Syeera Zai: October 2023

Fall Retreat '23 - Catskills Mountain, New York

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Fall foliage in New York, Oct 2023

Guess what? We made it happen! Our Rochacha family went on a quick trip to the Catskills Mountains to see the colorful leaves of autumn. It was a spontaneous decision that filled us with excitement. We packed our stuff and hit the road. The Catskills Mountains are famous for their beautiful fall colors, and we couldn’t wait to see them.

Our Catskills adventure kicked off with an exciting rental—an Airbnb in Windham, perfectly accommodating our lively crew of 16. The house was a dream, boasting five bedrooms, a playroom for endless entertainment, a spacious kitchen, and, the cherry on top, a hot tub for relaxation.

We jumped right into the fun by starting with cooking. We all decided to make Nasi Kandar, a tasty Malaysian dish, potluck-style. Laughter filled the big kitchen as we each added our own touches to the meal. The delicious smells cooking up got us excited for dinner. Cooking together made us feel closer and eager to enjoy the meal we created.

Our cooking adventure hit a few snags—the stove decided to test our patience, making the chicken take forever to fry. But finally, at 11 PM, dinner was served! The late hour didn't dull our spirits, though. We turned the night into a laugh-filled session of chats and jokes that lasted till the wee hours. The next morning, some of us turned chefs and whipped up a fantastic breakfast—Roti Canai and Nasi Goreng. Energized and ready, we embarked on an epic hike to Kaaterskill Falls, chasing the vibrant fall foliage and chasing waterfalls! As we ventured along the trails, the autumn foliage painted a breathtaking panorama around us. The vivid colors of the changing leaves seemed straight out of a painting, creating a magical atmosphere. The hike to the falls, around 2 hours or so, was an exhilarating challenge. It involved navigating through rocky paths and steep stairways, each step unveiling glimpses of the stunning scenery. The cascading sound of water grew louder as we neared, building anticipation for the magnificent sight ahead. Upon arrival, the awe-inspiring Kaaterskill Falls unfolded before our eyes—a cascade of water plunging gracefully over rocky cliffs, casting a mist that danced in the air. The sheer beauty of the falls against the backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage left us spellbound. Despite the challenging hike, the sight was an absolute reward, etching itself into our memories. The serenity of nature’s masterpiece at Kaaterskill Falls became a highlight of our Catskills getaway, a moment that captured the essence of fall's splendor and the allure of the great outdoors.

Katterskill Falls, Catskill NY 2023

At 3 PM, we boarded the Fall Foliage Train Ride, an hour of serenity amidst breathtaking scenery. The best part? Picking our very own pumpkins for some carving fun! Hunger struck hard after that adventure, leading us back home. Dinner turned into a culinary extravaganza—rack of lamb, lamb BBQ, mashed potatoes, and salad—everyone lending a hand in the kitchen. Post-dinner, the fun continued with karaoke, board games, and Nintendo Switch battles that kept us wide awake until 3 AM! The next morning, a swift coffee fueled our goodbyes as we headed home. It was an absolute blast, and I'm already missing these moments as I think about heading back to Malaysia.

Us, before a hike

Yosemite has my heart

Saturday, October 7, 2023

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It's like living in a wilderness

Our impromptu decision to explore Yosemite led us to book a last-minute tour via Viator, setting the stage for an adventure that would leave an incredible mark on our memories. The day commenced early, with a 5 AM pick-up at San Francisco's downtown aboard a minibus. While not as plush as our previous Canyon X trip, it efficiently ferried us from San Francisco to Yosemite, a journey spanning roughly 3 hours each way. Traversing the roadways during Labor Day promised delays and traffic, particularly at the park entrance. The winding, meandering roads proved challenging for some, especially those prone to motion sickness. Fortunately, the tour bus made a pit stop before the entrance, accommodating restroom breaks and offering the chance to purchase lunch since options within the park were limited. Arriving around 11 AM, Yosemite unveiled its breathtaking beauty, greeting us with the majestic presence of El Capitan. Upon disembarking, we were granted three hours of freedom to pursue hiking or any other desired activities. Opting to witness the grandeur of Yosemite Falls, we embarked on a short but invigorating hike. One fun fact about Yosemite National Park is that it's home to some of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Yosemite Falls, with a total drop of 2,425 feet (739 meters), is among the world's highest waterfalls. It comprises three sections: Upper Yosemite Fall, Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall. The magnificence of the falls, coupled with the serene surroundings, made every step worthwhile. As we ascended the trail, the sounds of nature serenaded our journey, and the allure of Yosemite's natural wonders enveloped us.

