EDITOR - TRAVEL, LIVING & ADVENTURE

Finally last Friday I've got a chance to went to Mada'in Saleh also called Al-Hijr, a pre -islamic archeological site located in the Al Ula sector where it is about 1479km from Jubail. It takes us about 15hrs of driving. For GPS users this coordinate will be useful N 26' 48.21", E 37' 56.51".

A majority of this vestiges date from Nabatean Kingdom. The site constitutes the kingdom's southernmost and largest settlement after Petra, its capital. In 2008, UNESCO proclaimed Mada'in Saleh as a site of patrimony, becoming Saudi Arabia's first World Heritage Site.

According to the Quran, the site of Mada'in Saleh has already been settled by the tribe of Thamud. It is said that the tribe fell to idol worshipping; tyranny and oppression became prevalent. The Prophet Saleh, to whom the site's name of Mada'in Saleh is often attributed, called the Thamudis to repent. A pregnant she-camel was sent to the people by Allah, as proof of Prophet Saleh's divine mission. However, only a minority heeded his words. The non-believers conspired to kill the sacred camel and the Prophet, but were punished by Allah-their souls leaving their lifeless bodies in the mist of an earthquake and lightning blast.

Ha! Tuh dia...dok squaking london makcik citer pasai sejarah Mada'in Saleh nih noo.
Kami bermalam di ARAC Hotel Al-Ula, 22km dari Mada'in Saleh. Hotel nih hanya bertaraf 2 bintang ajew tapi cukup memuaskan hati kami sebagai pengujung. Harga semalam bagi 3 beded room SAR 270 (tripple pay - due to weekend and summer holiday). Complete dengan restoran yg beroperasi dr jam 7pg-12mlm, swimming pool, gift shops dan persekitaran yg menarik lagi cantik dan bersih. Pada kengkawan yg berhajat nak pi melawat Mada'in Saleh, boleh lah menginap disini. We really recommend this hotel for your stay.

Al-Ula, bandar yg berhampiran dgn Mada'in Saleh. Pekan cowboy ajew, kecil tapi bersih dan menarik kerana lokasinya dikelilingi dgn batuan yg berstruktur. Polis sentiasa mengawal pergerakan keluar masuk pengunjung. Menurut Pengurus Hotel di sini, setiap pengunjung yg ingin ke Mada'in Saleh mestilah mendapat permit dr Kerajaan Saudi di Riyadh tetapi bg rakyat Malaysia pengecualian diberikan. Alangkah istimewanya rakyat Malaysia!

Jom! Kita pi tengok slide....

