Most of my siblings resides in the States, so whenever there's family event held there, we'll make an extended holiday plan as well. So on January 2019 when I receive an invitation from my nephew for his wedding, it simply means, time to holiday in USA again.
Occasion like this provides us an opportunity to have a family gathering. We always treasure such moments, especially when we are not able to meet as often because of the distance. The last time when we had a full family gathering was at my niece's wedding in Hawaii nine years ago.
Flashback : Our family reunion at Hawaii on 10.10.10
Flashback : Jamie's wedding at Hyatt Regency, Hawaii, 11.10.10.
Alex's upcoming wedding dinner immediately brought back fond memories of Jamie's wedding when all siblings were present and we had such a wonderful family time.
While planning for the trip, I was already thinking of celebrating our parents 88th Birthday as they are going to be there too. My sister, Jessie was "iffy" about going as it was too close to her upcoming Mexico trip. In the end, the lure of another happy family gathering was too great and she decided to come along for the trip.
Welcome dinner at Stephen's Home.
We landed LAX on 21st June, 2019 via Cathay Pacific. MK and Tina was there to pick us up from the Airport. Upon reaching their residence at Rolling Hills, my other family members were pleasantly surprised when they saw Jessie as we did not let them know she was coming. That evening, Stephen and Jo hosted a warm family welcome dinner for us at their lovely home.
TC's mum and their family were here for the holiday as well. They had been here for almost a fortnight already.
It was a nice and cosy dinner for the extended family
Debbie and all her sisters in law.
Too many guests, so the ladies prefers to be at the kitchen section.
Guys and kids like the outdoors and choose the balcony outside.
Day of Shopping.
US is a shopping paradise. Many who have been here will know that good quality, genuine and branded products are sold at much lower price than back home, even after conversion. The next day, we wasted no time and headed for the outlet mall in the city.
US is a shopping paradise. Many who have been here will know that good quality, genuine and branded products are sold at much lower price than back home, even after conversion. The next day, we wasted no time and headed for the outlet mall in the city.
We already have in mind what we wanted when we arrived at the Citadel Factory Outlet Mall, LA.
It was morning and the mall was just opening.
Without wasting time. the ladies went straight into a buying spree and got what they wanted.
JC is satisfied her purchases.
Have I missed out anything?
After spending the entire day at the Outlet, we finally decided to leave. We've got most of what we wanted.
That very evening, we were at Tina's house for dinner.
That very evening, we were at Tina's house for dinner.
Tina is hosting dinner to celebrate her MIL's birthday.
Tina's house is opposite Stephen's and so it is convenient, we just walked over.
My sister Janice who had got back from Cairo, too dropped by with Jim.
Father is very happy to be surrounded by all his children.
It is rare for us siblings to have a full house gathering like this, all eight, present and accounted for.
Cheers for a joyous family occasion.
An opportunity for the the family to have the "original 8" photo together.
And of course, the extended family.
Touring the East Coast of America.
Before coming, I had planned with Debbie to travel the east coast states of USA.
We flew to Washington DC on a red eye flight and landed in the ungodly early hours.
Upon arrival, we hopped into the first airport shuttle which took us to the car park!
Had to take another shuttle that took us to this train station nearest to Baltimore airport, the BWI Airport Rail Station.
It was early and there were not many commuters yet. Upon reaching Union Station, we had to switch train to the one that take us to Metro Station, which is one stop away.
Our Hotel, The Grand Hyatt is conveniently situated directly above the Metro Station.
We were too early and could not check in yet.
The spacious inviting sofa at the lobby is a good place for us to take a rest.
Badly in need of 40 winks.
After a short rest, we decided to have breakfast outside the hotel.
We ended up at Point Chaud Cafe and Crepes, a quaint looking shop,
Yes, it's the coffee and savoury crepes that we ordered.
Nothing beats having a nice cup of coffee in the morning.
The view of our Hotel from across the junction.
After breakfast, we decided to explore the vicinity.
MK & Debbie at Lafayette Square opposite the White House. The statue behind is that of Rochambeau, a French General who had helped in securing the independence of 13 British colony during the American Revolution.
Dwight Eisenhower building at around the corner is a massive historical building now largely use for ceremonial purposes.
Touring the East Coast of America.
Before coming, I had planned with Debbie to travel the east coast states of USA.
There are some nice cafes nearby and we decided to explore.
After breakfast, we decided to explore the vicinity.
In front of the Sun Trust Bank building.
The most famous building in the world is just a 10 mins walk from our hotel.
