Two week trip on the West Coast
Jul 13th, 2010, 07:13 AM
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Saturday, June 5th:
LAS VEGAS :
Woke up late at about 10 am (why would one want to wake up early in Las Vegas ??), and slowly got ready. Left the hotel by 11:30 am.
It was Saturday, and all hotels had lined up their Champagne Buffet Brunches. Had heard good things about the Spice Market Buffet Brunch at Planet Hollywood hotel, and that is where we headed. Boarded a bus outside our hotel (our 24 hr pass was still valid), and alighted at the Planet Hollywood hotel. There was a very very long line to enter the buffet, but we braved it.
The buffet spread was excellent, perhaps even better than the previous day's buffet at Rio. Champagne was great, and the food quality and variety was excellent, but the desserts were perhaps not as good as the selection at Rio's World Carnival Buffet.
We waddled out by 2 pm, and took a bus down to the Venetian Hotel. Walked all along the Grand Canal shops, the lobby, the gondolas etc. Very very pretty hotel. Great ambiance. And there was an accordion player in the foyer. The moment he saw us, he burst into singing some old Indian songs, which was delightful !
We had done our quota of walking the previous day, and were determined to ride the bus everywhere. Took a bus to one end of the strip to the Luxor hotel, which looked pretty unique on the outside. Went in, and managed to sneak a ride in the "inclinator" - the elevators which go up at an incline along the walls of the pyramid shaped dome. However, we could not feel the inclined path as we went up or down, so gave it up.
We returned to the MGM Grand by 5pm, and again rested awhile in our room. At 6:30pm, we left for Paris Las Vegas. We had made dinner reservations at the Mon Ami Gabi, a highly recommended restaurant on this forum. We reached much before our dinner time, and decided to indulge in another round of gambling. DW concentrated on the slot machines, and I tried my expertise at the Roulette tables. We both won, and evened out our gambling losses of the previous day !
We sat down for dinner at Mon Ami Gabi at about 8:15pm, being rewarded with excellent seats next to the windows, overlooking the Bellagio fountains.The tequila Smash was superb, as was the food that followed : Market vegetable platter, Lemon Chicken etc. Very well cooked, and subtly flavored. And superb views of the fountains.
After dinner we walked across to the Bellagio, as we had show tickets for the "O" show at 10 pm. Went straight to the "O" theater, and discovered that the seats that we had selected online were in fact one of the best. Balcony seats, first row, right in the center. Excellent viewing. As for the show itself, I don't think I can describe its beauty in words. One of the greatest spectacle that I have ever seen. Our expectations were very high, and the experience far exceeded our expectations. The choreography, the sets, the sheer range of things that were happening on stage at any given instant were jaw-dropping. Highly highly recommend the show to anyone who has not seen it.
We exited the theater at about 11:45 pm. Stopped outside the Bellagio to see the fountain display for one last time. Then slowly walked back to our hotel, stopping at shops to pick up some souvenirs. As with the previous night, it was well past 1 am when we hit the bed.
Las Vegas had been outstanding as an experience, something that we will cherish for a long long time.
LAS VEGAS :
Woke up late at about 10 am (why would one want to wake up early in Las Vegas ??), and slowly got ready. Left the hotel by 11:30 am.
It was Saturday, and all hotels had lined up their Champagne Buffet Brunches. Had heard good things about the Spice Market Buffet Brunch at Planet Hollywood hotel, and that is where we headed. Boarded a bus outside our hotel (our 24 hr pass was still valid), and alighted at the Planet Hollywood hotel. There was a very very long line to enter the buffet, but we braved it.
The buffet spread was excellent, perhaps even better than the previous day's buffet at Rio. Champagne was great, and the food quality and variety was excellent, but the desserts were perhaps not as good as the selection at Rio's World Carnival Buffet.
We waddled out by 2 pm, and took a bus down to the Venetian Hotel. Walked all along the Grand Canal shops, the lobby, the gondolas etc. Very very pretty hotel. Great ambiance. And there was an accordion player in the foyer. The moment he saw us, he burst into singing some old Indian songs, which was delightful !
We had done our quota of walking the previous day, and were determined to ride the bus everywhere. Took a bus to one end of the strip to the Luxor hotel, which looked pretty unique on the outside. Went in, and managed to sneak a ride in the "inclinator" - the elevators which go up at an incline along the walls of the pyramid shaped dome. However, we could not feel the inclined path as we went up or down, so gave it up.
