US Trip, Day 30: Richmond, VA at a glance

I’m here in Richmond, VA for about a month now and I have not had the opportunity to explore the city yet. Since I am flying out of the US soon, a friend decided to tour us around even for half a day.

We went to Maymont Park. We explored the grounds for two hours. The park boasts of different attractions such as the Nature Center, Aviary, grey Fox, Bobcat, Elk and Sika Deer, Raptor Valley, Children’s Farm, Eagle, Black Bear, Japanese Garden, Grotto, Waterfall, Italian Garden, Mausoleum, Garden Hall, Carriage House, Herb Garden, Stone Barn and the Maymont Mansion.

The place is humungous and soo green. There were lots of trees and greeneries. I love the place so much.  I told my mom and friend that we had our share of exercise for the day with all the walking that we’ve done.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

After that we went to Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. We only had 30 minutes to tour the place because it will close by 5PM. But I’m glad that we were able to see all the artifacts there.

We then passed by Cary Street, also known as Cary town for all the shops and stores along this long road. And then we went to Juleps, a restaurant which specializes on New Southern cuisine. I had parmesan crusted salmon with risotto. Yummy!

It was good that the sun came out today; it has been raining for the days. It was a perfect day!

US Trip, Day 29: Hibachi Dinner

Hibachi, Richmond VA, Sept 30, 2010

We went to downtown Richmond to have dinner at a restaurant called Osaka. My brother-in-law wanted us to try Hibachi.

According to Wikipedia, Hibachi is a traditional heating device. It consists of a round, cylindrical or a box-shaped open-topped container, made from or lined with a heatproof material and designed to hold burning charcoal. However, it North America, the term “hibachi” is used to refer to a small cooking stove heated by charcoal (actually called shichirin in Japanese), or to an iron hot plate (teppan) used in Teppanyaki restaurants. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibachi)

We ordered chicken and shrimps; scallops and shrimps, lobster tail and filet mignon. The cook was very talented and very entertaining. We went home really, really full.  There goes the reason for my extra pounds!

US Trip, Day 28: Rainy days always make me down

It has been raining for the past couple of days. It made the already cold temperature even colder.  Rainy days always make me down. I hope that on Saturday, the weather’s going to be sunny. I do not want to fly out on Saturday with such weather condition.

I hope and pray that Saturday’s going to be sunny!

US Trip, Day 26-27: Packing and TV overload

image from independenttraveler.com

Five more days and I’m heading back home. I started packing my luggage yesterday morning. I remember a friend who told me that packing stuff especially when travelling can be really stressful. It really is true. I had to re-arrange things and transfer several items from one bag to another to avoid having overweight bags. Furthermore, I had to leave some stuff which my mom would bring home after two months. Oh well, that’s life. One can’t really have it all, eh?

Today, I’m on TV overload again. I guess, I’m just compensating because I know when I get back. I’d be swimming or rather, drowning in work. So, I will watch all shows until my eyes hurt.

US Trip, Day 25: Reading and TV Marathon again

Funny.

I now have time to do things that I did not have the chance to do. More reading and more TV marathon! I swear, it seems that they never run out programs to show. It only means one thing. That I really did miss a lot.

US Trip, Day 24: The Outlet Stores Experience

Outlet Stores, Williamsburg, VA, Sept 25, 2010

We went to Williamsburg, VA where the outlet stores are located. We arrived after lunch and we walked from one store to another. It was really a huge area where all leading brands have a store where the merchandize are shown. I had fun looking at the items from the different stores but It was also tiring walking from one store to another. There were 70 stores in that area! Well, my sister bought me one pair of Lucky Brand jeans. It was on sale.  So, it’s worth it. LOL.

US Trip, Day 22-23: Miscellany

For the past two days, I’ve been doing different things. Shopping, TV marathon and of course, reading. We shopped for some stuff needed in the house and some of the stuff that I will be bringing home in the Philippines. Furthermore, I have watched countless of episodes of CSI (Vegas, New York and Miami), Law and Order (Special Victims Unit and Criminal Intent), and NCIS. And to add: Criminal Minds! I just love this team.  Moreover, I was introduced to some programs dealing with the paranormal, such as Ghost Hunters, Destination Truth, and Paranormal Kids. I find these shows really interesting.

When I’m not busy watching the television, I’d be reading. I started reading, “I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced.” The plot has similarities with “A Thousand and Splendid Suns” which dwells about girls being forced to marry at  an early age. However, Nujood’s story is way different from the heroines in the latter book. I will be writing my thoughts about the book when I finish it.

US Trip, Day 20: Laundry!

image from clipartguide.com

Ten days in Connecticut mean ten days load of clothes to wash. I hate washing clothes, honestly. That’s one task that I really dread and hate. But I got to enjoy it here in the US. Why? Because of the washing machine and the dryer! Don’t get me wrong. We do have a washing machine and dryer back home in the Philippines but we kind of schedule when to use it because of the ever growing high rates of electricity. But here, it’s so much easier. However, it will be back to reality when I come home. Oh well, that’s life!

US Trip, Day 19: Heading back to Virginia

We left North Haven, CT at around 9:30 in the morning and we estimated that we would reach Virginia before 5 in the afternoon. I braced myself for the 7-hour drive because it can be really boring and exhausting as well. Ok, I don’t drive, it was my brother-in-law behind the wheel but sitting for a long time can really be tiring too!

I took photos while we were travelling and some of them, I posted here but most of the photos are, again, posted in my FB account.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

US Trip, Day 6-8: Wedding Preparations and TV Marathon

wedding magazines, Sept 8, 2010, VA

The past three days (Tuesday-Thursday) were spent in between preparing things for my sister’s wedding and having TV marathon. There were tons of things to attend to and my sister asked me to check the guest list and the preferred dish/food of each guest. My mom also altered the gown that I’m going to wear because my sister bought it based on the measurements I sent to her through email. I only had the chance to fit the gown when I arrived here. It was good thing though that I lost some weight and the dress was a little loose on me. After a few stitches, the dress fits me like a glove. Thanks to my ever-talented mom!

wedding stuff, Sept 8, 2010, VA

It’s not all work. I had the chance to catch up on the shows which I have not been able to watch back in the Philippines. I really had a hectic schedule there that I didn’t have the time to sit down and watch my favorite shows. Here, I was able to watch some episodes of : CSI (Vegas, NY and Miami), NCIS, Law and Order. I realized that I missed a lot.

pew bows to be ironed, Sept 8, 2010, VA

We are going to Connecticut tomorrow, Friday because the wedding ceremony is to be held at Hartford, Connecticut on the 18^th.