23rd September - Thursday - New York
The train trip was loooong - 13 hours but it did seem to go rather quickly, if that makes any sense?? Got out at Madison Square Penn St Station where an ice hockey game had just finished so kinda crazy. Pete having a cigga where this random guy comes up and wants to offer lift. I am not keen as he is NOT a cab driver and I have read warnings about accepting lifts with randoms. But Pete says yes and I try to get out of it by saying I have no US dollars. He is like no worries, I will take you to 42nd street. So nervously I get in (admittedly nice car) and we finally get to hotel and as expected ripped off. We travelled 10 blocks max and got charged $40 - barstard - but hey at least we made it. Welcome to NY! After 10pm by the time we checked in so went walking and of course, like insects, we were attracted to the lights of Times Square. Didn't make it the whole way, instead found the Pig and Whistle (lots of Irish pubs in this place!). Had a bite to eat and a couple of drinks. Back to hotel about 12.30am and sleep time.
24th September - Friday
Longest walk this trip, for sure - equivalent of 80 blocks me thinks! Brooklyn bridge, river park, chelsea piers, greenwich village. dinner in, pete out. And it was so hot today - we have been really lucky with the weather - only whinge is the stifling heat at times. But can't complain - rain makes things a lot harder to do.
25th September - Saturday
Yankee stadium today. Walked again in morning - all this walking really is tiring. I feel guilty on days when I don't want to do anything but seriously it is needed - and I guess that is what holidays are for!
Boston Redsox won - yipee! Big Papi had a couple of hits and RBI's. Had no troubles getting on subway and getting out to the bronx. Got on wrong train at 59th on the way back but no worries, just got off at 50th (dodgy looking place) and got on the right one - 2 blocks from unit - cool!
26th September - Sunday
So we buy the hop on hop off tickets today - allows us 2 days travelling and we can do uptown, downtown, Brooklyn, Night tour, museums and boat cruise.
Today we do the downtown and Brooklyn tour. We got off at Statten Island ferry first and took the trip over to Statten Island and got to see the big green lady. She is amazing and I can imagine how she inspired hope for people immigrating to America. Raining most of the day but only lightly. Pity though, because when wanting to take photos in the rain, they are never very clear. At least the memories will be bright, even if the photos are a bit drab. Our eating habits continue to be all over the place. Had breakfast, no lunch and dinner??
27th September - Monday
So today we set off again (on foot) and it is pouring. But I am determined to do uptown tour. We do it, with our little ponchos on and it really was funny - getting drenched on open air bus. I can only imagine what the locals think of us tourists LOL. Go through harlem and the area we went through was West Harlem - pretty nice area actually. Except for when one little brat through a broken off car antenna up into bus. Seriously, it missed me by one foot. The bus driver stopped, and the guide took it over to a policeman and pointed out the prat. Apparently they do that (because it is sooo funny!) and police have asked that the bus stops and lets them know when it happens. The aerial could of done some serious damage if it hit me - it was pretty ragged. Lucky for me, God was on my side when it was thrown. Got off at the American Natural Museum and spent a few hours in there - good way to spend a rainy day.
The guide told us as more residents live down 9th and 10th avenue that is the best place to get cheaper good food. Obviously owners charge through the roof where the tourists go, so we headed down and found another cool little Irish pub - Daltons. Met Collette the barmaid from Ireland and had a few drinks with her (she shouted our last Stellas) before heading down to Circle LIne cruise for our 2 hour night cruise. It left at 7pm and we got there at 6.30pm - only to find out it had left! WTF? Our ticket clearly says 7pm. They try to argue with us that we should have checked the net but there is nothing anywhere that suggests you need to check. We were not happy so Pete spoke to manager and they told us to come back tomorrow. So we trudged home in the pouring rain, a little despondant.
28th September - Tuesday
Best day on our trip. Well it didn't start that way. I called Circle Line and they told us NO refunds. I was really upset and told them it was a really shabby way to treat paying customers. We decided to walk down and we strucky a helpful girl who suggested we take the 3 hour island tour leaving in 5 minutes instead. So we did and even though it poured rain (more drab photos), it was great - getting to see all of Manhattan from the water. They have about a million bridges and about a trillion buildings - old mixed in with the new. Really amazing. And the guide knew everything - twas great.
Had some lunch at Daniella's Trattoria - very nice and very late. headed home to change so we could go to see Wicked. OMG it was unreal - we both absolutely loved it.
29th September - Wednesday
Home..yeh!! currently sitting in One World lounge after a smooth flight over from NY. LA to Sydney then one more leg to Brissy - happy to be heading home now:)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
LOVE LOVE LOVE Toronto!!
20th September - Monday
Up early and finished off what little packing there was that needed to be done and headed up to the station to get on the train for Montreal. Lucky us got to have our own little sitting area, with free coffee, drinks and wifi. Didn't have to wait for long - like all trains so far this trip, running on time. Travelled first class to Toronto which was cool as we had drinks amd food supplied. Was about a 5.5 to 6 hour trip but went relatively quickly. Only bummer was that the wifi did not work properly so I couldn't upload any of my photos. It started working in Toronto area but I needed about 60 minutes to download photos and only had 10. Arrived at Union and fantastic, our hotel Fairmont Royal York was directly across the road. No cab needed, just rolled our gear over. Talk about grand old hotel - lovely looking. But old it is, our fridge doesn't work, no ice making machines and no wifi supplied. So all photos and blogs will have to wait until we head off to New York (oh exciting too, I thought we only had 5 nights in NY but we have 6 - wahoo). We had a tonne of washing to do so Pete reminded me we needed to take it to laundromat. When in Montreal I did a google search and found one in Queen St Toronto. So we starting walking blindly in Toronto and had to ask once to find Queen St, but find it we did. And saw a bit of Toronto - I love it already! Queen St is cool, McCaul St is funky and Baldwin st is unreal. Kinda like Sydney's Newtown. Didn't find the laundromat that I thought I had found but we asked some girl and she pointed us out to Baldwin St. We found laundromat, and God bless the lady, she said she would do our wash and dry and fold in 3 hours. So we left her and found a pub (as you do) and had a few drinkies there, before finding another, The Village Idiot, and had some more there along with a lovely pub counter meal. Got a cheap cab ride back to hotel and I came up with washing, and left Pete downstairs so he could have a cigga. It is now 20 minutes later and still no Pete, I bet he has gone walking trying to find somewhere to keep having a drink - is cool, been a long day and I am happy to chill now and get up tomorrow and walk Toronto. Originally we had planned to do Niagara tomorrow but we both agreed we will do it Wednesday. So long day but good day all round!
21st September - Tuesday
This morning we were up and made the decision we needed to get a tripod. Initially we had breakky at Easy Over and Derek our waiter was fantastic. Gave us all these tips about Toronto and Niagara and we talked for ages about his love for Cate Blanchett and Australia (we love hearing good things about our country). Walked the waterfront, found Rogers Centre and CN Tower. Only by chance did we find this underground network of shops - unbelieveable, the whole city is basically joined by walkways between buildings. You catch a train to work and walk 6 or 7 blocks to your building and not wee daylight. And of course there are a million brilliant shops. I could have spent all day in there but I had to be mindful of Pete and understand he is not a woman and doesn't love shopping. Bought myself some little black boots, Pete a belt and most importantly a tripod. The people here are just lovely. We asked directions from one guy and he basically walked us the whole way, making his father wait for him whilst he did so. So kind:) The no eating all day continued, so by afternoon we were ready for a couple of drinks before we headed up CN Tower. We also made a reservation for 9.15pm in thed 360 degree revolving restaurant. Whilst having a few drinks at Casey's I downloaded some emails (only place we could get wifi) and got the awful news that Mrs Stewy's Missy had not survived her surgery (due to be3 hit by next door neighbour car) - so sad, I even shed a tear for MIssy (and Mrs Stewy). When having a Stella noticed all these people walking down the street in jerseys, that were NOT baseball ones. Asked the question, as I do, and found out that the Toronto Maple Leafs were having a fan's day where free tickets were being given away for the preseason opener. So we had a decision to make, NHL or dinner and CN Tower. We have never been to an NHL game, obviously, and CN Tower would be there Wednesday night, so Ice Hockey it was. But the horrible thing, when we got there (all of 1 block away), was you had to get on stage and do stupid things to win tickets. I wasn't about to do that, so I sidled up to the stage entrance and asked what you needed to do to win tickets. Was told what I just said so I said, well I am from Australia, we don't have ice, would that do. and God bless her, the promo girl said here take these and run! LOL, so I did - we were in! And what a night -we loved it!! Sat beside Dan and Steve (and their children, who incidentally just got married), and Dan was great, he explained everything to us - I actually think he enjoyed doing so. The poor old Maple Leafs got flogged by Ottawa 5 zip. One step up from our seat was an exit, that led to a bar, food and the cleanest public event toilets I have ever seen. The game was 3 20 minute periods but went for about 2 hours - the players were amazing athletes - so agile on skates and tough! They smash each other all the time and some players, although very good, specifically come on to bring on the biff - brilliant!! Got home about 10.30pm and decided we needed to eat (at 14 hours earlier). Ate and crashed.