We returned to the MGM Grand by 5pm, and again rested awhile in our room. At 6:30pm, we left for Paris Las Vegas. We had made dinner reservations at the Mon Ami Gabi, a highly recommended restaurant on this forum. We reached much before our dinner time, and decided to indulge in another round of gambling. DW concentrated on the slot machines, and I tried my expertise at the Roulette tables. We both won, and evened out our gambling losses of the previous day !
We sat down for dinner at Mon Ami Gabi at about 8:15pm, being rewarded with excellent seats next to the windows, overlooking the Bellagio fountains.The tequila Smash was superb, as was the food that followed : Market vegetable platter, Lemon Chicken etc. Very well cooked, and subtly flavored. And superb views of the fountains.
After dinner we walked across to the Bellagio, as we had show tickets for the "O" show at 10 pm. Went straight to the "O" theater, and discovered that the seats that we had selected online were in fact one of the best. Balcony seats, first row, right in the center. Excellent viewing. As for the show itself, I don't think I can describe its beauty in words. One of the greatest spectacle that I have ever seen. Our expectations were very high, and the experience far exceeded our expectations. The choreography, the sets, the sheer range of things that were happening on stage at any given instant were jaw-dropping. Highly highly recommend the show to anyone who has not seen it.
We exited the theater at about 11:45 pm. Stopped outside the Bellagio to see the fountain display for one last time. Then slowly walked back to our hotel, stopping at shops to pick up some souvenirs. As with the previous night, it was well past 1 am when we hit the bed.
Las Vegas had been outstanding as an experience, something that we will cherish for a long long time.
Jul 13th, 2010, 09:54 AM
#22
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
(I had gone to graduate school at Stanford some 30 years ago)
So did my DH. I finally went several years ago with DH and couldn't get over how beautiful that campus is. I'm jealous!
(Too bad the bridge was again shrouded in dense fog. It was about a 35 minute walk one way. Would have been great if the fog had lifted and if we had better views.)
It wouldn't have been an 'authentic' visit to SF without fog.
(Las Vegas had been outstanding as an experience, something that we will cherish for a long long time.)
I hope the 'electricity' stays with you forever.
Fabulous report indiancouple! I can't help but smile when I read it.
So did my DH. I finally went several years ago with DH and couldn't get over how beautiful that campus is. I'm jealous!
(Too bad the bridge was again shrouded in dense fog. It was about a 35 minute walk one way. Would have been great if the fog had lifted and if we had better views.)
It wouldn't have been an 'authentic' visit to SF without fog.
(Las Vegas had been outstanding as an experience, something that we will cherish for a long long time.)
I hope the 'electricity' stays with you forever.
Fabulous report indiancouple! I can't help but smile when I read it.
Jul 13th, 2010, 06:10 PM
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good to know that many posters here also have a Stanford connection. I agree that the campus is outrageously beautiful. Wonder who dared call it "one giant Taco Bell" ? Must have been someone who played football for UC Berkeley, and lost out to the Stanford team in his senior year !
Report of my nostalgic visit to the Stanford campus coming up soon.
SOCALOC, fog may well be an authentic part of the GG bridge, but when you spend 2 days in such close proximity (one day riding a boat which goes under the bridge, and another day walking over the bridge in both directions), I thought we earned the right to at least see what the entire bridge looked like ! Apparently not. It was on our last day in California, when we were returning from Napa, and driving over the bridge, that we finally got a full view !
Report of my nostalgic visit to the Stanford campus coming up soon.
SOCALOC, fog may well be an authentic part of the GG bridge, but when you spend 2 days in such close proximity (one day riding a boat which goes under the bridge, and another day walking over the bridge in both directions), I thought we earned the right to at least see what the entire bridge looked like ! Apparently not. It was on our last day in California, when we were returning from Napa, and driving over the bridge, that we finally got a full view !
Jul 13th, 2010, 06:51 PM
#26
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It was on our last day in California, when we were returning from Napa, and driving over the bridge, that we finally got a full view !
__________________________________________________ ___________
PERFECT! don't you think?
One more thing I'm jealous of. We had the delightful pleasure of attending an Indian wedding in Fremont. WOW! What a celebration and event that was. Come to think of it- that was same time we toured Stanford. Note to self: the jealous trip.
__________________________________________________ ___________
PERFECT! don't you think?
One more thing I'm jealous of. We had the delightful pleasure of attending an Indian wedding in Fremont. WOW! What a celebration and event that was. Come to think of it- that was same time we toured Stanford. Note to self: the jealous trip.