Protesters in front of the White House.
This guy has a placard for every wrong done by the government.
Freedom of speech often led to division with partisan politics.
Politicians that are callous and looks down on people are often treated in like manner by it's own people.
I like this the best.
Yvonne at another section of Lafayette Square.
It's a cool weather, but the sun is blazing hot.
Quick take of some numbers for DC residents.
Trump Tower is also around the vicinity.
We were able to check in when we got back to the hotel at 11.00 am. This is our room at The Grand Hyatt.
It's an old hotel, but spacious and comfortable. Being tired by now, we took a snooze on our cosy bed.
We continued our walking tour the next day.
The Capitol Building may be visible from afar is quite a distance to walk to.
From here, it is still another kilometer walk to the building.
The Capitol Building which houses the United States Congress is also one of most recognisable building in the world.
It sits on top of Capitol Hill.
It is the venue for every presidential inauguration held every four years.
There are enough shady spots at the National Mall to rest your weary legs.
The Pavilion Cafe is strategically located for you to take a break and have some refreshments.
Nice place to relax with the cool wind blowing.
Artistic structure at the park near the cafe.
3D house. It is just a drawing on a flat piece of wood.
At the lawn of the mall.
At the background is the Capitol Building, where we were earlier.
MK and Debbie doing the "kappa" pose.
Yes, why not. A jump with the iconic building as a backdrop.
Debbie and Yvonne at the Smithsonian Castle.
This is the WW2 Memorial which is at mid section of the mall.
At the far end of the mall is the Lincoln's Memorial.
The reflecting pool in between enhances the magnificence of the memorial.
The "long needle" out of the pool is the George Washington Memorial.
Yvonne at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
It is at this very place where Martin Luther King delivered the historic "I have a dream" speech.
Inside the building is the iconic statue of America's most famous President.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States ended slavery and was assassinated before the end of the Civil War.
The Gettysburg Address that changes the course of American history forever is now cast in stone. It proclaims freedom for all, human equality and that the government shall be "of the people, by the people and for the people".
The distance between the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial is two miles long with the George Washington Memorial situated in the middle. The three iconic structures are located all along one straight line that is called The National Mall.
The map at the park of the mall.
Taking a respite from the heat.
After the morning walk at the mall, we started heading back to our hotel.
There are many cafes dotted all over the city.
We took a break at one of them for a cuppa.
After that it's a short walk back to our hotel.
Taking the express bus to New York.
We were supposed to take the train, but change to an Express bus at the last minute when we found out the fare is only 20% of the train and takes just a half hour longer to reach NY.
Taking the express bus to New York.
We were supposed to take the train, but change to an Express bus at the last minute when we found out the fare is only 20% of the train and takes just a half hour longer to reach NY.
We checked out at noon and promptly walk down to the Metro Center Train Station which is conveniently located below our hotel.
Waiting for our train.
In the train headed for Union Station which one stop away.
We are headed for NYC via the Mega Express Bus. There are many bus companies, and we had booked ours online from the phone just a day earlier.
There's a short queue at the bus terminal when we arrive.
Our bus came and leave right on cue.
It's a double decker and we choose the upper deck. We did not reserve any seats, but there's a lot of free seats available.
The bus even have a sun roof that makes the interior bright and cheery.
The highway to NYC has 10 lanes for most part of it.
The drop off point is at 34th street, near Penn Station. It's about a kilometer from our hotel, and we had to lug of bags all the way. This is a common sight here.
Along 7th Avenue, I notice this building with a unique name, "Future Tan". That's my future building!
It's rush hour and our hotel is right at Times Square.
Times Square is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination and entertainment center.
It stretches from West 42nd Street to West 47th Street and the Broadway junction at 7th Avenue is the "Crossroad of the World", as how they would sometimes brag.
That area is the heart of all activities.
Americans tend to think the world centers around them and they also term this place "The Center of the Universe".
It's a pedestrian area and the hub of Broadway Theater District.
One of the trademark of Times Square are the oversize billboards.
Our hotel at 42nd Street is at the heart of Times Square. After checking in, we came out to check out the area.
One Times Square Building where the area Time Square came to be called is owned by The New York Times.
The whole area is lighted up by huge neon lights and tourists gather here just to hang around.
The Pedestrian Plaza is the converging point, a happening area.
A mini stadium seating at the middle of the pedestrian plaza where tourists congregate. There are no performances, but the crowd is there, just doing people watching.
It's a strange sight where the name Time Square can bring in the crowd.
