San Francisco: Day 1
One of my favourite place to visit in the US is San Francisco. Heck, it should be on everyone’s itinerary!
I’ve been to San Francisco only twice, but I have fond memories of that place.
The first time was on a school trip. I roomed with my best friends and we formed such vivid memories that we now have classic jokes - and we still get tickled by the jokes all the time. The second time was when I was on exchange.
The only difference between the two trips? On the second, I unleashed the shoppaholic in me, and I just adored the shopping streets of San Francisco!
Taken at the Old Cheesecake Factory overlooking Union Square.
What is there not to love about the F21 store in SF? Way before F21 took Singapore by the storm.
So as luck turns out, when you are in SF, there might be a mini parade of some sort.
Before heading off to Fisherman’s Wharf, we took lunch at the Old Cheesecake Factory.
I’ve been thinking about this place since I left SF and have been harping on it for eons. I heard that the standards have wavered, but I still would like to take my lunch there someday.
Glorious cheesecake. If only those in Singapore were half as good or half as generous with the whip cream (not that I eat any of it, but it makes this dessert visually very appealing) and strawberries.
A familiar sight on the streets of SF is the tram. I don’t know if this is truly a economical or efficient way to get around the city, but it’s definitely part of the heritage. When I took the tram, the tram kept stopping. It sometimes is faster to walk to get to your destination.
But when you see this…
Perhaps taking the tram was a wise idea.
We opted to take a leisurely stroll throughout the entire day of sightseeing.
My geeky student self. I’ve since learned that concealer, eyeliner and mascara are essential items in any girl’s make-up pouch. Age does wonders as well. Thank goodness I was never crazy over loosing weight when I was young. As one ages, the baby fats on the face really do disappear and you don’t understand where they could have gone to!
The Transamerica Pyramid.
The Belle Tower.
The Crooked Lombard Street.
As the sun started to set, it was a mad dash to Fisherman’s Wharf.
Almost there!!!
It’s a pity that the number of seals at the Wharf is dwindling.
It’s also a pity that my camera could not take proper pictures at night… So till the next post, have a good PH everyone!
On Christmas Eve
New York at Christmas time will always hold a special place in my heart.
View from across at Brooklyn Bridge.
The lights, the dazzle and the coldness all melt into one makes one very happy Valerie.
Day…
And night…
Oh festive festive.
Ground Zero and Beyond
Taking the sub, I reach ground zero.
I still remember that fateful incident many years ago. I was due to sit for an important exam the next day and it was the first time I came to know the term ‘terrorist’.
It’s sad and the world came to learn about the pain that a thoughtless act can inflict.
Here, we remember those who lost their lives in the 2001 September 11 incident.
The only part of the building that was left standing was this sculpture entitled “The Sphere”.
The mood was sombre and you can see people paying their respects to those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.
The Manhattan skyline was never the same again.
And from across this site, at Liberty island…
The soft light cast by the midday sunlight makes Manhattan appear so serene as if the accident has never occurred.
As the statue of Liberty looks on, let’s all remember those who bravely battled to save lives and lost their own. Let’s also pray for the families who have lost a loved one in 9/11 and may the Lord comfort them.
New York: Madam Tussauds
“In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of. There’s nothing you can’t do. Now you’re in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you. Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York….”Alicia Keys
New York is a fascinating place. There’s really nothing like New York.
Three Autumns ago, My friend and I made a transit stop at New York prior to flying to Canada. It was a public holiday and the streets of Manhattan were freakishly empty and quiet.
4 months later, after our exchange, we headed back to New York for a 10 days long holiday. Those 10 days were the best days of my life!
Day one, we headed to the busy streets of Broadway and headed for the Madame Tussauds.
The hall was bustling with activities.
I met a lot of celebrities.
Or at least wax versions of them.
I even met Einstein!
Now a wax figure of myself.
Night was spent shopping along the streets of New York. It was close to Christmas and the air was filled with excitement and happiness.
Shopping in New York during festive days is a treat. The sales are incredible! What a pity I didn’t step into Saks 5th Ave to get a Chanel bag. =( I did, however, get cosmetics from Nars. *Laughs*
In the next post. Remembering 911.
DC: National Archives
My roommate fell ill during our trip to DC. So for the large part of the DC trip, I travelled alone. It’s rather refreshing to browse through the museums at my own pace. The only downside? You have to bother other tourists to help you snap pictures.
On my must-see list…
The archives of USA.
It houses the original copy of the Declaration of Independence. You live only once, you really got to see this manuscript in person.
I had to queue 1 hour to get in… And I was one of the early birds!
Hello humans… Jostling with the thick crowd is no fun at all.
And here it is. This is what I came for.
These people really have lovely handwriting.
After having spent my early morning looking at the document, I headed to see gems at the Smithsonian museum.
And I thought these were huge.
This, I like. It costs $1 billion Chanel bags?
Can I bring this home? I think it’ll look really pretty sitting in my room.
This would do too. =)
But my favourite, is this.
The famed “Hope Diamond”.
And that rounds up my trip to DC. See you at New York!
DC: The statues whisper.
Resuming my journey through Washington DC.
The air is cold, the wind is chilly and my butt is FREEZING.
But here I am, admiring towering statues of great men who once had a hand in shaping American’s history.
Jefferson Memorial.
The mood is sombre.
Across, the Washington monument looks on; casting a stiff reflection in the still waters.
Oh those days when DSLRs were the toys of professionals and we common folk had to struggle with non-anti-shake cameras. Thank God for photoshop.
This was taken at the Roosevelt memorial. The 4 lines sum it all up.
Perched on a hill, stands the Lincoln Memorial.
It’s so quiet in here, you could hear a pin drop.
He commands so much attention.
Moving on, the war memorials sets the tone for the evening. Here, we commemorate those soldiers who lost their lives forging for a better America.