Our stroll through Yosemite's trails became an immersive experience in nature's embrace. Towering trees, the gentle rush of nearby streams, and the crisp mountain air created a serene atmosphere. It was a chance to unwind, disconnect, and revel in the simplicity of nature's beauty.

Spending just four hours in Yosemite felt like peeking at a stunning painting through a tiny hole. We caught quick glimpses of Half Dome and wandered a bit in nature, but Yosemite's vast beauty deserved so much more. Those few hours barely touched Yosemite's wonders. It's like only seeing the cover of a great book. I'm determined to come back and spend a few days really exploring Yosemite's wilderness. There's a whole world of nature waiting to be discovered, and I can't wait to dive in and explore it all.

Personal · Travel

A quick trip to San Francisco

Monday, October 2, 2023

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The Golden Gate Bridge

When San Francisco is mentioned, the iconic image of the Golden Gate Bridge immediately springs to mind. Visiting San Francisco has long been on my bucket list before departing the States. My fascination with the city began after watching The Princess Diaries, and it has remained a dream destination ever since.

Originally, our plan was to spend two and a half days exploring SF. However, our plans took an unexpected turn due to a lengthy delay in our flight from Las Vegas, resulting in our arrival in SF at 10 PM. Exhausted from the journey, we chose to stay in for the night. Moreover, we had booked a Yosemite tour for the next morning, necessitating an early 5 AM departure, making rest the most sensible choice. As a result, we only had a single day to experience the city of San Francisco.

We devoted our sole day to exploring popular landmarks. Rising around 8 AM, we got an Uber to go theGolden Gate Bridge. However, upon arrival, thick fog obscured our view of the bridge. Undeterred, we proceeded to our next stop: Lombard Street.

To get to Lombard Street was quite a challenge as we had to ascend a slope of more than 45 degrees. It felt like a mini-hike. Yet, the effort was entirely worthwhile. The vantage point offered an incredible view of the San Francisco horizon. As anticipated, the area was bustling with tourists taking pictures. While some opted to drive along the winding Lombard Street, we chose to leisurely walk down the street. There were even stairs available for pedestrians like us, offering a unique perspective on this iconic spot.

SF skyline from Lombard Street

Lombard Street

After spending around 45 minutes there, we boarded a bus headed to Fisherman's Wharf. Navigating through SF was a breeze thanks to the helpful MuniMobile App. Upon arrival, we strolled around the bustling Fisherman's Wharf, exploring various souvenir shops. However, it felt a bit underwhelming with limited activities. Nevertheless, I did get a distant view of Alcatraz, which was quite a sight. Since we missed seeing the Golden Gate Bridge that morning, we decided to give it another shot around noon when the sun was shining. Luckily, fortune favored us, and we were able to witness the breathtaking beauty of the bridge.

Afterward, we headed to Japantown, acclaimed as the largest Japantown in the States. Wandering through the mall, it genuinely felt like stepping into Japan itself. We indulged in the best sushi, with the flavors of sweet shrimp and scallop nigiri lingering in my memory. Following our satisfying meal, we trekked back to our hotel. However, the walking experience in SF wasn't what I anticipated. The heat and the long stretches felt more like a taxing hike. Certain blocks appeared run-down, with a noticeable homeless presence. It became clear that being cautious about where to walk was essential. Our hotel, the Beacon Hotel, was conveniently located close to Powell Street, where the cable cars operate. Though we were eager to experience the iconic cable car ride, our tight schedule didn't allow for a lengthy wait. Understanding the wait time required, we decided it wasn't the best use of our limited time.

Our San Francisco escapade concluded with a glimpse of the iconic cable car before we made our way to San Francisco Airport around 7 PM, ensuring we caught our 9 PM flight back to Albany.

San Francisco offers a plethora of popular landmarks to explore, making it a worthwhile destination for a visit. However, while I appreciated the iconic attractions, it might not be a place I feel compelled to revisit.

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