Shenondoah National park

National Gallery of ART

This is the one of the most attractive places in Washington(DC).Its called National Gallery of Art,East and West Buildings.The E. and W. buildings are connected by an underground concourse with a moving walkway. Entrances to the West Building are on the Mall, on 7th Street, on Constitution Avenue at 6th Street, and on 4th Street NW. The entrance to the East Building is on 4th Street.Its exactly in front of Newseum from 7th street.There is no charges to enter.We can explore classic and modern paintings there.

Useful Ads. in my blog

Here i m writing my experience of visiting ads rather than visiting places.As i have seen many ads on my blog.I clicked on my post India bazaar where i saw ad. Indian recipe videos.Further i clicked on it,i saw recipe of non-veg. meals and veg. meals.As i m vegetarian i learned some vegetarian dishes or got some good ideas to make dishes more tasty.I send this link to my friends who love cooking especially non-veg. food and always curious to learn more.
Then i moved to another post Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium where i saw 3-d aquarium screen saver free download and Elephant videos.I really enjoyed to see the activities of baby elephants,Zoo bear twirls sticks in Japanese Zoo,Reptilian wrestling match and much more.Its really fun,entertainment to see this for animal lovers especially for kids.
Some facts are like that the Denver Zoo is successfully hatching baby Komodo dragons.I had seen the young komodo dragon in Pittsburgh zoo but its fascinating to see the video of baby and youth komodo dragons.
I really enjoyed to watch the video of Baby Loggerhead Turtles who save themselves from big fishes and sharks and video of flying snakes and lizards.We can watch all these animals on National Discovery channel.But i really enjoyed by watching small clips of animals activities.It may be possible that some Ads. will not see on my blog as its automatic changed.I'll try to write their links next time.

Visit us @ http://viewsandreviews.in

China Town and Vicinity

As we visited many places in U.S.A.,so how its possible that we are not going to visit Washington DC.DC attractions are a playground of national treasures – from the Smithsonian museums to legendary landmarks like the Capitol and white house.....Firstly we decided to visit China town in DC.At the entrance,we saw a traditional Chinese gate.It a larger single-span Chinese arch.

China town is a entertainment district with new restaurants,hotels,museums,nightclubs,theaters etc.Chinatown is most visited for its restaurants and the annual Chinese New Year Parade.We saw many Chinese restaurant at the entrance with their traditional look.Buffet lunch prices were from $3.50 to $4.50.This place is liked by those people who love to eat Chinese food and like to see their culture.
We moved to National Building Museum that was half a mile far from Chinatown.This museum brings its subject matter to life through models,photographs,drawings,large-scale mock-ups,computer animations and other media.Its interior was really very beautiful.Its most impressive feature is the Great Hall,a stunning atrium more than 300 feet long and 100 feet wide.When we were there we saw a small fair was organised there.It includes jewellery,clothes,purses etc.We saw paintings,models there.Some rooms were closed.Museum cafe was there.This museum is famous for its school and family programs which were not happening at that time so we can't enjoy so much.But it's lovely to see the big hall comprises a beautiful water fountain,a small commodities fair,huge pillars and their awesome architect work.We saw clay models of human heads lined the top end of walls in this building.After spending some time there,we moved on to our next destination.

Madurai Masala

It is an Indian restaurant which located in Montogomery Village area of Gaithersburg. This restaurant serves Indian cuisine including authentic variety of south Indian and north Indian food.I got a chance to have lunch there with my husband.This was the first indian restaurant in U.S.A. where I visited, so I didnt really know what to expect .As we entered,one waiter welcomed us and politely directed us to a table for two. Since it was lunch buffet, we didnt really have a chance to look at their menu and the place itself was has a nice ambience. Buffet means a serve-yourself meal featuring several choices in each course.Then we took small quantity of Fruits,Rasam,Uttappam,Idly,Sambhar,Plain rice and Biryani with papad.We were really enjoying it.Apart from items on the buffet, there is a complimentary serving of a mini dosa. Waiter asked if we wanted a Dosa and we gladly ordered for it. Sambhar was really sour and spicy with lots of vegetables in it. Kadhi and Chole were also very delicious. After sometime,the waiter served Dosa that was really tasty.Then we took Sambhar,Uppuma again.This time we also took desserts like rice kheer and gulabjamun.Rice kheer was really delicious but gulabjamun were hard and not tasty. They are offering discount coupon where-in you can get a free buffet after paying for six lunches. 

