Confused mind and country

We visited Philadelphia and Washington DC on a two-day tour.

And I'm increasingly perplexed yet enlightened by the visit.

The narrative goes somewhat like this.

"Americans" came in the 1600s in search of a place to live where there will be no persecution of their beliefs. They believe that each human being have individual rights.

But they "acquire" land that was inhabited by Native Americans and establish treaties with them which weren't fulfilled. Freedom for Native Americans?

George Washington was the first President. He owned slaves.

Freedom?

Americans believe in allowing companies to start up and fail spectacularly with smaller consequences as compared to other countries. But they do not aim for efficiency.

So it's a country that hosts failure, but not efficiency?

They believe in their rights. Yet there is law.

Limited rights then?

I think it will take me awhile to understand the dichotomies of this society.

New York CityPass worth it? Think again

So this is my first time writing such a long review, if any at all.

Now I realise that those that opinions that are rated high on the CityPass website are listed on default on their webpage. I should have read the lowest rated comments as well. =.=

Anyway, since my post won't be at the top of the CityPass review website, I am going to post it here...at least I get visibility of it. I'll stop whining after this post, and jot down my thoughts on New York proper.

Review of New York CityPass

I declare that CityPass is not worth S109. It’s worth $29.

There are three or four museums (depending on whether you choose Guggenheim or Top of the Rock) and two “sightseeing” activities (viewing Statue of Liberty and other landmarks via State Cruises or CircleLine cruises). If you play it right, all you have to pay for as a tourist is $29 for Empire State Building or Top of the Rock (locals say this is better, you can view Empire State Building from there) to get the experience of all museums and a good enough view of Lady Liberty.

Firstly, two of the museums – The Metropolitan Museum of the Art (MET) and American Museum of Natural History are by donation basis for its general exhibits ALL THE TIME. You would probably need to pay extra for special exhibitions at both museums, but if you are a general tourist who just want to take a look at general exhibits (which are already so rich in content you wouldn’t need to see the special exhibits to fill your time), then cost is $0. (I will support the arts, and give a nominal $5 to 10 for each museum entrance).

Secondly, the two other museums have “free” entrance nights. Museum of Modern Arts (MoMA) has it during Friday 4-8pm. Guggenheim Museum (Gug) has a “pay as you wish” night on Saturday 545pm to 745pm. If you play it right, again, the cost will be $0.

I will now elaborate on the “sightseeing” activities. New York has FREE ferry trips that depart 24 hours a day from Manhattan to Staten Island and (the other way too) that departs in 30 min intervals. You can get a good view of the landmarks in New York and see the Statue of Liberty. I was lining up to collect tickets for a Circle Line cruise and I realise many people in front of me hand the New York City Pass booklet. I wonder if it was not for the booklet, would people even bother taking the cruise? I would say that as a tourist, what you want is to have a good view of landmarks and some basic information provided about the landmark. The Staten Island ferry gives you a good view and using your smartphone, you can get basic information about Lady Liberty.

So all you have to pay for is $29 to get the best view of New York skyline. Why Pay $109 per person?

Even if you go to MoMA ($25 for adults) and Gug ($22 for adults) at the “paid” timings, it still won’t reach $109.

Furthermore, if you are in New York for 3 to 4 days, it would be quite “rushed” to go to 3 art museums, 1 natural history museum and 2 sightseeing stuff. I would advise to walk around New York more to discover the place, and discover affordable deals around you. (There should be Macy’s coupons around New York, not just in the CityPass booklet…)

So tourist, read my review and research more before buying the CityPass.

Unbearable Homelessness

It puzzles me.

I see people with such signs everywhere.

Why is that?

I'm more puzzled by the fact that similar materials are used to write "homeless" messages. Cardboards.

And similar words. HOMELESS. Why state the obvious fact? Shouldn't we know already?

There are signs that are indications of being homeless. Shabby looks. Cart of used products. Destitute face.

In other countries I've lived in, I don't see people with such signs. Singapore fines homeless people for staying on the streets. Malaysia has homeless people on the streets walking or sitting at sheltered locations. China has homeless people that people are skeptical of. Conman beggars maybe.

Maybe one day I'll muster up the courage to ask them for the reasons behind the words written on the cardboards. Just maybe...

Rest to peak to rest

Ruthless and jarring. My heart is torn between an endless pursuit of tasks in the to-do list and the peace that is calming that comes from God.

Choosing the latter will be my choice in the next hour, but for now, let me expound on the experiences and thoughts having been here for 3 months.

My strengths are treasured here more than it was in Singapore. I think that many people from Singapore are like me, therefore I am considered typical in Singapore. But I have an inkling that I offer people skills beyond a typical Singaporean.