22nd September - Wednesday
It had to happen - we have had perfect weather all buy one day so the day we go to Niagara the weather puts on a show. Never mind - Niagara is all about water anyway, right? Picked up by Courtney at 8.30am but due to weather and cars, we didn't really get moving for 2 hours - time lost on trip already. Rained the whole way but the bus was very comfortable. We stopped for coffee and met Aaron. Young Aussie boy who has been travelling Canada by himself for the last 4 months. He asked if he could tag along with us - of course we said. So chatting to him made the trip go quick and before you knew it we were stopping at the Flower Clock - very nice gift from the Canadian and US Hydro guys (apparently they share the Niagara River..). Next stop, for lunch, was the town called Niagara-on-the-Lake. Labelled prettiest town in Canada and it certainly seems as though it could be. In fact, the rain made everything so wet and highlighted the beautiful greenery and colour. Took some lovely photos. Next off to the Falls and they were great! Not has tall as we expected but great nevertheless. Did the Maid of the Mist tour and had so much fun gettng wet - who would have thought? Street up town was different - such beautiful nature down in the gorge such tacky touristy shops up top. We spent the last 30 minutes back looking at falls - much nicer. Oh though I did buy Purply his spoon he requested! Long trip back to town and I am said to admit, we were knackered. We didn't get to CN Tower - in fact we both ate, watched a movie and crashed.
23rd September - Thursday
So I sadly type this whilst sitting on a train bound for NYC. As excited as I am to be heading back to New York, I am very sad to be leaving Toronto - simply put - I LOVE TORONTO!! Hindsight is a wonderful thing they say - if I had it, I would have only spent the 2 days in Montreal (so we could do Lanterns and then last day walk in park) and the other 3 days tacked onto our Toronto trip. But alas I can't and so Pete and I head off to our last leg of our wonderful holiday. 6 nights in NYC, this time staying in Chelsea. We don't get into tonight about 10pm and am a little put out that this time, business class on Amtrak, does not offer wifi, nor food service - damn!!
Up early and finished off what little packing there was that needed to be done and headed up to the station to get on the train for Montreal. Lucky us got to have our own little sitting area, with free coffee, drinks and wifi. Didn't have to wait for long - like all trains so far this trip, running on time. Travelled first class to Toronto which was cool as we had drinks amd food supplied. Was about a 5.5 to 6 hour trip but went relatively quickly. Only bummer was that the wifi did not work properly so I couldn't upload any of my photos. It started working in Toronto area but I needed about 60 minutes to download photos and only had 10. Arrived at Union and fantastic, our hotel Fairmont Royal York was directly across the road. No cab needed, just rolled our gear over. Talk about grand old hotel - lovely looking. But old it is, our fridge doesn't work, no ice making machines and no wifi supplied. So all photos and blogs will have to wait until we head off to New York (oh exciting too, I thought we only had 5 nights in NY but we have 6 - wahoo). We had a tonne of washing to do so Pete reminded me we needed to take it to laundromat. When in Montreal I did a google search and found one in Queen St Toronto. So we starting walking blindly in Toronto and had to ask once to find Queen St, but find it we did. And saw a bit of Toronto - I love it already! Queen St is cool, McCaul St is funky and Baldwin st is unreal. Kinda like Sydney's Newtown. Didn't find the laundromat that I thought I had found but we asked some girl and she pointed us out to Baldwin St. We found laundromat, and God bless the lady, she said she would do our wash and dry and fold in 3 hours. So we left her and found a pub (as you do) and had a few drinkies there, before finding another, The Village Idiot, and had some more there along with a lovely pub counter meal. Got a cheap cab ride back to hotel and I came up with washing, and left Pete downstairs so he could have a cigga. It is now 20 minutes later and still no Pete, I bet he has gone walking trying to find somewhere to keep having a drink - is cool, been a long day and I am happy to chill now and get up tomorrow and walk Toronto. Originally we had planned to do Niagara tomorrow but we both agreed we will do it Wednesday. So long day but good day all round!
21st September - Tuesday
This morning we were up and made the decision we needed to get a tripod. Initially we had breakky at Easy Over and Derek our waiter was fantastic. Gave us all these tips about Toronto and Niagara and we talked for ages about his love for Cate Blanchett and Australia (we love hearing good things about our country). Walked the waterfront, found Rogers Centre and CN Tower. Only by chance did we find this underground network of shops - unbelieveable, the whole city is basically joined by walkways between buildings. You catch a train to work and walk 6 or 7 blocks to your building and not wee daylight. And of course there are a million brilliant shops. I could have spent all day in there but I had to be mindful of Pete and understand he is not a woman and doesn't love shopping. Bought myself some little black boots, Pete a belt and most importantly a tripod. The people here are just lovely. We asked directions from one guy and he basically walked us the whole way, making his father wait for him whilst he did so. So kind:) The no eating all day continued, so by afternoon we were ready for a couple of drinks before we headed up CN Tower. We also made a reservation for 9.15pm in thed 360 degree revolving restaurant. Whilst having a few drinks at Casey's I downloaded some emails (only place we could get wifi) and got the awful news that Mrs Stewy's Missy had not survived her surgery (due to be3 hit by next door neighbour car) - so sad, I even shed a tear for MIssy (and Mrs Stewy). When having a Stella noticed all these people walking down the street in jerseys, that were NOT baseball ones. Asked the question, as I do, and found out that the Toronto Maple Leafs were having a fan's day where free tickets were being given away for the preseason opener. So we had a decision to make, NHL or dinner and CN Tower. We have never been to an NHL game, obviously, and CN Tower would be there Wednesday night, so Ice Hockey it was. But the horrible thing, when we got there (all of 1 block away), was you had to get on stage and do stupid things to win tickets. I wasn't about to do that, so I sidled up to the stage entrance and asked what you needed to do to win tickets. Was told what I just said so I said, well I am from Australia, we don't have ice, would that do. and God bless her, the promo girl said here take these and run! LOL, so I did - we were in! And what a night -we loved it!! Sat beside Dan and Steve (and their children, who incidentally just got married), and Dan was great, he explained everything to us - I actually think he enjoyed doing so. The poor old Maple Leafs got flogged by Ottawa 5 zip. One step up from our seat was an exit, that led to a bar, food and the cleanest public event toilets I have ever seen. The game was 3 20 minute periods but went for about 2 hours - the players were amazing athletes - so agile on skates and tough! They smash each other all the time and some players, although very good, specifically come on to bring on the biff - brilliant!! Got home about 10.30pm and decided we needed to eat (at 14 hours earlier). Ate and crashed.
22nd September - Wednesday
It had to happen - we have had perfect weather all buy one day so the day we go to Niagara the weather puts on a show. Never mind - Niagara is all about water anyway, right? Picked up by Courtney at 8.30am but due to weather and cars, we didn't really get moving for 2 hours - time lost on trip already. Rained the whole way but the bus was very comfortable. We stopped for coffee and met Aaron. Young Aussie boy who has been travelling Canada by himself for the last 4 months. He asked if he could tag along with us - of course we said. So chatting to him made the trip go quick and before you knew it we were stopping at the Flower Clock - very nice gift from the Canadian and US Hydro guys (apparently they share the Niagara River..). Next stop, for lunch, was the town called Niagara-on-the-Lake. Labelled prettiest town in Canada and it certainly seems as though it could be. In fact, the rain made everything so wet and highlighted the beautiful greenery and colour. Took some lovely photos. Next off to the Falls and they were great! Not has tall as we expected but great nevertheless. Did the Maid of the Mist tour and had so much fun gettng wet - who would have thought? Street up town was different - such beautiful nature down in the gorge such tacky touristy shops up top. We spent the last 30 minutes back looking at falls - much nicer. Oh though I did buy Purply his spoon he requested! Long trip back to town and I am said to admit, we were knackered. We didn't get to CN Tower - in fact we both ate, watched a movie and crashed.
23rd September - Thursday
So I sadly type this whilst sitting on a train bound for NYC. As excited as I am to be heading back to New York, I am very sad to be leaving Toronto - simply put - I LOVE TORONTO!! Hindsight is a wonderful thing they say - if I had it, I would have only spent the 2 days in Montreal (so we could do Lanterns and then last day walk in park) and the other 3 days tacked onto our Toronto trip. But alas I can't and so Pete and I head off to our last leg of our wonderful holiday. 6 nights in NYC, this time staying in Chelsea. We don't get into tonight about 10pm and am a little put out that this time, business class on Amtrak, does not offer wifi, nor food service - damn!!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
The end of Montreal
19th September - Sunday
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. My Sunday morning - it doesn't appear to be going anywhere, so frustrating because I keep waking up tired!