Jul 13th, 2010, 06:55 PM
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sunday, June 6th:
GRAND CANYON :
Thus far all the places that we had covered on this trip, were places that I had visited earlier, albeit 30 years ago. Every place was a first for DW and our son. However, I had never been to the Grand Canyon before, and I was as excited as them about the next 2 days.
We got up at our Las Vegas hotel by 8 am today, and checked out by 9:30 am. Took a cab to Caesars Palace, where we picked up our rental car from Hertz. Had requested for a Toyota Corolla, and that is what we got, although the flaming red color that we received was a tad loud. Anyway, we were on our way by 10:30 am, stopping for breakfast on the way.
As we neared the Hoover Dam, the traffic slowed to a crawl and there was a long pile-up of cars ahead. Security check of each vehicle at the Dam and ongoing road construction were jointly responsible. Took a full 45 minutes to navigate through the blockade.
We took several rest stops enroute, including a lunch break, and finally reached the Grand Canyon National Park at around 5 pm. The lady at the park entrance smilingly informed us that park entry was free that day (never found out the reason for the free entry), which was welcome. We had reservations at the Bright Angel Lodge inside the Park, where we went, checked in, and dumped our luggage in the rooms.
We immediately took the Park shuttle bus to "Mohave Point", and got our first glimpse of the canyon. It was my first day out with my newly acquired SLR camera, and I went berserk with the shutter button. The canyon views were simply awesome, and it was a really clear day. Next we took a return bus to "Powell Point", where the picture clicking continued.
From Powell Point we walked to the nearby "Hopi Point", which is a popular place in the park to view the sunset. We were there at 7:15pm, a full 30 minutes before sunset, but found a huge crowd there. Anyway, the sunset views did not disappoint, and we lingered on for another 15 minutes post-sunset, as the lighting and the views kept changing constantly. Finally boarded the bus back to the hotel.
Could see that our son was getting slightly bored. He is more of a "big city" man than a nature lover. He was in his element in SFO and Las Vegas, but his interest waned at Big Sur and now at Grand Canyon. The only thing that perked him up was a mention from me that we planned to take a helicopter ride the next day over the canyon - that fired him up !
We walked over to the El Tovar to have dinner. Their restaurant was nice, and we had excellent Chardonnay wine, with Portobello Stuffed Mushrooms, Penne pasta and some mouth-watering Creme Brulee (excellent stuff !!).
As we walked back to our hotel, we ran into some large elks which had wandered there. We did walk around the rim for a while in the night, seeing the abundant stars in the sky. Retired to bed by 10:30 pm.
GRAND CANYON :
Thus far all the places that we had covered on this trip, were places that I had visited earlier, albeit 30 years ago. Every place was a first for DW and our son. However, I had never been to the Grand Canyon before, and I was as excited as them about the next 2 days.
We got up at our Las Vegas hotel by 8 am today, and checked out by 9:30 am. Took a cab to Caesars Palace, where we picked up our rental car from Hertz. Had requested for a Toyota Corolla, and that is what we got, although the flaming red color that we received was a tad loud. Anyway, we were on our way by 10:30 am, stopping for breakfast on the way.
As we neared the Hoover Dam, the traffic slowed to a crawl and there was a long pile-up of cars ahead. Security check of each vehicle at the Dam and ongoing road construction were jointly responsible. Took a full 45 minutes to navigate through the blockade.
We took several rest stops enroute, including a lunch break, and finally reached the Grand Canyon National Park at around 5 pm. The lady at the park entrance smilingly informed us that park entry was free that day (never found out the reason for the free entry), which was welcome. We had reservations at the Bright Angel Lodge inside the Park, where we went, checked in, and dumped our luggage in the rooms.
We immediately took the Park shuttle bus to "Mohave Point", and got our first glimpse of the canyon. It was my first day out with my newly acquired SLR camera, and I went berserk with the shutter button. The canyon views were simply awesome, and it was a really clear day. Next we took a return bus to "Powell Point", where the picture clicking continued.
From Powell Point we walked to the nearby "Hopi Point", which is a popular place in the park to view the sunset. We were there at 7:15pm, a full 30 minutes before sunset, but found a huge crowd there. Anyway, the sunset views did not disappoint, and we lingered on for another 15 minutes post-sunset, as the lighting and the views kept changing constantly. Finally boarded the bus back to the hotel.
