Sidetrip to New York City, USA - world's greatest city

 

Times Square, New York

NEW YORK CITY, United States of America - It was on my way back to the Philippines from Trinidad on a month-long vacation when I passed by New York city in December 2007. My route was Trinidad to New York where I stayed for 2 days and 1 night, then I went to Seoul, South Korea for another 3 days and 2 nights.

It was quite a challenge before I took my month-long vacation because I needed to apply for both US and Korean visas. Based on discussions with fellow Filipinos, there were several disapproved applicants for US visa. I was thankful that mine was approved, although the officer had only given me 1 year multiple entry visa.

The Korean visa was another story because I need to take it from Venezuela. The visa officer advised me to either go to the embassy in Caracas and I can get it within the day or I send my passport and application forms via courier which will take about a week. I sent my passport and documents via express courier. However, the passport did not get back to me on time due to delay so I almost missed my flight to New York. Thanks to the people in the courier service company because they were willing to help me even in the middle of the night. I got my passport 1 hour before my flight at 12 midnight. 



Steet in New York, with Empire State Building in the middle

I board American Airlines (www.aa.com) flight to New York. The security was quite strict in Port of Spain as we all need to open our luggages for inspection.

I was very excited on this flight because New York city has been described by several publications as the greatest city in the world. Indeed, New York is one of the greatest. Why is it considered the greatest? Based on an article at ESL Teachers Board these are the reasons:

It is the most densely populated city in North America. It is home to the United Nations. The city is unique and is one of the most exciting places on earth. It is often referred to as the city that never sleeps. There is always something to do in New York City. But it is New Yorkers who make the city what it is. And that includes everybody, the original Italian and Jewish immigrants, aspiring actors, angry taxi drivers, people who love New York and even people who hate New York.



Times Square at Night

There is fascinating architecture to see in New York City. There is fascinating history to learn about. If one wants to visit museums one can go to the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design, the Jewish Museum, the International Center of Photography, the Museum of The City of New York, El Museo de Barico, the Goethe House and the National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts all located on what is known as museum mile. All of these museums are located on 5th Avenue in between 82 and 105 streets. There are plenty others also all over the city. To read more about what you can do in New York, check out ESL Teachers Board.



Madison Square Garden

It was also in New York City where I experienced the first heavy snow. I learned from the news on the day I came that there will be a snow storm coming at night. When I woke up in the morning, I saw that the surrounding was very white and I was every excited to go out. I walked on the snow until I reached Times Square. On the wasy to Times Square, I needed to buy bonnet and scarf for more protection from cold weather. The scarf I bought was nice and it was made in Scotland. Until now, I still have that scarf with me. I still cherish the memories I had in the US especially now that it is far away from where I am based.

Keep on following my travel blogs. Also, for all your travel needs (airfare, hotel, cruise package, holiday packages, car rental and more), please visit wow amazing holiday website.

Trinidad Carnival - the greatest show on earth



Parade of costumes at the streets of Port of Spain in 2008

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - It was around this time of the year when most of the people in Trinidad are busy preparing for carnival.

According to wikipedia.org, the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is an annual event held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, and is well known for participant's colorful costumes and exuberant celebrations.

This year 2013, the carnival will be held on February 11 and 12 at the streets of Trinidad. Thousands of visitors from North and Latin America as well as nearby islands in the Caribbean come to the twin islands to experience the festivities considered by locals as the "greatest show on earth". 



Photo was taken in February 2008



I am happy that I was able to experience 2 carnival events in 2007 and 2008 and I can truly say that this event is really one, if not the greatest, show on earth.  Trinidad carnival has thousands of energetic, vibrant and colorful players dancing to the tune of soca or calypso music. 

When I first experience the carnival, it was like a never-ending parade of costumes. I enjoyed watching people in different sizes, colors, shapes and costumes dancing, wining, and enjoying every moment of the parade. I miss listening to the carnival music from Destra and Machel Montano.



Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is the most significant event on the islands' cultural and tourism calendar, with numerous cultural events running in the lead up to the street parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. 

Most people who participate in this annual event prepare months in advance and  spend considerable amount of money to become members of a renowned group and be able to wear those skimpy and sexy outfits. Based on what I know, there is a membership fee to become a member of a band and the fee covers costume, food and drinks.

