More From the Past Few Days

So I totally forgot to mention the most amazing experience I had the other day when we were trying to find our way to the Empire State Building. We stumbled on the New York Public Library. The long and the short of it is this: I discovered that they have copies of Pride and Prejudice from 1813. That's nearly 200 years old! Now only the most scholarly of scholars gets to put their paws on those kinds of books. But after quite a saga of registration etc. I actually managed to have a look at all three copies!!!! One had the owners signature in it. (Brad's Comment: If there had been a window I would have jumped) needless to say, Bradley was and is the best boyfriend because he had to sit for about an hour while I chased down this book. (Brad's Comment: That hour cost me three years of my life).

Entrance Hall of the New York Public Library (Unfortunately there no photography was allowed inside).

A sneak photo of the roof of the first floor hall. Stunning! Looks more like a palace than a library.

The other day when in the Wall Street area, we stumbled across Federal Hall. It's called the birth place of American Government. George Washington, the first president of the USA, took the oath of office there and gave his first public address as President. Random information so all back home know we did get some sort of culture on the tour.

Speaking of culture, today we made the great trek (a couple of blocks down the road past Central Park) to the American Museum of Natural History. I was a little disappointed because our New York Pass only allowed us general access. We had to pay for entry into the really exciting exhibits. We gave the planetarium and the IMAX theatre a skip and got tickets for the butterfly exhibit. You walk through a butterfly enclosure and if you're really fortunate a butterfly might just give you a 'kiss'. One guy actually had a couple landing and dancing on his head.

The biggest moth I've ever seen. It was bigger than Brad's hand.	Random butterfly but it was interesting that it just stayed put.
butterfly 'kiss'.

We also did the standard Rockefeller Centre (Center in Americanese).  It was beautiful. In the middle of winter they have the most amazing flowers blooming. And the genius of it is the hot water baths between the flower beds. The steam that's created keeps the flowers happy so that they bloom. The funny thing was that since it was a privately owned public space, no photography using tripods was permitted. One guy was actually asked by security guards not to use his tripod.

The ice skating rink	The flowers! My favourite place in the city.
The warm water fountains.	Rockefeller center tower

Now the really big news of the day is that Brad has a new toy. He finally settled on the Macbook. It's white and it's really pretty and can do such amazing things. Ahhhh. Jokes aside, it really is an exceptional piece of equipment. With an apple you can remotely run a whole media system, tv, music system, radio, photo's, dvd system and all from one point in the house.  I am slightly green at the moment...lol.

 

Check previous blogs titled 'the Past Few Days' if you're interested in seeing updated photo's. I finally got to uploading them to the computer. Apologies for the wait to all.

The Past Few Days - The Beginning

Ok so the last few days have been hectic busy but so much fun! But due to technical circumstances (the blog won't upload if it's too big) I'm going to have to do this update in instalments.

The subway is getting easier to negotiate as we spend more time on it. We've discovered the express trains!! Very cool except that it's easy to feel like a sardine...everyone gets off the normal train, walks across the platform and gets on the express. For the first time today I had peak hour 'traffic' experience on the subway. One train route had a fire which meant the train couldn't run. So the other lines were jam packed! Most people were pretty cool about it.

Wednesday it started getting cold even though the sun came out. We decided to make full use of the sunny weather and headed up Empire State. It was a long wait! Eventually we got to the top after security (everything in America involves you going through some sort of security check...belts, shoes, camera, phone, wallet all checked and you're scanned). It was something to be 86 floors above ground. But it was difficult to make the most of the views in all the different directions because the minute we left the sunny side of the building we faced one seriously cold wind that was pumping! Nothing can explain how cold it was. Needless to say hoods, scarves, gloves and anything else that would insulate was immediately put on.

 

The 'spiky' building is the Chrysler building. There was a big competition between the two buildings to be the tallest in the world. The Chrysler building held the record until the Empire State was completed with a surprise mast erected at the last minute making it the tallest.

