January 28, 2007
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Eastern Travels 2004
Eastern Travels 2004
July 3 – ARRIVAL
My mom and I were dropped off at LAX by my father at 9:40 AM. We were supposed to rendezvous with the rest of our tour group by 9:45 AM. Finally the tour leader’s wife found us. Three of my mom’s friends came, too. Our tour group numbered about 32 people.
We went as part of President Tours U.S.A. It is a Thai touring company of which my mom and I have partook on several occasions in the past. Basically almost all the people on this tour are Thai and the guide will describe things in Thai.
Waiting for flight at LAX. Left to right: Patchara, Jutaporn, Prapassa (my mom), and Warunchai (Me)
Left to Right: Patchara, Ladda, Jutaporn, mom
Our flight (Delta) took off from LAX at 12:50 PM. My mom and I had one distinct advantage on this flight to New York. Last time I went to New York (you know, when I was on that game show) my father and I wound up starving because they hardly served any food whatsoever. My mom and friends were well-prepared when it comes to food. I’m not talking about munchies. I’m talking serious F-O-O-D. There was sticky (glutinous) rice, pork, custard-filled buns, and other stuff I cannot recall anymore.
We arrived at JFK Airport in New York at around 8:40 PM. My mom, friends, and I were all good to go. Others on this tour were hungry and tired. A tour bus took us from New York, over the Williamsburg Bridge, though the 1.6 mile long Holland Tunnel, and finally to a Sheraton in Newark, NJ where we spent the night. I had not been through a tunnel that long before. I kept thinking “When is this going to end?” The Holland Tunnel goes underneath the Hudson River and connects New York and New Jersey. The Sheraton is a pretty nice place. We got a decent-sized room with two full beds. We ate our own food for dinner while watching “Phone Booth” starring Colin Farrell. I decided to shoot one rack of pool before showering and going to bed. That’s it for today. Tomorrow, the real vacationing starts.
July 4 – NEW YORK
We left the Sheraton at 7 AM. We’re talking about 7 AM EST. For the unfamiliarized, that’s 4 AM PST. I rode the bus half asleep while trying to listen to our guide (Allen) explains the history and facts of Newark and our travel itinerary for the day.
For this trip, President Tours basically arranged for us to take this eastern tour by Paradise Vacations in New York. Paradise Vacations is a Chinese touring company which normally accommodate Chinese and Chinese-speaking people. However, almost all of us are Thai. In case you’re wondering, most of us do not speak Chinese though few of us do. In addition there were a couple of African-Americans, a Caucasian, and some Indians. In this case Paradise Vacations stuck us with Allen, a Chinese guy who happens to speak English. He has a heavy, heavy Chinese accent (See Joseph Wang for those of you at NGI).
First, we stopped at the headquarters of Paradise Vacations which is located in Chinatown. Here we had 30 minutes to grab a quick breakfast, use the restroom, both, or miscellaneous. The most striking thing to me was the stench. Man, did it stink. The thing though, it’s the same odor you smell at every Chinatown whether it be the one in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Monterey Park. However it’s not nearly as strong as the one here. I wanted to pull my shirt over my nose. Yuck!
We then proceeded to Wall Street. It is renowned as the financial district. It is highlighted by the New York Stock Exchange. Allen explained that there used to be an actual wall where Wall Street is currently located. He explained that this wall was used by the colonists to keep the Native Americans out. This is how Wall Street got its name. We took several photos of the NYSE. Across from the NYSE is a Federal Memorial of Wall Street with a statue of George Washington in front of it. It is here because New York served as the first capital of the United States. At one end of Wall Street was the Trinity Church. Inside was a towering statue of Carrie-Anne Moss. Just kidding, people.
