The Paek Post: 2008 Christmas Northeast Whirlwind

The title says it all. We visited Pennsylvania, New York and Vermont in five days. It's a good thing that the gas price is so low (it only cost us $11-15 to fill the tank of our Honda Fit). I did most of the driving thanks to 3-5 cups of black coffee and Adie evidently did most of the picture taking as we drove around.

We started the trip on Christmas Eve where we drove down to my sister's apartment in Brooklyn (Bay Ridge), New York. We spent the night eating pizza, Korean food and watched Stardust. The next morning, we drove down to Broomall, PA to my uncle's house where we had the Christmas (Korean) dinner (my parents are currently in PA to look for a new business. As of this writing, they have signed a new lease at an apartment in downtown Philly and is in negotiation at a pizza shop also located in downtown Philly). Adie and I were both in love with the dinner because it's not everyday that we get to enjoy gourmet Korean food.

The next day, we drove up to Manhattan to visit Adie's grandparents who lives in the city next to Central Park. They took us out to the Whitney museum where we had lunch and toured the 5th floor's permanent collection and also checked out the Alexander Calder (Paris years) exhibit, which was just fascinating.

That very same day, Adie and I drove back to our home in Waltham where we were able to take a little breather so we could drive up to Quechee Vermont the next day.

We visited my in-laws the next day in Quechee where we met up with Adie's sister Megan and her kids for the annual Sass' Christmas dinner, which consists of delicious roast beef and my mother-in-law's specialty, Yorkshire Pudding.

Most likely, we'll probably do this again in 2009 to see both of our families. It's hectic and at times stressful but we are truly blessed to have families who love us. In times like this, that's the best present that anyone can ever ask for.

After 7 hours of driving (due to traffic), I was ready to give up...

My uncle inadvertantly opened my aunt's gift thinking that it was his only to see that she received panties from my sister... a collective laughter ensues

My aunt and mom cooking Korean food

We saw a lot of street murals in Philadelphia. We've no idea who this is but it was cool

...another mural...

hey, look, another mural!

We drove past this sculpture in Philadephia. Given the stress involved with holiday travels and what not, we thought it was ironically appropriate...

Hey, what do you know? Another mural in Philly!

We saw this sign while getting gas... Happy birthday Jesus!

Mmm, the lovely sight of New Jersey Turnpike. The pride of USA!

We're now in Quechee Vermont. Maya decided to push me off the seat by jumping on the couch and that's me reacting. It actually looks more like I'm spanking Maya's butt.