I am learning to speak up and express my thoughts more coherently. My thoughts are organised and they are valuable. I am connecting my past with who I am now. How do I relate my unspoken thoughts and feelings with an uncertain confidence in speaking them slowly but surely, to influence people around me?

If I can imagine to be whoever I want with on money constraints, what will I be, what will I do? Do I have the authority to dream of what I want to do in my life, or is it subjected to God's will? Are these two mutually exclusive?

Can I really be effective to change situations around me? Should I be merely a receiver of ideas, or can I disseminate mine?

Can I really rise from where I am, to believe in myself as much and more than others believe in me?

Now God be with me.

Rest.

Fall is here

You come up and wake up and I feel set because I have dedicated the day to the Lord.

But hustle and bustle sets in. And people go here and there, never settling in.

And my heart gets jolted again. How much can you take?

As I look outside at those beautiful trees, I thank God again for this lovely day.

Finding a part of me

It sounds silly to take solace in an empty squash court. The body circuit class was not intensive enough, and I didn't want to do treadmill. Back to the old days, where I didn't run at all.

Its like music. Hitting the ball towards the wall is like session myself through what I am familiar with. Piano. Tennis. Home.

The ball is black and much smaller. But who cares. I find part of myself here.

Hit it and get it going.

Torn between Assignments and People

I may feel empty inside, wondering my choices in life. Ultimately, it's not within my control to determine. And let me give it to You Lord, to turn me upside down and inside out.

I feel that I should spend more time with my assignments and not time socialising with people. But who am I to say that, when I know that people and contacts matter here? It matters in life.

Moving the 6th time in 2014

I defied myself by getting most things on my own or through being resourceful with connections. But who would have thought moving again would be so difficult.

Shifting out of the comfort zone after merely 3 weeks, I arrive at a new place. Our own place. With bare necessities.

I tried to make sure I got most of the smaller items prior to moving in. But I am still missing a bed, a dresser and a table.

I am overwhelmed by emotions because its the period time. But I refocus my attention to the glorious Father in heaven, who has provided me with so much.

All glory to God. And may He lift me up to experience Jesus.

Lazing in the Cemetery

I realised more now how important it is to just stop and enjoy life. I guess when I was in Singapore and Penang the past two years, I hadn't had a chance to say stop and relax.

There are so many more things to do in life than to just catch up with a friend in a mall. The enclosed environment in Singapore that I am used to is stifling.

Ang mohs who go to Singapore will just sit and rest in any grass area and sun tan. Now that I am here, I understand why they do that. Hot sunny weather is limited here.

I am now sitting in a cemetery enjoying the sun. And irony. Or maybe not.

Liberation from Self- consciousness

Went to Pentecostal Tabernacle church today. I got off the wrong T station, so it took me 20mins to walk there from the station.

I immediately felt at home when I enter the church. I didn't feel conscious abt my skin colour - the stereotypical view that Asians r conservative or the need to adapt the way relate to ppl to the community here. In other words, I saw myself as a human rather than as a Chinese.

Its liberating to feel you can be yourself without thinking about yourself. Losing self consciousness. Focusing on God's Word instead of self. Ah. How liberating.

(sorry that this post doesn't hv coherent flow, blogged abt this two days after going to church!)

Pretence?

I am tired. A few factors contribute to that. But the biggest factor is putting up a front.

I was deliberating to use "pretence". But it will not be an accurate description.

I need to put in effort to be American. Or rather, speak American. I am used to the normal Singapore way of talking. And I feel that they will understand me better if I speak more like them. I do hope I won't pick up their bad habits of talking too much or caring too much about themselves.

In my heart, its still singing of joy of the opportunities (or should I say "opportooonities") that I see and experience so far.

Here is a pic to end the day. Waiting at the bus stop going back to Watertown. Trying to look remotely positive! ;)

Familiarity in a Far Away Place

6th day in Boston. I finally felt I miss something - the sense of familiarity.

I remember being in Wuhan and was very happy when I saw McDonald's. Its everywhere in Boston. Doesn't make a difference.

Later in the day, I decided to go swimming. According to Google maps and Watertown Department of Recreation and Conservation, there is a public swimming pool 15min walk away. I packed everything, and went to search for this mysterious place.

After 23 minutes, I reached. And of all the things I forgot to bring, it was my swimming suit. Darn. Ultimate blurness.

I decided then to walk back home without exercising. There was a river nearby, ducks and other animals enjoying themselves. And it dawned upon me. God was giving me a sense of familiarity. His creation is his wonderful work. And I am familiar with his creation. Not to mention His love.

What a wonderful gift on Sabbath. :)