Me at Wall Street Statue of George Washington at Federal Hall
Me at the New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange
Trinity ChurchWe then moved on to the Empire State Building. We went up to the observation deck where we got a bird’s eye view of New York. The last time I saw a view this majestic was in Chicago when I went up the Sears Tower. The weather today was about 80 and humid. Due to this, I didn’t stay to view too long. It felt much better to be inside. The elevator goes up to the 80th floor. Then we had to connect to another elevator to scale the last six floors to reach this observation deck. However, there was a horde of tourists waiting for these elevators so some of my mom’s friends suggested that we scale the last six floors. I have no problem with that. It turned out to be quite a workout for everyone. Me? I needed it. Once done, we walked down the six floors and then took the elevator down.
View from 86th floor of Empire State Building
Mom climbing stairs en route to 86th floor
Ladda, mom, Jutaporn, and Patchara on 86th floor Mom and I with Chrysler Building in background
Statues of Liberty
There was only 15 minutes left for lunch. I bought a hot dog from a street vendor for my mom. After waiting fruitlessly at Burger King, I returned to the vendor and got myself a hot sausage dog. At least it was quick and that’s what I needed.
Me and my New York street vendor hot dog
Next, we visited Ground Zero. This was the site where the World Trade Center used to stand. We were there for only ten minutes. The space those twin towers used to occupy is enormous. There were surrounding buildings that required repair. One is covered by black netting. This one is beyond repair and will eventually be torn down. It’s a solemn reminder of the tragic events that took place that surreal day. We cannot actually see the grounds itself because it has been walled off due to the construction. There is a plan to build a new building called the Freedom Tower. This one will be taller than any current building in the world. They plan to complete this by 2008 if I’m not mistaken.
At Ground Zero
The tour continued to the United Nations. In front were lots of flagpoles. However, all the flags of all the nations in the UN only are on the poles on weekdays. Today was Sunday. There is a statue of a six-shooter pistol where the barrel is tied up like a knot (like what Bugs Bunny might do to Elmer Fudd’s hunting rifle). It signifies peace or nonviolence. Nearby is a golden sphere that is cracked. It symbolizes the state of the world. This was finished near the end of World War II so at the time all was definitely not well. We cannot enter the main conference hall which all of us have come to know from CNN. We could only check out the first floor and the gift shop downstairs. There was a gallery of art displaying the talents of Native Americans. What was neat were what appeared to be paintings of current UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and his six predecessors. It turns out they were all woven from silk, like a carpet, and were gifts to the UN from Iran. We just bought some things and took some more snapshots and then took off.
Silk rug portraits at the United Nations
On the bus to the next destination, we went through 42nd St. and passed Times Square. I took some snapshots from the bus. It’s very colorful in that area and full of hustle, bustle, and lights at night. We also passed by Radio City Music Hall.
Times Square
Next up for us was Rockefeller Center. Last time I came here, the Christmas tree was still being decorated and below it was an ice rink. This time what was the ice rink is replaced by patio tables with umbrellas as people enjoyed their coffee. We saw nearby St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It is very large and grand. I did not go inside it. From what I heard, I should have. However my mom has had enough of all this walking so we just sat and waited. Soon it was time to board the bus again. Just before we did, I had my mom take one last picture of a nearby corner. It was NBC News with its familiar scrolling headlines. It’s where fans of the Today Show would congregate every morning.
Mom and friends at St. Patrick's Cathedral Mom at Rockefeller Center
We then arrived at the dock where we would board the Circle Line Cruises boat. Nearby was the USS Intrepid. It is a retired aircraft carrier that while in World War II, survived three kamikazes and a torpedo. Now it serves as a sea and air museum. On it are many warplanes of note. One of these days I would like to visit this myself.
Just sit right back and you’ll hear this tale,
A tale of a fateful trip…
That started from this eastern port aboard this (not so) tiny ship.
The guide was a mighty sailin’ man
The skipper, I’m not sure.
O’er 100 passengers rode that day for a 100 minute tour
A 100 minute tour.
