26 August 2008; 2332hrs Singapore
I’m back! And slept the whole day through. Jet lag.
The flight was uneventful save for the rude flight attendants. Not to me, but to the Chinese workers who were headed to the Dot to work. it made me realise how lucky we are to be able to receive such high quality education and for the opportunities available to us because of that, and the high standard of living. The opportunities we have are boundless. We are so lucky that at most times, we do not even realise it. Now, I do. The Little Red Dot is not that bad a place afterall. It’s not perfect, but compared to what I’d seen and experienced, it’s certainly one of the better places to live in.
The conversation I had with a Chinese worker sitting next to me was a hoot and a barrel of laughs. They were trying to fill up the disembarkation card (which an air stewardess kept asking me to take from her, and I kept refusing) with great difficulty. They simply didn’t understand how to fill that in, and even had a book of instructions for that! One senior stewardess prepared a sample for them and rudely told them to pass it along and copy what she wrote, except for the names and addresses. In that case, wouldn’t that be totally different? Wouldn’t it be better to write the explanation in the boxes in Chinese so that they can understand what to do?
Ah well... So I was helping the guy sitting next to me, and we struck up a conversation after that. He’s really really young – not even 20 – and has left home in search for work in a foreign country! I’m amazed, and impressed. But at the same time, a tad sad that he had no opportunities to advance back in his home. We talked about life in the Dot and how much he would have to spend a day. The kinds of things he could do for leisure.
Then he asked about... the red light district. Whether the Dot had one... Ah... Of course. He wanted details! What type of girls can he find there? Which type is better? Like I would know... I’ve only walked down the streets to see the place, not to give them business. In any case, this type of issue is subject to the individual’s preference... My meat, your poison.
Ah well... I wish him all the best no matter what. And hope he doesn’t get any diseases during his stint here.
Friday, 26 September 2008
Final Stop: Ningbo
24 August 2008; 2213hrs Beilun, Ningbo (China)
After a 13 hour and 15 minute flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai, and subsequently a 3 hour ride from the airport to Beilun, I finally arrived at JL’s place.
Oh my goodness... this town stinks (literally). The sanitary facilities are lacking. I smell urine along the narrow streets, and even the public toilets in downtown Ningbo reek so badly that I retched the moment I stepped into it. It’s that bad!
JL’s family is really hospitable though. They treated me very well, and for that I’m really grateful.
This morning was spent at a supermarket getting some local foodstuff and the afternoon at downtown Ningbo shopping for some souvenirs. I bought a strand of copper coins unique only to China.
Things in China are generally cheap, but since I didn’t have anything in mind to get (and for fear of getting counterfeit items) I didn’t spend.
Dinner was at a seafood restaurant where they reserved a VIP room! It’s so Chinese! And it was my first time in such a room! It was equally amazing and annoying that the Chinese smoke while eating. The moment the elevator doors opened to the dining area, I was greeted by a cloud of impenetrable smoke. Man... no wonder I’ve been getting chest pains all afternoon. I’ve been breathing in too much second hand smoke.
Today is also the last day of the Olympic Games. It seems that everyone (Mainland Chinese) is preoccupied with dissecting the various aspects of the Games. They even have an Olympics Channel that seems to run 24 hours a day during this period!
Well, no offense to anyone, but I’m really glad to be leaving for home tomorrow evening. Nothing beats being back home, not even the cheap stuff in China is a big enough draw to attract me to stay. I still like the Dot best, and that’s a realisation after having had travelled and spent some time in so many places in my adult years.
Here’s to a quick end to my current travels and to be home as soon as possible!
Oh! I also managed to get to a Catholic Church today in Ningbo. After more than three weeks of not even stepping into a church, let alone attend Mass, it was great. The only problem... the Chinese Catholic Church is not in communion with the Catholic Church... Ah well... I didn’t receive communion from there anyway.
After a 13 hour and 15 minute flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai, and subsequently a 3 hour ride from the airport to Beilun, I finally arrived at JL’s place.
Oh my goodness... this town stinks (literally). The sanitary facilities are lacking. I smell urine along the narrow streets, and even the public toilets in downtown Ningbo reek so badly that I retched the moment I stepped into it. It’s that bad!
JL’s family is really hospitable though. They treated me very well, and for that I’m really grateful.
This morning was spent at a supermarket getting some local foodstuff and the afternoon at downtown Ningbo shopping for some souvenirs. I bought a strand of copper coins unique only to China.
Things in China are generally cheap, but since I didn’t have anything in mind to get (and for fear of getting counterfeit items) I didn’t spend.
Dinner was at a seafood restaurant where they reserved a VIP room! It’s so Chinese! And it was my first time in such a room! It was equally amazing and annoying that the Chinese smoke while eating. The moment the elevator doors opened to the dining area, I was greeted by a cloud of impenetrable smoke. Man... no wonder I’ve been getting chest pains all afternoon. I’ve been breathing in too much second hand smoke.
Today is also the last day of the Olympic Games. It seems that everyone (Mainland Chinese) is preoccupied with dissecting the various aspects of the Games. They even have an Olympics Channel that seems to run 24 hours a day during this period!
Well, no offense to anyone, but I’m really glad to be leaving for home tomorrow evening. Nothing beats being back home, not even the cheap stuff in China is a big enough draw to attract me to stay. I still like the Dot best, and that’s a realisation after having had travelled and spent some time in so many places in my adult years.
Here’s to a quick end to my current travels and to be home as soon as possible!
Oh! I also managed to get to a Catholic Church today in Ningbo. After more than three weeks of not even stepping into a church, let alone attend Mass, it was great. The only problem... the Chinese Catholic Church is not in communion with the Catholic Church... Ah well... I didn’t receive communion from there anyway.
Goodbye America (for now)
22 August 2008; 1758hrs Los Angeles, California (USA)
Actually, I don’t know what the actual time is. I’m very sure that we are out of USA, especially since the flight took off at approximately 1400hrs. That means we’ve been flying for nearly 4 hours now. The time zone would have changed and we would be out of the US airspace.
Wait a minute… I’m out of the US airspace! I’m finally out of America! Goodbye America, I enjoyed my four weeks there. They were fun. I experienced many different things, saw many different sights, met many different people.
Among the most memorable were:
1) Meeting Lisa and Jarek at the workshop
2) Soaking in the thermal springs and Firehole river of Yellowstone National Park
3) Rock climbing at the cliff face behind Mount Rushmore
4) Seeing Mount Rushmore
5) The troubles with my flight with Delta
6) The amazing lack of public transportation in a lot of places in America
7) The expensive taxi rides
8) The discrimination I experienced in some places
9) Staying at hostels in dubious locales (New York, Washington)
10) Seeing Capitol and the ‘grandeur’ of the White House
11) The scary taxi ride in New York with a Muslim devotee
12) Cheated in a taxi ride with a Pakistani driver in New York
13) Being accosted by black teenagers in Hollywood
14) Seeing the Gay and Lesbians Club in Los Angeles across the hostel (It’s amazingly big!)
15) The number of homeless people in America
16) The friendly Auntie on the Greyhound
17) Disneyland and Universal Studios
18) Couch surfing
19) Taking 12 different plane flights in 4 weeks
20) The chance to experience America on my own and having survived
That concludes my trip to America. I’m now heading towards Shanghai, en route to Ningbo for two days before taking another flight back to the Little Red Dot. I’m finally going home! I can’t wait to meet Mummy and Andrew, can’t wait to get to Church (haven’t had the chance to attend any Mass throughout the four weeks, save one), and can’t wait to be back on my comfortable bed. My smell, my mess, My room.
Actually, I don’t know what the actual time is. I’m very sure that we are out of USA, especially since the flight took off at approximately 1400hrs. That means we’ve been flying for nearly 4 hours now. The time zone would have changed and we would be out of the US airspace.
Wait a minute… I’m out of the US airspace! I’m finally out of America! Goodbye America, I enjoyed my four weeks there. They were fun. I experienced many different things, saw many different sights, met many different people.
Among the most memorable were:
1) Meeting Lisa and Jarek at the workshop
2) Soaking in the thermal springs and Firehole river of Yellowstone National Park
3) Rock climbing at the cliff face behind Mount Rushmore
4) Seeing Mount Rushmore
5) The troubles with my flight with Delta
6) The amazing lack of public transportation in a lot of places in America
7) The expensive taxi rides
8) The discrimination I experienced in some places
9) Staying at hostels in dubious locales (New York, Washington)
10) Seeing Capitol and the ‘grandeur’ of the White House
11) The scary taxi ride in New York with a Muslim devotee
12) Cheated in a taxi ride with a Pakistani driver in New York
13) Being accosted by black teenagers in Hollywood
14) Seeing the Gay and Lesbians Club in Los Angeles across the hostel (It’s amazingly big!)
15) The number of homeless people in America
16) The friendly Auntie on the Greyhound
17) Disneyland and Universal Studios
18) Couch surfing
19) Taking 12 different plane flights in 4 weeks
20) The chance to experience America on my own and having survived
That concludes my trip to America. I’m now heading towards Shanghai, en route to Ningbo for two days before taking another flight back to the Little Red Dot. I’m finally going home! I can’t wait to meet Mummy and Andrew, can’t wait to get to Church (haven’t had the chance to attend any Mass throughout the four weeks, save one), and can’t wait to be back on my comfortable bed. My smell, my mess, My room.
Final Day in America
21 August 2008; 2222hrs Los Angeles, California (USA)
It’s my very last night in America on my travels to this end of the world. The first two weeks were spent alone and meeting new people, the subsequent two weeks were spent with JL and HZ. I have to admit I had some fun with them but experienced some frustrations and irritations as well. I’m sure they did with me too. I guess this can’t be avoided, being in such close quarters and all.
The first half of my last day was spent travelling from Anaheim (Disneyland) to Downtown LA (Universal Studios). What a way to spend my last day in America, huh? No matter really. From noon onwards until 1900hrs, I was fully enjoying the sights, sounds and rides at Universal Studios. If we had more time, I’m pretty sure we could have experienced all the attractions but as it was we managed to do a lot – from the latest Simpsons’ ride to Universal Studios Tour, from Mummy Returns ride (best ride ever!) to Shrek 4D, special effects show, and Water World (the #1 show in LA). Really, the day was enjoyable and satisfying.
Dinner was some Lebanese chicken rice special, and now I’m back in USA Hostels Hollywood. I finished packing my luggage – 2 full bags!!! – and am just resting. My transportation from the hostel to the airport has been confirmed, so everything seems set and ready. I’ll leave the hostel at 0950hrs and America at 1330hrs. I don’t know when I’d be back. I had fun, but I really don’t want to be back here anytime too soon. My home is still the Little Red Dot, and I miss it. Travelling is fun, but being home is sweetest.
