My final entry for this holiday

Day 9 cont

Got home after a few hours at the outlet (and after a new watch, my 4^th handbag of this trip and some jewellery) and a spot of house shopping (yes house shopping!) and Andy had the lunch/dinner on the go.  Smelt fantastic as we walked in and the mouth started salivating immediately!

Packed away the purchases and we all settled down to watch the World Cup final.  Andy had taped it for us and we were going to enjoy the game over lunch with Andy and I also enjoying a Corona.  One problem though – Andy didn’t tape it, LOL.  He swore he did and they have Apple TV so he searched and searched on there, but alas it wasn’t to be.  So a movie it was!

Afterwards I had to do my ice challenge.  Andy had picked up a bag of ice on the way home and Stewy kindly found another huge bag in her freezer. Sheri and her set off with delight to prepare the icing.  Once all ready I sat with my feet in the esky and once Andy came to film the girls dunked me with delight.  I swear I had a black moment – just a nano second but I am sure it was the body saying WTF?!!!  I didn’t do the feet one, which apparently I should have but at least it was an effort right?  A big shout out and thanks to all the softballers who have participated and are nominating Play for a Cure as their chosen charity – very grateful guys, even more so that you are doing it in WINTER!! #playforacure

The rest of the day was pretty lazy, another movie and a few more Coronos but by late arvo we were all in a food coma, so Stewy, Sher and I went for a drive to this Menchie place.  Frozen yoghurt which you can load up with a variety of lollies, or fruits etc. A bit like cold rock but you do it yourself and without the crushing.  Pay by the ounze and I had to fork out a massive $3.97 – ridiculous!  AND it was so delicious!  Sher's was exactly the same price!

Came home, read some emails and crashed.  Sadly I am having to kick back into my ‘normal’ way of life and that means softball emails.  I also had to make the sad decision to have to withdraw as Open whites manager, but with the work on diamond 2, me taking on the SIS coorindator role and me making the decision that Pete needs to be put first a bit more, means I can’t take on extra duties.  Time for me to not be involved in everything!  I will still be cheering for them though – they love their game for the right reasons those girls J

Day 10 – 14/7/14

My last day here in USA so of course awake at 5.30am.  I am a little sad but also excited to be going home and seeing my 3 favourite beings (excluding my nephew and nieces and mum and Andrew….).  Did a huge walk around Stewy’s neighbourhood – it really is lovely here in the hills.  It’s a bit gloomy today, perhaps America is sad to see me go – ha!

Seeing Brooke’s photos of Barcelona etc firms my resolve that my next big OS trip must be Europe – it just has to be, I can’t keep coming back here (which would be so easy by the way) but I do so love it.  The shops, the majority of folks being so polite – it really is a great country. 

This last stopover has been nice in that we have enjoyed some shops and baseball and good company but also being able to slow down a little.  I am ok, hence my continued walking in the morning (I think only once on this trip I have walked less than 10000 steps in a day), but I know Sher is enjoying the break – it’s been hard on her but she soldiers on, like the trooper she is J

Andy is at golf this morning and Stewy has her camp so the morning is ours.  I am updating this, Sher is still asleep and then I suggested we leave a little earlier tonight so we can take Andy and Stewy out for dinner before they drop us off for our midnight.  They have been the most wonderful hosts - generous with their time, their home and looking after us- I can't thank them enough :)

Some things I have learned this trip

• If it can be different, it will be
• American's are mad mad drivers
• They can be incredibly polite
• They can be incredibly rude and disinterested and this is mainly those that rely on tips?
• They don't do things by halves
• They are a proud people and nation
• The east coast and west coast are really different - from the places I have visited
• LA is mental for not having any public transport - well from what I could see and Stewy confirmed - the super highways are the biggest craziest things I have seen and you understand now why it is always so smoggy - a trillion cars on the road!
• Baseball games go on far too long
• I still love America
• But I love Brisbane, Queensland and Australia more and my next update will be when I am HOME xxx

My 2nd last entry....

Day 8 – 11/7/14

Great sleep until 4.34am when I woke up and stayed awake.  Was very happy to see that Jeff won Volunteer of the year award and Chris won Scoring award but bummed BSA missed out on DA award.  Read a few emails and around 6am got up and went for a walk around the local neighbourhood.  Quick walk – only 35 minutes but nice enough.  Always good to stretch those legs and yesterday was one of my quietest days!

