Our last day in New York...I can't believe it is all coming to an end.
After breakfast we headed down 5th Ave to the "American Girl" shop. I had seen it yesterday and wanted to go back to investigate further.....unbelievable! Four floors of dolls presented in a luxury environment. There is a salon for your special doll to have her hair styled or her ears pierced...if she is injured then the hospital will attend to her every need. All of her clothes are replicated in child sizes and there is a special "pet" salon where you can choose your special companion! Only in America!
We next visit the Broadway Dance Centre on 45th St. They have several studios operating with viewing windows so I have a sneak peep....wish I had the time to do a couple of classes ...next time.
Next stop .....Macys....I feel like a woman possessed, so as the minutes tick down to our final departure I grab for a wallet and a handbag....what have I missed? I'm feeling slightly deranged but a quick glance to GC brings me back to some degree of normality. This buying frenzy has to STOP! We stroll back to the hotel, squeeze my last minute purchases into the suitcases and go down to lunch at Madison and Vine. The hotel has arranged a car for us whch arrives promptly and we are whisked...well not exactly with the NY traffic.....but we are soon on our way to JFK.
Now sipping champagne in the lounge awaiting our call to board our flight to Los Angeles. See you all soon.....x
Recent Posts
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Last full day in New York!
Dinner was quite good last night......more food than I could eat. The account seemed quite expensive until you realise that they add tax plus 18% gratuity!
This morning, after sorting out traveller's cheques at the bank we headed off to "hit the shops" again. A pair of boots, two pairs of sandals, a pair of shoes for GC and a couple of small bags make up our haul today. Back to the hotel for a brief rest then down to the lounge bar for a drink before heading out again, this time to see the show "Book of Mormon". I think GC squirmed through the first half as it is very irreverent and the language is not for the faint hearted but he warmed to it in the second half. It is a very funny show and the script is extremely clever. Don't think there will be many devout Christians, let alone practising Mormons lining up to see it though!
Stopped by three black guys on the way home so now, somehow, we are in possession of three CDs and shy of $30...will be interested to find out what is actually on the CDs!
Decided to skip a late dinner.....neither of us feeling hungry..feels like we haven't stopped eating or drinking for days....wait a minute....we haven't!
Oh well, off to bed. Our last night so feeling a bit sad to be leaving this fabulous city but also ready to come home to see everybody and get stuck into another year. x
This morning, after sorting out traveller's cheques at the bank we headed off to "hit the shops" again. A pair of boots, two pairs of sandals, a pair of shoes for GC and a couple of small bags make up our haul today. Back to the hotel for a brief rest then down to the lounge bar for a drink before heading out again, this time to see the show "Book of Mormon". I think GC squirmed through the first half as it is very irreverent and the language is not for the faint hearted but he warmed to it in the second half. It is a very funny show and the script is extremely clever. Don't think there will be many devout Christians, let alone practising Mormons lining up to see it though!
Stopped by three black guys on the way home so now, somehow, we are in possession of three CDs and shy of $30...will be interested to find out what is actually on the CDs!
Decided to skip a late dinner.....neither of us feeling hungry..feels like we haven't stopped eating or drinking for days....wait a minute....we haven't!
Oh well, off to bed. Our last night so feeling a bit sad to be leaving this fabulous city but also ready to come home to see everybody and get stuck into another year. x
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Beautiful San Juan!
GC was up and off to the gym while I tried, unsuccessfully, to languish in bed! The hotel is quite unique, a beautiful old convent now a thriving hotel with a bar and restaurant right in the middle of old town. Dark timber furnishings, brocade curtains.....all the features you would expect from this Spanish style abode.
