Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Day 5: Washington DC
May 31: I must say that although today is only my fifth day of travel, it feels like ages, but yet not long enough... as soon I will have to say goodbye to my good friend Beth. Still, I am enjoying my time here.
Today I caught the metro into DC and was a real tourist. First, I walked around The Capitol (the building where the US hold their Parliament), then passed the reflecting pool, gardens and down to National Mall to see various museums which make up the Smithsonian Institute. Did a tour of the new Museum of the American Indian and found the information there fascinating - especially seeing Navaho and Santa Clara objects which reminded me of my holiday to the west coast of the US in 1987. I also revisited the National Air and Space Museum (which I went to in 2002) and touched a piece of the moon!
The Natural History museum was also very interesting, especially the an exhibition with a range of gems, including the Hope Diamond; as well as exhibitions on mammals (yes, there was an entire Australian section), Sikhs, and native birds to DC. Bought some gems stones too, as my good luck charm to keep me safe in my travels.
I then took a long walk down to the Washington Monument, passed the World War II Memorial (fountain), along the reflecting pool and down to the Lincoln Memorial. There, I eavesdropped on a school tour group's lecture so I could hear all about the Memorial and its significance - eg. on the steps is where Martin Luther King gave his "I have a dream" speech, and inside on the wall is the Gettysburg Address.
There were lots of school kids around, both here and in the museums - even at 8pm!
Walked passed the Vietnam War Memorial wall, with wreaths there from Memorial Day, the Korean War Memorial and also the World War I Memorial, before heading in the sunset back up Constitution Avenue to the White House. Saw it from the front and the back... beautiful site.
Did a lot of walking today and only got back to Beth's near 10pm, but a very interesting day.
Wish I could send photos - may try to work out how here, or by email - otherwise, may have to wait...
Today I caught the metro into DC and was a real tourist. First, I walked around The Capitol (the building where the US hold their Parliament), then passed the reflecting pool, gardens and down to National Mall to see various museums which make up the Smithsonian Institute. Did a tour of the new Museum of the American Indian and found the information there fascinating - especially seeing Navaho and Santa Clara objects which reminded me of my holiday to the west coast of the US in 1987. I also revisited the National Air and Space Museum (which I went to in 2002) and touched a piece of the moon!
The Natural History museum was also very interesting, especially the an exhibition with a range of gems, including the Hope Diamond; as well as exhibitions on mammals (yes, there was an entire Australian section), Sikhs, and native birds to DC. Bought some gems stones too, as my good luck charm to keep me safe in my travels.
I then took a long walk down to the Washington Monument, passed the World War II Memorial (fountain), along the reflecting pool and down to the Lincoln Memorial. There, I eavesdropped on a school tour group's lecture so I could hear all about the Memorial and its significance - eg. on the steps is where Martin Luther King gave his "I have a dream" speech, and inside on the wall is the Gettysburg Address.
There were lots of school kids around, both here and in the museums - even at 8pm!
Walked passed the Vietnam War Memorial wall, with wreaths there from Memorial Day, the Korean War Memorial and also the World War I Memorial, before heading in the sunset back up Constitution Avenue to the White House. Saw it from the front and the back... beautiful site.
Did a lot of walking today and only got back to Beth's near 10pm, but a very interesting day.
Wish I could send photos - may try to work out how here, or by email - otherwise, may have to wait...
Monday, May 30, 2005
Day 4: Baltimore
may 30: Today is a public holiday for Memorial Day... so Beth and I headed up to Baltimore (40 mins drive away) to meet up with her friend Elizabeth and to get a tour of the city. She took me to Fort Henry where the US defended a British attack in the early 1800s (around 1812 i think) and near where Francis Scott Key wrote the US National Anthem 'Star Spangled Banner'. What a great way to celebrate Memorial Day - US flags were flying everywhere, but I hear this is a permanent thing since 9/11.
Took in some great views of Inner Harbour and the Baltimore city skyline from Federal Hill Park and walked around Inner Harbour (reminded me a lot of Darling Harbour/Cockle Bay in Sydney).
Went to the Hard Rock Cafe for a look, so too ESPN Zone, with a bar, restaurant and interactive sports games (a mix between One World Sport, Fox Sports Central and Timezone). Also went passed the National Aquarium and saw where they are building a new Australian exhibit which will have crocodiles (with thanks to Steve Irwin), bats, birds and more.
Met Beth's sister, and also caught up with Beth's parents (whom I met last time I was here). We had dinner at a nice steakhouse, Houston's. Then returned home to be surprised! Aussie Rules was on TV. They were showing a match between Richmond and Brisbane from a week ago, still it was nice to see!
