My Baby -G

I've been busy the last week doing post US trip tasks and it's only now I was able to update this blog. What a way to refresh the content of my blog than to post my 3rd baby's first picture here. Based on the ultrasound, she is 8 weeks and 2 days old last April 16 and I can't believe how she has grown, I don't know if you can picture it but you can see there's already a crown and there's already a form. The doctor said that she's healthy and the heartbeat is strong and steady. I'm so excited. I hope and pray that she is already a baby girl, the reason why the title of this entry is Baby-G. hehehe...I'm sure she's going to be another joy in our family.

I'm back to my homeland

I will not forget the highlights of my US trip and so at the same time I'm reminiscing now, I'm listing them down here:

1. My First Texas Giant rollercoaster ride
2. The NBA Mavericks vs. Lakers game
3. Niagara Falls
4. The cold weather and warm people of Deposit, New York
5. The many attractions of New York City
6. lastly, my almost CNN interview at the airport for the victims of American Airlines's flight cancellations...

I'm glad to be back home, with my kids and family. Kahit magulo, madumi, mainit, iba pa rin ang Plipinas....

The streets of San Francisco

I've only got 4-6 hours to explore San Francisco bacause of that cancelled flight, so I was able to see the streets of San Francisco in a flash. It was a busy and sunny afternoon, the weather is great. I had the opportunity to see the Golden Gate, explored Financial District, see the Fisherman's Wharf, the crookedest street and the Alcatraz from afar. I didnt get the chance to ride the Cable car but I have taken a picture of it. We also had a chance to take pictures at a museum with a blown glass structure (awesome!)

Wall Street, Brooklyn Bridge

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

I realized that this country is so nationalistic, patriotic and it is evident in the manner they show off, preserve and protect their nation's symbols. I now wonder how many flags can be seen along Ayala Avenue because it is not as many as what I've seen here. OH maybe during Independence Day celebration, but here I think it's all year-round and the flags as too big or too many you can't miss them.

Statue of Liberty was a gift from France. Bartholdi, the creator, with the help of Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower planned and executed the existence of this great monument. After September 11 incident, the US government made extra effort to protect Liberty, their symbol of freedom. I remember one description from the museum inside the statue - "a door to new hope, welcoming those who are ready to accept new challenges". I was amazed how Liberty came to being. The museum explained how it was planned, gave the details of each material used and how it was built. I just suddenly became interested with history. Anyway, we enjoy the photo shoot with Liberty, we were jumping and laughing hard to capture Liberty's moment. Ellis Island was also interedting but since I know I don't have ancestors who may have been one of the first immigrants who passed through Ellis Island, we skipped the tour.








Inside the Liberty Monument - The Face

A day at the Museum, Central Park, Chinatown, WTC, City Hall

Have you seen the movie "Night at the Museum" starring Ben Stiller? We went to American Museum of Natural History in 79th street where this movie was taken and I was amazed how the museum looked like. It was like I'm also starring in the movie. The first thing that you will see is the lobby with the 3 big skeleton of Dinosaurs (T-rex, Brontosaurus and another one). Aloysius would have loved to see this because this is what he is looking for when they went to a museum in Manila. The diorama of mammals were lifelike. When you look at the animals, it seems that they are looking back at you too (ready to attack you hahaha, wild imagination). I learned so much about the animals and the different places the humans came from. Too bad we only had 1 hour to explore the whole place so we didnt get to see the oceanarium and the dinosaurs in the upper floors.

What struck me is what I read in the four tablets of citations by Theodore Roosevelt, Regarding NATURE = "THE NATION BEHAVES WELL IF IT TREATS THE NATURAL RESOURCES AS ASSETS WHICH IT MUST TURN OVER TO THE NEXT GENERATION INCREASED AND NOT IMPAIRED IN VALUE."

"CONSERVATION MEANS DEVELOPMENT AS MUCH AS IT DOES PROTECTION."

On MANHOOD = "A MAN’S USEFULNESS DEPENDS UPON HIS LIVING UP TO HIS IDEALS IN SO FAR AS HE CAN."

"IT IS HARD TO FAIL, BUT IT IS WORSE NEVER TO HAVE TRIED TO SUCCEED."

For the Youth ="BE PRACTICAL AS WELL AS GENEROUS IN YOUR IDEALS. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE STARS, BUT REMEMBER TO KEEP YOUR FEET ON THE GROUND.

and for the Nation (the US) = "A GREAT DEMOCRACY HAS GOT TO BE PROGRESSIVE OR IT WILL SOON CEASE TO BE GREAT OR A DEMOCRACY. "

"IF I MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE I CHOOSE RIGHTEOUSNESS."

Words like these are double-edged sword, the first part is true to our country. It just hurts, well the truth is.

Going to the museum, we had explored a part of the Central Park and we had many photo ops there. Then, I finally got a chance to taste the great american hotdog sold along the streets, hehehe, I was able to eat 2.

After the Museum, we headed to Chinatown for the authenthic Chinese meal. We bought Siopao and Siomai in Mei Lah Wah (in tagalog, parang me laway) and then went to Wonton Garden for a hot Beef Stew noodle and Rice meals. Our dessert was Chinese Ice Cream sarap!. We were so cold by the time we reach the subway going to Brooklyn Bridge. We just had taken pictures by the City hall and decided to return tomorrow for the Brooklyn bridge adventure.