All in all it was a nice expirience though i would say that variety of north-indian food on menu was not very good. 

Grand Mart

This store is located on Muddy Branch Rd. in Gaithersburg(MD).Grand Mart and India Bazaar is in the same market.Grand Mart is a complete grocery store which is very useful for Indians.It doesn't mean that its a Indian store.This store is useful for all U.S.A. people.This store is extremely big.It has many sections.We can also buy Chinese products here.We like this store due to vegetables and fruits corner.We can take variety of vegetables and fruits here.This season it includes variety of mangoes,oranges,apples,plums,grapes,watermelon,bananas etc.All fruits are very tasty to eat.It has also lots of variety in vegetables.Fruits and vegetables are fresh here. We have seen many Indians in this vegetables and fruits corner.
We can also buy Dals,sugar,rice,tea,lays,biscuits and lots more of Indian taste. This store gives you good quality products.Customer service is also quick and good here.

INDIA BAZAAR

This store is located at Muddy Branch Rd. in Gaithersburg(MD).As its name tell,its really complete Indian store.All Indians know this place as it keeps all commodities of Indian taste.As we came here,we were looking for any Indian store and neighbors suggested this store.We are really happy to go there as its satisfy our all needs.If any Indian come first time here,he/she should visit this store.We can get Dals, Spices, Rice, Flours, Snacks, Teas, Canned and Pickled items, Frozen Indian dishes & Vegetables, Indian Sweets, Health & Beauty, Utensils, Pooja Supplies etc. We can also buy fresh vegetables and DVDs of the latest hindi and regional movies.
We can get good quality products in right quantity at reasonable prices.This store is continuously adding more products for Indians.We don't find any variety in fruits.Vegetables are also not available in large quantity compared to other stores.

Market in Montogomery Village

There is a market located at Montogomery village (MD) in front of Lake Forest Mall.This market consists 15 to 20 shops.Its very helpful to people vicinity.People usually buy commodities from this market.This market includes many stores,shops and restaurant.List of some shops are:-
1) Trader's Joe
2) Marshall
3) Madurai Masala
4) Starbucks Coffee
5) Carribbean store
6) Rent-A-Center
7) Beautiful Nails
8) Sally Beauty Supply
9) Dentist
10) Salon Diva
11) Dollar Tree
People usually come to taste Starbucks coffee which is situated exactly at the corner of the market.Madurai Masala is a Indian restraurant which serves south Indian and north Indian food.This resto is giving a offer that if you will come here six times to eat than you get chance to eat free in next time(just once).Salon Diva is a Indian beauty parlour which do satisfactory job but the charges are little high.SallyBeauty Supply is complete cosmetic store for men and women.They sell products at reasonable rates.Then there is Beautiful Nails shop which is operated by Japaness girls.
Trader's Joe is complete grocery store.You can see that customers are there all time.It keeps lots of variety like fruits,vegetables,cookies,breads,juices,pop-corns,chips,ice-creams,cakes,tofu,milk,
pizzas,medicines like vitamins and proteins,fresh flowers,toffees,sugar,chocolates,non-veg. items and pizza dough etc.Its not a Indian store so there is not so much variety for them.Indian's don't expect so much from this place as it has less variety for them.Customer service is excellent here.
Carribbean is also a grocery store but its keep products especially for Mexican people.Rent-A-Center-This shop helps their customers to satisfy their needs by selling household things on rent.It provides basic and luxurious goods to customers like sofa,television,furniture,mattress etc.This market includes a Dentist clinic also.Marshall is a garments shop which keeps variety for each section of customers.
Last but not the least is Dollar Tree where you can buy things in $1.It includes eatables,stationery & toys for kids and much more.This market has some other shops which satisfy your needs.

