Did the tour and it was great. Rode the roads then the Charles River! The chick PJ, running the show had a hard time because she was trying to engage all the tourists and nobody would respond. Me included, I wouldn’t do it because I was by myself so a little embarrassing but she was good, certainly knew her stuff. Boston is an amazing city. I am sad to be leaving after only 1 ½ days, certainly not enough time, but I didn’t know. If I ever come back to America, unlikely as it is, Boston would be number 1 on my list.
I didn’t get to do the Freedom Trail Walk unfortunately, but I think I travelled most of it when in the Duck (Curly). The area I was staying in was called Back Bay and it is 450 acres of land fill (not rubbish, real soil) and it is beautiful and clean. The old part of Boston is Beacon’s hill etc and it is all windy and all over the shop. The new part, including Back Bay, is all symmetrical grids. Most streets are loaded with big flower pots of beautiful colours and the sidewalks are about 5 metres wide – makes for easy walking and it makes is look really pretty.
Went to Solas, an Irish pub, to watch the Sox play and have something to eat. This tipping thing in America is weird. It is expected but what do you do if you think the service was ordinary? Last night when leaving I paid and said, ‘Oh nearly forgot tip’ and the bar guy, who I had thought average, said ‘It is a pretty easy thing to get your head around’. I am thinking, mate you don’t deserve a tip because you are obviously rude! Did give him $2 though telling him it is not a given from where I am from and that is why it isn’t easy to remember. Certainly not everybody who expects one should get one.
Sadly, I left the hotel this morning and the lovely city of Boston. Currently on Acela Express back to NYC. I didn’t realize it when booking, but today is 11th September (9/11). There are big memorials all over the country so now I definitely know I will be going to Ground Zero to pay my respects. Sad day in history indeed.
Got to hotel and found out that they gave me all the wrong information, and were misleading. Apparently you get free internet but only in club room and in your own room it has to be connected to cable. Wireless costs!!! Bloody NY!
Anyway caught E train down to WTC because I wanted to see it and pay some respects as it is 11th September. Well for starters the whole site is complete surrounded by a 10 foot fence and you can’t see anything. Then there was a million people, police and protestors. I tried to get to Statten Island ferry but couldn’t find that, so my afternoon was not so great.
To be honest, I wish I never left Boston, I could have enjoyed myself there so much more. Now, after having spent those 2 days in Boston, I am so over NY! It is overcrowded, loud and trashy compared to Boston. I think now that I don’t have the tennis, and I have no company there isn’t much for me to do! And I want to go back to Boston, or even better home!
Doing nothing tonight, tomorrow will do the hop on hop off downtown tour and then tomorrow night Yankees. Saturday I might do a matinee broadway show, and then I fly out.Decided to go for a longer walk around Times Square and kept looking for mobiles. They are just as, if not more, expensive as they are at home, so I let the sales guy con me into a camcorder instead!!!! I don’t even know the brand and I kept wanting to walk out but I let him talk me into it. He reckons it was $999 normally but he gave it to me for $360. Then tax on top so effectively $400. Sucker, I just hope it is a good brand!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A big update
Day 5 Tennis again.
Completion of Nadal and Murray game. Got there a little earlier and asked this lady if I could quickly use her table and we got talking. I had met Adjua and what a lovely person she is. A tennis mad lady who is also a Roger fan – couldn’t be better! Adjua had actually seen me the day before cheering for Roger as I was about 6 rows in front of her. As there was nobody sitting beside me, Adjua moved down beside me and we cheered together. We were both going for Andy, not because we didn’t want Rafa to win, but because it was nice to think Andy could make his 1st grand slam final. But to be completely honest, I didn’t want Rafa to win because he is not the best and what better way to prove it – being beaten by Andy!! Rafa can play but he certainly doesn’t move around a court like a Federer. He isn’t graceful, he is like a bull in a China shop. All brute strength which doesn’t make for pretty tennis.
Murray started so slow but came roaring back to take the match in 4. As I said I wanted him to win so he could make his 1st grand slam, but it is all about Roger now. After seeing both semis, I honestly think Roger played the best, let’s hope he brings his A game to the final!!!
Then about 5 hours to fill in before Women’s final between Serena and Jelena. Adjua and I talked for hours and hours but it only seemed like minutes and before you knew it, it was 9pm and time for Serena and Jelena to take court. We managed to squeeze in a few US Open Signature cocktails. Grey Goose vodka, yum! Very refreshing but very expensive - $13 each!!! Adjua doesn’t normally drink but she had 3 with me – what a sport LOL.
We sat apart for the final as I was in a different section. Jelena came out the better, Serena is renowned for her slow starts but she going and when she does…..she is awesome. She is so bloody quick, but then again so is Jelena. The only difference is that Serena hits is so much harder and seems to be able to move the ball around at will. Serena should have lost the 2nd set definitely, but she fought on and won, winning the tournament without dropping a set.