Carnival as it is celebrated in  Trinidad and Tobago is also celebrated in cities worldwide. These including Toronto's Caribana, Miami's Miami Carnival, Houston Carifest, London's Notting Hill as well as New York City's Labor Day Carnival to name a few.

Carnival Players
Photo was taken in 2008

Carnival was created when West African slaves mimicked their French owners who where known for their lavish costumes balls. Forbidden to partake in these festivities and confined to their quarters, slaves combined elements from their own cultures to their master's fete.

To all my former colleagues and friends in Trinidad and Tobago, and those visitors playing the carnival, happy carnival to you all!!! Enjoy the greatest show on earth.

Keep on following my travel blogs. Also, for all your travel needs (airfare, hotel, cruise package, holiday packages, car rental and more), please visit wow amazing holiday website.

Queen's Park Savannah - More than World's Largest Traffic Roundabout



Queen's Park Savannah
(Photo taken through Sony Ericsson P1)

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Now that I am based in Singapore, I tried to reminisce my two year contract in Trinidad and Tobago from October 2006 to October 2008. I miss Queen's Park Savannah and Lady Chancellor Road.  

According to wikipedia.org, Queen's Park  "Savannah"  is Port of Spain's largest open space and the world's largest traffic roundabout. It occupies about 260 acres (1.1 square kilometers) of level land, and the distance around the perimeter is about 2.2 miles (3.5 km). Once sugar land, it was bought by the town council in 1817 from the Peschier family (except for a small parcel near its centre that served as the Peschier cemetery, which remains in private hands).

Queen's Park Savannah was one of our favorite place in Port of Spain. We always spend our Saturday morning at the park and complete at least 2 rounds of jogging around the world's largest traffic roundabout.  Things to do in Queen's Park Savannah include:


Poui tree at the Queen's Park Savannah during summer 

1. Chill and Relaxa - While at the park, it was relaxing to see the trees, the lake, government offices with nice architectures, the entrance of Emperor Valley Zoo, Port of Spain General Hospital, Queen's Royal College (http://qrc.edu) and many more. 

2. Experience local food - Some vendors selling "doubles" and ice cold coconut juice are there near the area of Port of Spain General Hospital and  in front of Queen's Royal College. Doubles is a traditional Trinidadian breakfast made up of naan and peas. So after completing 2 rounds of jogging, you can have a breakfast of doubles and ice cold coconut juice.


Lake at Queen's Park Savannah
Port of Spain, Trinidad

 3. Experience the beauty of flowers - During summer, one of the evident view when you come to the park was the Poui trees at some areas of the park. Everytime I come to the park, I feel like I am in other parts of the world like Japan, US or Europe by looking at the beautiful all-pink trees.

4. Discover great architechtures around Savannah - The western edge of the Savannah, along Maraval Road, is the location of the Magnificent Seven, a group of late Victorian buildings built in an eccentric and flamboyant variety of styles.

These are Queen's Royal College; the residences of the Anglican bishop (Hayes Court) and the Roman Catholic archbishop; Whitehall, once a private residence, now the office of the prime minister; Mille Fleurs, the future home of the Law Association; Roomor, an ornate black-and-white chateau-like building that remains a private residence; and Stollmeyer's Castle, a turreted house supposedly modelled on Balmoral Castle which is now being converted into subsidiary offices for the prime minister's staff. 



City of Port of Spain
(Photo taken at the top of Lady Chancellor road) 

On the other hand, Chancellor Road is also a good place to visit. Chancellor Road, which ascends the hills overlooking the Savannah, is one of Port of Spain's most exclusive residential areas. It will take you about an hour and a half to two hours to walk from Savannah and reach the tip of the Lady Chancellor.

Our first attempt to reach the top has failed because we did not know how far more we need to complete. However, we found out on our second attempt that we were almost there but just didn't see the final destination as it was uphill. However, reaching the end of Lady Chancellor road is like fulfilling a dream, completing an obstacle, or conquering your limits. You will then see the beautiful city of Port of Spain

Keep on following my travel blogs. Also for all your travel needs (airfare, hotel, cruise package, holiday packages, car rental and more), please visit wow amazing holiday website.