Gee if yesterday was quiet, today was even quieter LOL. After my walk and the Stewy and Sher got up we had breakky and then watched the USA v Japan game.  Needless to say, Sheri, Stewy and I were upset with the result, Andy not so much (smug anyone J)

Stewy then took us to a cute mall (like Prudential at Boston but bigger) so I could ‘Take 2’ on my Aveda shampoo.  Strolled around a bit and grabbed some lunch to take home to Andy, and of course for ourselves.

The early morning start started to catch up to me, so around 4pm I went off for my first nana trip of this holiday and boy it was needed.  Instantly asleep for around an hour and up in time to head off to Dodger Stadium.

Good run in and were there around 6 – we received a gift – some really cool bobble heads of a moment in baseball – read about it here – it gave me goosebumps and I am really thrilled to have learnt about it!  Read about it by clicking here.

Even though there were no runs scored – it was a good game.  Well no runs scored until bottom of 9^th with one down!  Andy made the call – lots of runs tonight – good offense he said, haha, no way, but still an enjoyable game to watch.

 

Headed home and surprisingly got out of mayhem car park quite quickly. Stewy had to drive (Andy had a few) and we went through the Valley and then some drive-throughs for a quick midnight snack.

Again crashed upon arriving home.

Day 9 – 13/7/14

So got to bed after midnight, awake at 6am. Read some emails and then went for a walk – around 55 minutes this morning – before it got too hot.  32 is the forecast for today.  Lucky I guess because I got nominated for this crazy Ice challenge going around on the internet.  If you do it, you donate $10 to a charity, if not you donate $100.  Thankfully for me, a lot of my buddies are donating to Play for a Cure – that’s so cool, thanks guys!  Of course I will too and I have my 5 nominees already in mind……  Waiting for the whole house to rise for now. 

We are going to the outlets this morning and then I suggested we have a party of sorts to watch the world cup final.

Stay tuned….

Back to LA we travel - the last leg of the trip....

Day 4 cont

Well we almost didn’t make it.  Although booked and paid for, the shuttle was a no show.  I contacted them about 20 minutes after pick up only for the online chat lady to advise they turned up and we weren’t there!  Like hell, we were outside 10 minutes prior to pick up time.  So online lady can’t help anymore and abruptly ends chat, so I call them.  I was first in line for 10 minutes – I guess they only have one person working then?  I was getting nowhere fast so we booked an UBER but yikes it cost us over $200!  Sure nice ride, but $200+  I left a message for Prime Time shuttles to call me so I could get a refund.

Arrive at airport and only have to wait 30 minutes to have our luggage collected and then only a 3 hour wait for plan to San Fran.  LA airport is hectic and for a while we were sitting on the floor – not enough seating, or too many people?

Finally board and after a quick 53 minute flight I start seeing the delight that is San Francisco.  Lovely looking from the air and it was great not having to wait for luggage.  UBERed it to our apartment and it is so cute!  Old but very quaint and well equipped unit. 

Needed to stretch our legs, so we ventured down the hill (the first of what would be many for me!) to Divisadero St. 

Very hip, cool street with lots of little wine bars and cafes. Alas we didn’t venture into a wine bar, but into a nice warm (it’s cold here, even though it is Summer!) little café for a bit to eat and a warm coffee.

This trip and been go go go for so long so it was nice to have a night in by the fire.  We went to this gorgeous fancy little grocery store – Bi Rite – and I bought some cheese platter food and a nice Sav Blanc and headed back up the hill to start the fire.

Quiet night in.  Sher watched TV (in my room) and I read on her bed – LOL (the lounge room) and polished off the wine – whoops – but it was nice with some cheese and crackers.

Lights out around 10pm but rudely awoken at 1.30am by those returning to the units and then walking like elephants across their floor – our ceiling. Actually they were like it earlier, but deadest – why on earth would somebody need to move that much in one small unit – and move furniture and thump around like Dumbo the elephant?  Finally dozed off again!

Day 5 – 9/7/14

Huge morning walk – well it wasn’t planned. Sher slept and I decided to get out and explore San Fran – left the unit just after 6am.  Put on my app ‘Map my run’ and thought I would head towards the water.  So I headed, and headed and headed.  OMG would I ever see water?  Walked through some homeless sections (I have never seen so many homeless people, really sad L) and finally, like a new day dawning, there it was – WATER!!  I had arrived down at the Ferry Station.  I continued walking and snapping photos and by then it was about 80 minutes into my walk so I thought I better head back to unit – thinking Sher would be up by now? 