This entry is done by my hubby - WENK
Remembrance of our journey in United States. Thanks to my lovely hubby for his contribution.
MY JOURNAL
February 11, 2010. We arrived at O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois at 16:30 hrs. The 14 hours flight from Abu Dhabi made me very tired. Though I want to jump right away into a cab, my kids seem doesn’t care about it. They are more excited to play with the snow. Yup! It’s snowing in Chicago. After making them convinced that there will be more snow at the hotel then I managed to grab our belonging into a cab and we headed to Ohio House Motel, located at La Salle Street downtown Chicago. What comes to our surprise Hard Rock Café is just next door and Michigan Avenue the shopping street for Chicago only a few blocks away.
February 12, 2010. With just a walking trip we discover Chicago. With a stroll at Navy Pier the heart of Chicago main attraction was covered well enough. The Children Museum, The River Walk, The Cruise (close for season) and the Grand Theatre was all located under one roof. From the Millennium Park which located in between Navy Pier and Field Museum we portrait ourselves with Sears Tower. Currently known as Willis Tower was the higher building in the world before been superseded by PETRONAS Twins Tower in my beloved home country, Malaysia. Then we headed to the Burnham Park Harbor. John G. Shedds Aquarium, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium and McCormick Place are all close by. In between them was the Soldier Field the home of Chicago Bear, National Football Conference (NFC) team of National Football League (NFL). Since my kids were tired and it’s late we grab a taxi to get back to Ohio House Motel.
February 13, 2010. As early as 07:00 hrs I rent a car which was a Mazda 626 for the rest of my stay in the US. The fuel price range from $2.70 to $3.10 a gallon throughout my 50 rented days. We geared up ourselves and droves around Chicago. Water Tower, City Hall and Civic Opera House were visited before we went south to Mount Vernon, Indiana. We used I-57 S and took an exit 190 to Charleston. Before that we took a rest at exit 212 Tuscola for Tangiers Factory Outlet stroll. From Charleston we drove through Hwy 130 and then exit to I-64 W before we took our final exit to Mount Vernon via Hwy 69. We arrive Mount Vernon at around 19:00 hrs. With a non-stop drive Chicago – Mount Vernon should have been a 6 hours driving trip, since we took so many pit stop our journey end up with approximately 12 hours trip.
February 14, 2010. We drove around Mount Vernon and took a peek at SABIC–IP to ensure that I’m not late for tomorrow 1st day on duty for training in Mount Vernon, Indiana.
February 20, 2010. As the snow melted away I took my family south. To get away from hectic training days we went south as planned to Nashville, Tennessee. Using a new I-41 south between Evansville, Indiana and Hopkinsville, Tennessee then on I-24 S towards Nashville. We arrived in Nashville after 3 hours journey. In Nashville we visited LP Field home for American Football Conference (AFC) team Tennessee Titans. I then recalled the film by Denzel Washington. “Remember the Titan”, one of the inspiring movies which shows passion and determination. Then we visited the Court House, City Hall, Municipal Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame (Carrey Underwood was the latest Hall of Fame members), Hard Rock Café and the stretch street of Country Music (I believe Broadway Street). Within the street it’s full of a bar that’s having live band entertainment to entertain their patron with country songs all day long. Here too we visited the “Coyote Ugly” bar. Still remember the film? We also hop in Ryman Malls just nearby the Ryman Auditorium where all the great country singer gather and perform. After a long day enjoying country songs we nested ourselves at Americas Best Value Inn nearby the Hooters in I-65 N.
February 21, 2010. From Nashville and after a good night sleep in Nashville we headed north to Louisville. How’s you pronounce it “Luh-is Ville, Luh Ville, Lewis Ville” it doesn’t matter. While on I-65 N we drove in Lost River Cave just nearby the Mammoth Cave National Forest. What’s unique about the Cave is the river, it’s came from underground about 100 meter away from the cave mouth. We need to do boating to get into the cave and suddenly the River disappears again from our eyes. It was also believed that this cave was a hideout for Jesse James after he robs the bank years ago. A bar was also opened back in 50’s in the cave. What we notice this Colonel Sander land or this Blue Grass State have lots of cave to be visited.
Once arrived in Louisville we leisurely walk around. The Court House, City Hall, Muhammad Ali Center, The Kentucky Center of Performing Art, Louis and Clark Park, the Fourth Street, Hard Rock Café and Louisville Sluggers factory all is just within vicinity. The biggest bat in world is located here in Louisville Sluggers. With I-64 E ahead of us we went back to Mount Vernon, Indiana for my second week of training. The returned home trip took us 3 hours too to get back home.
February 24, 2010. St. Louis, Missouri. One of the photos that my brother portrait long time ago when he went around US for his summer break – the ‘Arch’ come across my memory. Well now it’s my turn. Even though out of nowhere the snow comes down, we headed west on I-64. We are on the way to St. Louis. Far before we went across the Mississippi River we saw the arch. We parked our rented 626 right below the “Arch” beside the Mississippi Rivers, where the Riverboat Cruises parked as season closed. Beside the Arch we also visited the City Hall just right below the Arch, St. Louis Cardinal home ground field of baseball Bud Light Stadium, Edwards Jones Dome the home of NFC St. Louis Rams, Central Library, Fox Theater, St. Louis Walk of Fame, Union Station and the Court House. Our journey in St. Louis ended with the chilling wind blowing that forced us to cover any bared skin that we have including our face.
February 25, 2010. Since we’ve been driving a long distance city for every opportunities it’s comes to a time for some relaxing journey. We’re going to Vincennes, Indiana where the history begun. Today in 1779 in this site of Vincennes, General George Rogers Clark and his comrades defeated British army which led to American Nation. In 1800 July 4th with Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota become Indiana territory, Vincennes was set as a seat of government. About 100 meter away from the site where British surrender to General Clark is the area where Abraham Lincoln for the first time at his 21st birthday in 1830 went across the Wabash River and enter the State of Illinois. Here, we also visited William Henry Harrison house the 9th president of America, Court House and Fort Knox II where General Clark camp before went on to attack British camp.
February 26, 2010. Before I went for a night watch or a graveyard working schedule, we took another round of trip. We went for Evansville, our neighborhood city just 20 minutes away from Mount Vernon. In Evansville we visited LST 325 a warship that was used in World War in Normandy Beach and stranded for 30 years in Greece. In November 2000 the old and original crew of LST 325 brought back the warship to US shoreline. The old man courage and determination brings tears to all of their comrades family members. Then we visited the Emtrac Museum, Evansville Museum, Korean War memorial, City Hall, 1890 Sheriff Residence and Jail, Sailors and Soldiers Coliseum and Bicentennial Tribute to the Tri-State of Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. Last but not least we visited Bosse Field the field for Evansville Otters a first division baseball team. The field also used for the film “A League of Their Own” with Tom Hanks, Madonna, Sally Field and many others as the stars.
March 4, 2010. Our aim is Indianapolis. Our second aim to fulfill our friends needs. Driving thru I-64 E and then I-65 N the journey suppose to end in 4 hours time take longer turn since we need to stop by Edinburgh on exit 80. Here we’re doing some shopping at Chelsea Premium Factory Outlet. Without any time wasted we ended our journey of the day in Indianapolis. Here we capture ourselves with the town center monument of war - The Indiana’s Silent Victors, Hard Rock Café, Ball State Center, Nordstrom, Chase Tower, Court House, Indiana World War Memorial, State Capitol Building, Eiteljorg Museum (American Indian Museum), Indiana State Museum, River Walk, Union Station and Lucas Oil Stadium the home of 2008 NFL Champions and 2009 AFC Champions Indianapolis Colts. The Colts did reach the Super Bowl for 2009 but unfortunately they lost. As it's getting dark, we when to Indianapolis Children Museum. With a gigantic dinosaurs roars out of the building it’s attract my two kids to enter and explore the museum from the inside. The Museum was separated into different categories. The Dino’s World, Take me there - Egypt, Bob the builder world, Barbies world, Science Center and Discoveries. In Dino’s World we all manage and able to touch the real dinosaur bone and chat with the paleontologist on duty that day. What a magnificent moment! On our way back we use I-70 W, Hwy-231 and Hwy-57 to reach Evansville and eventually Mount Vernon.