Anyway battle on. Last night we didn't go to Houston. We checked some online reviews and 66% were bad (ok only 3 reviews but.....). Pity as it was just around corner so decided on a good steak. Have not had a steak since being in North America/Canada. Did a google search and found Vieux-Port Steakhouse, so back down to the cobblestoned streets of Vioux Montreal. Montreal comes alive at night! Masses and masses of people - was fun getting there. We didn't have a reservation so had a drink in the bar whilst waiting. Only had to wait about 20 minutes. Were taken up to the 2nd floor (huge restaurant), but it was still cozy. Nice window seat so we could people watch the people walking St Paul East St. Had a massive steak, but it was delish. Couldn't eat it alol (odd for me!) but left a little room for coffee and creme brulee. Megs you would have loved this creme brulee - it was in a saucer size dish - thought of you and told Pete the funny Dan story when we ate it. Had the loveliest waiter, who showing some
interest (yeh) brought another waiter over. He had lived in Australia for a year (surfing) so was very nice in wanting to come over and say hi. Dinner was over after a leisurely 2.5 hours. Some poor homeless guy was playing the recorder when we came out and it was really beautiful music. Pete and I both emptied our coins and handed it over. He was sweet, he told Pete he was from Australia too, but we don't think so!
Anyway today I got up earlier than Pete and went and sorted our tickets from Montreal to Toronto. Upgraded our tickets so we could get lunch on board (it is a 5.5 hour trip). Still have no laundry done so scrimping to find clothes. Found one in Toronto so first thing I do when I arrive in Toronto is laundry (how dull!!).
Came back to collect Pete and we headed off to Parc du Mont-Royal. Up to Peel St and were strolling along and then we saw the hill up Peel hill - eeek! Reminded me of Darley Rd at Manly - and wouldn't you know it - there was a hospital at the end of this hill too. Anyway managed to drag my arse up that hill and was horrified to see that the park had steps to the summit! OH God, but nothing could stop me wanting to see Montreal from the top, so onward and upward. Really pretty surroundings but on the way Up I was not so much enjoying them LOL. When we got to the Chalet and look out, well if my breath wasn't already expired due to the steep incline, it would have been taking away with the view - so beautiful!! Walked out the back and kept going up right up to the Croix. Was able to enjoy the scenery so much more on our walk down - hell almost felt like I could jog!! 3 hours later we were back down to
Rue St Catherine, had a bite to eat and grabbed some drinkies and back to our hotel. Whilst walking we talked about Montreal and our initial opinions. I have changed my mind and I do like Montreal. Quantifying my previous comments, we talked about the city's local stone they use (Sydney has sandstone for example). Pete being a chippy thinks the buildings are built using their local stone - and it looks the colour of concrete, hence my opinion of drab looking (and it was a rainy day). Since then we have had beautiful perfect weather and although the buildings are a little drab not so much in the sunlight. Also we didn't realise the city was so big (3.5 million) - no wonder it is a little dirtier than Boston (500, 000) - amazing how you change your opinion when you know all the facts. BUT I will still say our first 2 days we met some really rude people. I know I should speak the local language but no excuse, if somebody (me or Pete) is talking to somebody politely, even in a foreign language (this being English), you should never be waved away, ignored, yelled at (walking biatch) or have a back turned on you - this happened to us in the first 2 days - we were really stunned. Yesterday morning we had a lovely girl serve us and from then on it would seem we only met the nice people which was really nice because obviously opinions change when you are treated respectfully.
Montreal is nice, and tonight is our last night. Still number 4 on my last of the 4 cities visited but I would recommend it, but with a disclaimer. Learn some French - don't be ignorant like I have been and learn about where you are going first so you can be prepared!
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. My Sunday morning - it doesn't appear to be going anywhere, so frustrating because I keep waking up tired!
Anyway battle on. Last night we didn't go to Houston. We checked some online reviews and 66% were bad (ok only 3 reviews but.....). Pity as it was just around corner so decided on a good steak. Have not had a steak since being in North America/Canada. Did a google search and found Vieux-Port Steakhouse, so back down to the cobblestoned streets of Vioux Montreal. Montreal comes alive at night! Masses and masses of people - was fun getting there. We didn't have a reservation so had a drink in the bar whilst waiting. Only had to wait about 20 minutes. Were taken up to the 2nd floor (huge restaurant), but it was still cozy. Nice window seat so we could people watch the people walking St Paul East St. Had a massive steak, but it was delish. Couldn't eat it alol (odd for me!) but left a little room for coffee and creme brulee. Megs you would have loved this creme brulee - it was in a saucer size dish - thought of you and told Pete the funny Dan story when we ate it. Had the loveliest waiter, who showing some
interest (yeh) brought another waiter over. He had lived in Australia for a year (surfing) so was very nice in wanting to come over and say hi. Dinner was over after a leisurely 2.5 hours. Some poor homeless guy was playing the recorder when we came out and it was really beautiful music. Pete and I both emptied our coins and handed it over. He was sweet, he told Pete he was from Australia too, but we don't think so!
Anyway today I got up earlier than Pete and went and sorted our tickets from Montreal to Toronto. Upgraded our tickets so we could get lunch on board (it is a 5.5 hour trip). Still have no laundry done so scrimping to find clothes. Found one in Toronto so first thing I do when I arrive in Toronto is laundry (how dull!!).
Came back to collect Pete and we headed off to Parc du Mont-Royal. Up to Peel St and were strolling along and then we saw the hill up Peel hill - eeek! Reminded me of Darley Rd at Manly - and wouldn't you know it - there was a hospital at the end of this hill too. Anyway managed to drag my arse up that hill and was horrified to see that the park had steps to the summit! OH God, but nothing could stop me wanting to see Montreal from the top, so onward and upward. Really pretty surroundings but on the way Up I was not so much enjoying them LOL. When we got to the Chalet and look out, well if my breath wasn't already expired due to the steep incline, it would have been taking away with the view - so beautiful!! Walked out the back and kept going up right up to the Croix. Was able to enjoy the scenery so much more on our walk down - hell almost felt like I could jog!! 3 hours later we were back down to
Rue St Catherine, had a bite to eat and grabbed some drinkies and back to our hotel. Whilst walking we talked about Montreal and our initial opinions. I have changed my mind and I do like Montreal. Quantifying my previous comments, we talked about the city's local stone they use (Sydney has sandstone for example). Pete being a chippy thinks the buildings are built using their local stone - and it looks the colour of concrete, hence my opinion of drab looking (and it was a rainy day). Since then we have had beautiful perfect weather and although the buildings are a little drab not so much in the sunlight. Also we didn't realise the city was so big (3.5 million) - no wonder it is a little dirtier than Boston (500, 000) - amazing how you change your opinion when you know all the facts. BUT I will still say our first 2 days we met some really rude people. I know I should speak the local language but no excuse, if somebody (me or Pete) is talking to somebody politely, even in a foreign language (this being English), you should never be waved away, ignored, yelled at (walking biatch) or have a back turned on you - this happened to us in the first 2 days - we were really stunned. Yesterday morning we had a lovely girl serve us and from then on it would seem we only met the nice people which was really nice because obviously opinions change when you are treated respectfully.
Montreal is nice, and tonight is our last night. Still number 4 on my last of the 4 cities visited but I would recommend it, but with a disclaimer. Learn some French - don't be ignorant like I have been and learn about where you are going first so you can be prepared!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Saturday continued
OK, it would seem that perhaps we have been going to the wrong places because tonight we had if not the best, the second best meal on our holiday and were treated just perfectly by our awesome waiter - he showed interest in us, even though we didn't speak French and he even brought over another waiter who surfed Australia for a year - just lovely people. So glad that we have experienced a good last 24 hours - really didn't like feeling bad about a place. Still prefer Boston the most but Montreal ain't so bad. If I came back I think I would do things differently. It seems night is right time to go out :)
Montreal Continued
17th September - Friday
We both woke up sick, again I coughed all night. Seems to be lying down and air con? Got up and went and got good old maccas for breakky. Decided I needed to get out and about. Pete wanted to lay low and try and get better so I did my next downtown walk as the book suggested. Saw a salon where nails could be done. Thought that I should spoil myself and have a pedicure and my nails done. Now that I am not playing softball I can be a bit girly and have long nails. They look gorgeous, even if I do say so myself. Even with a little flower on one - love them!!
Went back to get Pete for lunch but he wasn't up for it yet so I finished my original walk with a few detours. Walked up St Laurent to this place recommended called Schwartz (that is not it's real name, people call it that. Here they have a law where French must be written/spoken first therefore the name is unpronounceable for me). It is a Hebrew Deli but there was a line of about 20 - obviously good stuff but I didn't hang around. I was meeting Pete for a late lunch/early dinner as we had decided to go up to Montreal Botanic Gardens to see the Festival of Lanterns. walked through Chinatown and it was a little dirty and a bit scary in some spots (as we just wander some of the times we seem to always find the dodgy streets lol) but we found a nice little restaurant and had a late lunch/early dinner. Walked back up to St Laurent train station and caught the Metro to Pie IX. Of course we walked the wrong way
but it was kinda cool because we got to see Montreal Olympic Stadium - apparently the stadium was controversial when built? Odd looking but cool too!