 

 

 

After Empire State we headed to 'Ground Zero'. We found one policeman today who we got talking to and he didn't seem to like the term. He felt it's merely a construction site now and people should move on. He didn't seem to think people should see it as a tourist attraction. It seems many people have different takes on it though. When we got there it was eerie. New York is so noisy and busy and then suddenly it's quiet and solemn even though there is construction going on where the towers used to be. It's hard to see anything because the whole site is surrounded by shade cloth. People aren't even allowed to take photo's of the construction, only of the temporary memorial. It's difficult to comprehend what so many have been through. The policeman I mentioned earlier told us he was there for two months after 9/11. They worked round the clock with three hours off to clean up and come back. Hectic!! I wonder what that has done to the minds and souls of those who worked there.

We wondered around and ended up in Wall Street. We found yet another 'old' church, but this one was odd because it was tucked away between all the financial 'giants'. There was a beautiful Steinway piano inside and the most exquisite stained glass behind the altar. I can't help but wonder how much real faith in Christ is left in this city though. Unlike England, entrance into all the churches here has been free so far.

This little girl was pointing out everything on the pictures at 'Ground Zero'. Poignant for me.	The piano is tucked away behind the altar.
The biggest flag of all US flags I've seen on wall street.	This one was at the 'Ground Zero' memorial.

 

Thursday we headed out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Surprisingly it wasn't the most enjoyable of events. My thermostat couldn't even register how cold it was. There was simply numb, number, and then freezing! It was no joke waiting in line for the ferry. On the way to the ferry we were waylaid by a very interesting character, who neglected to tell me that if I wanted to take photo's I'd have to pay $5!!! I was livid.

 

Once on Liberty Island we simply walked round the statue, took one or two pics of the city skyline behind us and basically made our way back to the ferry. We asked if we could go inside the museum because some tickets were still being handed out and a very rude New York lady basically pointed to the sign and wouldn't give us the time of day. I was appalled at her manner. It didn't speak well for America.

 

 

Clearly we are in a superb hostel, because after a trying and very cold day, we came 'home' to a full on theatre experience of 'I Am Legend'. A data projector is set up with some fairly decent speakers in the basement area (next to the kitchens).

The theatre with wireless internet connection.	Kitchen
Breakfast/dining area next to the kitchens.	Chill area on the lobby level. (There is also a pool/live entertainment room and locker/storage area)

Adventures in New York City

This morning was spent moving house. Our first hostel, Jazz on the City, didn't have a kitchen. Not good, especially if the budget is to be kept. Fortunately Brad had stayed at the Hostelling International In NYC and it's kitted out with hectic kitchens. It was quite a workout hauling 6 bags several blocks up Amsterdam Road to the new hostel. Brad was cooking as was I.

We found our way to several places. One of which we just couldn't help...the Apple Store...aaaaaaahhhhhh. That is a store and a half. After spending a couple of hours there we said hi to some of the horses in Central Park. Brad thinks it's cruel and I have to admit that it's not the greatest to see horses standing for hours on end hitched to a carriage. Many animals work and you can see these horses are well cared for but even so, it would be nice to know if they ever get to romp on grass. Brad and I had a good debate about this over roasted Cashew Nuts. Jeff was right...you haven't lived until you've eaten Roasted Nuts. They were sweet, as if they'd been coated in sugar.

We finished the day in China Town, because I have to have a souvenir of as many of the places I've been to as possible. We got hungry in China town so when in doubt, ask an NYC Policeman. We were directed a hang of a long way away to a restaurant called Wo-Hop. Lets just say it was definitely worth the walk!! Brad definitely would recommend the chicken and corn soup.

I nearly forgot, if you've ever watched Sweet Home Alabama with Reese Witherspoon, then you'll know about the scene where she gets to shop in Tiffany's all on her own. Well we got to go into Tiffany's. It was a small thrill to know I was in a place that a movie had been shot in.

