Snow Storm of 2009 - DC

Snow storm is rare in DC. The last time we had a major snow storm was in 2003. On 19 Dec 2009, we had a record breaking snow (16.4 in) for the month of Dec. For 2 days, the city was literally covered with snow putting the city to a halt. Buses were cancelled and only the underground metro lines were operating. I was lucky enough to witness the snow and I must say I was actually had fun, of course I was at work. I had to stay because no one came (except for Ian). I guess the Man up there was kind enough to let me experience a major snow storm one more time. Lord knows when I will have another chance.

Southwest - More Pic

Southwest - It's Yesterday Once More

Since the first time I went to the Southwest almost 3 yrs ago, I instantly fall in love with it. I know that I will not be in the US for long, I want to go back to the Southwest one more time. So I join this southwest tour by http://www.cosmos.com/, which I found online randomly. It 's a 12-day tour. I do not know what to expect. A am a bit excited and nervous at the same time. Do not know why i am nervous. I guess it's because i have to share room with a stranger for 12 days. I hope that this trip is going to be a memorable one just like before.

Day 1 (Washington DC to Phoenix/Scottsdale)

The flight was at 8:20 departing from Ronald Reagon (layover at Chicago). I arrived at Phoenix at 12.30pm. I didnt know why wasnt very excited. I have always wanted to go to Phoenix especially Scottsdale. Scottsdale is a city in the eastern part of Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, adjacent to Phoenix. Scottsdale is regarded as an upscale tourist and shopping destination and as a representation of western American style. It was only 10 min shuttle bus ride from the airport. I checked in to my hotel (Hospitality Suites). I was told that I will not be sharing room with someone tonight, That's good news. Then I took a bus to Old Town Scottsdale. I wasnt very impressed. Scottsdale for me is like Palm Springs. Later I had lunch and then went back to the hotel. I meet up with the group leader. And then i went swimming at the hotel pool. The water was warm. It was nice. It was actually at that moment I began to feel like I am on a vacation.

Day 2 (Phoenix to Tucson) stupid memory card died

At 8am, we bagan our journey south to Tucson. I have been to Tucson before a year ago. It's good to go back there since I didnt get to take some nice pic (I had he wrong mode on my camera last time). I am also a excited about seeing Saguaro again of course. For those of you wki know me, I have a thing for saguaro cactus. On the way, we saw cotton farms. Never seen them before. Our first stop was the Saguaro National Park. Spent about 1 hour there. Just enought for me to take some nice pic since I am using Chris' SLR camera this time. After that, we headed to the Sonoran Desert Museum. Also a place that I went with Bill last time. The museum looks similar. I even remember where to find the ice cream store. And the ice cream tasted as good as before. After the museum, we headed further south to Tubac. Tubac was the original Spanish colonial garrison in Arizona. It was depopulated during the O'odham Uprising in the eighteenth century. During the nineteenth century, the area was repopulated by miners, farmers and ranchers, but the town of Tubac is best known today as an artists' colony. Tubac is only probably 20 miles away from the Mexican Border. Even the road signs are in KM instead on MILES. I thught that was cool. Then we headed to Tucson. The hotel was nice. And I get to stay by myself again. Eveything went well until I loaded my pics. The memory card was dead. I had to format the memory card which means all the pics that I took are gone!!! what the fuck!!! So pissed. Maybe I am destined not to have good pics of the Saguaro. This is the 3 time that I happened to me. First time in Death Valley, second time in Tucson where i had the wrong mode. And this time the whole thing died. What the fuck is this? Sarcasm???

Day 3 (Tucson)

The breakfast at the hotel was good. At around 830 we headed to San Xavier Mission. I was there before so I wasnt really excited about it. I was going go back to the gift shop to buy the cactus cell phone band (I bought one before but it was broken) but they didnt have it anymore. That was disappointing cause I always thought of coming back to buy it. Now that I am here again, they didnt have it anymore. The is a small hill right beside the mountain. On the left of the mission, there is a small hill, Grotto Hill. This time I went up there and walked around. After that we headed to Tombstone. Again I was there before. This time we spent 3 hours there!!! omg. Since there's really nothing to do there, I joined this silver mining tour. The tour guide took up deep into the mine 100 ft down. It was fun. After that had buffalo burger for lunch. Then went back to the hotelk around 430. Right before sunset, I went to the back of out hotel. There is a a cactus forest just laying there. Took some nice pics since all the pic that i took yesterday were gone !!