Could see that our son was getting slightly bored. He is more of a "big city" man than a nature lover. He was in his element in SFO and Las Vegas, but his interest waned at Big Sur and now at Grand Canyon. The only thing that perked him up was a mention from me that we planned to take a helicopter ride the next day over the canyon - that fired him up !
We walked over to the El Tovar to have dinner. Their restaurant was nice, and we had excellent Chardonnay wine, with Portobello Stuffed Mushrooms, Penne pasta and some mouth-watering Creme Brulee (excellent stuff !!).
As we walked back to our hotel, we ran into some large elks which had wandered there. We did walk around the rim for a while in the night, seeing the abundant stars in the sky. Retired to bed by 10:30 pm.
Jul 13th, 2010, 07:01 PM
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SOCALOC, I think we would have still preferred to have a clear view of the GG bridge when we walked over it. We could not stop anywhere when we drove on it, which was too bad.
The funny thing about the GG bridge was the number of telephones all over the bridge, entreating people to not jump off but call the helpline number ! How many people jump off every year ?
As for the Indian wedding, there is no need for you to be jealous of it. Your DH and you can arrange to get married again (to each other I mean !) the Indian way ! Then you will have two anniversaries each year to celebrate. More diamonds as gifts !!
The funny thing about the GG bridge was the number of telephones all over the bridge, entreating people to not jump off but call the helpline number ! How many people jump off every year ?
As for the Indian wedding, there is no need for you to be jealous of it. Your DH and you can arrange to get married again (to each other I mean !) the Indian way ! Then you will have two anniversaries each year to celebrate. More diamonds as gifts !!
Jul 13th, 2010, 07:33 PM
#29
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_...ridge#Suicides
According to this article, it's the most popular place to commit suicide in the entire world.
According to this article, it's the most popular place to commit suicide in the entire world.
Jul 13th, 2010, 08:24 PM
#31
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We immediately took the Park shuttle bus to "Mohave Point", and got our first glimpse of the canyon. It was my first day out with my newly acquired SLR camera, and I went berserk with the shutter button. The canyon views were simply awesome, and it was a really clear day. Next we took a return bus to "Powell Point", where the picture clicking continued.
__________________________________________________ ___________
Your dose of enthusiasm is felt. FUN!
And I love the take on your son. Yes- youth craves man made stimulation.
As for SF, when I visit - if the sun is out, I feel like I hit the lotto!
And WHY didn't I think of having an Indian wedding for myself?
__________________________________________________ ___________
Your dose of enthusiasm is felt. FUN!
And I love the take on your son. Yes- youth craves man made stimulation.
As for SF, when I visit - if the sun is out, I feel like I hit the lotto!
And WHY didn't I think of having an Indian wedding for myself?
Jul 14th, 2010, 07:27 AM
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Monday, June 7th:
GRAND CANYON :
We had set our alarm at 3:30 am, as we wanted to view the sunrise at the canyon. We managed to get up, and leave the hotel by 4am in our car. The plan was to drive to the Visitor's Center, and then take a Shuttle Bus for Yaki Point for sunrise viewing.
Alas the signposts inside the park were not the best, and very soon we were totally lost. We drove around in circles, not being able to find our way to the Visitor's Center. Even a Ranger that we met only ended up confusing us even more. Precious time was lost, and by the time we reached the Visitor Center, it was already 4:30am. We discovered that the next bus to Yaki Point would be after the sunrise !
We opted to watch sunrise from Mather Point, which is supposed to be the next best vantage point, and was within walking distance of the Visitor Center. Surprisingly, there were very few people at the Mather Point overlook at that hour, and the views there were quite spectacular. There is that piece of rock which juts out from a cliff, and there were one or two people who had dared to make their way there, and were waiting, fully prepared with their tripods and gear ! That surely required a lot of courage, and just looking at them made us dizzy.
As the lighting improved, the views changed dramatically, the most beautiful part occurring 15-20 minutes before sunrise. Must have clicked at least a 100 photographs in the interim. Well worth the trouble of getting up so early.
After sunrise, we proceeded on a drive on the Desert View trail, stopping first at Grandview Point. The vistas here were totally different, and perhaps the most dramatic in the entire South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Final stop was at Desertview Point, which was also very rewarding. Then the long drive back, making it to Bright Angel Lodge by 7:30 am.
