Today we set off to do a tour of the Bronx on the hop on hop off bus. Unfortunately my tummy bug returned so I decided it would be wise to get off the bus. Annamaree continued on her own and got to see Yankee Stadium. I am getting to be an expert on where the toilets (or restrooms as they are called here) are. I even went into a hotel today but you needed your hotel room card to open the door. I managed to get a guy coming out of the gents to open the ladies door for me! I walked back to the hotel and rested up waiting for Annamaree to return.
When she did we walked down to Times Square to see if we could get some discount tickets for a Broadway show. There was a long queue and when we checked with the guy behinds to make sure we were in the right queue, it turned out he was from Melbourne and was travelling for nine months having just finished his studies. We had a good chat as we moved along the line. I really wanted to see Lion King but there were no discount tickets as it is very popular. We ended up getting tickets to The Jersey Boys which were 40% off.
As the show didn't start till 7pm we went and checked out Radio City Music Hall and the Rockefeller Centre as we will be doing tours there before we leave New York. We had dinner on the concourse level of the Rockefeller Centre where there a lots of restaurants and casual eateries. We had a look in Lego Land and the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art shop where Annamaree did some shopping.
We then walked to the theatre between Broadway and 8th Avenue to see the Jersey Boys. It was a great show and more meaningful now that we have seen New Jersey.
Then another walk back to the motel.
Tomorrow we are off to see the Statue of Liberty so an earlier start than the last few days.
Cheers
Roz
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
New York Day 5
I forgot to mention in my previous post that when we were walking past the Crown Plaza last night there were lots of police cars and police in helmets, body armour and with machine guns. We think that they were there for a politician but not sure who as we didn't see them come out. As the police escort left, one of the two police on motorbikes dropped his bike and had trouble picking it up. Rather embarrassing for the poor chap.
Today we walked to Central Park as it is only two blocks from our hotel. It is so strange to have this beautiful park in the midst of all this traffic and hustle and bustle. The park is in central Manhatton and is 843 acres of grass, rocky outcroppings and ponds. There are tennis courts, baseball diamonds, lots of playgrounds, miniature golf and in winter there is an ice skating rink. There is also a memorial to John Lennon there called Strawberry Fields as the Dakota Building where he was shot is just over the road. We stopped at a little kiosk just outside the park for a coffee. Over the road is the Trump World Tower.
We then got on the hop on hop off bus and took the Uptown Route which took us through the upper west side and past the American Museum of Natural History, the Lincoln Centre, the Cathedral of St John the Divine, and Grant's Tomb. Then into Harlem past the famous Apollo Theatre where a lot of famous African/American talents were discovered - Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Jackson Five and many more. We also saw the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum - amazing buildings. We got off the bus at Central Park South and Fifth Avenue and had lunch at the Food Court (very upmarket) in the Plaza Hotel.
Then we got back on the bus with the intent of doing the Bronx tour but I wasn't feeling well so hopped off and went back to the motel. I didn't know that Annamaree had been told that it was too late to do the Bronx tour so she caught the bus back to the motel and was concerned that I wasn't there but I had walked the 24 blocks back so it took me a while to do that. Rested for the rest of the day so that I am right for tomorrow.
Till then
Roz
Today we walked to Central Park as it is only two blocks from our hotel. It is so strange to have this beautiful park in the midst of all this traffic and hustle and bustle. The park is in central Manhatton and is 843 acres of grass, rocky outcroppings and ponds. There are tennis courts, baseball diamonds, lots of playgrounds, miniature golf and in winter there is an ice skating rink. There is also a memorial to John Lennon there called Strawberry Fields as the Dakota Building where he was shot is just over the road. We stopped at a little kiosk just outside the park for a coffee. Over the road is the Trump World Tower.
We then got on the hop on hop off bus and took the Uptown Route which took us through the upper west side and past the American Museum of Natural History, the Lincoln Centre, the Cathedral of St John the Divine, and Grant's Tomb. Then into Harlem past the famous Apollo Theatre where a lot of famous African/American talents were discovered - Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Jackson Five and many more. We also saw the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum - amazing buildings. We got off the bus at Central Park South and Fifth Avenue and had lunch at the Food Court (very upmarket) in the Plaza Hotel.
