Shop till we drop!!

Nice cosy place where we spent the night. I think it was Best Western Inn.
Nice car that we rented. What brand issit??

See...dio summon @ Washington! Can't show my complain prowess in foreign land

Dont believe your man when they say they wont shop and that they have nothing to buy! From this trip I've learnt that no one can resist the great bargains at outlets!!! We shopped @ Leesburg till 2pm. It was pretty much a ghost town that's why we got out of the place that quickly la! Tax over there is 5%. Drove back to Philly and along the way, we stayed @ Days inn. Together with breakfast, it cost us onli $55!!! the cheapest and best so far!! Had an extremely relaxing night. Drank two bottles of Sprite and watched bimbotic show -- americal Modelton! hahaa...it was realli bitchy and next morning when we woke up, it was still showing .. it's a MODELTOn duh!.....

Drove back and had KFC again. This time the utility wasn't as high. Went shampoo shopping. ...call me sua ku but they had Redken, Biolage n other main salon brands on the shelves of a supermarket! I mean such brands you probably can get them from your hairdressers at a premium! I bought myself two big bottles of Tresseme. very nice smell but Very heavy too! haha. Neil cooked CLam chowder and the very oily but extremely delicious Clam Linguni. Watched Sex in the city and went ot bed early coz we had to wake up at 4am the next morning.

In a blink of an eye, it was 4am and we had a huge breakfast of Scrapples. It's somewhat like luncheon meat. Neil drove us to the airport @ 5am and when we arrived we realised that the flight was delayed! 1145am was the take off!! oh my God! what are we to do!! the place isn't as bustling as Changi Airport. There practically nothing except a restauarant and a newsstand! BORING. we slept and finally boarded the plane @12noon. but it was only at 1pm that the plane departed! They said there's some technical fault and they had to bring in their technician from LA to repair! What a thing to say when we were in the plane!! ANyway, the weather was getting stormy over in LA. California was snowing!!! the Storm centre was moving rapidly and my heart was racing when i heard about it. Fortunately, God was watching over us and we arrived safely at LAX once again. We waited for quite a while for our luggage, booked a car and headed off towards the coastline. Had a magnificent feast of white wine mussels, little neck clam and clam chowder by Redondo Beach. Crashed for the night at a nearby inn. Slept for 10 hours that night!!! before sleeping, we saw this really hilarious HBO production -- How to lick pussy! Hahahaha...can u believe it?

Lunch with Mr President @ The Whitehouse?

Most of the buildings are typically the same style as the one above.
hmm...wonder if President George Bush is free for lunch today?
Unfortunately, he's busy having some meetings with Hilary Clinton & Obama. Who's gonna win?
Dont' be deceived by the rays filtering through the clouds! The wind chill factor was tremendous
See how happy my baby is with his dinner @ Best Western?

It's new yr's day. White fluffy clouds were waltzing across the azure-blue sky. Well, not very azure actually, coz it was snowing. Visibility was reduced. We went to Denny's for a big breakfast. Drove allt he way to outlet (Exit 42) -- Waterloo Outlet. Had fantastic buys from vanity Fair. $6 for a gorgeous nightie! Boy, is my baby in for a good one tonight! Had pizza for dinner. n Beer to complete the meel of coz. Nittny was in for a treat --- he had the crust!

Next morning, we drove to Washington. Headed off at 11am. tok us approximately 2.5hrs. Saw KFC along the way n had a sudden craving. It was De.li.cious! Felt a little adventurous and decided to turn into one of the streets. Nothing much and headed off. Parked at 21st St H and walked to the Whitehouse which was on 1600 Penn Avenue. It was a ghost town n FREAKING WINDY! Cold was an understatment. After seeing some monuments and capitol building, we cheong back to our parking spot, only to discover a US$25 SUMMON! Wah lau! in singapore dio summon liao, go US still dio! n we were only 10 mins late! It was a boring little place thus we drove round the famous monument which was fetured in Forest Gump -- the one with the lake? remember? where Forest was giving a speech and Jenny started running towards him in the waters? Yup, that was the place. Saw the Pentagon, can't go in due to tight security. There were several art museums with wannabes. We wanted to be one too, but had to pay money so we gave it a miss. Drove towards Dulles Airport and stayed @ Best Western @ lesburg. Needless to say, i was getting ready for tomorrow's shopping trip at the Lesburg outlet! =) Dinner was settled in the room. We packed Nathan's from Lesburg and ate to our heart's delight. SHIOK!

