New York City -- Day 2

Isn't it amazing how time flies?  It's Christmas one minute and the next thing you know it's a whole new year once again.

I'm not quite done with my travel posts, but I'm trying to do my best to blog about them as much as I can because they're so long overdue...  Anyway, this is about my second day in New York where I spent the whole day out trying to see the city on a bus.  Now I like bus tours because you get to see most of the skyscrapers and other attractions the city is famous for from the outside, so even if you aren't able to go inside a particular store or building while you're on the tour bus, at least you'd know it's there and can walk back or hop off to check it out some other time.

New York City -- Day 1

Two days after we got back from St. Louis, my sister took me to the airport where I had to fly alone because my sister did not have enough days of annual leave...  However, I wanted to go to NYC so badly that I decided to go on my own.  I met up with a friend from college who lives there and stayed with her for a couple of days.

St. Louis -- Cathedral Basilica & Gateway Arch

The next day was a Sunday so we attended mass at the lovely Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis.  I was impressed by how it looked from the outside as it had that sort of medieval look, what with the arches and somewhat pointy towers.

The inside looked stunning as well, the art that were painted on the ceilings were very detailed and colourful.  The church was well lit and huge.  This cathedral is worth visiting because you can get the feeling that you're in Europe.  And maybe it's just me, but I tend to think of European cathedrals or churches in general whenever I see or go to one.  Of course the ones in Macau aren't as detailed in terms of the art and sculptures as the one below, but it still gives me that vibe, considering that it was once a Portuguese colony.

Our agenda for that day was to check out of the hotel, shop for food at Trader Joe's and visit the famous monument of Missouri which is known as the Gateway Arch.  Missouri is a wonderful city by the way, what with all their tall buildings and stuff.  I'm not sure if they can be compared to those skyscrapers in New York, but nonetheless, it's a great city!  I would definitely live there if I get the chance to do so.

We were only able to take pictures from the outside, due to the fact that there was a really long queue to go up and see the whole city from the arch.  I didn't think it mattered though because I know I'll be able to come back if ever my sister decides to move there. :)  I knew both my sister and aunt wanted to get back home asap since they had to work the next day and we didn't want to be on the road after sunset.

I definitely enjoyed my sister's company and I was a bit saddened by the fact that this was our last road trip for this year because I had to go back to Macau in two weeks (I'm back in Macau now, btw, in case any of you are wondering... I haven't really been in the mood to blog about my travels when I got back, until recently...so I'm trying my best to do them now).

Anyway, I do hope you like the pictures taken by my sister and yours truly.  Have a great week ahead everyone and hopefully someday, you can Meet me in St. Louis. :)

 

Wisconsin -- Cheese Factory/The Art Museum/The Wedding

The weather in Madison wasn't very promising.  It would've been nice if it was only chilly, but noooo it had to rain!  And I believe everyone knows that the cold + the rain won't please anyone.  However, I really can't complain though because I like cold weather!  I love wearing sweaters and jumpers and long sleeved clothing in general.  And I got to do all that in September so hoooraaay!!  If I were in Macau then, I'd be complaining about the heat.

Anyway, I'd say I'm pretty lucky to have a sister who is not one who would like her time to be wasted which is why we got to do a bunch of stuff before her friend's wedding (which was the main purpose of this whole trip).  I would just like to let you know that this blog post will probably be the longest among any of my other posts since I am reluctant to separate them. :P

Our first stop was the Cedar Grove Cheese where we got to see their little factory and got a tour out of it.  Basically, the tour enabled people to read what was on their walls including its history, how they're made and so on, so forth.  I honestly do not remember what was written on those walls because I was too mesmerized by the people behind the glass and pretty much intrigued by how they make the cheese... not to mention, I was also only interested in tasting/buying/eating the cheese.  We ended up buying some of their cheese curds which are to die for!  They were really, really good and those are what I would recommend you to get if ever you're in town or if ever you get the chance to visit them.  You can munch on them while watching a movie and it just makes a really good snack.  It also makes that squeaky sound as you chew on them which totally reminds me of the mice in cartoons. :)

We also passed by the store where we could get some sausages because my sister said they were good.  I think I've only had a few bites and they were alright, but I probably wouldn't come back for more... not unless I crave for them.