I had no idea what was in store for me!  I should have known, right?  We have all seen the photos of San Fran – they are renowned for their hills (and tram cars).  But blame it on being early, or me just being keen to explore a new city, but I had to tackle some ridiculous hills!  One nearly killed me only for me to know I had another section to go – another section so steep they had to cut stairs into it – groannnnnnn.

But I did it – a couple of stops to gulp in some air but WOW was the view worth it?  You bet it was.  I was in Pacific Heights – a beautiful area – and the reason why I have so many house shots – these places are just gorgeous!

Wandered more and then when I thought I was getting closer to home I messaged Sheri to see if she wanted to meet at ‘The Mill’ for breakky.  She was up and was up for a bite to eat.  I thought I was about 15 minutes away but alas more hills and about 25 minutes later I arrived.  Tired but exhilarated if you can be both at once?

Had some of the yummiest toast and nice skinny mocha and then we went back to unit so I could freshen up a bit.

And let me tell you – it was a day for walking – we headed off to Golden Gate thinking it was a bit of a walk but by the time we got there, it was a HUGE walk – another 3 hour walk – lucky, again, that the view was well worth it.  We were going to cycle across (the bridge has a massive span) but we both too beggared to even contemplate that! 

Took the obligatory photos and caught a bus back to the city.

This is where it gets really cool!  Stopped at some lights in God knows where and I see a pub, one that is broadcasting the FIFA World cup.  I say to Sher, want to get off and watch here and she was yes so we race to the bus door and get off just in time.

$10 entry fee for entry into the Kezar Pub but that got you’re a beer each.  Sher didn’t want hers so I obliged and had it for her J  Then a few more – my lunch. Sher pigged out on wings and chips.  Watched Argentina scrape through, in this packed bar – it was fun. 

Luckily a bus pulled up straight away when we walked outside so we went back to the unit and freshened up for the Giants game at AT&T stadium.

UBERed it (were were going to walk, thank God we didn’t!) to the stadium and it was packed – turned out it was the 295^th sell out game in a row.

And they were playing their cross bay rivals, Oakland (I am getting geography lessons on this trip too!).  Was a pretty good game with the Giants winning – you wouldn’t know it though, the Oakland fans still shouted their team’s name the whole walk outside.  Oh did I tell you it was freezing.  I didn’t wear enough and struggled most of the game and at the end we had Sher’s Boston jumper over our laps – OMG freezing.

UBERed home and went to bed for another disruptful night sleep – deadest the morons upstairs are insane – I cannot figure out for the life of me how somebody can walk around that much –and how heavily!!

 

Day 6 – 10/7/14

Still awake early regardless of what upstairs managed to do and discovered we had no loo paper left – lucky I got one last visit in – sorry Sher!  Contacted owner and they were most apologetic and organised for some to be delivered.  YES big news, having no toilet paper!

We walked slowly down to Pier 33 through Page and Market St - long walk and made ferry for Alcatraz, just.

Nice journey from the Pier to the island with fantastic views of San Fran. 

The audio tour on the island was great – and you could just imagine how cold and isolated you would have felt being a prisoner here!

Toured for about 2 hours and then caught the ferry back and walked over to Pier 39.  Super busy, us tourists certainly know how to pack it all in to one place.  Meandered around, saw some Sea Lions (cute!!) and I bought some fudge – a wicked treat for later.

Caught the F car down to ferry terminal and walked to the California tram line so we could catch the tram up the very steep hill.  It cost $6 (bit of a rip off) but hey you’ve seen it so many times in the movies, you just had to do it.  It was a nice trip.

To get back to our apartment however, we then had to catch a bus back down to Market street, then another back up to near our street.  Once were warriors old dude sat opposite us and Sher every so subtly got a photo of him.  Nobody else knew what she was doing but I did – haha!

Had a read of my book for a while and then we headed down to Nopalito – authentic Mexican food restaurant, one block down the hill from our unit.  It was delish but boy their servings were big.  Sher had to help me eat the entrée (and it was not finished) and then main meal I could not complete either.  /either way it was yum food and we popped into Faletti’s next door, and I bought some wine to have when we got home.

Read a bit more, had a couple of glasses, packed for our departure and crashed.  Crashing most nights!!

