Florida, the sunshine state of USA

Having raised in Chennai, I was taught Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world and there was always a question which one is the first longest beach in the world. Miami in Florida came as an answer and it was always my long dream to visit this place in Florida. What so fascinating about this place Florida and why everybody wants to visit this place? The first striking feature of this place is the weather which is warm throughout the year especially during winter when Northern states of US are shivering in extreme cold. We decided to travel by train from Newark to Florida as an adventure. It took nearly 24 hours one way to reach Florida from Newark. I never thought that they were trains in US but this indeed was a classical experience from Amtrak service.

Thanks to Vincy and Karl, my Hamburg friends who live six months in Hamburg Germany and six months in Vero Beach Florida gave a great motivation to visit them. Also had a great chance to meet my American friend Andreas who was also living in Orlando, Florida after nearly three years. Florida has many attractions to cover for a week. The Sea World Orlando is definitely a must see for me. The various dolphin shows, the whales outing, the adventurous rides, 3D shows, Atlantic tour are worth experiencing. The South beach in Miami is a great experience for many tourists. We didn’t go to Disney world since we thought it was too early for Anish to experience Disney world. Key West is another attraction in Florida and the drive from Miami to Key West is definitely one of the best road trips. 

Another experience which one shouldn't miss in Florida is the Alligator tour in the swamps. If you have a good sunshine, one gets a chance to see lots of them, if it’s cloudy and rainy, hardly u can find any of them. The color of the water in Florida beaches are worth mentioning, they are completely green from the outset. The weather stayed absolutely fine throughout the trip with minor showers here and there. Had a chance to go to swimming with Anish for the first time and indeed it was a sweet one. Thanks to Vincy who cooked awesome food for us and more importantly accommodated us for a week during our stay in Florida. All in all, this trip would remain in our memories forever.

Cheers,

Sathish Kumar S

Cruise to Nassau, Bahamas

Travelling by Ship for many days is an experience which I never tasted till now and I always thought it must be boring after couple of hours. But the cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas gave a different perspective of cruise ride and in the end it turned out to be one of the memorable experiences of our lifetime. If one wants to shut down from regular life and really make holidays, Cruise could be an ideal choice. If you have a good appetite, then Cruise is a place to enjoy different kinds of cuisine. 

There are so many entertainments in Cruise such as comedy shows, dance shows, games, swimming, water rides, pubs, magic shows, Jacuzzi and also options for babysitting. Thanks to Vincy who motivated us to try Cruise when we visited them in Florida. It was a peek time between Christmas and New Year but still it was considerably a decent deal. Nassau, the capital of Bahamas is indeed a great place to visit. The colors of the waters, the fort Charlotte, the hotel Atlantis are worth mentioning. There are many options to try water sports in Nassau. Everybody thinks Bahamas belongs to Caribbean but it isn't. But Bahamas do have a national cricket team.

After the cruise, there is definite chance of increasing the weight by 5 kgs, so please watch out for what you eat :P The dining in the cruise is simply worth mentioning, the ambiance they have, the chef’s attire , the various menus they offer and the background music are great experience. We had lot of apprehensions of sea sickness for Anish but in the end, it turned out to be a great experience for him as well. I can strongly recommend making a cruise ride if you are located or visiting any sea coast in Florida. Normally the cruises start from Port Canaveral or Miami. Thank god I got this wonderful opportunity to explore Florida and Cruise to Bahamas with Anita and Anish when I am working in USA. Florida, certainly the sun shine state of USA.

Cheers,

Sathish Kumar S

Philly, DC, Baltimore

The capital of United States of America, Washington in District of Columbia named after the first U.S president. Washington doesn’t belong to any state and it’s a district on its own but not to forget there is a state in the west coast named Washington State. Many of my friends in United States recommended visiting this place in the east coast and all had a great opinion about this place. Honestly, this place didn’t disappoint me and it’s indeed one of the best places to visit in the east coast.

We decided to take a package tour to avoid the stress of riding the car for hours and finally it ended up as right decision in the end. The tour included Philadelphia, Washington D.C and Baltimore. Philadelphia is the capital of the state Pennsylvania and also the ex-capital of U.S.A. The weather stayed fantastic throughout the trip with blue skies and nice lovely sun shine. Independence Square, the liberty bell are some of the spots which are worth visiting in Philadelphia. The cruise ride on the Schuylkill river gave panoramic view of the city of Philadelphia. According to statistics, Philadelphia is not the greatest of place to live because of the high amount of crime rate.

The moment we arrive in Washington D.C, we see the white building which is visible in all corners. Everybody thinks this white building as White House where the U.S president lives but it’s actually not so. This white building is called Capitol and definitely one of the striking picturesque building in Washington D.C. The White house is a small building when compared to Capitol and sometimes you ask is this the building where US president lives. Lincoln memorial is an important monument one can visit in D.C.