I moved a little earlier and managed to get down to suite level so I could get some good ceremony shots. Got all of those (on facebook) and then managed to sneak around to where the players walk in and out to see if I could get autograph. So much for security, I got down easily!! Then Serena was leaving but came over to us to sign the autographs. She is tall – my height and looks fantastic close up – really pretty and very fit. TV makes her look way bigger than she is! Obviously when they are signing they do it quickly so they can go and do their TV interviews and warm down but I managed to tell her that I am from Australia and came all the way to watch her win. She did a nervous giggle, perhaps embarrassed and said really. Well as stupid as it sounds, I was stoked. Doesn’t take much hey?
Was midnight by the time I left the grounds and the trains were packed. When I think of USA I think crime and brash Americans. It so isn’t like that – they are really friendly when you ask for help, they go out of their way, and the place is safe!!! I think that is the mentality of the people but also there are so many people about that I think there is safety in numbers. It’s funny, since I got here, my nights have been really late – so different to when at home, but then again I guess I get to sleep in – I don’t do that at home. Which makes me realize, work beckons soon. Sigh…..
Day 6
Went downtown to 18th Street and Broadway as well as Grand Central station to check out sports stores to see if I could find the bats that Smacka wants. 42nd Modell’s told me that they couldn’t call around so my best bet would be to look myself. So I did which gave me the opportunity to look around a bit. Also looked for lenses for Praddy, who upon my return to work, will be my new boss!
Caught Shuttle from Times Square to Central and did a bit of a look around and found out the bats Smacka wants can only be ordered online. Bought myself some softball socks and a gear bag – about twice the size of the one I bought from Deen Dormer at half the price!!!!
Came home, grabbed my laptop and went to Pax’s on 42nd for some lunch. I was told that wherever you went you get could free wifi. Well I struggled to get a connection and after having a bit ended up giving up and went back to room to relax for a bit before the big game.
Got the wrong train to the game in that I got all stops instead of Express so by the time I got there the game had started – arrrggghhh!!! I wanted to see Roger walk out. Anyway games on serve so I found Adjua in her seat and jumped in beside here. 6 rows back from where I could have sit but it was nice to sit with somebody who knew tennis, loved Roger and was friendly. Roger was ON SONG!!! Roger of old and beautiful to watch.
In the end I kinda felt sorry for Andy because Roger made him look so pedestrian! But hey when the player you love plays like the way you know he can, you are happy. And I am sure arseholes like John McEnroe and Borg are all shutting up now – Roger made them eat their bitter, jealous words. 13 slams down, many to go. GO ROGER, YOU ARE NUMBER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did the same again as last night with Serena, managed to get down, get good pics of presentation and then hung over a wall to get Roger’s autograph. He was amazing. Did 3 courtside interviews, and then signed autographs for about 25 minutes. I was one of the last but I was happy to wait. I told him the same, from Oz, wrapped that he won, and he signed my hat, handed it back, dropped it, picked it up and handed it back again. I love Roger……
Adjua and I wanted to have celebratory drink but all the bars in the Billie Jean King centre had closed?? So Adjua said she would drive me home, as she lived in Manhattan and that way we could have that drink and I would get lift home! Too nice!
We ended up at Lincoln Square and Adjua was so upset because she wanted to show it off, however most of it was shut down for renovations. Ended up going to PJ Clarke’s for a drink and a bit to eat. We both got a vodka martini and were very disappointed that it came in a scotch glass. We wanted a martini glass! Never mind. Had a bit to eat – I had Shepherd’s pie and it was delicious. Adjua drove me home and I crashed – I knew I had to get up early to go to Boston. Went to bed with a smile on my face –Roger is 5 times US Open champion and the 1st player in history to win 2 championships 5 times in a row – legend!!!
Day 7
Up early, and so tired. Packed all my belongings and I have bought so much that even my new suitcase is struggling with all the stuff. Credit card is suffering!!!! Lugged all my stuff from 42nd to 24th Street Penn Station to get on train 170 to Boston. Was in an absolutely lather but the time I got to Penn Station. America is great but they don’t consider tourists, stairs everywhere and no elevators!!!
Jumped on train and begun my journey to Boston. I am actually typing this as I stare out the window. Beautiful - up north of New York. Gorgeous trees and houses and everything is so lush and as the area, as it is called, New England like. I love it! Not that I would ever leave Australia and I haven’t seen 1/1000th of America but this is the place you would move to if you could. It really is lovely!
Time out on blog. Going to sit back and relax – looking forward to getting to Boston and settling in before Redsox game tonight.