All my San Fran photos(and all those houses) can be found by clicking here

Day 7 – 11/7/14

Up early for our 8.55am flight, our last internal flight, back to LA.  Had to throw all food (read cheeses and wine (what a waste L)) out and have apartment in neat state – which we managed easily enough.  Of course another bad night sleep because of the knobs upstairs (I have so many other superlatives I could use) which really dampened my thoughts of where we stayed.  Beautiful old apartment, great location just really bad co-tenants L

Our last UBER trip in the states too – which turned out to be $40 cheaper that our incoming fare (I have sent query off) and we arrived at the nicest airport I have ever seen.  San Fran airport is really nice!

Good, smooth, quick flight to LA and we were out of the terminal at 11am.  Stewy and her hubby Andy were coming to pick us up but running late due to an accident.  They kept sending messages keeping us updated, and apologising.  I was SORRY they came to get us, what a day for them!  Turned out to be a 2.5 hour trip for them – so you can imagine we were very grateful for them coming to get us.  Had our luggage in storage delivered whilst waiting and they turned out to be a bit of a rip off, but at least we didn’t have to lug our gear around in San Fran so in a way it paid off.

Andy and Stewy took us via Venice and I know it is famous but I thought it was horrible. 

Dirty and con artists everywhere, but I did have to get a photo with the weightlifters – of course I did have to pay for it – ha!  Check out the Mountain on my right, he’s huge!!

We then went to Malibu and stopped in at this quaint little place and had a late lunch.  Huge choice of sangers and they were really delicious.

Continued along the coast line, saw Santa Monica pier and then we headed up into the mountains to get to their home in Thousand Oaks.

Sher went with Stewy to her softball training (Stewy runs softball business – very well too!) and Andy and I had a beer then went to Costco to buy some steaks for dinner.  Yes I am being brave and trying another steak here after the disaster of Smith and Wollensky.

So we arrive at Costco and I couldn’t believe the cost of alcohol – unbelievably cheap!  Anyway we walked past the first lot and we had been talking lobsters and all of a sudden there they are.  So I lift the lid with Andy we help ourselves and off we walk only to be chased down by a worker saying we can’t do what we did and he has to price it – whoops!!

Found the steaks and then more alcohol – we bought some Corona’s and confirmed we would have a rum or beer when we got home.  Bless Andy, he had bundy rum at his house.

Got home, poured a bundy rum and Andy prepared dinner.  Talked a lot and then the girls returned home and Andy cooked.  And he will be the first to admit he over cooked the steaks a little but they were really perfect – shit on Wollensky!!  Actually quite possibly the nicest meal I have had on this trip.  We sat around and chatted for a bit (dinner wasn’t served until 10pm) and I headed off to bed at 11.

Asleep within 2 minutes!

Living on the West Coast, temporarily!

The West Coast

Day 1 – 5/7/14

4am wakeup call- ok then!  Packed everything last night so it was really just a matter of making sure nothing left behind.

Got a cab to the airport and unbelievably we had to check in from the pavement! Yes, American Airlines has you checking in from where you get out of your cab?!?  We lined up for 30 minutes only to be then told we are Qantas fares and had to go inside.  Grrrrrr.  With our flight taking off shortly, we were allowed to check in first class to get through but still had to wait – they certainly don’t rush anything here.

Made it through and then the line for customs was massive.  Again we had to push to front and then, argggghhhhh, they made me throw my Aveda shampoo and conditioner out because it was bigger than allowed to take on plane.  Seriously?  Not happy at all!  Nearly $100 worth of shampoo/conditioner – told the chick take it home – your hair will love it.  That’s the 2^nd time I have had to throw stuff out.  Sunscreen in a spray bottle is not allowed at the baseball either.  FFS – may as well just throw my money down a drain.  I brought the shampoo in my carry-on bag because I thought my check in bags might be too heavy – they weren’t so the repack came back to bite me on the arse L

Anyway on the 2^nd leg of our trip now – on our way to the West Coast.  On AA flight 201 and we gain back another 3 hours so even though we left Boston at 6.15am we land in LA around 9am.  We can’t check directly into our Santa Ana Air bnb but Katie (home owner) has already told us we can lounge by pool and spa and do a spot of washing, so at this time I am signing off 1 hour into our flight across America and will update again later tonight.

