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...