Day after Baseball - 2nd day in Boston
Well I am surprised but have to admit I didn’t really get into the baseball last night! I much prefer watching the tennis. It wasn’t because the Sox lost. It wasn’t the crowd – Bob and Pat beside me were very nice. The crowd really gets into it – they sung ‘Take me out to the ball park’ and ‘Sweet Caroline’ but I just found it rather boring! I mean when I got there I was excited.
I got a beer and sat down, but it turned out I was in wrong seat. I had to move, but my new seat was better –right behind home plate.
I couldn’t buy a beer though! Perhaps that is why?? It doesn’t matter if you are 80 or 8, you MUST show ID EVERYTIME you buy a beer. The 1st guy didn’t ask me so I didn’t think anything of it. But this guy who comes down to the seats asked me for ID and I said I don’t have any and he just walked away. No sorry, nothing –how rude! I understand he has to follow the law but cannot, for the life of me, understand how showing my ID is going to help anybody???? After the 7th inning they won’t sell anymore beer – now that I understand, responsible service, but asking for ID from somebody who is obviously of age is ridiculous!!
Didn’t get to bed to 2am this morning. Spent hours, again, looking for softball gear and as a result Westpac stopped my credit cards because they thought there was suss transactions on my card. As it turned out, the site I found for the bags Smacka wanted don’t take anything but American credit cards – that is why the transactions kept declining. Oh well, considering the amount of time I have spent looking for bats and bags while on holidays, I have done well. Bats that don’t come out to next year will be delivered tomorrow – told Smacka I reckon we will be deadly next year LOL.
Got up late, my sleeping patterns are going to take a beating when I get home. Headed out and again because of this bloody bag stuff, bought a $20 phone so the cheap bat company could call me on an American number. I had to buy it because I could not get through to them directly. I kept trying and finally did and found out about them only accepting American cards. So a waste of time buying the American mobile! I wanted to buy a new phone directly but it was locked for T mobile network. Perhaps will find one in NY!
Walked around Boston a bit, sent mum a postcard, bought myself a beautiful cast iron tea pot and also bought one for Doug and Nona (I spoil them!). Have to find something special for Mum and Pete. Pete so far as an ashtray, which he will love, but what to get Mum??
Bought a ticket to do a Boston Duck Tour – just having a relax before I head out to do it. 6pm tour, should be nice. Hopefully tomorrow morning I will wake up early enough to do the Freedom Trail walk – I really want to do it!
Completion of Nadal and Murray game. Got there a little earlier and asked this lady if I could quickly use her table and we got talking. I had met Adjua and what a lovely person she is. A tennis mad lady who is also a Roger fan – couldn’t be better! Adjua had actually seen me the day before cheering for Roger as I was about 6 rows in front of her. As there was nobody sitting beside me, Adjua moved down beside me and we cheered together. We were both going for Andy, not because we didn’t want Rafa to win, but because it was nice to think Andy could make his 1st grand slam final. But to be completely honest, I didn’t want Rafa to win because he is not the best and what better way to prove it – being beaten by Andy!! Rafa can play but he certainly doesn’t move around a court like a Federer. He isn’t graceful, he is like a bull in a China shop. All brute strength which doesn’t make for pretty tennis.
Murray started so slow but came roaring back to take the match in 4. As I said I wanted him to win so he could make his 1st grand slam, but it is all about Roger now. After seeing both semis, I honestly think Roger played the best, let’s hope he brings his A game to the final!!!
Then about 5 hours to fill in before Women’s final between Serena and Jelena. Adjua and I talked for hours and hours but it only seemed like minutes and before you knew it, it was 9pm and time for Serena and Jelena to take court. We managed to squeeze in a few US Open Signature cocktails. Grey Goose vodka, yum! Very refreshing but very expensive - $13 each!!! Adjua doesn’t normally drink but she had 3 with me – what a sport LOL.
We sat apart for the final as I was in a different section. Jelena came out the better, Serena is renowned for her slow starts but she going and when she does…..she is awesome. She is so bloody quick, but then again so is Jelena. The only difference is that Serena hits is so much harder and seems to be able to move the ball around at will. Serena should have lost the 2nd set definitely, but she fought on and won, winning the tournament without dropping a set.
I moved a little earlier and managed to get down to suite level so I could get some good ceremony shots. Got all of those (on facebook) and then managed to sneak around to where the players walk in and out to see if I could get autograph. So much for security, I got down easily!! Then Serena was leaving but came over to us to sign the autographs. She is tall – my height and looks fantastic close up – really pretty and very fit. TV makes her look way bigger than she is! Obviously when they are signing they do it quickly so they can go and do their TV interviews and warm down but I managed to tell her that I am from Australia and came all the way to watch her win. She did a nervous giggle, perhaps embarrassed and said really. Well as stupid as it sounds, I was stoked. Doesn’t take much hey?
