US2011 - Baltimore Inner Harbor

Inner Harbor is a historic seaport, tourist attraction, and iconic landmark of the City of Baltimore, Maryland. Also known as “the model for post-industrial waterfront redevelopment around the World”, it is claimed that the Inner Harbor’s model of urban planning and development has influenced more than 100 other cities around the world.

 

 

Being one of America's oldest seaports, its recent developments have made Baltimore one of the world's newest travel destinations!! Some notable attractions included the National Aquarium, one of the largest in the world, …

 

 

… and Historic Ships in Baltimore, which showcases a ship that survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, the last ship to sink an enemy vessel in World War 2 and the last Civil War-era ship still afloat.

 

 

I am not sure if Sydney was one of the 100 cities that were influenced, but my first impression of Inner Harbor was, it is Baltimore’s equivalent to Sydney’s Darling Harbour!!

US2011 - Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival

Considered one of Philadelphia’s most popular Spring festivals, the annual Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival kick-started Summer in Philly!!

 

 

Reported to attract more than 50,000 people from across the region, the Festival of food, music, fashion, arts and entertainment took over the shopping district of Center City by closing off Walnut Street to traffic.

 

 

As food was one of the biggest draws at the festival, some of Philly's best restaurants were there to serve delicious food at affordable prices.

 

 

There were also some familiar names, like Krispy Kreme …

 

 

… and Max Brenner.

 

 

Besides food, among the other highlights of the Festival included live stage entertainments …

 

 

… demonstrations by MasterJayMoves Dance Studio, …

 

 

… and free on-the-spot make up by Sephora.

 

 

And of course, any event in Philadelphia is not complete without the presence of free wine tastings from the PA Wine and Spirits Store.

 

 

In addition to the Chairman’s Selection at the PA Wine and Spirits Store, Spring cocktails made with Ketel One Twisted Ginger, Sparkling Eva by Eva Longoria, Tanqueray London Dry Gin and Tradicional Silver Paloma tequila were also available to be sampled throughout the day.

 

 

But I guess the best part of the Festival was my $4 freshly-cut, freshly-squeezed and freshly-shook lemonade!!

 

 

What a refreshing start for Summer!!

US2011 - Potomac River Cruise

In order to obtain a different perspective of Washington, D.C., we decided to join a cruise along the Potomac River, the fourth largest river along the Atlantic coast that encapsulates the capital city.

 

 

Departing from the Washington Marina, …

 

 

… disappointingly, there isn’t really much to see during our one hour cruise.

 

 

Other than the Washington Monument that is always visible from any angle, the city’s skyline is pretty much flat.

 

 

Luckily, the tour guide did pointed out to us some interesting buildings. They include the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, …

 

 

… the Presidential Helicopter Base, …

 

 

… Roosevelt Hall (which houses The National War College) at Fort Lesley J. McNair, …

 

 

… and Fort Myer’s 26 Victorian-styled home (also known as General’s Row).

 

 

I guess the most interesting part of the cruise was when a helicopter flew past us.

 

 

And of course, the question that everyone asked was, is that the President inside the Marine One?