Germany Vs Spain... all the food and drinks are ready! Bbq party at my place to watch the match together. I am big fans of Spain since I was teenager. I hope they will win.
After 2 months of planning the summer trip, I'm very disappointed with Annie about Texas trip. If she have better excuse, I might not be that disappointed. Before I book the flight, she said it is alright and welcomed me to visit her. Last night, she told me that she couldn't make it because of her boyfriend is coming to visit her. I really don't mind to travel together but sound like she minds.
3 weeks away to the trip, all set but now I have to change the plan instead of going to Texas. Intially, I will be flying to Austin, then spend a weekend in San Antonio before flying to El Paso, then Las Vegas. Nothing I can do now. Either I will be going to Texas by myself or change the flight destination.
I was sitting in the Starbuck for 3 hours, doing nothing. It is better than stayed at home sleeping. It is more exciting if it is weekend. I bought my laptop and all the details of the my trips to make notes and summary. I do want to do it before but just never seriously sitting down and do it. I don't know if I want to change my flight destination right now since the fare is going very high. I really don't know what to do now......
That's my favourite part of the Transformer. I watched it couple of times last year. I am bored now, so I get on youtube to search for the transformers. I just can't help to laugh everytime I see what's autobots doing. It is very good movie!
28-30 Mar '08: Almost 3 months since I visited Patrick and Chicago. After get off from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, we headed to Chicago. The city in Midwest that I always wanted to go and I seen it a lot in tv. I never thought that one day I will be here. On the way to Chicago, there was a detour made us a little bit confused of the road. But Patrick figure it out somehow. I like the skyline when we drove on highway into the city. I don't know how many pictures I took... so many! Once we hit the State St., Patrick told me that State St. is the center which determine north/ south street and Madison St. determine west/ east. It is very interesting to know that. We checked in and rest a while in Fairfield Inn & Suite before we went out for a walk. I saw Historic Water Tower & Pumping Station, it was gorgeous and it is the building that survived in the great fire in more than 100 years ago. I decided not to join Patrick to meet his friend because I was tired and ready for bed.
In the early morning, I guess it is around 5am. I was sleeping and wake up by few guys from next room. I think they are drunk and using f*** words a lot, knocking the door which connected to our room. I was upset and nearly make my move to call operator for help (but I didn't do it in the end). I just covered my head with my pillow and tried to sleep again. When I wake up in the morning, I told Patrick about it. He slept soundly and didn't know what happened in the early morning. He was sleeping like a 'pig'. Hehe... After breakfast, we walked to Tribune Tower and visited McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum. It is about freedom of journalists. There was a mirror stated 'the next president'. I took the picture of myself in the mirror. It was funny that when I asked Patrick to step away so I can get only me in the mirror. He said he could be my assistant if I am the president. Of course he can. We also saw the nbc building (TV channels). I saw a red sculpture in the postcard in the tribune giftshop and asked Patrick about what and where is it. He texted his friend to ask for location. He is very helpful and after few minutes he said he will bring me there later. Wow!! I'm impressed. We moved on to Navy Pier, formerly used as a military and freight base. When I saw the trolley is free to Navy Pier. Patrick said, "No, we have to walk." Hmmm.. ok. I just seen excited when it is FREE. On the way, he pointed to the Harbor Point and asked me if I still remember that building. Yes, of course I remember. That's the only building stood on the lake shore and one of the unit belongs to Oprah Winfrey. She is my dad's favourite host. When we were at Navy Pier. I just kept asking "Is this the best spot to take the picture of the skyline?" When he showed me, it is a breathtaking of city view.
We got back to the city by the free trolley. We approached the Fort Dearborn (North Michigan Ave Bridge) and walked along the Chicago River. It is named in honor of Henry Dearborn, was a United States fort built on the Chicago Rver in 1803 by troops under Captain John Whistler. I also saw the sidewalk marker on the site of the fort. I saw everything along the Chicago River: Wrigley Building (Marina City Twin Towers (nicknamed the corncobs), SunTimes (another press company), Merchandise Mart ( huge commercial building in the world covers two blocks- give me hard time to get whole building fit into my camera screen), Trump International Hotel and Tower (under construction) and he also told me the story about the deep tunnel on Chicago River.