Was midnight by the time I left the grounds and the trains were packed. When I think of USA I think crime and brash Americans. It so isn’t like that – they are really friendly when you ask for help, they go out of their way, and the place is safe!!! I think that is the mentality of the people but also there are so many people about that I think there is safety in numbers. It’s funny, since I got here, my nights have been really late – so different to when at home, but then again I guess I get to sleep in – I don’t do that at home. Which makes me realize, work beckons soon. Sigh…..
Day 6
Went downtown to 18th Street and Broadway as well as Grand Central station to check out sports stores to see if I could find the bats that Smacka wants. 42nd Modell’s told me that they couldn’t call around so my best bet would be to look myself. So I did which gave me the opportunity to look around a bit. Also looked for lenses for Praddy, who upon my return to work, will be my new boss!
Caught Shuttle from Times Square to Central and did a bit of a look around and found out the bats Smacka wants can only be ordered online. Bought myself some softball socks and a gear bag – about twice the size of the one I bought from Deen Dormer at half the price!!!!
Came home, grabbed my laptop and went to Pax’s on 42nd for some lunch. I was told that wherever you went you get could free wifi. Well I struggled to get a connection and after having a bit ended up giving up and went back to room to relax for a bit before the big game.
Got the wrong train to the game in that I got all stops instead of Express so by the time I got there the game had started – arrrggghhh!!! I wanted to see Roger walk out. Anyway games on serve so I found Adjua in her seat and jumped in beside here. 6 rows back from where I could have sit but it was nice to sit with somebody who knew tennis, loved Roger and was friendly. Roger was ON SONG!!! Roger of old and beautiful to watch.
In the end I kinda felt sorry for Andy because Roger made him look so pedestrian! But hey when the player you love plays like the way you know he can, you are happy. And I am sure arseholes like John McEnroe and Borg are all shutting up now – Roger made them eat their bitter, jealous words. 13 slams down, many to go. GO ROGER, YOU ARE NUMBER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did the same again as last night with Serena, managed to get down, get good pics of presentation and then hung over a wall to get Roger’s autograph. He was amazing. Did 3 courtside interviews, and then signed autographs for about 25 minutes. I was one of the last but I was happy to wait. I told him the same, from Oz, wrapped that he won, and he signed my hat, handed it back, dropped it, picked it up and handed it back again. I love Roger……
Adjua and I wanted to have celebratory drink but all the bars in the Billie Jean King centre had closed?? So Adjua said she would drive me home, as she lived in Manhattan and that way we could have that drink and I would get lift home! Too nice!
We ended up at Lincoln Square and Adjua was so upset because she wanted to show it off, however most of it was shut down for renovations. Ended up going to PJ Clarke’s for a drink and a bit to eat. We both got a vodka martini and were very disappointed that it came in a scotch glass. We wanted a martini glass! Never mind. Had a bit to eat – I had Shepherd’s pie and it was delicious. Adjua drove me home and I crashed – I knew I had to get up early to go to Boston. Went to bed with a smile on my face –Roger is 5 times US Open champion and the 1st player in history to win 2 championships 5 times in a row – legend!!!
Day 7
Up early, and so tired. Packed all my belongings and I have bought so much that even my new suitcase is struggling with all the stuff. Credit card is suffering!!!! Lugged all my stuff from 42nd to 24th Street Penn Station to get on train 170 to Boston. Was in an absolutely lather but the time I got to Penn Station. America is great but they don’t consider tourists, stairs everywhere and no elevators!!!
Jumped on train and begun my journey to Boston. I am actually typing this as I stare out the window. Beautiful - up north of New York. Gorgeous trees and houses and everything is so lush and as the area, as it is called, New England like. I love it! Not that I would ever leave Australia and I haven’t seen 1/1000th of America but this is the place you would move to if you could. It really is lovely!
Time out on blog. Going to sit back and relax – looking forward to getting to Boston and settling in before Redsox game tonight.
Day after Baseball - 2nd day in Boston
Well I am surprised but have to admit I didn’t really get into the baseball last night! I much prefer watching the tennis. It wasn’t because the Sox lost. It wasn’t the crowd – Bob and Pat beside me were very nice. The crowd really gets into it – they sung ‘Take me out to the ball park’ and ‘Sweet Caroline’ but I just found it rather boring! I mean when I got there I was excited.
I got a beer and sat down, but it turned out I was in wrong seat. I had to move, but my new seat was better –right behind home plate.
I couldn’t buy a beer though! Perhaps that is why?? It doesn’t matter if you are 80 or 8, you MUST show ID EVERYTIME you buy a beer. The 1st guy didn’t ask me so I didn’t think anything of it. But this guy who comes down to the seats asked me for ID and I said I don’t have any and he just walked away. No sorry, nothing –how rude! I understand he has to follow the law but cannot, for the life of me, understand how showing my ID is going to help anybody???? After the 7th inning they won’t sell anymore beer – now that I understand, responsible service, but asking for ID from somebody who is obviously of age is ridiculous!!