Farewell America. I traversed from the East to the West, West to East, and finally from East to West again. I had tonnes of fun and enjoyed myself tremendously. But I’m glad to be finally headed for home!
It’s my very last night in America on my travels to this end of the world. The first two weeks were spent alone and meeting new people, the subsequent two weeks were spent with JL and HZ. I have to admit I had some fun with them but experienced some frustrations and irritations as well. I’m sure they did with me too. I guess this can’t be avoided, being in such close quarters and all.
The first half of my last day was spent travelling from Anaheim (Disneyland) to Downtown LA (Universal Studios). What a way to spend my last day in America, huh? No matter really. From noon onwards until 1900hrs, I was fully enjoying the sights, sounds and rides at Universal Studios. If we had more time, I’m pretty sure we could have experienced all the attractions but as it was we managed to do a lot – from the latest Simpsons’ ride to Universal Studios Tour, from Mummy Returns ride (best ride ever!) to Shrek 4D, special effects show, and Water World (the #1 show in LA). Really, the day was enjoyable and satisfying.
Dinner was some Lebanese chicken rice special, and now I’m back in USA Hostels Hollywood. I finished packing my luggage – 2 full bags!!! – and am just resting. My transportation from the hostel to the airport has been confirmed, so everything seems set and ready. I’ll leave the hostel at 0950hrs and America at 1330hrs. I don’t know when I’d be back. I had fun, but I really don’t want to be back here anytime too soon. My home is still the Little Red Dot, and I miss it. Travelling is fun, but being home is sweetest.
Farewell America. I traversed from the East to the West, West to East, and finally from East to West again. I had tonnes of fun and enjoyed myself tremendously. But I’m glad to be finally headed for home!
I visited Disneyland!
21 August 2008; 0542hrs Los Angeles, California (USA)
Yesterday was one of the best days I had in America so far! We visited Disneyland! (But not the adventure theme park though... Sob...) Oh yes, like little children we were. Disneyland provided tonnes of entertainment and thrills. Of all the rides we had, Space Mountain was by far the best!
To top the day off, there was a wonderful show, Fantasmic, and a fireworks spectacle sponsored by Honda. With those as the climax, we definitely left Disneyland happy and contented.
Returning to a room of my own, on one of the two queen sized beds, in a clean, big and comfortable room was also heavenly. USA Hostels Hollywood tonight will seem so bad after this.
Next up... Universal Studios!
Yesterday was one of the best days I had in America so far! We visited Disneyland! (But not the adventure theme park though... Sob...) Oh yes, like little children we were. Disneyland provided tonnes of entertainment and thrills. Of all the rides we had, Space Mountain was by far the best!
To top the day off, there was a wonderful show, Fantasmic, and a fireworks spectacle sponsored by Honda. With those as the climax, we definitely left Disneyland happy and contented.
Returning to a room of my own, on one of the two queen sized beds, in a clean, big and comfortable room was also heavenly. USA Hostels Hollywood tonight will seem so bad after this.
Next up... Universal Studios!
On to Hollywood!
19 August 2008; 2228hrs Los Angeles, California (USA)
I’m in Hollywood! But before I begin stories about this place, I have to recant my experiences on the journey from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.
We were expecting to take a bus run by the train company Amtrax but when we arrived, the bus was simply... the infamous Greyhound! I survived! Without getting decapitated! It wasn’t as bad as I imagined it to be, but even the cab driver this morning kept stressing on the dangers of the bus and for us to be careful. Long distance bus services in the West Coast is supposedly much more dangerous than the East Coast, most probably an income issue.
But at least I survived with my head intact. The journey was spent mostly talking to the lady (60+ years old) next to me. She was from Malaysia, and moved to the US in 1963 after the racial riots situation then. 40 over years here in the United States! She has been through a lot; broken marriage, racial prejudice, cheated by con-artists, etc. But she survived mainly due to her will power to provide for her children. I’m impressed. My problems (already mostly forgotten and buried; finally come to terms) are simply a drop in the big ocean of hers. Now, her daughter has been diagnosed with a tumour in her brain. It’s not known yet if it’s benign or otherwise. I really wish her all the best.
Ok... that was my Greyhound experience.
Hollywood is not all that it seems. So far, the streets along Hollywood Boulevard cannot compare to the strip in Las Vegas. Not only is it less bright, it is a lot more dangerous! This evening (~2130 – 2230hrs) along my way back to the hostel alone, I saw (1) a huge lump of human faeces on the pavement, where the names of famous people are placed, (2) black teens shouting and honking their hones at me, (3) black guys stopping me to ask if I want in (in on what???), and (4) crazy homeless people crawling in front of me. Oh my goodness! It’s a good thing I’m back in the hostel safe and sound. My bag was also opened, unknowingly, by another. It’s a good thing my money wasn’t in that compartment. Really scary. If it weren’t for Universal Studios and Disneyland, I wouldn’t be here. Or perhaps I would have chosen a more expensive hotel?
Actually, the hostel per se, is nice. Good clean rooms, excellent toilets, pleasant interior, good service. It’s just the immediate surroundings at night leaves much to be desired.
Oh! The hostel is also directly opposite to a Gay and Lesbians Centre! It’s amazing to see such an open culture here. Compared to them, we in the Little Red Dot are freakishly conservative and intolerant of alternative lifestyles.
Ah well... I’ll finally be leaving the US soon. Another three days and I’ll be in a plane to Shanghai. Another six days and I’ll be back at home!
I’m in Hollywood! But before I begin stories about this place, I have to recant my experiences on the journey from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.
We were expecting to take a bus run by the train company Amtrax but when we arrived, the bus was simply... the infamous Greyhound! I survived! Without getting decapitated! It wasn’t as bad as I imagined it to be, but even the cab driver this morning kept stressing on the dangers of the bus and for us to be careful. Long distance bus services in the West Coast is supposedly much more dangerous than the East Coast, most probably an income issue.
But at least I survived with my head intact. The journey was spent mostly talking to the lady (60+ years old) next to me. She was from Malaysia, and moved to the US in 1963 after the racial riots situation then. 40 over years here in the United States! She has been through a lot; broken marriage, racial prejudice, cheated by con-artists, etc. But she survived mainly due to her will power to provide for her children. I’m impressed. My problems (already mostly forgotten and buried; finally come to terms) are simply a drop in the big ocean of hers. Now, her daughter has been diagnosed with a tumour in her brain. It’s not known yet if it’s benign or otherwise. I really wish her all the best.
Ok... that was my Greyhound experience.
Hollywood is not all that it seems. So far, the streets along Hollywood Boulevard cannot compare to the strip in Las Vegas. Not only is it less bright, it is a lot more dangerous! This evening (~2130 – 2230hrs) along my way back to the hostel alone, I saw (1) a huge lump of human faeces on the pavement, where the names of famous people are placed, (2) black teens shouting and honking their hones at me, (3) black guys stopping me to ask if I want in (in on what???), and (4) crazy homeless people crawling in front of me. Oh my goodness! It’s a good thing I’m back in the hostel safe and sound. My bag was also opened, unknowingly, by another. It’s a good thing my money wasn’t in that compartment. Really scary. If it weren’t for Universal Studios and Disneyland, I wouldn’t be here. Or perhaps I would have chosen a more expensive hotel?
Actually, the hostel per se, is nice. Good clean rooms, excellent toilets, pleasant interior, good service. It’s just the immediate surroundings at night leaves much to be desired.
Oh! The hostel is also directly opposite to a Gay and Lesbians Centre! It’s amazing to see such an open culture here. Compared to them, we in the Little Red Dot are freakishly conservative and intolerant of alternative lifestyles.
Ah well... I’ll finally be leaving the US soon. Another three days and I’ll be in a plane to Shanghai. Another six days and I’ll be back at home!
More Vegas
19 August 2008; 0712hrs Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)
The last two days were extremely hectic. 17 August was the single day where I spent the most money. We were at the LV Premium Outlets (LVPO) where all the branded items were heavily discounted! It was crazy and frightening. I was so afraid that I would over spend. Similarly afraid when my card couldn’t work. In the end, it was because the bank was undergoing some system maintenance.
After the entire day shopping, we went back to the strip to catch a few more free shows. The Fall of Atlantis was fine but the one at the Wynn was really disappointing. After a series of travelling mishaps, we unknowingly came to Freemont Street and managed to catch their last light performance of the day. It was amazing! That’s definitely a must-see in Las Vegas.
18 August was all Grand Canyon. We set off at 0600hrs and suffered an almost 7 hour drive to the canyon, stopping at Hoover dam, and a few places along Route 66 – the mother of all roads in America. But of course, the highlight was the Grand Canyon! Ooh, aah, and wow were words uttered most often by most people. Pictures simply do not do the canyon justice. You have to be there personally to experience it; the grandeur and magnificence of one of the natural wonders of the world. We didn’t manage to complete the trail due to a heavy thunderstorm, but the trip was worth it. Absolutely!
The last two days were extremely hectic. 17 August was the single day where I spent the most money. We were at the LV Premium Outlets (LVPO) where all the branded items were heavily discounted! It was crazy and frightening. I was so afraid that I would over spend. Similarly afraid when my card couldn’t work. In the end, it was because the bank was undergoing some system maintenance.
After the entire day shopping, we went back to the strip to catch a few more free shows. The Fall of Atlantis was fine but the one at the Wynn was really disappointing. After a series of travelling mishaps, we unknowingly came to Freemont Street and managed to catch their last light performance of the day. It was amazing! That’s definitely a must-see in Las Vegas.
18 August was all Grand Canyon. We set off at 0600hrs and suffered an almost 7 hour drive to the canyon, stopping at Hoover dam, and a few places along Route 66 – the mother of all roads in America. But of course, the highlight was the Grand Canyon! Ooh, aah, and wow were words uttered most often by most people. Pictures simply do not do the canyon justice. You have to be there personally to experience it; the grandeur and magnificence of one of the natural wonders of the world. We didn’t manage to complete the trail due to a heavy thunderstorm, but the trip was worth it. Absolutely!
The Morning After
17 August 2008; 0742hrs Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)
The girls are still asleep. Sigh… I’m always ready early in the morning, and most people always sleep in, resulting in a mad rush for the rest of the day. It doesn’t help that the itinerary is so packed, resulting in a rush through many things. I would have loved to visit some museums in Washington D.C. and spend a day or at least three hours there but we simply didn’t have the luxury of time to do so. This is really wearing my patience thin.
