Hi Vicki and Tracy,
Your trip sounds wonderful..
Tracy,Tud emailed to see if you okay after earthquake..
I replied..
Cant find any photos,to busy no doubt..
have a ball,
love mum.xxxxx
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Tour
Hi All,
Made It. I still have a bit of a allergy cough and Trace is fighting chesty stuff.
We blame Broadway in the rain. At least we saw George Clooney ;)
Leave NY on tour with a bunch of Aussies, Poms, 1 Norwegian family and 1 Welsh couple :)
Had cold pizza for breakfast courtesy of Grand Central Station dinner night before!
Brazilian tour guide Andrea and Jose the bus drive - great!
Day 2 did a 4 hour tour of NY.
Then took subway to Broadway and met a nice NYPD officer who phoned in to find out where the cinemas were (who knew they would do that).
Talked about his grandmothers olive grove in Greece and loves the sound of NZ. (Expect a visit).
Day 3 of Tour
Early start. Waited a magic 10mins for 3 missing passengers who arrived in the nick of time :)
Drove through Jersey Tunnel (think opening credits to the Soprano's) :)
Long drive to Niagara through finger lake district and stopped for a photo opportunity at ???
Stopped at Fox Run winery - lets just say we are so spoiled with our wine.
First view of Nigara falls was the mist rising like smoke in the distance, very impressive.
Waiting on the Canadian border bridge overlooking the falls for immigration, so at least had a great view while we waited.
Got in late, but walked down to edge of falls for night coloured light view.
Saw racoons! (who knew!) Friendly little guys.
It's Canada - everything was shut, so went to TGI Fridays for a bowl of soup and a soda before getting to bed at midnight.
Big day today with Helicopter ride over falls, Boat ride to falls and Tower lunch above falls (Tracy will be brave!!!, she will ;) )
Great way to spend kiwi birthday (no phone coverage till tonight.)
Tracy says high.
Hi everyone,
Just a quick note to say we survived the tour just! Exhausted we made it back to NY and are having a much deserved early night and a sleep in before the long flight to Fiji tomorrow.
Great people on tour. Will fill you in I promise. Both sick with dreaded tour cough so the rest in Fiji will hopefully fix it :)
Looking forward to a sleep in.
Blog soon.
Vik xox
Made It. I still have a bit of a allergy cough and Trace is fighting chesty stuff.
We blame Broadway in the rain. At least we saw George Clooney ;)
Leave NY on tour with a bunch of Aussies, Poms, 1 Norwegian family and 1 Welsh couple :)
Had cold pizza for breakfast courtesy of Grand Central Station dinner night before!
Brazilian tour guide Andrea and Jose the bus drive - great!
Day 2 did a 4 hour tour of NY.
Then took subway to Broadway and met a nice NYPD officer who phoned in to find out where the cinemas were (who knew they would do that).
Talked about his grandmothers olive grove in Greece and loves the sound of NZ. (Expect a visit).
Day 3 of Tour
Early start. Waited a magic 10mins for 3 missing passengers who arrived in the nick of time :)
Drove through Jersey Tunnel (think opening credits to the Soprano's) :)
Long drive to Niagara through finger lake district and stopped for a photo opportunity at ???
Stopped at Fox Run winery - lets just say we are so spoiled with our wine.
First view of Nigara falls was the mist rising like smoke in the distance, very impressive.
Waiting on the Canadian border bridge overlooking the falls for immigration, so at least had a great view while we waited.
Got in late, but walked down to edge of falls for night coloured light view.
Saw racoons! (who knew!) Friendly little guys.
It's Canada - everything was shut, so went to TGI Fridays for a bowl of soup and a soda before getting to bed at midnight.
Big day today with Helicopter ride over falls, Boat ride to falls and Tower lunch above falls (Tracy will be brave!!!, she will ;) )
Great way to spend kiwi birthday (no phone coverage till tonight.)
Tracy says high.
Hi everyone,
Just a quick note to say we survived the tour just! Exhausted we made it back to NY and are having a much deserved early night and a sleep in before the long flight to Fiji tomorrow.
Great people on tour. Will fill you in I promise. Both sick with dreaded tour cough so the rest in Fiji will hopefully fix it :)
Looking forward to a sleep in.
Blog soon.
Vik xox
Saturday, September 11, 2010
What we've learned about USA 2010 so far
- It's not wrong, it's just different.
- It's good, it's nice, it's different.
- Who knew?!
- Train it, don't plane it (Amtrak is fantastic and affordable.)
CHICAGO
- Monaco Hotel is fantastic! View of the water and Trump Tower. Great room, beds and fantastic window lounge seats.
- Only down is that we had to pay for Internet and it is free here!
- Do the hop on, hop off bus.
- Do try deep dish Chicago Pizza from Uno.
- Do the water taxi to China Town - don't get off, you are part of Asia Pacific people! Unless you want to try black tea tapioca in a smoothy (fantastic!).
