USA 2005: Richmond - The Federal Reserves...

"Know when to cry, know when to laugh, know when to be silent..." - Mark Crow

(The city of Richmond)

Thursday, February 24, 2005

Policies and Strategies

(A heavy breakfast in the morning)

We had a leisure breakfast at the Barlowe's Terrace restaurant. Took the hotel shuttle bus to FRB Richmond. The whether was very cold. It was snowing and raining at the same time. I was subjected to tight and thorough security checks. Andrew was already waiting for me at the lobby. Met with Roland at the 23rd floor meeting room and we had serious discussion till noon. Lunch was at the Executive Dining room with Marvin, an interesting young man with lots of ideas, who is also the economic adviser to Greenspan. The vegetarian lunch was delicious and filling. We continued discussion at Roland’s office and had the opportunity to visit the processing room and their workshop where the engineers were in the middle of upgrading the BPS machines.

(An Art Exhibition in Richmond)

(Admiring paintings by local artists)

My attachment program ended with a visit to their money museum. They should come and visit our money museum in KL, which, I think is bigger and more interesting. The shuttle bus fetched me after 5 p.m. and later we took a cab to Chesterfield Town to window-shop and later to Sam Miller Restaurant for a lobster dinner, which cost us a fortune. Only tonight, after 5 days of my official duties, we started to plan what we want to do for our holiday and felt so excited about it.

Friday, February 25, 2005
A glimpse of The West Wing

We checked out of Omni Hotel right after breakfast and took a cab to the train station. The train was delayed for an hour and it was late noon when we reached Washington D.C. After checking in at Capital Hilton Hotel again, we took the Old Town Trolley city tour. As it was the last bus for the day we didn’t have time to hop on and off. At least hubby had the opportunity to visit a few museums including the Air & Space Museum when I was busy with my seminar.

(Back in The Capital Hilton)

(A monument in town)

(A mosque and Islamic Centre)

During the tour we passed by Washington and Jefferson's monuments and Lincoln Memorial and also the Library of the Congress and Federal Supreme Court and the US Capitol where elected Senators and representatives meet. We ended the tour by viewing from far the world famous White House, home to the American Presidents. We had Japanese dinner at the Union Station and later watched Cursed, a B-grade movie about werewolves, starring Christina Ricci.

Saturday, February 26, 2005
A Tale of Winter

(The Washington D.C. Train Station)

We had breakfast in the hotel before we checked out. The snow was still heavy outside but the sun was shining brightly. We took a cab to Washington Dulles Airport. Out flight was delayed. Our plane was made to wait at the runway for almost an hour. But we had ample time to spare at Newark International Airport before our flight to Stockholm. We spent time in the lounge and had light meal.

(Newark International Airport)

The flight to Stockholm was also delayed but the journey was pleasant as we had the opportunity to taste Malaysian food again on MAS. It was the beginning of our winter holiday. And we were all excited about it. We watched a few in-flight movies and listened to music and catnapped in between meals.

👈 2005: Stockholm, Sweden

2005: Washington DC, USA 👉

USA 2005: Washington - A Banknote Conference...

"You don't have to have it all figured out to move forward..."

(The US Capitol Building during dusk)

I was in Washington DC to attend A Banknote Conference organised by The Federal Reserve Bank. Dear hubby accompanied me throughout. After the conference I had a full day working visit to the FRB in Richmond. Later we flew to Stockholm and had a week holiday visiting interesting places.

America's capital is a heady mix of politics, history, culture and entertainment. Visit the White House, the Capitol, the Smithsonian and the Lincoln Memorial, then unwind in Georgetown. Lodging ranges from five-star hotels to historic inns.

Saturday, February 19, 2005
Long Haul Flight

(A dark and gloomy sky)

Our flight was delayed for an hour but we reached Stockholm on time. Although the journey took almost 11 hours, traveling on business class was comfortable especially with the new seats of the 777. Thanks to our frequent flyer points, hubby's ticket was upgraded to business class too. We transited in Stockholm for 1½ hour. The whether was cold and it was snowing in Stockholm. We could see workers clearing the snow from the runway and pavement. Temperature was –3 C. We reached Newark International Airport quite late at night. Next connecting flight to Washington D.C. was the next morning. We stayed the night at Wyndham Hotel, a cozy transit hotel, 5 minutes drive from the airport.

(The Wyndham Hotel,only for a night)

(The hotel library, full of literature)

Sunday, February 20, 2005
A Definitive Forum

(The imposing Egyptian obelisk)

We had a hearty breakfast in the hotel. Our flight to Washington D.C. was at 10 a.m. We reached Washington Dulles Airport almost noon. We rushed to take the shuttle bus to Capital Hilton Hotel. I had to be at the hotel before 2 p.m. as I wouldn’t want to miss the keynote address by John F. Moore, the COO of the US Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. I hurried with the registration and managed to get my name tag processed. Without the tag, the Secret Service in-charge would not allow me to enter the Conference Hall. They even made us register our thumbprints to track our attendance! At the end of the day’s session, we adjourned into the Exhibition Hall for cocktail reception. I met a few colleagues from other institutions and exchange latest news. We were still having jet lag and spent half the night sleeping. The whether was chilly outside for us to go for a walk so we decided to order room service of seafood tempura and onion soup. Tonight, trying to catch-up with some sleep we stretched our tired muscles and soothed our aching bones.

(The President's house and Office)

(Many visitors and tourists, US Treasury Building)

(The Washington Monument in the background)

Monday, February 21, 2005
Emerging Trends

(A glimpse of the Capitol Building)

I joined the other delegates for continental breakfast in the Exhibition Hall although I already had breakfast with hubby in the room. While I was attending the conference hubby will have time to go for sight seeing around Washington D.C. and hopefully snap lots of pictures. After the first session, we were transported by bus to the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing for presentation and later tour the printing plants. Bought some key-chains for souvenirs. Earlier, I promised Andrew McAllister of FRB Richmond to join him for lunch with his boss Roland Costa and Barbara Bennet and Anthony Dazzo from FRB LA. Met the Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia and his delegations. I met Bapak Maulana several times before this, during Currency Seminar in Rome last year and in Shanghai the year before.

Tonight I skipped the cocktail reception again to spend the rest of the evening with hubby. Again, tonight we ordered room service and felt contented to be close to each other and watched late night movies.

(Ducks swimming gracefully in the pond)

(Washington National Cathedral)

(Supreme Court of the United States)

Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Leading Technologies

(The first Astronaut)

The panel discussions were thought provoking and a timely insights into the latest developments in the industry. Today I had Lunch with G&D delegates from China and through our discussions, we compared notes on the latest processing and sorting machines. I met up with Dr. Marco of Crane, Dr. Gesteiger of G&D and Gary of PolyteQ after the last session. I skipped the cocktail reception and we took a cab to a Pakistani Restaurant for Nasi Bryani and Tandoori dinner. Later we watched a play ‘The Graduate’ at Warners Theatre. The leading role was lead played by Morgan Fairchild. Although inspired by the film and original novel, the play was definitely its own entity, and added new dimensions to the story of Benjamin's seduction by Mrs Robinson and his later love for her daughter, Elaine. The inevitable Simon and Garfunkel soundtrack brought back sweet memories of the 70’s…

(The Museum of Flight)

(Smithsonian Air and Space Museum)

(Aviation Learning Centre)

(The steam locomotive and the passengers)

(A vintage automobile)

(The Gentlemen's Club, ready to race)

Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Trends and Innovation

(It was still snowing in Washington D.C.)

(Sculptures in the Museum compound)

(You and I, sitting on the sidelines)

The Banknote Seminar ended with closing remarks by the organizer thanking delegates for their active participation and sponsors for their exhibits of latest products and technologies. Later we took a 45 minutes bus ride to FRB Baltimore for lunch, tour and presentation. Over there they organized a lucky draw and I won a watercolor painting for a prize. We traveled back to Washington and reached the hotel at 5.30 p.m. Hubby checked out at noon and was already waiting for me at the lobby when we arrived. We stored our luggage at the Capital Hilton Hotel and brought with us one overnight bag enough to pack our clothing for 2 days. Took the subway to Union Station and bought tickets for the 7 o’clock train to Richmond. The train ride took almost 2 hours, enough time for us to nap. From the train station we took a cab to central Richmond and checked in Omni Hotel.

(Warm and cozy in the hotel room)

👈 2005: Richmond, USA

2005: Perth, Australia 👉

USA 1989: San Diego - America's finest city...

"Life is about laughing and living in good and bad times. Getting through whatever comes our way and looking back with a smile..."

