Winter wonderland (prelude)

昨晚，这里又开始下雪，下得蛮多的，一直持续到今天。虽然外头的气温是0 度，但天气还不算太冷。当然，路面相当的湿滑，所以也没法“蹦蹦跳跳”，但其实下雪比下雨好些，由于这场雪没有下得那么大，雪花飘落在夹克上后，便迅速消失，不像雨水一样的弄湿衣服。

在雪中行走，别有一番滋味， 眼前的景色一片白茫茫， 即觉得幽静，又有些沧桑，但总的感觉还是挺不错的。

It snowed quite a bit last night, and the snow continued right till today. In fact, it has been snowing the entire day. Quite nice to walk in the snow, there is this unusual sense of calmness and serenity. The snow is not too heavy, but significant enough, such that the flakes will land gently on your jacket, before disappearing. The ground was quite slippery though, so there was no way one could run about, exciting as it may seem.

Still have not gotten over the novelty feeling yet, so captured some photos.

From last night, taken from my apartment window

Some pictures from today, taken at my corridor

I could not resist taking a video of the "snowing" scene as well....

Washington DC

The past few days comprised the Thanksgiving holidays here in the US, so I tookthe opportunity to travel to Washington DC, the capital of the country. I have been interested in the history of the United States since young and this was the perfect occasion to pay this federal city a visit. I was not disappointed.

I've lost count (almost) of the number of monuments, memorials, and museums that I've visited over the 3 days spent there. My emotions really went on a roller coaster ride, as the things that I used to read about in my American History elective back in university were revisited, but in a much more authentic form. It was just such a mixbag of emotions, as I looked at the various artifacts and read the stories that make up the American dream. I felt excited, awed, surprised, happy, sad, reflective, introspective, exhilarated, moody and impressed throughout the trip.

Took more than 200 photographs in all, kind of crazy I suppose, but more importantly, the memories and the stories behind the different monuments and memorials which I took in will be priceless.

Arrival

The National Gallery of Art. It was open during Thanksgiving day, and I really loved the exhibitions inside. Amazing exhibits, brilliant art pieces. I was especially pleased to see works by my favourite American artist, Jackson Pollock.

Number 1, 1950, (Lavender Mist) by Jackson Pollock

A rather intriguing sculpture by American artist Roy Lichtenstein at the Sculpture Garden just outside the Gallery. The structure is actually sunken in, but in the photograph it appears to pop up instead.

State Capitol Building. This is their equivalent of our "Parliament House", and is a familiar symbol of Washington.

The White House. No prizes for guessing who works inside.

One of my favourite places has to be the Lincoln Memorial, built in honour of President Abraham Lincoln, who of course, was the person who ended slavery in the US, back in the 19th century.

Washington Monument. Dedicated to George Washington, the first President of the USA.

In the 20th century, America was involved in a number of wars, and I took a walk to the various memorials that were built in memory of the soldiers who perished during these horrific events. The feelings of visiting these memorials were somewhat mixed. These memorials are really beautiful, but the thought of the terrible events of the past which resulted in the memorials being built really sends a sharp pain through one's heart. To think that so many lives were lost and families destroyed.... Yet today warfare continues....

Pictures taken at the World War II Memorial

Another place which I have always wanted to visit is actually the Arlington National Cemetery. This is the place where soldiers who died in the various wars, various high ranking military personnel and some politicians (eg. President JFK) are buried. So in this trip, I made it a point to go to this cemetery of utmost significance.

The grounds of the cemetery are sprawling, and the atmosphere solemn but not frightening. I had the chance to watch the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers (my main aim of visiting the cemetery), and this was truly a eye-opening experience. It is kind of morbid but the feeling of paying respects at the tomb, to people whom I've never met before, is really quite beyond description.




This has been a totally enriching and rewarding trip to the capital of the world's most powerful nation.

Random thoughts

When the weather is cold yet sunny, one gets caught in a dilemma. To go out or to stay in?

Going out means having to put on thick clothing and braving the cold, when the wind blows upon your face, the skin freezes temporarily and for that split second it seems that you have stuck your face onto the inner surface of a freezer. Yet, the scenery can be quite priceless, because the surroundings just seem to exude this immense sense of serenity and beauty that can only be seen in an autumn setting. Many times, while taking the bus to school, I can't help but be in awe at some of the sights the way. In truth, the places I pass by are just buildings and trees, with an open field once in a while, but they somewhat come together to present a portrait that is worthy of a thousand snaps of the camera.

On the other hand, staying in need not be too bad an idea, especially if the heating is quite nice and it makes you feel all cosy and all that. But with the windows all closed, there comes a time when you feel quite stuffy in the room, claustrophobic, even, and you can't help but wish you could at least open one window widely. You also tend to do a lot of reflection, which can be both good and bad. Life can throw up many surprises, although some aspects can be planned and expected. Up till today, I still cannot decide if my fate really is in my own hands. There are times when I feel so helpless I wish the earth would just swallow me whole. And there are times when I feel like Jack onboard the Titanic shouting, "I'm the king of the world!" and think I am in control.

I have issues, that part I am very sure. Just how should I deal with them or cope with them, I suppose there are no quick answers, as everyday things change, situations change and people change. I look back at the time when I first started working, and compare it to now, and realise that I am no longer the same person as before. Do I prefer the old me or the current me? I cannot tell. Then again, should I be concerned about this?

3 months have passed since I stepped into this new land, and started a new life. What have I gained? What have I lost? Honestly, I have no answers at the moment. Maybe next year, some answers may surface...