Made it to the Gardens and what lovely gardens! There were heaps of people riding, running and roller blading around this track, but there were no signs for us to get to this Festival of Lanterns. Nothing new to us, kinda being running blind here because of our lock of French speaking skills:) Saw some cars and found an entry to another part of the gardens. We had to pay (which is odd) but we wanted to see the lanterns so pay we did. Disappointing thing was that 2 exhibits which Pete had mentioned wanting
to see where closed due to some labor dispute - WTF? Sort it out peoples, we are paying money to miss out on things!! Walked all around the gardens, Japanese, Lilacs, everywhere leaving the Chinese Gardens to last (and to dark). When we finally got there we were not disappointed. Unbelievably beautiful lanterns amongst some beautiful gardens. Snapped myself silly with photos and of course ran out of batteries before even getting half way. Lucky I was able to buy batteries and continue snapping. All my snaps might be mindless to others but they will always mean something to me and Pete. Last night was beautiful so I have taken lots and lots of photos. Got back late and we were a little hungry but like all other days out eating is all over the place - one or maybe 2 meal a day - that's it and always at weird times:)
18th September - Saturday
Had more sleep than previous nights but again coughed all night - is it getting better? I think so - I hope so. Found a recommended restaurant, Eggspectations and had late breakky and early lunch - yum yum yum. Walked the water front again - it could be so pretty with all that water but it has all these old working buildings - ugly! We are walking the waterfront at Vioux Montreal, perhaps there is a better place?? Anyway we kept walking and found a lock which allows water in and out to let boats move through - that was kinda cool! Then up to Rue Saint Catherine to shop! Oh forgot walked around trying to find laundromat - don't they have them here??
Anyway back to shopping. Went to La Baie (or something like that, a big David Jones) and found all these accesses to underground shopping. Seriously the street facades hide these amazing dens of shops - I could have spent the whole day there - oh it was beautiful and Pete was patient and let me buy some stuff but forced me out about 3.30pm back to hotel. Having a few drinks now before heading out to dinner - Houston we think. 2nd last night here. And even though it is better than my first impression I am looking forward to seeing Toronto.
The thing about Montreal is I am comparing to Boston, Washington and NY and sadly it is coming in 4th place. Well Boston was perfect in cleaniness and friendliness and beautiful buildings and lots of beautiful colours (oh and their waterfront). NY well just plain exciting and probably had the dodgy bits but we only saw a few. Washington was super clean but I guess it is the Americans - they made us feel very welcome and were always excited to learn we were from Australia and wanted to know about us and our country/state. Here they don't give a crap - perhaps it is the French because I have heard that about them. Not that they are rude (well not all - one biatch I would love to tell you about doesn't deserve mentioning ), but not overly friendly or helpful either - I am really not sure what it is, it just hasn't grabbed either of us. Not having a bad time, but if you compares city and fun had, Montreal is coming in 4th at the moment - sorry Montreal fans:(
We both woke up sick, again I coughed all night. Seems to be lying down and air con? Got up and went and got good old maccas for breakky. Decided I needed to get out and about. Pete wanted to lay low and try and get better so I did my next downtown walk as the book suggested. Saw a salon where nails could be done. Thought that I should spoil myself and have a pedicure and my nails done. Now that I am not playing softball I can be a bit girly and have long nails. They look gorgeous, even if I do say so myself. Even with a little flower on one - love them!!
Went back to get Pete for lunch but he wasn't up for it yet so I finished my original walk with a few detours. Walked up St Laurent to this place recommended called Schwartz (that is not it's real name, people call it that. Here they have a law where French must be written/spoken first therefore the name is unpronounceable for me). It is a Hebrew Deli but there was a line of about 20 - obviously good stuff but I didn't hang around. I was meeting Pete for a late lunch/early dinner as we had decided to go up to Montreal Botanic Gardens to see the Festival of Lanterns. walked through Chinatown and it was a little dirty and a bit scary in some spots (as we just wander some of the times we seem to always find the dodgy streets lol) but we found a nice little restaurant and had a late lunch/early dinner. Walked back up to St Laurent train station and caught the Metro to Pie IX. Of course we walked the wrong way
but it was kinda cool because we got to see Montreal Olympic Stadium - apparently the stadium was controversial when built? Odd looking but cool too!
Made it to the Gardens and what lovely gardens! There were heaps of people riding, running and roller blading around this track, but there were no signs for us to get to this Festival of Lanterns. Nothing new to us, kinda being running blind here because of our lock of French speaking skills:) Saw some cars and found an entry to another part of the gardens. We had to pay (which is odd) but we wanted to see the lanterns so pay we did. Disappointing thing was that 2 exhibits which Pete had mentioned wanting
to see where closed due to some labor dispute - WTF? Sort it out peoples, we are paying money to miss out on things!! Walked all around the gardens, Japanese, Lilacs, everywhere leaving the Chinese Gardens to last (and to dark). When we finally got there we were not disappointed. Unbelievably beautiful lanterns amongst some beautiful gardens. Snapped myself silly with photos and of course ran out of batteries before even getting half way. Lucky I was able to buy batteries and continue snapping. All my snaps might be mindless to others but they will always mean something to me and Pete. Last night was beautiful so I have taken lots and lots of photos. Got back late and we were a little hungry but like all other days out eating is all over the place - one or maybe 2 meal a day - that's it and always at weird times:)
18th September - Saturday
Had more sleep than previous nights but again coughed all night - is it getting better? I think so - I hope so. Found a recommended restaurant, Eggspectations and had late breakky and early lunch - yum yum yum. Walked the water front again - it could be so pretty with all that water but it has all these old working buildings - ugly! We are walking the waterfront at Vioux Montreal, perhaps there is a better place?? Anyway we kept walking and found a lock which allows water in and out to let boats move through - that was kinda cool! Then up to Rue Saint Catherine to shop! Oh forgot walked around trying to find laundromat - don't they have them here??
Anyway back to shopping. Went to La Baie (or something like that, a big David Jones) and found all these accesses to underground shopping. Seriously the street facades hide these amazing dens of shops - I could have spent the whole day there - oh it was beautiful and Pete was patient and let me buy some stuff but forced me out about 3.30pm back to hotel. Having a few drinks now before heading out to dinner - Houston we think. 2nd last night here. And even though it is better than my first impression I am looking forward to seeing Toronto.
The thing about Montreal is I am comparing to Boston, Washington and NY and sadly it is coming in 4th place. Well Boston was perfect in cleaniness and friendliness and beautiful buildings and lots of beautiful colours (oh and their waterfront). NY well just plain exciting and probably had the dodgy bits but we only saw a few. Washington was super clean but I guess it is the Americans - they made us feel very welcome and were always excited to learn we were from Australia and wanted to know about us and our country/state. Here they don't give a crap - perhaps it is the French because I have heard that about them. Not that they are rude (well not all - one biatch I would love to tell you about doesn't deserve mentioning ), but not overly friendly or helpful either - I am really not sure what it is, it just hasn't grabbed either of us. Not having a bad time, but if you compares city and fun had, Montreal is coming in 4th at the moment - sorry Montreal fans:(
Thursday, September 16, 2010
15th September - Boston
So we get into Montreal about 6pm and the area we drove into was less than impressive?? Got a cab to our hotel and whoa!! I knew it was boutique but WOW - guess it really is a W hotel:) Lobby is funky beyond belief and our room is cool today - EXCEPT for the shower that is part of the living area! Yes that is right, I can be sitting on the bed or chaise lounge and watch Pete shower - if I wanted to! Never seen anything like this LOL. Long trip from Boston (miss Boston!!), so ordered in and it was a very bland pizza and one dessert which cost us $56!! My cough and sneezing is getting worse too - don't know how he did it, but Pete slept through all my coughing last night. Lucky him, I didn't:(
16th September - Thursday
Woke up feeling horrible - cough cough cough all night long! Forced myself up and we went for a recommended walk around Vieux Montreal (old Montreal). Some lovely buildings, but seriously with the overcast weather, it was so bland. I am sorry to say this, but totally underwhelmed with what we saw! Some cute lanes (cobblestoned), and lots of restaurants and a MILLION souvenir shops. Had dinner (that's lunch to Aussies) at this cool little Italian restaurant and that was just lovely. Decided to go and have a look at centreville (main part of town) but Pete needed to get back to hotel. Lucky as it started pouring rain and to this time, it continues. Can't complain really though - 1st day of rain in nearly 3 weeks of our holiday - with weather we have been blessed. Just heard news and tomorrow should be clear - I hope so - I really want to get out and find a better part of Montreal - I am sure there are many - we have not found it yet. Pretty keen to go to Quebec City for a day (oh that reminds me, I had to get my laptop out for a reason and I forgot - it was so I could suss out trip to Quebec!!). Coughing again right now and it is doing my head in - I don't want to get sick - must stay well, still have 2 weeks of our holiday!!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Boston to Montreal
Tuesday 14th September
Our last day in beautiful Boston:( Pete went and got laundry but came back empty handed. Honestly the guy has no sense of direction. It was straight up one street, into another and there you go!! Gave him directions, again, and this time he found them. Went walking again (how come I haven't lose weight with all this walking??) but with a purpose this time. To find a very highly recommended Yum Cha (Dim Sum) restaurant in China Town. We found it and were so excited to think we were going to have top notch China. Well, what a let down. It was OK, but for starters the ladies kep turning their trolleys back to the kitchen before coming down our way. If it wasn't for the sharp eye of a floor guy, we wouldn't have eaten. Then we couldn't understand one word, LOL, they spoke NO English so some dishes we just went ok - bad idea!! It wasn't terribly gross but I guess I can only blame myself - worked myself upon a reco:( Walked down to Long Wharf to do our Boston Harbor (I know I know it is with a U but they don't) - absolutely beautiful - I love Boston! Sad knowing we have to go, but really so looking forward to Montreal. From our little Frommer's book it looks like a stunning place and we are going to do a day trip to Quebec City - another stunner according to book. We dined in as we had to get up early this morning to get on bus.