San Diego, USA
(30 May 1989)

(Fun time at the Sea World)

Side Trip: San Diego – Marine Marvels

We rented a car and drove south along the scenic coastal highway to San Diego, a city blessed with ocean breezes and a laid-back charm. The distance is about 120 miles from Cockatoo Inn in Los Angeles.

(Visiting the Japanese Garden)

(San Diego Zoo)

(Strolling leisurely in the garden)

(Shopping for souvenirs)

Our day was spent visiting SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, both world-famous attractions. At SeaWorld, we watched dolphins and killer whales perform in perfect harmony — a breathtaking display of grace and power. The San Diego Zoo offered another kind of wonder, with lush enclosures and rare animals from around the world.

(The Sea World)

It was a day filled with discovery and quiet awe - a celebration of nature’s beauty and the world beneath the waves.

👈 1989: Tiwana, Mexico

1989: Los Angeles, USA 👉

USA 1989: Los Angeles - City of the Stars...

"To get full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with..." - Mark Twain

Los Angeles, USA
(27 May - 5 June, 1989)

(Universal Studios)

(The 'Jaws' prop in the background)

This trip to Los Angeles was made after my 2-week Reserve Management Seminar in New York. Los Angeles is a city where the sun never seems to tire, where dreams are written in lights, and every street whispers a story from the silver screen.

(A full day trip to Disney Land)

Our initial plan to include San Francisco in this trip had to be cancelled because of time constraints. So we decided to spend the entire week in Los Angeles, the sprawling metropolis fondly called the City of the Stars. And memorable side trips to San Diego and Tijuana.

(Christine of Stephen King)

(Too many rides to choose from)

(With Donald Duck at Disney Land)

It turned out to be a week well spent. Los Angeles greeted us with its wide boulevards, lined with swaying palm trees and bathed in endless California sunshine. We explored Hollywood Boulevard, admired the famous Walk of Fame, and visited Universal Studios, Disneyland, and the Hollywood Wax Museum - each destination revealing a different facet of the city’s cinematic soul.

(Superman at the Wax Museum)

(Jerry Lewis, the Mad Scientist)

(The three stooges)

In Los Angeles, everything seems larger than life - the streets, the sunshine, and the dreams that keep the city glowing. Standing on Hollywood Boulevard among the glittering brass stars felt surreal - as if we were momentarily part of the very dreams that inspired countless films.

(The Cockatoo Inn)

Our week in Los Angeles was a journey through contrasts - from the glamour of Hollywood to the marine marvels of San Diego, and across the lively border into Tijuana.

Though we missed San Francisco, this trip gave us something just as special: the experience of a city that thrives on dreams, where imagination takes center stage, and where even a week felt like a scene from a film.

Sometimes the best detours lead to the brightest memories. Los Angeles 1989 - where dreams glimmered brighter than the Californian sun.

My destination 

In your arms a simple peace, 

Haunts my mind of separation. 

Beyond my body’s own existence 

Did I learn my destination?

With my promise always breaking 

Soon may come the day. 

When honest words are spoken, 

Please send me on my way.

👈 1989: San Diego, USA

1989: New York, USA👉

USA 1989: New York - The City that never sleeps...

"Yesterday is but today's memory, tomorrow is today's dream..." - Khalil Gibran

(The Statue of Liberty)

New York
(12 - 20 May 1989)

The Essex House Hotel, New York

It was in May 1989 when I found myself in New York City for the Reserve Management Seminar organised by J.P. Morgan. I was the only participant nominated from Bank Negara Malaysia – the youngest and most junior among the Central Bank delegates from the Southeast Asia region. For this trip, hubby accompanied me from the start, and his company made all the difference in this bustling metropolis.

We checked into The JW Marriott Essex House, a grand 44-story hotel with timeless Art Deco charm, opened in 1931 and located right across Central Park South. From our window, the park stretched endlessly – a patch of calm amid the city’s restless energy. Each morning, I would take the subway to the J.P. Morgan building on Park Avenue, joining the tide of commuters that defined the rhythm of New York life.

Back then, the New York City subway was notorious – often described as one of the most dangerous in the world. The cars were covered in graffiti, and stories of crime were common. Yet there was something oddly fascinating about navigating it. Armed with transportation tokens – the small brass discs stamped with “Archer Ave Extension 12-88” – I’d make my daily commute. I still keep a few of those tokens as souvenirs, tiny reminders of a city that pulsed with raw, unfiltered life.