Next, we headed toward to Sears Tower. Before that, we went to Chicago Theater District. I guess it would be great to see it at night with all the lights on. There are several theater in Chicago. Patrick told me that he went with his family couple weeks ago (I don't remember the title). I also saw the Picasso's sculpture at Daley Center Plaza and walked pass Burham Center. One of the most popular church is St. Peter Church. It is Catholic church, so I took a moment of silence while Patrick prayed. I liked the architecture of the building; above the entrance carved Jesus on the cross. We continued our walks to Sears Tower, I decided not to went up because it needs 1 hour wait. We were hungry and Patrick suggested that we took the taxi to the special place of serving deep dish pizzas. First, we went to Pizzeria Uno but it was full. Patrick made a quick moves that we should go to Pizzeria Due, which is few blocks away, waited
for 30 minutes. While I'm waiting, I just observing what's going on on the street, people, cars, etc. I guess I asked too much about the taxis in Chicago. I never thought that there are a lot of taxi companies. I thought they would standardized the colours (like yellow cabs). Patrick said it is all the same, again and again because I asked the same question whenever I saw one and asked is that a taxi? At the waiting place, a family was waiting with us. A father was yelling at the his eldest son but the kid just not listening. He dragged and warned the boy but the boy doesn't understand. He don't care when I was looking at them. It is bad way to educate the kid and make the situation worse. I don't know if I would do the same thing to my children one day. I liked the Pizzeria Due (it was very yummy!), of course not because of the waitress keep calling me "baby". Yea, she is very friendly and helpful. She knew that this is my first time too, I think "tourist" is written on my forehead. hehe...
After lunch, we went to visit the huge red sculpture- Calder's Flamingo that I saw in the postcard. We walked through the North Bridge, passed by Macy's and Sidley (where his friend is working) to the Chicago Federal Center. Oh my gosh! It is triumphant and looked like a big monster's fingers grabbing the ground.
It is time to see the bean, the giant sculpture that I have been waiting for. We passed the popular bar/beer/dining restaurant- The Berghoff and the Art Institute of Chicago. I took couple pictures and headed to Grant Park, the Bean or known as the cloud gate is just a little further in Millennium Park. I was confused when I read about both parks. I understand after Patrick's explanation (which I used Venn diagram to conclude it all): the Bean ⊂ Millennium Park ⊂ Grant Park. At least I make use of Mathematic that I learnt after I left secondary school for 5 years now. The Bean was stunning, you can't believe that I captured every corner of the Bean, including underneath it.
We used the CTA (subway: Chicago Transit Authority) to Chinatown. I was very surprised that everything is clean and neat. I don't mean that Chinese is dirty, but mostly the chinatown that I visited is messy. We took a bit time to explore the Chinatown. Also, some people approached me for directions and recommendation for best restaurant. How do I suppose to know? I'm tourist!! Yea, it is because I'm Chinese. The funniest sign that I ever seen is the one with "Danger Men Cooking". The street name is written in Chinese too and I learnt 芝加哥 (Chicago in Chinese). I also surprised that they have 12 chinese zodiac in the park. I knew that Patrick is born in year of sheep as he is same age with my brother. We have dinner at the Penang Restaurant but I still full from the nice pizza lunch. The food was good but I would prefer the one in Bethesda. The special about this restaurant is they are almost like house kitchen. There are many people waiting for in the line. I'm sure that Americans here like the asian food a lot.
It is time to go back to downtown. We get on red line again. When we were waiting for green light to cross the street. A guy came toward us to ask for money, he tried to get some dollars and asking for time. The weather getting worse, strong wind and cold. We went to see night over Chicago River. It was breathtaking view and beautiful. I tried to get few good shots of the view. It was darker than usual because of Earth Hour. They turned off the light around 8pm, including the Historic Water Tower & Pumping Station that I visited after. We reached hotel by 9.30pm and I was amazed that we were outside today for 11 hours. He was impressed on how much I can walk.
Next day (the last day of my spring break trip), Patrick drove me around the city. It was rain showering. He dropped me off at Alder Planetrium. I saw a group of students' field trip. We drove through Soldier Field (football field), Field Museum, Navy Pier, Harbor Point, Lake Shore, Lincoln Park Zoo, De Paul University (his sister went for school), Halsted Street (gay and lesbian) and stopped by at the Wrigley's Field. It is Chicago's baseball field and there were some extra seats on top of root in the housing area outside the field. Seems like they make a good business. We also met Ernie Bank, known as Mr. Cub and Patrick was very excited to see him. I have no idea who he is. He is one of the best baseball player.
Last stop at Superdawg (hotdog) restaurant, I was surprised by the design and decoration of the buliding. It is very small restaurant with blinking light of a hotdog boy and a hotdog girl are dancing on the root (of course they are statues). They were very cute! Everyone likes to eat hotdog, the line was very long and people just keep coming. After finished the delicious hotdogs, Patrick drove me to O'hare International Airport and that's the end of my spring break trip.
Overall, I enjoyed the trip with Patrick. I would like to say Thank You so much for showing around, company and being my photographer (I asked him for taking pictures of me all the time- [I guess it is too much]). It was great see him again and glad to have him as friend.
My works are almost done, also almost end of my year here. Works are getting less and I only worked 2 hours today in the afternoon. It is Friday night, I should have go out and have some fun. But I do nothing, sitting on the floor next to the bed, watching tv. Yeah! It is the first day of summer today. I didn't realized that the time passed so fast than I could imagined. I felt like I just get off from the plane yesterday in JFK, had terrible jet lack and makes me get enough on the flight and don't wanna take any flight anymore. Last year, I arrived in second month of summer and now already first month of summer- Last month that makes me complete 1 year stay.