Didn’t get to bed to 2am this morning. Spent hours, again, looking for softball gear and as a result Westpac stopped my credit cards because they thought there was suss transactions on my card. As it turned out, the site I found for the bags Smacka wanted don’t take anything but American credit cards – that is why the transactions kept declining. Oh well, considering the amount of time I have spent looking for bats and bags while on holidays, I have done well. Bats that don’t come out to next year will be delivered tomorrow – told Smacka I reckon we will be deadly next year LOL.
Got up late, my sleeping patterns are going to take a beating when I get home. Headed out and again because of this bloody bag stuff, bought a $20 phone so the cheap bat company could call me on an American number. I had to buy it because I could not get through to them directly. I kept trying and finally did and found out about them only accepting American cards. So a waste of time buying the American mobile! I wanted to buy a new phone directly but it was locked for T mobile network. Perhaps will find one in NY!
Walked around Boston a bit, sent mum a postcard, bought myself a beautiful cast iron tea pot and also bought one for Doug and Nona (I spoil them!). Have to find something special for Mum and Pete. Pete so far as an ashtray, which he will love, but what to get Mum??
Bought a ticket to do a Boston Duck Tour – just having a relax before I head out to do it. 6pm tour, should be nice. Hopefully tomorrow morning I will wake up early enough to do the Freedom Trail walk – I really want to do it!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Luka Blooms.....
Luka was brilliant! good Irish lad was funny and boy can he sing. Just him and his guitar up on stage!
Had a bite to eat (eye fillet (YUM)) and 4 champagnes - $10 each, eeek. USA might be cheaper in some aspects but definitely NOT in food and drink.
It is in shopping though! Came out of BB King's at 10.15pm and all the shops are still open. I am not talking convenience stores, I am talking Madame Tusauds, Ripleys, food shops, bars (obviously) and clothes stores!!! One of them I went into was open to 1am!
Now clothes are cheap! Have bought heaps of training gear for myself and Pete has scored rather nicely for himself! Lots of Quiksilver stuff so I hope (a) it fits and (b) he likes it!
Not tired and tennis doesn't start to 4pm tomorrow so staying up to watch a bit of the NY Yankees game and then to bed - currently 11.30pm. Funny how life is different when on holidays or in another place. Normally I would have been asleep for a couple of hours, yes even on a Saturday night. That might change though now that Winter ball is over.
Anyway out of here. Look forward to watching the remainder of Nadal/Murray game and Serena winning tomorrow afternoon/night.
Had a bite to eat (eye fillet (YUM)) and 4 champagnes - $10 each, eeek. USA might be cheaper in some aspects but definitely NOT in food and drink.
It is in shopping though! Came out of BB King's at 10.15pm and all the shops are still open. I am not talking convenience stores, I am talking Madame Tusauds, Ripleys, food shops, bars (obviously) and clothes stores!!! One of them I went into was open to 1am!
Now clothes are cheap! Have bought heaps of training gear for myself and Pete has scored rather nicely for himself! Lots of Quiksilver stuff so I hope (a) it fits and (b) he likes it!
Not tired and tennis doesn't start to 4pm tomorrow so staying up to watch a bit of the NY Yankees game and then to bed - currently 11.30pm. Funny how life is different when on holidays or in another place. Normally I would have been asleep for a couple of hours, yes even on a Saturday night. That might change though now that Winter ball is over.
Anyway out of here. Look forward to watching the remainder of Nadal/Murray game and Serena winning tomorrow afternoon/night.
Roger rules...
Bloody hell. Woke up again this morning at 4.30am but not because I woke up but because the evacuation alarm was going off!! Seemed to be a false alarm, but we had to ‘stand by’ in case we had to get out quick. I put passport, money, camera etc into handbag just in case. After about 30 minutes told we could go back to bed. Did but about 30 minutes later the alarm went off again. Fix your faulty alarm please!! Did some stuff then crawled back to bed at about 7am and fell asleep again to 9am. Going to be hard to get back into work mode. I never sleep in at home, so this is really nice for a change.
No machine guns today! Back to tennis and was about 10 minutes late. Roger was up 2-1 when I got there. Settled in to game and Roger, except for some errors in 2nd set, played great! He shit it in and I am just so proud.
Pissed off too. Because of weather forecast, hurricane rain, they put Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray on at the same time, on Louis Armstrong Stadium. I was never going to leave Roger, but mate, I travelled thousands of K’s to watch these games so you can imagine I was a little annoyed. So at this stage I prayed for rain because when rescheduled it will come back onto main stadium and I will get to see them play. Andy is currently up 2 sets to love! I don’t care really because nobody will beat Roger!!!!! GO ROGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The women’s final is postponed too! So when walking home saw that Luka Bloom is playing on 42nd Street in BB King restaurant. I am going!!! Will update that later…..
