After three plus months since I returned home from America and I have been thinking a lot here and there when my next return would be, which I originally decided to hold until 2011 but come to an realizing something about my annual leave and my friends - I have decided not to hold it off until 2011, therefore, next week, I am placing an deposit for my international ticket with Delta Airlines...
This means, I am returning to america again! Yes, it will be just after Christmas - I will be staying in Portland/Vancouver for the whole two weeks, the stay there last time was very short - so I am taking the opportunity to get to know my friends more and explore more of Portland (and its origins around Portland) and Vancouver, Washington.
I will be flying out on the 29th December 2010 and will be celebrating NYE with my friends in america and will be returning back on the 14th of January 2011.
The blog of my American trip 2 will be erected later in the year.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Debrief: home at last!
Friends,
I would like to let you all and the blog readers know that I am now safe and sound at home back in Canberra, Australia (and in one piece!). The flight home was not too bad; I have experienced serve turbulence – for a short period of time, while passing Hawaii.
This is my debrief of my holidays, as you all know that it was my first solo trip, which I travelled to America by myself, not bringing anyone else along the trip, also to experience it. I have to say, it was a complete success – my overall trip was the best vacation I have ever had in my life – due to that I have planned ahead and travelled more than 25,000kms (around 20,000+ miles) to reach New York City as well, which was one of my major cities to visit during the trip, the visit to New York City was accomplished. I am glad that the whole planning and plenty of research has paid off – the value of the trip has been well worth it. As you all know I have visited 4 major cities during my trip. I will be debriefing on each in this blog. Please enjoy.
I was in America for nearly three weeks, and the first city to visit was Portland, Oregon – the city and state that I have never been in. I have to say, it is a beautiful city and landscape, I have seen Mt hood myself on the way in when my plane landed. Portland is a great place, it is recommended for anyone to visit one day if you haven’t yet to visit. I would like to say thank you to the following people who took their time to come to Portland from other town – to meet me in person and have a enjoyable night. The people are [b]damienmommy & KarissaMann05[/b] – thank you to you two lovely ladies for bringing in other friends, which was an absolutely a pleasure to have met your friends and yourselves! I hope the accidental spill on [b]damienmommy[/b] wasn’t that bad!
Here is the picture of me with the two Oregon AD’ers – Thank you for your time!
[IMG]http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx250/JClarkeAlldeaf/DSCN0526.jpg[/IMG]
I was invited to ASL Club and comedy show in Vancouver, Washington – where I met [b]~kaelei~[/b] there with her other friends, I want to say thank you for doing this, and taking out the time to make this an opportunity! I appreciate it, and I have enjoyed the time to meet the other friends of yours. The ASL Show included the famous CODA comedian, Keith Wann himself, and I couldn’t believe my eyes that I was watching the show!
The three night stay in Portland, Oregon was short but enjoyable, only to be a bit disappointed that I had to leave for Washington D.C – so I plan to come back and visit Portland/Vancouver again in the near future. Thank you again!
I would like to say thank you to [b]Chevy57[/b] for alerting me about my connecting flight to Washington D.C via phoenix, AZ due to bad weather, I discovered the flight status via VRS that the flight was cancelled, and I am deeply appreciated that a family-friend of mine, Mrs. Murray took the time to drive me back to Portland International Airport to drop me off and also assist me with the situation of my flight, fortunately, they were able to put me on a direct flight to D.C with U.S Airways free of charge. I was pleased with the solution they have addressed. Thank you, Mrs. Murray! (Thanks for the dinner as well.)
I managed to arrive in Washington D.C without a problem – I stayed with my parent’s friend’s family, the Meyer residence, for 5 nights, and I truly appreciate the family in occupying me in their household and I have enjoyed the time to catch up with the kids they have grown and also the twins too! Thank you very much for everything, the hospitality was outstanding once again.
I loved the time that I visited Gallaudet! There was so much improvement in the campus and its surroundings, it is much safer now and it is easier for me to get around, I want to say thank you to Tim Woodford for everything that has scheduled for me on the day I spent there. I’ll come back again!