- Most photogenic architectural city ever.
- Just go there - city is fantastic and the stay was too short.
BOSTON
- Sheraton Hotel. Fantastic location and mall, great free internet and beds. Poor rooms. Bathroom fixtures old and tired and housekeeping appauling.
- Got to love those Harvard boys.
- Got to love that Boston accent.
- Got to love Samuel Adams beer.
- Do use the subway.
- Do try the lobster.
- Do take a boat ride to Salem.
- Don't use the hop on, hop off bus - you can do it better yourself.
- Do use the appetizer menu as the portions are otherwise too big. Don't let the waitress convice you otherwise.
- Just enjoy the history, the locals are a bonus. Quiet, unassuming, cultured.
RHODE ISLAND
- It is made up of Islands (who knew!?)
- People just enjoy without being pretentious - do the Polo, Boat Club, Beach, Mansions.
- Martha's Vineyard - just go there. One of the best places on earth.
- Do drink and eat at Nancy's (MV) on the wharf and watch the sun go down.
- Anthony's home made wine and gravy is the best.
- Bless the fact I have such kind and generous family there - got to love family.
NEW YORK
- Hotel Beacon - fantastic location. Cafe attached to greengrocers across the road it the best!
- EXIT is a general sign that can mean - 'Go this way', 'Fire Exit Only', 'I'm just meaningless ignore me' and my personal favourite 'Go the other way'. Signs that say 'Do Not Enter Here' are to be ignored.
- New Yorkers are brash and a bit moody, but will be bowled over by a please and a thank you and that subway is full of true angels wanting to help you.
- The men can handle a bit of banter -yay!
- Hotel twin rooms come with two double size beds and the most comfortable mattresses ever!
- Tipping is essential - get over it!
- No the taxi drivers aren't trying to rip you off.
- No the ticket hawkers aren't trying to rip you off - they work for the company.
- If you see a dark doorway with a neon sign that says cafe, believe it.
- New York really isn't expensive, a tube ride costs $2.25!
- Brooklyn Bridge is free and fantastic.
- Grand Central Station is free and fantastic.
- Forget the museums for the European art - go American or nothing.
- Do visit the museums for the museum shops, at least you can leave with something legally.
- Do try the Church Cafe next to the Guggenheim - fantastic.
- Everything you ever thought and more.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
New York, New York!!!!!!!
8th September 2010
Had a tearful farewell at Providence Station with Greg and a chat on the cell with Shawn.
Can't thank them enough ( Making a list of goodies for Greg to decorate his kiwi Man Cave in the garage - Warrior's shirt, Tui Poster, L&P.....
Amtrak trip to New York again was great, the coastline is beautiful and you see so much of it by train. Lots of little coves, boats, weatherboard houses with canoes on the lawn and quaint little towns.
Arrived at Penn Station on time as was immediately hit with New York! What a shock to senses. No sooner did our feet hit the platform with bags in tow than 'New York Man' (Similar to Boston Man, but speaks about 3 octaves higher, gestures a lot and throws in the occasional swear word for emphasis. I think we were physically moved bags and all to the right exit!! It was all so loud and busy I can't remember! :)
We hadn't heard any swearing (apart from me) for so many days, that it was a shock!!!
Then we had to find the Cab stand, this included Cabs fighting for position and jumping the queue on Broadway and Taxi drivers standing and gesturing and swearing at each other FANTASTIC! :) Of course we ended up with the loadest of them all, who ceased to talk as soon and we were in the cab!???
We settled into Beacon Hotel - Broadway on 75th and were upgraded to a Suite which as good especially since I have picked up a cough from Boston and it wont move! Am working on getting some better drugs, although what we discovered is that you can literally get most things over the counter here!
We got settled and then because of the Liberty tour starting early next day and the fact we had perfected Boston Subway to a long ride down to Battery Park to get the tickets early.
Our catch cry for the trip is "It aint wrong, it's just different." This sums up the NY Subway compared to Boston :)
Of course when we got to the Park, the office was closed, but it was a good time trial for the following morning. We walked around the sights, and got our first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty in the distance and the Staten Island Ferry.
We walked from there up to Wall Street and saw the Bronze Bull which was covered by tourists.
Continued on and walked around the 9/11 site. Now closed for viewing, but still moving. Went to the memorial office and saw the plans for the site and some of the displays. It will be a great tribute.
9th September 2010
Early start for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (Ellis well worth the trip for genealogy).
Empire State Building - fantastic view of the Chrysler Building and the rest of NY.
Close to Time Square so had a beer and pasta and did the walk to burn it off :)
Nice - bright....
Went further because we noticed Bryant Park sign (fashion 'Project Runway' Bryant Park). WOW!
The Park at night is lite with a luminous glow with lots of tables and chairs set out for casual chat and dining. Truely beautiful. Even better the Chrysler Building shines like a jewel from there all lit up at night.