Day 4 (Tucson to Las Cruces)

The journey began at 8 am this morning. The distance to Las Cruces is about 240 miles. Our first stop was at a gas station in Dragoon, Arizona. On the way there, there were many billboards exhorting you in bold shades of red, yellow, and blue to see, "The Mystery of the Desert." "The Thing," they announce. "What is It?". And our tour guide wouldnt really tell us what is it. It costs $1 to get in. I was like, what the hell. So I paid and walked in. Turned out that they were some unusual exhibits of road signs, carvings, old cars, etc etc. These people will do anything to get people to get in. It's one of those roadside atttractions, Later I found out that this place was here since 1950s. Stupid but timeless. It's one of those tourist things that you need to do. Later on we headed for lunch at a small town, I had KFC. After that we drove into Mexico and we passed the continental divide. Later we headed to Deming, our tour guide;s hometown. He was kind enough to show us his house where he bred his horses. We also met his wife and his dogs. I thought that was pretty neat. Now we really got to experience the real SW lifestyle. After that we headed to a winery for wine tsating (Colin Winery). The best part is, it's free. !! I didnt know they have wine in New Mexico. Finally, we headed for Las Cruces. I was here before (passed by) the last time on the way back to El Paso from Tucson with Bill. And I still remember seeing the mountains sitting right behind the town. I went running for 2 miles. Felt like out of breath and light headed. I think it must be the high elevation. At night I had dinner at Dickies (barbecue). After being convinced by one of our tour people (Anne from Brooklyn). Anne was an cheerful old lady traveling with her son. She told me that I have to try that restaurant. She was like it was an experience eating with the rednecks (she really said that), food was cheap, you got to choose your own pickle (a whole pickle) from the jar, free ice cream, etc etc. So I went there and the food was good. On the way back, I stopped by at the hotel restaurant. There's this band playing hispanic music (it's called the SAL TRIO). Love it. So romantic and so spanish. Just like in the movies. I am finaly sharing tonight with a gentleman name Colin from the UK. He just turned 65 and this is his 5th time visiting the US. He is friendly. In fact everyone in the bus is.

Day 5 (Las Cruces to Alburquerque) - Got pulled over by border patrol and cops. WTF

We began the journey at 8am this morning. I was a bit disappointed to find out that we are not goin to Truth and Consequences. The excuse was the town is on the other side of the road. Oh well. So the morning was fine untik we got stopped by this border patrol. The guy walked into the bus and start cheking ID and passports. I told him that I wasnt a citizen but i am a residence. All I have was an ID. So he asked me for my passport. I didnt bring my passport. Then he told me that he had to go vefify my ID and it if's invalid he's goin to arrest me. I told him fine. Then he came back minutes later and told me everything is fine and asked to bring my passort with me in the future when i go traveling. What the fuck? First of all, I was really stressed out when he told me that I might get arrested. Second of all, 10 years living in the US including 7 yrs on the nation's capitol , i was never questioned before. Now I am in some redneck towns and i got questioned. What the fuck? I never bring passport when go out. Who does? An ID is sufficient. Anyway, I was stressed out for the entire fucking day ....#@%$^. Anyway, after that, we continued out journey to White Sands National Monument. I was there before. Took some nice pics and then we headed north to Alburquerque (passed by Alamorgordo). On the way , we passed by the Valley of the Fire (apparently there was a volcano eruption 15000 yrs ago and its lava flowed 60 miles and created this awesome lava bed). We also passed by the Trinity point where the first atomic bomb was tested. Then we headed north driving along the mighty Rio Grande to Alburquerque. I am sharing room with Colin again tonight. Later at night, we took a tram to go up to Sandia Peak. The train is the longest in the world, strectching some 2.3 miles. The view from the top was awesome. We got to see the sunset. Had steak up there. After that we got back to the hotel at around 930. Oh,, I forgot something, We also got pulled over because Steve our driver was charged with speeding. I know he wasnt. He was driving 65 mph when its was only allowed 55mph. Who knew. It was a bobby trap and the cops knew it. I love the Southwest but I hate all this cops and border patrol here. Fucking annoying. Last time when I went to the Monument Valley with Dave, we got pulled over too because he was speeding. So many fucking cops in this region here hiding to get you!!! What a fucking horrible day

Alburquerque at night

Day 6 (Alburquerque to Santa Fe)

