ICAA TOUR 2007-PART 2
Bryant Irawan/Indonesia Media
 We continue our journey towards Old Sacramento where we participated in a quick “walk around” tour to help familiarize ourselves with the past. Virtually all the buildings in this area date from the nineteenth century, and show a reasonable approximation to their original appearance, though they have required varying degrees of reconstruction to restore to them to that state. However, few if any are in their original use, most of them now housing restaurants, gift shops, or other businesses catering to tourists, but it didn’t matter to us because visiting Old Sacramento is the closest thing next to taking a time machine. Surprisingly, there was even an Indonesian Restaurant, Indo Café.
 A much more interesting site was our illustrious governor’s office, the State Capital. As soon as we stepped off the bus, the photo enthusiasts namely Dr. Fritz Hong and Dr. Irawan withdrew their cameras in lightning speed. The others followed and soon enough everyone had their cell phones, digital cameras, or cameras ready to take the perfect picture. It was no surprise that we were going to take another group picture. Amazingly, there was not much of a delay, even though we had to retake the picture every ten seconds because everyone wanted a copy.
Finally, it was the climax of our adventure. After an unbearable journey through winding paths, we could see the waters of Tahoe glimmer as the sun’s rays reflect on the water’s clear surface. As if 35 degree weather isn’t bad enough for Southern Californians, we were about to go on a two hour cruise where we were vulnerable to 30 mph wind speeds. After Dr. Irawan added another two layers to his usual three layers of clothing, we were ready to board the Dixie 2.
 I tried my best to stay on the top exposed level of the Dixie 2, but the wind got to me. It wasn’t much the icy temperatures that affected me; it was the chilly wind that blew through my jacket. I retired to the galley of the ship located on the second floor where I experienced the best hot dog ever! The polish sausage was correctly seasoned and cooked to perfection in its own juices. What could be better than eating the best hot dog on earth and having the luxury to view one of the most breath-taking scenery in the world?
The sun was about to set and we could see the orange rays of light gleam from the horizon of the lake. The nature part of the tour was coming to an end so it was time to shop! Thankfully, we were on the Nevada’s side of Lake Tahoe where skiing slopes and gambling resorts border the lake’s beaches and wherever there’s tourists, there’s bound to be shopping malls. Even though I looked into the shopping because of my age, one person from our tour actually won eight hundred dollars from the slots. That’s enough to go on the tour four more times give or take a few dollars. Too bad I’m not twenty one yet.
 See you next edition where we’ll visit San Francisco on our return home.
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