Happy 2007!!!!! WEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Welcome to Niagara Falls (We had dinner @ Hard Rock that night n officially became Rockers for life!)
SNOW!!! I saw snow the next morning when I woke up! It was amazing!
Rainbow @ Maiden of Mist (I think that's what it's called la)

My Shy Baby

Behind the Falls. Niagara Has eroded several metres over the years. Several people died too coz they were engaged in the silly Barrel Challenge which involves sitting themselves in a wooden container and splashing down with the falls. Crazy people!

From The Ferris Wheel

ROCK ON!! but we dont know who the hell was singingThe Fireworks were beautiful. *SOB SOB*

ok, let's not get too excited first. I'll get to the highlight in a while. it's the eve. We were on Canada's side of the falls. GOSH! Freaking expensive la!! at least 30% more ex than on American side! 4 cups of coffee and one plain water together with a slice of cheesecake cost US$30! I kid u not! that excludes tips! We arrived at around 10am and toured behind the falls. Had soup and burger for lunch, walked around, sat on the Ferris Wheel and was about done by 2pm. Shit. it's a long way before the fireworkz at night. Walked to the casino and killed time at Denny's. It was very cold there. Fireworks was deem to start at 9pm and 12pm. There was also a concert to celebrate 2007. We finally survived and after dinner at a nice little cosy pizza place, we made our way to the Falls where the concert was held. The falls was beautifully illuminated by the lights and laser. We hung around and saw the gorgeous display of fireworks at 9pm. but wanted to tahan till midnite so that we could countdown. So off to the trusty jeep where we stashed beer! We drank and chatted till midnight and went out to join the crowd at the falls. When passing the Maid of mist, we really felt the chill (again, i think it's me again). And at the strike of midnight, I hugged my baby and whispered Happy new Year into his ears. The look in his eyes was so sincere that it made me feel so lucky and happy to be with him on this day at this place. Amidst the fireworks, I shed a tear.

What date issit today?

Bye Bye Washington Bridge
Sands motel-- Our "suite" @ Niagara Falls

Time flies. Memories fade. Well, u can say that again coz me and sweetie totally forgotten what date issit. It's normal when u are having such fun for such a long time and totally put your work aside. Well anyway, in case u are just as lost as us, it's the 29th of December. It's gonna be the end of 2007 (n yes, it's already 2008 n yet i'm updating 2007 events! Janice, u gotto move on gal)

Anyway, nothing much happened today. We went to WB outlet again. Shopping is becoming a bore when your money is running out. Amex even sms my honey to tell him that his limit is almost up! OOPS! well serves him right....he bought a TAG HEUER 2000 series. I wanted my monaco too..but it was too ex la. That night, we ate @ Applebee with Jiazhou n Esther. Was pretty sad that we were leaving New York that day. I mean wonder, when we'll get to see them again.


Next day, we had to go back to fetch Neil. Unfortunately his 20 yr old jeep had to break down on the day we were suppose to meet @ Niagara. So off we went to fetch him. Along the way, we stayed at Hilton Inn. My dears, it's Hilton..but an inn. haha..but seriously not bad. Big, microwave, fridge(no bar sorry). Finally, we met up with the Ross family and drove up. it took us 6 hours!!!! Almost died coz we had to squeeze in the jeep n could not wind down windows for fresh air coz it was pretty cold out there. (At least I was cold. apparently I'm always cold! I'm an ANIMAL!) Once we arrived, it was evening liao, we recee on the American side and decided to go to the falls on Canada side the next day. Looking forward as tmw will be New Yr's eve!

