29 Jun 2015: HI New York City

29 Jun 2015: When I visited New York City in June and July 2015, I chose to stay in an international hostel. Firstly, it was cheaper than staying in a hotel. Next, an international hostel offers many free programmes and activities to meet fellow travelers. I chose to stay in HI New York City which is located a few minutes from the nearest subway and located on Manhattan's famous Upper West side.

Checking in to the hostel was a fairly smooth affair. I felt thankful for an easy time checking in. The lobby of the hostel was inviting and provided spaces for guests to take their seats.

On my first night at HI New York City, there was a Welcome Party at the hostel. I did not know anyone, and I felt rather out of place at the hostel's Welcome Party initially. Attending the party was an opportunity for me to open myself up to meet new friends. Attendance to the Welcome Party was free. The meals at the welcome party were available for a reasonable fee. I thank HI New York City for the hospitality.

HI New York City
891 Amsterdam Avenue
New York,
NY 10025
http://hinewyork.org

Getting around New York City with a MetroCard

The fastest and affordable way to get around New York City is using the user-friendly subway. The amazing thing about New York's subway is that it is opened 24 hours a day. New York City never sleeps because its subway works 24 hours around the clock. However, please be mindful of any track maintenance notices or changes to the subway's services.

I have learnt that to get around using the subway, it is very helpful to take note of the following information:
1) The number or letter that identifies each train route.
2) If it is a route in Manhattan area, pay attention whether the train is running uptown (i.e. North) or downtown (i.e. South).

Each trip on the subway costs $2.75 and is payable by MetroCard. The MetroCard works on buses too. However, please take note that when taking buses in New York, the buses only accepts coins. While I was in New York, I have two generous and kind ladies to take for giving me some US coins when I found myself short of coins to travel to the hostel on my very first day in New York. I am touched by their kindness and generosity.

For any visitor who is spending at least four days in New York or takes at least 13 rides on the subway or local bus in a week, it is worthwhile to consider purchasing 7 seven-day unlimited pass for $31.

Please refer to these websites for more information on New York's MetroCard:
http://www.mta.info
http://web.mta.info/nyct/fare/FaresatAGlance.htm

Learning point: Generosity touches people's heart. When given a very achievable opportunity to give, why not?

29 May 2015: Reached New York City

29 Jun 2015: I took the 11.30 a.m. BoltBus service from Boston South Station to New York

City and reached New York City at about 4 p.m. The terminating point was at W 33rd Street and 11-12th Ave.

Here is a post to share about an incident of kindness that I had received on my first day in New York City. I had dinner at a MacDonalds outlet at W 34 Street and 10 Ave. I met two ladies who had visited Singapore recently. I asked them for directions to the hostel that I would be heading for. They not only gave me directions to the hostel, they gave me coins so that I have enough coins to take the bus to the hostel.

I learnt that in New York City, it helps to either use the MetroCard or have enough coins to get around the city. I am thankful for the generosity and kindness from the two ladies whom I had met at the MacDonalds outlet.

Leaving Boston for New York

South Station.

29 Jun 2015: Special thanks to two of my friends, YY and Emz, I learnt that other than taking the plane, another way to travel from Boston to New York, we could take an express bus. Trains are also one alternative to travel to New York from Boston, yet I learnt that they are at least four times more expensive than buses.

After reviewing the various options that were available and asking around for feedback from friends, I chose BoltBus as the bus service-provider to travel from Boston to New York. The departure time from Boston was one of my key considerations. Reliability was also another considerations.

Before heading to South Station to take the bus to New York, I took a stroll about the nearby vicinity to admire parts of Boston. I felt thankful to visit Boston.

Read: Brené Brown's I Thought It was Just Me

Title: I Thought It was Just Me (but it isn't)
Author: Brené Brown
Publisher: Gotham Books, Jan 2008

This earlier book by Brené Brown explores the concepts of shame and resilience. Based on her seven years of groundbreaking research, this book sheds light that: Our imperfections are what connect us to one another and to our humanity. Our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses, they are powerful reminders to keep our hearts and minds open to the reality that we're all in this together.