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Day 3: Maryland chill-time
Sunday May 29: still quite tired and don't yet have normal sleeping patterns, but trying to adjust.
Organised my accommodation for Orlando and New York later in my stay, before heading out with Beth to the local Westfield Shopping Mall. There, I had a full colour makeover from a lady at the Bobbi Brown counter at the department store, Nordstrom... and yes, I bought some make-up to hide the bags under my eyes, and more... (don't act too surprised!), and then headed to T-Mobile to get a mobile phone number for my stay in the USA. (Don't want to leave my mobile number on this website as anyone can access it - will send the number via email later.)
It didn't cost too much, but it was interesting how US rate plans go by minutes used, not dollars or locations of where you're calling. For example, minutes get deducted from my account whether I make or receive calls, SMS are really cheap to send both in the US and overseas (it's free to receive them), and for me to call anywhere in the US it's the same price as calling a local number. Sweet hey!? I will be checking my Australian mobile number daily for SMS and voicemail messages, but while in the US I will try to use my American number more often as it's cheaper to do everything, including SMS and call Australia. For you guys back home, it's an overseas call, but this way you can talk to me - whereas on my Australian phone, you can't call me, you can only send SMS or leave a voicemail.
Enough about phones! Did a little clothes shopping with Beth and then headed to EatZi's where we did 'make your own' sandwiches, and ate lunch outside in the sunshine. Then chilled at Beth's in the afternoon.
Long weekend here this weekend, as Memorial Day is tomorrow, so lots happening round town, and everyone is relaxed.
Later on in the evening, Beth and I went to see the new Star Wars movie (no. 3). Both of us really enjoyed it. Nice to see some of my questions were finally answered!
Then had a late dinner at a Spanish tapas place, Jaleos... very nice.
Organised my accommodation for Orlando and New York later in my stay, before heading out with Beth to the local Westfield Shopping Mall. There, I had a full colour makeover from a lady at the Bobbi Brown counter at the department store, Nordstrom... and yes, I bought some make-up to hide the bags under my eyes, and more... (don't act too surprised!), and then headed to T-Mobile to get a mobile phone number for my stay in the USA. (Don't want to leave my mobile number on this website as anyone can access it - will send the number via email later.)
It didn't cost too much, but it was interesting how US rate plans go by minutes used, not dollars or locations of where you're calling. For example, minutes get deducted from my account whether I make or receive calls, SMS are really cheap to send both in the US and overseas (it's free to receive them), and for me to call anywhere in the US it's the same price as calling a local number. Sweet hey!? I will be checking my Australian mobile number daily for SMS and voicemail messages, but while in the US I will try to use my American number more often as it's cheaper to do everything, including SMS and call Australia. For you guys back home, it's an overseas call, but this way you can talk to me - whereas on my Australian phone, you can't call me, you can only send SMS or leave a voicemail.
Enough about phones! Did a little clothes shopping with Beth and then headed to EatZi's where we did 'make your own' sandwiches, and ate lunch outside in the sunshine. Then chilled at Beth's in the afternoon.
Long weekend here this weekend, as Memorial Day is tomorrow, so lots happening round town, and everyone is relaxed.
Later on in the evening, Beth and I went to see the new Star Wars movie (no. 3). Both of us really enjoyed it. Nice to see some of my questions were finally answered!
Then had a late dinner at a Spanish tapas place, Jaleos... very nice.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Day 2: Washington DC - Georgetown
May 28: Slept in till midday, struggling with the jet lag but took a pill the night before to try and regulate my sleeping times...
Caught the metro (train) to Georgetown and met up with one of Beth's friends. Walked around the cute town, looked at local shops, walked down by the river in the beautiful sunshine and then headed for an early dinner to Clyde's. We also saw the famous chef Michel Richard outside one of his restaurants having a business lunch, and a few people all dressed up for a wedding. Some memories also came back from my time here in Dec 2002.
Returned home around 9pm and chilled the rest of the night.
PS. Beth lives near Bethesda in Maryland State, even though I call it DC.
Caught the metro (train) to Georgetown and met up with one of Beth's friends. Walked around the cute town, looked at local shops, walked down by the river in the beautiful sunshine and then headed for an early dinner to Clyde's. We also saw the famous chef Michel Richard outside one of his restaurants having a business lunch, and a few people all dressed up for a wedding. Some memories also came back from my time here in Dec 2002.
Returned home around 9pm and chilled the rest of the night.
PS. Beth lives near Bethesda in Maryland State, even though I call it DC.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Day 1: Sydney to Washington DC
May 27: after a long flight to Washington DC via Los Angeles, and the fact that I lived this day twice, I finally made it to bed!
