Amtrak Acela DC-NYC-DC

Finally made a trip to NYC from DC by Amtrak Acela to & fro. It was a quick 2 day, 1 night business trip. Drove from Richmond and parked at DC Union station. It was simple 6 car consist with 1 dining car, 1 first and 4 business. Passengers all waiting which gate it will be on. I had to ask around old style to figure which one as the board did not update. The let us into the track only 5 mins before and it started moving as soon as all aboard and passengers haven't even settled. Run was impressive regularly cruising at 120mph and perhaps only once went up to 150mph as my speedometer showed but did not feel like it after Philadeplphia. Reached on the dot, no delay in 2:53 hrs. We are not used to such uneventful quick rides.

Acela locomotive facing NY

Acela loco rear

Platform with old intricate pillars

Board at NYC Penn station

Dining Car

Return run was similar but we got delayed due to some track work going on which led to track being single in some portions and we had to wait for a NE Regional to pass, also some slow runs in between. Reached 20 mins delayed.

Dining car was simple snacks and basic food but nice area to sit and stand. Half the passengers had their laptops open so lot of business/office travellers. Some intermediate passengers as well from NY to Philly or Baltimore. Unless their business is close to station, wonder why would someone use this train for short runs. But getting into heart of NYC, 8th Avenue 31st street close to Times Square cannot be beaten. Airports are far away and traffic is humongous. I walked to hotel both ways and avoided any traffic only problem it was drizzling a bit.

DC Union - First time entered there and the main hall is HUGE and impressive. But the main boarding area is all congested where people line us to get to tracks. There are hardly people loitering in the main hall.

Moynihan Train Hall at NYC Penn station

Moynihan was also impressive, more sleek, upscale with food hall and modern advertising. DC was heritage and Moynihan was uber.

DC Union station grand main hall

Amtrak is going to introduce new trainsets from 28-Aug to give better experience to passengers. Glad I traveled in the old one to be able to compare with newer.

Raleigh, North Carolina

After celebrating thanksgiving at Southport my family and I embarked on a delightful journey to Raleigh, North Carolina. Known as the "City of Oaks" for its beautiful oak trees that line the streets, Raleigh offered us a blend of rich history, modern attractions, and a vibrant culinary scene.

Our first stop was the **State Capitol Building**, an architectural marvel and a testament to the city's historical significance. As we wandered through its halls, we were captivated by the stories of North Carolina's past and the elegance of the Greek Revival style architecture. The Capitol, standing proudly since 1840, has been a silent witness to the state's evolution and is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history.

In the afternoon, we explored the **North Carolina Museum of Sciences** and the **North Carolina Museum of History**. The Museum of Sciences was a wonderland for both kids and adults, with interactive exhibits that spanned topics from astronomy to zoology. The Museum of History, meanwhile, offered a deep dive into the state's rich past, from its indigenous roots to modern-day achievements. These museums not only educated us but also kept us thoroughly entertained.

After a day full of explorations, we checked into our hotel, freshened up, and headed out to downtown Raleigh. The evening was reserved for a leisurely walk through the vibrant streets, lined with art installations, quaint shops, and bustling cafes. The city's energy was infectious, and the friendliness of the locals added to the charm.

Dinner was a delightful affair at **Sitti**, a renowned Lebanese restaurant. The authentic flavors of the Middle East were a treat to our taste buds. From the perfectly grilled kebabs to the flavorful mezze platters, every dish was a culinary masterpiece, leaving us craving for more.

The next day, our adventure continued at the **James B. Hunt Jr. Library**. This library, located at NC State's Centennial Campus, is a marvel of modern architecture and technological innovation. With its robotically-assisted book retrieval system and a vast collection of resources, the library was a fascinating experience, especially for my tech-enthusiast son. I have been impressed with Public libraries here in the US which are managed like a first class institution that we were not surprised by the ambience of this library.

Our Raleigh journey concluded at **Pullen Park**, one of the oldest amusement parks in the USA. Here, we enjoyed a nostalgic train ride, which took us around the scenic park. The highlight, however, was the historic carousel, a beautifully restored piece of history that charmed both young and old. Watching the joy on my kids' faces as they rode the hand-carved animals was a memorable end to our trip.

The day being cold since morning I craved for Chola Bhatura and found multiple Indian restaurants, so we went to one nearby in Cary called Indian Mithai and had Chola Bhatura, Samosa chat and vegetable cutlets. It was a savoury treat.

Raleigh, with its unique blend of history, science, architecture, and green spaces, proved to be the perfect destination for a family weekend getaway. Its ability to cater to diverse interests made our trip both educational and immensely enjoyable. Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast, or just looking to spend quality time with your family, Raleigh, North Carolina, is a destination that won't disappoint.

Thanksgiving @ South Port, North Carolina

Thanksgiving, a quintessentially American holiday, was an experience I had only read about or seen in movies. This year, our family had the unique opportunity to witness and participate in this festive occasion with our American hosts in the charming town of St. James, North Carolina.

Upon our arrival, the warmth and hospitality of our hosts enveloped us like a cozy blanket on a chilly autumn evening. They introduced us to the essence of Thanksgiving - a celebration of gratitude, family, and togetherness. The highlight, undoubtedly, was the Thanksgiving feast. The table was a sight to behold, adorned with an array of dishes that were as new to us as the tradition itself. The golden-brown turkey, the centerpiece of the meal, was surrounded by a variety of sides like stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, mac & cheese and green bean casserole. Each bite was a delightful exploration of flavors and traditions, making us feel truly a part of this special occasion.

Our Thanksgiving adventure extended beyond the dining table. Other traditions are 1) watching Thanksgiving day parade on TV live from New York 2) Watching football on TV as there are some teams who definitely have a game on that day 3) playing the cornhole game and 4) indoor card games and all. That's the essence of thanksgiving, gathering the entire family. Our host had also invited some more families and we ended up talking for long time with them.

