Carole Terwilliger Meyers's Blog, page 21

Things to Do: Oaks Amusement Park, Portland, Oregon

Oaks Amusement Park (503) 233-5777.  Amusement park is seasonal, Apr-Sept; skating rink is open year round, Tu-Sun.  Admission fee varies depending on rides.  Free parking. 
Located beside the Willamette River at the foot of the old Sellwood Bridge, this was the first amusement park in the West.  Now more than 100 years old and a non-profit, it opened in 1905 and was once called “The Coney Island of the West.”  Rides are well-priced, and it is a popular place to roller skate and picnic.  Nostalgia reigns with a section of kiddie rides and miniature golf, plus a hand-carved 1911 Herschell-Spillman “Noah’s Ark” carousel, bumper cars, and a miniature train that chugs all around the park.

carousel at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon
My mom, who grew up in nearby Gresham, skated at the Oaks Park roller skating rink here when she was in high school.  She remembers the organist--who performs live on the beautiful Wurlitzer here on Thursday nights and all day Sunday--and the fun bumps at the back of the rink that they skated over (which are still there).  This rink is the largest in America, and the last to play a live pipe organ.  Its floor was replaced in 1948 when the original floor was destroyed in the Vanport flood, and the ingenious barrel flotation system that was used in the replacement floor has saved it several more times.

exterior of roller skating rink at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon


skate counter at roller skating rink at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon


colorful rental skates at roller skating rink at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon










 
More things to do in Portland.

More things to do in Oregon.    

My mom was a Rosie.

Travel articles to inspire and help you plan some spectacular local and foreign getaways.   
 
images and videos ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 
 

Sights to See: Wide and Narrow Alley or Kuanzhai Xiangzi, Chengdu, China

Wide and Narrow Alley/Kuanzhai Xiangzi  These “ancient” streets--there are actually three--are lined with restored Qing-era buildings, many of which hold shops, restaurants, and a few boutique hotels.  There is Wide Alley--the wide main street--and two side streets known as the narrow and well streets.  Narrow Alley is just that, with more shops and restaurants, while Well Alley, also known as Jing Alley and Ruyi Lane, aims to be more contemporary and is considered the most beautiful historical block of Chengdu.  The Experiencing House of Old Chengdu Life museum located on Wide Alley is composed of a kitchen, study, living room, and bedroom, and has exhibits about the daily life of a common family during the period of the Republic of China (1912–1949).  

people stroll Wide Alley in Chengdu, China

Wide Alley in Chengdu, China

public art in Wide Alley in Chengdu, China

public art in Wide Alley in Chengdu, China

panda specialty shop in Wide Alley in Chengdu, China

Starbucks in Narrow Alley in Chengdu, China

girls at entrance to restaurant in Narrow Alley in Chengdu, China

ice cream treats in Narrow Alley in Chengdu, China



More things to do in Chengdu.

Things to do in China.  

More China items.

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
 

Sights to See: 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Oculus, and One World Trade Center; NYC

9/11 Memorial and Museum   180 Greenwich St.  $24, 65+ $18, 7-17 $15.  Memorial:  Daily 7:30am-9pm.  Museum:  Sun-Thu 9am-8pm, F-Sat 9am-9pm.  The World Trade Center built here in 1987 consisted of the two tallest buildings in the world.  This new memorial was built here at "Ground Zero"--as it became known after the attacks--to honor the thousands of people killed here in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, when these buildings were demolished by terrorist attacks in 2001.  Each of the Memorial’s twin reflecting pools sits within an original footprint of the Twin Towers and measures almost an acre, and they feature the largest manmade waterfalls in North America.  The name of each person who died in the attacks here are inscribed into bronze panels lining the top edge of the Memorial pools.  A related museum is built underneath the plaza.  
9/11 Memorial in NYC


waterfall at 9/11 Memorial in NYC

enscribed names at 9/11 Memorial in NYC

The glass-and-steel Oculus designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava to resemble a white dove in flight is white inside and out.  It is now the third largest train station in New York City, after the Grand Central Terminal and Pennsylvania Station.  This transport hub connects the PATH station and 1 New York City Transit Authority subway train to the ferry terminal, the World Financial Center, and One World Trade Center on the west, and to the 2 3 4 5 A C J Z N R W New York City Transit Authority subway trains through the Fulton Center on the East.  The roof opens one day each year, when it provides a view of the World Trade Center. 
exterior of Oculus at 9/11 Memorial in NYC


interior of Oculus at 9/11 Memorial in NYC

transportation hub in interior of Oculus at 9/11 Memorial in NYC


The Westfield World Trade Center shopping mall sprawls below. 
Westfield World Trade Center shopping mall in interior of Oculus at 9/11 Memorial in NYC