And of course, it doesn’t help that the first thing I saw when I woke up this morning was a set of… balls. Human testicles still attached to their owner. They guy was sleeping with his legs facing me and balls hanging out. Disgusting! At least the one who accidently dropped his towel in the dorm room in NY was aware of it and covered up quickly. A fit person, compared to this overweight one… take your pick. (Actually, I’ll choose none! Haha…)
Sigh… I wonder what the day ahead would be like. I’m already going to be out of money due to the taxi rides I had previously and the expensive tours and admission fees that we had to pay. This is despite having had withdrawn US$500 in Amherst. I think I’ll need another $500 for the next leg of the trip. I’m running on broke…
The girls are still asleep. Sigh… I’m always ready early in the morning, and most people always sleep in, resulting in a mad rush for the rest of the day. It doesn’t help that the itinerary is so packed, resulting in a rush through many things. I would have loved to visit some museums in Washington D.C. and spend a day or at least three hours there but we simply didn’t have the luxury of time to do so. This is really wearing my patience thin.
And of course, it doesn’t help that the first thing I saw when I woke up this morning was a set of… balls. Human testicles still attached to their owner. They guy was sleeping with his legs facing me and balls hanging out. Disgusting! At least the one who accidently dropped his towel in the dorm room in NY was aware of it and covered up quickly. A fit person, compared to this overweight one… take your pick. (Actually, I’ll choose none! Haha…)
Sigh… I wonder what the day ahead would be like. I’m already going to be out of money due to the taxi rides I had previously and the expensive tours and admission fees that we had to pay. This is despite having had withdrawn US$500 in Amherst. I think I’ll need another $500 for the next leg of the trip. I’m running on broke…
Viva Las Vegas!
16 August 2008; 2350hrs Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)
It’s a 3 hour difference between Las Vegas and Washington D.C. No wonder we were hungry for dinner at 1500hrs here in Vegas. The buffet lunch/dinner (we paid the lunch price for a dinner spread) at the Bellagio was… man… excellent! The long crab legs, and sinful desserts… I overate! I really did.
Then the sights of Las Vegas overwhelmed me. Viva Las Vegas! The magnificence and opulence of this place is astounding! Never in my life have I seen so many branded up-market retail shops located so near to one another. The gleaming walls, and lighting made the place even more opulent. Paragon pales in comparison.
Most of the shows are so expensive, so we decided to watch the free ones instead. The water fountain show at Bellagio and the pirate show at Treasure Island were two that we caught today.
Las Vegas at night is simply lit up with all sorts of neon colours, creating an atmosphere of life, expectance and kitsch. Especially in the desert where one never expects to be able to find such vibrant life, Las Vegas has everything.
The gambling halls are packed every night and really smokey. I guess smoking in these places is allowed if only to attract more gamblers.
Venetian is so beautiful! The trompe l’oeil within the building helped to create a life-like sky and the architecture of the place resembled Venice. The only difference? This place is much newer and more colourful. There are even gondolas with singing boaters as well. Really cool!
Las Vegas… a city in the desert! And oh my freaking goodness, it was hot, really blazing hot, shocking hot! Even the breeze was hot air. I really wonder how people living here can stand it. The Dot in comparison, in its hottest months, is like spring! Even the nights here are so warm. Heatstroke! Without constant drinking of water, one can really suffer from heatstroke in Las Vegas.
It’s a 3 hour difference between Las Vegas and Washington D.C. No wonder we were hungry for dinner at 1500hrs here in Vegas. The buffet lunch/dinner (we paid the lunch price for a dinner spread) at the Bellagio was… man… excellent! The long crab legs, and sinful desserts… I overate! I really did.
Then the sights of Las Vegas overwhelmed me. Viva Las Vegas! The magnificence and opulence of this place is astounding! Never in my life have I seen so many branded up-market retail shops located so near to one another. The gleaming walls, and lighting made the place even more opulent. Paragon pales in comparison.
Most of the shows are so expensive, so we decided to watch the free ones instead. The water fountain show at Bellagio and the pirate show at Treasure Island were two that we caught today.
Las Vegas at night is simply lit up with all sorts of neon colours, creating an atmosphere of life, expectance and kitsch. Especially in the desert where one never expects to be able to find such vibrant life, Las Vegas has everything.
The gambling halls are packed every night and really smokey. I guess smoking in these places is allowed if only to attract more gamblers.
Venetian is so beautiful! The trompe l’oeil within the building helped to create a life-like sky and the architecture of the place resembled Venice. The only difference? This place is much newer and more colourful. There are even gondolas with singing boaters as well. Really cool!
Las Vegas… a city in the desert! And oh my freaking goodness, it was hot, really blazing hot, shocking hot! Even the breeze was hot air. I really wonder how people living here can stand it. The Dot in comparison, in its hottest months, is like spring! Even the nights here are so warm. Heatstroke! Without constant drinking of water, one can really suffer from heatstroke in Las Vegas.
More of Washington, D.C.
15 August 2008; 2350hrs Washington D.C. (USA)
We had a mad rush today trying to squeeze in all the sights in less than 18 hours. After a late start in the morning (Not me! Really!), we headed to Union Station where we managed to buy train tickets to Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) for our flight to Las Vegas tomorrow.
After that, it was another mad rush to Capitol Building and the Botanic Gardens. I saw the FOX network team setting up their equipment at the famous vista of the Capitol. Cool!
We managed to get tickets for a tour of the building at 1135hrs. Oh man… It is GRAND! All the chambers, especially the older ones, were simply glittering with gold and marble. We managed to see the old senate chamber and court house as well. Somehow, we secured gallery tickets to see a Democrat pitching his thoughts and solutions on stagflation in a grand grand chamber. Too bad photos were not allowed there. There were way too many guards around to risk sneaking a shot of the room.
Next up was the Library of Congress – the world’s largest library. And for a library, it is even grander than the Capitol. The mosaic tile pictures, painted walls, and exquisite statues were simply breathtaking.
A run through the subway to Smithsonian station brought us to a hot dog lunch and the park where most of the monuments are located – Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Reflecting Pool (Stinks of duck poop!), Lincoln Memorial, and Vietnam War Memorial. We saw them all except the FDR and Jefferson memorials, which were out of the way.
Walking to the White House was a breeze especially when we stopped for ice-cream. My chocolate éclair bar was excellent. Well, anything cool on a hot day and when I was feeling tired would be nice. The White House, on the other hand, was rather disappointing. It paled in grandeur and stature compared to the other buildings we saw. Oh well…
We also saw a news reporter recording his take in front of the gates of the White House. My immediate reaction was to run up behind him and make some funny face or action. Heh… I controlled myself though.
Our last stop was the Old Post Office Building. Instead of queuing to climb up the Washington Monument, we opted (my suggestion based on the advice of a fellow couch surfer I met in Rapid City) to go to the top of the bell tower at the old PO building. It’s still the third highest structure in Washington D.C., and its view included a spectacular sight of the Washington Memorial.
Tomorrow is another hectic day. My ninth flight. To Las Vegas, to Las Vegas! We are going to have to leave the hostel by 0515hrs and I’ll wake up an hour before that… Man, this itinerary is unimaginably packed.
We had a mad rush today trying to squeeze in all the sights in less than 18 hours. After a late start in the morning (Not me! Really!), we headed to Union Station where we managed to buy train tickets to Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) for our flight to Las Vegas tomorrow.
After that, it was another mad rush to Capitol Building and the Botanic Gardens. I saw the FOX network team setting up their equipment at the famous vista of the Capitol. Cool!
We managed to get tickets for a tour of the building at 1135hrs. Oh man… It is GRAND! All the chambers, especially the older ones, were simply glittering with gold and marble. We managed to see the old senate chamber and court house as well. Somehow, we secured gallery tickets to see a Democrat pitching his thoughts and solutions on stagflation in a grand grand chamber. Too bad photos were not allowed there. There were way too many guards around to risk sneaking a shot of the room.
Next up was the Library of Congress – the world’s largest library. And for a library, it is even grander than the Capitol. The mosaic tile pictures, painted walls, and exquisite statues were simply breathtaking.
A run through the subway to Smithsonian station brought us to a hot dog lunch and the park where most of the monuments are located – Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Reflecting Pool (Stinks of duck poop!), Lincoln Memorial, and Vietnam War Memorial. We saw them all except the FDR and Jefferson memorials, which were out of the way.
Walking to the White House was a breeze especially when we stopped for ice-cream. My chocolate éclair bar was excellent. Well, anything cool on a hot day and when I was feeling tired would be nice. The White House, on the other hand, was rather disappointing. It paled in grandeur and stature compared to the other buildings we saw. Oh well…
We also saw a news reporter recording his take in front of the gates of the White House. My immediate reaction was to run up behind him and make some funny face or action. Heh… I controlled myself though.
Our last stop was the Old Post Office Building. Instead of queuing to climb up the Washington Monument, we opted (my suggestion based on the advice of a fellow couch surfer I met in Rapid City) to go to the top of the bell tower at the old PO building. It’s still the third highest structure in Washington D.C., and its view included a spectacular sight of the Washington Memorial.
Tomorrow is another hectic day. My ninth flight. To Las Vegas, to Las Vegas! We are going to have to leave the hostel by 0515hrs and I’ll wake up an hour before that… Man, this itinerary is unimaginably packed.
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Washington D.C.!
14 August 2008; 2320hrs Washington D.C. (USA)
I forgot to mention. I bought the shuffles from the largest Apple store in Boston yesterday. The store is really high-tech! All of them have a portable card swiper thing and send you receipts electronically! Cool! Reduces waste!
After a long arduous journey, lasing for 8 hours, including a delayed flight and getting lost in D.C., we finally made it to the hostel at 1500hrs. And it looks absolutely horrid from the outside! It’s not that bad inside. A tad old and ratty, but liveable. What i dislike is the neighbourhood. It’s full of blacks (Not that I have anything against them. It’s just the stereotypical image I have of them. Blame American TV.) All blacks in the bus. Really scary. Of course, they are fine really. It’s the swagger and attitude they possess and exhibit that frightens me. I’m a coward I guess.
After making it to the hostel alive, and late at that, we decided not to go to any sights or museums, but to shop at Macy’s instead. We’ll clear the sights tomorrow, so it will be a looong day.
Dinner was at a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown. Another Asian meal in two days. I want to eat what the locals eat! That was why I ordered a sausage, cheese and egg Stromboli for breakfast at the airport. I don’t want to miss out on these things! Sigh... I can’t possible force the two to think the same way as me... Oh well... I just have to take things a step at a time.
I forgot to mention. I bought the shuffles from the largest Apple store in Boston yesterday. The store is really high-tech! All of them have a portable card swiper thing and send you receipts electronically! Cool! Reduces waste!