After breakfast we are off with C & J to explore the fort. There is a free trolley car that does the circuit around the township but by the time we have walked to the square it is raining heavily so we opt for a cab ($20). The fort is amazing and well worth the visit and the views of San Juan from this vantage point are spectacular! The rain has now stopped so we walk back to the hotel....which is only a 10 minute easy walk, admiring the architecture as we go. All the buildings are painted in an array of pastel colours and really add to the charm of this city. Back at the square it's time for coffee and muffins and while the men discuss the issues of high finance (!) J and I had to Puerto Rico Drug for supplies - I'm talking toothpaste and deodorant - a quick detour into Marshall's, followed by R Lauren.....I'm finding it difficult to drag myself away from all the brightly coloured wares that beckon to me as we pass by each shop front ..... but I know our time is running out and we have to head out to the airport. GC and C are having a beer at the bar across from the hotel, which apparently is really nice, but it's time to leave and after bidding farewell to our new friends we are on the move again to the airport.... about a 15 minute drive which costs $24....clearly our city driver 'ripped us off'!
Not a spare seat on our AA flight back to NYC on a 757. We are about 30 minutes late arriving and a number of people applaud on touch down..... we are way down the back and I don't want to know what they may know....at least we are on 'terra firma'.
Cab ride from JFK is a standard $45 plus tip and we collect our suitcases from Hotel Elysees before checking into the Library Hotel. We are in the "Dinosaur" room on the 5th Floor....it's great, every room has a different theme in keeping with the Library character.
We've cut through the locks on our suitcases (GC lost the keys) now we are off to try out the hotel's restaurant, 'Madison and Vine'. x
After breakfast we are off with C & J to explore the fort. There is a free trolley car that does the circuit around the township but by the time we have walked to the square it is raining heavily so we opt for a cab ($20). The fort is amazing and well worth the visit and the views of San Juan from this vantage point are spectacular! The rain has now stopped so we walk back to the hotel....which is only a 10 minute easy walk, admiring the architecture as we go. All the buildings are painted in an array of pastel colours and really add to the charm of this city. Back at the square it's time for coffee and muffins and while the men discuss the issues of high finance (!) J and I had to Puerto Rico Drug for supplies - I'm talking toothpaste and deodorant - a quick detour into Marshall's, followed by R Lauren.....I'm finding it difficult to drag myself away from all the brightly coloured wares that beckon to me as we pass by each shop front ..... but I know our time is running out and we have to head out to the airport. GC and C are having a beer at the bar across from the hotel, which apparently is really nice, but it's time to leave and after bidding farewell to our new friends we are on the move again to the airport.... about a 15 minute drive which costs $24....clearly our city driver 'ripped us off'!
Not a spare seat on our AA flight back to NYC on a 757. We are about 30 minutes late arriving and a number of people applaud on touch down..... we are way down the back and I don't want to know what they may know....at least we are on 'terra firma'.
Cab ride from JFK is a standard $45 plus tip and we collect our suitcases from Hotel Elysees before checking into the Library Hotel. We are in the "Dinosaur" room on the 5th Floor....it's great, every room has a different theme in keeping with the Library character.
We've cut through the locks on our suitcases (GC lost the keys) now we are off to try out the hotel's restaurant, 'Madison and Vine'. x
Monday, 16 January 2012
San Juan, Puerto Rica
All good things must come to an end and with the precision of a well-oiled machine we are all ferried off our floating home and through customs. Charles and Jules are also staying at Il Convento so we share a cab and, as we are too early to check in, the only thing to do is go walking round the city. We are in "Old Town" and it is just beautiful. There has been a big festival here for the past three days so a lot of cleaning up is still happening. Shopping is great and we head straight to "Marshall's"....odd store with quite a mixture of goodies but we do manage to pick up some bargains (along with another two large carry-on bags to replace the smaller ones we have!) GC is panicking about the excess luggage!
We have lunch at a great little restaurant where the "Pina Colada" was invented! More shopping, shirts for GC at RL and a bag for me at Coach.
Finally able to check in at the hotel and I'm now able to 'log on' to the internet, which has been almost impossible at sea. GC is busily trying to make the new acquisitions 'fit' into our bigger bags....
We join C nd J for wine and hor d'oeuvres downstairs and then head into the bar for dinner and drinks.....I'm seriously about to burst!