I would like to say thank you to [b]authentic[/b] for his efforts and the time to meet up with me in Washington D.C and your entertainment to come and join us watching the ice hockey game, which Washington Caps won the game (7 -4) it was fantastic, also thank you for letting me stay at your place for the night – due to unforeseeable circumstances to the night partying plans which wasn’t exceeding our expectations – This is the picture of me and [b]Authentic[/b] at the newseum – which was established in 2007
I caught the Amtrak train to New York City with [b]Gangis[/b] – who I have known for three years, and he has got the honors to meet me in person for the first time, and I would like to say thank you to [b]gangis[/b] for your time to come to NYC with me from Florida and your outstanding guiding skills! Well done, man!
I look forward to meet up again in the near future – maybe again in NYC or back at your hometown of Florida! I have absolutely enjoyed the sights and the fun times with you in New York City – New York City is an awesome city that never sleeps – just like ‘New York, New York – like they named it twice’ < -- Hope it is correct sentence, no? It is everyone’s dream and mine’s which I have mentioned earlier in this debrief has been accomplished – would love to visit again.
The AD meet was the best night ever I have had and I must agree with [b]jiro[/b] which was an huge success which has exceeded my expectations as well, and I would like to say thank you to [b]Alex [/b] for letting it happen in real life, and a HUGE thank you to [b]Jiro[/b] for all the work you have done to encourage and lure all other AD’ers who have attended at the night, thank you, [b]Jiro![/b]You have out-done it yourself, outstanding!
To the people who attended
[b]
Paperclip, shel90, juli-terp-to-be, daredevel, Jiro, Gangis, Frisky Feline, oddball, Phillips, alex, chevy57 and NYC friends as well
[/b]
I would like to give a special thanks to these people above who have decided to travel abroad to NYC to attend this rare-opportunity event. THANK YOU. I appreciate it and it was AWESOME to have met you all and it was great fun. You know Phillips was the surprise guest, I thought she wouldn’t have made it, but thank you for coming! Thanks to Shel90 and her husband, Mac for the huge effort to come to NYC no matter what the weather has affected them…. Shame that DC was snowed in within your area but you guys managed to arrive to NYC without a problem! Thank you very much for coming! I had great fun despite I was drunk but.
Also, Phillips gave me an awesome gift, which is hard for me to describe in words but unfortunately, a photo won’t happen until the weekend, which I will polish it up, it will be worth the wait when you know what it is!
I would like to [b]Jiro[/b] for your time to pick me up and drive to JFK International Airport – I appreciate your time to do this for me. I owe you one. :thumb: I have arrived in L.A safely.
Lastly, Los Angeles was the last major city I have visited before I headed back to Sydney, Australia. I met up with OceanBlue7 who has taken the time and effort to guide me around since 7 in the morning, which took me a walk and a chat along Santa Monica beach which was awesome sight since I last visited there, 11 years ago – the weather there was warmer than NYC – and Hollywood Blvd as well – also thank you for dropping me off at the hotel in the afternoon. I had great fun. I look forward to the photos when oceanblue7 has it uploaded on facebook. Below is the picture of me and oceablue7 with the wax figure of President Barack Obama – from the museum which we visited in Hollywood blvd, Los Angeles.
The conclusion of the debrief and the overall of my trip was fantastic and it has exceeded my expectations and I appreciate the time and things that fells in place nicely. The people around in U.S were very deaf friendly and very friendly people as well, especially these cab drivers in NYC. My plans and everything didn’t even cause a problem at all during the whole trip and I am very pleased to know that (only got lost twice, and got back on track quicker than I expected). It was worth the money saved and spent on my vacation – I thank you all for the effort and the awesomeness during my trip!
More photos are viewed on my face book, if you have me on your list – please enjoy the rest.
I may build a web ablum for non facebookers so you can look at my photos - but it will take a while, will let you know if it is being built.