Washington D.C cruise ride is a nice experience if weather permits. One could see the airport of Washington D.C. from the ship, the landing and taking of the flights is simply breathtaking view from the cruise. One gets a feeling that this city is well planned city with wide roads, buildings constructed in orderly manner and definitely a city to hang around during the weekend.The trip ended with the fort of Baltimore from where the natives defended Britishers. I never thought that British waged a war against US anytime. I could strongly recommend this package tour which was organized very well and it was way relaxing than driving a car from New Jersey. All in all it was a great trip to remember with minor challenges from Anish ;)

Cheers,

Sathish Kumar S

Niagara Falls - USA, CANADA

The tourist location in the east coast of United States which one shouldn’t miss out is the great Niagara Falls. It’s about six to seven hours ride to Niagara if you are in New Jersey and it’s definitely one of the fantastic road trips. It was eventually our first long road trip with Anish and it turned out really well in the end. Thanks to my friend Krishna who accompanied us and shared the driving which made things more easier. The river Niagara bifurcates the two countries United States of America and Canada.

 I must honestly admit the view of Niagara Falls is more beautiful from Canadian side than from US side. The ship ride (Maid of the Mist) is a must when one visits Niagara. The ride takes almost as close to the falls and the view was simply breathtaking from the ship. The thunderous noise which the falls makes, the smoke it generates through the air, the rainbow flashing out of the water is something worth to experience.

It was always in my plan to visit Niagara Falls from Canadian side but unfortunately Anita didn’t have the visa for Canada. Since I had the German passport, I could travel to Canada without visa and it’s not easy to take Anish along with me without Anita. Just work up early in the morning and drove to Canadian side without them ;) The whole trip got fulfilled after seeing the falls from Canadian side. I would strongly recommend taking Canadian Visa to visit the falls from Canadian side. The rainbow bridge connects the two countries US and Canada. It’s just 10 minutes drive from US side to the Canadian side and it’s simply worth it.

There was even an article describing the Canadian side offers more varieties, fun, leisure when compared with the US side. Probably there should be some memorandum between the two countries so that the tourists from US side are allowed to see the Canadian side of the falls but I guess Canada earns its revenue through the visa fees as well. It was my childhood dream to visit this place and I am so glad that it came true one day. 

One thing I noticed in this touristic location was the number of Indians visiting this place. River Niagara seems to be like the holy river Ganges for the desi population in US and Canada ;) The night view of the Niagara Falls is highly recommended with the flashing gigantic lights on the falls. There was a movie about the Niagara Falls in the amphitheater and the movie describes the people who made valiant efforts to cross the river via rope, people who fell from the top of the falls etc. Even though this place is so touristic and crowded, definitely a place to visit during a weekend if you are in the east coast. All in all, it was a trip to remember for many years! Dreams do come true.

Cheers,

Sathish Kumar S

Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey

There are many beaches in the coastline of New Jersey; definitely Point Pleasant beach is one among them which is pleasant to go during the weekends in summer. Point Pleasant beach is far better than the beach in Atlantic City which gives good flexibility to take bath and more cleaner. I was bit surprised that one has to pay some amount to get in to the beach which I never experienced in any beaches around the world. The board walk along the coastline is a must and there are numerous activities like shopping, gambling, games for kids along the board walk. Must see place on a sunny day.

Cheers,
Sathish Kumar S

US Open @Ashe Arthur Stadium

US open mainly attracted me because of Ashe Arthur Stadium with its scenic architecture, gigantic stands and its floodlights. Never really had a chance to watch live during my childhood days because of the time zone difference between India and US. It was really a long time dream to watch a match in Ashe Arthur Stadium at least once in my life time. The dream got satiated when I watched the match between 2001 US champion Australian L Hewitt and 2009 champion Argentinian J Del Potro in the second round in Ashe Arthur. The match was a tough fight between L Hewitt and J Del Potro as it lasted for four hours and went to five sets. Thanks to Krishna who motivated me to watch a match in Ashe Arthur Stadium even though it ended on costly affair: P Definitely an evening to remember.

Cheers,
Sathish Kumar S

Atlantic City, Las Vegas of the east!!

What could be the best place in the east coast when your wife and kid are out of station, it should be none other than Atlantic City on a weekend. Just about two hours drive from Parsippany, located on the coast of Atlantic is a perfect place to spend on a weekend during summer time. Atlantic City also called as Mini Las Vegas of east coast offers variety of bars, casinos and shopping malls. Had a first time experience in Casinos losing only considerable amount of money with my good friends Sukesh and Krishna ;) The board walk along the coastline is worth walking, there is humpty number of games to chill out other than gambling like Go-Carting, Shooting, Paint ball etc. Unfortunately, we couldn’t enter the bikini bar because Sukesh didn’t have any proof of identity. What a place to come with out your identity card :P Overall it was a nice trip with funny experiences.