Wisconsin -- The Long drive

The weekend after Eureka Springs was followed by our trip to Madison in Wisconsin.  The drive there was just oh-so-long, it can't even be compared to our previous road trips.  We had to wake up really early just so we can be right on schedule.  That didn't happen, of course.  That's what people get for planning ahead... so lesson learnt, don't plan ahead!  Just kidding! :)

We left home at around 3:50 am and during those few hours before the break of dawn, I fell asleep even though I wanted to keep my sister company.  However, to stay awake the entire trip was just impossible.  I'm actually amazed at how my sister managed to stay awake during the entire trip... not that she was given a choice.  I honestly thought that my sister would be switching with our aunt at some point, but they didn't so she had to drive all the way there with a couple of stops.

We had to stop at a bunch of gas stations to get something to eat and drink and use the bathroom.  It's not easy being on the road for a couple of hours, let alone being on the road for 12-13 hours.  The only things I could do was take photos, listen to music, take naps, read my book and of course chat with my sister about stuff while our aunt was asleep because we had a bunch of stuff to talk about.  :)

Eureka Springs -- Activities

I was pretty much psyched about meeting my friends (as I've mentioned a million times in my previous post) so I researched about what we could do or see there.  My family and I have been to Eureka Springs, but it was more than a decade ago so I could only imagine what it looked like or what has become of it.  I do, however, remember seeing the Passion Play which apparently is still being shown now.  Seeing the statues made me remember our old pictures and I thank God for bringing me back there and making me learn to appreciate it more now that I'm a lot older than when I was there before.

After searching for things we'd be able to do there on Trip Advisor, I realized that there were a bunch of stuff in store for us.  They had shopping areas, food stalls, restaurants and a whole lot of activities.

The first thing that Shannon asked me when she called early that morning when I was headed there to meet them was whether I was down for Ziplining.  And of course, if everyone was going to do it, why shouldn't I?  So there I was in the car actually thinking about how things would turn out and to be honest, I was hesitant after I've said yes.  It was an abrupt decision, but hey it definitely was an adventure!

Ziplining

This was definitely a first for me and something I'd definitely do again when I get the chance sometime in the future.  I had no idea what to expect and what I'd feel.  I was having second thoughts about actually doing it before we put on our gears and stuff.  My siblings had just passed by the ziplining thingy when I received a message from them asking me to calm down because they told me that I looked really worried.  I was, truth be told very nervous and worried at that time.  When our guides drove us to the first point, I just had to be the last one to go.  I had to count to three before I let my feet dangle in the air.  It was definitely an amazing feeling!  I felt that rush of adrenaline in my veins!  Hahaha

I believe we got to do some sightseeing for a while as well while we were high up in the air.  The view was simply breathtaking.  We weren't allowed to take our phones of course, unless our guides were with us so I was only able to capture the moment with my bare eyes.  It's a moment I'll never ever forget.  The trees were so pretty and the sky above was incredible.  It truly is an adventure to remember and I'm so glad I got to do it with my awesome friends! :)  It was worth a hundred bucks by the way for those who would like to know the price and it was once again worth the money!  You definitely won't regret it, I swear! :)

After that tiring activity, we grabbed a bite at a local bistro in town and went back to our cabin where the others took a nap.  I didn't really want to take a nap so I went out with Steph when she said she'd go and look around at the shops in town.  I'm so happy I went with her because we got to capture some really nice moments like the ones below.

Sorry for the photo overload, but I believe these photos are worth sharing and I'm trying to make up for the lack of posts and for being so far behind.  This was just the first day and we were able to do so much!  Stay tuned for my next post which I'm hoping I'll be able to do asap when work is no longer in the way. :)

Have a great week ahead loves!