One World Trade Center  Dubbed the Freedom Tower, this new 1,776-foot-tall building is now the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.  Positioned on its top levels, One World Observatory ™ provides panoramic views of New York City.
One World Trade Center at 9/11 Memorial in NYC

Brookfield Place, an upscale shopping center, is across the way at 225 Liberty Street.    It is also home to the Le District.  Sort of like a French Eataly, this food court has a variety of counters dispensing cheese, pastries (don’t miss the spectacular round cheese bread, and ask for it heated up), crepes, frites (with an array of sauces), wine, and more.  
Brookfield Place near 9/11 Memorial in NYC

Le District food court at Brookfield Place near 9/11 Memorial in NYC


ham sandwiches in Le District food court at Brookfield Place near 9/11 Memorial in NYC

More things to do in NYC.  

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.
images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: SONGPAN Ancient Town in Jin'an Town, Sichuan Province, China

SONGPAN Ancient Town  in Jin'an Town, Songpan County.

main street in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China

Due to its strategic location, Songpan has functioned as a military base since the Tang Dynasty.  The Min River runs through it, and the town is filled with grand and ancient buildings and considered one of the most interesting historical towns in Sichuan Province.  Songpan was rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and so the city gates and protective wall are well-preserved.  The inner city has five gates, and the outer city has two.  The gates are built of flagstone, some of which are embellished with delicate engravings.  The outer city wall is approximately 4 miles long and more than 33 feet high.  It is constructed of giant blue bricks that measure 20 inches long by 10 inches wide by 5 inches thick.  It is interesting to know that the bricks are made of sticky rice, lime, and wood oil, and each weighs 7 pounds.

inner city gate in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China

At the entrance to one of the gates, the celebrated ancient love story of Princess Wencheng and the Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo is depicted by a giant stone statue of them.

statue of Princess Wencheng and Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China

Four ethnic groups are residents here--Tibetan, Qiang, Hui, and Han--giving this ancient town a unique multi-cultural style.  Ancient stores sell precious objects such as silver bracelets and rings, ethnic costumes, and horn combs, but also sell inexpensive and lovely souvenirs (I bought a lovely floral pashmina shawl for under $5).

shopkeeper in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China

Unusual regional foods include braised male duck with aweto, fritillaria chicken, crispy yam, dried mushroom, and Jiuzhai mineral water.

street food stands in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China

cakes in bakery in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China

One of my favorite things here was viewing the many unusual and interesting vehicles.

vehicle in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China

vehicle in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China

cozy motorcycle in Songpan Ancient Town in Sichuan Province, China

Each year, the fair of Zharu Temple is held on January 5, and the grand religious ceremony Mazi Fair is held in May.


Introduction to Jiuzhaigou Valley area 

More Jiuzhaigou Valley Area Sights: 

Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine   

Zhangzha Town 

Huanglong National Scenic Reserve (Yellow Dragon)/Huanglong Scenic Area 
 

Things to do in nearby Chengdu.

Things to do in China.  

More China items.

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: Huanglong National Scenic Reserve (Yellow Dragon)/Huanglong Scenic Area, Sichuan Province, China

Huanglong National Scenic Reserve (Yellow Dragon)/Huanglong Scenic Area  In Songpan County; www.huanglong.com.  Daily 8am-5pm.  60-200 yuen; tram 80 yuen up, 40 down.  Situated at 10,000 to 14,000 feet, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for spectacular scenery featuring colorful, crystal-clear travertine (calcium carbonate, also called talpatate) ponds and streams.  All 693 ponds (another estimate is 3,400!) are different sizes, shapes, and colors.  The valley’s name translates as “yellow dragon” because the path of golden-colored ponds look like a golden dragon is winding its way through the valley.  A visit begins with an enclosed tram ride to the top of a mountain, where an oxygen hut is available, followed by a long walk downhill via a wood boardwalk with thousands of steps.  It can take 4 to 5 hours to do properly.  The park’s most distinctive feature is the terraced limestone pools filled with water in varied hues that cascades from ledge to ledge.  An abandoned Buddhist temple with Tibetan characteristics is one of the sights along the route; another smaller temple can be seen from the outside only.  The virgin forest of this area is home to Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys and giant pandas, but they are rarely seen.

rest stop on way to Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

rest stop on way to Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

snowman at rest stop on way to Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

offering at rest stop on way to Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

map of Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

gondola at Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

at the top at Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

oxygen hut at Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

view down at Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

stairway boardwalk at Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

rest area at Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

taking a selfie in front of temple at Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

travertine ponds at Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China





travertine ponds at Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

travertine ponds at Huanglong National Scenic Reserve in Sichuan Province, China

More Jiuzhaigou Valley Area Sights:

Introduction to Jiuzhaigou Valley area 

Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine  

Huanglong National Scenic Reserve (Yellow Dragon)/Huanglong Scenic Area 

Songpan Ancient Town
 

Things to do in nearby Chengdu.