Cheers,
Sathish Kumar S

New York City - Pearl on the east coast of USA

 

New York, New York City, Newark: I had whole lot of confusion before entering United States about these three terminologies. New York is the state on its own, New York City is a city in New York State and Newark is a city on the other side of the Manhattan in Jersey side. Since I was located in New Jersey, I had a chance to explore this wonderful city in United States in a leisurely way during the weekends with my family.

I had a great chance to experience the cruise ride on Hudson River during our annual meet with our customers. It took us to all important spots like the statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the panoramic view of the Manhattan, the skyscrapers etc. It was certainly one of the great dinner experiences which I have ever had. I would strongly recommend the visitors of New York to take a cruise ride in the evening.

Central park is one of the predominant spot which most of the visitors hang in out. Located in the heart of the city of New York, definitely one needs a complete day to explore the beauty of Central park. Liberty Park is yet another park on the jersey side which gives awesome view of the Manhattan and partial view of the statue of Liberty on a sunny day. Times Square in 42^nd street is one spot which every tourist would like to be. Honestly, it was over hyped to the core with big big buildings in a congested environment and mere lighting of these buildings.

Walking from 42^nd to 33^rd street is definitely awesome experience. This walk gives the total picture of New York. One should never the miss the food in Saravana Bhavan in the New York City. The food here was delicious compared to other Saravana Bhavan. New Port in Jersey side is definitely worth mentioning. It’s more calm and serene when compared to Manhattan and the view from New Port of the Manhattan is definitely stunning. Walking on the Brooklyn Bridge on a sun set is something one shouldn’t miss out and I heard Brooklyn Park is so nice during spring time.

Driving to John F Kennedy international airport was certainly a big adventure when one drives from New Jersey. Driving through great Washington Bridge is a nice experience. After experiencing European transportation system, I should admit the transportation in New York City is in medieval times. Still I have to explore to reach the top of Empire State building and The Rock on a sunny day and many more things left in this block buster city.

Over all New York is a must see city on the east coast of USA. So when are you going to visit me soon in New York and grab a beer :P

Cheers,

Sathish Kumar S

Sri Venkateswara Temple, Bridgewater, NJ

Sri Ventakeswara Temple located in Bridgewater, New Jersey is definitely a great place to be on an auspicious day. The temple symbolizes the numerous Indian diasporas settled in and around New Jersey. Built on a very spacious locality, the deity of Lord Venkateswara is absolutely stunning. Had a chance to go to this temple with my buddies Praveen, Kamlesh and his fiancée on Tamil New year’s day. Not to forget the delicious prasadham offered in this temple.

Cheers,
Sathish Kumar S

Bushkill, Niagara of Pennsylvania!!

Bushkill Falls is a series of eight waterfalls, located in Northeast Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains in the USA. Beginning at the headwaters of Bushkill Creek, the water descends the mountain, toward the Delaware River, forming Bushkill Falls. Bushkill Falls is often called the "Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania. It’s around hour and a half drive from Morris Plains.  Had a great chance to visit this waterfall with my family. There are various paths one can take to explore the waterfalls and if you are a trekking fan, it’s indeed a great place to be. Probably a better place to be during fall as one can see the picturesque view of the leaves in yellow with the waterfall.

Cheers,
Sathish Kumar S

Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia is the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania, the second largest city on the East Coast of the United States, and the fifth-most-populous city in the United States. Philadelphia was one of the nation's capitals during the Revolutionary War, and the city served as the temporary U.S. capital while Washington, D.C., was under construction. Had a great chance to explore this city when I was on business trip to Mc Niel in Fort Washington. The funny incident was when I was almost near the customer site, I got a mail stating they don't require my support. Who cares! Took the time to explore Philadelphia spontaneously. Liberty bell, City hall and Independence hall are the places worth enough to visit. It’s around two hours’ drive by car from Morris Plains. Certainly a place to be for a weekend.

Cheers,

Sathish Kumar S

Boston, City of Universities

Recently I had a chance to travel to Boston on a business trip. When one says Boston, two things which come to our mind are Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The city runs totally with University and its students with numerous restaurants, bars and nice panoramic view of the city across the bridge with Charles River piercing through the city. Thanks to Genzyme for giving me this opportunity to explore Boston. I had a great chance to meet my college mate Rajesh and his wife after eight years who was doing his Ph.D. in Harvard.  Definitely a trip to remember in many aspects.

Cheers,

Sathish Kumar S

European Endeavor to American Adventures

Recently I landed in New Jersey, United States of America (USA) to work in the same company which has a branch in US on internal transfer. It was my long time dream to study Masters in US but unfortunately, didn't work out for many reasons. But I was so fortunate that I landed in Germany and explored Europe for a period of seven and half years, probably happened to be one of the best phase of my life. Even though I traveled to many countries, US kept me at bay for really long time. I am so glad that I got this opportunity to work in US and explore the various places in US, land of immigrants. Apparently, I have renamed my blog from European Endeavor to American Adventures.

Cheers,

Sathish Kumar S