Thank you for reading my blog, my holidays has come to an end.
that's all, folks!
I would like to let you all and the blog readers know that I am now safe and sound at home back in Canberra, Australia (and in one piece!). The flight home was not too bad; I have experienced serve turbulence – for a short period of time, while passing Hawaii.
This is my debrief of my holidays, as you all know that it was my first solo trip, which I travelled to America by myself, not bringing anyone else along the trip, also to experience it. I have to say, it was a complete success – my overall trip was the best vacation I have ever had in my life – due to that I have planned ahead and travelled more than 25,000kms (around 20,000+ miles) to reach New York City as well, which was one of my major cities to visit during the trip, the visit to New York City was accomplished. I am glad that the whole planning and plenty of research has paid off – the value of the trip has been well worth it. As you all know I have visited 4 major cities during my trip. I will be debriefing on each in this blog. Please enjoy.
I was in America for nearly three weeks, and the first city to visit was Portland, Oregon – the city and state that I have never been in. I have to say, it is a beautiful city and landscape, I have seen Mt hood myself on the way in when my plane landed. Portland is a great place, it is recommended for anyone to visit one day if you haven’t yet to visit. I would like to say thank you to the following people who took their time to come to Portland from other town – to meet me in person and have a enjoyable night. The people are [b]damienmommy & KarissaMann05[/b] – thank you to you two lovely ladies for bringing in other friends, which was an absolutely a pleasure to have met your friends and yourselves! I hope the accidental spill on [b]damienmommy[/b] wasn’t that bad!
Here is the picture of me with the two Oregon AD’ers – Thank you for your time!
[IMG]http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx250/JClarkeAlldeaf/DSCN0526.jpg[/IMG]
I was invited to ASL Club and comedy show in Vancouver, Washington – where I met [b]~kaelei~[/b] there with her other friends, I want to say thank you for doing this, and taking out the time to make this an opportunity! I appreciate it, and I have enjoyed the time to meet the other friends of yours. The ASL Show included the famous CODA comedian, Keith Wann himself, and I couldn’t believe my eyes that I was watching the show!
The three night stay in Portland, Oregon was short but enjoyable, only to be a bit disappointed that I had to leave for Washington D.C – so I plan to come back and visit Portland/Vancouver again in the near future. Thank you again!
I would like to say thank you to [b]Chevy57[/b] for alerting me about my connecting flight to Washington D.C via phoenix, AZ due to bad weather, I discovered the flight status via VRS that the flight was cancelled, and I am deeply appreciated that a family-friend of mine, Mrs. Murray took the time to drive me back to Portland International Airport to drop me off and also assist me with the situation of my flight, fortunately, they were able to put me on a direct flight to D.C with U.S Airways free of charge. I was pleased with the solution they have addressed. Thank you, Mrs. Murray! (Thanks for the dinner as well.)
I managed to arrive in Washington D.C without a problem – I stayed with my parent’s friend’s family, the Meyer residence, for 5 nights, and I truly appreciate the family in occupying me in their household and I have enjoyed the time to catch up with the kids they have grown and also the twins too! Thank you very much for everything, the hospitality was outstanding once again.
I loved the time that I visited Gallaudet! There was so much improvement in the campus and its surroundings, it is much safer now and it is easier for me to get around, I want to say thank you to Tim Woodford for everything that has scheduled for me on the day I spent there. I’ll come back again!
I would like to say thank you to [b]authentic[/b] for his efforts and the time to meet up with me in Washington D.C and your entertainment to come and join us watching the ice hockey game, which Washington Caps won the game (7 -4) it was fantastic, also thank you for letting me stay at your place for the night – due to unforeseeable circumstances to the night partying plans which wasn’t exceeding our expectations – This is the picture of me and [b]Authentic[/b] at the newseum – which was established in 2007
I caught the Amtrak train to New York City with [b]Gangis[/b] – who I have known for three years, and he has got the honors to meet me in person for the first time, and I would like to say thank you to [b]gangis[/b] for your time to come to NYC with me from Florida and your outstanding guiding skills! Well done, man!