Suddenly, somebody IM me on the skype. I grabbed my labtop and sitting by the window. I didn't reply him, just wanna be isolated now. I opened the window, feel good about the surrounding although it is a little bit chilling... the trees, birds, the bugs- everything about the nature. I clicked on my blog and started to write. The picture attached, of course not my room's window. I wish I have that kind of room. That's the guest bedroom during my visit to Lilly's house. I guess marrying to rich man is the instant wealth. Hehe...
You can't believe what I saw just now. I saw fireflies in the bushes outside my house. At first, I thought there someone using the flash light. I stopped typing and looking out the window. Yes!! They are fireflies. I still cannot believe what I saw. A firefly was flying near to my window. Wow!! It is amazing to see it closely. It is a bit too late to grab my camera. I still remember that I saw fireflies when I was little kid at my grandma's house, then I paid for boat trip to riverside in Penang just to see the fireflies. I thought they are extinct... I feel happy everytime when I see them. I not sure why, they just make me happy!
It is over!! Through all the seasons, my favourite season is spring. This is my first time experiencing the life of 4 seasons. I made it!! The last week of spring is the best week and my favourite week among other weeks. The temperature is around 65 F to 72 F, not too warm and not too cold. I went for shopping on Sunday and to the pool in evening of weekdays. During shopping, there are a lot of things I would like to buy, but i kept remind myself not to buy too much because I have to carry them on my summer trips.
Last couple weeks, it was very hot, around 95 F. The rains on Tue and Sat nights make it cool down. Now, I looked a bit tan because of outdoor activites and pool. I guess I will be "black" when I get back home as it will be more than 40 C (more than 100 F) in Las Vegas. But still, I'm looking forward for the trip although the temperature terrified me.
It is around an hour drive from my place to Clarksville. The house is really large like a castle and I was welcomed by Jupi. Not only the house is huge, the pet is big too. Jupi is very friendly, now I think that dogs in Malaysia kind of aggressive. I was invited because of no plans in weekend and her swimming pool in her backyard just completed 2 weeks ago. Everyone was in the pool, but I only went into the pool around 6pm because it is too warm- 97 F. We were shooting each other with the water guns. It was fun!
Suddenly, there was lightning. Everyone get out from pool before the thurderstorm come. I ran upstair and shower. The thurder rainstorming pushed the chairs into the pool. It was very strong. I joined Lilly's family on the dining table and chatting. It was nice and relax. We played poker but I kept losing because I am not good in it. She has exotic pet- Leopard Gecko.
Next day, we went to Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo with Ashton. It was very hot! Almost 100 F. Oh my gosh! I not sure how can I do the west coast trip in summer. I gonna be tan and dark when I get home. After the zoo, we went to Baltimore. Lilly and Ashton went to Science Center, Sze Mei and I went to Inner Harbour. Everyone was looking at us because we walked with umbrella. Ashton also asking why we use umbrella when it is not raining. We were just laughing. I drove home in evening and it was very nice weekend!
Finally, the power came back after 30 hours. It was terrible thurderstorming yesterday. Most streets, traffic lights, stores, neighbourhood have no electricity. The trees fell and blocked the road which is on the way back to my place. The road was closed and I have to drive another route back to my house. After work, I met Amel at Cabin John Mall because don't wanna stayed at home in the dark, surprisingly there was no power too and everything is closed, except Giant Grocery Store and Baskin Robbins using the generators. Not even the street lights are working, so it was no different whether to stay at home or outside. I caught in the traffic jam because of the traffic lights is not working. By that time, I just know that big area of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia have no power. On the way back home, none of the houses have power. At the same time, I heard that there was tornado in Virginia. Huh! It was very scary.
I threw away two boxes of ice creams and we have to clean up the fridge because everything is melting. I can't cook anything, so it is bad idea to have the electric stoves (using gas is better). I can't live without electricity: no tv, no internet, no cooking, no heater, etc. Hmmm... I'm totally spoiled!!
Finally, I made up my mind. These few nights I was keep thinking about it. I turn down the contract offer from headquarter in San Francisco and turn in the flight request form today. I still cannot believe what have I done today. I was thinking to make final decision by tomorrow but I submitted earlier. Everyone here was a bit surprise with my decision. I don't feel confident of the contract job, I don't want to start all over again after 2 years from now.
I will be travelling around USA for 15 days, then will be flying back home in the begining of August. Time flies fast, day by day... I should explore Washington DC more before I left. There are many plans coming up for these 10 weeks. I want to go to New York City one last time, spend one weekend at the Virginia Beach, go to Washington Monument and visit museums in DC which are free. I also start planning for my last trip in USA, I definitely will miss people, places and 'easy and convenient' stuffs here.