Off to visit my friend -- Lady Liberty!

Sex Sex ...MORE SEX! been watching loads of sex in the city! ROCKZ
That's the load of food we ate at STORM

I've Conquered the statue!
Three good friends :-)

Did u know that the tiles on the ceiling and floor are exactly the same?? Symmetrical!

Blogging after a long break is seriously damaging to health! Especially if you want to cover a whole month's journey! Regret..Should have done some at Neil's place..it's taking me forever to cover this story!

Anyway, bear with me my children. Here's a history lesson number one for you:

The great statue of "Liberty Enlightening the World" that stands in upper New York Bay on Liberty Island (Bedloe's Island until 1956), a national monument since 1924 and one of the most cherished landmarks in the modern world, was created by the French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi in France, transported in 1885 in parts on the French navy frigate Isère to the United States, and finally reassembled on Bedloe's island in time for dedication ceremonies that took place on October 28, 1886. The dedication day was proclaimed a national holiday, and President Grover Cleveland presided over ceremonies attended by about 1,000,000 people. (The actual presentation of the statue to the United States took place two years earlier in 1884, however.) Bartholdi's statue of a woman clad in flowing robes, with an uplifted arm, holding a torch (or flambeau) was constructed of 300 hammered copper sheets, originally stood 151 feet high and weighed 225 tons. It was based on the sculptor's own nine-foot model of a French seal. The purpose of the statue was to commemorate the enduring friendship between the people of France and the United States, as well as the centenary of U.S. independence (1776) and France's own revolution (17989) . Although the statue was first conceived by Bartholdi in 1871, its conception followed a proposal by Edouard de Laboulaye, a French Statesman, made at a dinner party in France in 1857 for the joint Franco-American endeavor.

The costs of constructing the statue and its pedestal were originally estimated at about $584,000, a quarter of a million of which was to be borne by the people of France with the remainder forthcoming from American sources.

WAKE UP WAKE UP!!! Are u yawning already? haha.. ok la, i shan't bore u. But the queue to that place was amazing. Fortunately we had our tix bought over the net, but we still had to join the q to board the boat. It took us a bloody 2 hours lor! There was nothing much except the statue. Afterwhich we went to Ellis Island. Had to take a short boat ride AGAIN.

here's history lesson number two: (have u put on the toothpicks on your eyelids?)

From 1892 to 1954, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through the portal of Ellis Island, a small island in New York Harbor. Ellis Island is located in the upper bay just off the New Jersey coast, within the shadow of the Statue of Liberty. Through the years, this gateway to the new world was enlarged from its original 3.3 acres to 27.5 acres by landfill supposedly obtained from the ballast of ships, excess earth from the construction of the New York City subway system and elsewhere. From 1794 to 1890 (pre-immigration station period), Ellis Island played a mostly uneventful but still important military role in United States history. When the British occupied New York City during the duration of the Revolutionary War, its large and powerful naval fleet was able to sail unimpeded directly into New York Harbor. Therefore, it was deemed critical by the United States Government that a series of coastal fortifications in New York Harbor be constructed just prior to the War of 1812. After much legal haggling over ownership of the island, the Federal government purchased Ellis Island from New York State in 1808. Ellis Island was approved as a site for fortifications and on it was constructed a parapet for three tiers of circular guns, making the island part of the new harbor defense system that included Castle Clinton at the Battery, Castle Williams on Governor's Island, Fort Wood on Bedloe's Island and two earthworks forts at the entrance to New York Harbor at the Verrazano Narrows. The fort at Ellis Island was named Fort Gibson in honor of a brave officer killed during the War of 1812

I must say Ellis was rather interesting. If you're an American, you can find out who your ancestors were through some software. As we took the cruise back to shore, we were astounded to see how long the q was. At 4pm it was still pouring with people! Anyway, I decided to be Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and instead of Rodeo Drive, we went 5th Ave! Come all the way to New York of coz must go 5th Ave rite? The crowd was amazing! So many people walking. It was a jungle. We met Esther and had dinner at STORM. Yum! Finally real food! Calamari, Mussles (That was fantastic), wings, chips with spinach....n of coz loads of Booze! Rubbing our stomachs, we drove out and stayed at a bar motel outside New York. Terrible condition! we didn't dare bathe that night. And the bed was utterly flat i could feel the springs. needless to say, Sex was out that night!haha

NEW YORK CITY here we come!

