TravelStream™ news feed for member pelooyen on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/pelooyen en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:16:13 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1248316760/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1248316760/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1248316760/tpod.html Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:16:13 -0400 Pauls Great USA Adventure

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Leesburg, Virginia, United States

ho hum - I am now at the business end of my trip. In two days I will fly out, to return home.

Last week I stayed with Chris and Naomi. Naomi's is an Aussie who I went to uni with. Her middle son is our godson. HAd a great time hanging out with them and the boys. Also went to the Marine Corps Museum with them - the highlight being able to see the actual flag that flew over Iwo Jima (think of Rosenthaal's very famous photo of its raising). What was especially cool was seeing a Iwo Jima war veteran, who was acting as a tour guide. He brought an unique perspective on the photos of the famous landing on that island

This week I have stayed with friends in Loudoun County, where we used to live in our time here from 01 - 04.
It has been great catching up with many friends, ranging from old students to church friends. Every night I have had a different dinner date, so I am being well fed. During the day, I have done a little shopping, but I have also enjoyed dropping in on people unannounced - cool seeing their surprise and pleasure seeing me again.
One funny little highlight was dropping in on a coffee shop where I always bought my beans when I lived here. Same guy worked there and he remembered me!

Although in some ways it is a little tiring catching up with so many people in such a short period of time, it has been great to hear what people have been up to. I especially enjoy listening and see if there are things I can learn from their stories. Things such as -
- get out and enjoy ife
- the importance of witnessing
- how to raise my kids in better ways
- the importance of generosity of time

Lastly, I also had a chance to drive around the countryside where I lived. Loudoun County is really a beautiful county, and I miss the scenery as well as the people.

So now my travels draw to a close, and so will my blog updates.
I will publicly thank my wife Erica for letting me go. I have had such a great time. It will be hard to go back to work the day after I return, but alas, I must.

Hope you all enjoyed my blog

cheerio
Paul


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1247769911/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1247769911/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1247769911/tpod.html Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:58:22 -0400 Pauls Great USA Adventure

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Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States

Meetings, meetings, meetings. Now Barack want me to drop by, so off I go to DC!!

Tuesday
10.00am - After a slow start, I drive into town. (It's a slow start because Naomi wants me to walk the dog before I leave. What ensues is a half an hour chasing the dog around the house trying to get his lead on). Takes me only 30mins to drive in, but since the White House carpark is full I am forced to drive around to find a carpark. Eventually I find one near the Smithsonian. At least I get valet parking. I will need to walk a bit today, but that's ok. Considering the calories I have consumed over the last few weeks, the walk will do me good.

11.45am - I arrive at the Mall. Before I get far, I am approached by someone who needs directions. "The Metro entrance is over there ma'am". I am such a local!
I am early for my meeting (Barack is still on his way to the office) so I walk West, stopping first at the Washington Monument, continue to the WWII Memorial, past the Reflecting Pool and then to the Lincoln Memorial. This is the first time at the WWII Memorial. Quite fascinated by the design. It is highly symbolic. Reflecting Pool is nice for history's sake, but bemoan the water's murkiness and green pallor. No doubt the multitude of ducks and geese have added to the water's quality. Lincoln Memorial is a highlight. Bit of a Lincoln buff and take some time to soak in the atmosphere. Stand at the spot where Martin Luther King Jr gave his "I have a Dream" speech.

1.05pm - I see Barack arrive in his helicopter and so start walking over to the White House. Lots of tourists around. Do my good deed for the day by helping some take photos of themselves with the White House in the background.
Get to the White House gates but they wont let me in. Apparently Barack is busy. "Come back tomorrow", they say. Oh well, might as well look around more.

3.00pm - Make my way through the Holocaust Museum. Sobering stuff. The highlight (if you can call it that) is the room full of shoes - thousands and thousands of them. Walking through one of the rail cars is also quite 'interesting', for want of a better word. Would be quite suffocating to have 100s pressed into these cars. In fact, many jews did die that way. Most harrowing of all was the footage made by the Russian, British, and American liberators when they first entered the many camps.

5.30pm - Make my way home planning to come in again tomorrow. Hopefully Barack doesn't stand me up this time

Wednesday
10.00am - Having learnt from yesterday's experience I successfully catch the dog in a short space of time. Also learnt the other lesson of knowing where a good carpark is and so I am in town earlier.
10.30am - 'Barack is unavailable today'. Darn. Stood me up again. Oh well, do some sightseeing. First stop, the Capitol. Grand building. Ponder what it would have been like if flight 93 was successful in taking out this building on 9/11. It would have had a clear run. Of all the targets that day, this one is the most poignant. World Trade Center - Commerce and Capitalism. Pentagon - Military. Capitol - Democracy. Glad the terrorists did not succeed here, in the midst of the tragedy that day.
11.30am - In the American Indian Museum. Not that interesting, but I do eat a sandwich with buffalo meat. Funny - tastes just like beef.