After a long arduous journey, lasing for 8 hours, including a delayed flight and getting lost in D.C., we finally made it to the hostel at 1500hrs. And it looks absolutely horrid from the outside! It’s not that bad inside. A tad old and ratty, but liveable. What i dislike is the neighbourhood. It’s full of blacks (Not that I have anything against them. It’s just the stereotypical image I have of them. Blame American TV.) All blacks in the bus. Really scary. Of course, they are fine really. It’s the swagger and attitude they possess and exhibit that frightens me. I’m a coward I guess.
After making it to the hostel alive, and late at that, we decided not to go to any sights or museums, but to shop at Macy’s instead. We’ll clear the sights tomorrow, so it will be a looong day.
Dinner was at a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown. Another Asian meal in two days. I want to eat what the locals eat! That was why I ordered a sausage, cheese and egg Stromboli for breakfast at the airport. I don’t want to miss out on these things! Sigh... I can’t possible force the two to think the same way as me... Oh well... I just have to take things a step at a time.
Boston, Harvard and MIT
13 August 2008; 2228hrs Boston, Massachusetts (USA)
We left the conference early, bade a good farewell to Fa-ge and went to catch Peter Pan to Boston. It was a rather pleasant bus ride. Nothing interesting happened along the way. Even if something did happen, I wouldn’t know. I pretty much slept the entire 3 hour journey due to a bad freezing night at the dorm.
Boston’s great! It’s a city of just the right size. Really nice. The people here are just as nice as the ones in small towns, and much nicer than the New Yorkers – leaps and bounds ahead of them. What’s important is their low taxes as well! Only 5%!
The moment we left our hostel (rather pleasant; in a safe neighbourhood), we went for lunch. Both girls were craving for rice, so we ended up eating Thai food. What I can’t understand is why they would complain so much about the food here. It’s not that bad. It’s not as though the sandwiches are really really that horrible. I mean... when in Rome... Oh well, at least they had their rice.
We visited a couple of famous universities – Harvard and MIT. We drank water from their water fountains, breathed in their air... The atmosphere of culture, sophistication, and research!
Back to Boston. It’s such a great place! Not so much for a tourist to travel, but it’s a nice place to live in. Working here would be great too. But at the end of the day, my heart leads me back to the Dot. I’m still a Dottian at heart. But I guess working overseas for a short period would be good experience. But I’d miss home and friend. All the same, it depends on what is available when I graduate.
We’ll be leaving Boston early tomorrow morning towards Washington D.C. I really hope I wouldn’t lose my patience with any more complains and would be able to enjoy the rest of the time (2 weeks more) with them.
I really wonder how my vacation in Europe would be like with HZ and HJ, since JL’s command of English is much better. Oh well... We’ll see...
Early flight, early night.
I’m actually missing home now. Travelling on my own is fun. Travelling with friends is fun. But home is always sweetest. It’s best to be back home (no matter where that is). I can’t wait to get back.
Odd huh? And people think I’m the most likely person to leave the Dot for good. Ha!
We left the conference early, bade a good farewell to Fa-ge and went to catch Peter Pan to Boston. It was a rather pleasant bus ride. Nothing interesting happened along the way. Even if something did happen, I wouldn’t know. I pretty much slept the entire 3 hour journey due to a bad freezing night at the dorm.
Boston’s great! It’s a city of just the right size. Really nice. The people here are just as nice as the ones in small towns, and much nicer than the New Yorkers – leaps and bounds ahead of them. What’s important is their low taxes as well! Only 5%!
The moment we left our hostel (rather pleasant; in a safe neighbourhood), we went for lunch. Both girls were craving for rice, so we ended up eating Thai food. What I can’t understand is why they would complain so much about the food here. It’s not that bad. It’s not as though the sandwiches are really really that horrible. I mean... when in Rome... Oh well, at least they had their rice.
We visited a couple of famous universities – Harvard and MIT. We drank water from their water fountains, breathed in their air... The atmosphere of culture, sophistication, and research!
Back to Boston. It’s such a great place! Not so much for a tourist to travel, but it’s a nice place to live in. Working here would be great too. But at the end of the day, my heart leads me back to the Dot. I’m still a Dottian at heart. But I guess working overseas for a short period would be good experience. But I’d miss home and friend. All the same, it depends on what is available when I graduate.
We’ll be leaving Boston early tomorrow morning towards Washington D.C. I really hope I wouldn’t lose my patience with any more complains and would be able to enjoy the rest of the time (2 weeks more) with them.
I really wonder how my vacation in Europe would be like with HZ and HJ, since JL’s command of English is much better. Oh well... We’ll see...
Early flight, early night.
I’m actually missing home now. Travelling on my own is fun. Travelling with friends is fun. But home is always sweetest. It’s best to be back home (no matter where that is). I can’t wait to get back.
Odd huh? And people think I’m the most likely person to leave the Dot for good. Ha!
Last Day of the Conference
12 August 2008; 2330hrs Amherst, Massachusetts
Another day of boring conference presentations. This conference is seriously lacking in organisation. I basically slept through the morning presentations after a visit to the Post Office. It cost me a whopping US$85 to send my book and notes back to the Dot and that was my cheapest option! What the… I guess my books were really really heavy…
The best part of the day was the dinner. It was the best I had so far at this conference. Still not too good but best so far.
I also met my competition/rival from Seoul University. Lee’s student. Dang... He already has a paper out on something similar to what I’m doing… I believe my analyses methods are different and better, so there’s hope yet. But a rival! I need to work harder and faster.
We went around the campus this afternoon. It’s really big and open. I really like the campus, but I cannot imagine staying here. It’s simply too inaccessible! I’d die without a car. My entire life would be experiments and work... Hah... It’s lucky that I didn’t come to the US to study in the first place, especially in a small university town like this.
We went for a lab tour this afternoon. Actually, truthfully, our labs are better equipped. The only drawbacks of our labs are that they are older and a lot messier. The age really shows, making the labs rather dinghy, more unpleasant than they really are. But equipment-wise, we are much better. I only wish we could be like them and in Uppsala, that the equipment are shared regardless if they were bought from research project funds or not. Wishful thinking eh?
Oh well, we are making an early start to Boston tomorrow. The bus leaves at 0900hrs, so that means I can get out of the final session of this conference!
Another day of boring conference presentations. This conference is seriously lacking in organisation. I basically slept through the morning presentations after a visit to the Post Office. It cost me a whopping US$85 to send my book and notes back to the Dot and that was my cheapest option! What the… I guess my books were really really heavy…
The best part of the day was the dinner. It was the best I had so far at this conference. Still not too good but best so far.
I also met my competition/rival from Seoul University. Lee’s student. Dang... He already has a paper out on something similar to what I’m doing… I believe my analyses methods are different and better, so there’s hope yet. But a rival! I need to work harder and faster.
We went around the campus this afternoon. It’s really big and open. I really like the campus, but I cannot imagine staying here. It’s simply too inaccessible! I’d die without a car. My entire life would be experiments and work... Hah... It’s lucky that I didn’t come to the US to study in the first place, especially in a small university town like this.
We went for a lab tour this afternoon. Actually, truthfully, our labs are better equipped. The only drawbacks of our labs are that they are older and a lot messier. The age really shows, making the labs rather dinghy, more unpleasant than they really are. But equipment-wise, we are much better. I only wish we could be like them and in Uppsala, that the equipment are shared regardless if they were bought from research project funds or not. Wishful thinking eh?
Oh well, we are making an early start to Boston tomorrow. The bus leaves at 0900hrs, so that means I can get out of the final session of this conference!
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Membrane Regional Conference
12 August 2008; 0020hrs Amherst, Massachusetts (USA)
The second day of the conference finally ended today (yesterday). I left early. In fact my poster presentation was supposed to be between 2130hrs and 2230hrs. I left exactly at 2230hrs. I really didn’t bother to stay any longer. There was no point. I didn’t get much traffic due to the poor location. But those who noticed my work, generally had good comments about my results.
But to have the conference end at 2230hrs everyday??? Crazy!
Last night was freezing cold. The air conditioning cannot be adjusted at all! The maximum temperature is 23.9C. The entire day was rainy and cold, the night cold and with this air-conditioning… man and I was already using two blankets with a jacket last night!
Another long day ahead. Better get some sleep…
The second day of the conference finally ended today (yesterday). I left early. In fact my poster presentation was supposed to be between 2130hrs and 2230hrs. I left exactly at 2230hrs. I really didn’t bother to stay any longer. There was no point. I didn’t get much traffic due to the poor location. But those who noticed my work, generally had good comments about my results.
But to have the conference end at 2230hrs everyday??? Crazy!
Last night was freezing cold. The air conditioning cannot be adjusted at all! The maximum temperature is 23.9C. The entire day was rainy and cold, the night cold and with this air-conditioning… man and I was already using two blankets with a jacket last night!
Another long day ahead. Better get some sleep…
New York and Amherst
10 August 2008; 2130hrs Amherst, Massachusetts (USA)
I’m in the dorm room of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass). It’s a suite! There is a common kitchen and living room, and two shared bath and toilets. All in all there are four single rooms here. Compact but sufficient. The entire place is also fully air conditioned. Luxury! It’s certainly something we need since this is literally a prison. There are very little ways of getting around. It’s another small town.
We toured NY yesterday. After settling the train tickets issue, we went to queue for tickets to see the Statue of Liberty. But the queue was too long! (Word of advice: buy tickets online in advance!) In the end, we went for a harbour cruise that went past the island, and much more! Brooklyn bridge, Ellis Island, Downtown Manhattan, and so on. We saw them all! Ha! It was worth it!
We went to the Empire State Building as well to look at the view from up above. 86 floors above, and we climbed the final six stories up. Our day ended with a visit to the Metropolitan Museum. Now that was fun! It was too bad we didn’t have enough time to walk about all the exhibits slowly. I would have loved to spend the entire day there. Next time, next time…
We went to take the Amtrax train to Amherst from New York’s Penn Station. Unluckily there was a freight accident between Amherst and Springfield so the train couldn’t continue. We had to transfer to Peter Pan (a bus company) to complete the final leg of the journey. It wasn’t bad though. I got to experience both the train and bus in America. (And the NY subway and bus systems.) At least the Peter Pan seemed much better than the Greyhound.
The dorm at UMass has no internet and it’s irritating the hell out of me. None! Not even some wireless to tap. Even the LAN points can’t be used unless you have a student account. WTH… there is no guest account.
Coupled with the horrid conference timings. Whoever heard of conferences going on until 2230hrs??? and the prison like situation… Sigh… It’s going to be a long three days. Not all the sessions are interesting, so I won’t be attending all of them. But what can I do in place of them???
