5th May, 2007

It has been a long time since we head out for a day trip. Since the weather has changed for the better (NOT that best, as it was still chilly at times, but better than few months back), we planned a trip to Rhode Island - the smallest state of USA. Providence, its capital is about 110 miles away and that was our first destination for the day. KY mapquested the directions to the visitor information centre but I took the wrong turn when we reached Providence, and landed at the State House instead. Blessing in disguise actually..hee hee... We were in downtown of Providence!!!

That's the State House of Providence, Rhode Island

After grabbing some coffee from the shopping mall (Providence Place) nearby, we went to the river nearby for some photoshots. But before doing so, we asked for directions from the customer service counter, to Newport (where we'll get to see the reknowned mansions). Exit 4 after taking I95-South she said and it is a LEFT exit (which makes it special as exits are usually on the right in US highway)

See those black fixtures in the middle of the river? At night, fire would be ignited there to lit up the river. Beautiful right?

We then continued with our journey n hit on I95-South. Came across this Exit 9 that was on the left, indicating Route 4 to Newport but we din really take it to heart. Till we came to Exit 5 and we were thinking if Exit 4 is on the right, then we have missed the right one - Exit 9. But guessed what? Right after Exit 5, there came a signboard that read - "NO Exit 4" !!!*pengzzzzzz*.... Guessed the lady mistaken Route 4 for Exit 4.. We exited the highway at the next exit n drove to the nearest Mobile gas station to ask for directions.

Just a straight route from the Mobil gas station, we were told and along the way, we saw many farms and nurseries.. A vast difference from our usual Portsmouth. Then we chanced upon the University of Rhode Island (U.R.I) n we drove into the campus to have a look... :p

After the short visit, we continued on our journey to Newport and we were at the beautiful city after crossing the Claiborne Pell (Newport) bridge..

Followed the signages to the visitor information center where we could get some maps and directions to the mansion. Happened that it cost to park in the center and hence we parked our car at the Goat Island, where we were greeted with a fishy smell upon alighting the car...

Tons of people were by the waterbank, fishing as we were told that it is the squid season now... After getting our information from the center, we hunted for a place to have our lunch.

Heard that Rhode Island is famous for its clam chowder and hence we ordered one when we had our lunch at this Ocean Coffee Roasters cafe...

Erm... looks different from the usual one, but taste-wise, ok lah... :p

Time for the mansions when it was about 3pm.. We drove our way through the bustling streets of Newport and finally arrived at The Breakers.

No photography allowed within the mansion and it was a guided tour. Spent about 15minutes in the line, waiting to get into the mansion and upon entering the house, we were brought around by a lady who told us the history of this historic place. This historic house has a maginificent view of the ocean and maybe that's why makes it one of the more popular mansions.. For more information, refer to http://tickets.newportmansions.org/mansion.aspx?id=1000 .. Wahaha... After the guided tour, we explored the garden and the ocean view that it has to offer. Photo-taking time again!!!

Cliffwalk was next on the itinery. As the name suggests, we were walking on the edge of the cliff but obviously, it has been made SAFE with the railings instilled.

After a short walk, it was time to head home as we wanna leave here before the sunset... Cos if it gets dark, the probability of us getting lost is higher :p Decided to en-route and take the scenic drive, before hitting onto the highway that led to Boston. Along the way.....

We then drove past this vast piece of greenland and was captivated by the kites that were flying high in the air. Made a turn into it and saw the sign saying - Bretton Point State Park. An ideal place for picnic in the summer!! As it was rather breezy, some people were flying kites while a few were enjoying the sun. Best of all, it faces the ocean... :)

The journey home took about 2.5 hrs as Newport was further away and there was pretty heavy traffic in Boston. We reached Portsmouth at about 830pm and decided to have dinner at this restaurant that is along Lafayette Road (the road where my apartment is located)...

A yummy dinner for all of us - Clam chowder, fish & chips, BBQ prime ribs and appetizer sampler...

A treat at the end of the tiring, but fruitful day :)