We got ready, had a quick breakfast at the Bright Angel lodge, and checked out by 8:45 am. We had telephoned and made bookings at Papillon helicopters for 9:30 am for an aerial view of the canyon. Our son was very excited, and we quickly drove to the GC airport. We first had to watch a safety video, and then we were led to the helicopter. Once strapped inside, we were airborne. The next 30 minutes was an experience of a lifetime, which I will not even attempt to describe. The views of the canyon from the top were simply out of the world. I was smiling all through the journey, as I could not believe what I was experiencing.
Once back on terra firma, we started our long drive back to Las Vegas. Stopped for snacks once or twice, and for lunch at a Pizza hut. Made good time, as there was hardly any traffic. Even managed a brief stopover at Hoover Dam on the way. After the Grand Canyon, everything else was anti-climactic. We reached Las Vegas airport by 5 pm, and returned the rental car. Then boarded our 6:50pm flight to San Jose.
Our daughter had also flown out of San Jose in the morning on work, and had reached back to San Jose airport a short while before us. We met up with her at the airport, and drove back to her home. A quiet dinner at home, and off to bed.
GRAND CANYON :
We had set our alarm at 3:30 am, as we wanted to view the sunrise at the canyon. We managed to get up, and leave the hotel by 4am in our car. The plan was to drive to the Visitor's Center, and then take a Shuttle Bus for Yaki Point for sunrise viewing.
Alas the signposts inside the park were not the best, and very soon we were totally lost. We drove around in circles, not being able to find our way to the Visitor's Center. Even a Ranger that we met only ended up confusing us even more. Precious time was lost, and by the time we reached the Visitor Center, it was already 4:30am. We discovered that the next bus to Yaki Point would be after the sunrise !
We opted to watch sunrise from Mather Point, which is supposed to be the next best vantage point, and was within walking distance of the Visitor Center. Surprisingly, there were very few people at the Mather Point overlook at that hour, and the views there were quite spectacular. There is that piece of rock which juts out from a cliff, and there were one or two people who had dared to make their way there, and were waiting, fully prepared with their tripods and gear ! That surely required a lot of courage, and just looking at them made us dizzy.
As the lighting improved, the views changed dramatically, the most beautiful part occurring 15-20 minutes before sunrise. Must have clicked at least a 100 photographs in the interim. Well worth the trouble of getting up so early.
After sunrise, we proceeded on a drive on the Desert View trail, stopping first at Grandview Point. The vistas here were totally different, and perhaps the most dramatic in the entire South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Final stop was at Desertview Point, which was also very rewarding. Then the long drive back, making it to Bright Angel Lodge by 7:30 am.
We got ready, had a quick breakfast at the Bright Angel lodge, and checked out by 8:45 am. We had telephoned and made bookings at Papillon helicopters for 9:30 am for an aerial view of the canyon. Our son was very excited, and we quickly drove to the GC airport. We first had to watch a safety video, and then we were led to the helicopter. Once strapped inside, we were airborne. The next 30 minutes was an experience of a lifetime, which I will not even attempt to describe. The views of the canyon from the top were simply out of the world. I was smiling all through the journey, as I could not believe what I was experiencing.
Once back on terra firma, we started our long drive back to Las Vegas. Stopped for snacks once or twice, and for lunch at a Pizza hut. Made good time, as there was hardly any traffic. Even managed a brief stopover at Hoover Dam on the way. After the Grand Canyon, everything else was anti-climactic. We reached Las Vegas airport by 5 pm, and returned the rental car. Then boarded our 6:50pm flight to San Jose.
Our daughter had also flown out of San Jose in the morning on work, and had reached back to San Jose airport a short while before us. We met up with her at the airport, and drove back to her home. A quiet dinner at home, and off to bed.
Jul 14th, 2010, 10:40 AM
#34
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What an incredible adventure! From beginning to end.
Loads of laughter as I read your 'journey' to capture the sunrise.
HOW did you get ready, eat breakfast AND check-out in 1 hour and fifteen minutes?
__________________________________________________ ________
The next 30 minutes was an experience of a lifetime, which I will not even attempt to describe. The views of the canyon from the top were simply out of the world. I was smiling all through the journey, as I could not believe what I was experiencing.
__________________________________________________ ___________
I have never done this indiancouple. So happy for you! Oh, you described it very well. This definitely sounds like a 'bucket list' experience.
I find it so generous for others to take the time and share these fabulous journeys.
Thank you! Will return.
Loads of laughter as I read your 'journey' to capture the sunrise.