Hey! Song Lianfa is here! Dear Fa-ge is going to give a presentation. Hope I don’t fall asleep as I usually do for his lectures!
The conference starts at 1830hrs on a Sunday and ands at 1230hrs on Wednesday. Their planning sucks big time. Oh well… I gave the first session a miss in order to get some food down into my stomach. Surviving is more important.
I’m in the dorm room of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass). It’s a suite! There is a common kitchen and living room, and two shared bath and toilets. All in all there are four single rooms here. Compact but sufficient. The entire place is also fully air conditioned. Luxury! It’s certainly something we need since this is literally a prison. There are very little ways of getting around. It’s another small town.
We toured NY yesterday. After settling the train tickets issue, we went to queue for tickets to see the Statue of Liberty. But the queue was too long! (Word of advice: buy tickets online in advance!) In the end, we went for a harbour cruise that went past the island, and much more! Brooklyn bridge, Ellis Island, Downtown Manhattan, and so on. We saw them all! Ha! It was worth it!
We went to the Empire State Building as well to look at the view from up above. 86 floors above, and we climbed the final six stories up. Our day ended with a visit to the Metropolitan Museum. Now that was fun! It was too bad we didn’t have enough time to walk about all the exhibits slowly. I would have loved to spend the entire day there. Next time, next time…
We went to take the Amtrax train to Amherst from New York’s Penn Station. Unluckily there was a freight accident between Amherst and Springfield so the train couldn’t continue. We had to transfer to Peter Pan (a bus company) to complete the final leg of the journey. It wasn’t bad though. I got to experience both the train and bus in America. (And the NY subway and bus systems.) At least the Peter Pan seemed much better than the Greyhound.
The dorm at UMass has no internet and it’s irritating the hell out of me. None! Not even some wireless to tap. Even the LAN points can’t be used unless you have a student account. WTH… there is no guest account.
Coupled with the horrid conference timings. Whoever heard of conferences going on until 2230hrs??? and the prison like situation… Sigh… It’s going to be a long three days. Not all the sessions are interesting, so I won’t be attending all of them. But what can I do in place of them???
Hey! Song Lianfa is here! Dear Fa-ge is going to give a presentation. Hope I don’t fall asleep as I usually do for his lectures!
The conference starts at 1830hrs on a Sunday and ands at 1230hrs on Wednesday. Their planning sucks big time. Oh well… I gave the first session a miss in order to get some food down into my stomach. Surviving is more important.
New York, New York
08 August 2008; 1800hrs New York, New York (USA)
In less than 24 hours, I’m back at the airport once again. This time I am here to welcome HZ and JL. My time alone in America is finally coming to an end! If it were in a place like Uppsala or Bozeman, I wouldn’t mind being alone but in a city like New York… That’s a different story altogether. The people I met in NY thus far especially in the city centre have been rather unfriendly. The subway is so confusing and the city centre madly crowded. And it doesn’t help that the hostel is located in a shady area. I was already accosted by a ‘homeless’ man for 75 cents. He wanted more but I refused. Get a job!
This is a scary place. At least in the airport, I feel safe. Hopefully this feeling will disappear when friends arrive. My time in NY so far hasn’t been as enjoyable as I envisioned it to be.
Central Park is huge! Really huge! I walked from end to end, criss-crossing it from west to east and back again, from 113th Street to 42nd Street, and that took me 5 hours! 5 hours of walking in one day. Man, I’m tired. The north part of the parks is beautiful and serene but the rest especially towards to south is pretty much boring. The open spaces and boating areas make it south a little more interesting but the view cannot be compared to the north. I certainly enjoyed myself at the north a bit more, even though I cannot imagine why people keep telling me Central Park is a MUST SEE in NY.
It didn’t help that there were constant but intermittent showers from 1300hrs onwards. One was so heavy that I had to seek shelter along the street. I hope it won’t rain tomorrow. I didn’t take my umbrella from home. Forgot map, forgot umbrella…
After 2 weeks away from home, I’m starting to miss it. I can’t wait to be back again. Another 2 weeks seem like a really long time.
I guess no matter what others think of me (Ang Mo Pai, most likely to emigrate), to me, home is back at the Dot, where my family and most of my friends are (even though most of my childhood friends are stationed out of the country), where I know how things work, and public transportation clean, neat, and efficient. Tomorrow is National Day (Actually, given the time difference, it’s National Day now.), and it’s my first time missing it. I don’t know why I feel so patriotic all of a sudden but I really feel like listening to the National Day songs and humming along to the marches and salutes…
Two more weeks and I’m going home!
America, especially the big cities (or at least NY) is not for me.
In less than 24 hours, I’m back at the airport once again. This time I am here to welcome HZ and JL. My time alone in America is finally coming to an end! If it were in a place like Uppsala or Bozeman, I wouldn’t mind being alone but in a city like New York… That’s a different story altogether. The people I met in NY thus far especially in the city centre have been rather unfriendly. The subway is so confusing and the city centre madly crowded. And it doesn’t help that the hostel is located in a shady area. I was already accosted by a ‘homeless’ man for 75 cents. He wanted more but I refused. Get a job!
This is a scary place. At least in the airport, I feel safe. Hopefully this feeling will disappear when friends arrive. My time in NY so far hasn’t been as enjoyable as I envisioned it to be.
Central Park is huge! Really huge! I walked from end to end, criss-crossing it from west to east and back again, from 113th Street to 42nd Street, and that took me 5 hours! 5 hours of walking in one day. Man, I’m tired. The north part of the parks is beautiful and serene but the rest especially towards to south is pretty much boring. The open spaces and boating areas make it south a little more interesting but the view cannot be compared to the north. I certainly enjoyed myself at the north a bit more, even though I cannot imagine why people keep telling me Central Park is a MUST SEE in NY.
It didn’t help that there were constant but intermittent showers from 1300hrs onwards. One was so heavy that I had to seek shelter along the street. I hope it won’t rain tomorrow. I didn’t take my umbrella from home. Forgot map, forgot umbrella…
After 2 weeks away from home, I’m starting to miss it. I can’t wait to be back again. Another 2 weeks seem like a really long time.
I guess no matter what others think of me (Ang Mo Pai, most likely to emigrate), to me, home is back at the Dot, where my family and most of my friends are (even though most of my childhood friends are stationed out of the country), where I know how things work, and public transportation clean, neat, and efficient. Tomorrow is National Day (Actually, given the time difference, it’s National Day now.), and it’s my first time missing it. I don’t know why I feel so patriotic all of a sudden but I really feel like listening to the National Day songs and humming along to the marches and salutes…
Two more weeks and I’m going home!
America, especially the big cities (or at least NY) is not for me.
I'm in New York!
08 August 2008; 1105hrs New York, New York (USA)
I’m finally in NY! The flight from Salt Lake was delayed for 20 minutes and arrived at JFK even later. It was already 0100hrs when I left. And I was supposed to arrive at 2330hrs! The difference is too great! On top of that my luggage refused to appear, it was only after 30 minutes of waiting before I caught a glimpse of it. What could be worse?
My luggage tag was broken. The bag was scratched. What the…
I was way too tired to think then. So when some man asked if I were looking for a taxi, I said yes. He wasn’t the yellow cab driver that I knew. And I was cheated! He charged more than I would have been charged. Oh well… I was tired. I didn’t mind being charged US$10 more. What I minded was the conversation. My driver was a heavily bearded Muslim who kept talking about religion. I certainly didn’t dare to reveal mine. Who knew what would happen if he found out? He kept asking about the Little Red Dot, and if we were predominantly Buddhists, Christians, etc. And about Malaysia, our relations, relationship between the Dot and China, our economy, our army, and all that. It was way too scary! Of course, I didn’t dare to reveal anything. He sounded too much like a Muslim extremist. When asked about our army, I simply said we are the best in the region hopefully to scare him off.
He even asked about our punishments. If people had their hands chopped off for stealing and if adultery was an offense. My goodness! It was ‘Sharia Law’ screaming in my head. All throughout the journey, I was praying that I would be able to get to the hostel safely and not be mugged or anything.
But the driver was kind enough to wait for me to check that the hostel was open before driving off. Perhaps it was simply paranoia on my part? Results of the 'Be Vigilant' drive?
I finally reached the hostel at 0200hrs! Oh man… that was tiring. I reserved a bed in a 12-man bunk. Ah… my first time sleeping in a room with so many guys, and in such cramped conditions. Even my BMT situation was better. Oh well, at least I got the top bunk and it seemed pretty clean. I really wonder how the other hostels would be like though.
But it’s cheap! And it comes with complimentary breakfast! And I managed to ‘ta bao’ a bagel for lunch as well. Ha… saving money. I’d spent too much. And I thing I’m going to have to send the text book, notes and conference proceedings back home via mail, instead of lugging them all around. Carrying my luggage up to the fourth floor wasn’t fun at all.
It’s really funny though…. Both here and in my dorm at MSU, I heard some guy in the shower… well… engaging in some do-it-yourself. Ha… the sounds that emitted from the showers. Funny! In such close quarters, surely they could have controlled themselves or made less noise?
I’m now at Central Park. It’s really close to the hostel, so that’s nice. Just sitting here, enjoying the breeze, and watching people fish, jog, stroll, and so on. People watching is fun. It’s summer vacation and I saw many groups of predominantly black kids here on an out of school/after school program. Their chaperons brought them here to fish, I presume, to occupy their time so they wouldn’t stray. I heard the drop-out rate amongst the blacks is really high. It’s nice to see this cultural mix here. Unlike the area (Harlem) where my hostel is located, one gets to see so many different people, different cultures at Central Park.
I wish I remembered to take my America guidebook with me from home. There are maps in there. Maps that I could use. Now I’m surviving on a very rudimentary map of a small part of New York. I hope I’ll be able to get by with it. I hope either of the girls will have maps with them, or that I can get some free at the airport.
I’m finally in NY! The flight from Salt Lake was delayed for 20 minutes and arrived at JFK even later. It was already 0100hrs when I left. And I was supposed to arrive at 2330hrs! The difference is too great! On top of that my luggage refused to appear, it was only after 30 minutes of waiting before I caught a glimpse of it. What could be worse?