Ok - knackered. Tracy already retired for the night and this was meant to be short! (Scared of missing something :))
Across from Bryant Park I spied a fantastic chocolate shop Liley O'Briens - had a latte and a few chocolates (so shoot me) ;) That is the only way I could get the energy to do this before getting some sleep.... :)
10th September 2010
Decided on a much needed strolling day, especially with Central Park a block away.
Had a much anticipated but disappointing breakfast next door (Note dinner there is great!).
Strolled down 75th Street look David Duchovny's Mum's house, in the hope he was visiting lol ;)
(No we are not stalker!)
As it was we walked straight into a film crew filming 'Premium Rush' and funnily we just kept bumping into them all day :)
Walked down to Central Park and spied all the dog walkers and nannies on the way.
Dropped into The Natural History Musum of Night at the Museum fame. Rotters have covered up the Dinosaurs in the foyer :(.
Walked through Park via Jackie O lake and over bridge [yes, yes pictures coming]
Then went to Guggenheim and took photos of Loyd Wright architecture at its most iconic.
Tried to get to cafe (Rotters wanted you to pay for ticket first!).
Talked to door guy who mentioned charming church cafe next door - best lunch so far! We should do this with churches at home - fantastic.
Dropped into the Metropolitan Museum of Art - Fantastic Shop!!!!
Had a tearful farewell at Providence Station with Greg and a chat on the cell with Shawn.
Can't thank them enough ( Making a list of goodies for Greg to decorate his kiwi Man Cave in the garage - Warrior's shirt, Tui Poster, L&P.....
Amtrak trip to New York again was great, the coastline is beautiful and you see so much of it by train. Lots of little coves, boats, weatherboard houses with canoes on the lawn and quaint little towns.
Arrived at Penn Station on time as was immediately hit with New York! What a shock to senses. No sooner did our feet hit the platform with bags in tow than 'New York Man' (Similar to Boston Man, but speaks about 3 octaves higher, gestures a lot and throws in the occasional swear word for emphasis. I think we were physically moved bags and all to the right exit!! It was all so loud and busy I can't remember! :)
We hadn't heard any swearing (apart from me) for so many days, that it was a shock!!!
Then we had to find the Cab stand, this included Cabs fighting for position and jumping the queue on Broadway and Taxi drivers standing and gesturing and swearing at each other FANTASTIC! :) Of course we ended up with the loadest of them all, who ceased to talk as soon and we were in the cab!???
We settled into Beacon Hotel - Broadway on 75th and were upgraded to a Suite which as good especially since I have picked up a cough from Boston and it wont move! Am working on getting some better drugs, although what we discovered is that you can literally get most things over the counter here!
We got settled and then because of the Liberty tour starting early next day and the fact we had perfected Boston Subway to a long ride down to Battery Park to get the tickets early.
Our catch cry for the trip is "It aint wrong, it's just different." This sums up the NY Subway compared to Boston :)
Of course when we got to the Park, the office was closed, but it was a good time trial for the following morning. We walked around the sights, and got our first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty in the distance and the Staten Island Ferry.
We walked from there up to Wall Street and saw the Bronze Bull which was covered by tourists.
Continued on and walked around the 9/11 site. Now closed for viewing, but still moving. Went to the memorial office and saw the plans for the site and some of the displays. It will be a great tribute.
9th September 2010
Early start for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (Ellis well worth the trip for genealogy).
Empire State Building - fantastic view of the Chrysler Building and the rest of NY.
Close to Time Square so had a beer and pasta and did the walk to burn it off :)
Nice - bright....
Went further because we noticed Bryant Park sign (fashion 'Project Runway' Bryant Park). WOW!
The Park at night is lite with a luminous glow with lots of tables and chairs set out for casual chat and dining. Truely beautiful. Even better the Chrysler Building shines like a jewel from there all lit up at night.
Ok - knackered. Tracy already retired for the night and this was meant to be short! (Scared of missing something :))
Across from Bryant Park I spied a fantastic chocolate shop Liley O'Briens - had a latte and a few chocolates (so shoot me) ;) That is the only way I could get the energy to do this before getting some sleep.... :)
10th September 2010
Decided on a much needed strolling day, especially with Central Park a block away.
Had a much anticipated but disappointing breakfast next door (Note dinner there is great!).
Strolled down 75th Street look David Duchovny's Mum's house, in the hope he was visiting lol ;)
(No we are not stalker!)
As it was we walked straight into a film crew filming 'Premium Rush' and funnily we just kept bumping into them all day :)
Walked down to Central Park and spied all the dog walkers and nannies on the way.
Dropped into The Natural History Musum of Night at the Museum fame. Rotters have covered up the Dinosaurs in the foyer :(.