As it was, no need to worry about waiting for Katie to get our room ready.  It was 11 hours from door to door, from Boston to Santa Ana without a thing to eat.  To say I am starving now is an understatement but I am shaking up.  Also Katie has invited us to her BBQ this afternoon and I AM IN!

Unfortunately I wish I was on holidays for everything but alas, washing still needs to be done and I have spent some time doing my laundry, and updating this whilst it spins.

Our Air bnb place is beautiful!  They have a dog, a cockerspaniel cross with poodle and his name is Zinger and he is adorable – makes up for missing my furry ones from home.  Katie seems very real, and lovely and I kinda wish already that we spent more time here…..

Did the clothes washing and met Greg (Katie’s husband).  Walked down to the ‘Outlet’ shops and walked around for around 3 hours before heading back to our place for a swim.  Hot again here in LA but not as humid (maybe!?!).  Greg and Katie had some friends over and the BBQ was turned on!

Had some good old fashioned American style BBQ and 2 small glasses of wine, but I am tired, oh so tired, as it was such a long day.  Up 1am LA time and as I type it is now 7pm LA time and I am dreaming of bed.

Day 2 – 6/7/14

Managed to stay up to around 8.30pm before we both bailed on the frivolities.  My bed is so comfy – and I am not exaggerating – I was instantly asleep!  Great night’s sleep. Woke up totally refreshed and ready to take on the day.

I called an UBER and it was F.A.N.C.Y and only took 5 minutes to get to us.  Paul was our driver and he drove a spanking new black Mercedes.  He drove us to West Katalla Ave, Anaheim for us to meet with the bus that was taking us to San Diego zoo.  Checked in and about 30 minutes later we headed off down the West Coast to San Diego.

Along the way, I couldn’t help myself, I watched the Wimbledon final on my phone (well the scores at least) and I was so excited when Roger took it to a fifth set but ultimately absolutely dejected when he lost to the Djoker!  Immensely proud of him either way!

Around 90 minutes later we arrived at the zoo. Along the way saw some coast line and lots of RV’s and realised that people were walking kilometres to get from their car to the beach – nothing like ours, that I saw, in that you can park right at the beach.  What people will do for the beach hey?!

 The zoo was packed to the brim!  Even though it is summer holidays I think it would be like this the majority of the time.  It is an amazing zoo – I would rank it as the best I have ever been to.  So lush and the animals all seem very happy (and contented and very drowsy and sleepy!).  Pandas were adorable – hell all the animals were sweet. 

We wandered around for 6 hours before we had to stop, and cool down and refresh before heading back to Santa Ana.  Oh the zoo also has a chair lift that takes you from one side of zoo to the other – we did it one way and got a great view!  Our tickets included this for free as well as a bus tour around the zoo but we didn’t use it, instead choosing to use our very own motor pins – our legs!

Jumped back on the bus and we were cruising until we hit the famous LA traffic. Even with these super highways (6 and 7 lanes each way) they get jam packed – unbelievable!  Didn’t hold us up too long and were back in Santa Ana around 7.30pm.   Called UBER again but as we booked from under shopping centre we were a little hard to locate.  Took our driver a good 10 minutes to find us but we were super grateful he didn’t give up!  Headed back to our digs in style again!  Soaked our weary legs in the pool for a bit and then decided it was time to eat. 

We were going to do Mexican, on Katie’s recommendation, but they didn’t deliver and again after a very hot day, with lots and lots (too much?) walking we headed to the local subway and grabbed a bit to eat.  Bit of TV and some uploading of photos and I called it a night around 11pm.  Wanted to have another decent sleep as 30 years after it was promised, and not delivered on, I am going to Disneyland!!  Feel like a kid much? LOL can’t wait! 

For all the San Diego zoo photos, click here

Day 3 – 7/7/14

Woke up with a start this morning around 5.30am.  I had to!  I was drowning, well in my dreams. Hate those dreams – feel so real. 

Anyway I was well and truly awake so decided to get up, shower and go for a neighbourhood stroll.  Beautiful area, everybody is so house proud and all proudly showing off their allegiance to their country.  Flags everywhere – I know 4^th July just happened, but I would guess these flags are up all the time!  Took some photos of your typical houses around this area – love it!