March 13, 2010. Why March 13, why not the day before he!he!....This is the crown jewel of our journey. This is what we have planned for even before we’re here in the Uncle Sam country. We’re heading to Buffalo, New York to see the wonder of the world – NIAGARA FALLS. Though the journey as Google maps information should take us only approximately 11 hours but due to the needs of our friends which were not fulfilled in Edinburgh we need to stop by a few places on our way to Buffalo. We move at 05:00 hours.
From Evansville we took I-64 to Louisville, then I-71 to Cincinnati. We’re supposed to take I-71 to Columbus but we took I-75 instead to Dayton to reach Monroe for another Chelsea Premium outlet. After some shopping, we went ahead to Lebanon to have a quick turn to I-71 to Columbus, for now we’re back on track. We’re fortunate that we stumble upon Jeffersonville on I-71 and there is another Factory Outlet. Up to now all needs and promises have been fulfill. After passing through Columbus and still on I-71 we are on our way to Cleveland. Maneuvering around Cleveland using I-271 and then took I-90 towards Erie, Pennsylvania we then entered the State of New York.
I-90 in New York is a toll highway, to Buffalo it’s cost us $4. We reached Buffalo at about 20:30 hours and reached Niagara Falls at 21:00 hours after 16 hours journey. We check in into Days Inn which is just a few hundred meters away from the falls and the custom borders of Canada. The night view was and is magnificent.
March 14, 2010. The next day we stroll around Niagara Falls. The view is incredible, with American Falls and Terrapin Point Horseshoe Falls. I’ll not forget this experience. After ½ day in Niagara Falls we gear up ourselves for Manhattan, New York.
With used of toll highway I-90 to Syracuse, it’s cost us $7.15; then I-81 to Binghamton and Scranton, Pennsylvania. We stop by Crossing Premium Outlet for stretching and food. Then we’re on I-80 to Jersey City, New York. After check-in in the Skyway motel we took a nap at 21:00 hours after about 7 hours driving and stopping.
March 15, 2010. New York, New York. After paying $8.00 toll to went through Holland Tunnel we reached Manhattan, New York. We parked our car for $39 for 10 hours. Our first destination is Battery Park. Why Battery Park? Simply because we need a ferry to commute us to the Liberty Island. Yes, it’s a Statue of Liberty. The lady is our first aim in Manhattan. The ferry also stops over Ellis Island, the island which was used by immigrant to stayed and been scrutinized. Their dreams is to come to the promise land. In Manhattan we walk through Broadway Street, 5th Avenue, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, City Hall, Grand Central Station, the Brooklyn Bridge and 9-11 WTC work site and memorial hall. Some of the places we used subway as the covered area was huge.
March 16, 2010. After completing an astonishing day in Manhattan a day before, we need to get back to Mount Vernon to continue my training in SABIC-IP. We use I-78, I-81, I-68, I-79 and I-64 passing thru Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Kentucky. We reached Mount Vernon, Indiana at 19:00 hrs. For our journey back we only stop by for fuel, food and nature’s called. Though our journey’s back was fast and furious we still enjoying the mountains view which was and is breathtaking especially in Maryland and West Virginia.
March 24, 2010. Last weekend was unforgettable, incredible and tiring. We decided to get another relaxing trip for this weekend. We went on for New Harmony, the first settlement for the German community in Indiana. The German built the town with all the difficulties but then sold their land to Scottish man. This Scot brings on his technocrat, aristocrat and scientist which bring New Harmony to a new level of living. Here we visit Harmony house (German), Owen house (Scottish), Community Hall and the Labyrinth (big maze). The town was peaceful and relaxed with total population less than 1000.
March 25, 2010. While at work I was told that one of the Phenol team members, which was also close to me had a massive land in the country side. He owned a land of 84 acres in Shawnee National Forest. Mike Hoehn did invite me and my whole family to give him a visit. Today is our opportunity to visit his property. At his home my family did try a lot of things. We try cowboy and cowgirl suit. We try the bows and arrows, the four wheelers and play with the horses. Pam, Mike’s wife prepares us smoke salmon, rice and salad. After lunch we took a deliberate walk around his property. Mike’s has two big ponds, two horses, a creek flowing 100 yard away his house, a beautiful cliff named Herod Bluff, a cabin right in the center of his property and 84 acres of forest. Mike also shows us around the Shawnee National Forest especially the Garden of the Gods. Since the time is not on my side we need to get home early so that I’m prepared for my night work. I promise to myself that I’ll come back to the Garden of the Gods to view its spectacular view. My time at Mike’s property was unforgettable; my whole family really enjoys the stay.
March 28, 2010. To fulfill my own promise three days ago, I came back to Shawnee National Forest and view the incredible Garden of the Gods. To get there I use Hwy 62, then Hwy 141 before turn south on Hwy 1. Once reached Karbers Ridge junction we went west the same way that we took to Mike’s home. The rock formation, the forest and the facilities was magnificent.
March 31, 2010. My last day training in Mount Vernon. For the rest of my colleague they will stay in Evansville till the day our flight off to Dammam. For me I’m going up north to Milwaukee, Wisconsin using the same route we came for the first time. We use Hwy 69, turn west on I-64, turn north on Hwy 130, north on I-57 and finally north on I-94. Since, my travelling needs to be stopped at Tuscola for Tangiers Factory Outlet for my family’s souvenirs and at Michigan Avenue, Chicago for my wife cosmetics needs we arrive at Milwaukee at 20:00 hours. On our way we found the replica of Pisa Leaning Tower in Chicago, with the same size and height. Upon arrival in Milwaukee we checked in at Howard Johnson Inn.
April 1, 2010. Going around Milwaukee. The birth place of Harley Davidson. Our first place was definitely Harley Davidson factory. Then we when on to Harley Museum, Lake Front, Museum of Art, Miller Brewing Factory, Markus Center of Performing Art, The PABST Theater, City Hall, River Walk, Bradley Center home of NBA Milwaukee Bucks, Children Museum, Court House, Public Museum, Open Market, Broadway Street and Miller Park home of MLB Milwaukee Brewers.
April 2, 2010. We’re further north to the home of the legendary Vince Lombardi. Yup! You heard me right we’re going to Green Bay using I-43 and after 2 hours drive from Milwaukee. We arrived at Lambeau Field the home for Green Bay Packers. The Super Bowl trophy was named after their great head coach Vince Lombardi. The only place in Green Bay that worth visiting is this field. You’ll go through the Packers Hall of Fame, the field and the pro shop. In Green Bay we also mingle around Ashwaubomay River Park and Green Bay Beach Park. We concluded our day at the park and returned to Milwaukee.
April 3, 2010. On our way back to Chicago we use I-94 and then took Hwy 41 to take us to the Six Flags. Though we know the park was closed for season and will only open in June for summer, I need to portrait myself there at least to fulfill my craziest dream. In Chicago we stop by Hard Rock to bought some stuff and later return my rented car at O’Hare International Airport in the afternoon. At 20:30 we board our flight back to Dammam.
Though I didn’t mention here how my training days were in Mount Vernon plant, technically it was a most wonderful moment. I admire the camaraderie that been develop among me and the SABIC-IP members. I’ve enjoyed every single moment that I’ve spent with them in the work place. I’ll not forget the hospitality that I received be it at the work place or at Mike’s home. Even Pam has treated us more than a family. I’ll treasure this trip more than ever as I enjoyed it very much. Can it be compared to my previous overseas training days all around the worlds only my trip journal can tell?