New York City.. Crossing the Washington Bridge

yes, the empire state building is closed for reno. But it doesnt matter. U have to pay to go up!
Firemen are a big thing. There were like 2 to 3 fire engines along the read with whole lot of hoo ha but no fire!!
Time Square. Ten years ago, my baby was here with his frens counting down to the New year. Now he's with me. :-)

Departed for New york City at 730am. Yawn yawn. packed some of our barang and hopped on that 20 yr old jeep. was nice of Neil to lend us his trusty jeep. Arrived at destination at 10am. Stopped and had BK along the way. Met up with Jiazhou and wanted to go Ellis Island but there was a super long q. Walked to 5th avenue, wall street, Rockerfella, Bryan Park, central Park, Madison, Time Square, all within that day. We covered it all in one day so what was there to do the next?haha. Ate Chinese food that night. hey..not bad ok. opened by Taiwanese. had chicken, duck, brinjal, bubble tea and fried rice. Went out of New york city to look for place to stay. got a little lot and coz it was raining, we stopped at Marriot. Gosh i love the place!

next day 27/12, wanted to go Liberty but Chou was sick. Thus we headed to Woodbury instead. THere was a jam @ Washington bridge, as usual. left @ 1130am o go to new york but reached at 2pm!!! Had dunkin donuts for breakfast and headed for shopping. by the way, donuts were damn sweet!Bought loads of things. there are over 200 stores at Woodbury. Dinner was seafood udon. it was nice. but ex. USD$10. Searched n stayed at ulu hotel along Route 17 @ Chester. Real dark but not bad a place...with even a microwave, fridge, bathtub n a king size bed. (ie. holidayInn Express)

Christmas day! 25 December 2007

Shopping @ Limerick. With your usual Nike, Adidas, Coach, Charlotte Russe (my fav) etc etc
Nitney wondering who is the new kid on the block (Marryann's Xmas present from Neil..isn't that sweet)
Big Bird!
Honey relaxing at the backyard with a beer. Dont we all wish everyday can be like that?
Just look at the amount of sugar put on the table! how not to put on weight?

25/12: We slept till almost 10am that day. Work up and the Ross family were already up and preparing food. I thought they were busy making breakfast. But alas! it was xmas dinner which they were actually making. They skipped breakfast and i wondered why. Later i realised why. It was the feast they were waiting for! It's somewhat like our chinese new year reunion dinner. It was to be held at Mary's sis's (Patty's) place. which was only next door. It was pretty amazing, we had the traditional turkey with stuffings and ham and loads of sweet desserts like cheesecake. "dinner" started at 2pm and we ate n ate n ate till 4 or 5pm. hung around and watched tv whilst they played Jeopardy (simpson's style). Halfway, i had a running nose n din feel too good. Perhaps it was sinus acting up, but i feel feverish and had to go take a nap. Slept all the way till 9pm!

24/12: All this talk about food and I've actually forgotten to update u about my shopping!! Gosh. So sorry! How could I. BAcktrack: on the eve of Xmas, we went SHOPPING @ Limerick. Bought shoes and lovely dresses at Charlotte russe. Really love their stuff. N bought myself a beautiful kate spade handbag. checked out King of Prussia but it's a place for the rich. It's the same as the outlets, only no discounts!Hahah Hubby bought a tee at Limerick for USD3.99!! Happy like toad! That night, we went to the supermarket and bought some chicken breast and had a BBQ. It was realli shiok to do it in winter. n it's simple too! somehow it tasted better than in Singapore!