The first native american Saint

Georgia O'Keffee Museum

We began the journey at 830 this morning. Santa Fe's only about 70 miles away from Alburquerque. On the way there, we passed thru the old town which is onky a fews blocks away from the hotel but we didnt stop. We shouls have. I was a but pissed. Instead we stopped at downtown which is newer but boring to me. Then we drove up north toward Colorado plateau to Santa Fe along Rio Grande. You can actually see how water bring life to the desert along the highway. There's always a green patch near the river. Its amazing how water creates life in this region. Later we got to Santa Fe. It was chilly around 45F. We had a walking guide giving us a tour of downtown. I found that boring and decided to explore by myself. Santa Fe is the highest (7000 ft) and the oldest (around 1610 by the Spanish) in the US. Of course the highlight of the city is its unique architecture. A unique blend of the native indians and the Spanish. There is a catheredal in the middle of downtown where it has the oldest statue of Virgin Mary in the US. I bought lunch at this street stand. Bought fajita and tomale, when i asked for a fork, she told me that they didnt have forks! what the fuck is this shit, what i am supposed to eat the food with? my dirty hands? I tell you, if i were in DC, I will definately report that to the dept of health. So pissed. So I ate my my hands got food all over my hands and my face and made a mess. Fucker. Almost all the galleries require admission fees. I began to miss DC at that point. I bought a silver ring at the Native American Arts and Craft center ($20). We were allowed to do out own walking for 5 hours. I spent the last 2 hours at the Georgie O'Keffie (a very famous american painter) museum which ia also our pickup place for our bus. While waiting for the bus, it snowed. Crazy .. Our hotel like 2 miles away from downtown. I was absolutely delighted to find out that there's a Whole Foods right behind the hotel. I went there for dinner. That Whole Foods is fancier that the ones in DC and NYC. Who knew? Before that I walked to Santa Fe Southern rail depot which is only 5 min walk from our hotel. Accross the street from there there's a REI shop. I bought a pair of Noth Face gloves.

The oldest Virgin Mary in the USA

Day 7 (Santa Fe - Bandelier National Monument)

So last night was horrible. My roomate's snoring was louder than a freight train. I could barely sleep. When I woke up, I was suprised to see snow on the ground. Apparently it snowed almost 1 inch last night. What a difference a day makes. Because of the foggy condition, our bus was delayed to depart at 10 instead of 9. Our first was Bandelier National Monument. Bandelier National Monument is a 32,737 acres (13,248 ha) National Monument preserving the homes of the Ancestral Pueblo People. It is named after Swiss anthropologist Adolph Bandelier, who researched the cultures of the area. Absoluteky stunning. I got to climb up to one of those wall dwellings using what the call the kiva ladder. After that we headed to Los Alamos. Los Alamos (Spanish: Los Álamos, meaning "The cottonwoods") is home to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, which was founded to undertake the Manhattan Project. Its also called the Atomic City. Had lucnh there and went to the Science Museum. After that we headed back to Santa Fe. I walked around downtown again. This time I saw the Stata Capitol Building. It doesnt have a dome. funny.. Then I saw the oldest church structury of the USA and also the oldest house the USA. I though that was pretty cool. Weather was cold, around 40F.

Phallic Art?


Oldest house in the USA

Oldest church structure in the USA

Day 8 (Sante Fe to Taos to Durango)

Camel Rock

Wake up and had breakfast. Then I went to Whole Foods to get something for lunch later. We headed to Toas. Taos is about 70 miles away from Santa Fe. Instaed of going to downtown area, I wanted to go to the Taos Pueblo. Jack, our group leader said he can dropped some of us of at the pueblo. Taos Pueblo (or Pueblo de Taos) is an ancient pueblo belonging to a Taos speaking Native American tribe of Pueblo people. It is approximately 1000 years old. Taos Pueblo is a member of the Eight Northern Pueblos. The Taos community is known for being one of the most secretive and conservative pueblos.Taos Pueblo's most prominent architectural feature is a multi-storied residential complex of reddish-brown adobe divided into two parts by the Rio Pueblo. According to the Pueblo's Web site, it was probably built between 1000 and 1450 A.D. It was designated a National Historic Landmark on October 9, 1960 and in 1992 became a World Heritage Site. As of 2006, about 150 people live in it full-time. It was absolutely stunning. I came to this trip to see things like this. After Taos, we headed for lunch at Chama. The restauranty is called High Country. The fried chicken was gpod and different. Reminds me of the korean friend chicken. The restarrant is a typical western style restaurant/bar. You can literally eat peanuts and throw the shell on the floor. That was cool. And there was jukebox playing country music. It was really cool. After lunch, we drove up the mountains to Colorado heading to Durango. We arrived at around 530. I get to have the room by myself tonight. Durango is better than what i expected. It 's a lovely small town (very accessible). It has has a local bookstore, coffee shops, record store .. etc. It good to see a town where there's no Starbucks, Barnes and Nobles. and etc ...