Came here, take a photo, put it on Instagram you're on Time Square.
We took a walk towards Rockefeller Plaza after dinner. This was a New York City landmark in the mid eighties.
The sunken square of Rockefeller Center.
A day exploring New York city.
Or plan for the day is to explore the iconic skyscrapers and landmark buildings of NYC.
It's morning the next day and New Yorkers are up and about for the start of the day.
A lazy way to start a day.
Having a morning cuppa at Bryant Park and do people watching before we start our day exploring.
About 500 meters away is the magnificent Grand Central Terminal, a famous NYC landmark at mid Manhattan.
It is a century old building that houses the train terminal, supermarkets, wine and dine eateries.
The building is split into two levels,upper for intercity trains and lower for subways.
The main concourse of the terminal building.
It's a busy section with people coming and going in all directions.
The terminal records a daily traffic of 750,000 people per day.
About a kilometer away, we stopped by at 45th Street.
This is the building we wanted to see, but it was sandwiched between other lower rise buildings.
From street level, this is the only way we could take a picture of the iconic Empire State Building.
Tried to use a pano shot right in front of the building but it was obscured by the morning sun's glare.
Another kilometer away just after Madison Square Park is another iconic building.
This is the Flatiron Building, build in 1902 and is one of the tallest skyscraper in it's time.
This 22 storey building with the unique three sided design was designated as one of New York Historic landmark in the National Registrar of historic places.
The High Line
This is a short section of an old elevated rail track that cut across the city.
It was operating for about 50 years until it stopped in 1980.
Instead of dismantling the tracks, it was instead converted to a park.
The 1.5 mile elevated track is being landscaped with trees and plants and allow New Yorkers an escapade from the daily rush.
This urban recreation has attracted the attention of many people, both local and foreigners.
The High Line now attracts millions of visitors each year to have a feel of this unique elevated park.
The High Line was inspired by Promenade Plantee, a similar tree lined walkway built over a disused railway track in Paris.
We continued walking and found ourselves at Chelsea market about 1.5km away. It is located along W16th St between 9th and 10th Avenue.
The market is filled with people but we stopped by Amy's bread for their popular hand rolled bagels.
It's a cosy little cafe at the far end of the market.
The takeaway bag is a nice little souvenir.
A trip to New York is not complete without visiting to Ground Zero.
The One World Trade Center at the background currently is the tallest building in US, yet it can't replace the landmark WTC twin towers that were infamously brought down in the morning hours of 11th September 2001.
I was watching it live on the news back in Malaysia. At that time, I was having drinks with some friends at Peyton Place Bar at Phileo Damansara on that ill fated day at 8.30 pm. The equivalent time in NYC was 8.30 am. Couldn't believe what had unfolded before our eyes from the TV screen at the bar.
This is one of the foundation, the only visible structure of what was left.
The names of those unfortunate people that died in this tragedy were transcribed here. Close to 3,000 people died in this horrific attack.
The twin tower houses many international firms from around the world.
There were people from 90 countries who lost their lives here.
The vacuum of the WTC is clearly seen and felt.
There's never a place that still draws crowd even after it's destruction.
A half a mile further at Bowling Green, Broadway, we came across a crowd that had gathered around a bronze object.
It's the iconic statue of the Charging Bull that draws a thousand strong crowd daily. Here, MK have to line up just to have a quick photo beside the bull.
There's even a queue at the back of the bull.
Crowds are eager to have their photos taken from the back of the bull as well.
The bull was created by a Sicilian artist, Artro Di Modica in the wake of the 1987 Black Monday stock market crash. It's meant to be a symbol of financial optimism and prosperity which quickly becomes a tourists attraction.
Even the testicles of the bulls are not spared. Many believe by rubbing them gives them virility as in other parts with prosperity meanings. Looks like the culture of superstitions on well being and prosperity is not limited to the Orient, but universal.
The Bull is strategically located at Bowling Green facing the forked Broadway street.
Within 15 mins, we were onboard the ferry heading towards Straten Island.
The reason was to view of the most iconic statue of New York.
There are cruises that brings you right to the Statue of Liberty, and being on the same island gives one a sense of magnitude of the statue.
But viewing if from the ferry, one can appreciate the awe of the early immigrants as they arrive on ship at this New York harbour.
The Brooklyn Bridge is seen on the other side of the ferry.
The ferry was largely empty on our return trip.
We practically have the whole ferry to ourselves.
It's nice for a change, when there's no crowd.