STATION SQUARE

I am sharing my experience to visit the Station Square which is Pittsburgh's most popular tourist attraction.This is the hippest place for dining,nightlife and entertainment in Pittsburgh.Its a major parking and jumping-off point for activities and events around the city.We got most of the attraction places around it.Firstly,we decided to visit Carnegie Science Center.We bought tickets from nearest sports complex which was in front of science center.Its also available inside the science center.We spend 2 to 3 hours there.We saw echo-tube,models of hurricane,tornado,shaking earthquake cabin,orbitron,dome-theater show,robots,sub-marine of world war-2 and much more. Then we decided to visit Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.It just half an hour far from science center.We were happy to see this.Now we felt little fatigue,so we decided to rest and enjoy the station square.We come back there and decided to roam the city by walking.We saw big glass buildings,fountains at PPG Square.We moved into the streets.After sometime we felt hungry,we found 2 Indian resto there but they were closed due to labour day.Then we ate veggie burgers ,cold-drinks in SUBWAY.Subway's 6inch and 12inch veggie sub is very tasty.Then we saw stores,restaurants,library,college and lots more.Its really good to see a city by walking.Then came back to Station Squares and sat near its attractive centerpiece, the state-of-the art Fountain at Bessemar court which features hundreds of multi-colored water jets soaring in the air as they dance to music. Its really lovely feeling to sit there and play with water.There we saw a big river in which tourists were enjoying.Boats,ships were sailing into the river.Some people were doing Jet-Ski there.
One of the most famous attractions is Just Ducky Tours there.Its a amphibious vehicle on land and water can carry 20to 25 people.It looks like a small ship in water and a bus on the road.This vehicle was used in world war-2nd.You can take a journey of the river and some area around the station square in Just Ducky Tours.We didn't get a chance to enjoy that.We were enjoying the scenic Riverwalk.We enjoyed the night view of Station Square that was unforgettable for us.Its not the end of Pittsburgh attractions,there are so many beautiful places here.If we will get a chance to visit Station Square again,we will do that.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

We were really excited to see Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is one of only six major zoo and aquarium combinations in the country.The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is actively involved in 23 Species Survival Plans and proudly exhibits 22 threatened orendangered species.We reached there and parked our car.Parking facility is there and no charges for that.Then we went to ticket counter and bought two tickets as $14 per person which is quite reasonable and took map(no charges for that).Membership card is also there.Then we entered into the zoo.

At the entrance,gifts shops,restrooms,Dippin' Dots and village restaurant were there.As a symbol one big elephant ballo0n was hanging there.Firstly we entered into Asian Forest.We saw a 3 months little snow leopard there who was a big attractions for the kids.Everyone was crazy to caught him in his camera.Then we saw the Komodo dragon(it was very big lizard),baby crocodiles,Amur tigers & leopard etc.

Then we moved to African Savanna,we saw lions, zebras, Ostrichs, black rhinos, giraffes, and elephants roam 16 acres of majestic African landscape.Its really great fun to see all these animals especially Ostrich and Giraffes.

We were feeling like we are in National Discovery Channel.Wild animals were roaming around us but the zoo employees made a big gap between animals and visitors.People felt very happy to see elephants as they didn't find more,but in India we can see them easily.Then we entered into Elephant house where we saw thriving African elephant herd with one baby elephant(APPU).African elephant destroy each and everything which comes into their way.But they were looking so calm there.
Next,we entered into The Tropical Forest Complex - Its a steamy indoor rainforest houses more than 90 primates from all parts of the globe, such as cotton-top tamarins, orangutans, and one of North America's largest western lowland gorilla troops.We saw different types of monkeys here.Monkeys were naughty and making so much noise and the other hand gorilla troops were living calmly.Its so fascinating to see gorillas.Our next destination was my favourite one as i was feeling so hungry,its The Safari Plaza.After eating we entered into The African Ravine.It includes the African painted dogs run wild there.But at that time all were sleeping so no fun there.