Walked through Park via Jackie O lake and over bridge [yes, yes pictures coming]
Then went to Guggenheim and took photos of Loyd Wright architecture at its most iconic.
Tried to get to cafe (Rotters wanted you to pay for ticket first!).
Talked to door guy who mentioned charming church cafe next door - best lunch so far! We should do this with churches at home - fantastic.
Dropped into the Metropolitan Museum of Art - Fantastic Shop!!!!
Crowd on steps just as enjoyable :) [Pictures Coming]
Back to Park, fountain, Strawberry Field (John Lennon) squirrals (obsession).
Finished with a nice little carriage ride.
Bergdorf Goodman - Security
5th Ave - Tiffany
MOMA
American Folk Art Museum
Meatpacking District for my much needed steak - looking for the highly recommended oldest steakhouse in NY. Well we were trying to follow a theme from Boston and the oldest restaurant!
Wrong! Wrong Wrong! Arrived - great neighbourhood. Homestead Steak House all white table clothes and waiters. Menu steak only without the side orders and tax etc min $40.00.
We left and went to the Diner on the corner where I had meatloaf the closest thing to steak on the menu and Tracy had caesar salad!
Had it! But got back on tube and made it to Dangerfields 'Roger Dangerfields' Comedy Club.
Great ending to a long day.
11th September 2010
Walked across the road to the local market (hugh green grocer +) and went to a dark little door and found the most fantastic New York cafe upstairs with the bread being baked as we sat there - Fantastic and restored our faith in NY foods.
Checked out Croc store.
Tried to do a quick subway trip to the major delis, but subway not stopping their today!!!
Nearly time to check out and move to Chelsea and the tour hotel.
More news soon.
Sept 11th continued....
We made the move to our new Hotel the Doubletree. Very nice it is too. Right in the middle of the Garment district. It is amazing to see so many handbag stores.
Went for a wander to check out local neighbourhood before returning to meet our tour guide. There we met our first travelling companions on the tour, a couple from Brighton, England. They were lovely and chatted and chatted and chatted.
Finally we headed off for Brooklyn Bridge using the subway. What an arrival, straight out of the subway into a Sept 11 anti racism/anti tea party protest. Camera crews were there, lots of NYPD's finest and the whole place was a buzz.
This was near City Hall and other very impressive buildings, i think many courts etc. We headed off to find the walkway over the Brooklyn Bridge, stopping along the way to take a photo of a police officer on his motorbike (something we have been trying to do since seeing 2 of them in Boston - very CHIPS like).
Then WOW Brooklyn Bridge and people everywhere walking, cycling and jogging across it. Fantastic fews of the Brooklyn and NY skylines, the Harbour, resplendent with cruise ship and old time sailing ship. We walked 3/4 of the way to Brooklyn, taking some amazing photos and video as we went. This was truly a highlight of the tour - esp our time in NY !!!! (and it was free)
It as time to head to Central Station. So back on the subway and in minutes we were witness to the grandeur that is Central Station. Extremely ornate, beautiful architecture, chandaliers, paintings etc. We decided to check out some of the shops (as it is like its own little city). We headed outside to visit the nearby Chrysler building - extremely beautiful, even though it was closed we were able to take some photos of the lobby! We headed back into Central Station eventually finding the "restaurant" area where in a little pub come diner we had NY pizza - thin crust with tomato sauce and cheese.....YUM! We both got another flavour and when the 4 slices arrived were amazed at the size - oh well , got a doggy bag and that's breakfast :)
Leaving Central Station we caught the subway to Time Square, where a quick change to the red line bought us back to our new Hotel.
Another busy day in NY, seems like we have done it all. Now to look forward to the beginning of the tour which starts with a four hour bus tour of the city tomorrow.
Tracy
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Rhode Island (family time) :)
3rd September 2010
Caught Amtrak Train to Providence Rhode Island.
Note: Only took 35 mins and was a great trip for $10.00!
Arrived at Providence Station 5 mins early and left Tracy with the I Heart NZ bag while I dashed for a quick comfort stop. Of course Greg arrived with the Ford Truck (An All American Guy). And Tracy thought he looked like he was looking for someone ;)
So good to see him at last!
Hurricane warnings still in force for the night, but now down graded to unlikely.
He drove us first to Susan (Shawn's Mum) and Anthony's to pick up Hannah, who had been staying with them for the week.
Their house was further out and unfortunately it was raining, so no pictures people. Let's just say 17th Century farmhouse set in 50 acres of trees, with stone walls and a fab swimming pool!
Hannah was all bubbly (10yrs) and busy packing an endless variety of stuff to go home (such a girly, girl :). Nick arrived (Mum he is now very tall and 21!).
Susan fed us on the spur of the moment. Such a charming and lovely lady and Anthony is a real gentleman.
Went home to Middletown with a full car and waited for Shawn.