Things to do in China.  

More China items.

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Good Eats: Patsy’s Pizzeria, NYC

Patsy’s Pizzeria   206 E 60th St./2nd Ave., Upper East Side, (212) 688-9707.  L-D daily; $$.  Across the street from Dylan’s and Serendipity and close to  Bloomies, this popular family-friendly spot has been around since 1933 and was New York’s first pizzeria restaurant.  It seems to be situated inside a repurposed residence, which makes for many different seating areas both upstairs and downstairs.  Crispy thin-crust, coal-oven pizza is the specialty.  The arugula version is particularly good, as is the house salad.  You can split up a pizza into two sections, so for one pie we ordered half a margherita pizza and half a white pizza with roasted peppers and broccoli as toppings.  Don’t be in a hurry--service can be a tad slow.

main floor of Patsy’s Pizzeria in NYC

top floor of Patsy’s Pizzeria in NYC

pizza oven at Patsy’s Pizzeria in NYC

house salad at Patsy’s Pizzeria in NYC
   
arugula pizza at Patsy’s Pizzeria in NYC
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More things to do in NYC.  

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Great Sleeps+Things to Do: Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China

Zhangzha Town  In Aba Autonomous Prefecture, Jiuzhaigou.  Located at the exit of the valley and nearby Songpan County, this town features an ever-increasing number of hotels.  It is important to know that a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck here on August 9, 2017, killing 19 people and injured 247.  

Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou   (+86) 837-7777777.  4 stars.  968 rooms; 3,000+yuen.  Pool; fitness center.  Featuring a gargantuan lobby and entry, this comfortable contemporary hotel has shiny marble floors and dramatic high ceilings throughout. 

lobby of Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
bonsai at Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
guest room at Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
bathroom at Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
The hotel's Riviera Coffee Shop serves an expansive breakfast and dinner buffet with local Sichuan and Tibetan dishes, including yak butter tea. 

marinated pig's ear with chili oil at Howard Johnson Tianyuan Resort Jiuzhaigou in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China

After dinner, my group walked next door to the Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park to see the  Romantic Show.  A don’t-miss performance that reveals the culture of the Zang and Qiang peoples, it has been described as “Cirque de Soliel meets Broadway meets opera with a little ’Miss Saigon’ thrown in for good measure.”  The auditorium is surprisingly immense, and creative staging includes performers rappelling down and walking sideways along the walls to the stage.  During an earthquake enactment, the seats actually shake.  When Tibetan prayer flags appear dramatically overhead at the end, the Chinese audience stands with hands over heart in prayer position to honor their ancestors.

entrance to Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
Monkey Man at Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China
show finale at Jiuzhai Songcheng Romance Park in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China

Minjianghaoting International Hotel (also listed under Minjiangyuan)  This pleasant lower-end hotel has only a shower available, no bath tubs.  The dining room is bare and the food minimal, plus the floor in the dining area was super slippery--I think from steam. 


exterior of Minjianghaoting International Hotel in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China

street in front of Minjianghaoting International Hotel in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China

guest room at Minjianghaoting International Hotel in Zhangzha Town, Sichuan Province, China

More Jiuzhaigou Valley Area Sights:

Introduction to Jiuzhaigou Valley area 

Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine  

Huanglong National Scenic Reserve (Yellow Dragon)/Huanglong Scenic Area 

Songpan Ancient Town
 

Things to do in nearby Chengdu.

Things to do in China.  

More China items.

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: National Wild Turkey Center, Edgefield, South Carolina

National Wild Turkey Center   770 Augusta Rd., in Edgefield, (803) 637-3106.  When the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973, there were about 1.5 million wild turkeys in North America.  Now, after decades of efforts, the wild turkey has been brought back from near extinction and there are almost 7 million.  This organization is dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation in North America and to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of the country’s hunting heritage. 

exterior of National Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina

Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center   This is the only museum in the world dedicated to the wild turkey.  It displays the five species of wild turkey--Eastern Wild Turkey, Osceola Wild Turkey, Rio Grande Wild Turkey, Merriam’s Wild Turkey, Gould’s Wild Turkey, Ocellated Turkey--along with related items, including a great collection of turkey calls.  Interesting facts about the wild turkey include that it was once touted by Benjamin Franklin as a candidate for the national bird but lost out to the bald eagle, and that all male turkeys have a beard growing out of their chest.