While on our way to Subway, we stopped at the World Trade Center Site where some construction is being done. A new World Trade Center is being started. Seeing the pictures of the aftermath and the names of all victims send shivers down my spine.

Finally, we were home by 10:00 pm. Had a chance to talk to the kids on the phone.

Rockefeller Center, 5th Ave, Times Square, Empire State, Madison Square Garden, Grand Central

Today is a busy day. We visited New York's top tourist attractions by foot (and subway hahaha) Indeed, New York is a bustling city. I can't believe that I'm actually here, realizing one of my dreams (well, working here is also one of them). I like to watch all kinds of people walking past, the busy streets, lights and buildings. When we were on the Observatory deck of Empire State Building, it was awesome. I'm amazed how this city looks like from above. I also loved the Time Square experience. We were surrounded by buildings with electronic billboards and lights and colors all over. Galing! We had late lunch at Olive Garden in the middle of this. What struck me is an almost naked cowboy with his guitar in the middle of the Times Square. Imagine, it was only 40 degrees fahrenheit and this man with only his brief on walking around. Faye and I couldn't help but have a picture taken, hahaha. I also remember the uniqueness of the Apple store (Mac) where it was all clear glass all over. Final stop for the day was at Grand Central station where most of the hollywood movies had a scene i.e. X-men, the Wild.

New York City..here I come!

After 3 and a half hours drive from Binghamton to New York City, I finally arrived and met Lito, Irvin and Faye. Thanks to Haishui and wife for driving me to NYC and treating me to a hearty authentic Chinese meal at Flushing. I'm so happy to finally meet my husband, kulang na lang yung mga kids and complete na ang family. I get to rest for the day but later in the afternoon, we went to the shopping areas in Queens. I got to ride the Subway for the first time. The transpo system here is really that effective although medyo old na siya. I'm so excited to see the city tomorrow.

Breathtaking Niagara Falls!

Today is a special day because this is the Niagara Falls Day. It was a long drive from where we came from and it's been raining since last night so expect colder weather. I'm glad I brought my winter clothes with me. We arrived at Niagara town at 1:00 pm and took a late lunch at an Italian restaurant. As usual, I didn't get to finish my meal because the servings are big and I get full immediately. Anyway, the long wait is over and finally we were at the New York State American Falls Park (this is the US side of the Niagara Falls) and we were speechless at the sight of the raging waters. The place is awesome, I've always dreamt of going to this place each time I see the old Tarzan tv show where Tarzan would shout at the top of this falls and I can't believe my dream is happening. What's amazing still is that, the place is misty and there is snow everywhere. Too bad, bacause of the mist we cannot see the whole Horseshoe Falls. There were only a few tourists around the area and I'm glad I wore my raincoat because the mist makes you wet especially when we went down the mountain and see the falls from below (Cave of the Wind Tour). This is where the thick snow is very visible and looks like ice cream from afar. I enjoyed all the sceneries here. If it weren't for the cold weather, I want to stay here forever. Once more, I get to appreciate one of God's greatest creations. Here are some of the breathtaking views of the Great Niagara Falls.

Oh little town of Deposit, NY

For the week that had passed, I enjoyed coming to and from Deposit going to Binghamton. I love the scenery from all sides of the car. The mountains and abundant trees covering them is not a usual sight. The horizon is just great. It's like browsing postcards. Deposit is a small town from the Delaware county. It's 160 miles off New York City. The people are so warm and the place is quaint. Today, we went to the Chestnut Inn by the Oquaga Lake where we were supposed to check in but unfortunately was still closed by the time we arrived. On our way, as soon as I caught a glimpse of the lake, I immediately fell in love with the place. We had pictures taken all over the place and I'm sure you will agree with me that this is a lovely place. Hopefully, by the time we get back for the audit in June, we can stay here.

Where I am now =>Binghamton, New York

Here's the history I found on the internet of the place where I am in now... Binghamton is a city that is located at the confluence of two rivers, the Susquehanna and the Chenango River. The city called Binghamton as is known today dates back to the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War. William Bingham, a wealthy Philadelphian, obtained land at the confluence of these two rivers.

The intial economic boon for the city was the cigar industry, which took off in Binghamton in the 1870's. Binghamton became the second largest cigar-manufacturer in the United States. It was at this time that many immigrants started to pour into the city. The population reached it's height in the 1950's. Prior to that time other industries had begun to evolve in the area, most noteable, the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Corporation. There are still many artifacts around the area indicating the large presence of this company in Binghamton's history.

In 1924, the company known as IBM, International Business Machines, was created in nearby Endicott and it became the area's largest employer until the 1990's.

Today, the area is known for it's ethnic diversity, and an ambience that is both small-town and large-city at the same time. Much of the architecture of the city has been maintained and restored over the years and the city therefore has a feel of history while at the same time being a city that is very much moving forward.

But this is just the place where we are staying, our company's office is in another place. I'll post pictures in next blog entry.