I look forward to meet up again in the near future – maybe again in NYC or back at your hometown of Florida! I have absolutely enjoyed the sights and the fun times with you in New York City – New York City is an awesome city that never sleeps – just like ‘New York, New York – like they named it twice’ < -- Hope it is correct sentence, no? It is everyone’s dream and mine’s which I have mentioned earlier in this debrief has been accomplished – would love to visit again.
The AD meet was the best night ever I have had and I must agree with [b]jiro[/b] which was an huge success which has exceeded my expectations as well, and I would like to say thank you to [b]Alex [/b] for letting it happen in real life, and a HUGE thank you to [b]Jiro[/b] for all the work you have done to encourage and lure all other AD’ers who have attended at the night, thank you, [b]Jiro![/b]You have out-done it yourself, outstanding!
To the people who attended
[b]
Paperclip, shel90, juli-terp-to-be, daredevel, Jiro, Gangis, Frisky Feline, oddball, Phillips, alex, chevy57 and NYC friends as well
[/b]
I would like to give a special thanks to these people above who have decided to travel abroad to NYC to attend this rare-opportunity event. THANK YOU. I appreciate it and it was AWESOME to have met you all and it was great fun. You know Phillips was the surprise guest, I thought she wouldn’t have made it, but thank you for coming! Thanks to Shel90 and her husband, Mac for the huge effort to come to NYC no matter what the weather has affected them…. Shame that DC was snowed in within your area but you guys managed to arrive to NYC without a problem! Thank you very much for coming! I had great fun despite I was drunk but.
Also, Phillips gave me an awesome gift, which is hard for me to describe in words but unfortunately, a photo won’t happen until the weekend, which I will polish it up, it will be worth the wait when you know what it is!
I would like to [b]Jiro[/b] for your time to pick me up and drive to JFK International Airport – I appreciate your time to do this for me. I owe you one. :thumb: I have arrived in L.A safely.
Lastly, Los Angeles was the last major city I have visited before I headed back to Sydney, Australia. I met up with OceanBlue7 who has taken the time and effort to guide me around since 7 in the morning, which took me a walk and a chat along Santa Monica beach which was awesome sight since I last visited there, 11 years ago – the weather there was warmer than NYC – and Hollywood Blvd as well – also thank you for dropping me off at the hotel in the afternoon. I had great fun. I look forward to the photos when oceanblue7 has it uploaded on facebook. Below is the picture of me and oceablue7 with the wax figure of President Barack Obama – from the museum which we visited in Hollywood blvd, Los Angeles.
The conclusion of the debrief and the overall of my trip was fantastic and it has exceeded my expectations and I appreciate the time and things that fells in place nicely. The people around in U.S were very deaf friendly and very friendly people as well, especially these cab drivers in NYC. My plans and everything didn’t even cause a problem at all during the whole trip and I am very pleased to know that (only got lost twice, and got back on track quicker than I expected). It was worth the money saved and spent on my vacation – I thank you all for the effort and the awesomeness during my trip!
More photos are viewed on my face book, if you have me on your list – please enjoy the rest.
I may build a web ablum for non facebookers so you can look at my photos - but it will take a while, will let you know if it is being built.
Thank you for reading my blog, my holidays has come to an end.
that's all, folks!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Last stop....Los Angeles.
After a relaxing day with Craig and Casey yesterday - we went to have late breakfast/lunch after a big night, the other night, it was good, we then went to the area where the bull statue was placed. Took photos, then we went to the Wall Street where the New York Exchange is currently sitting at. The weather was beautiful but chilly - we also stopped at where the WTC used to stand, it is hard to imagine how big it was back then - sad, though.
Went back to Craig's hotel where Jiro picked us up and took Craig to the John F. Kennedy International Airport - he has now gone back home to Florida. Then we all went to the museum of sex (you know the rest)- It was so-so, but some history was interesting, otherwise $15? I think not.