Scenes of snow flurries 雪景

那一天，下了一场小雪。天气其实没那么冷，但气温毕竟已到了冰点，所以，雪花便开始落下。最后一次看到下雪，是在北京，算一算应该是十三年前吧， 当时因为身体不舒服，根本没对雪产生什么兴趣。这一次便不一样了，虽然只是一点点的雪花，但在观看那淡淡的雪景时，心里头还是感觉不错。这就是我人生中另一段小快乐。

The snow that day was light, but somehow I just felt quite excited to see it. After all, the last time I saw snow was some thirteen years ago, in Beijing, where I was feeling too cold to appreciate anything. This time round, the feeling is different, although it's just bits of snow flakes that fell in front of my eyes, looking at these flakes somewhat evoked in me an indescribable sense of inner happiness. As the French would say, "Je suis contente."

Some pictures of the snow. Can't see much of the snow in the pictures, as it was really light, but try looking a bit closer and the flakes should be visible.

Incidentally the weather forecast for that day was "flurries". An interesting but accurate description of the snow. (Before this I only know "McFlurry", haha)

2 videos clips here of the falling snow. (Click on the play button)

In the midst of watching the snow, I realise that it is still autumn, so not sure when the next snowfall will be, but I will be looking forward to it.

Light Snow

It has started snowing here. Well, there were some scattered snow showers two days ago, managed to catch some flakes, but it was nothing much. This morning the falling snow is more visible, they call it "flurries" here. Continuous light snow, that simply falls and evaporates in split seconds. If you did not realise, you would have thought how come there is so much dust in the air?

The last time I saw snow was 13 years ago, in Beijing. That was an unexpected encounter, as the snow was not predicted to arrive at the time I was there. Still, quite an experience.

This time the progression is more gradual, so it's probably an experience in a different way, because I get to see different phases of snowfall.

The temperature has gone below zero degree Celsius a few times, but according to the locals you ain't see nothing yet. Colder days to come....

秋天的颜色 Colours of Autumn

秋天的到来，总是让人感情肺腑，尤其是看着叶子都变了颜色，随着秋风吹过，一一的凋落，纷飞，这一景一幕，确实有几分诗情画意。

那一天，在上学的途中， 从巴士往外看，发现很多树变了颜色，心中突然感到雀跃万分， 像个小孩一样。原本就对秋季情有独钟，而这一次能真正的迎接秋天到来，体验秋季所流露的情怀，非常心满意足。

It is really quite amazing to track the colour changes of the leaves and trees during autumn. Some of the changes are gradual, while others seem to be overnight. Just two months ago, the lush greenery was everywhere, but in recent days, much of the green has transformed into a natural kaleidoscope of red, green, yellow and brown. This is what you call the wonders of nature, I suppose.

Putting up some of the numerous photos which I snapped. Taking the pictures is a great experience in itself. It’s like eating potato chips, once you start, you find it so hard to stop. It’s the kind of atmosphere this season creates, I believe. I have always liked autumn, so this time, immersing myself in the seasonal change really brings about an indescribable sense of satisfaction and happiness. Even when it is raining, and the sky is grey, the brilliant colours of the leaves do not appear to fade.

Giant feather duster？

The latest perm-and-dye hairstyles

Some of the trees have actually started “balding” as well, think it’s just a matter of time that they become botak. I must remember to capture them at that state as well…

Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, USA. Windy city, established 1837. Well, it wasn't that windy when I arrived, and also throughout my stay. The weather was in fact, pretty good, with mild breezes and cool temperatures (60 deg Farenheit, which is about 15-16 deg Celsius).

This is a bustling city, so full of life, and so full of culture. New buildings line up adjacent to old ones (and I mean really old ones), but they don't look out of place nor like a motley crew. As I walk through the streets and savour the sights and sounds, I am suddenly reminded of how subconsciously I actually miss city life. The easy access to the different conveniences, the wide variety of activities, even the noise....

I recall many a time when I would lament about the hectic lifestyle of a city dweller, and how it would be lovely if I could just retire into the countryside or a small town and take each day at walking pace. Looking at Chicago, I think I'd rather remain in the city. It's good to escape once in a while into a less fast-paced area, but I doubt it could be permanent for me.

Well, now that I'm back in Ann Arbor, which is a much quieter place, I guess I have managed to accept and adapt to a slower pace once again.

But I'll always be a city bloke at heart.

Some pictures to share here.


Chicago Union Train station, where I arrived after a 4h train ride

I visited two huge towers in Chicago, which are architectural wonders in their own rights, the Sears Tower and John Hancock Tower. Each one towers around 100 storeys over the city of Chicago, and I was fortunate enough to go right up to their respective observatories (103th floor of Sears Tower; 94th floor of John Hancock), to get a fantastic view of Chicago and its surroundings. The entrance fees are not exactly cheap, but once you get to the top and you start looking out, the views are spectacular and priceless.





I also took a walk to the Millennium Park (tacky name, no prizes for guessing when it was developed). It may not match the natural diversity of London's Hyde Park or Regent Park, but it serves its function well as being the lungs of the city. It is located right in the heart of downtown Chicago, so it is a huge draw for both locals and tourists alike. There is a huge grass patch, with a lovely performance stage and various sculptures dotted in different parts of the park's vicinity. The architecture is quite impressive, no doubt.

The American Dream

Hotel 71 of Chicago. No relation to Hotel 81. And much more expensive.(No I did not stay there.)

Some street scenes

Recorded a short video to capture the feel of the streets. This was recorded on a Sunday morning, so the streets are relatively quiet.

Did a little bit of shopping in the city (it's a weekend, you're in the city, the shops are shouting at you to get in and spend some!)...


My touristy buys from Chicago

I believe this will not be my last visit to the vibrant city.