In the morning morning, we had visited **Oak Island Beach**, where the Atlantic's waves whispered stories of the new world. The beach, with its serene expanse of sand and calming ocean breeze, offered a tranquil escape from the holiday bustle. Due to cold, there were few people on the beach but it was great.

Another memorable experience was our visit to **Fort Fisher**. We journeyed there with another family, taking a scenic ferry ride that offered panoramic views of the water and sky converging at the horizon. The entry and exit from ferry absolutely smooth. The historical fort, a Civil War relic, stood as a silent guardian of the past, its stories etched into the landscape. The adjacent beach provided a stark contrast to the solemnity of the fort, with its lively waves and playful ambiance.

Lunch at the **Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar** on Carolina Beach was another highlight. The restaurant's unique location on the pier offered stunning ocean views, complemented by an array of delectable seafood dishes. The casual, laid-back atmosphere made it the perfect spot to relax and savor the local flavors. The most common fish is Mahi Mahi.

Our journey back, driving through **Wilmington**, was a delightful conclusion to our trip. The city's historic charm and vibrant riverfront provided a picturesque backdrop as we reflected on our Thanksgiving experience.

As a non-American family, this Thanksgiving trip was more than just a holiday; it was a cultural immersion, a chance to partake in a tradition that symbolizes gratitude and family. St. James, with its coastal beauty and historic significance, served as the perfect setting for our first Thanksgiving. The holiday's spirit of giving and sharing resonated deeply with us, transcending cultural boundaries and leaving us with cherished memories and a newfound appreciation for this unique American tradition.

Before leaving for Raleigh, capital of North Carolina, we took drive on the Oak Island sea side upto Fort Caswell. There were beautiful beach houses alongside. The Fort Caswell in allowed to roam only for people staying inside and we were given just 15 mins to drive around and no pictures.

Virginia Beach & Norfolk

Virginia is an important state of United States both historically and culturally. The first English settlement started here in Jamestown on the Atlantic ocean on 13th May 1607 which started European colonisation in North America. Then by 1776 after America declared independence, a major battle with british happened in Yorktown nearby. Then during American civil war, siege of Petersburg near capital Richmond was the turning point of civil war in which Union won against confederate states. So, we went around and explored Virginia a bit.

Summertime is when schools are closed, kids at home and all American families rush to the beach with kids to enjoy the warm weather carrying with all paraphernalia to last the whole day, folding chairs, umbrellas, tents, beachwear, towels, hats, sunglasses, lotions to protect and cool box with all their drinks. They lounge around the beach sipping beer or cola and going in and out of the water, bathing, swimming, some reading books. This is at display at most of the beaches on the atlantic coast during summer. 

Virginia geography is such that it Chesapeake Bay on the east with 4 rivers emptying out causing a craggy coastline. In the morning we had been to Norfolk which is another city technically and went to its shore on Cheasapeake bay at a park which was good enough for strolling. Norfolk and adjoining coast of Cheasapeak bay is largest US Navy base and also one of the largest commercial ports and one could witness that with number of Navy ships visible in distance and other ship movement.

From there we drove along the road hugging the ocean. We stopped at a community beach which was full of people lounging on the beach. The sand was reflecting lot of light it was pretty bright difficult to keep eyes open. This particular beach had gentle waves perhaps due to shape and layout.

From there we went to Cape Henry lighthouse which is inside a military base. We had to leave the car in parking and board a shuttle to go to lighthouse after thorough checking and restrictions on what all we can shoot. The lighthouse had ticket to climb up but it was worth it. We could see panoramic views of the atlantic ocean, a distant loaded container ship most likely coming in or going out of Norfolk port and the landscape far off. 

Virginia beach which is actually name of the city has the long, straight stretch of beach in the state directly on the Atlantic beach beyond the bay. Naturally it is flocked by everyone. It has many ocean facing hotels, restaurants and properties in a limited happening area. We frolicked in the water for some time. Even in the peak summer, water was cold. The dry wind was raising the sand on the beach which broke a number of umbrellas and tents that day. The same wind was giving chills when out of the water. The authorities have good arrangement of showers at little distance for once to clean up. There is a 3 mile long walkway known as broadwalk and an adjacent bike lane. There is an iconic Neptune statue on the northern side. We strolled on the broadwalk taking in the atmosphere. By dusk, the street lights came up giving a different hue to the atmosphere. Dinner was drink and some finger food at one of the beach facing restaurant.

Next day we woke up to a cloudy and little colder day than previous day. After breackfast and check out we went to Sandbridge beach which is further south. The road with wooden houses on stilt with very less traffic, we thought there would be less people but there were plenty already out on the beach with their paraphernalia for the day. This beach is last motorable point beyond which lies the wildlife protected area and another back bay. We walked on the pier which jutted into the Atlantic and sea being rough gave a different feeling of vastness of ocean. We too plonked ourselves for some time which we walked up and down. We could even see the far off Vriginia beach hotel buildings as the land was flat with clear air. 

After that we went to Military Aviation museum which has a rich collection of old military planes in different hangars from WW1 & 2  from allied countries. There was even a joyride available in an old plane which we saw takeoff and land from ajacent grassy strip. The collection was impressive and made me imagine what kind of action these planes must have seen in their heydays. 

From there we went to Mount trashmore park which is small hill curated by covering a lot of junk and garbage and then carpeting with grass. There was good view from the top and rolling down the hill slope was fund for our sun. 

All through the trip the drive was impeccable with Virginia countryside beauty, good tarmac single lane winding roads and weather was pleasant throughout. The return to home was quick hour and half ride.