HOW did you get ready, eat breakfast AND check-out in 1 hour and fifteen minutes?
__________________________________________________ ________
The next 30 minutes was an experience of a lifetime, which I will not even attempt to describe. The views of the canyon from the top were simply out of the world. I was smiling all through the journey, as I could not believe what I was experiencing.
__________________________________________________ ___________
I have never done this indiancouple. So happy for you! Oh, you described it very well. This definitely sounds like a 'bucket list' experience.
I find it so generous for others to take the time and share these fabulous journeys.
Thank you! Will return.
Jul 14th, 2010, 07:04 PM
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Socaloc, you will rank as the most encouraging reader I have ever encountered, for the numerous Trip Reports that I have posted here. I almost look forward to reading your next comment. Many thanks.
Thanks peterboy, and yes the helicopter ride over the canyon is definitely something that everyone should try when they go there. It is a very magical experience.
Thanks peterboy, and yes the helicopter ride over the canyon is definitely something that everyone should try when they go there. It is a very magical experience.
Jul 14th, 2010, 08:00 PM
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tuesday, June 8th:
STANFORD UNIVERSITY :
Today was scheduled as a relatively relaxed day, with only a visit down memory lane planned - to Stanford University, where I had attended grad school in the late 1970's. It had been over 30 years since I had visited that campus, and I was very excited. DW and my son had heard so much about the place from me all these years, that they all looked forward to it to.
Had planned on renting a car for the next 4 days, as we had a Yosemite trip coming up too. Daughter had taken the trouble of doing the formalities with Enterprise in advance. We all woke up late, and had a leisurely breakfast at home. Called up Enterprise, and they sent someone to pick us up at about 10:45am. Completed the paperwork at their office, and we were off. We did not get our requested Corolla, but instead got a KIA Spectra. Had not heard of this car, but it behaved very well over the next few days.
We drove off to Palo Alto, which was not far from San Jose, but the traffic on the freeways in the Bay Area took me by surprise. By now I had just barely become comfortable in driving on the "right" side of the road (we call it the wrong side of the road in India !), and I was a bit unnerved in the dense and very fast moving Bay Area traffic.
There are many ways to enter Stanford University, but my personal favorite has always been the Palm Drive. I used to always find the sight of entering the university campus from there quite spectacular, and I was determined to introduce Stanford to my family in that fashion. So I ignored the Stanford exit on the freeway, and took another exit which landed me on University Avenue in Palo Alto (which later becomes Palm Drive as you enter the campus). The drive down University Avenue itself is quite pleasant, with loads of hip restaurants in one section, and ritzy houses all over. A very far cry from the sleepy Palo Alto I knew of the 70's ! And as University Avenue came to an end, we went below an underpass, and emerged on Palm Drive.
It is really a very pretty drive, with identical sized palm trees lining both sides, lovely buildings in the background behind the trees, and the magnificent Memorial Church straight ahead. I used to ride a bicycle down this street 30 years ago; it was the first time I was driving a car here. Must say the bicycle ride was always better, as you could enjoy the sights for much longer !
We luckily found parking near the Visitor's Center, and I emptied a load of quarters into the parking machine, enough to last me the entire day. We briefly entered the Visitor Center to pick up some maps, as I was sure I would have some difficulty recognizing some portions of the campus. The Visitor Center itself did not exist during my days here, neither did the plush Alumni Center across the road, where we went next. Then on to the Graduate School of Business, which was of particular interest to my son (as he hopes to do an MBA sometime in the future).
The first major "sightseeing" spot was the Memorial Church. It had looked very pretty 30 years ago, and it looked even prettier now. Manicured lawns all around, and beautiful sculptures in the lawns. The sights of the university campus in all directions are particularly attractive from the church, and the inside of the church is as gorgeous.
We then slowly made our way towards the heart of the campus, headed to the Tressidor Union Cafeteria, where we planned to have lunch. The tall Hoover Building kept coming into view all the time, and it looked majestic. The academic session was about to get over in another 2-3 days, and the cafeteria was packed, which was nice as it seemed full of life. Had a nice lunch (wow this cafeteria has really grown !).
After lunch we strolled over to the Old Union building nearby. I had forgotten how pretty it was. DW kept commenting that the campus feels like a luxury resort and not a university ! Clicked loads of pictures at the Old Union and the Bookstore across. By far the most attractive portion of the campus.