 

Got back to room after a quickish walk (45 minutes) and Sher was still sleeping so snuck around and did some techo wiz stuff outside by the pool.  When I came back in Sher was up, so I had some breakky (shake) and updated this journal.  It is now 7.35am and I want to go now!  Let’s go to Disneyland!!  We also have a ball game tonight, so if we go to Disneyland now, we can get back a bit earlier and rest up before go to Anaheim stadium for our last night in Santa Ana L

Day 3 continued

Well Disneyland was BRILLIANT! Super hot day and it ended up taking its toll on us but I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face for the whole time I was there.  Bought a fair bit of stuff (who knew I was such a fan!?) and some gifts for my nieces and nephew and for one A Vogler.  Highlight for me was meeting Donald Duck, the kisses from DD, Mickey and Pluto (and the hug!!) and the ‘It’s a small world’ trip – stunning!!  Music played throughout the whole village and it just set the mood.  It is surprisingly small but packs a punch and I would definitely come back again but with a multiple day pass.   Sadly we had to leave in the afternoon, meaning we would miss the parades and night fireworks, so we could get home and get ready for the baseball. (Just quietly in hindsight, would not have minded missing the baseball. - see below).  Sher was pretty drained and I felt pretty similar so a swim and rest was in order. 

Farewelled the lovely Disneyland and then had to wait ages for our UBER car.  After Paul yesterday and the guy we had this morning, this guy was a let down.  He couldn’t find the set down/pick up area (the area we were told to specifically go to) and when he did call me, he asked that we walk up to him.  We did, and he was a real let down – small, dirty car and he was dressed super casually.  I think Paul, our first experience, set the standard too high LOL.

I jumped in the pool as soon as we got home – over 30 degrees and a real bite to the sun.  That did the trick, always so refreshing.  Finished packing for San Fran (what rest??) and managed a 20 minute lie down before we were up again on our way to baseball.

UBERed it to Angels stadium and when we were being dropped off closer, we were stopped by security guy.  Our driver said I am dropping off and the security asked ‘how big are they?’  WTF?  What the hell does he mean by that?  Our driver was just as stumped and he replied 2 passengers and pretty much just took off.  We all had a giggle over that – still have no idea what he could have possibly meant?

Had brilliant seats, with in seat dining service!  UBER, our own waiter at baseball – ohh laa laaa!  Angels have some real stars in their team however for me it was a boring game against Toronto Blue Jays.  Not many hits, some good fielding, but overall pretty boring to be honest.  I will add the photos later. We left midway through the 8^th, to avoid the crush, and to be honest because we were dead tired!  Got Michael, our next coolest UBER driver and I was asleep within 5 minutes of walking in the door!

For all the Disney photos, click here

Day 4 – 8/7/14 – Santa Ana

Woke up early again but as all packed not going for a walk, instead updating this blog – and quietly too as Sher sleeps.   The dream this morning was that Sheri and I were escaping somebody who I think was trying to kill us.   Sher stole a bike and I allowed her to ride it as I could run to keep up with her (haha in YOUR DREAMS!!).  Anyway I am still alive and awake now and ready to go to San Fran. 

We get picked up at 8.45am and now is 6.20am so I will finish up this blog and get ready to head to the Windy city where the temperatures are 12-13 degrees cooler – I CANNOT WAIT! 

Doing a cleanse today as it is a bit of a nothing day AND I ate a little shit yesterday – probably my worst day here but it was one of those days (not too bad, but nowhere near as good as I have been).  We fly at 1.30 (not sure why we get picked up so early L) and can’t check in until 4pm (too late IMO).  Sher found a place where we can leave our luggage so we have both packed a carry-on bag only – phew, don’t have to drag my bags all over the place – they are starting to get heavy!!

Anyway, signing off now as San Fran beckons……

My final East Coast post... :(

Day 4 – 4/7/14

So MJ Obrien’s was actually MJ O’Connors – whatever, same diff – an Irish pub! Had a bit to eat and basically called it a night.  I ordered hummus and it came with a healthy selection but deadest the amount of hummus was hilarious – it was like they got a spatula and smacked the big dollop on my plate.  Gave it a good go, but had to leave more than half behind.

I was up again early and set off to the café Pete and I had breakfast at 4 years ago – The Paramount.  I couldn’t remember what we had so I ordered some Pancakes with strawberries with a skinny mocha.  The plate arrived and I remember it was what Pete ordered last time.  4 pancakes and a million strawberries – OMG I knew I wouldn’t get through it, but was willing to give it a good go.  I managed the pancakes but only half the strawberries and ¾ of the coffee. 