Houses in neighbourhood all new, but New England style with ajoining lawns (nice.)[Picture coming]
Had a great evening of wine and pizza(read hear wine, wine and more wine for days on end!) They do drink a rather nice Chianti.
Also met Denise from across the road, one of many of their great friends and just chatted - nice to get some family down time.
4th September 2010
Woke about 2:00 am to an alarm.
Greg sorted, but it wasn't until Quinn reported on a problem with the upstairs loo overflowing that we realised that water was pouring through the games room ceiling downstairs and had been doing so for some time. of course Tracy and I had Kaniptions thinking we had done something, but we hadn't and it seems that who you know and insurance is a good thing in America ;) Although poor Shawn and Greg had to share their ensuite for the rest of our stay!
To get away from the disaster site (see it wasn't just Christchurch) Greg took us for a drive along the harbour front of Newport and pointed out the New York Yatch Club and some of the mansions. Also went for a quick walk down on the beach.
Tracy, Hannah and I did a tour of the best mansion the Vanderbuilt's Breakers - fantastic and I had seen it before. Hannah wore her new NZ cap and charmed a few locals who thought she was a kiwi girl. The usual discussions about how you say Tomato and Tomateo! This lead to large Bostonian helping us to pronounce car properly ie carh :)
We all walked back to the Newport road along the cliff walk (not done before). It was great.
Greg met us at the road (thank goodness the cell phones work) and we were then reading for a few more wines and Polo (of course darling!).
Polo in Newport includes the usual deck chairs, blankets, endless nibbles and wine!!! (Of course).
More friends, children and Susan and Anthony (An Anthony's friends last vintage (lethal!)).
Arrived slightly late, so had to be contented with cheering from the back and a bit of dibbet treading before the next round. USA versus England (top players and all!)
Match was going well from the U.S. perspective they being in front :)
5th September 2010
We ventured out for lunch at the ABC club with Susan and Anthony - then headed home for bbq with homemade pasta (with Anthony's sausage and mushroom gravy), spare ribs and beer and wine (Anthony's homemade). (God love Italians!)
6th September 2010
Headed to Marthas Vineyard. Now on my top ten list of must places to see. All I am saying is FANTASTIC. And if you are eating go to Nancy's - best view of the Harbour and crab cakes to die for!
7th
Cape Cod - Greg drove us all the way up to Ptown Province Town with Shawn and Hannah, just so we could experience alternative Cape Cod (yes it is ;) ). Did the traditional endless sand dunes, cottages and New England towns on the way back.
Caught Amtrak Train to Providence Rhode Island.
Note: Only took 35 mins and was a great trip for $10.00!
Arrived at Providence Station 5 mins early and left Tracy with the I Heart NZ bag while I dashed for a quick comfort stop. Of course Greg arrived with the Ford Truck (An All American Guy). And Tracy thought he looked like he was looking for someone ;)
So good to see him at last!
Hurricane warnings still in force for the night, but now down graded to unlikely.
He drove us first to Susan (Shawn's Mum) and Anthony's to pick up Hannah, who had been staying with them for the week.
Their house was further out and unfortunately it was raining, so no pictures people. Let's just say 17th Century farmhouse set in 50 acres of trees, with stone walls and a fab swimming pool!
Hannah was all bubbly (10yrs) and busy packing an endless variety of stuff to go home (such a girly, girl :). Nick arrived (Mum he is now very tall and 21!).
Susan fed us on the spur of the moment. Such a charming and lovely lady and Anthony is a real gentleman.
Nice drive back to Middletown to pick up Quinn (3 1/2) from daycare who Greg warned us was very excited at the prospect of seeing us. (No pressure!)
Pulled into a quaint little New England house to see Master Quinn waving delightedly from the front porch all red hair and freckles (yes, it was love at first sight!)
He was a delight and kept us entertained with questions.
Pulled into a quaint little New England house to see Master Quinn waving delightedly from the front porch all red hair and freckles (yes, it was love at first sight!)
He was a delight and kept us entertained with questions.
Houses in neighbourhood all new, but New England style with ajoining lawns (nice.)[Picture coming]
Had a great evening of wine and pizza(read hear wine, wine and more wine for days on end!) They do drink a rather nice Chianti.
Also met Denise from across the road, one of many of their great friends and just chatted - nice to get some family down time.
4th September 2010
Woke about 2:00 am to an alarm.
Greg sorted, but it wasn't until Quinn reported on a problem with the upstairs loo overflowing that we realised that water was pouring through the games room ceiling downstairs and had been doing so for some time. of course Tracy and I had Kaniptions thinking we had done something, but we hadn't and it seems that who you know and insurance is a good thing in America ;) Although poor Shawn and Greg had to share their ensuite for the rest of our stay!
To get away from the disaster site (see it wasn't just Christchurch) Greg took us for a drive along the harbour front of Newport and pointed out the New York Yatch Club and some of the mansions. Also went for a quick walk down on the beach.