I had chills just walking through the memorial.
DC: The Capitol
I will cut to the chase and present to you the United States Capitol. This white building is instantly recognisable and is an icon in a lot of Hollywood’s production.
Admission is strict and you have to be in line by 0700 to secure a ticket. I was in the queue at 0700 and there were already 100 people in front of me. My admission time was slated to be past 1400.
Standing in the freezing cold and getting a chilled butt is not a very fun way to spend the early part of the morning. I can’t even use the bathroom!
But trust me, the effort is worth it.
The tour last a mere 30 minutes, but you get to see the essence of the Capitol.
We walked pass hundreds of marble statues. These were presents from other countries, shipped by sea. In one of the rooms, there stands the Kamenhameha statue - he is the heaviest and the third of its kind (the first two sank with the ship that ferried them).
Like everybody else, my favourite part of the whole visit is to catch a glimpse of the rotunda. This IS the highlight of my whole trip to DC - well, minus the gigantic hope diamond in the Smithsonian museum of course.
The paint job is immaculate. I stood there for a good one minute admiring the art.
One must-see exhibit in this room is the Magna Carta. This gold-embossed reproduction of is a sight to behold. The glass screen has the English translation of the Magna Carta carved in gold.
I was indeed really happy to be in the rotunda room. I had to get someone to snap a photo of me as prove that I was in this room!
Those paintings that you see in the background depicts America’s history. I’m a noob when it comes to history, so I can’t tell you much about it.
There are 6 statues that stood in the rotunda room. One of which is George Washington.
He is deliberately placed next to the painting that depicts the declaration of independence.
Thereafter we were led into a room filled with old furnishing. I don’t remember what this room was for.
And with that, my visit to the Capitol ended.
On the outside of the Capitol, the park was buzzing with activity.
DC is definitely pretty during the winter season.
The barren trees, the cool 1500 wind. Invigorating.
Washington DC: George Town
So here we are at Washington DC. It’s about 0 degrees Celsius.
Even though I’ve weathered -50 degrees Celsius Manitoban Winter, it sure is cold here.
I had one of the best shopping experience here. The moment I exit the train, I bought 4 pairs of Nine West shoes for USD$100! Quite a good deal I have to say. And that is the reason why I had to lug 4 hand-carry bags on the plane.
After dropping the luggage at the hotel, we walked to Georgetown. In Singaporean terms a leisure walk is equivalent to 10 to 15 minute stroll. In American terms a leisure walk is equivalent to 30 minute of brisk walk.
I was oddly drawn to this building. It must be the golden dome. Or perhaps the huge wreath.
Dinner was fast food at the first joint we saw.
I think I gained 2 kg from my stay in the America. Thank God for the brisk walks. Oh, and for the record, I am steering away from meaty burgers - watch food inc.
After dinner, it was crazy shopping in the Victoria Secrets and American Eagle’s store. I went bersek buying a lot of undies from VS and AE. I still remember I bought a USD$5 spaghetti top from the West Seal store opposite AE - it has since closed down.
Oh the pretty clouds, bare trees and spacious roads.
I miss Georgetown.
Night was spent touring the monuments, but I shall leave that to the next post where you will be able to see the contrast between the day and night at the monuments.
Philadelphia
Resuming my road trip around US. We pull up at Philadelphia. One day is sufficient to tour the city centre of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia holds an important piece of history in Americans. This is the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
I know I must be a total idiot at bullet trains, or overnight trains… But I was pretty awed by the comfort level that each train provides.
Check out my mini carry on bag. After 4 months worth of travelling, I was able to pack 1 week’s worth of clothes in 10 minutes!
First stop, we arrive at the Independence Hall.
You can take a peak inside the hall, if you sign yourself up for a free tour.
This was where the Declaration of Independence was signed. They have left the room intact.
And this is a duplication of the Independence. The real deal has been relocated to the National Archives.
Crossing over the road, you will find a museum that houses the Liberty bell. I had always thought that the bell was humongous. But, small it was.
Gosh I miss my boots. It started my love affair with shoes.
Touring the museum is pretty fun.
Anyway, right outside of the museum you can take a ride in a horse carriage for a fee.
Within the city centre, you will come across this pretty looking building.
It is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Being poor students, my friend and I decided not to pay the entrance fee, and we routed else where.
Nearby, lies the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. It’s free to visit!
These are the two artworks I loved best.
It is not difficult to see why the arts is thriving in this city.
But my favourite has got to be the famous Love sign. This is the mother to all Love signs in the world.
Dinner was at Olive Garden. Oh gosh, they serve the best salad ever! And you know how much I will buff at the sight of vegetables.
My cousin happen to be my in Philadelphia for a one year study programme at the time of my visit.
So I met up with her at the bookshop.
Little did I know, the photographer of this photo would become her future boyfriend! *Waves hi to Andy*
Philadelphia is quite a nice city to walk in. But I’ll see you at DC where I fall in love walking into museum after museum, monuments after monuments.
And that is the real deal in understanding US’s history and culture.
Grand Canyon Day Tour
If you’re visiting Las Vegas for the first time, you should take a day off to visit the Grand Canyon. You can enquire about the day trip at any of the hotel concierge along the Strip.
Usually, it’s blazing hot in the Grand Canyon, but on the day that I visited… It was so cold! Thank God, I brought my jacket.
First stop, Hoover Dam.
This is where the miracle of Las Vegas begins - it powers the entire city.
The Grand Canyon is truly a sight to behold. I feel so tiny!
Everyone takes a breather at Bright Angel Lodge. You can purchase stones and other memorabilia.
Or… Snap photos at the viewing porch outside the lodge. The scenery is really gorgeous.
Too much backlight. Oops!
Happy weekend =)