Sidetrip to Washington D.C., USA

 

United States Capitol Building
Washington DC, USA

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America - After I complete my 2-year contract with Ernst & Young (www.ey.com) Caribbean in Trinidad and Tobago, I decided to go back to the Philippines.

I requested our administrative officer to book flight itinerary that I can stay in certain countries for few days. It was approved by the partner in our department because its cheaper than taking the London route which my other colleague took.

My first route was Port of Spain, Trinidad to Miami, Florida (gateway to the USA) to Washington DC where I stayed for 3 days and 2 nights. Then from Washington DC, I went to New York City and then to Narita, Japan and finally to Bangkok, Thailand where I stayed again for 3 days and 2 nights. It was quite a world tour and I love it because I was able to see these places.

After I arrived in Miami, Florida, I needed to collect my 3 big luggages and then checked-in to go to Washington DC. Aside from bringing in the 3 bags, I also have 1 backpack and a computer bag. The airport security stopped me and asked me certain questions. One of the questions I remember was where am I working and when I told him that I am working in Ernst & Young (www.ey.com), he let me go. Miami airport was huge that I walked quite a distance from the luggage collection area to check-in to immigration and to the gate.



The White House, Washington DC, USA

My US visa was I think 5 days before the expiry date when I came to the US. But the immigration officer still stamped 90 days on my passport. I then board the American Airline (www.aa.com) to Washington DC. It was late in the afternoon and raining when I arrived in Washington DC. I took the yellow cab going to my hostel. The driver was quite old but was very helpful. He dropped me to the hostel, then I had my dinner at Subway and sleep.

On my first official day, I walked around my hostel and found out that significant landmarks in the city were just meters away. The weather in October was very nice as it was the beginning of winter time. Thanks to the feedbacks provided by the visitors who stayed in the hostel. I was so happy and excited because, finally, I was able to see the capital city of the most influential country and the biggest economy in the world.



Washington Monument
Washington DC, USA

I saw the United States Capitol Building, the White House, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial where I only see in movies, television, internet or prints.  Wikipedia describes Washington Monument to be made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss and considered as both the world's tallest stone structure and the world's tallest obelisk, standing 555 feet 5+¹⁄₈ inches (169.294 m). I also visited the War Memorial and was surprised that there were prints of the Philippines and certain areas like Bataan, Manila and Luzon.

On the second day, I went to several museum including the Smithsonian which reminds me of the movie Night at the Museum. It was very enjoyable visit. After visiting the museum, I took a train to Maryland where my 2 former colleagues live and work. They meet me up at the station and we went out for dinner. After the dinner, they drove me back to my hostel in DC.

I left the hostel on the third day at 7:00 am because my flight to New York was 10:00 am. While waiting for my flight, I was updating my Friendster and Facebook and didn't notice that the flight was already boarding. I just noticed it when they announced for last call. I arrived at New York JFK Airport and landed at Terminal 1. However, my next flight was at Terminal 12 and I only have 1 hour and 20 minutes to spare. I quickly ran and took the airport train. It was quite an adventure.

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.

Sidetrip to London, England - New Year's Eve of 2007

 

The Big Ben, London, England

LONDON, England - On my way back to Trinidad & Tobago from a month vacation in the Philippines in December 2007, I stopped over in London for 3 days and 2 nights. But before coming to London, I also stayed in Singapore for 2 days and met my college friends.

I was excited to go to London because aside from going to New York and Washington D.C., London was my other dream city to visit. We passed by London on our first trip to Trinidad but we did not have a chance to go out of the airport.

I left my luggage at the Heathrow International airport (www.heathrowairport.com) and just brought the things that I'm going to use. I then took the train from Heathrow airport to central London then move to another subway line to go to Swiss Cottage station where my hostel - Palmers Lodge (www.palmerslodges.com)  is located. At first, I was confused on how to buy the subway ticket because its quite complex until a British guy noticed my confusion and assisted me. He was actually the husband of a Filipina and he said they are also going on the same direction with me. They got off the train earlier than me. I then continued and reached my hostel and checked-in. We were 16 in the room, majority are Europeans but I also noticed some Asians aside from me.



Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace
London, United Kingdom

On the second day (December 31), I went to the city to take bus tour. I cannot remember the exact amount I paid but I think it was around GBP 20 (USD 40 on that time). It was quite expensive for me but who cares. This was the only chance I had during that time so I still took the city tour. This was also the first time I experienced that my credit card was charged at the bus station without any wire connection. I went to Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, The Big Ben and others which I only see in movies and pictures.

I met several Filipinos while taking pictures at the Buckingham Palace. One of them said that she works in Cyprus as domestic helper but her boss brought her to London with them for vacation. I also met several more group of Filipinos at the Picadilly subway station where I took pictures with them. It was nice meeting my countrymen (kababayan), especially in big cities like London, and they seemed very nice to me that we were group-hugging in the pictures even we just met there. I was wondering what to do on New Year's eve but I've learned, while taking the subway back to my hostel, that the subway will be free of charge on that night. 



Westminster Palace, London, England

I took the subway and went to London Eye to watch the New Year's count down. It was drizzling on that night. I was surprised after the count down that people started kissing each other. Since I don't have any partner to kiss, I just watch them while hugging and kissing. It was a very good experience.

On the third day, I woke up early in the morning to catch my 9:00 am flight. I checked-out at the hotel at 5:00 am and took the subway to the airport. It was an amazing experience for me.

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.

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.