Update: It's confirmed!

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.

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!

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

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.

...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

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.

Thurs - to an perfect day!

(First - I have to apologize again for the delay, the wireless internet was down last night and I couldn't get the access to connect to my little laptop but here we are, catching up again)

Today was the best day I have ever imagined, after I got out of the shower, I noticed something weird, out of the window, it seemed fogged, so I went to investigate and it turns out it was SNOWING OUTSIDE!!!!!

Yes, thats right you heard me, it was snowing in NEW YORK CITY! New York City! It is so much flurries all over, snow on the car tops, but it melts when it lands to the ground but it was beautiful to see, and then I got a text from my friend, who is at his hotel on the other side of Manhattan, he saw it was snowing too. It was an amazing start of the day! So we both went to a nearby diner for breakfast, where I had ham and cheese omelette (sp) with hash brown and crossiant, it was very good but not good for the value of it. So once again, we moved on to catch the subway to the very famous hotel of New York - The PLAZA HOTEL - which movie was the hotel filmed in?

Take a guess for a second or two...


.....


...No?...


...Yes?

...Give up?

Damn, I'll tell you the movie was HOME ALONE 2, the movie was filmed all in New York City - it is so huge and very fancy, I went inside and I was amazed to see how fancy it was, and I see handful of rich people, the hotel owns expensive cars to transit their guests.. wow. Oh, I gotta mention, when I was on the way there, I was out of the subway RIGHT next to the southeast side of CENTRAL PARK, and all I saw and my jaw dropped. What did I see? SNOW all over Central park! it was so white and very beautiful,I cant describe it, so photos will be shown in the next blog very soon.

After leaving from the plaza, I took some photos, of course then we went just across the road to the apple direct store, and everything that apple sells products are all over the basement and I bought a cover case for my iPhone that actually charges my phone itself when in an emergency when the battery is at the brink of death. It was a reasonable price, my friend bought it too, and used it, and it is very good product! Also Purchased a universal stand for the iphone, which is for my office desk which is good as well.

Then we both went for a brief walk in the Central Park, the path is kinda wet and icy, but the views around the city is awesome, photos has been taken obviously, my friend takes the good ones, he has a good canon professional camera while my nikon compact one takes a normal one, I should take the Nikon one but it is broken and needs attention repairs. :/

Anyway, we went back to the subway due to the weather change, we went back to the hotel room, the weather change was beautiful blue skies and sunny, so we decided to use the day to visit the Empire State Building, which was well worth the visit, the view on the 86th street was AMAZING, view all around, I see lower Manhattan, where the World Trade Center once stood, and Brooklyn Bridge (will visit there tomorrow - depends on the weather) i saw everything from people to thousands of yellow taxi cars

It was good, so we went back down, on the way down, we stopped at the store and purchased few items, good items, obviously. Then we headed to the Railway train museum in Brookyln - it was 30 minutes to closing time, and we were let in free of charge, and it was cool, to see all these old trains to current - changes over time since the subway was built, the museum was built in one of these old subway which was closed down - the subway system was built in the early 1900's and these other things how the railway works with the people of New York. It was awesome

Then we went back to Times Sqaure where I texted my mother in Australia to find me on the earthcam website, which she and my family found me there with my friend, Craig - also my friend Andy who was at the office of the time, took some screenshots of it. It was good, and then went back to my hotel - we have been all over NYC in one day, and the feet are so sore, i must mention on the top of my hotel roof, 14th floor, and there is amazing view you can enjoy, which we did at night - amazing end of the day.

Pictures coming up in the next blog.

why, hello... New York!

I have travelled more than 20,000 miles to arrive in the famous city in the world.... New York City, and it is one of every persons dream and mine has been accomplished ...finally.

I caught the train with my friend Craig from Florida, at 7.25am, (woke up at 5am) (thanks to Greg for dropping me off!) the train ride was apparently pleasurable and it only took 3 hours, quicker than I thought due to me and my friend chatting throughout and using the web on the move. We went through few states on the way to Boston, we got off at New York Penn Station - where I have arrived in the middle of Manhattan!

WOW - it is so tall, and there are so many cabs, so many people, so many buildings, EVERYWHERE and it is like a concrete jungle out there, a little messy though but I didn't care cause I wanted to visit New York City! Me and my friend went to haul a cab to my hotel, my friend paid it all - it was crazy, my friend said that YOU have to be AGGRESSIVE to drive around the city, that's the New York Culture. Pretty crazy, seriously.