Then we saw Bears like Colossal Kodiak bears, black bears, and spectacled bears forage through the rocky hills of the Bear Dens.Its really thrill to see them.Some bears were roaming outside their dens but some were resting inside.Our next destination was PPG AQquarium that includes a wide array of aquatic species from a variety of watery habitats include penguins, sharks, a Pacific giant octopus, jellyfish, potbellied sea horses, an electric eel, live coral, and much more. The PPG Aquarium is Pennsylvania's only public aquarium.This place has lots of variety and sizes of fishes-small,big,medium,green color,pink color,little one etc.We had lots of fun to see penguins,sea horses and man face fish.We saw sharks,octopus and some fishes in one big tank.This aquarium was fantastic.A gift shop was there in end of that Aquarium classroom.
Then we moved to Water's Edge,that includes polar bears and sea otters etc.. Water's Edge provides an opportunity to get up close and personal with these wonderful animals unmatched anywhere.We stayed few minutes to see polar bear.There were some other water animals like seals to entertain us.Then we entered into Kids Kingdom - it is the place where kids can walk through goat and deer yards and a sea lion pool.This place helps them to learn and enjoy with animals. Some slides swings were also there for kids.The next and the last destination was The Worlds of Discovery.This building features naked mole-rats, spiders, and reptiles.This place also includes Education Complex,Garden tent and so on.There are some fixed hours in which zoo employees come there and give you more details.Its really a wonderful experience for us in 4 to 5 hours.

Six flags America-Maryland

This place is full of thrill,entertainment,fun,excitement and enjoyment for complete family.It has many sections,some are especially for kids,for adults,for family and water lover.We canbuy a ticket online for $49.99 and get one FREE! Or pay $24.99 for one.Print your tickets at home and go straight to the gate.This save your time to stand in a queue.if you will directlybuy ticket from the counter,it will be costlier than printed ticket.It also has play pass.The Play Pass gives you unlimited park access all season for the price of a one-day generaladmission.Parking facility is there with some charges.
At the entrance,
All guests are required to pass through an electronic security screening system at the front gates and have their bags inspected.we can see bugs bunny there and can take photographs with them.Maps are available there so its easier to search the places.When we were there some rides,roller coasters,water rides were closed.But we fully enjoyed with rest .They divided rides into four groups, so it's easy to find what you're looking for.See below:-
a)THRILL RIDES-We're talking serious coasters here.
b)FAMILY RIDES-Moms, dads and kids can all ride together.
c)KIDS RIDES-Big fun for our littlest riders
d)WATER PARK-Bottom line: You're gonna get wet.
Some rides and roller coasters are really exciting that you can't stop yourself to scream.Every ride will take 30 second to 2min. to finish.we can also buy our photograph while doing fun
in rides.Six Flags America has plenty of places to enjoy a meal, take part in some friendly competition, or hang out with your favorite characters.After taking rides and food now this time is to get wet quickly.Daily locker rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.There is a nominal daily charge($12 to$15), plus a refundable key deposit.Its safe to put your
luggage in lockers before entering into water park.Inner Tubes are available for rental for a nominal fee (approx.$16 for doublesize tube)at Aruba Tuba in Hurricane Harbor.Two types of tubes are there,yellow tubes are free from the park but you have to wait for that in a queue as the first person will finish their ride.But blue tubes are available in nominal fee so you can enjoy rides again and again.Firstly take a dip in Hurricane bay.it will close for few minutes at several times in one day.Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is closed sometime due to the season.Everyone wants to thrill by taking deep dip in big waves.But we didn't find big waves there.We asked to life guard,he replied that today may be some technical problem there.After this,its time to take water rides.Some rides are like pass through large pipes from height.One ride is like v-shape called Tony Hawk’s Halfpipe.This waterslide is shaped like a skateboarding halfpipe and promises an intense experience for the entire family.Its really fascinating to see the park from the height.Tornado ride is there.Tornado and halfpipe rides are awesome experience.
Games,quiz,car racing and shopping are there for family.we should buy souvenir to remember our special moments.Bunjing jumping also there but it was closed that time.

JOHNSTOWN-THE INCLINE PLANE

We decided to visit Johnstown while going to Pittsburgh on long weekend.The world's steepest vehicular incline plane is most unique tourist attraction of Johnstown.As we reached in Johnstown,we decided to go downtown(the main part of any city).From there we drive 2 to 3 mile above the hills to see the world's STEEPEST train.We didn't get any nearest parking place there.Visitors had already parked their cars on the road in queue,so we also did like that.Then we walked on the road 1/2 mile.There we saw restaurant,gift shop,visitor center and incline plane etc.This area is completely residential area.We entered into visitor's center. Its spacious and informative display area for visitors to describe the various tourist attractions available in the region.It has some historic images of Johnstown's various floods.It shows how a man make beautiful home,city and community but nature destroy everything but man never give up.It also include some models of Johnstown city before and after flood.
In the lobby to the Visitors Center is a large window from which you can view the motors and machinery that control the Inclined Plane. There's another observation area downstairs just
outside the Incline Station Restaurant & Pub.But it was closed.They made another observation deck outside the visitor center.The observation deck provides an extensive view of the
greater Johnstown region.ts really lovely to see Johnstown from the height.Then we decide to travel in train.