12.00pm - Air and Space Museum. Determine to take as many photos of me posing in front of famous rocketry stuff to put up in my classroom (We study that stuff in class).
Do so for V1 rocket, V2 rocket, Saturn 5 booster, Apollo Command capsule, model of first weather satellite. Cool stuff.

1.30pm - Head to the Art Museum. Not a big fan of art museums, but do enjoy seeing a Rembrandt self portrait and a van Gogh self portrait.

3.00pm - To American History Museum. See the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland (my she had small feet). See the top hat Lincoln was wearing on the day of his assassination, Seinfeld's puffy shirt, and much more. See photos.

A relaxed day today (Thursday)- some shopping, errands etc. Tomorrow I help out with Naomi's Vacation Bible school. Saturday its the Marine Museum and picnic with the extended family, and then off to the final stage of my visit - Leesburg, where we lived, and catch up time with many local friends.

Till then
cheerio
Paul


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1247452952/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1247452952/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1247452952/tpod.html Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:13:05 -0400 Pauls Great USA Adventure

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Clarksville, Maryland, United States

Hello again.
I am now over half way of my adventure, which is a bit of a shame since I enjoying myself so much. Though I suspect Erica is looking forward to the day of my return, as well as the kids. I do admit, I miss them and look forward to seeing them.

The last 5 days I have spent with Scott and Lisa Berg. Scott and I go back since university days. He met Lisa at the college we lived at, married her promptly and returned with her to her native USA. Although they have lived in a variety of places they now have settled near Baltimore and have two kids. He spends a lot of his time traveling for work, as part of his role as funds manager for TRowPrice, but has been good for me to co-ordinate my visit so that he is home.

It was fantastic catching up with him and his family, going out on day trips, playing cards, backgammon (which was a regular event in college days) and generally hanging out, playing with their kids.

One thing that will leave a lasting impression on me, is their generosity. At no point did I need to pay for anything when going out. To top this off, he let me drive around in his sport car ( a real treat) and he has lent me another car for the remaining time in the USA, whilst they are in London. It is refreshing to see someone, who is quite well off financially, quite free to share all they have, and humble about it all.

I left their place this morning and am currently spending the time with some friends from our USA time 5 years ago, in Richmond VA. Tomorrow, I head up north again, and will be staying with Chris and Naomi Iber. Naomi is another good friend from college days. She too married an American, and they have three boys. In a funny twist, when I met Erica, she was working at the same school as Naomi, and befriended her, independent from me. In another funny twist, Naomi, Lisa and Erica were all pregnant with our first child at the same time.

Anyways, off to bed. Stay tuned for more soon

Paul


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1246973310/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1246973310/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1246973310/tpod.html Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:44:04 -0400 Pauls Great USA Adventure

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New York City, New York, United States

My time with Ed and Ginny are almost over, leaving today. This is sad as they are such great friends and reality is, Erica and I consider them as family.
The last few days have been jam packed, with a 2 day party for July 4 and another day in NYC. Here is a summary...
( I have only a sample of the pictures I took. To see more, go to http://gallery.me.com/pelooyen and see all the photos.)

On July 3, Ed and Ginny's kids and their spouses (and kids) started arriving throughout the day, and then young couples from church came as well - all for a pool party with lots and lots of hot wings. YUM YUM. In case you don't know, hot wings, or Buffalo Wings, are spicy chicken wings served with Blue cheese dressing. The boys made a variant of the ones I make in Australia, and I take note - I will be making it their way from now on.
Weather was gorgeous, so the pool was well used. I also learned a new game called Ladderball. Great game for parties. We also played a great board game called Settlers of Catan. Ed and Ginny taught it to me only days before, and we were playing it till 1am, though by that time I wasn't playing that well.

On July 4 (Independence Day) , the day started lazily. The family were still here and it was just cool to relax with them all over breakfast. I do really feel part of the family. Later in the day Ed's sisters and his mom and dad arrived as well and the partying continued, culminating with a local fireworks display.

July 5 - the family were still here, so a lazy start to the day with some swimming, but by mid afternoon, everyone had left. I then planned my day 2 of my NY venture....but not before one last game of Settlers, which I WON!!

July 6
6.00am - Ed and I leave for NYC, driving into Staten Is, to catch the ferry. Am surprised that the ferry is free and with $7 parking all day at the terminal, this has got to be the cheapest way to get into downtown. Whereas last Wednesday was all midtown, today is all lower Manhattan.

9.00am - Arrive at the Ferry terminal near Battery Park. Ed has to go to work and so I am left to my own devices. First stop, the famous Bull on Broadway. Take a picture from front and rear (err...decide not to publish the rear photo in case I might offend the sensitive but if you want to see, go to the gallery and see the 'ballsy' one.)