Then we got back on the bus with the intent of doing the Bronx tour but I wasn't feeling well so hopped off and went back to the motel. I didn't know that Annamaree had been told that it was too late to do the Bronx tour so she caught the bus back to the motel and was concerned that I wasn't there but I had walked the 24 blocks back so it took me a while to do that. Rested for the rest of the day so that I am right for tomorrow.
Till then
Roz
Monday, July 29, 2013
New York Day 4
This morning we caught the subway for the first time. There is a station on the corner of our block on 57 West and we took the R line to Rector Street and walked around to the 9/11 Memorial. We had to queue up and go through security and then we were let in (we were the first tour of the morning). There are two big rectangular reflection pools representing the twin towers, one is for the first responders and emergency service people who died and the other is for the citizens who died. There is a wide ledge around the pools and all the names of those who died are etched into it. The water is a cascade and falls into a void. The pools are in the footprints of the buildings. It is very beautiful and a lovely memorial. There is also a special tree there called the Hope Tree which was on the original site and was just a stump after 9/11. It was nursed back to health and planted in the memorial garden but was then nearly wiped out by Hurricane Sandy. It survived and is growing again.
We walked to Battery Point where a lot of the tour boats leave from. As we walked along we saw some squirrels, they were so cute. After a break at the Clinton Fort,we walked along further to catch the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry is free and there were huge crowds. Once the doors open there is a mad scramble to get to the upper decks and get a spot on the rail. I managed to get one and fantastic views of the city, Brooklyn, New Jersey, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. We caught the next ferry back as we have a tour of the Statue of Liberty on another day. We had lunch in the ferry terminal and then caught the hop on hop off bus to Pier 17. There are lots of shops and eating places here and we also went on a Circle line cruise which was great. It was Abigail new boat and was air conditioned which we were thankful for as it was a very hot and humid day. We went up the Hudson River and up to the Statue of Liberty and back again. There was commentary as well so it was really Interesting.
We had our photo taken when we were boards g and as we got off it was ready. It turned out okay so we bought the set. We both then had a massage to relieve the aching bones.
Then on to the hop on hop off bus and home to recharge the camera battery. I had a bit of a nanna nap and when I woke up we went out to dinner. We went to 9th Avenue which is a bit like Lygon Street in Melbourne with restaurants and eateries up both sides. We ended up eating at a Thai restaurant.
We then walked to Times Square and went to the Disney Store and the M & M store. So many people out and about, there is a real atmosphere in this city.
We were both exhausted so we walked home.
Cheers for now.
Roz
We walked to Battery Point where a lot of the tour boats leave from. As we walked along we saw some squirrels, they were so cute. After a break at the Clinton Fort,we walked along further to catch the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry is free and there were huge crowds. Once the doors open there is a mad scramble to get to the upper decks and get a spot on the rail. I managed to get one and fantastic views of the city, Brooklyn, New Jersey, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. We caught the next ferry back as we have a tour of the Statue of Liberty on another day. We had lunch in the ferry terminal and then caught the hop on hop off bus to Pier 17. There are lots of shops and eating places here and we also went on a Circle line cruise which was great. It was Abigail new boat and was air conditioned which we were thankful for as it was a very hot and humid day. We went up the Hudson River and up to the Statue of Liberty and back again. There was commentary as well so it was really Interesting.
We had our photo taken when we were boards g and as we got off it was ready. It turned out okay so we bought the set. We both then had a massage to relieve the aching bones.
Then on to the hop on hop off bus and home to recharge the camera battery. I had a bit of a nanna nap and when I woke up we went out to dinner. We went to 9th Avenue which is a bit like Lygon Street in Melbourne with restaurants and eateries up both sides. We ended up eating at a Thai restaurant.
We then walked to Times Square and went to the Disney Store and the M & M store. So many people out and about, there is a real atmosphere in this city.
We were both exhausted so we walked home.
Cheers for now.
Roz
Sunday, July 28, 2013
New York Day 3
Bit of a sleep in today, didn't get up till 8:30am.