Tracy, Hannah and I did a tour of the best mansion the Vanderbuilt's Breakers - fantastic and I had seen it before. Hannah wore her new NZ cap and charmed a few locals who thought she was a kiwi girl. The usual discussions about how you say Tomato and Tomateo! This lead to large Bostonian helping us to pronounce car properly ie carh :)
We all walked back to the Newport road along the cliff walk (not done before). It was great.
Greg met us at the road (thank goodness the cell phones work) and we were then reading for a few more wines and Polo (of course darling!).
Polo in Newport includes the usual deck chairs, blankets, endless nibbles and wine!!! (Of course).
More friends, children and Susan and Anthony (An Anthony's friends last vintage (lethal!)).
Arrived slightly late, so had to be contented with cheering from the back and a bit of dibbet treading before the next round. USA versus England (top players and all!)
Match was going well from the U.S. perspective they being in front :)
5th September 2010
We ventured out for lunch at the ABC club with Susan and Anthony - then headed home for bbq with homemade pasta (with Anthony's sausage and mushroom gravy), spare ribs and beer and wine (Anthony's homemade). (God love Italians!)
6th September 2010
Headed to Marthas Vineyard. Now on my top ten list of must places to see. All I am saying is FANTASTIC. And if you are eating go to Nancy's - best view of the Harbour and crab cakes to die for!
7th
Cape Cod - Greg drove us all the way up to Ptown Province Town with Shawn and Hannah, just so we could experience alternative Cape Cod (yes it is ;) ). Did the traditional endless sand dunes, cottages and New England towns on the way back.
Friday, September 3, 2010
earthquake
Hi Tracy and Vicki,
A 7.4 earthquake has hit christchurch at 4.30 this morning.
No lives lost so far but serious damage to buildings,houses etc.
They have no power nor water...
Will keep you posted as this is a major.
Love mum.xxxxxx
Just had word that there has been louting..
Roads up,buildings collapsed completely.
A 7.4 earthquake has hit christchurch at 4.30 this morning.
No lives lost so far but serious damage to buildings,houses etc.
They have no power nor water...
Will keep you posted as this is a major.
Love mum.xxxxxx
Just had word that there has been louting..
Roads up,buildings collapsed completely.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
found password
Hi Tracy,
Funny what happens when you put in right
address.As you said password came up..
how dumb is that..
Getting eyebrows done today..
have fun.
mum.xxxxx
Funny what happens when you put in right
address.As you said password came up..
how dumb is that..
Getting eyebrows done today..
have fun.
mum.xxxxx
Monday, August 30, 2010
Good Old Boston Town
29th August 2010
Is Hot Hot Hot....
But with a whole lobster for a typical $10.00 lunch who cares :)
On our first night we went to Newbury St just down from the Hotel.
A street of row houses turned into bohemian style boutiques and restaurants and those funky kind of second-hand clothing stores that make old clothes look so fantastic!
Street full of students and guys in Levis and white Tshirts draped over motor bikes talking to girls (you get the picture).
Went for a burger organic and made from local produce of course where Tracy spied 'Boston Man' dressed in Black Caps shirt. Of course after a quick spot quiz about how much he actually knew about the game, we quickly determined he was ok and he did give us some good tips for tours to take (all this much to the amusement of the owner)!
On the way home were greated by another local in the old cobbled streets a Rat! Jerry would have been very pleased :)
30th August 2010
Day 2:
We tried a similar on/off trolley tour which we did in Chicago. In the Boston heat this was a killer and I think it may have dampened our enthusiasm for History during the daylight hours!
Did have our first lobster lunch (picture shown) down at the Long Wharf while waiting for the harbour cruise.
By late afternoon it was cool enough to walk so we took in the Faneuil (rhymes with panel) Hall and Market Place, full to the brink with incredible food of all kinds, include giant strangly flavoured cookies and Bagels - who knew they filled the holes and then put cheese on top!!!!
Finished with a walk through Little Italy with its great little shops to take in some of the Freedom Trail especially the old North Church and Paul Revere's House.
31st August
Day 3:
Boston is so hot we have been reduced to spending the day in the endless Mall attached to the Hotel (oh the agony) and the subway which has no view, but is airconditioned! In the Mall I seriously weakened at Victoria's Secret (well everything does have my initials on it!) Then we took the underground (our new airconditioned favourite) to the JFK Museum. The JFK was great and well worth the visit (post photos soon) and in the cool of the early evening Harvard University. Just arrived as the class of 2014 was breaking after Orientation. Lots of probable JFKs and Jackie Os :) Walked around the grounds in the cool evening and found a great Restaurant on the corner of Bow & Grafton street. The Grafton Street Pub and Grill - Fantastic! :)
1st September 2010
Day 4:
Decided to brave the waters before the Hurricane arrived and went to Salem. If you thought Boston was Hot you are sadly mistaken. That was a witches brew. Great weatherboard houses and port with sailing ship set in the 1700's. Escaped to the cool of the witches history tour with suspect props (we are used to weta workshop). But a great overview and an interesting insight in the group hysteria and just cruel people can be.