Oh and unpacked laundry to find a nice little pair of Size 0 jeans, um not mine!!! Left them for hotel to return to laundromat. It would appear that is what happened to Pete's lovely long sleeved Billabong shirt - looks like the Washington laundromat gave it to somebody else, because it is goneski!!
15th September - Wednesday - Boston
Up early to another magical day in Boston. Packed up everything that wasn't already packed and jumped in a cab to South Station to get our Greyhound bus. Arrived and man it was the dodgiest bus ever! I was so peeved! Website raves about belts, wifi, power and this bus had 'none of the above'. Lucky I brought my book otherwise I would have spent 7.5 hours staring out a window (albeit to beautiful scenery). However luck was on our side. When we got to some little town in Vermont we had to swap buses - apparently something wrong with the one we were on (yikes!!). Anyway new bus is a new bus with all of the boasted about mod cons. Hence me being able to type this and post it (as well as updating my latest photos). I hadn't recharged my laptops because I thought I could do it on the bus so I was mighty relieved when I could on the swap bus:) Pete doesn't understand why I am happy but I use this travelling time to update my photos, our banking (don't like looking at the credit card) and other stuff - helps the time pass. Anyway it is now 4.05pm Wednesday afternoon - very drab day but only about 20miles from the Canadian border - very much looking forward to getting to Montreal. Quiet night ahead though I think - then up and at 'em in the morning! Meanwhile to anybody having a birthday while I am away, normally you would know I would drop you a line, but well, selfishly, I am having too much fun being on holiday so for the month of September - Happy birthday everybody:).
Our last day in beautiful Boston:( Pete went and got laundry but came back empty handed. Honestly the guy has no sense of direction. It was straight up one street, into another and there you go!! Gave him directions, again, and this time he found them. Went walking again (how come I haven't lose weight with all this walking??) but with a purpose this time. To find a very highly recommended Yum Cha (Dim Sum) restaurant in China Town. We found it and were so excited to think we were going to have top notch China. Well, what a let down. It was OK, but for starters the ladies kep turning their trolleys back to the kitchen before coming down our way. If it wasn't for the sharp eye of a floor guy, we wouldn't have eaten. Then we couldn't understand one word, LOL, they spoke NO English so some dishes we just went ok - bad idea!! It wasn't terribly gross but I guess I can only blame myself - worked myself upon a reco:( Walked down to Long Wharf to do our Boston Harbor (I know I know it is with a U but they don't) - absolutely beautiful - I love Boston! Sad knowing we have to go, but really so looking forward to Montreal. From our little Frommer's book it looks like a stunning place and we are going to do a day trip to Quebec City - another stunner according to book. We dined in as we had to get up early this morning to get on bus.
Oh and unpacked laundry to find a nice little pair of Size 0 jeans, um not mine!!! Left them for hotel to return to laundromat. It would appear that is what happened to Pete's lovely long sleeved Billabong shirt - looks like the Washington laundromat gave it to somebody else, because it is goneski!!
15th September - Wednesday - Boston
Up early to another magical day in Boston. Packed up everything that wasn't already packed and jumped in a cab to South Station to get our Greyhound bus. Arrived and man it was the dodgiest bus ever! I was so peeved! Website raves about belts, wifi, power and this bus had 'none of the above'. Lucky I brought my book otherwise I would have spent 7.5 hours staring out a window (albeit to beautiful scenery). However luck was on our side. When we got to some little town in Vermont we had to swap buses - apparently something wrong with the one we were on (yikes!!). Anyway new bus is a new bus with all of the boasted about mod cons. Hence me being able to type this and post it (as well as updating my latest photos). I hadn't recharged my laptops because I thought I could do it on the bus so I was mighty relieved when I could on the swap bus:) Pete doesn't understand why I am happy but I use this travelling time to update my photos, our banking (don't like looking at the credit card) and other stuff - helps the time pass. Anyway it is now 4.05pm Wednesday afternoon - very drab day but only about 20miles from the Canadian border - very much looking forward to getting to Montreal. Quiet night ahead though I think - then up and at 'em in the morning! Meanwhile to anybody having a birthday while I am away, normally you would know I would drop you a line, but well, selfishly, I am having too much fun being on holiday so for the month of September - Happy birthday everybody:).
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The latest
10th September Boston
Arrived at South Boston at about 4pm - long trip but very comfortable. Bought breakfast at Grand Union station only to find that the train supplied it (we travelled first class) - damn, but never mind! Got cab to our hotel in Downtown Boston (near Chinatown) and although ugly building, room is very nice. Again 2 queens - yeh!!!! Went for a walk around our area - Boston Gardens (stunning), Boston Common and found MJ O'Connors - dropped in for a couple of drinks and a nice easy meal. Got back to hotel about 8.30pm and ended up having an early night.
11th September
Got up earliest this trip but after the air being right on top of us, we both felt a bit fluey! We managed to get up and it was an absolutely beautiful morning. Walked up Charles St through Boston Common. Pete wouldn't let me stop and watch some slowpitch:( Had yum breakfast at some place whose name I can't pronounce! Kept walking and saw that Boston had some Heart Walk going. We walked pretty much around all of Boston - over to MIT and back to Backbay. Then through Boston Gardens - that place is truly beautiful! Then we jumped on our tourist bus and did the touristy thing through Boston. Jumped off near the water and walked the wharfs and Fanueli Hall. Busy but fantastic. Got back onto our bus and then jumped off at some random spot and walked home. Got changed and went to get dinner but everywhere we went was fully booked (at least we know we picked good restaurants). Found a lovely restaurant beside our hotel (!!) and had a couple of drinks whilst watching Roger's heartbreaking loss! Went back to room and decided to order in - also got grog delivered! Unreal, Brisbane should do that! I remember 25+ years ago me and Michelle said there should be an alcohol delivery service. Might get into upon my return!!! Pete didn't come back though, he stayed out - holidays:)
12th September
Pete and I did our own thing in the morning. I decided to do the tour again but really it was a waste of time. The guy was really informative so that was about all I got out of it. We met up for lunch and went to this Italian place across the road (one we couldn't get into the night before). Their meals here are so friggen big. I seriously ate for 10 minutes and ate about 1/5 of my spaghetti. Got the good old doggie bag to take home. Also took home some tiramasu dessert for later. Pretty tired from touring, seriously it wears you out, so we relaxed for rest of day in house and had an early night.
13th September
Up early and decided the laundry just had to be done so back down through Boston Gardens (which doubles as their botannical gardens), down Charles St and dropping the laundry off. Had breakfast, Pete had this magnificient strawberry pancake breakky - the strawberries were fabulous! Set off on the Freedom Trail. It basically is a walk through the city, over to Charlestown, that highlights monuments throughout the city that have been used along the way for the city to gain their independence/freedom from those horrible taxing British! Called into downtown Boston at this Pul to have some lunch. Met Patrick and well the rest was history. That is where we parked ourselves for the next 5-6 hours. had a great time, met Lugsy the bartender who put my P4AC card in one of their frames so hopefully now the whole of Boston will learn about our charity. Oh speaking of Charity heard some great news about a new patron coming on board. Can't say too much right now, just got to confirm some things but if it comes through, I am bloody excited!!
Arrived at South Boston at about 4pm - long trip but very comfortable. Bought breakfast at Grand Union station only to find that the train supplied it (we travelled first class) - damn, but never mind! Got cab to our hotel in Downtown Boston (near Chinatown) and although ugly building, room is very nice. Again 2 queens - yeh!!!! Went for a walk around our area - Boston Gardens (stunning), Boston Common and found MJ O'Connors - dropped in for a couple of drinks and a nice easy meal. Got back to hotel about 8.30pm and ended up having an early night.