In between trying to negotiate the subway (more confusing than London's subway) we got to Best Buy. I found certain hardware at unbelievably low prices. If only this could be in SA.

Before I bore all to death with my purchases I'll say goodnight. More details and pics to follow. We didn't have our camera on us today. We accidently locked it in the bags in the locker at the hostel...oops.

Additional thoughts.

Well, I can only echo what Brad said in our previous blog...rural North Carolina is beautiful. It's like something out of a movie. One of the most memorable things we did was drive up onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was a little scary because there was such thick fog, but in the end it was so worth the drive. The view from the top of the parkway was incredible because we were actually above the clouds! It was like seeing islands of mountain in a sea of clouds. As with all the other places we've visited so far, we could easily have stayed longer. Folk were very friendly and welcoming, and Jeff and his family were so kind and hospitable.

 

One of the highlights for me was playing with the music/worship team on Sunday. It amazed me to think that even on the other side of the world, people can worship the only true God together. It just showed that being a Christian crosses all divides and creeds because no matter what background someone comes from, if you have Christ in common, you'll be able to identify with each other. 

This is an idea of what most of the churches look like in North Carolina. It's the church our friend Jeff Maynard has returned to the states to pastor. http://www.marblespringschurch.org/

One thing that struck me at the churches we have visited in the states is the resources available to them. Everything from media resources to books to finances. The church at Marble Springs is kitted out with ADSL across the entire property! Brad uploaded his last blog sitting in the sound control balcony at the back of the church. Jeff also gave us Christian reading material. It was a good thing Brad bought an extra luggage bag!

As I write this we're on the plane waiting to take off for New York. We were delayed by about an hour due to bad weather. One thing I have seen in America is that some children are totally without discipline. They seem to have all the luxuries life could offer but they have no sense of how fortunate they are. There's a little boy in front of us on the plane who has thrown a bunch of temper tantrums already because he wants what he wants and his mom has not disciplined him in any way. That cannot be good for him in the future. One thing I mentioned to the reporter who interviewed us this morning (it seems that two South Africans in Andrews is quite something) was that I wish Americans would understand their fortunate positions and look outwards to see how they can make a difference not only in their own communities but in other countries too. It would be interesting to see the reactions of Americans if they had to see some people's living conditions in South Africa.

I'll have to update more later, because it seems that soon we will have to take off (hopefully). Over and out.

Some Catch Up

OK, so we left Orlando a couple of days ago, and are about to leave Andrews for New York.  Because of the limited internet connectivity (and the fact that I have had no desire to sit and type on a computer when surrounded by such beauty), I am doing a quick catch up post, with some detail of what we have been up to in Andrews.

We have been staying with the pastoral family (Jeff and Donna Maynard) of Marble Springs Church (http://www.marblespringschurch.org/).  We have had a blast.  Rural America (North Carolina) is beyond description.  It is absolutely beautiful.  The mountain air, views and friendly people made for a wonderful stay (unfortunately short).  Day 1 was chilled, with us taking a slow drive around with Jeff and his son, Stephen.  Really pretty areas.

Day 2, we hit the slopes.  That's right.  We got here 4 days before the slopes were closed for spring.  There was only enough snow/ice on the main slopes to go down, with stopping being very difficult (think it is easier to stop when there is more snow on the ground than when it is just ice on top of sand).  Ms Pilepic tried ski'n and snowboarding (much more time was spent Ski'n).  It was a good day.  The snowboarding left both of us a little wet, as we were wearing jeans and not ski pants.

The boarders.  We look like pro's, don't we?	The ski ppls.

OK, the day after the ski trip, we got our goodies together and headed out for a long, but awesome drive with Jeff, Donna and Stephen.  We headed to Jeff's old house and his old "hood".  All I can say is that it was amazing.  Words cannot describe, so I am just including a bunch of pictures.