Met a proud ex Kiwi mum at the informative information centre who happened to be at her sons orientaion at Harvard at night before (snap!).Used to teach in Hamilton, but has been married to an American for 30+ years! The people you meet!!!
Purchased american icecream in tub while racing to boat (let just say that was a mistake). Yelled at by Ferry Captain because he wanted to leave and we were stuck because guy in front of us wanted to use visa and it was broken. Put the Captain and crew straight before boarding. Lets just say nothing more was said lol ;)
Had a much needed quiet evening back at the Sheraton, but not before Vicki went slightly crazy in Barnes and N0ble (It is such a great book store!!!).
2nd September 2010
Day 5
Slow start with some much needed washing and experiencing the delights of the American laudromat and how useful quaters are. Happened to be located next to the 7/11, so that did for breakfast. Sang along to the radio with the owner while the washing dried and guess what! Located a pom doing his washing wearing and English rugby jersey (what can I say, Tracy is a force to be reckoned with! He even bandied about the right names of Richie and Dan!!! :)
Then we took our favourite hot weather toy, the subway to Boston Museum of Fine Arts to see one of my favorite sculptures which happened to be on the front lawn - bronze of Indian warrior on war horse called 'Worshipping the sun'. Got a free Hall pass to use the shop and the cafe which also meant we just had to look at the latest 1960 fashion photo exhibit etc, etc. Best museum shop I have come across so far (do take a look online!).
Then we were determined to finish with Newbury St which happened to end with Boston Common, so despite being fired and over dehydrated we also managed Beacon Hill and the rest of the History Trail (saved on tour guides by using by neat little Berlitz USA Guide).
Don't mind admitting I am obsessed with squirrals!!!
Finished at Fanuil Market just as it was getting dark and shouted ourselves a much needed oyster, beer and Boston cream pie dinner at the Union Oyster House, the oldest restaurant in American! It was grand :) :)
Is Hot Hot Hot....
But with a whole lobster for a typical $10.00 lunch who cares :)
On our first night we went to Newbury St just down from the Hotel.
A street of row houses turned into bohemian style boutiques and restaurants and those funky kind of second-hand clothing stores that make old clothes look so fantastic!
Street full of students and guys in Levis and white Tshirts draped over motor bikes talking to girls (you get the picture).
Went for a burger organic and made from local produce of course where Tracy spied 'Boston Man' dressed in Black Caps shirt. Of course after a quick spot quiz about how much he actually knew about the game, we quickly determined he was ok and he did give us some good tips for tours to take (all this much to the amusement of the owner)!
On the way home were greated by another local in the old cobbled streets a Rat! Jerry would have been very pleased :)
30th August 2010
Day 2:
We tried a similar on/off trolley tour which we did in Chicago. In the Boston heat this was a killer and I think it may have dampened our enthusiasm for History during the daylight hours!
Did have our first lobster lunch (picture shown) down at the Long Wharf while waiting for the harbour cruise.
By late afternoon it was cool enough to walk so we took in the Faneuil (rhymes with panel) Hall and Market Place, full to the brink with incredible food of all kinds, include giant strangly flavoured cookies and Bagels - who knew they filled the holes and then put cheese on top!!!!
Finished with a walk through Little Italy with its great little shops to take in some of the Freedom Trail especially the old North Church and Paul Revere's House.
31st August
Day 3:
Boston is so hot we have been reduced to spending the day in the endless Mall attached to the Hotel (oh the agony) and the subway which has no view, but is airconditioned! In the Mall I seriously weakened at Victoria's Secret (well everything does have my initials on it!) Then we took the underground (our new airconditioned favourite) to the JFK Museum. The JFK was great and well worth the visit (post photos soon) and in the cool of the early evening Harvard University. Just arrived as the class of 2014 was breaking after Orientation. Lots of probable JFKs and Jackie Os :) Walked around the grounds in the cool evening and found a great Restaurant on the corner of Bow & Grafton street. The Grafton Street Pub and Grill - Fantastic! :)
1st September 2010
Day 4:
Decided to brave the waters before the Hurricane arrived and went to Salem. If you thought Boston was Hot you are sadly mistaken. That was a witches brew. Great weatherboard houses and port with sailing ship set in the 1700's. Escaped to the cool of the witches history tour with suspect props (we are used to weta workshop). But a great overview and an interesting insight in the group hysteria and just cruel people can be.
Met a proud ex Kiwi mum at the informative information centre who happened to be at her sons orientaion at Harvard at night before (snap!).Used to teach in Hamilton, but has been married to an American for 30+ years! The people you meet!!!