Tiba sudah penghujung episod jalan-jalan di USA. Kunjungan terakhir kami di Lambeau Field, Green Bay (masih lagi dalam jajahan Wisconsin). Di sinilah sejarah GreenBay Packers bermula dan di sini jugalah lahirnya pemain-pemain American Football yang gah dan ulung terutama ketika bersama Ketua Jurulatih Lagenda, Vince Lombardi. Bagi peminat-peminat NFL, nama-nama ini dan sejarahnya sudah pasti telah diketahui.

Tak banyak tempat yang menarik di Green Bay. Ia terkenal kerana pasukan American Footballnya yang gah suatu ketika dulu. Namun dalam tak banyak tempat yang menariknya, sempat juga kami menghabiskan masa merewang sekitar Ashwaubomay River Park dan Green Bay Beach Park. Terpencil tapi tetap menarik.

Percutian kami berakhir di sini. Esok(3 April) berangkatlah kami ke Jubail, tanah tempat kami mencari rezeki. Percutian yang sungguh bermakna dalam hidup kami. Pastinya kenangan ini sentiasa terpahat di minda dan tersemat di hati. Perasaan bercampur-baur untuk meninggalkan tempat yang menjadi naungan biarpun hanya untuk sebulan setengah. Kalau boleh mahu ajew rasanya menetap terus di sini(hihihihi...ada peluang ker????). Rezeki di tangan Tuhan, tak siapa tahu tuah mendatang!!!!

Hati menjadi begitu sebak untuk meninggalkan Mt. Vernon, Indiana. Namun hati ini juga sangat teruja untuk melewati Bandar Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

WELCOME TO HARLEY DAVIDSON CITY!!!!

Kalau nak tahu, kilang motor berkuasa tinggi "Harley Davidson" berada di sini. Bandar nih terletak di utara bandar Chicago. Dari Chicago lebih kurang dalam 2 jam. Ketika sampai di sini,cuaca cerah tapi angin yang meniup masih mampu menusuk hingga ke tulang sum-sum....seeeeejjjjjuuuuukkkkkk!!!!!

Kesempatan yang ada di hari-hari terakhir Editor dan keluarga di USA nih, kami meneroka bandar Harley Davidson dan homeground bagi BUCKS dan BREWERS. Bagi yang meminati sukan basketball dan baseball, nama-nama nih tidak perlu diperkenalkan lagi.

Menarik tentang Milwaukee nih, bandarnya bersih, teratur dan tenang(tak lew sibuk macam di Chicago ataupun New York). Dalam perjalanan kami menuju ke hotel, tak sangka pulak jumpa Pisa Tower kat Milwaukee nih(replika ajew rupanyer...).

Tumpuan utama kami anak-beranak kesini ialah ke Harley Davidson Factory. Malangnya hari tuh tak ada factory tour(huhuhuhhu....malang nasib pak kaduk!!!). Jadi bila kilangnya ditutup kepada public, kami terjah pulak ke Muzium Harley Davidson yang terletak ditengah-tengah bandar Milwaukee(kalu dah kaki motor...ini lew jadinyer!).
Dah puas mencuci mata menengok motor(nengok ajew lew...belinyer idak. Al maklum ajew lew....), kami merewang downtown Milwaukee. Antara tempat yang kami sempat singgah Art Gallery & Museum, Miller Brewins Co. Pavillion, Milwaukee Center, Old Cathederal, The PABST Theater, Pere Marquette Park, Public Museum, Courthouse and Municipal dan The State Center.

Kami juga tidak melepaskan peluang menikmati pemandangan di sepanjang "Riverwalk". Sepanjang perjalanan nih terdapat deretan kedai-kedai, restoran-restoran(western,thai,chinese,middle east cuisine and of course their fast food) dan bazaar-bazaar. Sempat juga lew menyinggah salah satu kedai yang menjual cheese. Macam-macam rupa, bentuk, warna dan rasa cheese yang dijual di sini. Milwaukee selain terkenal dengan motor Harleynya, terkenal juga dengan kejunya....Nyum!Nyum! Sekitar bazaarnya pun begitu ...bersih lagi dan macam-macam ada! Untuk santapan tengahari, kami singgah di Royal Thai Restoran(seeeeddddaaapppp!!!).

Kami tak lupa juga menyinggah di Bradley Center-homeground bagi team BUCKS(basketball) dan Miller Park-homeground bagi team BREWERS(baseball). Sudah menjadi kebiasaan rakyat di sini, setiap pasukan negeri menjadi kebanggaan mereka walaupun pasukannya tidak sehebat mana. Semangat beginilah menyebabkan setiap pertandingan sentiasa mendapat sambutan dan memenuhi segenap ruang stadium.
Seharian di bandar Milwaukee ini mampu untuk menilai akan keindahan dan keunikan bandar popular Wisconsin ini.

Maaf lama tak bersiaran. Buzy sikit lately nih. Sekarang dah free, buley lew kita sambung citer pasal cuti-cuti Indiana yg makin sampai ke penghujungnyer tapi lum habis lg..hihihihi...

Kali ini cerita nyer sekitar Shawnee National Park atau lebih dikenali sebagai Garden of The Gods di Illinois. Kawasan ni ala-ala Flagstaff, Arizona(pada yg dah sampai lew kat sana), bezanya di Arizona tuh, bukit-bukit batunya di tengah-tengah kawasan lapang tapi yg ini di celah-celah hutan. Apapun masing-masing ada keunikannya tersendiri.

Musim begini(penghujung winter/awal spring) ramai yg suka bercamping di National Park nih, tak kurang juga yg berhiking, berkuda dan beriadah. Cukup meriah! Kawasan hutannya masih belum ternoda dan masih kekal kecantikkanya walaupun usia batu-batan dan hutannya sudah beribu tahun (kalu orang dah berkerepot dah nih!).Makin di mamah usia makin cantik struktur batuannya dan membentuk cerun-cerun yg curam(dah macam ahli geologi lew plak). Kalau tak percaya cuba tengok gambar-gambar di atas nun. Amik gambar kat hujung-hujung batu yg cerun tuh gayat gak. Tapi pasal nak gak amik gambar dari view nyer yg mengkagumkan, perasan gayat nih disembunyikan(hehehe...control macho).Cantik kan???

I still remember the smell of the wood, the moment I stepped inside this little cottage house. What a scent! Warm, cosy and filled with personal touch at every inch of the corner in this house. LIVELY!! Belongs to a couple, Mike & Pamela. I still hear in my ear the country music played by Mike upon our arrival. A speechless welcome! Mike was my husband's colleague in Sabic IP in Mt Vernon. We managed to fulfilled his invitation.

We spend about half a day with them. Mike & Pam showed us around their 85 acres land with spectacular view from different angle. Incredible and indescribable. We played archery and my kids have such fun on that rainy day. It were their first experience having fun in the woods.

A very special thanks to this very special couple for their hospitality and not to forget the lunch that they served us on that afternoon. It was marvelous and delicious too. I hope one day we'll be come back and visit two of you again. How could I ever forget this precious moment with you guys! Once again thank you for this unforgettable sweet memories.

Percutian yg hanya tinggal seminggu tidak kami sia-siakan(sob!sob!sob! sedey beb..). Kesempatan waktu yg ada kami ke New Harmony, antara kawasan perkampungan awal yg penduduknya tak sampai 1000 pun. New Harmony merupakan perkampungan awal bg org-org Jerman yg berhijrah ke US dalam tahun-tahun 1890-an sebelum New Harmony nih dijual kepada Pedagang Scotland.

Bangunan-bangunan dan rumah-rumah disini masih mengekalkan unsur-unsur tradisi. Community House yg dulunya berfungsi sebagai balairaya, sekarang nih dah jadi Opera House, Panggung wayang, sekolah dan muzium peninggalan sejarah. Setiap satu ada keunikannya. Satu lagi senibina yg unik di sini ialah Roofless Church(dulu church skrg nih dah jd tmn). Hanya Atheneum saje yg mempunyai bentuk senibina yg moden di historical village nih.

Setiap pelusuk historical village nih diperindahkan dengan taman-taman. Antara yg sempat kami singgah Carol Garden, Murphy Park dan Labyrinth Sacred Garden(taman yg ada maze/pagar sesat). Kawasan yg peaceful and refreshing nih mengingatkan Editor pada kampung halaman yg nun jauh di mata. Huhuhuhu....Layannzzzz....

Yeeehaaaa!!!!!
WELCOME TO MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY...The largest, the buziest city in the world...
I cannot believe it! I'm here in the middle of the Big Apple City...Yuuuuhhuuuuu!!!!
Excited giler Minah nih macam rusa masuk kampung.Hihihihihi....

Dah alang-alang sampai ke Niagara, apalagi kaki nih pun gatal lew nak memanjangkan langkah ke NYC. Dari Niagara about 7hrs drive tapi mcm biasa lew ada ajew tempat nak menyinggah(acara wajib biler travel sekali-sekala). Kami tak lew menginap di tengah-tengah NYC(mahal tuh...kang lari budget nak nyopping.hehehehe...). We all stay kat New Jersey City, about 20mins from NYC.

Pagi nyer kami ke New Jersey City Park, ingat kan nak naik feri dari sini ke Liberty Island tapi pagi tuh electricity tak ada so tak beroperasi lew pagi tuh. Jadi kami pun naik feri dari Battery Park NYC plak(iyelah dah letrik tak ada kena lew guna battery. ye dok?). Tambang nyer tak mahal mana(idak lew semahal COACH..hehehe...). Nak masuk ke Manhattan kena lew masuk Holland Tunnel. Apa yg uniknyer tentang terowong nih? Terowong ni didalam sungai. Perrgghhh!!! Nasib baik tak bocor, kalu tidak berenang lew acik ke seberang.huhuhuhu..(mcm pandai berenang) Lepas rewang-rewang sekitar Liberty Island, it is time to ronda-ronda Manhattan. Kami berjalan di sepanjang popular street in NYC The Broadway, 5th Avenue. Kat situ jugak lew letaknyer Empire State Building, Rockerfeller Centre, World Trade Centre, Grand Station, Central Park, The City Square, The Washington Square and all the "branded" Mall etc.etc. Pendek kata one day is not enough in Manhattan...itu belum lagi ke bandar lain Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Riverhead dan byk lagi lew. Itu tak menyopping. Kalu menyopping, sebulan tak habis round.hahahaha....
Tapi sebelum menamatkan seharian di Manhattan, kami sempat jugak ke Brooklyn Bridge(the historic bridge in NY) dan City Hall of NYC.

Kalau ada rezeki, kesempatan and of course ongkosnya, rasanyer nak lagi datang ke sini dan bandar-bandar sekitarnya. Tak puas explore lagi. hihihihi!!!!
Kenangan seharian di NYC!

Akhirnya sampai jugak hajat nak ke Niagara Falls, one of the World's Nature Wonders. Tapi nak sampai ke sinun tuh, kena lew berhempas pulas memandu selama 13 jam, macam dari Jubail nak ke Mekah daa...

Sampai jew, terus check in hotel. Badan acik dah loteh laiepun ari dah golap. Keesokan harinya baru lew kitaorang meredah kecantikan dan keajaiban Niagara Falls. Subhanallah!!!Magnifico. Tak terkata keindahannya. Disebabkan masih lagi dalam musim winter(salji pun tak cair lagi kat sini), tak dapat lew Editor nak naik water taxi dan turun ke Bridal Veil Cave...huhuhu...ruginyer. Tapi tak apa nanti summer datang lagi yek, hubby?? Walaupun musim sejuk, ramai jugak pengunjung yg datang ke sini. Eemmm...lagi nak citer apa yek? Tengok ajew lew scenic view yg sempat dirakamkan...

Indianapolis, Capital City for Indiana. Perjalanan dari Evansville memakan masa lebih kurang 4 jam. Macam dari Jubail nak ke Riyadh atau dari Kuantan nak ke Melaka. On the way nak ke Indianapolis, sempat jugak Editor singgah di Edinburgh. Tapi tak lew masuk ke bandar Edinburgh, cuma ke Factory Outlet, nak memenuhi permintaan kengkawan yg memesan dan nak memenuhkan beg(hihihihi...mcm byk sgt membeli nyer).

Selesai di Edinburgh, misi diteruskan. Emmmmm....cantik bandar Indianapolis dan bersih. Tempat pertama yg dilawati Civil War Memorial sebab yg ini paling dekat dengan tempat kitaorang parking. Lokasinya di tengah-tengah Circle Center(mcm tugu tgh2 roundabout)dan tempat-tempat menarik macam State House, Court House, World War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Old Cathederal dan Union Station semuanyer berhampiran(jln kaki ajew).

Depa nih banyak War Memorial, maklum lew suka berperang. Satu lagi kat US nih banyak Muzium. Macam-macam muzium ada tapi yg kami sempat pi jengah Eiteljorg Museum dan Indiana State Museum. Satu lagi yg menjadi kebanggaan depa ialah Stadium. Di Indianapolis nih, Lucas Oil Stadium, home ground bg Colts menjadi pujaan.

Last but not least, akhirnya dapat jugak lew anak-anak Editor masuk ke World Largest Children Museum. Suka nyer bukan kepalang lagi, maklum ajew lew masuk tempat bebudak dah tuh yg paling besar di dunia plak tuh. Satu-satunya muzium di dunia nih yg mempamerkan tulang dinasour yg betul dan kita boleh pegang. Seronok betul bebudak nih dapat buat dan explore mcm-mcm kat sini. Memang rezeki bebudak nih, hari tuh entrance tak payah bayar pasal 'Target'(store mcm Carrefour)buat kerja-kerja amal -"Family Free Night". Kalu tak mau jugak terbang dalam $USD50.

Cukup setakat nih dulu,nanti Editor sambung lagi dengan cerita baru di tempat yg lain plak..TTFN...

Ketemu lagi...harap-harap pembaca tak boring menelek blog nih sebab cerita nyer masih lagi berkisar tentang senario Editor n family di negara Uncle Sam. Album kali nih sekitar bandar Evansville, Indiana jew.