10.00am On Wall St. as tempted to buy on the Stock Exchange but concerned that my actions may cause a market shake-up and so I decide to 'bide my time'. Then took a train to Brooklyn.

11.30am - Sitting under the Brooklyn Bridge on the Brooklyn side. The view is PHENOMENAL. I have always wanted to be here and now I am here. I just sit and soak up the view, as well as take lots of artsy photos. I am amused and fascinated by a orthodox jewish school excursion who are taking the kids to see the bridge for the first time. Definitely a NYC experience (see photos in gallery). I walk up to the bridge and walk across. A fantastic experience.

12.30pm - Having walked across the bridge, I am now at the City Hall district and sitting on the Supreme Court steps, eating a NY hotdog. These are the same steps you see on Law and Order, practically every episode. I look around for Jack McCoy but do not find him. Guess he doesn't need my legal advice.

1.30pm - Do some more walking, further north, and into Chinatown. Also go by the World Trade Center site as well as the St Pauls church which surprisingly remained unscathed during the attack since it is right next door. This is the oldest continually used building in NYC and the last building from the colonial era. The church served as a resting place for all the volunteers after the attack.

3.00pm - Getting quite tired by now. Exploring Battery Park, much of which was made by landfill from the WTC when it was built in the late 60's early 70's. It also contained the mangled sphere sculpture which was in WTC plaza. A poignant symbol now of the attack. Photo in the gallery.

5.00pm - Head over to South St Seaport which used to be where many ships docked, but has been redeveloped into a tourist place. I meet Ed there but we decide to not eat dinner there - too touristy. Instead we go to Stone St which is just off Wall St where there is a street full of local restaurants with seating outside. It is where all the locals go and so it is a very NYC experience.

8.00pm We head home, catching the ferry and drive, arriving home at 11.45pm. A long day.

I enjoyed lower Manhattan much more than Midtown. Although Midtown has a lot of attractions, it is also very touristy. Lower Manhattan, with its narrow streets and older skyscrapers (Woolworths building was the first skyscraper in Manhattan) has a much more intimate feel about it. The streets follow the same route as those laid out in the 1600's.

In a few hours I leave and go to Scott and Lisa's. They are also great friends. I know Scott from uni days, having lived with him at Macquarie University. He married and lovely American girl and so moved to the US. So off to Baltimore I go...
Stay tuned for more.....




]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1246368416/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1246368416/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1246368416/tpod.html Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:07:32 -0400 Pauls Great USA Adventure

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New York City, New York, United States

SO I decided to see the sites for NYC for a day. Well, had to be up early to catch the 6:30 train to get into Penn Station by 8.15am
So here is an account of my walking tour (and some cycling) of midtown and uptown NYC.

6.30am - just got on to the train that goes to Boston but stops in NYC. Good timing since I was initially booked for the 7.00 train. So I am on my way to New York. It's going to be a full day. Not much to see along the ride. Mainly industrial and suburban.

8.15am - I arrived at Penn Station. Very busy. I notice how many people walk around with their ears glued to their cell (mob) phones. Sure, I have seen it in Sydney, but NYers take it to new levels.
I walk up past Times Square, and head to the Rockefeller Centre where the NBC Today show is taped. I always roll my eyes when I see coverage of people trying to get on TV behind the weather presenter. "Such 'try-hards' to get on to TV", I always think of myself. But then you get caught up in the spirit of of the moment. I wave furiously, feeling annoyed at the person in front holding a stupid placard right in front of my face. Doesn't she know she is blocking my dream of being recognised and thus becoming the next new face for Vervace. I get a small glimpse into the camera - surely the phone calls will come in soon. (See the photos as proof)

9.15am - I walk up to the Rockefeller Center after bypassing the NBC tour, and decide to have brunch in front of the fountain. Nice view, NICE brunch. I finally spend the $2 bill that I had since leaving America 5 yrs ago, by leaving it as part of a tip to the waitress. She likes that, especially after I tell her the story behind the note. I then head down to Times Square.

11.05am - Would you believe I am sitting in an fold-out chair the middle of Times Square (on Broadway) Pretty cool. Nice view. I also visit the M'N store - three evels devoted to those lovely chocolates. Only in NY I think.

12.10pm - Having visited Grand Central (aka Untouchables), I am now waiting for the UN tour. I am actually no longer in the States at the moment. Apparently the land is owned by all the 192 nations represented at the UN. Feet are a bit tired though. I sit in the general assembly, right behind the seat where the Holy See sits (Palestine is right next to it) These seats are the only non-voting seats in the UN. I am flabbergasted by the fact they don't have one for me. Surely they should know of my superior negotiation skills. I leave the UN in disgust and plan to discuss this with my prime minister.

