JOURNEY TO WASHINGTON D.C, MISSOURI AND NORTH CAROLINA

My granddaughter, Divya, lives in Washington, DC, and for some time, she had been inviting my wife and me to visit the United States. At that time, getting a visa to the US was relatively easier. We paid the necessary fees and applied for the visa, which required us to attend an interview at the American Consulate in Chennai. It was common to see long queues of people waiting outside the consulate. Our interview was scheduled for 11:15 AM, and to avoid waiting in the street, we arrived at the consulate at 11:00 AM. Despite this, we still had to wait for about half an hour before being allowed inside. To our surprise, there were many empty chairs once we entered.

Divya had sent me a courier confirming that she would take responsibility for our stay, return, medical expenses, and other details. I kept the courier and my income tax documents visible on the counter for the visa officer, though I didn’t open all the papers. The officer smiled and asked why we were visiting the United States. I explained that Divya had completed her post-graduation successfully and would be receiving her credentials soon, and we wanted to be there for the occasion. The officer informed us that our visas would be stamped and returned within two days.

We picked up our passports two days later, and we were granted a ten-year visa. We then booked tickets with British Airways for our flight to Washington. The flight to London departed from Chennai at 5:00 AM, and since it was an international flight, we had to report three hours before the departure time. Each person was allowed two checked bags weighing 20 kilos, in addition to hand luggage weighing 7 kilos. We spent the night before organizing our bags.

The flight to Washington was via London. The first leg to London took ten and a half hours, followed by a five-and-a-half-hour layover at Heathrow Airport. From London to Dallas, it took another eight hours. In total, the flying time was 18 and a half hours, with a layover of 5 and a half hours, making the entire journey 24 hours long from Chennai.

Divya and her husband, Palani, were waiting for us at Dallas Airport to take us to their home. We spent four wonderful weeks in the United States, visiting various places and attending several events.

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is a relatively small yet historically significant city located on the Potomac River, bordered by the states of Maryland and Virginia. Known for its iconic monuments and government buildings, such as the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the Supreme Court, Washington, D.C. stands as a symbol of American democracy. It is also home to a wealth of cultural institutions, including world-class museums and performing arts venues like the Kennedy Center.

WHITE HOUSE

As of 2023, the city has a population of approximately 679,000 people and spans an area of 176.9 square kilometers. With a history that dates back to its founding on July 16, 1790, Washington, D.C. is 234 years old. The city sits at an elevation of 125 meters above sea level. As of October 2024, the unemployment rate in Washington, D.C. stands at 5.3%, reflecting the dynamic and diverse economy of the city.

During our visit to Washington, we began our exploration by observing the grandeur of the government buildings from a distance. On the first day, we visited the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, where we saw an impressive collection of rare aircraft and aviation gadgets. The museum’s exhibits provided a fascinating glimpse into the history of flight and space exploration, offering a truly immersive experience.

Later that day, we went shopping at a nearby mall. I had my sights set on buying an iPod and a German-made Grundig FM and AM pocket radio. To my delight, I found both items at the very first store I visited. Washington, D.C. is known for its powerful FM radio broadcasts, and my new pocket radio proved to be a handy tool for staying connected to the local airwaves during our trip.

Palani’s brother Arasu, a research scholar based in New York, was another key person we wanted to visit. We set out on a road trip to New York, making stops along the way. We parked the car in a scenic spot and enjoyed a packed lunch that Divya had prepared. Afterward, we visited Longwood Gardens, founded by DuPont, and then continued our journey through Philadelphia, New Jersey, and finally reached New York City.

TOWN HALL IN PHILADELPHIA

Longwood Gardens, situated on land owned by the DuPont family, is a remarkable horticultural display. The DuPont Company, known for its contributions to the chemical industry, purchased the land to preserve a forested area of trees that were slated for destruction. Over time, the property was expanded to include 100 acres of lush gardens, offering visitors a peaceful escape into nature.

Philadelphia, located in the state of Pennsylvania, was another highlight of our journey. We visited the Philadelphia City Hall, an architectural marvel that is one of the largest masonry buildings in the world. We also toured the U.S. Mint, where coins are produced. Though most of the machinery was idle during our visit due to a sufficient coin supply, it was fascinating to learn about the minting process and the history behind the facility.

Crossing the Hudson River, we reached New York City, where Arasu lived. New York, known for its bustling atmosphere, lacked convenient parking spaces and public restrooms. However, the city’s efficient bus system made travel easy, as one ticket allowed us to use various buses throughout the day. We also explored the vibrant Chinatown districts, which are so insular that some of the elderly residents do not speak English.

After spending the night in New York, we set off on a day trip to Niagara Falls and the Thousand Islands. Arasu dropped us off at the bus station early in the morning, and we joined a Chinese tour group. The Thousand Islands, located in the St. Lawrence River along the U.S.-Canada border, consist of about 1,800 islands, ranging in size from tiny rocks to larger, tree-covered plots of land. To be classified as an island, a landmass must remain above water year-round and feature at least two trees.

THOUSAND ISLANDS

We then traveled to Niagara Falls, where we stayed overnight in Buffalo. The boat ride near the falls was an unforgettable experience, and we enjoyed the stunning views of the illuminated falls at night. The Canadian side of the falls is particularly famous for its breathtaking beauty.

NIAGARA FALLS

Next, we flew to St. Louis, Missouri, to visit my sister’s daughter, Vandu, who lived in McCleanborough. Vandu, along with her husband, a successful independent doctor, welcomed us warmly. During our stay, we had the opportunity to visit her husband’s clinic and meet his staff. Vandu and her husband also gave us a tour of their apartment in St. Louis. After a pleasant stay of four days, we returned to Washington, D.C.

Our journey continued as we drove to Raleigh, North Carolina, to visit my wife’s sister’s son, Annamalai, and my brother’s son, Chidambaram, who were both living in the area with their families. Annamalai’s wife, Meena, organized a picnic that allowed us to meet other Tamil families residing in Raleigh. After two days of socializing and enjoying local hospitality, we returned to Washington.

During our stay in Washington, D.C., we attended several parties hosted by Divya and others, which provided a deeper insight into the social life of the city. The events highlighted the vibrant culture of America, a country where there is no shortage of basic necessities such as electricity and clean drinking water.