Jom! Kita tinjau apa yg ada di sini. Tempat pertama yg kami singgah ialah Muzium Kapal Perang LST 325. Kapal ni digunakan masa Perang Dunia ke 2 dulu. Selepas 35 tahun terperuk di Greece, akhirnya kapal nih pulang semula ke pangkuan tanahairnyer dan dikemudikan oleh Kapten dan anak-anak kapal yg asal(bayangkan dah tua2 belaka tuh tp masih mampu bawak kapal nih balik dari Greece. Caya lah!!!). Luas jugak kapal nih,seluas padang football. Besar kan? LST 325 nih gunanya untuk mengakut kereta-kereta kebal dan bala tenteranya(eh! Cukup lew tuh...boring org nak dengor).

Dari Muzium Kapal,kami ke Muzium Keretapi(muzium lagi!!!!brp byk muzium ko nak masuk???). Emtrac nih,pengangkutan yg paling tua dan paling popular di kalangan warga Uncle Sam. Malah hingga ke hari ini Emtrac merupakan public transport yg disukai ramai.Huhuhuhu....

Lepas tuh, pergi mana yek? Laaa....lupa lew plak..Ohhh!!!! kami pi melawat War monument, Tugu Peringatan(tiru Tugu Negara kita lew tuh!),Court House yang klasik, Rumah Sheriff & jail(Jail tuh rumah sheriff.Jadi siapa sebenar nyer yg jahat???? Hahahaa...cuba teka???)

Ada sesiapa pernah tengok filem "The League Of Their Own",lakonan Tom Hanks,Madonna, Gena Davis tak? Kalu tak pernah, lepas nih gi cari vcd dan tonton(kalu ada lagi lew di pasaran...)sebab cerita nih difilemkan di Padang Bosse(pdg baseball yg terulung dan dibuka pada 1915)yg Editor dan hubby sempat singgah.

Huh! Sebenarnyer ada lagi yg menarik di Evansville nih. Kalu nak melawat semua tempat dalam masa 1 hari,memang tak cukup. Itu belum kira tempat menyopping. Ups!!! Part yg nih tak leh cerita banyak-banyak, nanti ada yg sakit jantung, sakit mata, sakit hati dan..dan..dan..ada yg sakit poket..hehehehe...
Apa-apa ajew lew.....

Kali nih, historic Vincennes menjadi pilihan. Vincennes,Indiana's first city founded in 1732 as a French fur trading post. Today(Feb,25th),231 years ago, an estimated 175 men made a brutal midwinter march to capture the British fort at Vincennes(hehehe....cakap omputih plak editor nih). Semua nih terpahat di George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. Kalau nak tahu, Vincennes nih dulu Ibu negeri Indiana sebelum berpindah ke Corydon then ke Indianapolis.

Memandangkan bandar nih bandar bersejarah macam Melaka Bandaraya Bersejarah(kampung den tuh!), banyak lew bangunan-bangunan bersejarahnyer. Selain dr George Rogers Clark National Park, ada Lincoln Monument, Old French House, Indians Museum, Military Museum, Grouseland-rumah William Harrison dan macam-macam lagi. Tengok ajew lew gegambor kat bawah nih.

Setiap detik yg terluang tidak dibazirkan begitu saje, pasti ada ajew tempat yg nak dilawati(kaki rewang lew katakan. mana nak tau duduk diam ye dok?). Baru-baru nih Editor n family gi ke St Louis,Missouri.

Bila sebut ajew St Louis, pasti yg terlintas dlm kepala is 'The Arch'(what a great view from the top?). Walaupun salji dah mula mencair,tapi pagi tuh turun plak salji nih. Seeeeejjuuuukkkkk!!! Sampai di St Louis lagi sejuk walaupun tak de snow tapi angin dia...ppeerrrggghhhh!!!! Beku.

Bandar St Louis pagi tuh agak lengang jadi senang lew nak merayap. Cantik dan klasik jugak bangunan-bangunan di sini. Infact, shopping galery nyer pun lain dari yg lain(padan lew lain, hok yg nih tuk org kekaye ajew. Tersalah masuk lew plak!).

Layan ajew lew kerenah-kerenah kami sepanjang di St. Louis!

Olaa!!!

Dari Nashville, Tennessee kami ke Louisville, Kentucky(ha ah tempat asal KFC,finger licking good!). Pit stop kami yang pertama, Lost River Caves. Kentucky nih popular dengan caves nyer(kalu tak silap ada 6 gua kot). Kalu nak tahu, kat gua ni lew Jesse James(penyamun popular tuh)bersembunyi dan pada tahun 1930an dulu ada night club lagi kat gua nih(caya tak??). Gua nih, one of the largest cave entrances east of the Mississippi river. Dlm gua nih jugak lew kita boleh jumpa kelawar yg paling kecik(besar ibu jari jer). Huh! pjg plak bebel pasal sejarah gua nih. Tp yg penting, it was a great adventure and unforgetable!

Keluar dari gua, kami menuju ke bandar Louisville. Apa lew yg ada kat Louisville nih sampai beriyea-iyea Editor nak gi yea dok?? Haaa!!!!Nak tahu?? Ini lew tempatnya 'Louisville Slugger' the popular museum & factory of baseball bat. The only place you can see the world's biggest bat. Tapi malangnya kami tak sempat nak masuk melawat museum & factory nih coz dah tutup(melepas nak dapat mini bat free.Emmm...alahai!).