1.00pm - Now that's more like it, walking down 5th Ave to do some shopping - Tiffany's, Vervace, Bulgari, Gucci and Cartier - err..... window shopping that is. That hand bag worth $1500 is nice but it just doesn't suit me. As I walk, I see about 30 police cars, sirens going down the street. "Are the movies correct...", I think to myself, "when a robbery takes place?" I suspect not as they were obviously not in a hurry. Even local NYers don't know what is going on.

2.00pm - Now here is a store for me - Apple - I walk in and boy is it crowded. I DO buy something: a new set of earphones. Stupid me, I accidentally leave my old pair on the train in the morning. Good excuse as any to say I bought on 5th Ave!

3.00pm - I take the subway (for the first time) to 125th St - Harlem - and walk to the Apollo Theater, where the Jacksons, and many others, started their careers. What a stark contrast from 5th Ave! A lot poorer and I see 2-3 whites along my journey (one of which is me when I look in the reflection of the window). It's not only an socio-economic shift, but a cultural one. The way African-Americans dress is unique. Due to the death of Michael Jackson, I do not get 3m anywhere without being 'encouraged' to buy some sort of MJ memorabilia - t-shirts, CDs, pictures, hats etc. I swear half of the African-Americans I see are wearing some sort of MJ gear. I get to the Theater, where people are writing messages on plastic sheeting that stretched for 20m. I then head for the subway to head to the south end of Central Park.

5.30pm - I hire a bike for an hour and ride through Central Park. Despite it being so busy in NYC, I cannot get over at how peaceful it is in the park. There are LOTS of joggers, some who run faster than I can ride! A visit to NY must have a visit to Central Park to recoup. Despite my feet aching from walking, the ride invigorates me, even though I haven't ridden a bike in ages.

6.30pm - I head down to Times Square and have a burger for dinner (not the best choice since it was obviously reheated) I see a protest (for something political) Lots of police. As soon as I stop to look, a 'nice young officer' asked me to move along. Obviously worried that I could draw crowds myself! I decide to humour him and move on.

8.00pm - Get on the train to head back to Wilmington. NOW I am really tired.


I plane to go back and and explore lower Manhattan on Monday, and do something I have wanted to do for a long time - walk the Brooklyn Bridge.

Friday and Saturday will also be great days - party time for the Schlossers for July 4. Great food, but best of all, great company!!

Stay tuned for more



]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1246277617/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1246277617/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/pelooyen/1/1246277617/tpod.html Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:29:30 -0400 Pauls Great USA Adventure

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Stirrup Farms, Delaware, United States

I have finally arrived and in many respects there is a sense of familiarity. Having lived here for three years (this last week was the 5th anniversary of me leaving), there are parts of me that feels at home.
The first reminder that I was back in the US was when asking for a coffee. I asked for a medium (not too big) and a double shot latté (I like it strong). I got a cup that doubles for a wading pool with a coffee concentration OF a wading pool. Good thing I bought my stovetop!!
The second thing was the toilet (sensitive American don't like that word - always use 'bathroom')
It IS a wading pool! The water level is high enough to supply water to a drought stricken nation, but the flush is cool (whirlpool) and there is less chance of leaving behind streaks - if you dont mind the occasional splash. BTW - public toilets have sensors that automise the flush: if you are ever here, don't adjust yourself too much during ........., otherwise you will get an instant rinse.
Next sign - turn on the TV.
There are 100's of channels, though I swear most of them are either
a) talkshow/news
b) reruns of old cancelled shows
c) infomercials
In regards to infomercials, you get most anything that obviously 'you cannot do without', Needless to say, any of the beauty creams advertised make claims that are so ridiculous that the science is akin to the alchemists of the Middle Ages - and yet the public must lap it up, as it still sells.
Which brings me to a serious reflection - with America founded on strong Christians convictions, and an attitude of confidence and 'can do', one can be forgiven to think that Americans have a superiority complex. However, the ads betray a deep seated inferiority complex if their message is true. It is very enticing when you watch them to believe them, as they pander to our human need for significance and acceptance. Yet, this can only be truly found in the God of 'America's forefathers'.
Don't get me wrong - I am not saying that all Americans have this inferiority complex - its actually a human issue and we all suffer from it to various degrees. But I cannot help reflecting on the fact that if we were all a little more secure of ourselves (which I believe is best fulfilled by a relationship with Christ) then advertisers would have much less grip on us.

And so what are my plans for the next week..
I am here with Ed and Ginny - our VERY dear friends who are really family and I will hanging out with them. It is summer here and so there will be times where we will just sit by the pool. We will see some sites (NYC is on the cards for 2 days), and we will have what will in essence be a two day party for July 4 - with BBQ, Buffalo Wings, pool, volleyball, fireworks, and lots of family and friends. I am looking forward to it.
Comment if you like and stay tuned for more
cheers
Paul
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