WaterFire Providence RI

The vacation wrapped up with a visit to downtown Providence, Rhode Island (after having a nice visit with my sister's family in Franklin MA) to see the "WaterFire" which takes places on most Saturday Nights from May thru October. For more than a mile the canal is filled with these bonfires that burn from sunset to after midnight. They also play relaxing music along the canal and have entertainers and vendor's to make this a very unique event. This is my second time at WaterFire, and I highly recommend it to anyone who finds themselves near Providence between May and October. Now it's goodbye to Connecticut (and my parents hospitality) and back reality!

Unholy Land USA in Connecticut

I Visited Holy Land USA in Waterbury, Connecticut on Thursday. This tribute to the real Holy Land was built the early 50's and in the 60's and 70's saw more than 44,000 visitors a year (many church groups and pilgrimages buses.) The founder died in the 1986, and around the same time Holy Land USA closed. Now 22 years later, the remnants and street signs to the park remain, but the park is in ruins. The hill top cross (second picture) which can be seen from a major Connecticut Highways (I-84) was replaced earlier this year (because the other cross was a hazard) but from what I can tell there is no plans to fix up Holy Land USA. There is a lot more about the history and current state on this web site: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/holy/

I hope some divine intervention comes to Waterbury, and fixes up what could be a really cool religious park/tribute!

"The Other" New NYC Baseball Stadium

Even if you're not a sports fan, you probably have heard that the NY Yankee's Stadium is closing at the end of this season. What you might not have heard, New York's other team (the Mets) are also getting a new ballpark, and this is the last season for Shea Stadium. Citi Field, which is across from the U.S. Tennis Center (where the US Open is being played) as you can see is being built right next to Shea Stadium. In the first picture, Shea on the right & Citi Field is on the left. While I am not a Mets fan, I will definitely plan to make a trip next year to catch a game at this new "open air" stadium.

Spent the afternoon in Queens, NY @ the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament. Spent most of the day at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The first match we saw was the # 2 seed Serbia's Jelena Jankovic (the 4th picture being interviewed by USA-TV) go three sets before she beat Sofia Arvidsson. The second match we saw was the # 3 seed Serbia's Novak Djokvic (the 3rd picture) beat Arnaud Clement from France also in three sets. The last picture is something that always amazes me, there were plenty of lower seats available but this couple decided to stay at the very top. I also got some great views & pictures of the new Mets stadium which is being built next to their old stadium, and they will make a great blog post tomorrow!

Cape May New Jersey

I have made my trip up north. Took the ferry from Lewes, Delaware to Cape May, New Jersey. The second picture shows the sea gulls chasing the ferry (which is about a 80 minute ride). Before heading up the Garden State Parkway, I took in some of the sights near Cape May, including seeing this very old lighthouse. I am now in Connecticut, tomorrow heading to the US Open Tennis tournament in Queens, New York.

Rehoboth at Night

Sunday Night in Rehoboth Beach. I mentioned yesterday the excitement for Delaware's own Senator Joe Biden being picked as Obama's running mate. The top picture was taken outside one of the store's on the main drag. Anyone from Philly would appreciate the shirt about the long drought for a championship for their Football, Hockey, or Baseball team. Maybe this will be the Eagles year? The last pictures is of one of the Thrashers stand. This place is a Eastern shore institution known for their bucket of fries. Didn't have any tonight, but maybe tomorrow.

Rehoboth Beach

Vacation week has begun. Arrived this afternoon in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Spending the next few days here before heading to Connecticut. As you can see, the beach and boardwalk were packed on this the second to last weekend before the unofficial end of summer. The locals seem excited with the news that the Senator Joe Biden was chosen as the VP Nominee for the Democrat Ticket for 2008. Saw two signs of congrats for Biden.

Pittsburgh Part 2

More from Pittsburgh.. the top picture is from a bar on the "South Side" of Pittsburgh, which has more than 10 blocks of Bars and Restaurants on East Carson Street. My friend and I were in this bar when Michael Phelps earned his 8th gold medal, and during the race the people started chanting "USA". At PNC Park (where the Pirates play) there was a baseball diamond for the kids to play while the game was going on. And the sax player on the bridge leading to the baseball park called me "Cheap Paparazzi" after I took this picture. I guess I should have given him a buck or two, but now he has blog fame!

Pittsburgh Part 1

Went to Pittsburgh this past weekend. Took lots of pictures for the blog (finally something to post about!) I had never been to Pittsburgh, which is only about 4 1/2 hours from DC. The first picture captures why the some call it the "City of Bridges" they have 446 bridges crossing three different rivers. Went to two museum's (including the Warhol Museum), spent Saturday Night on South Side, and Sunday afternoon took in Pirates-Mets game (Met's won). The second to last picture is Heinz Field, home of the Steelers. I'll post more pictures tonight!

Stay Tuned, the Blog hits the road later this month

It's been quiet lately on the blog front. I haven't been anywhere exciting, but later this month I will be hitting the road. Trips to Pittsburgh, Rehobeth Beach, US Open Tennis, and "Waterfires" in Providence are all planned starting in less than two weeks. In the meantime, hope you all are having a good summer and thanks for checking in on the blog.