We caught the hop on hop off bus to the Empire State Building. Even though there were lots of people, the lines moved very quickly. When you enter you are given a gadget like a remote control that you hold up to your ear and you listen to a commentary. The first lift took us to the 80th floor and then we had to catch another lift to go to the 86th floor. They quickly take your picture in front of a backdrop and you hardly have time to smile!
Once on the 86th floor you go outside to the observatory deck. There are numbers at different points and the commentary tells you what you are looking at and a bit of the history. The views were magnificent and you could really see where it all fitted in. Even though it was a bit hazy, the views were still amazing. You could see all the way to Queens and Brooklyn, the mighty Hudson River and all the skyscrapers in Manhatton. It was spectacular.
Then we went to Macy's which is the largest store in the world. It is a full city block and one floor is just shoes from every designer you can think of. Annamaree had a bit of a shopping spree buying some clothes for herself and her grandchildren. I sat outside in an area with seating while she was shopping and watched the world go by. There are lots of street vendors that sell all sorts of things like hot dogs, pretzels, different foods, drinks, bags, pictures and lots more.
We then wanted to do the Pink bus that takes you to the west side but after waiting for an hour and a half we gave up and caught the hop on hop off bus home but it seemed to take forever. It also started to rain so we didn't go on the top level although many did and were given a poncho to try and stay dry.
We bought some soup and bread rolls for tea from the market over the road for tea.
In the morning we are off to see the 9/11 memorial.
Cheers
Roz
We caught the hop on hop off bus to the Empire State Building. Even though there were lots of people, the lines moved very quickly. When you enter you are given a gadget like a remote control that you hold up to your ear and you listen to a commentary. The first lift took us to the 80th floor and then we had to catch another lift to go to the 86th floor. They quickly take your picture in front of a backdrop and you hardly have time to smile!
Once on the 86th floor you go outside to the observatory deck. There are numbers at different points and the commentary tells you what you are looking at and a bit of the history. The views were magnificent and you could really see where it all fitted in. Even though it was a bit hazy, the views were still amazing. You could see all the way to Queens and Brooklyn, the mighty Hudson River and all the skyscrapers in Manhatton. It was spectacular.
Then we went to Macy's which is the largest store in the world. It is a full city block and one floor is just shoes from every designer you can think of. Annamaree had a bit of a shopping spree buying some clothes for herself and her grandchildren. I sat outside in an area with seating while she was shopping and watched the world go by. There are lots of street vendors that sell all sorts of things like hot dogs, pretzels, different foods, drinks, bags, pictures and lots more.
We then wanted to do the Pink bus that takes you to the west side but after waiting for an hour and a half we gave up and caught the hop on hop off bus home but it seemed to take forever. It also started to rain so we didn't go on the top level although many did and were given a poncho to try and stay dry.
We bought some soup and bread rolls for tea from the market over the road for tea.
In the morning we are off to see the 9/11 memorial.
Cheers
Roz
Saturday, July 27, 2013
New York Day 2 continued......
After the camera charged and we had called our families, we ventured out again.
We walked down 7th Avenue towards Times Square and on to Broadway. There were so many people in the streets and the restaurants were busy. We had a look in a Christmas Shop which had every Christmas decoration you could think of including hot dogs and coke cans! We also popped into all the luggage shops to price suitcases as I need another one. Found a Samsonite at a good price so organised to call back after dinner.
We had dinner in a Brasserie. Annamaree had Ricotta Ravioli and I had a Chicken Club Sandwich.
Then we called into the M&M shop but it was so busy we decided to visit it another time. We then went back to the luggage shop and I bought my suitcase and Annamaree bought a carry on case with wheels. Back at the hotel I tried to call Lauren on Viber but all I heard was her hello so we ended up texting instead. I washed my clothes from today, and am about to pop into bed to watch a movie.
Love to all
Roz
We walked down 7th Avenue towards Times Square and on to Broadway. There were so many people in the streets and the restaurants were busy. We had a look in a Christmas Shop which had every Christmas decoration you could think of including hot dogs and coke cans! We also popped into all the luggage shops to price suitcases as I need another one. Found a Samsonite at a good price so organised to call back after dinner.
We had dinner in a Brasserie. Annamaree had Ricotta Ravioli and I had a Chicken Club Sandwich.