Managed to walk a little off by wandering around Boston a bit more and I was such a rebel – being so quiet I walked on the left for the majority of the walk –so there – ha!  Also found my house I will buy, when money is no object…

Sher was up and ready to go when I got back to the hotel so not long after we headed off for a day our Fenway – we were pretty excited, figuring it would be a great day. The rain had held off and we were going to tour first before watching the game.

We walked up to Fenway (approx. 30 minute walk) and we had to purchase the premium tickets, rather than the normal?  $25 verses $17 so we figured it would be a pretty good tour – we were wrong!  We walked in, sat in some seats that you can buy tickets for anyway and it was over – learnt a little history but basically we were underwhelmed.  My highlight was hearing the guy practise for the anthem for the game.  Check him out here - I missed the beginning of the song, but you get my drift.

The game – well to top off the tour – we learnt the game was being rescheduled – because of impending rain.  WTF!  It isn’t raining so why call it now – the forecast was the same as the day before so why now?  Of course, we were flying out so we couldn’t go, so not only was the tour shite, we were not going to see any ball playing on the 4^th July L

So we thought about checking our Harvard or I suggested we could go back to pub and watch Roger play?  Sher was happy to go to O’Connors to watch the match, so we trudged back to Back Bay (seemed a lot slower than the walk up!) and settled into O’Connors.  All the TV’s were showing the Quarter final Germany v somebody soccer match so had to ask for them to turn the tennis on.  We got our own little corner and managed to watch from when Roger was up 4-2 in the first set.  Having seen that Manly lost, the tour sucked and ball game affectively cancelled, the only way I could salvage my day was to have a beer and hopefully see Roger win!  And win he did.  I managed to squeeze in 4 stella’s and we shared some fries. 

We hung around for a few hours and then headed over to Smith and Wollensky to have a much talked about steak.  It was closed, so we had to go back to hotel and wait for it to open.  We had a martini in the foyer (Sher’s was much nicer than mine) and finally made it over to the steak house.  Very posh and we were very pleased to get to be seated with the thought of the tantalising steak making us very hungry.

We both ordered the recommended sirloin with some corn and potato on the side.  I was enjoying a nice sav blanc and the steaks arrived.  The potato was almost bigger than the steaks – HUGE!!  Anyway long story short, the steak was horrible – the blandest most boring steak I have ever eaten in my life – to say I was disappointed is an understatement!  Same for Sheri!  I ordered a desert to try and save the meal with a Drambuie.  Hmmm it was ok but we both agreed, dinner was a let down.

Headed back to hotel and it was still raining – unfortunately the last day in Boston wasn’t the best but I still love the place.  We have to fly out very early and have a 4am start in the morning, so I had an early night – to sleep off the grog and large amount of food I digested today.  I must admit I felt a little guilty having all I had today but considering that was the first blow out in about 6 weeks, I haven’t done too bad.  Hopefully all the walking is a counteraction!

Farewell East Coast – how I love you and shall miss you – until next time :)

Here is the link for all the photos from my Boston adventure 2014.

A short daily update.....because this has been my laziest day yet!

Day 3 – 3/7/14

So the decision has been made after my morning walk.  If money was no object Boston would be where I live.  Simple as that.  This city is magic!  But of course, if I was loaded, I would have the apartment in NY for my weekend visits and probably one in New Hampshire.  It doesn’t hurt to dream right?

 

I walked along Charles River where it was starting to shut down.  Because the 4^th July looks like it will be a big long storm they have moved the fireworks to tonight so people were lining up around 7am to get the best vantage spots.  I walked around a lot, found Charles St (and the breakfast shop Pete and I loved), and walked up the hill to find Acorn St.  Such a pretty little street – almost un-driveable I would imagine?

Got back to hotel and collected Sher to go have our reflexology massage.  Of course, just like facial, something went wrong so Sher went first and I went and had a coffee in the ‘Pavement’ on Newbury.  Had mine done and Sher walked the streets a little.

We treated ourselves to a shared Fondue at Max Brennan’s – honestly that place is full on chocolate – I think once a week treat would be enough!

Jumped on the trolley again to get to the Sport Museum (free ticket) at TD Gardens and as luck would have it, the museum was closed – BECAUSE tomorrow is a holiday.  We said that, the holiday is tomorrow, not today!  Bloody hell!!  Anyway Sher had her first pizza (me? An apple!) and we headed back to Boston common on the trolley to walk through there and then the Gardens. 