Got the hotel, the hotel room I rented, is very nice and small but comfortable ( I must say) It is like a space hub really. Pictures will be taken later on. So we all went to the Toms Restaurant for lunch after dropping my friends stuff at his hotel.

Toms Restaurant - what's that? Take a guess.





Yes? No? Give up? Alright, I'll spill - you know the famous comedy show in the 90's - Seinfeld - Yes, thats the restaurant they used in the show. :) I just had lunch there and it is very nice and yummy but the inside of the room is different otherwise I see plenty of Seinfeld pictures, posters and photos - will be back later in the week to eat there again.

Then stopped by the bank to get some money (no problems there) then we went to the street where the restaurants near Aractica Bar and Grill is, which the alldeaf meet is hosted on saturday night, we found one and has been reserved - Andy took care of it all.

Then we went to TIMES SQAURE! OH MY GOSH - it is so massive and so many lights and televisions, billboards whatever - it is there! Photos has been taken, alright. I saw the ball which is displayed which is used for the new years eve, a massive light ball. awesome! Bought a black scarf for $7, it was a bit cold but I am warm enough :)

Then we head to Staten Island Ferry which is free, round trip where we saw the Statue of Liberty and whats better? The time was just right, the sunset was so beautiful, many pictures has been taken - and I saw the statue of Liberty! AWESOME. It was so good. Then we went back to the city, met up with Andy (Jiro) at Rector Station which we walked past where the WTC was - a lot of changes has been made there. I saw the fireman memoir which has been built, it is very cool but sad (lest we forget) then we all went to little italy which we had dinner there - it was very nice. He paid it all, I was about to pay but he insisted he cover it all.

Then I was dropped back at the hotel (thanks Andy!) and chilled for a bit on the little laptop but unfortunately the internet is pretty slow since the internet is used a LOT - MANY people are USING IT. Damn people!

Anyway, hope a visit to Empire State Building would happen tomorrow :)

Last day in D.C

(Apologies for the delay - the internet is faster now, slower at night, and it is 6am here)

Today was the last day in D.C, the weather was a little bit colder but fortunately, I got used to it. I was dropped at the metro and I caught the train which I got off at the Smithsonian - went for a walk towards to the A.Lincoln Memorial, it was good and looks better than last time, last time was partly under construction - I noticed the hands as described from Gallaudet - you know the famous statue (Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet) with the dead kid, the sculpture designer was the same person (Daniel French) he was the one who built the A.Lincoln statue and used the hands for A and L in American Sign Language - they have a theory that they did that because A.Lincoln is very supportive of the Deaf University in D.C - very good history there.


Took many photos - (will be on Facebook though) and then walked through the Korean Memorial, it looks a little different, need to compare the difference to the one I visited back in '99 - then walked back to where the museums are - passing the Washington monument, headed for the Air and Space Museum, purchased few items then went to the food court, had pizza and coke for lunch, sat there for a little while ...thinking.

Then went for a walk towards 12th street, had a pit stop at Starbucks which I got my usual white chocolate mocha then went to the metro center, it was an easy find since I have the map book which is good, went to catch the glemount red line to galladuet and went to the bison store again and bought a hoodie jumper, so comfortable and VERY soft and few postcards (gotta send one of them today!)

Then chilled around at gally for a bit which I met up my friend there for 30 minutes due to unforseenable circumstances - then went back to the metro and caught the train back home, I packed my stuff late that night and then rested for a bit and then went to bed.

Got a early start tomorrow which I am going to New York City by train

A quick message - blog delay

A quick message - the blog wont be updated tonight due that the internet is VERY VERY slow at my hotel tonight in New York City but I will update it in the morning. I apologize for the inconvenience caused

Gallaudet visit

Today was a little bit raining in the morning but cleared away - today was the day I visited Gallaudet University which is the first liberal deaf university in the world, none like others. One awesome university I have ever visited, and this is my second visit in 11 years, and everything I saw there today has hugely improved a lot.

I caught the metro to metro center from West Falls Church and then caught the line to where I was visiting the university, it turns out there is a new station about 10 minutes away which was good and it is more closer so I got off there and walked to Gallaudet university - it was a simple short walk, I didnt need to catch the cab from Union station - which saves my time!