Machine guns and tennis
My first day at tennis, that I nearly missed. Woke up at 4.30am (I think my clock is still a little out) and couldn’t get back to sleep for what felt like an eternity. Anyway I must have because next time I do wake up, it is 9.15am!!
Got ready in record time, had some breakky and headed down to, wait for it…. 42nd and 7th (don’t I sound yankee girl??) and bloody hell, what was there? 4 men with machine guns, yes machine guns, fuck!!! Quick smart pass them and down into the furnace. The subway is hotter than a sauna, really!! Got my ticket and the signs made it pretty easy for me to find Line 7 to Queens.
Not many seats, but no worries, nice clean air conditioned cars!! Took about 30 minutes to get to Shea Stadium (NY Mets baseball) station and I saw Flushing Meadows for the 1st time in the day (upon my arrival I saw the lights in the pick up van at night).
Probably exactly the same as Australia but still wonderful. Because the Men’s doubles final is not that much frequented got a pass to go and sit anywhere I could courtside. Of course I had to move if the real owner turned up but hey why not give it a go? Well you don’t because it was in full sun and just too bloody hot! Ended up going up to the nose bleed section to get some shade but it was fine! Could see plenty. Eventually moved to my own seat and I could not believe how many spare seats there were back down courtside. I mean these people pay a fortune for these seats and then just don’t turn up??
The Bryan brothers won and it was fun to watch. Then the women! Elena Dementiava should have won but as per normal choked. Then came the game I wanted to see – Serena!!! She is great and she played great, although I must admit Darina Safina handed her a lot of points. But Serena, she's deadly!
So Jelena and Serena in final – look forward to that. I can’t load all my photos for some reason so will put more on when I get home.
Came home and the machine guns were gone. Did a bit of sport clothes shopping and a bit of looking around and headed back to hotel. Boring I know, but I want to be fit and alert for the tennis tomorrow when Roger will kick some arse!!!
Got ready in record time, had some breakky and headed down to, wait for it…. 42nd and 7th (don’t I sound yankee girl??) and bloody hell, what was there? 4 men with machine guns, yes machine guns, fuck!!! Quick smart pass them and down into the furnace. The subway is hotter than a sauna, really!! Got my ticket and the signs made it pretty easy for me to find Line 7 to Queens.
Not many seats, but no worries, nice clean air conditioned cars!! Took about 30 minutes to get to Shea Stadium (NY Mets baseball) station and I saw Flushing Meadows for the 1st time in the day (upon my arrival I saw the lights in the pick up van at night).
Probably exactly the same as Australia but still wonderful. Because the Men’s doubles final is not that much frequented got a pass to go and sit anywhere I could courtside. Of course I had to move if the real owner turned up but hey why not give it a go? Well you don’t because it was in full sun and just too bloody hot! Ended up going up to the nose bleed section to get some shade but it was fine! Could see plenty. Eventually moved to my own seat and I could not believe how many spare seats there were back down courtside. I mean these people pay a fortune for these seats and then just don’t turn up??
The Bryan brothers won and it was fun to watch. Then the women! Elena Dementiava should have won but as per normal choked. Then came the game I wanted to see – Serena!!! She is great and she played great, although I must admit Darina Safina handed her a lot of points. But Serena, she's deadly!
So Jelena and Serena in final – look forward to that. I can’t load all my photos for some reason so will put more on when I get home.
Came home and the machine guns were gone. Did a bit of sport clothes shopping and a bit of looking around and headed back to hotel. Boring I know, but I want to be fit and alert for the tennis tomorrow when Roger will kick some arse!!!
New York continued
Day 2
Arrived to hotel last night about 9.30pm and was dog tired. Nice area, but boy this place is beyond belief. I paid extra for a Milford Club room = aAll I got was a double bed in a smelly room, oh with my own bathroom. The stench nearly knocked me out, it was like the door had not been opened to this room in 3 years!! But I didn’t care, I was stuffed, so threw on my Qantas PJ’s (yes they really give you pajamas if you fly business class, haha) and crashed.
Woke up feeling rather alert but a head full of snot (sorry but that is how it is). Breakfast was included in the room price (well thank you) so had something to eat and hit the track. Bigger in day light! You look left and right and you cannot see the end of the road either way and the buildings just go on and on. I headed uptown (I didn’t know that at the time) and found that Columbus Circle was closed. The NFL season is starting so they closed off all these streets and put on a big concert for 60000 people. Usher was going as was our very own Keith Urban. Not into either so didn’t hang around and kept heading to Central Park.