Read: Brené Brown's The Gift of Imperfection

Title: The Gifts of Imperfection
Author: Brené Brown
Publisher: Hazelden, 2010

This is a book on topics such as self-compassion, acceptance and gratitude. Other themes that were discussed in this book are courage, boundaries and compassion, love and belonging.

The author, Brené Brown, discussed what authenticity is. She developed a definition of authenticity as the daily practice of letting go of who we think we are supposed to be and embracing who we are.

The concept of the DIG Deep button was explored and discussed. She suggested DIG Deep as a practice of authenticity. DIG Deep represents:
1) Get Deliberate
2) Get Inspired
3) Get Going

I wonder if it was because I have read her most recent two books, it was relatively faster to read this book.

29 June 2015: Express bus to Boston and James Hook Lobster and Co

29 June 2015 (Mon): 

It was time to leave for Boston after spending a few days in the neighbourhood of Lynn, Nahant and Swampscott.

Special thanks to the thoughtful people at Oceanview Bed and Breakfast, I learnt that I could take the Express Bus 448 to South Station, which was the place that I have to take a bus to head to New York.

James Hook Lobster and Co

I had been told that James Hook Lobster and Co is one of the highly recommended places for fresh lobster rolls in Boston. Therefore, to experience the lobster rolls for myself, I walked to 15 Northern Ave from South Station. The fresh lobster roll was delicious. This classic fresh lobster roll is essentially a hot dog bun filled with fresh lobster meat, dressed in celery and mayo. One roll costs USD$16 before taxes and is considered affordable given its serving of fresh lobster meat.

I ordered a clam chowder to go with the fresh lobster roll. That was a lunch to remember while I was in Boston.

James Hook Lobster and Co
15 Northern Avenue
Boston
MA 02210

Places: Commonwealth and Holland Village heritage tour

A new heritage tour which takes participants to parts of Commonwealth and Holland Village was launched on 20 March 2016. Find out more about an experience of this tour here: Places: Commonwealth and Holland Village heritage tour



Commonwealth + Holland Village Tour

Every third Sunday of the month

8.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

Holland Village MRT Station (Meeting Point)



To register

www.myqueenstown.eventbrite.sg

Email myqueenstown@gmail.com

Or call Queenstown Community Centre at Tel: 64741681

Places: OH! Potong Pasir

In a neighbourhood where almost everyone knows everyone who is a resident, have you ever wondered what the experience would be for a stranger to join an art walkabout of the neighbourhood? Here's a glimpse of an art walkabout during the OH! Potong Pasir event. I observed that residents could easily tell that I am a stranger to the estate. Or was I too self-consciously?



Whatever it is, check this out:



Places: OH! Potong Pasir







OH! Potong Pasir

12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 March 2016

2 p.m. - 10 p.m.

(Last tour leaves at 8 p.m.)

Each tour is about 2.5 hours in duration.

Admission: 

S$25 per person 

S$45 (For the "Director's Cut tour on Saturdays)

Meeting place: Potong Pasir Community Club.



http://ohopenhouse.peatix.com/view









Tip: Please wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing. Bring along a bottle of water. It will come in handy on a hot day especially.

Read: The Five Rules for Successful Stock Investing

Title: The Five Rules for Successful Stock Investing
Author: Pat Dorsey'
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

A comprehensive guide on the subject matter. This book outlines the five rules for successful stock investing. These are:
1) Do your homework
2) Find Economic Moats
3) Have a Margin of Safety
4) Hold for the Long Haul
5) Know when to sell

This book discusses the five rules with clarity and with depth. This is a book that I would find a good read and a good addition to one's library.

Lincoln's Landing at Swampscott

Breakfast is the meal of the day that I consider important enough that I will make sure I will take. I could miss lunch and dinner but not breakfast. When I was visiting Nahant over one of the weekends in June 2016, I learnt about a place in the neighbourhood that served delicious breakfast. The omelettes from Lincoln's Landing are noteworthy to consider.