Chimney Rock

Day 9 (Durango to Mesa Verde to Kayenta)

Woke up this morning and it was snowing, a lot. Approximately 2 inches. But the show must go on. Later we headed to Mesa Verde National Park. It was snowing the whole way and it was pretty bad. To go to Mesa Verde we need to drive another 1500 ft above in the snow. Pretty scary. I guess we have a good driver – Steve. He’s from Salt Lake City so he’s used to the snow. When we got up there, it was still snowing. Our first stop was the Spruce Tree House. We have to hike 10 min down the hill. When we got there, it was amazing. I’ve never seen any archeological sites to this extend before. Absolutely amazing, Then had lunch at the cafeteria. Had fried bread and salsa. It was delicious. Then the snow finally let up. Before we left we went to see the Cliff Palace. It was a tiring day. We left mesa verde at around 1pm. Then headed to Kayenta. Took almost 4 hours to get there. We passed thru highway 491 which is formally 666. Since the last time I went there, I always wanted to see the 666 sign., but too bad they recently changed the highway to 491 after people steal the signs. Passed through the Four Corners. Was told by Jack (tour guide) that the actual four corners is actually 1 mile away. Then we headed to Kayenta. Driving on that highway towards definitely brings back a lot of memories. It was snowing the whole way. Staying at Kayenta Holiday Inn. I remember Kayenta just like before, Had dinner at the hotel . Had fried chicken, So good!!!!

Cliff Palace

Highway 491 = The old Highway 666

Day 10 (Monument Valley to Grand Canyon NP)

Woke up and surprised to see 3 inches of snow on the ground. I knew it was going to be an interesting day. Then I went to the front desk to ask for some lotions. The front desk person wasn’t so friendly. On the way there, I saw 2 dogs sleeping outside in the cold. Poor thing. I wonder why they didn’t let the dogs in when it’s that cold (30s). Then we headed to the Monument Valley. Since the last time, I have always dreamt of coming back. It was a bit emotional when I first saw the rocks and Goulding lodge. Once we got there, we were put on a 4 wheel drive just like I did before. This time the weather is a bit different, it’s colder and there’s snow on the ground. Quite an unusual sight. So we went there. This time I make sure that I take some nice pics. Last time I had the wrong mode on my camera. We also went back to the John Ford point. And the horseman was there too. Was told that the horseman is pretty old, 80 something yrs old but he still likes what he’s doing. After the tour we went back to Goulding for lunch. I was at the same seat too (at least I think I was). Had fried bread with Beef Stew and prickly pear tea just like before. Then service was bad and the staff wasn’t that friendly. Then I went to the gift shop and bought a pin. Also walked around room 320 (right beside the restaurant), the one that I stayed before. At around 12pm, we headed to Cameroon. On the way there, we passed thru the Painted Desert and also the dinosaur tracks. We stopped at Cameroon Trading Post. We didn’t stop there the last time. I bought a cowboy hat ($50), I have always wanted one. Then we headed to the Grand Canyon, this time we went on the other side. So I got to see some new views. Out first stop was the desert viewing. I bought a vase and the national park book. Then we headed to the village. I was surprised to find out that we are staying at Maswik Lodge again. This time the room number was 6662. At night went out to the hotel restaurant for dinner. Had tuna fish and wine. Was sitting with Anne, Bob, Sue, Dan and the British ladies. Then we started to walk about food. It was fun. They all thought that I was 23 yrs old and I told them I am 30. After dinner I went back to the hotel. It’s going to be a cold cold night. (15F). I had a really great time today.

Painted Desert

Day 11 (Grand Canyon to Sedona to Phoenix)

Last night was really cold (about 15F). I was going to go see sunrise but it was cold in the morning. Anyway before leaving I walked to the canyon to see it one more time. I saw a trail that leads to the bottom of the canyon. If I ever come back here again, I want to do that. Then we headed to Sedona. This time coming from the north passing thru Oak Creek Canyon. That canyon is even more beautiful than the Grand Canyon, I think. We only have 2 hours in Sedona. I went back to the same restaurant that I went to have cactus fries (at the Cowboy Club Restaurant). Since the last time, I have been looking everywhere for cactus fries and failed to. I guess Sedona is the only place to serve cactus fries after all. I wanted to take the Vortex tour but didnt have time of course. After Sedona, we headed back to Phoenix. The first sight of the Saguaro cactus marks the entrance into the Sonoran desert. After being on the plateau for so many days, finally I feel grouded again. At night, we went out to the Rustler' Rooste (cowboy steakhouse) to have the farewell dinner. They had live country music, unlimited drinks, steak, and etc. It was fun. Some of them were doing line dancing as well. When we got back to the hotel, we said goodbye to everyone especially Donald from the Scotland, Ann and Bob from Brooklyn. They were really nice and friendly to me the whole time. The next morning, I took the 630am flight to Newark just in time for Halloween. This whole experience had been a great one. Although I must say it was a bit slow in the beginning but I really do enjoy it. It was fun to have Colin as my roomate and everyone was just so friendly and nice. I hope I will come back to this region again sometimes in the future.