Empire State Building with Chrysler Building in background
Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island
Yes, we were on the Hudson River. It offers a fabulous view of Manhattan. You can see how Manhattan is filled with building after building. The other side of the river was New Jersey. We saw Jersey City and Hoboken. The boat then came by Ellis Island and then Liberty Island, the site of the Statue of Liberty. This is the first time I had ever seen it. It was much bigger than I had ever imagined it. In addition I thought it was a beautiful statue. I took several photos of it. The boat then turned back and in the distance I could see the Brooklyn Bridge. I had to zoom in to take a picture of this one.
We also passed by an unused pier of note. The guide explained that this was where the Titanic was supposed to dock. It was also where the Lusitania took off from. Hmm. That’s freaky, man!
We then took off from New York and went to Union City, NJ where we had dinner at the Hudson Buffet. It advertises itself as an international cuisine buffet. Most of the food is Chinese or shall I say American Chinese (e.g. General Tsao’s chicken, egg drop soup, cheese won tons?) There were also tacos, fajitas, and pizza. Food wasn’t all that great but at least it’ll suffice for another evening. In the distance from here one could still see the Empire State Building. My mom wanted to stay because on this night is the Macy’s Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular. However, Allen was very much against it stating that if we remained in New York for this, it would be very difficult to get out.
Afterwards I called several people just to wish them a Happy 4th of July. My mom and friends were, dare I say, shopping!
We went beneath the Hudson River again this time though the Lincoln Tunnel then traveled for an hour or so to Cherry Hill, New Jersey. This town is not far from Philadelphia. Here we spent the night at a Clarion Hotel. We watched the various fireworks shows and Independence Day festivities on TV where it’s live from New York on one channel, DC on another, and Philadelphia on another.
July 5 – PHILADELPHIA & WASHINGTON
We awoke that morning to discover that it had rained the night before. We left the hotel at around 8 AM. We crossed over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and into downtown Philadelphia, PA. There were some pretty tall buildings here, too but not as many as New York. We stopped at Independence Hall. First we went inside the structure that holds The Liberty Bell. We had to go through a stringent metal detector. I had to empty all my pockets including by belt. After watching a video describing the history of the bell, we then finally got to see it. There in full view is the ever famous crack. It has been solidified by a couple needles. However, it appears that a new crack was about to form if used in the future
The Liberty Bell
We then passed on to Independence Hall. It is made mostly of brick. I was like “So this is where the Declaration of Independence was signed”. Yep, this is where the American Revolution began. Once again, it was larger than I had anticipated. We took several photos. As far as I was concerned, two-thirds of my Philadelphia mission was accomplished. There was only one more thing to do.
Mom with Independence Hall in background
George Washington statue at Independence Hall
While the others continued to take pictures, I went to a nearby corner where a small food stand was situated. I approached the stand and ordered me a Philly cheese steak. When the guy asked me “Onions?” I responded, “Yes, please.” It was not bad, not bad at all. I could learn to like it. The evidence of me having a Philly cheese steak in Philadelphia is on my clothes. As I was sinking my teeth into this native delight, the oils from the beef and cheese dripped onto my T-shirt and pants. They stayed on them the rest of the day. Then again didn’t somebody once say “If it doesn’t get all over the place, it doesn’t belong in your face?” If that’s true, then this is definitely for me. My Philly missions have been completed. As we exited The City of Brotherly Love, we passed by Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park, the home stadiums of the NFL’s Eagles and MLB’s Phillies, respectively.
We then made our way towards our nation’s capital. The route was quite green with trees and grasses everywhere. It was quite soothing to the eyes instead of building everywhere. We stopped at a Maryland tourist center which basically is a rest area. There were also eateries like Burger King and Pizza Hut. My mom got some cinnamon covered pastries and a dip from Cinnabon. It was yummy. The bus then continued towards Washington, DC. We passed by RFK Stadium, the former home of the NFL’s Washington Redskins and current home of MLS’ DC United.
We passed through the nation’s capital and crossed the Potomac River to Rosslyn, VA for lunch. It’s at a restaurant called China Garden. You guessed it. It’s Chinese food! One thing was evident. It was very hot and muggy that day in DC. This was to be the start of a long day.