11th September
Got up earliest this trip but after the air being right on top of us, we both felt a bit fluey! We managed to get up and it was an absolutely beautiful morning. Walked up Charles St through Boston Common. Pete wouldn't let me stop and watch some slowpitch:( Had yum breakfast at some place whose name I can't pronounce! Kept walking and saw that Boston had some Heart Walk going. We walked pretty much around all of Boston - over to MIT and back to Backbay. Then through Boston Gardens - that place is truly beautiful! Then we jumped on our tourist bus and did the touristy thing through Boston. Jumped off near the water and walked the wharfs and Fanueli Hall. Busy but fantastic. Got back onto our bus and then jumped off at some random spot and walked home. Got changed and went to get dinner but everywhere we went was fully booked (at least we know we picked good restaurants). Found a lovely restaurant beside our hotel (!!) and had a couple of drinks whilst watching Roger's heartbreaking loss! Went back to room and decided to order in - also got grog delivered! Unreal, Brisbane should do that! I remember 25+ years ago me and Michelle said there should be an alcohol delivery service. Might get into upon my return!!! Pete didn't come back though, he stayed out - holidays:)
12th September
Pete and I did our own thing in the morning. I decided to do the tour again but really it was a waste of time. The guy was really informative so that was about all I got out of it. We met up for lunch and went to this Italian place across the road (one we couldn't get into the night before). Their meals here are so friggen big. I seriously ate for 10 minutes and ate about 1/5 of my spaghetti. Got the good old doggie bag to take home. Also took home some tiramasu dessert for later. Pretty tired from touring, seriously it wears you out, so we relaxed for rest of day in house and had an early night.
13th September
Up early and decided the laundry just had to be done so back down through Boston Gardens (which doubles as their botannical gardens), down Charles St and dropping the laundry off. Had breakfast, Pete had this magnificient strawberry pancake breakky - the strawberries were fabulous! Set off on the Freedom Trail. It basically is a walk through the city, over to Charlestown, that highlights monuments throughout the city that have been used along the way for the city to gain their independence/freedom from those horrible taxing British! Called into downtown Boston at this Pul to have some lunch. Met Patrick and well the rest was history. That is where we parked ourselves for the next 5-6 hours. had a great time, met Lugsy the bartender who put my P4AC card in one of their frames so hopefully now the whole of Boston will learn about our charity. Oh speaking of Charity heard some great news about a new patron coming on board. Can't say too much right now, just got to confirm some things but if it comes through, I am bloody excited!!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Washington DC 2010
Sunday 5th September Washington
Arrived to Union Station - OMG amazing!! Beautiful beautiful beautiful. Jumped in cab and had another lovely friendly USA citizen who was obviously so proud of his country!! Our hotel room was not ready so we walked around Dupont Circle and up Embassy Row. Wow the buildings were fabulous, talk about wealth!! Room was not ready, still, when we came back so we had a few very expensive drinks in the hotel lobby. $20 a shout, for one wine and one beer! Oh well, only on a holiday like this once in a lifetime (until the next one:)). Finally got into our room and only just unpacked when we got a blocked and overflowing toilet. OMG the water wouldn't stop and it flooded into the room! We had to be moved, temporarily, into one room, but the room ended up being so wet they had to move us into another room. Rather than have a king bed we got 2 queens in our new room. I was happy, I like having a bed to myself!! Ordered in after our day of travelling and had relatively early night.
Monday 6th September
Was a public holiday and unlike NY not much was open in Washington. Walked a few shops and again it was so hot! Bought some clothes so we could come back and have a swim. Went down to the pool where all the beautiful people were sunning themselves and swam a few laps and lay back and relaxed. Went for a walk up to Adams Morgan, where we were told all the best restaurants were. We also took our laundry - we walked and walked and walked and nothing took our fancy and when we looked for the laundry we ended up in some pretty dodgy backstreets. It has been so hot and humid that we worked outselves into a lather without finding the laundry. Walked down the long 18th St back to Dupont Circle and had some Mexican in Conneticut Avenue. Our day tours start tomorrow.
Tuesday 7th September
Got on the Hop on Hop Off tour about 11am and we decided to do the full tour so we could see what sites we wanted to get off we wanted to do the next day. BUT ended up jumping off at Arlington Cemetary - the Nation's largest resting place for US forces, including the Civil War victims (US Army and Confederates). Over 350000 grave sites and all perfectly formed headstones. Really sombre but beautiful resting place. Arlington house overlooks it all and it belonged to a man, Lee, who left a 32 year career with the US Army to fight with the Confederates because his family were in Virginia - he chose his family first. Lost his beautiful house and the US Army took it over as their home base. This house overlooks the Capitol Hill and they did so a cannon could not be set up at the house and blow up
the Capitol. Full on but interesting history. It is also the resting place place for JFK and his brothers and
Jackie O. Jumped back on the bus and got off again in Chinatown. Had some Pu Pu Tray and orange chicken and walked back to bus stop and jumped on the bus and went to Union Station. We stayed there and even though the bus was delayed we took off on our night tour of Washington. Pretty good but Roosevelt's 4 room memorial needed to be done during the day. Lincoln memorial was amazing so of course my batteries ran out! No fear we were doing the tour again on Wednesday. Came home late, and ordered in.
Wednesday 8th September
Again on the tour with the psycho driver from hell - doing 80k's up side streets where the trees constantly tried to beat you up! Got off at Lincoln memorial again so I could get some photos and walked along the reflection pond to the Washington Monument (Obelisk). I was going to go to go to the top but the line was ridiculously long. Went to the African Museum, the Smithsonian Castle (had lunch) and over to the Natural Museum of America (where Night at the Museum was shot). Fantastic place and we spent a few hours there. Again super hot, jumped on bus, back to Union station and had to change bus again for our hotel bus. Had City Lights Chinese - twice in 2 days, love China!!
Thursday 9th September
Got on local Metro Circulator and went to Georgetown. Beautiful boutique shops and a million restaurants, very similar to Sydney's Paddington. Went to water edge and did a 2 hour cruise that went to Alexandria (Virginia) - nice and relaxing. Ended up in error in Rosslyn Virginia but the guy was cool and let us travel back to Dupont Circle where we found the quickest route to our hotel (of course, it is our last night!!). Heading to Boston tomorrow - can't wait!
Friday 10th September Washington and Boston
Up the earliest this trip. Our sleeping and eating habits are bad!!! Eat first time about 2.30pm and then about 10pm and sleep in until about 10am. Up this morning early though at 7am and Washington is beautiful at that time.
Clear skies, crisp temperature - just lovely. Down to the fabulous Union Station again to jump on the 9am Acela 2178 Express to Boston. So looking forward to Boston - hope it is as beautiful as I remember!!
Arrived to Union Station - OMG amazing!! Beautiful beautiful beautiful. Jumped in cab and had another lovely friendly USA citizen who was obviously so proud of his country!! Our hotel room was not ready so we walked around Dupont Circle and up Embassy Row. Wow the buildings were fabulous, talk about wealth!! Room was not ready, still, when we came back so we had a few very expensive drinks in the hotel lobby. $20 a shout, for one wine and one beer! Oh well, only on a holiday like this once in a lifetime (until the next one:)). Finally got into our room and only just unpacked when we got a blocked and overflowing toilet. OMG the water wouldn't stop and it flooded into the room! We had to be moved, temporarily, into one room, but the room ended up being so wet they had to move us into another room. Rather than have a king bed we got 2 queens in our new room. I was happy, I like having a bed to myself!! Ordered in after our day of travelling and had relatively early night.
Monday 6th September
Was a public holiday and unlike NY not much was open in Washington. Walked a few shops and again it was so hot! Bought some clothes so we could come back and have a swim. Went down to the pool where all the beautiful people were sunning themselves and swam a few laps and lay back and relaxed. Went for a walk up to Adams Morgan, where we were told all the best restaurants were. We also took our laundry - we walked and walked and walked and nothing took our fancy and when we looked for the laundry we ended up in some pretty dodgy backstreets. It has been so hot and humid that we worked outselves into a lather without finding the laundry. Walked down the long 18th St back to Dupont Circle and had some Mexican in Conneticut Avenue. Our day tours start tomorrow.
Tuesday 7th September
Got on the Hop on Hop Off tour about 11am and we decided to do the full tour so we could see what sites we wanted to get off we wanted to do the next day. BUT ended up jumping off at Arlington Cemetary - the Nation's largest resting place for US forces, including the Civil War victims (US Army and Confederates). Over 350000 grave sites and all perfectly formed headstones. Really sombre but beautiful resting place. Arlington house overlooks it all and it belonged to a man, Lee, who left a 32 year career with the US Army to fight with the Confederates because his family were in Virginia - he chose his family first. Lost his beautiful house and the US Army took it over as their home base. This house overlooks the Capitol Hill and they did so a cannon could not be set up at the house and blow up
the Capitol. Full on but interesting history. It is also the resting place place for JFK and his brothers and
Jackie O. Jumped back on the bus and got off again in Chinatown. Had some Pu Pu Tray and orange chicken and walked back to bus stop and jumped on the bus and went to Union Station. We stayed there and even though the bus was delayed we took off on our night tour of Washington. Pretty good but Roosevelt's 4 room memorial needed to be done during the day. Lincoln memorial was amazing so of course my batteries ran out! No fear we were doing the tour again on Wednesday. Came home late, and ordered in.