But we were surprised to see it as its not exactly a train,its look like box of the train.Its small one and capacity to carry people around 50 to 60 at one time.There are two trains to bring people up and down.Its basically created to protect the people from flood.Its used to carry people,horses and automobiles etc..That's sound interesting.Their fares may be vary periodically.Still lik that:-
Fares & Rates

Adults - $4.00 round trip, $2.25 one way

Seniors 65+ - FREE (All Day, Every Day)

Children 2 to 12 - $2.50 round trip, $1.50 one way

Children under 2 - free

Commuter-10 Ticket - $10.00, 22 Ticket - $20.00

Automobiles - $6.00 one way, Motorcycles - $4.00 one way, Bicycles - free

But when we traveled in it,its free due to weekends.I felt its like a ride which is going very slowly but its great fun to go down and up in steepest inclined plane.Its really great invention as easy way to go to hill.I experienced that its really unique attraction for visitors in Johnstown.Then we entered into gift shop and buy a souvenir of inclined plane.We spent some more time there to view Johnstown and the inclined plane.Then went ahead to see Pittsburg.

USA from my eyes...

As we are living in India we can view U.S.A. by maps,t.v.channels,internet and etc.By these mode,we gain limited information like U.S. is a developed country,high standard of living etc.Its all true,but i will show you U.S. by my eyes.I am describing in points:-
1) HOUSES-Houses are fully air-conditioned,spacious,carpeted,wooden-made etc.
2) GROCERY STORES-Big stores available here at small distance.you can get eatables in big quanity,attractive packaging,freshone.Stores like Grand Mart,Giant,Bloom etc.You will get all
desired commodities under one roof.Self billing service is also available in some stores.
3) SHOPPING-There are so many big malls here which provide you each and everyting to satisfy. You can get variety of clothes,shoes,purses,electronic appliances,kitchen appliances
etc.
4) POINTS- Payment given by credit cards provide you points which is also reward for you.
5) ROADS-Huge and smooth roads are there which make you happy while driving. There are no pits on the roads here.
6) CARS-Cars are available on rents so you can experience variety of cars here.
7) MOTOR-BIKIES-Its not easy and safe to ride the bikes as its so heavy.That's why most of the people prefer cars.
8) PETROL-Its cheaper than diesal.so petrol consumption is higher than diesel.
9) PART TIME JOBS-These jobs are available here to earn more money like customer service,baby sitting etc.it makes students independent earner for higher studies.
10) INDEPENDENT-People live independent life here.They earn for their livelihood till their death.Everyone live life as per their desires,nobody can put restrictions on them.Children
call it Complete Freedom.
11) PEDESTRIAN-They are king here.People will stop their vehicles to give path to pedestrian.I really appreciate it.
12) VALUE OF LIFE-Human beings are most important here.They should not be harm and injure here.If any case it happens,fire bridgades and police will there in few minutes to
protect you.
13) LAWS-Rules and regulations are very strict here.If you will not follow any rule or break any law,you will be in danger zone.So you should read rules and regulation of that city and
state especially driving laws.For example VIRGINIA state-it will put criminal charge if you drive 90 mile per hour.Always keep speed below 80 here.So be careful,while driving in U.S.
14) CURRICULAM ACTIVITIES-Children have great interest in sports by their birth.Parents encourage them to participate in sports and studies equally.Facilities are given them by
govt. and family which develop real winners.
15) OBESITY-This is really big problem here especially in kids.Junk food is so much famous here which causes obesity.You can see ultra fatty and ultra thin people here.
16) INSURANCE-Everything is insured here especially health insurance as medical is very expensive here.Sometimes citizens of U.S.A. are unable to pay that.
17) LABOUR-Labour work is costly here so people do their work own like cleaning,mopping,car repair,paint their homes and cars etc.It makes them self-dependent.