One of the first things I see are the softball fields – 6 of them right in the middle of the city, unbelievable! And they even have their own ‘Ballfield Café’. Walked and walked and walked and I reckon I covered 2/3 in length of the park but about 1/6 of the park in general. It is beyond comprehension. Think Sydney Botanical gardens and Lady McCarthur’s chair and times it by about 50!!! Beautiful though! I experienced my 1st NY hospitality too. Asked this guy, before realizing he was a homeless guy (nothing wrong with that but did stink a bit), but he was so nice and went to great lengths to explain the answer to my question (which was simply was it worth my while to keep heading up the park). No was his answer so I headed back down 5th Avenue (thank you very much) and back towards hotel. This was 3 hours by now and I had drunk about 5 litres – so bloody hot here!! My cold was pretty bad at this stage, so came back to hotel and had 2nd shower for the day before dressing and heading off to check out Times Square. Oh I forgot to mention, when walking back through Columbus circle, there were about 200 cops, probably more, hanging around for the concert. Like we all know they do things big, but I guess they have to here!
Anyway back to Times Square. Fuck!! That’s all I can say – I have never seen anything like it. Unreal!! Millions of people, millions of light bulbs flashing on and off (not so great for green gas emissions), pretty overwhelming actually. Found one bar and paid $8.50 for Malibu. WTF? I thought America was meant to be cheap! Left after that one with Roger up 1 set in his quarter final (he didn’t do it easy though).
Kept walking and every 2nd shop is a gift shop. I guess they need them because you don’t hear much English when walking around – so many tourists! I wonder if they pisses the locals off??
Found another bar and had one drink there watching 2nd set. Roger won that too. God love him! Headed off and pounded the streets again and found last place where had one more Corona (only $6) and watched Roger win last set. He made it! I am going to see my man in the flesh – can’t wait!!!
Went to Charlie O’s for some dinner – so embarrassing having to sit by yourself but I am by myself so what can I do? Had some Southern styled chicken and then asked for a half rack of ribs. It was MASSIVE. Was told the servings here are big but not that big did I ever imagine!! Had half and took the rest home, which is where I went so I could load up my photos from the day and crash – still a little tired. Watched some baseball and went to bed
Arrived to hotel last night about 9.30pm and was dog tired. Nice area, but boy this place is beyond belief. I paid extra for a Milford Club room = aAll I got was a double bed in a smelly room, oh with my own bathroom. The stench nearly knocked me out, it was like the door had not been opened to this room in 3 years!! But I didn’t care, I was stuffed, so threw on my Qantas PJ’s (yes they really give you pajamas if you fly business class, haha) and crashed.
Woke up feeling rather alert but a head full of snot (sorry but that is how it is). Breakfast was included in the room price (well thank you) so had something to eat and hit the track. Bigger in day light! You look left and right and you cannot see the end of the road either way and the buildings just go on and on. I headed uptown (I didn’t know that at the time) and found that Columbus Circle was closed. The NFL season is starting so they closed off all these streets and put on a big concert for 60000 people. Usher was going as was our very own Keith Urban. Not into either so didn’t hang around and kept heading to Central Park.
One of the first things I see are the softball fields – 6 of them right in the middle of the city, unbelievable! And they even have their own ‘Ballfield Café’. Walked and walked and walked and I reckon I covered 2/3 in length of the park but about 1/6 of the park in general. It is beyond comprehension. Think Sydney Botanical gardens and Lady McCarthur’s chair and times it by about 50!!! Beautiful though! I experienced my 1st NY hospitality too. Asked this guy, before realizing he was a homeless guy (nothing wrong with that but did stink a bit), but he was so nice and went to great lengths to explain the answer to my question (which was simply was it worth my while to keep heading up the park). No was his answer so I headed back down 5th Avenue (thank you very much) and back towards hotel. This was 3 hours by now and I had drunk about 5 litres – so bloody hot here!! My cold was pretty bad at this stage, so came back to hotel and had 2nd shower for the day before dressing and heading off to check out Times Square. Oh I forgot to mention, when walking back through Columbus circle, there were about 200 cops, probably more, hanging around for the concert. Like we all know they do things big, but I guess they have to here!
Anyway back to Times Square. Fuck!! That’s all I can say – I have never seen anything like it. Unreal!! Millions of people, millions of light bulbs flashing on and off (not so great for green gas emissions), pretty overwhelming actually. Found one bar and paid $8.50 for Malibu. WTF? I thought America was meant to be cheap! Left after that one with Roger up 1 set in his quarter final (he didn’t do it easy though).
Kept walking and every 2nd shop is a gift shop. I guess they need them because you don’t hear much English when walking around – so many tourists! I wonder if they pisses the locals off??
Found another bar and had one drink there watching 2nd set. Roger won that too. God love him! Headed off and pounded the streets again and found last place where had one more Corona (only $6) and watched Roger win last set. He made it! I am going to see my man in the flesh – can’t wait!!!
Went to Charlie O’s for some dinner – so embarrassing having to sit by yourself but I am by myself so what can I do? Had some Southern styled chicken and then asked for a half rack of ribs. It was MASSIVE. Was told the servings here are big but not that big did I ever imagine!! Had half and took the rest home, which is where I went so I could load up my photos from the day and crash – still a little tired. Watched some baseball and went to bed
New York Trip September 2008
Day 1
Crappy start to holiday.
Plane from Brisbane left 2 and a half hours late, meaning I was not going to get my connecting flight in LA unless we made up some great time! Not so bad though because I got to watch Roger win his 4th round match. One more for him to win and I will see him play in the flesh.
Flew Business Class from Brisbane to LA and it was great! Nice big seats, good food and good service. Tried to sleep but felt the few bumps along the way. Not too bad a flight, could have been smoother, but can’t complain.
It all went to shit when arriving in LA. Was late so was rebooked on an American Airlines flight at 11am (instead of Qantas 9.45am flight), so not too bad. Bag took an eternity to come out and by the time it did the line through customs was a mile long. Because my flight was going soon I managed to get a Qantas person to take me though. BUT they are hopeless. I was paged by Qantas but when I went to speak to them they didn’t know why?? The page said urgent….whatever!
The ladies from Qantas were pretty useless but finally figured I had to go to Terminal 4 and get on the American Airlines flight. Whilst checking in (had to ask about 5 times how to get to where I had to get), saw Megan Gale and her man Andy Lees. He looked straight at me but didn’t recognize me?? Pretty cute guy and she is really gorgeous! Seemed a little arrogant though – probably just me because I was pretty pissed off at this stage.
Got on the flight and went from the Penthouse to the shithouse. Not only did I not get a business class seat, I was ‘coach’ right down back and stuck in the middle aisle middle seat!!! AND AA do not feed you, you have to pay. I paid to fly Qantas so I could upgrade if I wanted, and get fed. I got neither, fingers crossed I get FF points. Had to pay US$10 for a shit chicken sandwich – I thought America was meant to be cheaper!!! And this crappy airline had no video or radio, so for 5 hours I twiddled my thumbs!
So right now it is the 3rd September and I am somewhere over the middle of America. Meant to be arriving in NY at 7pm their time (in about 3 hours). Very tired because of time difference and only got about 2 hours on plane over. Will get back to hotel, check in and crash. Then I can be bright and alert (hopefully) tomorrow when my holiday starts.
Plan on doing a walk but will find somewhere I can watch Roger play his ¼ final – he just has to win!!!
Crappy start to holiday.
Plane from Brisbane left 2 and a half hours late, meaning I was not going to get my connecting flight in LA unless we made up some great time! Not so bad though because I got to watch Roger win his 4th round match. One more for him to win and I will see him play in the flesh.
Flew Business Class from Brisbane to LA and it was great! Nice big seats, good food and good service. Tried to sleep but felt the few bumps along the way. Not too bad a flight, could have been smoother, but can’t complain.
It all went to shit when arriving in LA. Was late so was rebooked on an American Airlines flight at 11am (instead of Qantas 9.45am flight), so not too bad. Bag took an eternity to come out and by the time it did the line through customs was a mile long. Because my flight was going soon I managed to get a Qantas person to take me though. BUT they are hopeless. I was paged by Qantas but when I went to speak to them they didn’t know why?? The page said urgent….whatever!
The ladies from Qantas were pretty useless but finally figured I had to go to Terminal 4 and get on the American Airlines flight. Whilst checking in (had to ask about 5 times how to get to where I had to get), saw Megan Gale and her man Andy Lees. He looked straight at me but didn’t recognize me?? Pretty cute guy and she is really gorgeous! Seemed a little arrogant though – probably just me because I was pretty pissed off at this stage.
Got on the flight and went from the Penthouse to the shithouse. Not only did I not get a business class seat, I was ‘coach’ right down back and stuck in the middle aisle middle seat!!! AND AA do not feed you, you have to pay. I paid to fly Qantas so I could upgrade if I wanted, and get fed. I got neither, fingers crossed I get FF points. Had to pay US$10 for a shit chicken sandwich – I thought America was meant to be cheaper!!! And this crappy airline had no video or radio, so for 5 hours I twiddled my thumbs!
So right now it is the 3rd September and I am somewhere over the middle of America. Meant to be arriving in NY at 7pm their time (in about 3 hours). Very tired because of time difference and only got about 2 hours on plane over. Will get back to hotel, check in and crash. Then I can be bright and alert (hopefully) tomorrow when my holiday starts.
Plan on doing a walk but will find somewhere I can watch Roger play his ¼ final – he just has to win!!!
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