pizza, yummy.Then to the Top of the Rock we went. It is a well organized and efficient system. A little bit of the history along the way before we got to see the skyscrapers around us in all their splendor. The Empire State building, the Chrysler building, the Trump building, St. Patrick's cathedral and along with them the bridges across the river, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, basically a fabulous view.
Returned to the bottom to continue exploring, quick stop in the cathedral along the way. It is gothic in style but the interiors are so different to the ones in Europe, simpler and less cluttered.
Passed Tiffany's along the way, fell in love with a gorgeous pair of diamond earrings, need to start a separate fund for that.
Then the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art). It had been so highly recommended by a lot of people but for us two non-modernists it was an "ok" experience . Some great pieces of art on the top floor but some that I could
not understand at all, like a huge white canvas with an off white stripe in the middle.The tiny penis was funny.
Went for a dinner to an Ethiopian restaurant, a new experience for us, especially the communal eating. The food was good and the company was even better. Got dazzled by the lights at Times square. Passed policemen on horses, posing for pictures. There was a huge screen where you could see yourselves and a lady who dominated the screen, picked up people and dangled them in the air ( graphics, of course), good entertainment.
Last stop for the night, the Grand Central station, admired the constellations on the ceiling ( a backward sky) and tried out the acoustics (if it was India I would have thought someone was peeing) supposedly quite a few proposals happen this way.
Loving New York.
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I think I am going to die from lack of sleep.Our non working year has so far not been a relaxing one, but I have loved it.
A bit of a rush to get to the station to get the train to NY because of a mix up on who was waking whom. It worked out in the end.
Staying for the next few days with Jeevan's friends - Ishaan and Charini at a very central apartment in Manhattan.
Left our luggage and set out to explore one of the most exciting cities in the world. We had been warned about the pace at which New Yorkers walk, managed to keep up, I think.
First stop the Rockefeller center. I love the concept of being in New York, it is so exciting. Stopped for a bit where the Christmas tree is placed, no tree at present. Ate our first New York pizza, yummy.Then to the Top of the Rock we went. It is a well organized and efficient system. A little bit of the history along the way before we got to see the skyscrapers around us in all their splendor. The Empire State building, the Chrysler building, the Trump building, St. Patrick's cathedral and along with them the bridges across the river, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, basically a fabulous view.
Returned to the bottom to continue exploring, quick stop in the cathedral along the way. It is gothic in style but the interiors are so different to the ones in Europe, simpler and less cluttered.
Passed Tiffany's along the way, fell in love with a gorgeous pair of diamond earrings, need to start a separate fund for that.
Then the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art). It had been so highly recommended by a lot of people but for us two non-modernists it was an "ok" experience . Some great pieces of art on the top floor but some that I could
not understand at all, like a huge white canvas with an off white stripe in the middle.The tiny penis was funny.
Went for a dinner to an Ethiopian restaurant, a new experience for us, especially the communal eating. The food was good and the company was even better. Got dazzled by the lights at Times square. Passed policemen on horses, posing for pictures. There was a huge screen where you could see yourselves and a lady who dominated the screen, picked up people and dangled them in the air ( graphics, of course), good entertainment.
Last stop for the night, the Grand Central station, admired the constellations on the ceiling ( a backward sky) and tried out the acoustics (if it was India I would have thought someone was peeing) supposedly quite a few proposals happen this way.
Loving New York.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
USA- New Jersey- Day 3
2-10-2011
While Alpana slept the day away, the rest did something useful. For us it was shopping.
Then a dinner and a Hindi movie.
This weekend was so much better than I could have wished for. It was so lovely to meet everybody. Love them all so much.
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While Alpana slept the day away, the rest did something useful. For us it was shopping.
Then a dinner and a Hindi movie.
This weekend was so much better than I could have wished for. It was so lovely to meet everybody. Love them all so much.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
USA- New Jersey- Day 2
1-10-2011
Sunny but still chilly. Went for a walk along the beach, the four of us with our respective husbands and two of them with children in tow. So much has changed and in some ways so little.
Non stop chatter, the four of us went for a drive. I think our husbands must have sighed with relief to have some peace and quiet.
Another late night, a little too much to drink (the guest bathroom will never be the same again), a lot of laughter and finally some sleep.
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Sunny but still chilly. Went for a walk along the beach, the four of us with our respective husbands and two of them with children in tow. So much has changed and in some ways so little.
Non stop chatter, the four of us went for a drive. I think our husbands must have sighed with relief to have some peace and quiet.
Another late night, a little too much to drink (the guest bathroom will never be the same again), a lot of laughter and finally some sleep.
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USA - New Jersey- Day 1
30-09-2011
It is so nice when a bus has free wifi and charging facilities, especially when the journey is long. Took the bus from Washington DC to Newark. Then a long drive to Alpana's place due to the traffic.
I have been looking forward to this weekend for a long time. To meet my closest friends from college including my best friend. So exciting.
Talked most of the night away. So much to catch up on.
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It is so nice when a bus has free wifi and charging facilities, especially when the journey is long. Took the bus from Washington DC to Newark. Then a long drive to Alpana's place due to the traffic.
I have been looking forward to this weekend for a long time. To meet my closest friends from college including my best friend. So exciting.
