Fashion Show of Hats in Louisville, Kentucky

     The 141^st Kentucky Derby in Churchill Downs happened on May 2, 2015. Yes, I was there!

     This world-renowned horse racing event was packed with fans of horses and fashion. I am not a fan of the derby, but I was there to experience the fun, the festival, and fashion.

     Based on my research, "The long-established fashion was started with Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr.'s vision for the derby as an event that the high-class would attend, similar to European-style racing events, which mandated full morning dress for men and women. For the first running of the Kentucky Derby, he used high-class women to recruit his target clientele to attend the race. The event quickly became just as much about fashion as racing. Going to a horse racing event became an opportunity to show off the latest in spring fashion, and women were known to coordinate their hats, dresses, bags, shoes, and even parasols."

     I didn't bring an elaborate hat and wasn't wearing a spring color dress. Instead, I had a New York-style short black dress, which I think had matched my simple hat. I knew how to carry myself and mingle with the beautiful crowd anyway! 

     I went to this event for the purpose of my CNN iReporting. It was so much fun taking photos. Fortunately, my story was vetted, and my photo was featured as the photo of the day. 

     It was entertaining watching glamorous girls with their gorgeous outfits and elaborate hats. Other interesting scenes were seeing some people getting wasted with too much drinking. But, of course, this is a party, so it's not surprising. The entrance fee was expensive, but it was worth my experience. 

     Kentucky Derby is a southern tradition and one of the biggest sports and entertainment events globally. This is one of my favorite events in the US. Maybe you can include this on your list, too. 

  

 

 

Arts in Des Moines, Iowa

     I often go to Des Moines on a work trip, and our hotel shuttle always passes by John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. I've always been interested in seeing the park. Finally, on a long layover, I had a chance to go.

     I love to photograph art. Thanks to my FA colleague, Kyle, who took my photos. Our long walk from the hotel to downtown was our exercise for the day. This is a small town, so the streets were quiet with few people. The weather was nice, the grasses were green, and the flowers were blooming. I love spring! It snows a lot in Iowa during winter, but there are good days to enjoy here.

     I learned from our driver that Iowa is a major center of the US insurance industry. According to the records, it is the third-largest insurance capital in the world. So no wonder I've seen a lot of insurance buildings downtown. We had a selfie with the tallest building in Des Moines, the Charles Schwab. 

     Des Moines has been the best business place and was once ranked as the wealthiest city in America. I've never thought that a small town like Des Moines has all these interesting facts. It is definitely impressive!

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Space and Rockets in Hunstville, Alabama

     The city of Huntsville is nicknamed the "Rocket City" for its close association with the US space mission in 1958.

     Hunstville International airport is like a museum of Space and Rockets, filled with an impressive display of photos. There's much to see. 

     I arrived in Huntsville late at night, so I decided to stay at the Sheraton hotel located at the airport. The hotel gave me a crew discounted rate with breakfast. The concierge staff was friendly, so it was a great hotel experience.

     My day was basically spent at the US Space and Rocket Center. Even though I've visited NASA in Texas and Florida, I didn't mind seeing the same thing in a different location. One unique experience I had was my ride on the war vehicle in a digital war zone.   It was a cool thing to do. But I wonder how it feels when it's real. 

     My trip to Hunstville was short but a good one as well. I met friendly people and heard (first hand) the famous Alabama accent. 

     Do you know the famous song, "Sweet Home Alabama?" It goes like this:

"Sweet home Alabama

Where the skies are so blue

Sweet home Alabama

Lord, I'm comin' home to you."

Huntsville International Airport

 

 

Walking on Elm Street in New Hampshire

     I was excited to go to Manchester, New Hampshire, to wrap up my New England states. Manchester is not the capital, but it is the largest city in New Hampshire. 

      I walked on the famous "Elm Street" in that nice afternoon weather. Elm Street, the city's main thoroughfare, is "the longest dead-end street in the US." I was surprised that there were few people in downtown. Nevertheless, I did enjoy my walk. 

     The "Dean Avenue" had caught my attention with its very narrow size. The historic "Seethe Old Mill District" on the Merrimack River was fascinating. It was an old industrial building used for business offices, restaurants, and a university.

     At the Veterans Memorial Park, I met a couple from "Glory of the Lord Ministry." The gentleman was a presidential candidate. They go to the park in their free time to lead a bible and prayer group. We chatted for a while, and they were nice to say a prayer for me.

     I bought chocolate at the famous Granite State Candy shop for Mary, had dinner at Portland Pie, then I went back to my hotel. I ended my day relaxing with my favorite jacuzzi and a great sunset view from my window. 

     It was a busy weekend because of graduation events. I was lucky to get a hotel room because somebody had canceled. Unfortunately, I didn't get the first flight on my way back to New York. I had to wait for a couple of hours to get on the next flight. My waiting time was well spent anyway doing my training. 

     New Hampshire is famous for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, snowmobiling. So next time I come back, maybe I can try those adventures. 

Elm Street at the corner of Manchester Street

Seethe Old Mill Building

Dean Avenue

A Bus Ride to Providence, Rhode Island

     Do you know that Rhode Island is the smallest state? Its official name is "Ocean State" in reference to miles of its coastline, large bays, and inlets. 

     I traveled to Rhode Island in May 2015.   This time, I decided to take a bus ride so that my friend, Rousel, could join me on this trip. It was a four-hour bus ride, yes, a bit long. We enjoyed the view outside, but our butts were tired!

     We started with a walk at Water Place Park and Riverwalk. It was pretty quiet that day, and the weather was nice. I could spend a day here with my book and watch people ride the gondola. 

     I've heard about the famous Water Fire event. Have you seen that? It's a yearly event where you see fires floating atop the river. It occurs during sunset and lasts until midnight. It's a must-see event that Rhode Island is famous for and I would love to experience this someday.

     After walking at the park, it's time for lunch at PF Chang’s. Then we continued our walking along the Federal Hill and did some window shopping. We ended the night with a margarita.

      We wanted to take a ferry and explore Newport to experience more of the riverside, but we decided to go to Boston instead.  I know there's another chance to visit this beautiful state in the future.  It was a short visit but it was worth the ride and time with my friend. 

Water Place Park and Riverwalk

Water Place Park and Riverwalk

Water Place Park and Riverwalk

Federal Hill