How many kinds of wild turkeys have you seen?

taxidermied wild turkey at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina

taxidermied flying Gould's Wild Turkey at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina

taxidermied flying Gould's wild turkey--seen from below--at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina

taxidermied Ocellated Wild Turkey at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina

taxidermied wild turkey hen with poults at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina

turkey calls at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina   wild turkey feather kachina doll at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina

ceramic turkey salt and pepper shakers at Winchester Museum at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, South Carolina

ceramic turkey salt and pepper shakers in the kitchen of travel writer Carole Terwilliger Meyers


More things to do in Edgefield, South Carolina.

More things to do in South Carolina. 

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: Jiuzhaigou Valley, Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine, Sichuan Province, China

Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine  Daily 8am-6pm.  80-220 yuen, shuttle bus 80-90 yuen.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site and UN Biosphere Reserve contains some of China’s most dramatic wild landscapes.  Among the sights are steep peaks, ravines, forest, meadows, marshes, lakes, and waterfalls.  Three valleys--Rize Valley, Shuzheng Valley, and Zechawa Valley--form a “Y.”  The reserve holds 114 lakes, 47 springs, 17 groups of waterfalls, 11 rapids, and 5 tufa shoals.  Shuttle buses stop at each lake, but it is best to bus to the top of the valley and then walk down.  Wooden walkways circle each lake (beware that they can get slippery at waterfalls, where water spray dampens them). 

shuttle bus winds through Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China
Nuorilang Waterfall, which drains into Mirror Lake, is the widest highland waterfall in China and is this park’s symbol.

Nuorilang Waterfall in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China




This park is extremely popular with the Chinese and is very crowded, which is particularly amazing since it is so difficult to reach.  Since opening in 1984, tourist activity has increased every year.  As of 2004, the site averages 7,000 visits per day, with a 12,000-person quota enforced during high season, but only about 3,000 foreigners visit per season.  Despite these large numbers, the area is kept pristine.


Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China

Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China

Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China
 bridal photo at Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China

girls take selfie at Long Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China

Tibetan prayer flags at Long Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China

leaves float on Mirror Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China


More Area Sights:

Introduction to area

Huanglong National Scenic Reserve (Yellow Dragon)/Huanglong Scenic Area 

Zhangzha Town

Songpan Ancient Town  
 


Things to do in nearby Chengdu.

Things to do in China.  

More China items.

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: Jiuzhaigou Valley, Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine, near Chengdu, China

Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park/Jiuzhaigou Ravine  Daily 8am-6pm.  80-220 yuen, shuttle bus 80-90 yuen.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site and UN Biosphere Reserve contains some of China’s most dramatic wild landscapes.  Among the sights are steep peaks, ravines, forest, meadows, marshes, lakes, and waterfalls.  Three valleys--Rize Valley, Shuzheng Valley, and Zechawa Valley--form a “Y.”  The reserve holds 114 lakes, 47 springs, 17 groups of waterfalls, 11 rapids, and 5 tufa shoals.  Shuttle buses stop at each lake, but it is best to bus to the top of the valley and then walk down.  Wooden walkways circle each lake (beware that they can get slippery at waterfalls, where water spray dampens them). 

shuttle bus winds through Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China
Nuorilang Waterfall, which drains into Mirror Lake, is the widest highland waterfall in China and is this park’s symbol.

Nuorilang Waterfall in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China




This park is extremely popular with the Chinese and is very crowded, which is particularly amazing since it is so difficult to reach.  Since opening in 1984, tourist activity has increased every year.  As of 2004, the site averages 7,000 visits per day, with a 12,000-person quota enforced during high season, but only about 3,000 foreigners visit per season.  Despite these large numbers, the area is kept pristine.


Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China

Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China

Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China
 bridal photo at Five Flower Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China

girls take selfie at Long Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China

Tibetan prayer flags at Long Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China

leaves float on Mirror Lake in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park in Sichuan Province, China


More Area Sights:

Introduction to area

Huanglong National Scenic Reserve (Yellow Dragon)/Huanglong Scenic Area 

Zhangzha Town

Songpan Ancient Town  
 


Things to do in Chengdu.

Things to do in China.  

More China items.

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers