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 👉

Australia 2005: Perth - Swan River Colony...

"Needs and struggle are what excite and inspire us..." - William James

(Spending a week of relaxing holiday)

Day 1 - 05 January 2005

The best of Western Australia

(Flying over the Western Australia)

Our flight to Perth which was supposed to depart at 9.40 a.m. was delayed for an hour. We had to wait for some connecting passengers from Amsterdam. When we arrived at the Perth Airport, the Australian Pinnacle Tours coach driver met us outside the arrival terminal. We checked in the Goodearth Hotel and were free at our own leisure after that.

(Our spacious hotel room)

Our hotel room was cozy, equipped with kitchenette and microwave oven, if we want to indulge in simple cooking. As the hotel is located less than 1 km from Perth city, we strolled along the Swan River to the center of the city for some dinner at an Indonesian Restaurant.

(The Malaysian Consulate near our hotel)

(The Perth skyline at late noon)

(Chasing birds at the beach)

(One of the Cathedral in town)

There are a lot of food outlets serving Muslim meals. As most of the shops in Perth close at 5.30 p.m. we spent first night in Perth watching Blade 3. Later, at the hotel reception, we booked several tours for tomorrow and the day after. Tonight we slept soundly.

(At a bistro for a cup of coffee and scones)

Day 2 - 06 January 2005)
Pinnacles and sand-boarding

(The sand is as white as snow)

(Sand-boarding at white sand dunes)

(Our guide and driver looking for assistance)

(Our tour bus is stuck in the sand)

We left the city and headed north to Yanchep National Park where we stopped to view koalas and kangaroos. I spotted one miserable kangaroo on the way. Most probably the rest were hiding in the bushes avoiding the scorching sun. We took a break at the Shipwreck Café at the small fishing settlement of Lancelin before going for the thrilling experience of 4-wheel driving over massive sand dunes. Unfortunately, our bus got stuck on top of the sand dunes for more than an hour.

(The Pinnacles Desert)

(The limestone formations of the pinnacles)

(We spotted a kangaroo here)

(Our cheery tour guide)

It took some strong men to shovel the sand to put the bus into motion again. Some of us got the chance to try sand boarding while waiting.The journey passed through wildflower country and along beautiful white sandy beaches. We stopped at the Rock Lobster town of Cervantes for lobster picnic lunch.

Afterwards we visited Nambung National Park, home of the amazing Pinnacles Desert. Here we walked through parts of fascinating landscape covering over 400 hectares and have a lot of photo shots.

(Serene and quiet ambiance in the park)

(A boat ride in the Blue Lake)

Day 3 - 07 January 2005
Valley of the Giants and Tree-top walk

(Visiting another National Park)

(A koala relaxing on the tree)

(A Cockatoo Sanctuary in the park)

We headed south through the towns of Rockingham and Mandurah. We stopped at Donnybrook for morning tea and ample time to purchase some apples and stone fruits. We continued our journey through the rolling farmlands of the Blackwood River Valley. We stopped at the Diamond Tree, one of the three towering trees used as a bush fire tower. We had another round of lobster picnic lunch. Some attempted to climb to the wooden watch cabin at the top of the 51 meter tall tree.

(The Valley of the Giant)

(A cabin in the wood)

(The Canopy-walk on top of tall trees)

We continued our trip through stunning section of Karri forest before reaching the Valley of the Giants. Here we experienced the Tree Top Walk, a 400 meter elevated walkway constructed through the canopy reaching up to 40 meters above ground. The view of the forest was sensational. Later we walked through the Ancient Empire, where wide girthed trees, goblin like in appearance grow up to 5 meters in diameter at the base. Later, we enjoyed our afternoon tea in the forest before heading back to Perth via different route.

(A large hole at the base of a giant tree)

(A funny looking tree)

(A car can pass through this giant tree)

On the way, we visited William Bay and the seaside town of Denmark. Then we headed inland via Mt Barker and Kojonuo where we stopped for dinner at The Kodja Place Visitors Centre, a contemporary tourist complex combining aboriginal culture and rural heritage. We arrived Perth around 10.30 p.m. exhausted and famished.

(A long walk to the bay)

(Watching the sunset at William Bay)

Day 4 - 08 January 2005
Free and Easy City Tour

Today’s tour is free with the two tours we took yesterday and the day before. Starting in Perth city, the tour includes all key attractions and historical point of interest, starting with Kings Park botanical garden, where we have time to experience the new tree top walk through the trees canopies. Later we continued to Cottesloe Beach before arriving at historic Fremantle.

(The natural beauty of Swan River)

(A half-day tour of Perth)

(Historical building)

(One of the many theaters in town)

We were free to venture into Fremantle town but we decided to spend more time in the Fremantle Market where we bought some souvenirs. I bought a pair of beautifully embroidered cushion covers at a discount. We had kebab for lunch then returned to Perth with the coach, spending most of the journey catching up with our sleep.The afternoon was spent in the room to cool off and nap till late afternoon. Went for a stroll along the Swan River and had late dinner at Mc Donalds.

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(A painting by the aborigines)

Day 5 - 09 January 2005
Perth Mint & CATS

(A visit to the Perth Mint)

(The Gold Miners)

(A gold miner resting at his campsite)

(We are bringing back a large nugget of gold!)

We had to drag ourselves out of bed. If not because we want to visit The Perth Mint this morning, we would have continued sleeping until check-out time. The Perth Mint is Australia’s leading precious metals house, as well as being the oldest operating mint. We had the opportunity to watch the gold pouring session and later visited the coin museum where a wide range of coins produced were on display. Here we minted our own medallion for souvenirs.

(The official City Explorer Tour)

(The history of the Mt Eliza Escarpment)

(A morning walk in the beautiful garden)

(A view of Perth from the top of the hill)

(A memorial in the garden)

(A stroll along the beach)

We spent the rest of the morning travelling on the CAT, Perth’s free bus service. Bus services depart every ten minutes or so and you can ride the full round of the journey. We checked out at 1.00 p.m. then took the shuttle bus to the airport. Had ample time for lunch and last minute shopping before we boarded the plane.

Argghh... Feeling so very tired but happy.

👈 2005: Washington DC, USA

2004: Dubai, UAE 👉