San Juan is very pretty so I'm off to bed now so that I have enough energy to investigate further tomorrow. x
We have lunch at a great little restaurant where the "Pina Colada" was invented! More shopping, shirts for GC at RL and a bag for me at Coach.
Finally able to check in at the hotel and I'm now able to 'log on' to the internet, which has been almost impossible at sea. GC is busily trying to make the new acquisitions 'fit' into our bigger bags....
We join C nd J for wine and hor d'oeuvres downstairs and then head into the bar for dinner and drinks.....I'm seriously about to burst!
San Juan is very pretty so I'm off to bed now so that I have enough energy to investigate further tomorrow. x
Basseterre, St Kitts
Didn't make it to breakfast this morning - (far too much partying last night!) but luckily we had ordered coffee and juice in our cabin as a 'wake-up' call. Today we are doing the St Kitt's Scenic Train ride - the only train in the Caribbean. Picked up by coach we head 12 miles up the coast where we board the train that will take us another 29 miles through the countryside.
St Kitt's, population 40,000 has a sister island, Nevis, population 10,000. The island has a series of small villages each named after the original estate owner. Many of the houses are quite small built by the Government to provide low cost housing but there are also may others that appear quite palatial. The countryside is covered with rich, lush vegetation and the sea is a brilliant blue.......just idyllic.
Being Sunday there are no markets open though at the port there a heap of jewellers all staffed with very pushy Indian sales assistants. For the first time, I board the ship (in time for lunch!) having bought nothing.....zip!This is our last night and I can honestly say the cruise has been a huge success and we have met some lovely people. It's going to be a little sad saying farewell in the morning but I'm sure we'll all meet again in the future, besides, if I stay on board much longer I'm going to burst!
St Kitt's, population 40,000 has a sister island, Nevis, population 10,000. The island has a series of small villages each named after the original estate owner. Many of the houses are quite small built by the Government to provide low cost housing but there are also may others that appear quite palatial. The countryside is covered with rich, lush vegetation and the sea is a brilliant blue.......just idyllic.
Being Sunday there are no markets open though at the port there a heap of jewellers all staffed with very pushy Indian sales assistants. For the first time, I board the ship (in time for lunch!) having bought nothing.....zip!This is our last night and I can honestly say the cruise has been a huge success and we have met some lovely people. It's going to be a little sad saying farewell in the morning but I'm sure we'll all meet again in the future, besides, if I stay on board much longer I'm going to burst!
Roseau, Domenico
Again we decide to do our own thing and easily find a tour guide when we disembark. There is another couple from the ship wanting to go to the same destination so we decide to share. All the tour 'taxis' seat about ten passengers so with only four us it is very comfortable. We set off for Emerald Pond which is at least 30 minutes from port and takes us high into the mountains. Our guide is Marjel and he gives a great running commentary on features of the island as we wind our way upward.
The island of Domenico is 29 miles long and 16 miles wide - 298 square miles - with a population of 71,000. The Caribbean sea sweeps the west coast while the Atlantic ocean laps the east. It is the second most mountainous country in the world. Domenico gained independence from Britain on 3rd November 1978. Sugar cane production is no longer an industry yet there are two rum factories on the island.
Upon reaching the base station we are joined by another guide who takes us for a nature walk through this beautiful rainforest to Emerald Pond. Worth the trek and if you don't jump in and soak up the invigorating crystal clear waters at least dip your toes. Marjel is waiting to continue our tour and he takes us through the Botanical Gardens as we make our way back to the ship. ($100 for the tour - $10 for the rainforest guide)
We decide to have lunch on the ship then catch the free shuttle bus back into town for a further look around. The market is open but every stall is beginning to look the same! We do venture into a bar advertising "weird rum". Turns out the bottles contained all sorts of crazy things - spiders, centipedes, snakes.....yuk!
Another evening of cocktails, gourmet food, wine and champagne.........
The island of Domenico is 29 miles long and 16 miles wide - 298 square miles - with a population of 71,000. The Caribbean sea sweeps the west coast while the Atlantic ocean laps the east. It is the second most mountainous country in the world. Domenico gained independence from Britain on 3rd November 1978. Sugar cane production is no longer an industry yet there are two rum factories on the island.