Talked most of the night away. So much to catch up on.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
USA- Maryland
29-09-2011
Loved today. The entire day was dedicated to shopping. Didn't have a thing to eat till dinner and did not feel hungry for a moment. Best way to diet, go shopping. Went for a fitting and was given some great advice.
Dinner at Malinda's parents place. We got to watch the younger nephew drink constantly from three different bottles- apple juice, milk and water and then run to the toilet- ongoing cycle, interrupted when he was eating cashew nuts or exercising! Very cute.
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Loved today. The entire day was dedicated to shopping. Didn't have a thing to eat till dinner and did not feel hungry for a moment. Best way to diet, go shopping. Went for a fitting and was given some great advice.
Dinner at Malinda's parents place. We got to watch the younger nephew drink constantly from three different bottles- apple juice, milk and water and then run to the toilet- ongoing cycle, interrupted when he was eating cashew nuts or exercising! Very cute.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
USA- Washington DC-Day 2
28-09-2011
Ready for our visit to the Capitol by carrying nothing with us other than a camera. It is very impressive inside with the gleaming marble, massive paintings and statues and obviously the intense security.
Took a guided tour through the place which started with a short movie and then a walk along with a guide. Our guide had a great sense of humor and had us laughing most of the way through. After seeing one of the surly looking guides that he asked us to make room for to pass, I was glad we got him. He showed us the place the hand is said to have been placed in the Lost Symbol (a Dan Brown novel), pointing to the huge painting above. A lot of school tours take place here and guess what the children do- stick their chewing gum under the paintings!
After our tour we went to the Lower house, which was a little boring as their was nothing happening and nobody to tell us any juicy bits. Also saw the plaque in memory of United 93.
Went through the tunnel that connects the Capitol to the library. It is the prettiest library I have visited. The library of Congress containing the Gutenberg Bible, Thomas Jefferson's collection of books and so so much more.
Next stop was the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. A museum that was very different to the ones we had visited in Europe. It had been highly recommended to us and it lived up to it's reputation. We touched the moon, literally. Well at least a piece of moon rock. Saw the Apollos that went to the moon. The airplanes that did the first flight around the world, one at one go and the other with numerous stops. The first hot air balloon that went around the world. The section on the Wright brothers. And so so much more. An elderly man guided us through the museum, he was very knowledgable but was sweating quite profusely, I was really worried that he was having a heart attack.
Decided to have a proper lunch stop today, took the metro to Grand central.Had a good meal, a quick peek into the shops before heading to Arlington cemetery.
Arlington cemetery, the place was initially built in memory of George Washington by his step son. During the civil war it became a pit stop for soldiers and eventually turned into a cemetery for those who died serving/ had served the country. The Kennedy's are buried here along with numerous soldiers. We were present at the change of Guard at the tomb of the Unknown soldier. The first body to be placed there was during the World Wars , followed by another from the Korean war and the Vietnam war. The body from the Vietnam war was removed and identified by DNA, no more unknown soldiers now.
Went for dinner to a bustling pub, I am still shocked at the massive servings here. The appetizers are bigger than the mains in France.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Ready for our visit to the Capitol by carrying nothing with us other than a camera. It is very impressive inside with the gleaming marble, massive paintings and statues and obviously the intense security.
Took a guided tour through the place which started with a short movie and then a walk along with a guide. Our guide had a great sense of humor and had us laughing most of the way through. After seeing one of the surly looking guides that he asked us to make room for to pass, I was glad we got him. He showed us the place the hand is said to have been placed in the Lost Symbol (a Dan Brown novel), pointing to the huge painting above. A lot of school tours take place here and guess what the children do- stick their chewing gum under the paintings!
After our tour we went to the Lower house, which was a little boring as their was nothing happening and nobody to tell us any juicy bits. Also saw the plaque in memory of United 93.
Went through the tunnel that connects the Capitol to the library. It is the prettiest library I have visited. The library of Congress containing the Gutenberg Bible, Thomas Jefferson's collection of books and so so much more.
Next stop was the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. A museum that was very different to the ones we had visited in Europe. It had been highly recommended to us and it lived up to it's reputation. We touched the moon, literally. Well at least a piece of moon rock. Saw the Apollos that went to the moon. The airplanes that did the first flight around the world, one at one go and the other with numerous stops. The first hot air balloon that went around the world. The section on the Wright brothers. And so so much more. An elderly man guided us through the museum, he was very knowledgable but was sweating quite profusely, I was really worried that he was having a heart attack.
Decided to have a proper lunch stop today, took the metro to Grand central.Had a good meal, a quick peek into the shops before heading to Arlington cemetery.
Arlington cemetery, the place was initially built in memory of George Washington by his step son. During the civil war it became a pit stop for soldiers and eventually turned into a cemetery for those who died serving/ had served the country. The Kennedy's are buried here along with numerous soldiers. We were present at the change of Guard at the tomb of the Unknown soldier. The first body to be placed there was during the World Wars , followed by another from the Korean war and the Vietnam war. The body from the Vietnam war was removed and identified by DNA, no more unknown soldiers now.
Went for dinner to a bustling pub, I am still shocked at the massive servings here. The appetizers are bigger than the mains in France.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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