Wednesday 8th September
Again on the tour with the psycho driver from hell - doing 80k's up side streets where the trees constantly tried to beat you up! Got off at Lincoln memorial again so I could get some photos and walked along the reflection pond to the Washington Monument (Obelisk). I was going to go to go to the top but the line was ridiculously long. Went to the African Museum, the Smithsonian Castle (had lunch) and over to the Natural Museum of America (where Night at the Museum was shot). Fantastic place and we spent a few hours there. Again super hot, jumped on bus, back to Union station and had to change bus again for our hotel bus. Had City Lights Chinese - twice in 2 days, love China!!
Thursday 9th September
Got on local Metro Circulator and went to Georgetown. Beautiful boutique shops and a million restaurants, very similar to Sydney's Paddington. Went to water edge and did a 2 hour cruise that went to Alexandria (Virginia) - nice and relaxing. Ended up in error in Rosslyn Virginia but the guy was cool and let us travel back to Dupont Circle where we found the quickest route to our hotel (of course, it is our last night!!). Heading to Boston tomorrow - can't wait!
Friday 10th September Washington and Boston
Up the earliest this trip. Our sleeping and eating habits are bad!!! Eat first time about 2.30pm and then about 10pm and sleep in until about 10am. Up this morning early though at 7am and Washington is beautiful at that time.
Clear skies, crisp temperature - just lovely. Down to the fabulous Union Station again to jump on the 9am Acela 2178 Express to Boston. So looking forward to Boston - hope it is as beautiful as I remember!!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Trip so far
Saturday 28th August
Picked up early by Mum and John and head to airport to start our 'Trip of a Lifetime'.
Smooth flight to Sydney and I met up with Pete and domestic airport.
Over to International airport and we see the A380 for the first time - one word for it - HUGE!!
Premimum economy looked great - only 32 of us in the cabin on the 2nd floor.
Smooth flight, but oh so long and even though it looked great, the seats weren't overly comfortable. Very hard to sleep, fingers crossed that we get upgraded to business on the way home.
So after approx 14 hours we arrive in LA and head to American Airlines to go to NYC. Another great flight - just the 2 of us in our row so nice and comfortable. Another smooth flight, so effectively we are over our fear of flying (???)
Arrived in NYC at 8.30pm but not picked up until 9.40 by our shuttle bus. Had to pick others up so didn't end up at our hotel, Crowne Plaza on Broadway until 11.50pm. In affect, I travelled for 31 hours (including stopovers), so absolutely knackered!!
Beautiful hotel and beautiful room, very impressed, thanks Gundy, good booking!
Stayed up to about 4.30am and crashed.
Sunday 29th August
Woke up Sunday at 2pm NYC time and felt like I had wasted my day but nup, NY never sleeps. Walked out of our hotel and these massive markets were on , great!!! Very hot and humid but we walked the 13 block markets about 3 times.
Pete scored 2 pairs of Levi Jeans for $72 - bargain!! I then found this handbag shop (57th St, near 5th avenue) - OMG beautiful stuff and massive discounts. Scored 3 bags (2 handbags and one suitcase) for $350. Saved about $600 - now I just have to get Pete to take me somewhere special so I can use the new bags. Oh scored a bag from the markets too - that will be my everyday bag! So that's me done in the buying department, except for the Tiffany earrings. Stopped to watch a little baseball with a coldie (Long Island Iced team - yum) then headed back to hotel.
Decided to have a few cocktails in our hotel bar and then head out for dinner. Had some Espresso Martinis (yum yum yum) then headed out for dinner. But as per usual with me and Pete we never made dinner! Instead we found the Playwright! Band playing, dark, dodgy looking NYC bar and we were in! Had great night! Met Angela, Jill, Scott, Doug, Kirk and a whole heap of others. Drank Mai Tai's this night (boy am I experimenting or what?!) and ended up home some time early morning. Starving as we didn't eat so I was walking Times Square about 3.30am Monday morning looking for something to eat and you would never guess what was open - of course it is - McDonalds!! Munged on that and crashed again at 4.30am.
Monday 30th August
Opening day of tennis and jet lag again affected us. We didn't wake up unil 3pm - ridiculous but it might have also had something to do with staying out late. Anyway missed most of the day session which sucked, but did get to see Azarenka play - up close. Front seats - fantastic. Met up with Scott, who we had met the night before and had a couple of drinks. I then did a little tourist shopping and bought a RF hat, Pete a shirt, Smacka a shirt and a jacket that I will definitely not need here!! Then the big night on Arthur Ashe. Unfortunately we were in the nose bleed section, which was BS as I bought tickets supposedly early as an Amex member, so how the hell did I end up so friggin high? Once again the players looked like ants, but hey at least I was there. Venus up first and she looked very glam in her night outfit. She won rather easily but then the real reason - ROGER!!!! Looked so smart in his outfit. And he played smart, very good and I was there for THAT shot - bloody unreal!! Roger won in straight sets so back on the subway to our hotel. Got to stand behind some poor kids with cuffs on the escalators. He looked about 16 and have no idea what he did, but he went very quietly. Crashed as soon as I got home, just too tired after the travelling and night out.
Tuesday 31st August
Up early (well earlier) and decided Central Park for the day. Friggin hell, Summer is going out with a bang here in New York. About 200% humidity and temp was about 32. Doesn't sound that bad for a Brisbanite, but seriously, the buildings are everywhere and they just help you suffocate!! Walked about 4 hours then I had to do some washing (pity a holiday doesn't mean the end to menial chores), and watched some tennis in the Air Con. Having quiet night in so we get up and go again tomorrow. We have decided to stick to midtown and uptown whilst staying in Times Square and do Statten Island, Brooklyn etc when we a rrive back in NY at end of month. It is going to be another hot day tomorrow so think perhaps we might do the tourist bus thing. Not sure, not planning too far ahead, just enjoying being on holidays:) Pete has just gone to get a bottle of red to have with our in house dining - hope he doesn't
get lost, he doesn't have the best sense of direction and there is no other way to describe this place - it is just massive and a little overwhelming if you aren't comfortable with direction! Had nice steak in-house and a few drinkies but stayed away from the hot outside. Scott from KC called and Pete decided to go out and see him (idiot!!). I crashed and Pete turned up about 30 minutes later - decided he was crazy for going out at 1.30pm and not actually knowing where!
Wednesday 1st September
Another insane sleep in, went out into the heat again but decided to do some shopping. Went to the Gap and Pete picked out some shirts for me. Walked around town, down to 6th Avenue (Avenue of Americas) and checked out Bryant Park (beautiful), then back to Broadway and Ruby Foo's for dinner (average). Stayed in to watch tennis and Roddick lose!
Thursday 2nd September
I headed out early morning (well relatively early 10am) to get some stamps to post the postcards already written, had some coffee (frappacino) at Starbucks and came back to get Pete. We walked for ages, then hired some bikes thinking that riding Central Park would be a good idea in 100 degree heat. We did a lap and a half but who would have thought that CP was so friggin hilly! Not really but enough to make you have to drop a gear or two and I reckon we both sweated 2 kilos at least off our frames! At 3.30pm came back to watch the end of Roger's 2nd round match and bloody TV showed all other games but Roger's!! Had a couple of in house drinks, which is difficult considering we have no bar fridge, and went to dinner in 46th street. Apparently it is restaurant street, and we went to recommended Becco (Italian restaurant) and man their servings are big. We pigged out (but struggled) on Calamari and Osso Buco (Pete) and Lamb Rack (me). Walked around a bit to settle dinner down and went to Charlie
O's on Broadway for a couple of drinks. Pete wanted to head back to Playwright (Irish bar), I went in for one, but left Pete behind to come back and watch end of tennis and have early night. But not so early as I now have to wait for Pete to arrive to let him in. Having a great time. Hurricane Earl is meant to arrive tomorrow so thinking we might do theatre and dinner when we can't walk around - time will tell. Only 2 more days here before we head to Washington DC. Have the book out to suss out what is the go in the Nation's Capital.
Friday 3rd September
Pete didn't arrive so early and then kept me awake for ages as he tried to go to sleep. Woke up and he was still sleeping so headed out to Times Square to download some mail and upload some photos. Went back to room but Pete had headed out so waited for him for a while. When he didn't show went walking again and eventually bumped into him. I headed off to Brooklyn Diner for dinner and Pete had a beer with some guy from England. Bought the typical American burger with a creaming soda. The drink was good........ Went home and watched some more tennis and had relatively early night.
