Friday, August 04, 2006
Here are the (long delayed) photos from my trip to Virginia.*~~Weekend with Cris and Lani~~*
I left work at around 2pm to catch my 5pm flight to Dulles. The airport is just less than an hour drive from our place (Braintree, MA), but due to an accident (the ceiling of the tunnel going to the aiport collapsed!), I had to take make a big allowance. This is the first time I'm travelling alone through plane, in a foreign land, foreign language, unfamiliar spots, not to mention that this is also the first time I'm using an e-ticket. My workmate, Ian, was kind enough to drive me to the airport. Once I got in, I immediately looked for my airline's booth - I am flying through United Airlines. No sweat, when I reached the counter, I was handing the lady my printed e-ticket, but she didn't bother to get it. All she asked for was my passport (or any identification card), my destination and the time of my flight. That's it. The whole process only took 2 minutes.
While passing through the security check, one of the staff approached me and said that I was carrying a knife in my bag. Baffled, I answered no, I didn't even have any pointed object with me. He double checked and still insisted that I have a knife. So he got the bag and run through everything until - there it was - the culprit --- my mini swiss knife. I totally forgot I had brought that with me. It was inside my kikay kit. He told me that I need to check in my baggage since I'm carrying a pointed object. I told him he could keep the knife, I don't want to go back again and have my baggage checked in.
I have no checked in baggage, I have everything hand carried to the plane. But before I boarded the plane, we were asked to leave our trollies behind. I thought, this might be one of the security practices since the White House is in Washington, and people are more paranoid nowadays after the 911 event.
Flying time didn't take more than an hour. Though I felt it was longer since I was so excited to see the couple already.
When I reached Dulles Airport, I thought it would be as easy as going down the plane, looking for the exit gate, and finally meeting Cris and Lanie. So I got down casually and walked like a seasoned traveller. I followed the people that got down from my plane, how hard could that be? But lo and behold! Everyone in front of me just disappeared and at that moment, I felt like I was walking through twilight zone. I. am. not. exxagerating. I looked behind me and found an equally baffled girl like me, whose probably doing the same thing I'm doing, following the one in front of her.
Where to?? I asked.
I don't know? I was following this girl (not me). And she entered the door to the right.
And we became instant friends. Her name is Sherie (not sure though if that's the correct spelling).
So the two of us entered the door. Until we found a door leading to a shuttle bus. When we got inside, I felt relieved since I saw the same familiar faces on my plane from Boston. Sherie and I must be on the right track.
When we got down from the shuttle, we followed the stream of people leading to the gate. Sherie phoned her boyfriend while I bite my nails, trying hard to do mental telepathy to send Lanie a message that I have already landed. Sherie must have noticed, she asked if I had a mobile phone. I shyly said I don't have one. At once, she offered her phone. I didn't hesitate, I had no choice. I was able to contact Lanie's phone and told her that I have already landed. I wanted to hug Sherie for being so kind but I just let out a simple thank you since she was already immersed with her boyfriend and her boyfriend's family.
Finally, I saw Lanie! And not long after, Cris.
We had chinese for dinner. They ordered for the soft shell crab something. It was the first time I had those. Grabe, sobrang sarap! Dinner was filled with stories, trying to catch up the years that had passed.
July 15
Forgot the name of the museum where we first came, but it had dinosaur stuffs and on the other side, the jewel exhibit.
dinosaur bones
Hope Diamond. While waiting for my turn to get closer (so I could take a photo of it), I overheard a man with his daughter on his shoulders saying "but honey, nothing is more precious that you!". Awww. My heart melted.
So hot, the temperature had shoot up to 38! But that didn't stop us from looking gorgeous!
Our ride! Antaray! Two good looking girls in a sports car!
Yummy dinner prepared by Papa Cris.
July 16
We heard mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.
On our way to the church.
Candles. Each one lighted with a prayer.
Mural of the Blessed Mother.
Cris and Lanie, forever in love, forever my friends!
Our Lady of Lourdes, to which I celebrate my birthday with.
The White House
Riccicutie posing at the gates of the White House
Riccicutie and the giant toothpick!
Not in photo is our trip to the Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Taking picture of me.
My alcoholic drink! Chocolate amore (with Baileys)
My dinner!!!
To my dear Cris and Lanie, maraming salamat for the very very warm accomodation. You have made my US trip very special. Seeing you guys was like coming home again. Lanie, remember our old days? The 'kita tayo sa tapat ng Shakey's' agendas. But this time, sa airport na tayo magkikita to just meet each other. I really really had a great time. Sobra! I hope to see you guys again soon!!!
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My trip to Missouri will be next.