After lunch we went first to the Jefferson Memorial. There was some restoration going on evident by the scaffolding on one side of it. This is still my favorite monument/memorial in Washington.
The Jefferson Memorial
Mom and Ladda at Jefferson Memorial
Next up was the Lincoln Memorial. My mother wisely sat this one out and just stayed in the shade. I went with my mom’s friends and tried to endure the heat and humidity and took pictures. We then walked to the nearby Vietnam Veterans Memorial. I snapped some photos including one name on the wall. It was a certain “Arthur J. Rambo”. Yes, I knew there was a John Arthur Rambo on this wall. Despite the name, from what I understand, he wasn’t a one-man army as portrayed by Sylvester Stallone. However it’s just a coincidence.
At the Lincoln Memorial
Me at the Vietnam War Memorial A most familiar name on the Vietnam War Memorial
At one of the countries that lost lives in the Korean War
We trudged our way to the Korean War Memorial. Unlike the Vietnam War where it was the United States versus the Vietcong, the Korean War involved the United Nations so many nations partook in this war. Along the path were names of countries that took part in the war. It also included my beloved Thailand. This memorial featured life-sized statues of soldiers. There was also statistics of number of casualties, missing, wounded, and other not so great facts.
Korean War Memorial. By the way, in front of me is a kid, not one of the statues
Finally I got to a bench near the bus. I saw my mom in line for lemonade. I sat hunched over and sweat dripped from my drenched face onto my pants. It blended pretty well, I thought, with the cheese steak stains. I had not sweated that badly for a long, long time.
The tour bus then took us to Capitol Hill. In front of it was the stage where the 4th of July festivities took place that we saw on TV the previous night.
Our tour group at Capitol Hill
Me at Capitol Hill. You can still see stage from last night's 4th of July celebration
Jutaporn, mom, and Ladda
Next stop was the Natural History Museum at the Smithsonian. Most of the people wanted to see the world-renowned Hope Diamond. It is the largest blue diamond in the world. More noted is the long history of ownership and the supposed curse that accompanies it. My mom and friends were captivated by the gems and jewelry collections. They do have some pieces that belonged to notables like Marie Antoinette and Napoleon’s Josephine. I was more interested in dinosaurs. I was happy to have my picture taken with a Moai. You know, one of those giant statues from Easter Island. The best thing on this day about coming here was to avoid the heat outside.
The Hope Diamond Moai and I
Last stop was the White House. We saw the back side of the president’s abode. We snapped some more photos and this concludes our visit to DC. This is my second time to the nation’s capital. Some of you might recall my first time here. I had already seen all of these sights we visited today so this was basically a revisiting. We had dinner again at China Garden in Rosslyn, VA. Our tour bus then traveled to our hotel. That night I slept at the Paris Hilton, I mean the Gaithersburg Hilton in Gaithersburg, MD. I virtually collapsed onto the bed. In reality I walked less than I did in New York. However the heat really sapped my strength. It probably gave me a tan too. Air conditioning never felt so good.
White House X-mas tree Me with White House in background
Ladda and mom
The Washington Monument
The Reflecting Pool at National Mall
July 6 – HERSHEY, CORNING, & NIAGARA FALLS
Mom and Jutaporn at Gaithersburg Hilton
We took off at 8 AM from Gaithersburg, MD on route to Hershey, PA. We arrived there two hours later to visit Hershey’s Chocolate World. Admittedly I felt giddy when I saw the outside and knowing we’re going inside the Hershey chocolate factory. Allen warned us not to buy stuff because he felt that it’s going to be a big burden carrying chocolate back and it might melt. I’m like thinking “C’mon, Allen! I’m actually at the Hershey Chocolate Factory. Do you really expect me not to get something from here?” Inside was very colorful with neon lights everywhere. We went aboard the chocolate ride. As you ride this, it gives you a brief explanation on how chocolate is made from the shipping of the cacao beans from overseas to ultimately wrapping and shipping off the candies. I purchased a box of Krackel for my father. It’s his favorite. I also bought a couple cans of miniatures (containing Hershey’s milk chocolate, Mr. Goodbar, Krackel, Hershey’s Dark Chocolate, mini-Reese’s cups, and Kisses) from the gift shop. One is for the family. The other is for the workplace to share with co-workers. I bought other things here and there. There was also a 3-D ride and an audio tour. Nearby are a football stadium for semi-pro and high school, an indoor arena, and an amusement park called Hershey Park. It looked like something I would really enjoy a la Magic Mountain. I so wanted to go but there just wasn’t any time.