I arrived there without a problem, found the visitors center and asked for the Office of Admission who I was supposed to meet Tim Woodford. who is a great man, his plans with my presence fell in place nicely. At 10am, I went to the campus tour for an hour, it was very good and interesting, there was some parts I certainly rememeber... the photos i have is too many and wont be able to show on the blog so you all will have to wait until I return from U.S.A where I would be able to upload ALL photos onto my facebook account (if you have access to my facebook page) after that, I went to the digitial media class to watch what it was like, it was good, and interesting then also afterwards, went back to the admissions office and had a talk with Melba Goodwin, the internaitonal consensoller - it was an interesting talk, and she gave me the application papers and such....then I went to the Marketplace where the food was there, and I met up with my australian friend's girlfriend who is based here at Gallaudet as an university student, her name is Luba D, she's from canada - she was in australia for 3-4 weeks late december and only got back about one or two weeks ago. We chatted and chatted for a bit with her friend, Lindsay also before I went to the office - I went into the Bison Store which I purchased few items and a novel book called 'I'll scream later" written by the famous deaf actress Marlee Matilin.

I went back to the admissions office and Tim took me to the internationals office and we discussed the options and how I could become a student at Gallaudet one day, there was good options but needs a lot of research though - if an acceptance letter was recieved, that is offically valid for 5 years - until funds are established. Gives me a lot of thinking and reconsiderations....!

He took me around a little bit to the newest building which was built only back in 2008 and the structure is fully deaf friendly and it is easy to get the student attention, where all windows and shields are all glass - did I mention, videophone booths are EVERYWHERE - yes, everywhere. (thank god, I have one)

then he took me around the other buildings such as the GYm, sports recreation centre where they are never been in back then, and some of them are new (yes there are new buildings here and there) the football fields too, they have laid fake grass there - look beautiful. I have checked out the dorm building as well, it is a nice place. Eventually everything is great.

Will reconsider another casual visit there tomorrow - we'll see how I go. tomorrow is the last full day in D.C before I head out to NYC which is the last MAJOR city I am visiting before I head back Home... damn, the vacation is nearing to complete.. i am not ready for work......!

Saturday: What a beautiful day!

Mike, Natalie, Me and my friend, Denis at the hockey game



View from our seats



New part of washington D.C - beautiful buildings surrounded, which I like



Air and Space Museum



Me at the washington Momument

it was a very beautiful day on saturday in Washington D.C, I started the day with pancakes, bacon and berry sauce for breakfast, the meyer family was supposed to take kids to basketball today but due to the kids injury - they are not playing today so Tanya, Greg, their daughter Allison and I went to the mall, went for a walk around checking out museums, we checked out the American history museum which was interesting, (photos not allowed) Since 9/11 the high security has been an proirty in every museum to ensure everyone's in safe hands, it was different back in 1999.

We also checked out the ice rink as well. Then we all went over to the washington Momument, which was under construction in '99 - where I finally made it there today, and it is so tall, which you could tell by the photo. Then we went to the small scultpure garden on the way to air and space museum, some old things remain there but some new additions has been sought, still interesting. WHen Tanya and Allison had to go home, Greg and I went for a walk in the nearby neighbourhood, which is a new area with beautiful buildings which are new ones - no wonder I like the american style buildings especially the american style built homes - I see it everywhere and everyone has massive houses, not one small houses in sight, like we see these days in Australia -- ohhh of course, just here and there, like my friend Denis = who I met up at the hockey game with the family lives in a nice apartment.

Me and my friend Denis along with the family went to watch the Caps vs The Phoniex team at the verion center - it was awesome game, but soo loud where all these cheering screams echoes across the staduim, where the vibration was felt.

Denis and I went to Maryland, which a party was hosted but unfortunately wasn't a good one, so we left apparently, and had dinner at a nearby diner, it was nice and then we both went home to Denis's place and watched amovie instead - which is defiance, wasn't finished - slept at 2am, and woke up late, we had early lunch at a localized mexican resturant - chipotle - it was nice.

We both went to the new museum called NEWSEUM which was established in 2007 - it was insteresting especially the 9/11 exbihit which was very sad and moving, I saw the antenna piece which is very badly damaged is displayed there - wow.


Then i was dropped to the nearby metro where i caught the metro back home to the meyer residence, i got ready and then we all family had dinner at the noll residence it was very nice and then I gave them the presents, which from the clarke family and I has gotten, they loved it.

There is plenty of photos, but they will be uploaded on facebook on my return to Australia so be patient - only 5 pictures per blog is permitted.

Tomorrow, paying a visit to the Gallaudet University - the only liberal arts deaf university in the United States of America.

Photos!

Me with fellow Vancouvers



My friend Kaelei and me



Chrissy, Kaelei and Me (Apologies for the photo)

Apologises for the delay - been out and about and haven't been near the netbook in a while but right now it is 11pm, better update or I'll be in trouble from my family and friends! Sorry please enjoy the photos from final night in Portland - more coming for Saturday in the next blog coming up.

