When I was young, I had a particular image of what a visit to America would be. My expectation was always based on what Hollywood portrayed of the US. As you can imagine, my expectations were a mix of Die Hard, Maid in Manhattan and all the rap videos I saw in my youth. Well, it ended up being neither of those!
We flew to JFK from Dubai on what was an excellent service by Emirates. The drive in the rental car from JFK to Washington DC was simply spectacular, the countryside that we drove through was going through the final motions of autumn into winter, and the orange and brown landscape was a sight to behold. On the way, we stopped by Philadelphia and had a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. That was hilarious for us, given that we were having a Philly Cheesesteak in Philly!
We arrived in DC late in the evening and decided to take a walk, we got as far as the Washington Monument before we decided to turn back. It was cooooooold!
The next day we did the Big Bus Tour and got to see the usual touristy sights. At the White House, we came across a bunch of protestors, whom we walked through. So, if you see hubby and I on a foreign TV station amongst some protestors, I assure you, we were clueless as to the purpose of the protest and which foreign dignitary they targeted.
We spent a full day touring Washington and getting to see the sights that dominate so much political news from the US. It seems like a city where everyone had a purpose.
The next morning, we were up early to head to Ithaca in upstate New York. Again, the 6-hour drive was simply breathtaking. We got to Ithaca late in the evening and it had snowed lightly. We spent the night with hubby’s cousin and his lovely family. It was a warm and relaxing evening where we were able to catch up on so much.
The next morning hubby went for a jog in the crisp winter air while I spent the better part getting to know my duvet better. I think his addiction to fresh air is something else…
We then took a tour of the Cornell University campus, where hubby’s dad is an alma mater. That evening we attended a ceremony where he was inducted into Cornell University’s Athletics Hall of Fame, class of ’64. It was humbling to realize that some achievements can documented in history more than half a century later. It was a touching ceremony and one which we will cherish for years. Hubby’s cousin made it all happen and will forever have a special place in our hearts.
The flowing morning, we hit the road to the Big Apple. Again, the scenery was breathtaking…
In New York City we dropped our trusty rental car that had taken us close to 2,000 faultless kilometers and walked back to our hotel, which was a stone’s through from Times Square. Here, I will let some photos do the talking.
We spent 3 days in New York City where we dined and shopped toured and absorbed its culture and vibrance. We did the Big Bus Tour and got to learn some of the history of the city, the landmarks and what makes New Yorkers a different breed altogether. It was quite an eye opener.
We left the US with a very different opinion, from what we expected. It may have something to do with the fact that our entire trip proceeded flawlessly and we were blessed to share a special moment with family. I also think that detailed preparation goes a long way in ensuring that you enjoy and value the time spent in a foreign land.
Oh, and the fridge magnets!
See you soon in Hong Kong!