Getting around New York was easy, yet thrillingly intimidating - a strange mix of excitement and caution that mirrored the city itself.

(Spending our care free days in New York)

(The hustle and bustle of downtown New York)

(Watching the colorful weekend parades)

(American Eagle Statue at Battery Park)

(New York War Memorial)

(The New York Sports Club opening soon)

(Roaming mode, from Battery Park to Bronx Zoo)

When we arrived, New York was gripped by the Central Park Jogger case. It dominated the headlines and was the talk of the city. We were cautioned not to venture out alone and to be vigilant, especially after dark. It was a sobering reminder that beneath the glitter of skyscrapers, New York had its shadows too.

(The elegant Essex House Hotel, New York)

While I was immersed in the seminar, keeping pace with discussions on global markets and reserve management, my ever-patient hubby took it upon himself to explore the city and plan our evenings. The Big Apple offered a dizzying array of attractions – Broadway shows, museums, ballets, and parks – so much to see and so little time.

After classes and on weekends, we would set out together – hand in hand – discovering the vibrancy of Times Square, the charm of Greenwich Village, and the grandeur of the Statue of Liberty. Every street corner seemed alive with stories.

One afternoon, we spent hours wandering through the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the largest and most magnificent museums in the world. From Egyptian relics to Renaissance masterpieces, it was a treasure trove of history and imagination. Standing before the grand paintings and sculptures, I was reminded how art transcends time and language. We left feeling both humbled and inspired.

(Visiting the Metropolitan Museum)

(Taking a rest in between exhibition halls)

No trip to New York would be complete without seeing Lady Liberty up close. We took the ferry to Liberty Island, feeling the cool wind of the Hudson against our faces. As the statue loomed larger, its torch gleaming under the sunlight, I felt a surge of emotion. The monument stood not just as a symbol of freedom, but also of endurance - much like the spirit of the city itself.

(The Battery Park Pier to Staten Island)

(Seafood Restaurants at the wharf)

(The twin towers of the World Trade Centre in the background)

(The Statue of Liberty)

Just across the street from our hotel was Central Park, our favourite escape from the city’s bustle. We loved walking along the winding paths lined with tall elms, watching locals jogging or relaxing on benches, and musicians playing by the lakeside. On weekends, the park came alive with cyclists, families, and street performers - a living, breathing heart at the centre of Manhattan. From the quiet pond to the Bow Bridge, every corner had a story to tell.

Central Park was where the city slowed down - where skyscrapers gave way to trees and conversations turned gentle.

(The weekend crowd at the Central Park)

(Boat rowing at the Central Park Lake)

(A leisure evening walk in the park)

(A horse-carriage ride around the Central Park)

(Doing my homework in the park)

(A glass of hot coffee in the park)

In one free evening, we visited the Empire State Building observation deck and watched the city unfold below us. A glittering maze of lights stretching endlessly in all directions. It was breathtaking to see New York from above, especially as dusk settled in. For a moment, all the noise of the streets faded, replaced by quiet awe. That view - timeless and grand - remains one of my most vivid memories.

(View point on the Empire State Building)

(A misty view of New York City)

To end our stay, we joined J,P, Morgan’s official dinner on the Hudson River cruise, gliding along the water as the skyline shimmered in the evening light. The boat passed under bridges and around Manhattan’s southern tip, offering spectacular views of the city’s landmarks. As the wind brushed against our faces and the lights of New York sparkled behind us, I felt grateful - for the journey, the company, and the memories we had made together.

(The Essex House Hotel, New York)

(Attending the Hudson River Cruise dinner)

(NY city sightseeing experience with dinner and live music)

Our two weeks in New York were filled with contrasts - the energy of the city by day, and quiet strolls by night; moments of learning balanced by moments of wonder. The Big Apple in the late 1980s was rough around the edges yet irresistibly alive. Looking back now, it wasn’t just a professional milestone but also a deeply personal journey - one that opened my eyes to the rhythm and resilience of a city that truly never sleeps.

Those two weeks in New York were more than a seminar trip - they became lessons in courage, discovery, and wonder. The city taught me that even in the unfamiliar, one can find a quiet sense of belonging.

You

(by jenawin)

'

ocean waves wash my soul

cleanse me of your smile

and the memory often

fingers entwined forever

in a hopeless wish

👈 1989: Los Angeles, USA

1987: Hong Kong 👉