Enjoy

Two days in one

Thursday was another day at Fuller Coffee shop for breakfast - I had french toast. I caught the light train to Washington Park, where I visited the Discovery Museum - all about the forestery. It was not too bad, then I visited the Oregon Zoo, unfortunately there was only few animals on exhibit.

I had lunch at Mcdonald's late at the time, unfortunately didnt like the taste, so I decided not to eat mcdonalds here in America - Australia's mcdonald's is better. Sorry guys!

I asked the lobby staff to haul me a cab, which they did - I was heading for Vancouver, which My friend Kaelei invited me to go and watch the ASL comedy show, I was dropped at the wrong school, which I had to wait 30 minutes for another cab, ARRGGH (I find cab service annoying!) but managed to arrive at Heritage High School - where the ASL show was hosted, and when I arrived I met up with Kaelei and went inside and to my surprise it was Keith Wann - the famous CODA comedian in the american deaf community and his funny stories are hilarous - it was good to watch the show. Even afterwards, I met Kaelei's friends and other friend of mine - Christina, eventually friends there I met were awesome and very friendly and i appericate their time to come at this time to meet and have some good time - which we all did, and we all wished that I stayed in Portland a little longer, on the other good side, I plan to come back and visit them again real soon - they are great friends. :)

I managed to stay up at my hotel until 3.30 am, while cleaning up and packing up, i was informed by another friend about my flight to PHX which unfortunately was cancelled - I called them via Video Relay Serivce on my videophone ----- was a little pissed with the unfortunate news. Sue Murray was generous enough to drive me to the airport, I was rather tired, and we arrived and asked to see whats up with my flights, fortunately, they put me on the next direct flight - free of charge, which was good 5 hour flight - I slept through mostly of the flight, and I arrived in washington D.C at 3:#0pm from 7.40am flight from Portland - (thanks sue for the help!)

My mother's friend the twins, collected me at the IAD (Washington Dulles International) and settled in at the Meyers residence. One of them said that tanya's friend with her daugther who knows ASL well came tonight - and we chatted it was nice to meet a ASL student

To be honest I was a little sad that I left Portland, I just wished I stayed there just a wee little longer but next time is definite. Photos will be up on blog tomorrow.

I am very tired after being up for more than 16 hours.

Need all the enegry after a good sleep

Good night.

Blog will be updated following tomorrow.

What a nice clean city!

Me and friends at Old Spaghetti Factory

Me, Jessica and Melissa - some of my alldeaf.com friends. :)

Dinner at Murray Residence

My hotel - Hotel Fifty on SW Morrison St, in portland downtown

Today was the first full day in America after arriving from Australia - I went to Fuller's Coffee Shop on NW 9th Ave, had Blueberry Pancakes, woah - two LARGE pancakes, and I managed to eat it all following with a large orange juice! It was only $9.25 and yes, of course I tipped in the end.

I went for a good walk around downtown, exploring what downtown is like, it is absolutely a nice clean city, Starbucks was everywhere of course. I managed to get a White Chocolate Mocha this morning before breakfast. I wanted to go and find safeway which is similar to woolworths in Australia so I can get cologne and shaver so I can shave my beard - which is now clean and tidy along with my goatee.

I rested for the afternoon due that I was tired but I managed to recover, I went and called in a cab, which took me to the Old Spaghetti Factory which is only 5 - 8 min drive from my hotel. Where I had dinner with my new deaf friends - the dinner was nice, but meeting friends was the best part - I met Melissa, Jessica, Elva, Daniel and Kaitlinh. The cab fare was only $8.50 so I paid the cab driver $10, and told him to keep the change.

After the dinner, and continuous chatting in rapid ASL - I was totally blended in and this took me by surprise that all of them are in the same age group as I! Makes me feel like home. People here included the deaf friends of mine are VERY friendly. We all went over to my hotel where we continued to chat, but unfortunately they had to go home due to one of my friend who has a 4 month old daughter but we wished we could remained a little longer but there is always another time!

Photos below - enjoy! I'll blog more tomorrow.

Ahhh...just in time!