Then went to Chinatown - stopped at DD to get some coffee and hot Chocolate for us, then went to buy some items, Jiro did the perusading part to the people which the item I bought was $25, we managed to buy it for $22 - bwhahahahaha, the part there was Hilarious.
Then we went to Penn Station which we dropped off Casey to New Jersey trasit train, which she now is safe back home in upstate NY.
In the end of the day, Jiro and I had dinner at the nearby diner, near penn Station which is expensive but it was not too bad though then went back to the hotel, which I packed all my luggage ready for the flight back to Los Angeles today.
Today, is the last stop before I head back to Sydney, Australia.
The next blog will be my debrief of my trip, so expect a long debrief on my return.
Until then, bloggers
Went back to Craig's hotel where Jiro picked us up and took Craig to the John F. Kennedy International Airport - he has now gone back home to Florida. Then we all went to the museum of sex (you know the rest)- It was so-so, but some history was interesting, otherwise $15? I think not.
Then went to Chinatown - stopped at DD to get some coffee and hot Chocolate for us, then went to buy some items, Jiro did the perusading part to the people which the item I bought was $25, we managed to buy it for $22 - bwhahahahaha, the part there was Hilarious.
Then we went to Penn Station which we dropped off Casey to New Jersey trasit train, which she now is safe back home in upstate NY.
In the end of the day, Jiro and I had dinner at the nearby diner, near penn Station which is expensive but it was not too bad though then went back to the hotel, which I packed all my luggage ready for the flight back to Los Angeles today.
Today, is the last stop before I head back to Sydney, Australia.
The next blog will be my debrief of my trip, so expect a long debrief on my return.
Until then, bloggers
Party like there is no tomorrow .....not
Friday night, just a brief update since my friend Craig to see his mates, and I wasn't sure what to do so my friend Jiro arranged some 'Jiro Magic' and got me to go out with them for dinner with Oddball and frisky feline, it was good, we went to the Cosi restaurant on 13th Street and Broadway - it was not too bad, then we all went over to New Jersey to have some Bar and chat time. We continued until 2am, and then we dropped them off at their car, Jiro took me back to his apartment, and showed me his awesome bike - then dropped me home at 3am.
Saturday - was the sleep in again, woke up at 10am, then went to have breakfast at Morning Star Cafe again - had San Diego omelette then we all went to the rockfellar center, by train but the train was not in service so we instead called a cab there, the driver said it was only 2 blocks, and we didnt care - he drove us there then, turns out it was a free ride with a dollar tip. Whoops.
Rockfellar center is a nice place but it was a brief visit though, then we went to the soHo area, at Canal Streeet, where I bought many items there ---- I need another bag! (carry on though)
Then we went back to our hotels, rested for a while and at 6.30pm - I went to the restaurant where the Ad'ers and deaf people came (20 people roughly) it was good. Then we all went to the aractica bar and grill - I was surprised to see a unexpected guest - Phillips from AD, she wasn't meant to make it but she did with her friend. Wow. We all drank, and chatted all night. It was AWESOME but now, I am hungry and I need breakfast.
Apologies for the VERY short blog.
Saturday - was the sleep in again, woke up at 10am, then went to have breakfast at Morning Star Cafe again - had San Diego omelette then we all went to the rockfellar center, by train but the train was not in service so we instead called a cab there, the driver said it was only 2 blocks, and we didnt care - he drove us there then, turns out it was a free ride with a dollar tip. Whoops.
Rockfellar center is a nice place but it was a brief visit though, then we went to the soHo area, at Canal Streeet, where I bought many items there ---- I need another bag! (carry on though)
Then we went back to our hotels, rested for a while and at 6.30pm - I went to the restaurant where the Ad'ers and deaf people came (20 people roughly) it was good. Then we all went to the aractica bar and grill - I was surprised to see a unexpected guest - Phillips from AD, she wasn't meant to make it but she did with her friend. Wow. We all drank, and chatted all night. It was AWESOME but now, I am hungry and I need breakfast.