Then we called into the M&M shop but it was so busy we decided to visit it another time. We then went back to the luggage shop and I bought my suitcase and Annamaree bought a carry on case with wheels. Back at the hotel I tried to call Lauren on Viber but all I heard was her hello so we ended up texting instead. I washed my clothes from today, and am about to pop into bed to watch a movie.
Love to all
Roz
New York Day 2
This morning we purchased a 5 day pass for the hop on hop off bus (Gray Line) which also gives us entry into lots of attractions. Before we caught the bus we went to an AT&T store as I wanted to get a data sim. They couldn't open my phone (it has a Liteproof cover on it). I was going to ring Peter to find out how to take it off and then realised it was 1am back home so thought better of it. I ended up getting a really cheap smart phone.
We then walked through Time Square which was just amazing. There are video screens everywhere and the traffic is crazy. We caught the bus and did the uptown loop going past Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, up Broadway, past Pier 5 and got off at Chinatown. There were little stalls set up everywhere mostly selling the same things, jewellery, scarves, bags, perfumes and much more.
We stopped at McDonalds for lunch so we could use the toilets and there was a long queue for the ladies. There were signs everywhere that said you could only stay for 30 minutes and they were so busy.
We then wandered back to where we had to catch the bus and went to the Wrangler Store. I would have liked to take photos but you weren't allowed.
Back on the bus and we saw the United Nations Building, Central Park with all the horse and carriages. Unfortunately the battery in my camera went flat so we decided to go back to the hotel to recharge it and have a rest.
We will be going out again shortly.
Hugs from New York.
Roz
We then walked through Time Square which was just amazing. There are video screens everywhere and the traffic is crazy. We caught the bus and did the uptown loop going past Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, up Broadway, past Pier 5 and got off at Chinatown. There were little stalls set up everywhere mostly selling the same things, jewellery, scarves, bags, perfumes and much more.
We stopped at McDonalds for lunch so we could use the toilets and there was a long queue for the ladies. There were signs everywhere that said you could only stay for 30 minutes and they were so busy.
We then wandered back to where we had to catch the bus and went to the Wrangler Store. I would have liked to take photos but you weren't allowed.
Back on the bus and we saw the United Nations Building, Central Park with all the horse and carriages. Unfortunately the battery in my camera went flat so we decided to go back to the hotel to recharge it and have a rest.
We will be going out again shortly.
Hugs from New York.
Roz
New York Day 1
When we got back from our final dinner my last pillow present was on the bed. It was a lovely book on Utah with a personal message from Shelli inside. It is very heavy so will try and post it home.
Friday morning we boarded the bus for the last time to go to the Salt Lake City international airport for our trip to New York. We had to say goodbye to the others at the airport as they were taking different flights, some going home and some travelling further. The flight took about 3hrs 30mins and we took a yellow cab to our hotel, The Salisbury on 57 West Street.
We lost 2 hours due to the time difference and got to our motel about 6pm. It is certainly not the St Regis but is very comfortable and we are only a few blocks from Central Park and Time Square. We had Spaghetti and Meatballs for tea at an Italian Restaurant next to the hotel.
After dinner we went to the market over the road to get cereal for breakfast, milk and fruit. The city is busy, noisy (sirens everywhere) but it has a real excitement. I would hate to be driving here, the drivers seem to sit on their horns constantly.
Tomorrow we are going to get on the hop on hop off bus.
Cheers
Roz
Friday morning we boarded the bus for the last time to go to the Salt Lake City international airport for our trip to New York. We had to say goodbye to the others at the airport as they were taking different flights, some going home and some travelling further. The flight took about 3hrs 30mins and we took a yellow cab to our hotel, The Salisbury on 57 West Street.
We lost 2 hours due to the time difference and got to our motel about 6pm. It is certainly not the St Regis but is very comfortable and we are only a few blocks from Central Park and Time Square. We had Spaghetti and Meatballs for tea at an Italian Restaurant next to the hotel.
After dinner we went to the market over the road to get cereal for breakfast, milk and fruit. The city is busy, noisy (sirens everywhere) but it has a real excitement. I would hate to be driving here, the drivers seem to sit on their horns constantly.
Tomorrow we are going to get on the hop on hop off bus.
Cheers
Roz
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