Upon reaching the base station we are joined by another guide who takes us for a nature walk through this beautiful rainforest to Emerald Pond. Worth the trek and if you don't jump in and soak up the invigorating crystal clear waters at least dip your toes. Marjel is waiting to continue our tour and he takes us through the Botanical Gardens as we make our way back to the ship. ($100 for the tour - $10 for the rainforest guide)
We decide to have lunch on the ship then catch the free shuttle bus back into town for a further look around. The market is open but every stall is beginning to look the same! We do venture into a bar advertising "weird rum". Turns out the bottles contained all sorts of crazy things - spiders, centipedes, snakes.....yuk!
Another evening of cocktails, gourmet food, wine and champagne.........
Castries, St. Lucia
Today we hit Castries, St Lucia and we were whisked off to the rain forest for our tour in the tram. Six to a tram (plus our guide) we take an aerial ride ABOVE the rain forest. Great, if you don't fear the cable breaking and imagining the car plummeting through the trees! It is quite beautiful though and the trip is completed with a trek through the rain forest.
St John's, Antigua
We dock at St John's, Antigua - home of Sir Viv Richards and Curtly Ambrose. After we meet up with Jenny, an English lady who has lived here for 34 years. She organises for an 'official' taxi driver to be our guide for the day at a rate of $40 per hour. We head off with Zeffi who happily relates all the local history as we go. Antigua has a sister island, Barbuda, which lies 35 miles north west and has a population of 85,000. It has 365 beaches - one for every day of the year - and as we head down the road lined by mahogany trees he tells us that they gained independence from Britain in 1981 and that their main industries of sugar cane and cotton production have now died out due to the young people being unwilling to work hard - thankfully tourism keeps the economy humming. The last hurricane to hit the area was in 1999 but the worst was in 1995 when the island was closed for nine weeks and they were without electricity for seven weeks.
Slavery was abolished in 1834 with slaves being brought in from Africa. Religion plays a large part in the lives of this community and as we travel through All Saints village and then Liberta, Zeffi tells us there is 11 churches in that small village alone, of all denominations. We head to the Lookout at Shirley Heights and the view is truly spectacular. We visit Falmouth Harbour where we see the remains of the officers quarters, the Blockhouse ruins, the Interpretation Centre and then we end up at Nelson's Dockyard.
At Nelson's Bay there is much to see not the least being the enormous yachts and boats berthed at this great spot. We have the most enormous lobsters for lunch at the Admiral's Inn before heading back.
Slavery was abolished in 1834 with slaves being brought in from Africa. Religion plays a large part in the lives of this community and as we travel through All Saints village and then Liberta, Zeffi tells us there is 11 churches in that small village alone, of all denominations. We head to the Lookout at Shirley Heights and the view is truly spectacular. We visit Falmouth Harbour where we see the remains of the officers quarters, the Blockhouse ruins, the Interpretation Centre and then we end up at Nelson's Dockyard.
At Nelson's Bay there is much to see not the least being the enormous yachts and boats berthed at this great spot. We have the most enormous lobsters for lunch at the Admiral's Inn before heading back.
Marigot Bay
Next stop ....... Marigot Bay, St Martin. Today we are doing our own thing and take a cab to the other side of the island to Philipsburg. This island is owned half by France (St Martin) which is the side we docked, and half by the Dutch (St Maarten)....apparently rather than fight over ownership, they decided to share! We start on the Dutch side, wandering up one side of the main road and down the other. Every second store is a jewellery store specialising in diamonds of all colours, tanzanites and Columbian emeralds. Very touristy.