Apologies for the VERY short blog.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
...cooolllllllllddd.....!!
Today is Friday and it is one of the busiest days of the week in New York City. I slept in a little bit this morning - got up just little after 10am, and had breakfast at the nearby diner - Morning Star Cafe, it is amazing there and only just around the corner!
AND it is very cold!
We both went to the New Yankee Stadium, which is in the Bronx - only 20 minutes subway train ride. and the new Yankee stadium is so huge, we cant get in, have to pay $20 ticket to just to get in to have a look, so we only went to the store, and purchased few items, for myself I bought a baseball cap ($42) and it is one of the good ones! The new Yankee Stadium is right next to the old one which was built in the 1920s or 1950s not sure, but it is being demolished at the moment.
Then we went back to Manhattan, and got to walk across the oldest bridge of New York City, Brooklyn Bridge itself - it was built in the early 1880s, was opened on the 24th of May 1883, which is now, currently standing - 127 years later. but very cold, which frozen up our faces when we were just halfway so we went back, we went to the camera store which is one of the largest camera store in west Manhattan, I was reconsidered to purchase the Nikon D60 body to replace my broken one, but I changed mind and dropped it, which is around $600US, I needed the money for the next few days anyway.
So we went to west side of Midtown, where My friend's hotel resides, but then, we saw a pizza place which we got the pizza slices for lunch, it is so huge and so good, I had cheese slice and cheese & chicken slice as well, very good. Then had starbucks just around the corner, my friend was so tired so wants to have a nap so I caught the subway back to my hotel where I am resting at the moment and updating the blog, while waiting for my friend Andy to let me know the status of the dinner tonight with Him and the two ladies - Frisky Feline and Oddball from all deaf
Hope the blog will be updated as normal tomorrow night - if not, it would be delayed. Tomorrow night is the BIG night with huge number of deaf people coming together to meet and greet the fellow Australian - JClarke (that's me!) himself - gonna party like an aussie, hahahahahaha!
Until then, bloggers
AND it is very cold!
We both went to the New Yankee Stadium, which is in the Bronx - only 20 minutes subway train ride. and the new Yankee stadium is so huge, we cant get in, have to pay $20 ticket to just to get in to have a look, so we only went to the store, and purchased few items, for myself I bought a baseball cap ($42) and it is one of the good ones! The new Yankee Stadium is right next to the old one which was built in the 1920s or 1950s not sure, but it is being demolished at the moment.
Then we went back to Manhattan, and got to walk across the oldest bridge of New York City, Brooklyn Bridge itself - it was built in the early 1880s, was opened on the 24th of May 1883, which is now, currently standing - 127 years later. but very cold, which frozen up our faces when we were just halfway so we went back, we went to the camera store which is one of the largest camera store in west Manhattan, I was reconsidered to purchase the Nikon D60 body to replace my broken one, but I changed mind and dropped it, which is around $600US, I needed the money for the next few days anyway.
So we went to west side of Midtown, where My friend's hotel resides, but then, we saw a pizza place which we got the pizza slices for lunch, it is so huge and so good, I had cheese slice and cheese & chicken slice as well, very good. Then had starbucks just around the corner, my friend was so tired so wants to have a nap so I caught the subway back to my hotel where I am resting at the moment and updating the blog, while waiting for my friend Andy to let me know the status of the dinner tonight with Him and the two ladies - Frisky Feline and Oddball from all deaf
Hope the blog will be updated as normal tomorrow night - if not, it would be delayed. Tomorrow night is the BIG night with huge number of deaf people coming together to meet and greet the fellow Australian - JClarke (that's me!) himself - gonna party like an aussie, hahahahahaha!
Until then, bloggers
Pictures galore, part 2 - ENJOY!
Brooklyn Bridge
Grand Central
New Yankee Stadium
Times Sqaure
City of New York
Pictures galore, part 1 - ENJOY!
City of NYC
Snow - outside my hotel window.
Central Park, Plaza Hotel in background
Me @ Times Square
Central Park - Southeast.
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