Here's sharing a few photos of my visits to Lincoln's Landing at Swampscott for anyone who is interested to look for a place for breakfast in the area. I like the cosy and homely interior decor at Lincoln's Landing. I felt I was enjoying breakfast in the comfort of my own neighbourhood even though I was actually miles away from home. 

I would say that based on the limited period of a few days when I was staying near Swampscott area, I easily vote Lincoln's Landing as the best place for breakfast for anyone staying near the Swampscott area! I had breakfast from Lincoln's Landing only once during my short stay in the neighbourhood yet my positive impression of the food there remains in my memory. 

Omelette with Veggie and Mozarella.
The tasty potatoes complimented the omelette.

The food from Lincoln's Landing is delicious.Even though I had breakfast earlier the day, I was happy to have my second serving of breakfast for the day at Lincoln's Landing. Lincoln's Landing opens at 7 a.m. each day. 

This is a place we could also consider to get take-away lunches from. On one of the mornings, I got a turkey sandwich from Lincoln's Landing for myself for lunch!

Lincoln's Landing

156 Humphrey Street

Swamscott

MA 01907

Tel: +1 781 593 5565

https://www.facebook.com/LincolnsLanding

26 - 28 June 2015: Beautiful Nahant

Nahant, Massachusetts, is a beautiful place. Words may not do enough justice to the place. Neither would photographs. Whatever it is, please find my humble attempt to share snapshots of glimpses of my experiences at Nahant.

**
How to travel to Nahant from Boston:
- Take the train via the Purple Line to Lynn station. Call a taxi (e.g. Toms Taxi) to travel from Lynn station to the desired location.

Read: I ate Tiong Bahru

Source: Goodreads.com

Title: I ate Tiong Bahru
Author: Stephen Black

This book reminded me of my occasional visits to Tiong Bahru. While it was not the usual book I would read, I was pleased by my adventurous choice of book to read.

This self-published book puts together anecdotes, historical information, personal experiences and insights related to Tiong Bahru in an expressive and lyrical way.

This palm-sized book was pretty entertaining to read such that I had finished reading it over an evening, on my way to Changi Beach and subsequently on my way home.

Reading I ate Tiong Bahru triggered my recollection of Tiong Bahru as a visitor, non-resident of the area. I was drawn to find out where Galicier that is known for selling traditional Nyonya kuehs. My memory bank did not recall anything related to Galicier while I was reading the way. It was only after I had read the entire book and sat down to do a search on this confectionery did I realized that I had been there! Galicier serves very delicious delicacies. I like its unassuming interior design. Visit Galicier at Block 55 Tiong Bahru Road.

The chapter titled I'm a Kway, You're a Kway reminded me of my personal experiences exploring Tiong Bahru during an art walkabout event known as OH! Open House, Occupy Tiong Bahru that was held in Feb 2012. I cannot quite recall if I had eaten any kways back in Feb 2012 during the art walkabout. Whatever it was, the chapter stated that guests to the walkabout were treated to kways and a lot of reflections and discussions on the key message behind I'm a Kway, You're a Kway.

It was a pleasure to read about the architectural style of several of the buildings found in Tiong Bahru area in this book. Overall, this is a book that sets me intrigued with this place named Tiong Bahru, and makes me yearn to visit it yet again. A pleasure to read this book.

26 - 28 Jun 2015: A weekend learning songwriting

26 - 28 Jun 2015: A meaningful weekend learning songwriting took place in Nahant. Nahant is beautiful and tranquil.

This is one of the meaningful learning experiences which I find no amount of words could aptly describe the experience and do it justice.  Just go for it and experience it for yourself!

If I were to share my testimonial, I would simply sum up by sharing that I wish I had attended the seminar much earlier. If I had done so, I would have an easier and more fun way to appreciate music theory and songwriting. Having said so, I am very grateful that I have attended the seminar. Many thanks to the seminar instructor, Duncan, and the course organizer.

Here's a link to the seminar's website for anyone who is keen to find out more:
http://www.understandingofmusic.com/seminars/the-understanding-of-songwriting-seminar/