Aug 29 2010

Europe 1983

Paris, June 24 – Aug 8

Montpellier (Occitan: Montpelhi


Aug 29 2010

Europe 1982


With my less than ideal travel document DI, I was lucky to secure my first visa to United Kingdom, that launched my travels, to Europe and later to Japan, and then US.

The visa was issued on July 8, 1982 (use by Oct 8, 1982). I rushed to the visa office as soon as I received the letter. However, the paperwork seemed slower than the snail mail, the window clerk said apologetically that I would have to come back later, “give it day or two, till we get the paperwork.” ha ha ha.

Even Sri Lanka was stringent granting a visa, required tourist has US$1,000 on hand. Were they kidding or what? Their GDP Per Capita was only US$309!

Oh well.

During this trip, I visited

~ 9.23 UK, London, …
~11.20 Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome
~11.27 Athens
~ …

Upon arrival on Sept 23, the immigration officer at Gatwick granted me two months stay. I left London for Italy on Nov 20 to Milan; then took train to Venice, Florence and down to Rome for a week: Nov 20-27. The Italian visa was obtained in London, issued on 16 Nov 1982 (use by Nov 30, 1982).

Then I went to Athens for two days (Nov 27 and 28) and took the Thai airline home. The plane stopped by Bankok, dropped off and picked up few passengers. When we finally landed in Hong Kong, it was nearing mid night. The airport was deserrted but there were plenty police. As if they were expecting a drug bust.

Most people were in shorts and t-shirts, except me, in a winter coat because I wasn’t feeling well.
So, the custom officers picked on me.
They searched my small carry on luggage thoroughly – I always travel light. One agent played nice cop and other bad. They looked at the heels of my shoes, poked my napkins .. then decided to send me to a room.
I was kind of sleepy and clueless.
I waited in the cold room for a while, a female agent came in and asked me to jump over a small chair (?).
That was some memorable conclusion of a trip.

 


Aug 14 2010

London

The 2010 Europe trip


Aug 12 2010

The Fashion Avenue

7th Avenue in Manhattan (New York City) is also called the Fashion Avenue. Those four mannequins ladies stood silently on the 7th Avenue between 41st ad 42nd Street at the Times Square.

Times Sq at 7th Avenue. Fiber One Promotion.

The block of 39th Street between 7th and 8th Avenue is full of fabric (braids and trimmings) stores. This button and needle sculpture is at corner of 39th and 7th Avenue


Aug 12 2010

Sky View Parc, Flushing

On Roosevelt Avenue by Main Street, looking toward the West. The light color new condos Sky View Parc in the distance (on College Point Blvd) have almost completed and mega stores begin operating. More here


Aug 12 2010

An old bridge

This old bridge – built in 1897 at Colonial Road by Grace Avenue in Great Neck is soon to be history.

Feb 1, 2011:

MTA LIRR Begins Environmental Review for Proposed Colonial Road Improvement Project

Extension of Existing Pocket Track Will Bring Immediate Benefits to Port Washington Branch Customers as well as Safer, Modern Bridge

the Colonial Road Bridge in 2010

Finally it opens for traffic, on about 2016.05.14

IMG_9432 IMG_9431

2016.05.25

image image image  image image image

41980


Aug 10 2010

The Blarney Stone

While travelling through the airport, please be courteous when dealing with our staff.

Our staff are trying to help you with your journey.

Any threats, verbal abuse or violence towards our staff will be taken seriously and you may be prosecuted.

I found this troubling note posted at the service counter of Aer Lingus in Dublin. My first thought was .. lord, some civilization out here. Then somewhat understood or sympathetic with passengers who might lose their cool in the heat of an argument or long travel because we just experienced one at that moment.
~
One night in the spring we were driving home, kids asked me where we were going this summer.


Aug 9 2010

Love from New York

Some sculptures line the Park Avenue from 51st Street to 54th Street
Who says New Yorkers are mean? We have plenty of love to give .. 535 Madison Avenue between Park Av and Madison Avenue


Aug 8 2010

In loving memory

.. of Grand Aunt Lily, 1914 Beijing – 2010 Silver Spring, MD.


Aug 8 2010

Little tennis in D.C.

Serena Williams scheduled to play here on 7/14 for Washington Kastles, World Team Tennis, in the heart of Washington D.C., Parking Lot H St. NW opposite 10th St. NW, but didn’t due to her foot injury.

Near by Chinatown


Left: Grand Hyatt, H Street and 11th Street NW; Right: H Street and 8th St NW