Lucy dropped me at Sydey airport but as usual I was running late. I didn't get much sleep the night before, but I made the plane in good time in the end. The Qantas flight took around 13 hours, and I watched 'Coach Carter', 'Ray ' (finally!) and 'Hide & Seek'. My original seat wasn't great so I got to move to a good one. Unfortunately, the baby next to me was great but the child behind me wouldn't stop kicking my seat or playing with the tray-table, so not much sleep was had! Interesting how they even announced that sadly Shapelle Corby was sentenced to 20 years jail in Bali.
Grabbed a quick breath of LA air, then sat in the LAX Starbucks/Burger King area for about 2 hours till I boarded my flight to DC (Dulles). Met some nice people who gave me advice on Chicago.
My flight was fine, over 4 hours, no food, but again I sat next to some interesting people. One guy was from the TV channel, National Geographic as a creative marketer who had been in LA to shoot commercials, and the other guy was a TV director from LA heading to the Capitol to help with a live broadcast concert for Memorial Day (like our ANZAC Day) which is on Monday. Was this a sign I should be going back into TV?
Finally arrived in Washington DC, very tired, but did my best to look 'fresh' for Beth who came to pick me up. Gave her the wrong flight number but she found me anyway.
After many hugs (we hadn't seen each other since my last visit to the US two and a half years ago), we headed to the car and drove about two hours north (in friday afternoon long weekend traffic) to Baltimore. I slept in her car to revitalise myself for the evening's activities - I went to my first Baseball match!!!
Unfortunately the Baltimore Orioles lost to the Detroit Tigers 3-4, but I met many of Beth's friends, and got to see what the game and atmospher was all about... lots of fun. Will try to go to a Yankee game when in New York later too.
Chilled with Beth's friends after the match and got home (to Bethesda, Maryland) round 2am, and hit the pillow pretty much straight away. A long day, lived twice, but a great way to start my holiday!
Lucy dropped me at Sydey airport but as usual I was running late. I didn't get much sleep the night before, but I made the plane in good time in the end. The Qantas flight took around 13 hours, and I watched 'Coach Carter', 'Ray ' (finally!) and 'Hide & Seek'. My original seat wasn't great so I got to move to a good one. Unfortunately, the baby next to me was great but the child behind me wouldn't stop kicking my seat or playing with the tray-table, so not much sleep was had! Interesting how they even announced that sadly Shapelle Corby was sentenced to 20 years jail in Bali.
Grabbed a quick breath of LA air, then sat in the LAX Starbucks/Burger King area for about 2 hours till I boarded my flight to DC (Dulles). Met some nice people who gave me advice on Chicago.
My flight was fine, over 4 hours, no food, but again I sat next to some interesting people. One guy was from the TV channel, National Geographic as a creative marketer who had been in LA to shoot commercials, and the other guy was a TV director from LA heading to the Capitol to help with a live broadcast concert for Memorial Day (like our ANZAC Day) which is on Monday. Was this a sign I should be going back into TV?
Finally arrived in Washington DC, very tired, but did my best to look 'fresh' for Beth who came to pick me up. Gave her the wrong flight number but she found me anyway.
After many hugs (we hadn't seen each other since my last visit to the US two and a half years ago), we headed to the car and drove about two hours north (in friday afternoon long weekend traffic) to Baltimore. I slept in her car to revitalise myself for the evening's activities - I went to my first Baseball match!!!
Unfortunately the Baltimore Orioles lost to the Detroit Tigers 3-4, but I met many of Beth's friends, and got to see what the game and atmospher was all about... lots of fun. Will try to go to a Yankee game when in New York later too.
Chilled with Beth's friends after the match and got home (to Bethesda, Maryland) round 2am, and hit the pillow pretty much straight away. A long day, lived twice, but a great way to start my holiday!
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
The Beginning - Sydney
So it looks like i'll be heading to DC on friday may 27... to meet beth, and start my journey, which includes 5 weeks in the USA.
Hopefully all the last minute errands i need to run in Sydney will be done, and i'll be so tired on the flight, i'll sleep right through - here's hoping!
Managed to buy a digital camera before leaving, so will try to send photos when I can ... else, there'll be lots to see from both this trip and even New Zealand (which are on film), when I get back.
Hopefully all the last minute errands i need to run in Sydney will be done, and i'll be so tired on the flight, i'll sleep right through - here's hoping!
Managed to buy a digital camera before leaving, so will try to send photos when I can ... else, there'll be lots to see from both this trip and even New Zealand (which are on film), when I get back.
