Pixels-Inspired: America

Welcome!

I've spent this past 2 months here in the United States, between inauspicious dates of July 7th, 2006 (1st Anniversary of the London Bombings) and September 11th, 2006 (5th Anniversary of the New York's World Trade Centre).

Along the way, I've gathered many pictures that I would like to share here in my experiment with Google's Picasa2 & Blogger.

I would like to thank God for His protection and blessings all through out my time here. Now refreshed, I'm heading back to the UK for a new challenge so please pray for His continued providence. Thanks.

I would also like to thank the many that made my trip so much more enriching.
Uncle, Aunt, Joyce, Poh-Poh, and the 3 Qian's: Thanks for everything, everything...
Keh Shiun & Family: Great seeing you again, enjoyed San Francisco.
Keh Yong & Family: Great time at Big Sur, and got to touch Pacific Ocean.
Mary & Alvin: Thank you for all the arrangements. Interesting table at Vegas, huh?
Vincent & Family: Penangites, we're really missing Penang food. Thanks for hosting.

Enjoy.

Blessings,
Alex.
September 11th, 2006

Cycling Day-Out in San Francisco
September 9th, 2006

Took the BART from Fremont to Powell St.

Onto SF's infamous cable car: Powell St. to Taylor St.
They are here for a good reason: San Francisco Downtown is full of challenging steep hills.

At the end of the line, they use this to turn the car around...

... manually...

... and push it back on track.

Me, the Golden Gate Bridge, ...

... and my rented bicycle.

I prefer manual labour too, depending on me old skinny legs instead of fossil fuel. Biked the whole length of the bridge and back.
And snapped this photo as I was jumping off for a swim...!

Biked, hiked, walked, and downhill dash through Presidio.

Ocean Beach
Black and white.

Black... (it wasn't napping)

... and white.

Golden Gate Park
Riding through a park...

... you wouldn't expect to see...

... America Bisons.

After a long climb uphill to Alamo Garden, this was where the cramps started to really kick-in.

But I had to strive forward...

... because lunch was nearby at Japan Town, 6 hours after a light breakfast at 8am.

Returned my bike at 5pm after 6 gruelling hours.
Time to head home.

This time, I get to sit and stand facing out the cable car. Just don't fall off.

More manual labour with the cable car, this was the brake.

And this, the accelerator.

Powell St. to Fremont on BART again.

And waited for my 4th mode of transport for the day...

... the Bus.

After getting off the bus, I would have walked the remaining 15 minutes back to the house but my uncle and aunt were anxious to get me home in one piece. Thanks for the ride.

Return trip from Vancouver, Washington to Fremont California.
September 3rd, 2006

My wonderful hosts at the Vancouver Train Station to send me off.

Another mode of transport conquered, Amtrak Train.

Views that I missed during our drive up to Washington.

Train food!
Not included in the $107 fare. Dining at the restaurant by reservation only, but there's also a snack bar. This was the salad entree.

Angus Burger, which gave me stomach cramps later.

Oh, forgot. Here's how it looks like inside.

Plenty of legroom, better than airplanes.

Good morning, sunshine!

Paddy fields, reminds me of Sekinchan.

Thanks for the tips on Europe and further insights into American culture, Robert. All the best in setting up your bakery.

2-hour transit time at Sacremento meant another place to conquer!

Went back into time to visit Old Sacremento.

Not so exclusive between Sacremento and Fremont, but still very comfortable.

Ask.com: Don't let habit prevent you from trying something new.

Take me out to the ball game...

I knew my 24-hour journey was coming to an end when I saw this.
Next stop, Fremont-Centerville Station.

Labour Day Weekend in Washington
With Vincent and Family
August 30th - September 3rd, 2006

This was the only picture I took during our drive from California to Washington up north, because I drove through the most beautiful and exciting part of the journey. Great drive!