Then we walked over to the International Center, which had been my surrogate home during my student days here. I had difficulty locating the International House, as so many buildings had come up near it. But once I found it, I was overwhelmed with nostalgia. It looked exactly the same. On so many evenings I would just land up at this place, sit around the library, gossip with international students from across the globe.....and here I was again. During my student days here, every Sunday there would be an international dinner, cooked by students of a particular country by rotation. I had twice been part of teams that had cooked Indian dinners here. I just had to go into the kitchen and dining hall to have one last look.
Continued our stroll around campus, passing by the Law School, Meyer library, the lovely stone-structured Quads, and over to the Chemical Engineering building, where I had spent my days. I must confess that as I entered the gazebo where our classes had been held, I was misty-eyed. There was a very helpful lady who was in an administrative position who ventured forth to help us, and when she realized that I was an alumnus, she took me down memory lane by showing me old photographs of professors and feeding me with up to date news about the department.
Some more strolling through the newly constructed Engineering Quads, and then a final stopover at the Bookstore to purchase memorabilia. I must say I went completely berserk shopping that day, as I just had to buy one of everything ! I could not say if I would ever visit this campus again, and I wanted my complete fill this time. Then we walked back to our car, and drove once around the campus on the circular Campus Drive, stopping briefly at Mirielees Apartments (where I had lived) for photo ops. Then back on to the freeway and return to San Jose. I apologize to the readers of this Trip Report for being too detailed and sentimental in this portion of the report, but that is how the emotions went.
Our daughter had come home early from work that day, and was waiting for us. We relaxed for a while, and then drove with her all the way back to Palo Alto, to have dinner on University Avenue. Incidentally, forgot to mention, she had made it clear before the start of the trip that she was going to pick up the tab at all restaurants whenever she was with us ! I had resisted, but she had held firm. Not only had she hosted all the meals we had together in this trip, she had even insisted on paying for our Monterey hotel rooms earlier. Must say it is a great experience to be "taken care" of by one's kids. I had quite enjoyed the feeling all through.
We selected a Mediterranean restaurant, and had a lovely meal of Falafel, Hummus, Baba Gnouche etc. Walked around University Ave a bit, and drove back home. Hit the bed by midnight.
STANFORD UNIVERSITY :
Today was scheduled as a relatively relaxed day, with only a visit down memory lane planned - to Stanford University, where I had attended grad school in the late 1970's. It had been over 30 years since I had visited that campus, and I was very excited. DW and my son had heard so much about the place from me all these years, that they all looked forward to it to.
Had planned on renting a car for the next 4 days, as we had a Yosemite trip coming up too. Daughter had taken the trouble of doing the formalities with Enterprise in advance. We all woke up late, and had a leisurely breakfast at home. Called up Enterprise, and they sent someone to pick us up at about 10:45am. Completed the paperwork at their office, and we were off. We did not get our requested Corolla, but instead got a KIA Spectra. Had not heard of this car, but it behaved very well over the next few days.
We drove off to Palo Alto, which was not far from San Jose, but the traffic on the freeways in the Bay Area took me by surprise. By now I had just barely become comfortable in driving on the "right" side of the road (we call it the wrong side of the road in India !), and I was a bit unnerved in the dense and very fast moving Bay Area traffic.
There are many ways to enter Stanford University, but my personal favorite has always been the Palm Drive. I used to always find the sight of entering the university campus from there quite spectacular, and I was determined to introduce Stanford to my family in that fashion. So I ignored the Stanford exit on the freeway, and took another exit which landed me on University Avenue in Palo Alto (which later becomes Palm Drive as you enter the campus). The drive down University Avenue itself is quite pleasant, with loads of hip restaurants in one section, and ritzy houses all over. A very far cry from the sleepy Palo Alto I knew of the 70's ! And as University Avenue came to an end, we went below an underpass, and emerged on Palm Drive.
It is really a very pretty drive, with identical sized palm trees lining both sides, lovely buildings in the background behind the trees, and the magnificent Memorial Church straight ahead. I used to ride a bicycle down this street 30 years ago; it was the first time I was driving a car here. Must say the bicycle ride was always better, as you could enjoy the sights for much longer !
We luckily found parking near the Visitor's Center, and I emptied a load of quarters into the parking machine, enough to last me the entire day. We briefly entered the Visitor Center to pick up some maps, as I was sure I would have some difficulty recognizing some portions of the campus. The Visitor Center itself did not exist during my days here, neither did the plush Alumni Center across the road, where we went next. Then on to the Graduate School of Business, which was of particular interest to my son (as he hopes to do an MBA sometime in the future).