Anyhow, we are still having a ball of a time.  I am sure Vesna will type up some more details when we get to New York.  At the moment, she has been practicing with the worship group for the evening service.  It is a worship and prayer revival service, so there wont be any preaching. 

Anyhow, better be off. 

Brad and Ves

A little detail

Howdi Ya'll.  Greetings from North Carolina, the small town of Andrews.  Yip.  We are in Andrews.  Are still to pass on all the love etc, as I kinda forgot yesterday.  We had another interesting bus trip on Greyhound.  I am glad to say that that is the last trip we will be taking on the Hound. 

Anyhow, this quick blog is to fill you in on a little detail that might not have been included in the last blog.  Our Orlando visit consisted primarily of theme parks.  Going to so many parks was way tiring, and definitely not possible without good family support.  Yip, I said family as we have managed to "adopt" some American parents.  We were spoilt rotten, having lunches packed for us, being carted and carried all over the place and having some awesome suppers and table conversation. 

We spent Good Friday evening and Easter Sunday morning at church with Leon and Carol.  Their services were wonderful, with a choir supporting the worship and a full band including trumpet and electric guitar.  Vesna and I were both incredibly surprised to walk out of church on Sunday morning only to be greeted by a table full of books.  These books included Bibles, Children's Bibles and tons of other Christian literature.  The Price... $ 0.  UNBELIEVABLE, but, in the words of Ripley's, Believe it.  We took 6 Bibles (and these are not cheap looking ones), and 3 books.  2 of the Bibles are the best selling children's/young people's Bibles in the country.  Wow. 

Now when I said the Bibles were free, that was not entirely correct.  I had to purchase a new bag to re-distribute my clothes etc to enable us to keep our luggage under the maximum's, as the books added a good 20 pounds.

Well, as mentioned above, we are in the wonderful town of Andrews, with another family that is likely to become adoptive parents.  Jeff met us in a town called Murphy and took us straight to his church for a tour.  Things are different here.  The schools have sports matches on Friday's so there is no Friday youth programs.  Wednesday nights just happen to be the evening that there is a 30 minute youth worship session (full band with electric, acoustic, bass and drums) as well as a Bible study time.  The youth all split into male and female groups for these studies.  The worship was wonderful.  Elizabeth's (Jeff's youngest daughter) drumming has improved significantly, which is difficult to understand as it was so good when in SA already.  The band did an incredible job, considering that they had not practiced together in a long time, and did not even practice that evening.

From there, we headed to the Maynard family residence, a beautiful double story place in a valley with a front porch, big yard and the family cat and dog.  Really cool.  I am typing this at 12 noon, which is about 20 minutes after Vesna woke up.  Yip, we were tired and needed to sleep in (Vesna's ability to sleep late far surpasses that of mine!)

Our time here is likely to be filled with long walks, waterfalls, hopefully some ski'in and generally chilling around the country side.  It is going to be good.

Universal Studio's

Well, Universal Studios, theme park number 3.  Another totally different experience.  The wonder of Disney was not there, but the park layout, decorations and design were incredible.  We went to the park mainly to for the roller coasters (being the most roller coaster filled park that we could find in the area).  The rides Rocked.  Yes, Vesna insisted we do some of the kiddies rides, which worked out ok, as they prep'd us for the monster ride.  This must have been the most exciting roller coaster that I have been on.  Picture this, 2 rollercoasts starting at the same time, along side each other.  As you climb the first ramp before the ride starts, you shout battle chants to those on the other coaster.  You dip over the top of the coaster and you are off, on a coaster duel.  The two coasters weave in between one another, head straight for each other before diverting at the last minute, adrenaline flows thick, and screams... well, screams are a plenty.  Vesna, although a little nervous before the first ride, has learnt the art of the coaster rider.  That is, she relaxes completely, and does not scream (although she does seem to scream when the ride ends, and give a Woohoo).  Some pics are below.