Saturday 4th September
Last day in NY this time around. Woke up mid morning (terrible sleeping habits forming here!!) and went for big big walk down West side to the see the boats. Bought 2 New York Passes which will give us access to the museums for when we return and also a night trip around the island (2 hour trip). Also got excellent seats for Wicked - will see that on our last night in America. Walked and walked and walked today. Down to 36th St, up to Central Park trying to find somewhere to eat for dinner. Couldn't find anythnning so unfortunately we ate yucky McDonalds, and it was! Another relatively early night as we have to get up early to catch the train to Washington. Tried to watch tennis but the 6 sporting channels we found were all showing college football - WTF?? US Open tennis here is no big deal -
they would rather show their own sports first. Pretty disappointed, but what can you do??
Sunday 5th September
Up for the first time before 7am and now I wish I had done it more. NYC is beautiful at that time of morning, clean, fresh air, no madness of people and no cars!! Can't believe the place changes so much, well I can, but mornings are definitely the go.
Got yellow cab down to Penn Station to catch our Acela Express 2707 to Washington DC. Can't wait to see this nation's capital!!
Picked up early by Mum and John and head to airport to start our 'Trip of a Lifetime'.
Smooth flight to Sydney and I met up with Pete and domestic airport.
Over to International airport and we see the A380 for the first time - one word for it - HUGE!!
Premimum economy looked great - only 32 of us in the cabin on the 2nd floor.
Smooth flight, but oh so long and even though it looked great, the seats weren't overly comfortable. Very hard to sleep, fingers crossed that we get upgraded to business on the way home.
So after approx 14 hours we arrive in LA and head to American Airlines to go to NYC. Another great flight - just the 2 of us in our row so nice and comfortable. Another smooth flight, so effectively we are over our fear of flying (???)
Arrived in NYC at 8.30pm but not picked up until 9.40 by our shuttle bus. Had to pick others up so didn't end up at our hotel, Crowne Plaza on Broadway until 11.50pm. In affect, I travelled for 31 hours (including stopovers), so absolutely knackered!!
Beautiful hotel and beautiful room, very impressed, thanks Gundy, good booking!
Stayed up to about 4.30am and crashed.
Sunday 29th August
Woke up Sunday at 2pm NYC time and felt like I had wasted my day but nup, NY never sleeps. Walked out of our hotel and these massive markets were on , great!!! Very hot and humid but we walked the 13 block markets about 3 times.
Pete scored 2 pairs of Levi Jeans for $72 - bargain!! I then found this handbag shop (57th St, near 5th avenue) - OMG beautiful stuff and massive discounts. Scored 3 bags (2 handbags and one suitcase) for $350. Saved about $600 - now I just have to get Pete to take me somewhere special so I can use the new bags. Oh scored a bag from the markets too - that will be my everyday bag! So that's me done in the buying department, except for the Tiffany earrings. Stopped to watch a little baseball with a coldie (Long Island Iced team - yum) then headed back to hotel.
Decided to have a few cocktails in our hotel bar and then head out for dinner. Had some Espresso Martinis (yum yum yum) then headed out for dinner. But as per usual with me and Pete we never made dinner! Instead we found the Playwright! Band playing, dark, dodgy looking NYC bar and we were in! Had great night! Met Angela, Jill, Scott, Doug, Kirk and a whole heap of others. Drank Mai Tai's this night (boy am I experimenting or what?!) and ended up home some time early morning. Starving as we didn't eat so I was walking Times Square about 3.30am Monday morning looking for something to eat and you would never guess what was open - of course it is - McDonalds!! Munged on that and crashed again at 4.30am.
Monday 30th August
Opening day of tennis and jet lag again affected us. We didn't wake up unil 3pm - ridiculous but it might have also had something to do with staying out late. Anyway missed most of the day session which sucked, but did get to see Azarenka play - up close. Front seats - fantastic. Met up with Scott, who we had met the night before and had a couple of drinks. I then did a little tourist shopping and bought a RF hat, Pete a shirt, Smacka a shirt and a jacket that I will definitely not need here!! Then the big night on Arthur Ashe. Unfortunately we were in the nose bleed section, which was BS as I bought tickets supposedly early as an Amex member, so how the hell did I end up so friggin high? Once again the players looked like ants, but hey at least I was there. Venus up first and she looked very glam in her night outfit. She won rather easily but then the real reason - ROGER!!!! Looked so smart in his outfit. And he played smart, very good and I was there for THAT shot - bloody unreal!! Roger won in straight sets so back on the subway to our hotel. Got to stand behind some poor kids with cuffs on the escalators. He looked about 16 and have no idea what he did, but he went very quietly. Crashed as soon as I got home, just too tired after the travelling and night out.
Tuesday 31st August
Up early (well earlier) and decided Central Park for the day. Friggin hell, Summer is going out with a bang here in New York. About 200% humidity and temp was about 32. Doesn't sound that bad for a Brisbanite, but seriously, the buildings are everywhere and they just help you suffocate!! Walked about 4 hours then I had to do some washing (pity a holiday doesn't mean the end to menial chores), and watched some tennis in the Air Con. Having quiet night in so we get up and go again tomorrow. We have decided to stick to midtown and uptown whilst staying in Times Square and do Statten Island, Brooklyn etc when we a rrive back in NY at end of month. It is going to be another hot day tomorrow so think perhaps we might do the tourist bus thing. Not sure, not planning too far ahead, just enjoying being on holidays:) Pete has just gone to get a bottle of red to have with our in house dining - hope he doesn't
get lost, he doesn't have the best sense of direction and there is no other way to describe this place - it is just massive and a little overwhelming if you aren't comfortable with direction! Had nice steak in-house and a few drinkies but stayed away from the hot outside. Scott from KC called and Pete decided to go out and see him (idiot!!). I crashed and Pete turned up about 30 minutes later - decided he was crazy for going out at 1.30pm and not actually knowing where!
Wednesday 1st September
Another insane sleep in, went out into the heat again but decided to do some shopping. Went to the Gap and Pete picked out some shirts for me. Walked around town, down to 6th Avenue (Avenue of Americas) and checked out Bryant Park (beautiful), then back to Broadway and Ruby Foo's for dinner (average). Stayed in to watch tennis and Roddick lose!
Thursday 2nd September
I headed out early morning (well relatively early 10am) to get some stamps to post the postcards already written, had some coffee (frappacino) at Starbucks and came back to get Pete. We walked for ages, then hired some bikes thinking that riding Central Park would be a good idea in 100 degree heat. We did a lap and a half but who would have thought that CP was so friggin hilly! Not really but enough to make you have to drop a gear or two and I reckon we both sweated 2 kilos at least off our frames! At 3.30pm came back to watch the end of Roger's 2nd round match and bloody TV showed all other games but Roger's!! Had a couple of in house drinks, which is difficult considering we have no bar fridge, and went to dinner in 46th street. Apparently it is restaurant street, and we went to recommended Becco (Italian restaurant) and man their servings are big. We pigged out (but struggled) on Calamari and Osso Buco (Pete) and Lamb Rack (me). Walked around a bit to settle dinner down and went to Charlie
O's on Broadway for a couple of drinks. Pete wanted to head back to Playwright (Irish bar), I went in for one, but left Pete behind to come back and watch end of tennis and have early night. But not so early as I now have to wait for Pete to arrive to let him in. Having a great time. Hurricane Earl is meant to arrive tomorrow so thinking we might do theatre and dinner when we can't walk around - time will tell. Only 2 more days here before we head to Washington DC. Have the book out to suss out what is the go in the Nation's Capital.
Friday 3rd September
Pete didn't arrive so early and then kept me awake for ages as he tried to go to sleep. Woke up and he was still sleeping so headed out to Times Square to download some mail and upload some photos. Went back to room but Pete had headed out so waited for him for a while. When he didn't show went walking again and eventually bumped into him. I headed off to Brooklyn Diner for dinner and Pete had a beer with some guy from England. Bought the typical American burger with a creaming soda. The drink was good........ Went home and watched some more tennis and had relatively early night.
Saturday 4th September
Last day in NY this time around. Woke up mid morning (terrible sleeping habits forming here!!) and went for big big walk down West side to the see the boats. Bought 2 New York Passes which will give us access to the museums for when we return and also a night trip around the island (2 hour trip). Also got excellent seats for Wicked - will see that on our last night in America. Walked and walked and walked today. Down to 36th St, up to Central Park trying to find somewhere to eat for dinner. Couldn't find anythnning so unfortunately we ate yucky McDonalds, and it was! Another relatively early night as we have to get up early to catch the train to Washington. Tried to watch tennis but the 6 sporting channels we found were all showing college football - WTF?? US Open tennis here is no big deal -
they would rather show their own sports first. Pretty disappointed, but what can you do??
Sunday 5th September
Up for the first time before 7am and now I wish I had done it more. NYC is beautiful at that time of morning, clean, fresh air, no madness of people and no cars!! Can't believe the place changes so much, well I can, but mornings are definitely the go.
Got yellow cab down to Penn Station to catch our Acela Express 2707 to Washington DC. Can't wait to see this nation's capital!!
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