The first major "sightseeing" spot was the Memorial Church. It had looked very pretty 30 years ago, and it looked even prettier now. Manicured lawns all around, and beautiful sculptures in the lawns. The sights of the university campus in all directions are particularly attractive from the church, and the inside of the church is as gorgeous.
We then slowly made our way towards the heart of the campus, headed to the Tressidor Union Cafeteria, where we planned to have lunch. The tall Hoover Building kept coming into view all the time, and it looked majestic. The academic session was about to get over in another 2-3 days, and the cafeteria was packed, which was nice as it seemed full of life. Had a nice lunch (wow this cafeteria has really grown !).
After lunch we strolled over to the Old Union building nearby. I had forgotten how pretty it was. DW kept commenting that the campus feels like a luxury resort and not a university ! Clicked loads of pictures at the Old Union and the Bookstore across. By far the most attractive portion of the campus.
Then we walked over to the International Center, which had been my surrogate home during my student days here. I had difficulty locating the International House, as so many buildings had come up near it. But once I found it, I was overwhelmed with nostalgia. It looked exactly the same. On so many evenings I would just land up at this place, sit around the library, gossip with international students from across the globe.....and here I was again. During my student days here, every Sunday there would be an international dinner, cooked by students of a particular country by rotation. I had twice been part of teams that had cooked Indian dinners here. I just had to go into the kitchen and dining hall to have one last look.
Continued our stroll around campus, passing by the Law School, Meyer library, the lovely stone-structured Quads, and over to the Chemical Engineering building, where I had spent my days. I must confess that as I entered the gazebo where our classes had been held, I was misty-eyed. There was a very helpful lady who was in an administrative position who ventured forth to help us, and when she realized that I was an alumnus, she took me down memory lane by showing me old photographs of professors and feeding me with up to date news about the department.
Some more strolling through the newly constructed Engineering Quads, and then a final stopover at the Bookstore to purchase memorabilia. I must say I went completely berserk shopping that day, as I just had to buy one of everything ! I could not say if I would ever visit this campus again, and I wanted my complete fill this time. Then we walked back to our car, and drove once around the campus on the circular Campus Drive, stopping briefly at Mirielees Apartments (where I had lived) for photo ops. Then back on to the freeway and return to San Jose. I apologize to the readers of this Trip Report for being too detailed and sentimental in this portion of the report, but that is how the emotions went.
Our daughter had come home early from work that day, and was waiting for us. We relaxed for a while, and then drove with her all the way back to Palo Alto, to have dinner on University Avenue. Incidentally, forgot to mention, she had made it clear before the start of the trip that she was going to pick up the tab at all restaurants whenever she was with us ! I had resisted, but she had held firm. Not only had she hosted all the meals we had together in this trip, she had even insisted on paying for our Monterey hotel rooms earlier. Must say it is a great experience to be "taken care" of by one's kids. I had quite enjoyed the feeling all through.
We selected a Mediterranean restaurant, and had a lovely meal of Falafel, Hummus, Baba Gnouche etc. Walked around University Ave a bit, and drove back home. Hit the bed by midnight.
Jul 14th, 2010, 09:11 PM
#40
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
(DW kept commenting that the campus feels like a luxury resort and not a university ! )
That is exactly how I felt!
I read this to DH. He thoroughly enjoyed it. And would have done Palm Drive too. We also went berserk shopping. Even bought the pup a dog collar.
(I must confess that as I entered the gazebo where our classes had been held, I was misty-eyed.)
(I apologize to the readers of this Trip Report for being too detailed and sentimental in this portion of the report, but that is how the emotions went.)
Are you kidding? That's what being ALIVE is! I feel alive just reading it. Here's another thing I'm jealous of - DH and your writing skills. Must be a Stanford thing.
And such a lovely daughter you have.
Fabulous read again!
That is exactly how I felt!
I read this to DH. He thoroughly enjoyed it. And would have done Palm Drive too. We also went berserk shopping. Even bought the pup a dog collar.
(I must confess that as I entered the gazebo where our classes had been held, I was misty-eyed.)
(I apologize to the readers of this Trip Report for being too detailed and sentimental in this portion of the report, but that is how the emotions went.)
Are you kidding? That's what being ALIVE is! I feel alive just reading it. Here's another thing I'm jealous of - DH and your writing skills. Must be a Stanford thing.
And such a lovely daughter you have.
Fabulous read again!