Hershey's Kisses New Hats
About an hour later we had lunch at some marketplace called Wegman in Williamsport, PA. It is a market but has a food court that sells sushi, Vietnamese wraps, Chinese food, pizza, calzones, rotisserie chicken, fried chicken, and salads. I like the fact that there are selections. While my mom and her friends tried to find more Chinese food, I personally have had it with Chinese. I don’t despise it whatsoever but I like variation so I got a four cheeses calzone.
Some of you are familiar with Williamsport because every year the Little League World Series is played here. Upon completing my meal, I asked a local where the Little League baseball stadium was. He pointed the way for me but upon seeing my watch, I realized that there wasn’t enough time for me to walk over there and back. Shucks! One thing for sure…it’s not humid around these parts like DC plus it’s not nearly as hot. Thank goodness.
Aboard the bus Allen showed us “The Tuxedo” starring Jackie Chan and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Soon afterwards we arrived in Corning, NY. There is located the Corning Museum of Glass. Inside the museum is separated into many sections. Allen took us to the museum itself where they display glassware from ancient times and places like Mesopotamia, Egypt, ancient Greece, Rome, India, the Arab world, the Orient, etc. Allen described some of the more notables in this museum.
Me and a Tiffany Window
First transparent glassware
A micromosaic. Not a painting but created from thousands or millions of tiny glass pieces/shards
Attactive glassware
He then led us to watch the Hot Glass Show. We’re either seated or are standing once all the seats are taken. The show features three glassmakers. One of them demonstrated how a vase is made from hot, molten glass from the furnace. Another describes what the demonstrator is doing in English, the third in Chinese (Caucasian man. He speaks excellent Chinese. This would suggest that they get many Chinese visitors). It was neat to see a subtle glob of molten clear stuff on a rod and how the glassmaker with a combination of spinning, cutting, blowing, reheating, and other techniques eventually transforms it into a beautiful vase. I found this show fascinating. There was also a raffle but I didn’t win. The prize was a vase that was made in an earlier show.
Other parts of the museum include the Sculpture Gallery, the Gift Shop (my mom and friends practically ransacked the place), and a science area where you can try to break a piece of strong glass, see tempered glass bend, and the wonderful world of optics. It’s quite educational, fun, and interactive like the California ScienCenter. Once again, Allen warned us not to buy stuff because it’s a load to carry. My take is “Allen, it’s our burden. We’ll handle it (or my mom, at least)".
Glass sculpture
About two to three hours later the bus crossed the Niagara River to Niagara City. Here we had dinner at the Crown Chinese Buffet. Food selection is very similar to the Hudson Buffet. However the food was better. Mmm…more AmeriChinese. Another reason it was better was that they had ice cream!
It is now nightfall. We checked into the Quality Hotel and Suites in Niagara City. It’s only a 10 minute walk from Niagara Falls. We on the tour took up a collection and gave it to Allen and our driver, King. After check-in, Allen took us on a walk to the falls itself. There we were right alongside American Falls. Walking out a little more on the viewing tower we can then see Bridal Veil Falls. Due to the mist, we couldn’t see the faraway Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
For a quick Niagara Falls 101, Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls – American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the biggest one. Shaped like a horseshoe over 2,000 feet long, half of it is on the US side of the Niagara River and the other half belonging to Canada. Goat Island separates the Horseshoe from the significantly smallest waterfall, the Bridal Veil. Bridal Veil Falls is then separated by a small, small island called Luna Island from American Falls which is over 1,000 feet in length. The falls are between 110 and 180 feet in height. During the evening the Canadian side would shine lights onto the American and Bridal Veil Falls to make them illuminate in different colors. It also makes the falls visible at night. Niagara Falls is majestic. I was taken aback seeing it in person.