Selain dr Louisville Slugger, kat sini ada Muhammad Ali Center(peninju tuh lew), Churchill Downs(Kentucky Derby-tempat lumba kuda daaa...), Six Flags(tmn tema) dan mcm-mcm lagi. Tapi yg best bila gi Fourth Street Live(nama nyer pun dah happenning). Everthing live here!

Tak banyak gambar yg sempat Editor rakam gara-gara lupa nak charge bateri kamera. Emmmm... dalam masa 2 hari kami dah merayap sampai 2 state. Lepas nih mungkin ke St. Louis di Missouri plak, insyaallah.

Salam...
Jumpa lagi kita. Kali nie, Editor nak bercerita tentang Nashville. Dr Evansville, it takes about 21/2hrs. Pada yg belum tahu, Nashville ni popular dengan motto 'Country of Music'. Di sini lew penyanyi-penyanyi lagu 'country' dinobat dan disanjung.

Happenning sungguh bandar nih. Mana ceruk kita jalan, lagu-lagu country pasti berkumandang. Setiap barnya ada saje live band yg beraksi. Kebanyakan lokasi tourist attractions berdekatan, jadi kami mengambil keputusan berjalan kaki untuk menikmati keindahan bandar Nashville. Tapi pada yg malas nak berjalan, boleh jugak naik kereta kuda yg disediakan(siap ngan guide lagi tp bayor lew). Hall of Country Fame bukti music country mmg popular di sini.

Remember the Titans?? Yeap!(bukan Titan kat Pasir Gudang tuh)Team American football yg popular satu masa dulu. Eemmm...sempat jugak lew kami berposing di hadapan stadiumnyer tuh(nak masuk dlm stadium,tutup lew plak). Selain tuh, kat sini pun ada underwater dining adventure(underwater restoran)dan macam-macam lagi. Nak citer pun dah tak tahu macamana(lps nih kena buang keje jd editor),jadi layan ajew lew slide show nih wehhh!!!!

Macam tajuknya, cerita kali nih berkisar tentang xtvt yg kami buat di Mt Vernon selepas sehari dua sampai di sini. Malam pertama kami sampai disini, snow shower. Everybody was excited(mcm sakai, maklum lew 1st time nengok salji turun. Hehehehe...buat malu kat orang kampung jew).

Esoknya hari Ahad, kami pi ronda-ronda downtown Evansville(20 mins from the suite). Beli stok apa yg patut coz besoknya cik hubby nak pi kerje. On the way home, sempat gak nak pi cari Sabic IP(tompek kojo laki den)..beshnyer! dekat sangat ngan suite kitaorang, tak sampai 5 minit dah sampai. Kalu tau cengini, baik suruh cik hubby sewa basikal ajew pi kerje. Dapat lew acik merewang ngan kereta. Huhuhuhu...

Hari pertama hubby gi kerja, xtvt bebudak nih tak ada lain, main salji, buat snowman. Maklum ajew lew malam tadi snow turun dengan lebatnya. Siap dengan angin kuat lagi. Jadi pagi nih, memutih jew kawasan motel ni. Safwan & Amy were accompanied by Shirley(one of the worker kat sini) buat snowman. They really have fun ditambah pulak ada orang yg melayan kerenah diorang.

Semalam, lepas makan tengahari, kami diajak oleh Sherry(owner motel) pergi "sliding" kat Country Club (masa tuh hubby kerje)dengan family member dia yg lain. Seronok sungguh! Mereka-mereka nih pun polite dan peramah orangnya. Orang-orang kat Country Club nih pun baik-baik belaka. Tak de lew kami nih terasa seperti alien kat sini. Malah kemana Editor dan anak-anak nak pergi masa hubby tak ada, they will take us and fetch us back(seronoknyer...macam jd Mem Besar lew plak.heheheh...).

Insyaallah, kalau tak ada aral melintang, weekend nih Editor sekeluarga nak pi Nashville(tempat penyanyi-penyanyi popular melepak). Sebelum tuh tatap lew slide nih sebagai tandamata dari kami yg jauh. Jangan jelleeezzzzzz!!!!!!

Jumpa lagi kita di episod yg baru.

Kali nih nak kongsi bersama perjalanan dari Chicago ke Evansville. Perjalanan mengambil masa lebih kurang 5 jam(memandu dengan penuh berhemah sbb kalu langgar ajew speed limit, dtg lew pak polisi depa mengejar). Perjalanan dari Chicago ke Charleston tak berapa menarik, mendatar ajew macam kat Saudi gak. Bezanya kat Saudi padang pasir, kat sini salji memutih. Tapi bila dah masuk ke area Charleston(ala-ala kawasan perkampungan)viewnya menarik(walaupun covered by snow).

Sebelum sampai ke Evansville sempat jugak Editor singgah di Tangers Outlet(factory outlet yg menjadi kegilaan ramai.hehehhe....). Memang giler! Kelabu bijik mata dibuatnyer. Bukan setakat Editor jew yang mabuk mata,mat-mat & minah-minah salleh kat sini pun sama jugak. Mengangkut semacam jew.

Dah hilang kelabu mata, perjalanan diteruskan ke Evansville. Lebih kurang jam 7mlm kami sampai di Four Season Motel,Mt Vernon. Mt Vernon nie kawasan country(mcm kampung tp menarik).Sorry gambarnya tak dapat nak ambil pasal dah gelap dan dah ngantuk yg benornya. Jadi tatap lew gambar 2-3 keping yg sempat. Bagi peminat-peminat 'factory outlet',so sorry no pictures taken, coz everybody has turned grey when they saw the sale.