Purchased american icecream in tub while racing to boat (let just say that was a mistake). Yelled at by Ferry Captain because he wanted to leave and we were stuck because guy in front of us wanted to use visa and it was broken. Put the Captain and crew straight before boarding. Lets just say nothing more was said lol ;)
Had a much needed quiet evening back at the Sheraton, but not before Vicki went slightly crazy in Barnes and N0ble (It is such a great book store!!!).
2nd September 2010
Day 5
Slow start with some much needed washing and experiencing the delights of the American laudromat and how useful quaters are. Happened to be located next to the 7/11, so that did for breakfast. Sang along to the radio with the owner while the washing dried and guess what! Located a pom doing his washing wearing and English rugby jersey (what can I say, Tracy is a force to be reckoned with! He even bandied about the right names of Richie and Dan!!! :)
Then we took our favourite hot weather toy, the subway to Boston Museum of Fine Arts to see one of my favorite sculptures which happened to be on the front lawn - bronze of Indian warrior on war horse called 'Worshipping the sun'. Got a free Hall pass to use the shop and the cafe which also meant we just had to look at the latest 1960 fashion photo exhibit etc, etc. Best museum shop I have come across so far (do take a look online!).
Then we were determined to finish with Newbury St which happened to end with Boston Common, so despite being fired and over dehydrated we also managed Beacon Hill and the rest of the History Trail (saved on tour guides by using by neat little Berlitz USA Guide).
Don't mind admitting I am obsessed with squirrals!!!
Finished at Fanuil Market just as it was getting dark and shouted ourselves a much needed oyster, beer and Boston cream pie dinner at the Union Oyster House, the oldest restaurant in American! It was grand :) :)
Sunday, August 29, 2010
keep the news coming
Hi Tracy and Vicky,
Loved your report on your travels so far...How is the weather....
Your hotel sounded great..
Well have a ball..Just trying the blog out...
love mum.xxxxx
Loved your report on your travels so far...How is the weather....
Your hotel sounded great..
Well have a ball..Just trying the blog out...
love mum.xxxxx
Bye bye to Chicago
Left Chicago this afternoon heading to Boston. Both agreed Chicago is a must see USA city! Thoroughly enjoyed our time there.
Top choices in Chicago (in no particular order)
Deep dish Chicago pizza especially with local Honkers beer!
View from Sears Tower!
Skyscrapers - Fab shots everywhere you turn !
Public sculpture - very cool, its all Beanz to us!!!!
Check out the photos (esp you Jerry!!!)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Chicago
Wow.
Exhausted after the long flight, but the fantastic beds and views from the Monaco on Wabash made up for it.
Spent the first day on the lGrey Line doing the on off scenario.
Have seen views from Sears (Yes Tracy is afraid of heights!).
The fantastic Millenium Park - Why can't Hamilton do this. Public Sculptures to die for.
The Bean is a must! As is Walking On Water.
Also viewed the Chicago Institure of Art - American Gothic and Hopper! :) Not to mention a bit of Pollock & Rothko .
Finished with Navy Pier (Think Easter Show on steroids).
Just had a nice dinner on by the river with Shrimp, Hot Dog and Red Velvet Cup Cakes :)
Exhausted after the long flight, but the fantastic beds and views from the Monaco on Wabash made up for it.
Spent the first day on the lGrey Line doing the on off scenario.
Have seen views from Sears (Yes Tracy is afraid of heights!).
The fantastic Millenium Park - Why can't Hamilton do this. Public Sculptures to die for.
The Bean is a must! As is Walking On Water.
Also viewed the Chicago Institure of Art - American Gothic and Hopper! :) Not to mention a bit of Pollock & Rothko .
Finished with Navy Pier (Think Easter Show on steroids).
Just had a nice dinner on by the river with Shrimp, Hot Dog and Red Velvet Cup Cakes :)
Travelling, travelling travelling - the trip over
Long flight to Chicago with a full plane.
Made a lot easier by the delights of cabin crew Dazza 'Darren' & Jerome NZ06.
We didn't score first class, but we did score some great perks.
Thanks Dazza for the head phones.
Should I mention the all night service to Tracy's snack obsession!!!!
I wondered what all that crinkling was about! :)
Note: Don't believe all you hear about the US Customs in LA. They we an efficiant and cordial lot.
Made a lot easier by the delights of cabin crew Dazza 'Darren' & Jerome NZ06.
We didn't score first class, but we did score some great perks.
Thanks Dazza for the head phones.
Should I mention the all night service to Tracy's snack obsession!!!!
I wondered what all that crinkling was about! :)
Note: Don't believe all you hear about the US Customs in LA. They we an efficiant and cordial lot.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tracy & Vicki Go To The USA
Hi Everyone,
Here is our Blog. Can't promise we will keep up with the posts, we will be too busy having fun.
Here is our Blog. Can't promise we will keep up with the posts, we will be too busy having fun.
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