Yvonne at the stern of the ferry.
Another unobstructed view on our return leg on the ferry. She certainly look majestic from here.
We were lucky to have a beautiful day since morning.
The magnificent statue complement the very recognisable skyline of Lower Manhattan
The best thing is the free of charge ferry ride.
The view of the city skyline as we approached Manhattan.
On the right is the Brooklyn Bridge which we did not have the time to walk on.
We were famished after a long day and sought out this restaurant called Katz Delicatessen which Debbie had researched before coming.
There are two big sections filled with crowd and immediately we know there's something good here.
Katz Delicatessen is a Deli serving Jewish Kosher style food.
Debbie knows what she's looking for when she made the order.
Pastrami on Rye, their most poplar item. It's seasoned,smoked and steamed beef sandwiched between two pieces of rye coated with mustard with pickles on the side.
This restaurant have been operating on this street since 1888. Started as The Iceland Brothers, it has since change it's name to Katz Delicatessen with the change of ownership and have become legendary with the locals for more than a century.
After a whole day exploring, we are back to Midtown Manhatten.
The sun is setting as were walking towards our hotel.
As the sun set, the crowds starts jamming the place.
It's people watching time again.
Our rendezvous with Debbie and MK at Bryant Park.
Yvonne and I had a quick walk towards Lexington Avenue just to have a good view of this iconic building.
The Chrysler Building was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1930. A year later, the Empire State Building surpassed it.
Unfortunately, we could not get a good shot of the building as it was closely built with other lesser buildings along the street.
This is the google image of the top view. The unique design of the top of the building have been the features of many movies and magazines.
Since the Grand Central Terminal is also along the same street, we went in again to admire the magnificent architecture.
Here it is, after a tiring walk, we are finally at Central Park.
This is a popular green lung where locals and tourists alike take respite from the hustle and bustle of NYC.
It is a large park of about 3.4 sq km.
We choose a quiet side of the park for a breather.
We need a rest after the walk to the park on a hot day.
The park is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
It is situated between Upper East and West side of the city.
Certain parts we saw some corporate outdoor activities.
And at another section, there were a lot of "sun worshippers".
It's a good and needed place for New Yorkers to chill out.
At Columbus Circle just outside the park.
Walking back towards our hotel at Times Square.
Along Seventh Avenue.
Broadway Theater district, NYC.
Back to Time Square.
The hype is really at night when the neon lights are lighted.
And like flies to the light, the crowd appears.
It's people watching time again.
The internationally renown bar outlet.
The Superheroes are out as well, although a bit out of shape.
Bumblebee and the Transformers joins the evening.
From the futuristic to the Indian Tribes
The motley mixed of characters are all at Times Square.
You can't leave this out.
And the ever entertaining street dance.
An overnight stay at Albany.
Or next city is Albany. This is a stopover break for or actual destination of Niagara Falls. On this leg, we opted to rent a car which was pre-booked before coming over.
Picking up the car from Avis Car rental.
We drove off from Midtown Manhattan after getting or car.
After two hours of driving, we stopped at Hartford for our lunch break.
This Korean restaurant that serves Udon noodle was what we wanted, something light while travelling.
Hartford is a small looking town and rather quiet on a Saturday afternoon.
There's not much to see and we decided to move along.
Our original plan was to do a day trip to Boston and then double back to Albany for the overnight break. As we were already behind time, we decided to forego Boston and drove straight to Albany instead.
It was already evening when we reached Albany. After checking into or hotel, we took a drive out to explore the place.
The New York State Division of Criminal Capitol Building.
Although it is a small town, Albany is the capital of New York State.
The town has a population of about 100,00 only.
The Administrative building is large due to it's stature.
Aside from here, the town is rather small and quiet, but it's Sunday which makes it very lifeless.
The New York State Capitol, home of the Governor's office.
Statue of George Washington in front of the Capitol building.
That's the only place we could explore in this small town, but capital to the best known State in US.
The semi circle structure is called The Egg. It's a performing arts center and is a very noticeable landmark.
The next morning, we continued our drive towards Niagara Fall.
It's a cloudy morning when we left.
We took a break off the highway at Syracuse.
It has a little history to tell.
It's good to record some local historical events even if the place not well known.
The stop is a good place for us to relax for a while.
With a stopover and easy driving, it took us almost 6 hours to reach or destination.
We are now at the Fall, and the Rainbow Bridge is at the background.
MK and Debbie at the Observation platform. Behind them is the Canada.
View from the observatory on the Maid of the Mist boat tour docking area.