Across the river from Niagara City is Canada’s Niagara City. Theirs is a lot bigger than ours. Where the US’ Niagara City is small and filled with little shops and some hotels here and there, the Canadian one is much bigger. There are lots of tall buildings, casinos, and towers with lights that shone brightly in the night. Most notable was the Skylon Tower which looks like the Space Needle in Seattle. Some people thought it was the CN Tower but Allen was quick to point out that it was not. He stated that the CN Tower is three times as tall plus it is located in Toronto. The tour group was saying amongst itself “Let’s go there. It looks more exciting.”
July 6 – NIAGARA FALLS, BUFFALO, ATLANTA, LOS ANGELES
In the morning a bus dropped us off at Terrapin Point on Goat Island. It is here where we are closest to the Horseshoe Falls. As we approached it, we were greeted by a magnificent rainbow. It’s the first in my recollection where I could see both ends. Rainbows are common here because the Horseshoe Falls generate so much mist. As we stood alongside the railing at this point, we were also sprinkled by the mist as we posed for pictures.
Me and Horseshoe Falls
Mom and Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls. Tour leader Pichian Rojsiriwat in picture, too (in red)
We then walked over to Luna Island which is situated between Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls. We took a few more snapshots.
Postcard of Niagara River, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls
We then boarded one of the several steamers called The Maid of the Mist for an up close view on the bottom of the falls. We were all given these blue plastic trash bag-like raingear (Made in Thailand) to protect our hair and clothes from the wetness to come. We took off and first came by the American Falls. Then we passed by the neighboring Bridal Veil Falls.
American Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
Then the boat cruised into the heart of the Horseshoe Falls. As we drew closer and closer to this one, I understood why we really needed these plastic things. The mist was everywhere. It felt like a rainstorm. To our left was the American side of these falls, and to our right, the Canadian side. We could not see in front of us due to the mist. As far as I am concerned, “Hell with keeping my hair dry!” I basked in the precipitation as I bade my mother to take pictures here and there. It was just breathtaking to be almost completely surrounded by the waterfall. I got quite a rush.
Closing in on Horseshoe Falls
Once the Maid of the Mist returned to its dock, we got off with some of us returning the blue plastic raingear with others retaining them. Most people looked pretty dry. Some people wore plastic bag over their footwear to really guarantee being dry. I on the other hand had a completely wet head. The wetness also seeped down my head onto my T-shirt. It prompted one girl on our tour to let me know “You look like you just got off Splash Mountain.” I responded with laughter and glee.
All wet
We then checked out of our hotel and made our way to the Buffalo Airport. We said goodbye and thanked Allen for his hospitality, being informative, and heading a tour that resulted in us seeing many things and places. While waiting for our flight we had some lunch. What did I have? What else? Buffalo wings!
We took off from Buffalo on Delta at 12:50 PM. About an hour and a half later we arrived in Atlanta, GA. We stayed at that airport for two hours before taking off for Los Angeles. Man, I kind of wished I could have visited the Coca-Cola factory. That would have been neat but hey, perhaps next time.
We got back to Los Angeles at 6:40 PM Los Angeles time. My father picked all of us up. When we got home, my father and I carried our bags up. My mom continued on with her friends to meet up with another friend who was dying to hear where we have gone and seen.
I have utterly enjoyed this trip to the East. One thing of note was the traveling between cities. It’s very lush and green filled with grass and trees. It was a welcome sight. I never realized that these areas were like this. I had a good time everywhere but for me the highlight was Niagara Falls. The only thing I could have done without was the heat in DC. I would recommend all these places for those of you who had never seen them. All of them are worthwhile to visit and experience.
Left to right: Patchara, mom, Jutaporn, Ladda with Niagara River and American Falls in background
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