Today, like yesterday, is almost unbearable in heat and humidity. 

So for the first time on my holiday, I am lazing in my room (feel a little guilty but truly needed). Had a chat with the French chick, Chook and resting up before going to MJ O’Brien’s tonight for dinner.

New York, Boston and Salem

Boston – 2014

Day 1 – 1/7/14

Left NYC on the Acela 2154 at 10.03am bound for Boston, MA.  Spent the first half of the trip updating my blog and the 2^nd half enjoying the New England Countryside – so pretty!

Arrived at Back Bay station around 1.15pm and caught a cab straight down to our hotel – Boston Park Plaza on Columbus Ave, Back Bay.  She’s a beauty and harks back to the old days – and such luxury after our stay in NY. 

Our New York apartment was great in its location and view, but the size of space we had, because owner was there, was limited and we did feel a little restricted when she was there about what we could do – you know, didn’t want to be too loud in case we disturbed her, or make too much of a mess.  But now in this plaza room – with 2 double beds – well as I said, complete luxury!

Sher laid low whilst I went for a walk up Boylston St, to re-familiarise myself. 

I love this place.  It is so different to NY – but that’s a great thing.  NY is vibrant and exciting and crazy and manic, and Boston is calm, quiet, pretty and peaceful.  Anyway I was loving my walk around so much I got excited and went back to hotel and grabbed Sher and took her down to Copley Square and Prudential building.  Sher got some togs (alas this hotel doesn’t have a pool) and I bought some from the store in Prudential, along with some RL shorts. 

 

I was on a full cleanse day yesterday so I wasn’t eating. Sher just wanted something simple, so she grabbed a bite from the food court in the Prudential centre.  Wondered back to hotel and I re-packed everything and then settled in for the night. Sher crashed early and I turned in about an hour later. 

Can’t wait for the next few days in the New England area.

Day 2 – 2/7/14

Snuck out of the room early to go for a walk, this time down to the harbour.  As beautiful as I remember and even though it was warm (25 degrees at 7.30am!), I was just bouncing around as I was so happy! 

Got back to our room around 9am and Sher was up and ready to go.  We watched some tennis (Murray was losing, shame…..) and I bought some tickets for us to do a City View Trolley Tour.  We headed down to the cnr of Boston Common and jumped on our bus and went around, as you do, like a tourist and jumped off at Long Wharf near the North end of Boston.  Purchased some tickets for Salem (have always wanted to go there), and set off and finished the tour. 

 

 

Got back to the Wharf and headed over to Quincy Market and Fanueli Hall for a bit to eat.  The choice of presentation of the food was 2^nd to none but we both settled on a turkey and capsicum kebab. We headed upstairs thinking the big arch windows were open spaces, but they weren’t!  Instead they were magnifying glasses for the sun.  Instead of 33 degrees, we ate and dripped sweat in what felt like 40 degrees with 100% humidity.  We had to get out of there, so we went down to a pub in Quincy Market and watched Roger the MAN take down Stan the man in 4.  Back to the Wimbledon semis – go my Rogie!! 

 

We then headed back over to the wharf to head over on the Salem Ferry to Salem. 

It was a 55 minute trip and the trip was so relaxing!  Arrived in Salem and it seriously is very pretty but so so quiet!  We did a Salem witch tour which was a bit of fun then headed to the Tavern on Square for a bite to eat and a drink (me, beers!). 

Headed down to the Salem wharf where I had another corona at the Landing and rode home, avoiding a storm the whole way – it was lovely and refreshing with the wind blowing my hair all over the place – so much so I couldn’t see at times, but I didn’t care.  After the hot day we had the reprieve was just what I needed.

It took us about 30 minutes to walk home so I rewarded myself with a Ben and Jerry ice cream (Sher’s fault (she was the one who wanted the ice cream!)) and settled in to watch the Red Sox and rest the blisters on the bottom of my small toes L

Tomorrow we have a reflexology session booked (my feet are thanking me already) and then heading into Max Brenner’s (I know, another treat but I am having a cleanser in the morning).  Also have tickets to a sport museum and then nothing really planned.  Doing MJ’s tomorrow night because there are only a few Irish bars in Boston……NOT! But this one we do have a $10 discount card and it is just under our hotel, so my feet will thank me again!