A good view of Rainbow Bridge. Alas no rainbow over it at this time.
The boat tour to the fall is ever popular.
Here we go, ready for the Maid of the Mist boat ride.
At the stern of the boat.
The first sight we came to is the America Falls, which is on the American side of the river.
It is a sight to behold to see so much water rushing down the big river.
The boat move further up to yet another fall.
This is on the Canadian side and more spectacular.
This is the Horseshoe Falls and the ultimate. The Maid of the Mist takes us right to the heart of the fall almost within touching range. Here you feel the rumble with mist all over your body and the speaker announcing, "Ladies and Gentlemen, this is The Niagara Falls".
You can see the satisfaction of finally having come so close to this great fall that was in the bucket list for so long.
After alighting from the boat ride, we walked over to the viewing area along the river.
The American Falls is just as great from here.
You can feel the rumble being so up close and personal.
There's much debate about the view of the falls.
Some says Canada has the view
and America has the feel.
I think both sides have everything and viewing from either side is equally great.
Ultimately, the adrenaline rush is when the boat from both sides takes you right into the heart of the same fall.
Because of the great hassle of getting a Canadian Visa, I had earlier decided to do away with going over to Ontario.
Debbie and I at the rapids viewing area.
The State Park is at Goat Island, a short walk across the river.
The rapids as seen from the park.
Landing in America instead.
The Cave of the Winds is access from this park. We were however not too keen on getting wet again and decided to enjoy the peace and tranquility for a while.
A slow walk back from where we came from.
Trolley services are available for those who do not wish to walk.
As we were walking back to our hotel, I could not help but notice the traditional American houses along the way.
I believe some are holiday homes
and some could be for vacation rentals
but many are private properties and occupied.
This one looks very stately.
while this is more modest.
She won't mind either one of these
And certainly this one with the maple tree in front is a dream house
We were too tired to venture out at night to see the illumination over the falls as we have an early morning flight to catch the next day.
We were at Buffalo Airport the next day at 8.00 am to catch our morning flight back to LAX.
That's or flight.
Even though it's a low cost carrier, the leg space is generous enough for a comfortable flight.
Debbie is happy with her spacious seat.
The flight will take about 7 hours to reach LAX.
And in a flash, one week vacation at some cities on the east coast is over. While that's the only time we have, it nevertheless was a satisfying trip. Many of these places were already known to us through Hollywood, TV shows and news media but seeing it personally gives a different feel especially with the history behind it. There's much more to see in this country, and hopefully, our next trip to the States would not be long from now.
We'll be spending a few more days in LAX to attend my nephew's wedding and also celebrate our parent's 88th birth anniversary before returning home.
A day exploring New York city.
Or plan for the day is to explore the iconic skyscrapers and landmark buildings of NYC.
The High Line
Debbie was based in NZ at the time of the attack.
Taking a breather at Bowling Green, NYC oldest public park.
We took a 500 km walk to the Straten Ferry Terminal from Bowling Green.
The generous amount of sliced beef is mouth watering and we ordered two of this. It did not disappoint.
The activity at Time Square is just beginning. This place never sleeps.
Come here to see and be seen, take your Instagram at Time Square.
Another day exploring NYC on foot.
Passing by another American renown brand, The Hard Rock Cafe, NYC.
The Women's World Cup was televised live on a large screen and it was USA Vs France.
This being our final night at Times Square, we're out roaming the streets after dinner.
An overnight stay at Albany.
Or next city is Albany. This is a stopover break for or actual destination of Niagara Falls. On this leg, we opted to rent a car which was pre-booked before coming over.
The next morning, we continued our drive towards Niagara Fall.
The journey will take us 5 hours.
And we continue or journey after the break.
Our hotel, Double Tree by Hilton is tucked away in a quiet leafy neighbourhood along Buffalo Avenue.
Or room is spacious and inviting.
The Niagara Fall is about a mile down the road, within easy walking distance.
Trying to leap over to Canada.
We were too tired to venture out at night to see the illumination over the falls as we have an early morning flight to catch the next day.
And in a flash, one week vacation at some cities on the east coast is over. While that's the only time we have, it nevertheless was a satisfying trip. Many of these places were already known to us through Hollywood, TV shows and news media but seeing it personally gives a different feel especially with the history behind it. There's much more to see in this country, and hopefully, our next trip to the States would not be long from now.
We'll be spending a few more days in LAX to attend my nephew's wedding and also celebrate our parent's 88th birth anniversary before returning home.