I woke up at 5am in the morning, and my father took me to the Canberra Airport which I flew to Sydney....I had about 5 hours waiting before I could board the flight, when I arrived, I was looking for my check in gate, unfortunately I crashed into a young lady by accident, which obviously was my fault - I should have watched where I was going! (Yes, I apologized)

I left Sydney Australia at 2.40pm as expected and the flight was not too bad, I was on the window seat and mostly enjoyed the beautiful views of the sunset and the sunrise during the 14 hour long flight, astounding! Oh yes, I snapped a picture or two of them, and it is in my camera, will be uploaded later on. The meals on the flight was nice except the breakfast which was worse, only that I ate yogurt, juice and croissant!

I arrived in Los Angeles, apparently 30 minutes early - and ended up in a long queue in the customs, I thought to myself, I'd miss my domestic flight to Portland. Fortunately, I was directed to a short line and I went through the passport customs and went through with flying colors. I declared the chocolates I have in the baggage, and they didn't need me to show so I went ahead into Los Angeles... then I almost got lost at the airport, but with help of directions from TSA staff, I was back on track, went to terminal 3, and checked myself in - just in time! I was asked to pay $15 for my baggage but was given back when they realized I was from Sydney, which to my surprise fee doesn't effect me as you are from an international flight ( Thanks Sue for explaining more!)

I was tired on the flight to Portland, so I managed a shut eye and two. I finally arrived, got my bag and caught the red max line light rail to my hotel, it was easy than I thought, I got off at Morrison/southwest 3rd ave which my hotel is just short distance away, so it is only a minute's walk. Fantastic!

Checked in, my room looked quite small but extremely comfortable I must say. I got the sidekick 3 and the charger as expected by mail, from my friends (thanks Andy and Craig!)

I got many texts from my friends through the night and I was out at Sue Murray's place for dinner - Tim, Bron and kids picked me up at the hotel and we all caught the light rail to Washington Park/Oregon Zoo where Mr Murray picked up in minivan to their place.

Sue Murray - I instantly recongised her and now remember that I have met her before, it was when I was a kid. No wonder there is something wrong with my memory. Oops. Thanks to the Murray family for the dinner, appericate it! It was lovely to see my relatives while they were in Portland, they are heading out to Hawaii tomorrow before they head back to Sydney

Now, they have just dropped me home, the bed sure looked good to me. Best off to bed, got a big day tomorrow of exploring!

All set ...but not packed!

It is only 5.5 days left...and I am due to be in Sydney for the international flight on tuesday morning next week. The waiting game is ..almost over... just almost!

Everything I have prepared for the trip such as documents for flights, hotels and other reasonable documents are all in a folder ready for the trip.

I am looking forward to see my friends when I arrive in America and that is going to be the beginning of the fun vacation!

What is going to happen when I arrive, I will be in Los Angeles briefly to process through the usual customs and all - then head over to the domestic terminal to catch my domestic flight to Portland - I hope to manage it all in the end. I hope to be expected at Portland International Airport by a friend on arrival. I will be staying at Hotel Fifty in downtown Portland where I will be staying for three nights.

Then a 5.30am flight via connecting flight from phoneix to Washington D.C where I will be staying for 5 nights at my parents friend's place - will visit Gallaudet University on the 25th.

Upon the trip to New York City, will catch the Amtrak train with a friend of mine from Florida at 7.25am which I will be staying at The Pod Hotel in NYC for 5 nights.... and then back to L.A for overnight stay before I head back to Sydney.

Watch out for the next blog, cause that's when I start blogging!

Until then, folks.

Taking care of things...

Well, from tomorrow, it is only two weeks left before I head out to U.S

the news is that I was concerned how to travel properly to get myself to Sydney International Airport, apparently, I live 3 hours away - was considered to drive up but in the end, my father purchased me a return flight to Sydney (to save my hassle) as one of the christmas presents - also my parents got me $500 to top up on my spending fund, which is good. I have excanged the $600 for $511 US Bills which I did last monday.

today, I have been engaging in a discussion with a friend of mine from Florida, about the mini trip to New York City from Washington D.C which has been an issue for sometime in the past - fortunately, it has been solved today. It was the original plan that my friend were going to drive me to NYC on his way from Florida, but in the end, his two friends who volunteered to be driving partners with him has dropped out.

In the end, the solution was that he flies to D.C and catches the train with me to NYC, the tickets has been bought and we're set for the trip! We leave D.C at 7.25am which would be a 3+ hour ride. Not bad, not bad.

Other than that, the other travel documents has been organised, and printed. It is sitting on my office desk waiting to be dealt with the TSA authorities once landing in Los Angeles.

On the weekend prior to departure, I'll be packing the luggage and getting ready for the 14 hour long flight from Sydney.

Keep an eye for the next update, folks.