Mai Thai Wanderings: July 2023

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a flight attendant, so I can travel to see the world. I'll never forget the first time I flew on a plane. Or the time we cruised past the Statue of Liberty at sunset one October (after Sept 11, I might add.)

Cruising by the Statue of Liberty at sunset

I went to high school in Philadelphia. During those years, I visited New York City often, as I had family in Brooklyn. All the renowned sites - the Twin Towers, the Statue of Liberty. Times Square, Rockefeller Center - beckoned. At the time, I didn't dare to ride the subway to the city, so I requested my uncle to show me around. His famous response was "What's the rush? These places will always be around." Now we know that's not always true.

Did you know that the original World Trade Center, a complex of seven buildings, was designed by Japanese-American Minoru Yamasaki? At the time, the Twin Towers were the tallest buildings in the world. An iconic symbol to Americans and foreigners, it was a must-stop attraction for most of our non-stateside friends and family. I'm glad to have taken them to see the Twin Towers over the years.

Can you see the barely visible twin towers in the background?

America passing by the Twin Towers on July 4, 1976 (photo courtesy of Terry, crew on Tall Ship Phoenix)

Last August I met some friends in New York City. We stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn in downtown, a convenient location that is easily walkable to the 9/11 Memorial and the Oculus which houses the World Trade Center Transportation Hub and the Westfield Shops.

9/11 Memorial Reflecting Pool, where one of the towers once stood.

One World Trade Center, formerly known as Freedom Tower

While writing this post, I learned this interesting tidbit: that One World Trade Center was built with symbolism as part of its design. The height is 1,776 feet, the year the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the base is 200 feet on each side, the same as the Twin Towers.

Oculus Beer Garden at the World Trade Center Plaza

Next stop was the Brooklyn Bridge, where we strolled for several hours, stopping to admire the panoramic views of Manhattan. It was a lovely sunny day with clear blue skies and a slight breeze.

Statue of Liberty in the distance

After breakfast the next day, we took the subway to Little Island, a lovely outdoor floating park garden that opened in 2021.

Jersey City and the Statue of Liberty (left, in the far distance)

We had a fabulous lunch at nearby Chelsea Market before taking the train back to Boston.

I did not take any videos, so I'll leave you with one I took of Central Park from my visit ten years ago.

I never did become a flight attendant. But my love of travel never wane. I am fortunate my significant other shares my passion for traveling. Together, we've had some adventures exploring uncharted (literally) territories; those stories are scattered throughout this blog.

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday, Image-in-ing, and Little Things Thursday.

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Exploring Mayan Culture at Chichen Itza	Wandering around Central Park, New York City	Happy Chinese New Year

Every June, country music fans descend upon Nashville for the CMA (Country Music Awards) Festival.

Ever since a friend introduced us to this exciting music festival fifteen years ago, we have been going almost every year, but the last time was in 2019. How lucky we were that this year is the CMA Festival's 50th anniversary! The 4-day event was totally packed. We went on a Saturday, and the weather was perfectly hot, as it is every June. There were many fun activities, including line dancing lessons. We enjoyed people watching and listening to the free concerts at five stages set up throughout the downtown area.

Riverfront stage set up on the Cumberland River

Hard Rock Cafe Stage

AT&T (aka Batman) Building in the distance

Line Dancing lesson

Nashville is popular for Bachelor/bacherlorette parties!

Ryman Auditorium

We love Nashville, even though we are more of a jazz and blues fan. The vibe is wonderfully fun, with live music wafting from almost every cafe, bar or lounge. A lot more restaurants and food court or food hall have opened in the last year, much to our delight. Most eateries and restaurants were busy. One of the restaurants recommended to us at the visitor center was Sixty Vines. The open space concept with an energetic vibe made the wait more bearable. It has an extensive selection of wine on tap. How about that! We enjoyed a fabulous dinner there.

There is no doubt Nashville is the perfect summer getaway!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday, Random-osity and Image-in-ing.

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