My luggage tag was broken. The bag was scratched. What the…
I was way too tired to think then. So when some man asked if I were looking for a taxi, I said yes. He wasn’t the yellow cab driver that I knew. And I was cheated! He charged more than I would have been charged. Oh well… I was tired. I didn’t mind being charged US$10 more. What I minded was the conversation. My driver was a heavily bearded Muslim who kept talking about religion. I certainly didn’t dare to reveal mine. Who knew what would happen if he found out? He kept asking about the Little Red Dot, and if we were predominantly Buddhists, Christians, etc. And about Malaysia, our relations, relationship between the Dot and China, our economy, our army, and all that. It was way too scary! Of course, I didn’t dare to reveal anything. He sounded too much like a Muslim extremist. When asked about our army, I simply said we are the best in the region hopefully to scare him off.
He even asked about our punishments. If people had their hands chopped off for stealing and if adultery was an offense. My goodness! It was ‘Sharia Law’ screaming in my head. All throughout the journey, I was praying that I would be able to get to the hostel safely and not be mugged or anything.
But the driver was kind enough to wait for me to check that the hostel was open before driving off. Perhaps it was simply paranoia on my part? Results of the 'Be Vigilant' drive?
I finally reached the hostel at 0200hrs! Oh man… that was tiring. I reserved a bed in a 12-man bunk. Ah… my first time sleeping in a room with so many guys, and in such cramped conditions. Even my BMT situation was better. Oh well, at least I got the top bunk and it seemed pretty clean. I really wonder how the other hostels would be like though.
But it’s cheap! And it comes with complimentary breakfast! And I managed to ‘ta bao’ a bagel for lunch as well. Ha… saving money. I’d spent too much. And I thing I’m going to have to send the text book, notes and conference proceedings back home via mail, instead of lugging them all around. Carrying my luggage up to the fourth floor wasn’t fun at all.
It’s really funny though…. Both here and in my dorm at MSU, I heard some guy in the shower… well… engaging in some do-it-yourself. Ha… the sounds that emitted from the showers. Funny! In such close quarters, surely they could have controlled themselves or made less noise?
I’m now at Central Park. It’s really close to the hostel, so that’s nice. Just sitting here, enjoying the breeze, and watching people fish, jog, stroll, and so on. People watching is fun. It’s summer vacation and I saw many groups of predominantly black kids here on an out of school/after school program. Their chaperons brought them here to fish, I presume, to occupy their time so they wouldn’t stray. I heard the drop-out rate amongst the blacks is really high. It’s nice to see this cultural mix here. Unlike the area (Harlem) where my hostel is located, one gets to see so many different people, different cultures at Central Park.
I wish I remembered to take my America guidebook with me from home. There are maps in there. Maps that I could use. Now I’m surviving on a very rudimentary map of a small part of New York. I hope I’ll be able to get by with it. I hope either of the girls will have maps with them, or that I can get some free at the airport.
Transit in Salt Lake City Yet Again
07 August 2008; 1600hrs Salt Lake City, Utah (USA)
I just finished my lunch/tea/snack/dinner while waiting for my 1600hrs flight to New York JFK. This is going to be my eighth flight in two weeks! I really should be getting some frequent flyer miles from Delta. I flew from New York to Salt Lake City, Salt Lake to Bozeman, Bozeman to Salt Lake, Salt Lake to Rapid City, Rapid City to Salt Lake, and now Salt Lake to New York, and they were all with Delta! And I don’t enjoy it any longer. It’s really tiring to fly. Even though I manage to sleep after the plane takes off, the sleep I get is intermittent.
My meal was from the famous Krispy Kreme Doughnuts! I bought three flavours – Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Icing Kreme, and Raspberry filled. And I must say… they were amazing! Now I know why these doughnuts, or rather this shop is so famous. I wanted to get a much healthier sandwich instead. But… Yum… I’m going to try more if I get the chance.
I’ve also been told to eat pizza in New York! They are supposed to have the best pizza there and seafood in Boston. Alright! I’m going on a gastronomic tour soon (I hope)! Yummy…
I just finished my lunch/tea/snack/dinner while waiting for my 1600hrs flight to New York JFK. This is going to be my eighth flight in two weeks! I really should be getting some frequent flyer miles from Delta. I flew from New York to Salt Lake City, Salt Lake to Bozeman, Bozeman to Salt Lake, Salt Lake to Rapid City, Rapid City to Salt Lake, and now Salt Lake to New York, and they were all with Delta! And I don’t enjoy it any longer. It’s really tiring to fly. Even though I manage to sleep after the plane takes off, the sleep I get is intermittent.
My meal was from the famous Krispy Kreme Doughnuts! I bought three flavours – Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Icing Kreme, and Raspberry filled. And I must say… they were amazing! Now I know why these doughnuts, or rather this shop is so famous. I wanted to get a much healthier sandwich instead. But… Yum… I’m going to try more if I get the chance.
I’ve also been told to eat pizza in New York! They are supposed to have the best pizza there and seafood in Boston. Alright! I’m going on a gastronomic tour soon (I hope)! Yummy…
Onward to New York
07 August 2008; 1119 hrs Rapid City, South Dakota (USA)
I finally checked in and had seat assigned all the way to JFK. Finally. The check-in counters opened at about 1000hrs, so I did have enough time to clear security. My luggage was not over the weight limit in site of the textbook and notes. Thank goodness. So everything is fine.
I had a very expensive breakfast at the airport. A tuna sandwich with chocolate milk cost US$10! I had to get it though, I was really starving…
I’m now waiting by the gate for my flight. I’m NOT going to miss it. It’s overbooked and they are asking people to volunteer to give their seats up, so it’s a good thing I checked in early otherwise it could have been me. I’m on my way to New York and will arrive at night. I hope I’ll be able to cab easily to my hostel and have a good night’s sleep on a clean bed.
Tomorrow HZ and JL will join me! Alone no more. Is this a good thing or is it going to be a bad thing?
I finally checked in and had seat assigned all the way to JFK. Finally. The check-in counters opened at about 1000hrs, so I did have enough time to clear security. My luggage was not over the weight limit in site of the textbook and notes. Thank goodness. So everything is fine.
I had a very expensive breakfast at the airport. A tuna sandwich with chocolate milk cost US$10! I had to get it though, I was really starving…
I’m now waiting by the gate for my flight. I’m NOT going to miss it. It’s overbooked and they are asking people to volunteer to give their seats up, so it’s a good thing I checked in early otherwise it could have been me. I’m on my way to New York and will arrive at night. I hope I’ll be able to cab easily to my hostel and have a good night’s sleep on a clean bed.
Tomorrow HZ and JL will join me! Alone no more. Is this a good thing or is it going to be a bad thing?
More Rapid City and Onward to New York
07 August 2008; 0900hrs Rapid City, South Dakota (USA)
It’s early in the morning, three hours to my flight out of Rapid City. My couch-surfer host, Chris, dropped me off at the airport because he needed to work in the morning, and couldn’t take me to the airport any later. Oh well… I’m used to entertaining myself at these situations.
For some weird reason, the Delta Kiosk is empty. There is absolutely no one there. Really odd. The few people who went over were turned away. So it's really odd. Now, there is no one at the kiosk, I think I’d better read until 1000hrs before trying to check in. it’s too odd to have an empty counter. I really wonder why…
Last evening , after my visit to Mount Rushmore, Chris’ neighbour Scott (another couch-surfer host) and his surfer Kelly met up with me and walked to Art Alley. These ‘vandals’ are really good! I’m amazed at the level of artistry along this alley. After which, we went for a dinner at Scott’s place. A corn dog dinner! It was my first time having this very American thing called a corn dog. Not bad, I tell you. Not bad at all.
Chris joined us at night and we downed a few beers. These pot-smoking, cigarette-smoking, beer-drinking people are really something else. I was invited to share their pot, but I’m happy to announce that I’m still drug free! No smoke of any sorts for me, thank you. I really don’t understand why they even need to smoke pot at all… Oh well.
My first couch-surfing experience was pleasant. It wasn’t great but neither was it bad. I only wish Chris’ place was a tad cleaner and tidier. I was pretty apprehensive about sleeping on a sofa that seemed to smell. But what the heck, I did it anyway. I’m not going to do it anytime soon. I’m too much of a cleanliness freak to want to sleep in a dirty place, on top of a dubious couch. But the place wasn't that bad afterall. Just my freakish need for cleanliness. Ah well…
The kiosk is still empty. Really really odd. I have to find out what’s happening soon…
It’s early in the morning, three hours to my flight out of Rapid City. My couch-surfer host, Chris, dropped me off at the airport because he needed to work in the morning, and couldn’t take me to the airport any later. Oh well… I’m used to entertaining myself at these situations.
For some weird reason, the Delta Kiosk is empty. There is absolutely no one there. Really odd. The few people who went over were turned away. So it's really odd. Now, there is no one at the kiosk, I think I’d better read until 1000hrs before trying to check in. it’s too odd to have an empty counter. I really wonder why…
Last evening , after my visit to Mount Rushmore, Chris’ neighbour Scott (another couch-surfer host) and his surfer Kelly met up with me and walked to Art Alley. These ‘vandals’ are really good! I’m amazed at the level of artistry along this alley. After which, we went for a dinner at Scott’s place. A corn dog dinner! It was my first time having this very American thing called a corn dog. Not bad, I tell you. Not bad at all.
Chris joined us at night and we downed a few beers. These pot-smoking, cigarette-smoking, beer-drinking people are really something else. I was invited to share their pot, but I’m happy to announce that I’m still drug free! No smoke of any sorts for me, thank you. I really don’t understand why they even need to smoke pot at all… Oh well.
My first couch-surfing experience was pleasant. It wasn’t great but neither was it bad. I only wish Chris’ place was a tad cleaner and tidier. I was pretty apprehensive about sleeping on a sofa that seemed to smell. But what the heck, I did it anyway. I’m not going to do it anytime soon. I’m too much of a cleanliness freak to want to sleep in a dirty place, on top of a dubious couch. But the place wasn't that bad afterall. Just my freakish need for cleanliness. Ah well…
The kiosk is still empty. Really really odd. I have to find out what’s happening soon…
I'm in Rapid City!
06 August 2008; 1412hrs Rapid City, South Dakota (USA)
I finally arrived at Rapid City after a 20 minute delay for my flight from Salt Lake City to Rapid City. The flight attendant on that leg was a stickler for rules. No unbuckling of seat belts, and yadda, yadda, yadda.
Chris, my couch surfing host, came to fetch me from the airport and immediately after dumping my stuff at his apartment, we went for a rock climbing expedition! Yes, ME! ROCK CLIMBLING!
I’m glad I tried. I didn’t make it all the way to the top but at least I tried! They move on to a more difficult climb, while I went for a hike. I made it to the top just by walking! The view was marvellous, too bad it was going to rain, so I couldn’t watch the sunset from the top of the mountain…
After the rock climbing session (behind the faces of Mount Rushmore!), we went to watch the lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore. Luckily the rain stopped in time, so the lighting ceremony could proceed.
But, it was COLD! And I was without my jacket! Brr…
Regardless of the freezing temperature, the lighting ceremony was really neat! I’m glad I endured the cold to witness such a cool event. What made it even more memorable was that at the end of the ceremony, a cloud/fog slowly rolled passed the faces on the mountain, and the lights made it red, white and blue. This cloud drifted past the faces, framing them, obscuring them then faced away. It was really amazing! I thought that it was, in fact, part of the show. But it wasn’t. That was a once in a lifetime, amazing, freak event. And I caught it!
We then went back to Chris’ apartment to get my bags. We were going to stay at another place, one that gave me a bed to sleep on. Wow!
Anyway, that wasn’t important. So long as I didn’t have to sleep on the streets, I was satisfied.
This morning, I went to get my tour to Mount Rushmore cancelled. I visited the site again, by myself instead of taking the tour. The tour would spend too much time on the road, and not enough time for me to enjoy the magnificence of the place. In fact, I spent a good 3.5 hours there by myself, learning about the history of the place, looking at the exhibits and watching videos. Since the tour didn’t even include Crazy Horse, there was no point taking part in it.
So I cabbed instead; from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore and back again. It was more than 2 times more expensive but I certainly found the time well spent, perhaps more so than on a tour. The beauty and engineering marvel of this monument were astounding and deserved more time there. And the good thing about going by myself? I went there before the crowd arrived!
However, this day alone, the trip set me back by more than US$200, including souvenirs for my brother and some friends. Very expensive…
So I decided to give Crazy Horse a miss. To travel up there from Mount Rushmore then back to Rapid City would be an additional US$80 at least. It was way too much for me to spend.
Anyway, since the Crazy Horse monument isn’t even completed… (It’ll take another 50 years) I gave it a miss, and bought a DVD that has its pictures and stories instead.
I’m back in Rapid City now, taking a break. I’m feeling a tad tired from yesterday; the climb, late night, interrupted sleep (I wasn’t used to the place), and early morning.
There isn’t much to do in Rapid City itself, but out of it, there are water slides, bear farm, goat farm, reptile world, gold mining and so on. The bad thing is that PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, is once again, NON-EXISTENT! There are no buses to Mount Rushmore, or Crazy Horse. No buses at all! Oh man, America, in most parts of it, seems to be living in the medieval era.
So no more sights in South Dakota for me… my bank for this town is running on empty. I don’t want to spend too much here and be left with nothing for later. I still have a long way to go before I reach home.
It’s also the time for this big bikers rally called Sturgis. It’s held in a place called… Sturgis. Over one million bikers, all Harley Davidsons, converge at that place for races and get togethers. Bikers from all over the world! I saw Japanese, Czech, French as well as Americans. Even though Rapid City (and Gardiner) is not the destination, the number of bikers here is still amazing! I haven’t seen so many Harleys in a single place before!
All in all, I’m glad to be leaving tomorrow and am going to a city where public transportation actually exists. That would make travelling so much cheaper and easier. Really, America needs to do better at their inter-connectivity between towns and attractions. Not everyone drives a car! Even the Europeans are shocked at the lack of public transportation and some locals are embarrassed by it. America needs to do much better.
Quiz: Why are the Black Hills called Black Hills?
Because of the type of pine trees (ponderosa pines) that grow there. The trees are so dark green in colour that they appear black when viewed from a distance.
I finally arrived at Rapid City after a 20 minute delay for my flight from Salt Lake City to Rapid City. The flight attendant on that leg was a stickler for rules. No unbuckling of seat belts, and yadda, yadda, yadda.
Chris, my couch surfing host, came to fetch me from the airport and immediately after dumping my stuff at his apartment, we went for a rock climbing expedition! Yes, ME! ROCK CLIMBLING!
I’m glad I tried. I didn’t make it all the way to the top but at least I tried! They move on to a more difficult climb, while I went for a hike. I made it to the top just by walking! The view was marvellous, too bad it was going to rain, so I couldn’t watch the sunset from the top of the mountain…
After the rock climbing session (behind the faces of Mount Rushmore!), we went to watch the lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore. Luckily the rain stopped in time, so the lighting ceremony could proceed.
But, it was COLD! And I was without my jacket! Brr…
Regardless of the freezing temperature, the lighting ceremony was really neat! I’m glad I endured the cold to witness such a cool event. What made it even more memorable was that at the end of the ceremony, a cloud/fog slowly rolled passed the faces on the mountain, and the lights made it red, white and blue. This cloud drifted past the faces, framing them, obscuring them then faced away. It was really amazing! I thought that it was, in fact, part of the show. But it wasn’t. That was a once in a lifetime, amazing, freak event. And I caught it!
We then went back to Chris’ apartment to get my bags. We were going to stay at another place, one that gave me a bed to sleep on. Wow!
Anyway, that wasn’t important. So long as I didn’t have to sleep on the streets, I was satisfied.
This morning, I went to get my tour to Mount Rushmore cancelled. I visited the site again, by myself instead of taking the tour. The tour would spend too much time on the road, and not enough time for me to enjoy the magnificence of the place. In fact, I spent a good 3.5 hours there by myself, learning about the history of the place, looking at the exhibits and watching videos. Since the tour didn’t even include Crazy Horse, there was no point taking part in it.
So I cabbed instead; from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore and back again. It was more than 2 times more expensive but I certainly found the time well spent, perhaps more so than on a tour. The beauty and engineering marvel of this monument were astounding and deserved more time there. And the good thing about going by myself? I went there before the crowd arrived!
However, this day alone, the trip set me back by more than US$200, including souvenirs for my brother and some friends. Very expensive…
So I decided to give Crazy Horse a miss. To travel up there from Mount Rushmore then back to Rapid City would be an additional US$80 at least. It was way too much for me to spend.
Anyway, since the Crazy Horse monument isn’t even completed… (It’ll take another 50 years) I gave it a miss, and bought a DVD that has its pictures and stories instead.
I’m back in Rapid City now, taking a break. I’m feeling a tad tired from yesterday; the climb, late night, interrupted sleep (I wasn’t used to the place), and early morning.
There isn’t much to do in Rapid City itself, but out of it, there are water slides, bear farm, goat farm, reptile world, gold mining and so on. The bad thing is that PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, is once again, NON-EXISTENT! There are no buses to Mount Rushmore, or Crazy Horse. No buses at all! Oh man, America, in most parts of it, seems to be living in the medieval era.
So no more sights in South Dakota for me… my bank for this town is running on empty. I don’t want to spend too much here and be left with nothing for later. I still have a long way to go before I reach home.
It’s also the time for this big bikers rally called Sturgis. It’s held in a place called… Sturgis. Over one million bikers, all Harley Davidsons, converge at that place for races and get togethers. Bikers from all over the world! I saw Japanese, Czech, French as well as Americans. Even though Rapid City (and Gardiner) is not the destination, the number of bikers here is still amazing! I haven’t seen so many Harleys in a single place before!
All in all, I’m glad to be leaving tomorrow and am going to a city where public transportation actually exists. That would make travelling so much cheaper and easier. Really, America needs to do better at their inter-connectivity between towns and attractions. Not everyone drives a car! Even the Europeans are shocked at the lack of public transportation and some locals are embarrassed by it. America needs to do much better.
Quiz: Why are the Black Hills called Black Hills?
Because of the type of pine trees (ponderosa pines) that grow there. The trees are so dark green in colour that they appear black when viewed from a distance.
Onward Mount Rushmore!
05 August 2008; 1128hrs Bozeman, Montana (USA)
I’m in Gallatin Field (Bozeman) Airport waiting for my flight. I reached the airport really early for my flight at 1252hrs. I called for a taxi to be at the dorm at 1000hrs. For a trip that takes only 15 minutes, I dare say I’m really paranoid about Delta flights.
I had a simple chicken salad lunch with chocolate milk at their snack bar while waiting for my flight to Salt Lake City. At least this place is so much less messy than the boarding gates at JFK. It’s so much better.
I’m here at the gate waiting really early. A flight through this gate just left and the next one is at 1142hrs. I’m waiting till 1252hrs. But I really suspect that the 1142 flight is the one that is taking off right now. Another early departure!!! I’m really afraid that I’ll miss my connection at Salt Lake City to Rapid City. I only have 40 minutes to make the connection. I’m assuming my guess is right, that I’ll alight at the same boarding area as where my next flight will depart (Update: I was wrong… I had a mad rush from Terminal B to Terminal D only to find the flight delayed.) Fingers crossed on making the connection! I’m really going to run and I hope I’ll make it.
I’m in Gallatin Field (Bozeman) Airport waiting for my flight. I reached the airport really early for my flight at 1252hrs. I called for a taxi to be at the dorm at 1000hrs. For a trip that takes only 15 minutes, I dare say I’m really paranoid about Delta flights.
I had a simple chicken salad lunch with chocolate milk at their snack bar while waiting for my flight to Salt Lake City. At least this place is so much less messy than the boarding gates at JFK. It’s so much better.
I’m here at the gate waiting really early. A flight through this gate just left and the next one is at 1142hrs. I’m waiting till 1252hrs. But I really suspect that the 1142 flight is the one that is taking off right now. Another early departure!!! I’m really afraid that I’ll miss my connection at Salt Lake City to Rapid City. I only have 40 minutes to make the connection. I’m assuming my guess is right, that I’ll alight at the same boarding area as where my next flight will depart (Update: I was wrong… I had a mad rush from Terminal B to Terminal D only to find the flight delayed.) Fingers crossed on making the connection! I’m really going to run and I hope I’ll make it.
Last Morning at MSU
05 August 2008; 0900hrs Bozeman, Montana (USA)
It’s time to check out of my dorm room at MSU. Goodbye MSU; Goodbye Bozeman; Goodbye Montana. Hope to see you again some day!
Last night Mike and Yamato came over to chat simply because it was my last night at Bozeman. That’s a really cool gesture. I really appreciated it. It really made me feel like I made such nice friends in such a short time. Mike and Yamato from the dorm, Lisa and Jarek from the workshop. It’s amazing! But just when we were all getting to know one another better, I had to leave. Rather we had to part. Still I do hope we’ll manage to keep in contact with one another, just like the friends I made in Sweden.
It’s time to check out of my dorm room at MSU. Goodbye MSU; Goodbye Bozeman; Goodbye Montana. Hope to see you again some day!
Last night Mike and Yamato came over to chat simply because it was my last night at Bozeman. That’s a really cool gesture. I really appreciated it. It really made me feel like I made such nice friends in such a short time. Mike and Yamato from the dorm, Lisa and Jarek from the workshop. It’s amazing! But just when we were all getting to know one another better, I had to leave. Rather we had to part. Still I do hope we’ll manage to keep in contact with one another, just like the friends I made in Sweden.
Aftermath of the Yellowstone Vist
03 August 2008; 2235hrs Bozeman, Montana (USA)
I’m finally back in my dorm room in Bozeman. Before that, however, I had the greatest panic in my life! But that’s a story for later.
While waiting for Lisa, I took a walk around Gardiner, Montana. It is seriously such a small town that their fine dining looks so lok kok. Having 3 hours to kill, and Gardiner being such a small town, I really had more than 2 hours to sit and do nothing. Feeling bored, I went to a gift shop to sit and drink something – root beer float with huckleberry ice cream. Yum… the ice cream was heavenly. It was neither too sweet nor bland. It tasted a little like blueberry but better.
After which, I went back to Flying Pig to wait. The agreed time was between 1830 and 1930hrs. I was there since 1815hrs though. While waiting I read my book, listened to my iPod, took shelter from the rain, and so on. Up until 1955hrs, I still couldn’t see anyone. By 2000hrs, I was panicking! I went to ask a staff at Flying Pig if there were a taxi service. NO!!! There is no taxi service in the entire town! And the nearest town, Livingstone, was more than 50 miles away! How was I go get back to Bozeman??? How ulu can a place be???
“Hitchhike,” she said.
Sigh… I could only try my luck by sticking my thumb out. No one stopped…
Luckily enough, Lisa finally appeared at 2010hrs! While I was thumbing cars, I might add. Seriously, I heaved a huge sigh of relief! Oh man, that was really scary. Was I going to be stuck at Gardiner with no room? And even if I managed to find a room, how was I going to get out of that town the next day? I tell you… America needs to work on their public transportation system and connectivity between towns.
We had dinner in the car. It was bought from a drive-in. I got a cheeseburger for US$7.75 and it was huge! But much better than the Wendy’s burger I had. Much.
I’m finally back in Bozeman and on my bed. Sigh… happiness is so easy to find in the littlest of things. Especially after a horrible scare…
Still, I have to thank Lisa for saving me from that tiny town that doesn’t even have buses or taxis.
I’m finally back in my dorm room in Bozeman. Before that, however, I had the greatest panic in my life! But that’s a story for later.
While waiting for Lisa, I took a walk around Gardiner, Montana. It is seriously such a small town that their fine dining looks so lok kok. Having 3 hours to kill, and Gardiner being such a small town, I really had more than 2 hours to sit and do nothing. Feeling bored, I went to a gift shop to sit and drink something – root beer float with huckleberry ice cream. Yum… the ice cream was heavenly. It was neither too sweet nor bland. It tasted a little like blueberry but better.
After which, I went back to Flying Pig to wait. The agreed time was between 1830 and 1930hrs. I was there since 1815hrs though. While waiting I read my book, listened to my iPod, took shelter from the rain, and so on. Up until 1955hrs, I still couldn’t see anyone. By 2000hrs, I was panicking! I went to ask a staff at Flying Pig if there were a taxi service. NO!!! There is no taxi service in the entire town! And the nearest town, Livingstone, was more than 50 miles away! How was I go get back to Bozeman??? How ulu can a place be???
“Hitchhike,” she said.
Sigh… I could only try my luck by sticking my thumb out. No one stopped…
Luckily enough, Lisa finally appeared at 2010hrs! While I was thumbing cars, I might add. Seriously, I heaved a huge sigh of relief! Oh man, that was really scary. Was I going to be stuck at Gardiner with no room? And even if I managed to find a room, how was I going to get out of that town the next day? I tell you… America needs to work on their public transportation system and connectivity between towns.
We had dinner in the car. It was bought from a drive-in. I got a cheeseburger for US$7.75 and it was huge! But much better than the Wendy’s burger I had. Much.
I’m finally back in Bozeman and on my bed. Sigh… happiness is so easy to find in the littlest of things. Especially after a horrible scare…
Still, I have to thank Lisa for saving me from that tiny town that doesn’t even have buses or taxis.
Yellowstone Tour with Flying Pig
03 August 2008; 1628hrs Gardiner, Montana (USA)
The tour started at 0800hrs and ended at 1600hrs. This time, it opened my eyes to the beauty and stature of Yellowstone. It really helps to have a guide explaining the history and facts about the park. I was the only person on the tour (private tour!) so I could dictate what I wanted to see. No more touristy sights! I saw them before. I requested, instead, for her (Patty) to take me off the beaten track, to where few people went, and indeed she did!
It was only then the immense beauty of the park unfolded before me. Instead of going to the Mammoth Hot Springs, we went by the back and saw the most amazing sight. She even violated the rules a little and broke off a little piece of calcite ice forming on the top of the water for me to feel!
We then drove by the Orange Mound to see the changes that were happening to it. We were literally standing next to it! To be able to see the volcanic formation up close, instead of standing a distance away was absolutely amazing!
Next up was the Norris Geyser Basin. This was the most touristy thing we did on the entire trip. It was fun to be there without the crowd. Rather, before the crowd arrived. To be able to see the many thermal springs, bacterial mats and geysers in relative peace was so pleasant.
We saw a great many things like the Artists’ Paintpots and Gibbon falls. But the highlight of the day for me was Firehole River! This was definitely off the beaten track. We walked along the river and came to a hot spring. I put my hand in it!!!
There was another one. But that was dangerous. The blueness of the spring was an indicator of the water’s temperature. This particular one was at least 160F and one person had died in it previously. The story went that there were three workers who went for a soak in a nearby spring (I had my hand in it too! It was at least 40C). It was late and dark, and they didn’t have any light with them. I guess they were a little drunk. They linked hands and walked side by side, and unknowingly into the dreaded hot spring. One person on the side was scalded but managed to scramble out with second degree burns and bleeding. Another on the other end was burnt up to knee deep water. But because of the shock, he swung the person next time him (they were still linked together) towards the deep centre of the hot spring. This practically submerged her. She died eventually. This is such a sad story… This is such a dangerous place. The blueness of the spring is what makes it so inviting, but the more blue it is, the more dangerous it is.
I even soaked myself in the Firehole River! See the proof of my legs? Hahaha…
And one important tip I took away with me on the tour was that when you approach a hot spring, walk around it from a distance before you approach. This is to make sure you see any areas of overhang – weak ground that could collapse with your weight, plunging you into the hot waters… Always remember that kids!
There was a lot of wildlife there too. But I wasn’t lucky enough to see any. We did see some bear tracks and bison dung though. Some irritating ground squirrels and elks, both male and female! I wish we managed to see more. The time of day wasn’t right, and we weren’t in the forest for most part of the tour, so…
Even then, this trip was definitely worth it!
Patty told me that the best times to be at Yellowstone were spring (May to June) and winter. I want to come again! This time not alone! Who wants to come along??? It’s no fun experiencing this all by myself. We’ll start saving up and go for a backpacking trip into Yellowstone and camp in the forest. How about that? And see all the wildlife as well? How amazing is that??? Who’s up for it??? It’ll be worth it!!!
The tour started at 0800hrs and ended at 1600hrs. This time, it opened my eyes to the beauty and stature of Yellowstone. It really helps to have a guide explaining the history and facts about the park. I was the only person on the tour (private tour!) so I could dictate what I wanted to see. No more touristy sights! I saw them before. I requested, instead, for her (Patty) to take me off the beaten track, to where few people went, and indeed she did!
It was only then the immense beauty of the park unfolded before me. Instead of going to the Mammoth Hot Springs, we went by the back and saw the most amazing sight. She even violated the rules a little and broke off a little piece of calcite ice forming on the top of the water for me to feel!
We then drove by the Orange Mound to see the changes that were happening to it. We were literally standing next to it! To be able to see the volcanic formation up close, instead of standing a distance away was absolutely amazing!
Next up was the Norris Geyser Basin. This was the most touristy thing we did on the entire trip. It was fun to be there without the crowd. Rather, before the crowd arrived. To be able to see the many thermal springs, bacterial mats and geysers in relative peace was so pleasant.
We saw a great many things like the Artists’ Paintpots and Gibbon falls. But the highlight of the day for me was Firehole River! This was definitely off the beaten track. We walked along the river and came to a hot spring. I put my hand in it!!!
There was another one. But that was dangerous. The blueness of the spring was an indicator of the water’s temperature. This particular one was at least 160F and one person had died in it previously. The story went that there were three workers who went for a soak in a nearby spring (I had my hand in it too! It was at least 40C). It was late and dark, and they didn’t have any light with them. I guess they were a little drunk. They linked hands and walked side by side, and unknowingly into the dreaded hot spring. One person on the side was scalded but managed to scramble out with second degree burns and bleeding. Another on the other end was burnt up to knee deep water. But because of the shock, he swung the person next time him (they were still linked together) towards the deep centre of the hot spring. This practically submerged her. She died eventually. This is such a sad story… This is such a dangerous place. The blueness of the spring is what makes it so inviting, but the more blue it is, the more dangerous it is.
I even soaked myself in the Firehole River! See the proof of my legs? Hahaha…
And one important tip I took away with me on the tour was that when you approach a hot spring, walk around it from a distance before you approach. This is to make sure you see any areas of overhang – weak ground that could collapse with your weight, plunging you into the hot waters… Always remember that kids!
There was a lot of wildlife there too. But I wasn’t lucky enough to see any. We did see some bear tracks and bison dung though. Some irritating ground squirrels and elks, both male and female! I wish we managed to see more. The time of day wasn’t right, and we weren’t in the forest for most part of the tour, so…
Even then, this trip was definitely worth it!
Patty told me that the best times to be at Yellowstone were spring (May to June) and winter. I want to come again! This time not alone! Who wants to come along??? It’s no fun experiencing this all by myself. We’ll start saving up and go for a backpacking trip into Yellowstone and camp in the forest. How about that? And see all the wildlife as well? How amazing is that??? Who’s up for it??? It’ll be worth it!!!
Sunday, 21 September 2008
Lewis and Clark Caverns
02 August 2008; 2030hrs Gardiner, Montana (USA)
The Workshops Have Ended!
01 August 2008; 2300hrs Bozeman, Montana (USA)
The Day with THE SOFTWARE
31 July 2008; 2215hrs Bozeman, Montana (USA)
Oh, come on… It’s not that I wanted to sleep! It’s the bloody jet lag and that their lessons are a tad boring! Plus I already know about that stuff. And they know I know them too.
Oh, come on… It’s not that I wanted to sleep! It’s the bloody jet lag and that their lessons are a tad boring! Plus I already know about that stuff. And they know I know them too.
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