After 2 - 3 hours there we take another cab back to the French side of the island to Orient Beach. For as far as you can see the beach is covered with deck chairs and brightly coloured umbrellas. Each restaurant, or shack on the beach that serves food, have their own coloured umbrellas in front and for $7 you can hire a chair, an umbrella and you receive a free drink. Otherwise, order a meal and there is no further cost. We choose a place to eat and enjoy lobster and salad washed down with a glass of wine. The waiter also brings us a complimentary glass of their local coconut and rum drink - very tasty. After lunch we take a stroll along the beach - the water is the clearest blue. There are people everywhere and absolutely NO body image problems with all shapes and sizes. A few bare boobs but only on the women over 60! And the "G-string wearing" old guy was hard to miss!
The houses here are all trimmed with lace around the roof line so that they resemble wedding cakes with fine lace. It's very pretty.
Again, I think one of the tours (for 2 1/2 hours) organised by the ship basically did Philipsburg then back to the French side for $39 per head. It cost us $18 for a cab one way, $20 to Orient Bay then $15 back to the boat (we shared with other guests). Our first cab driver told us that the fare should be $18 for any trip so the total would be approximately $60 - not a huge saving on the tour cost but you are not "time-restricted". The cab drivers are also very good and are happy to explain the surrounding features for you.
After 2 - 3 hours there we take another cab back to the French side of the island to Orient Beach. For as far as you can see the beach is covered with deck chairs and brightly coloured umbrellas. Each restaurant, or shack on the beach that serves food, have their own coloured umbrellas in front and for $7 you can hire a chair, an umbrella and you receive a free drink. Otherwise, order a meal and there is no further cost. We choose a place to eat and enjoy lobster and salad washed down with a glass of wine. The waiter also brings us a complimentary glass of their local coconut and rum drink - very tasty. After lunch we take a stroll along the beach - the water is the clearest blue. There are people everywhere and absolutely NO body image problems with all shapes and sizes. A few bare boobs but only on the women over 60! And the "G-string wearing" old guy was hard to miss!
The houses here are all trimmed with lace around the roof line so that they resemble wedding cakes with fine lace. It's very pretty.
Again, I think one of the tours (for 2 1/2 hours) organised by the ship basically did Philipsburg then back to the French side for $39 per head. It cost us $18 for a cab one way, $20 to Orient Bay then $15 back to the boat (we shared with other guests). Our first cab driver told us that the fare should be $18 for any trip so the total would be approximately $60 - not a huge saving on the tour cost but you are not "time-restricted". The cab drivers are also very good and are happy to explain the surrounding features for you.
Spanish Town
Tuesday morning we dock at our first port - Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda in British Virgin Islands. We have booked for the Baths Transfers tour through the ship. This is $39 per head and for that we are taken by a small coach to the other side of the island to The Baths and Devil's Bay. You can venture down to the beach which is scattered with giant boulders and through the grottoes to Devil's Bay. The water is so blue it's breathtaking. We finish up at the bar drinking rum punch and cocktails overlooking the most beautiful scenery. You can do the same thing by taking a cab, $4 each one way, then pay $3 entry at The Baths, a total of $22 plus drinks. Dress code for dinner back on board is informal but gentlemen still need a jacket.
Another day at sea.
Monday morning after breakfast I'm back at the Spa for a facial....one of the best I've ever experienced. Unfortunately I have been suffering with a stiff neck and back resulting in a constant headache so I'm off to the doctor, then spend a good part of the day in bed. Thankfully enough rest to be able to front up for another night of cocktails and too much food. The weight is creeping back on :(
A life on the ocean wave!
What can I say about the Silversea cruise? The service is wonderful, the staff attentive, the food world class. GC left his glasses on the desk in our room, on his return there was a cleaning cloth left folded beside them! 24 hour room service, French champagne, a great selection of wine and spirits....whatever you want....just ask. More food than you could ever eat, entertainment, a health spa and gym. Only complaint is that the internet is either slow or non-existent.....but we are cruising after all and apparently they are going to make improvements when the ship goes into dry-dock in October.
On the first full day at sea, Sunday, I start the morning with a pedicure at the Spa - superb! We have now met a couple from Baltimore and together we do a brief French lesson in the lounge, followed by a cooking demonstration with Executive Chef Douglas Hope.....there is a daily program and you can choose to do as much or as little as you like. Tonight is formal night and the Captain's welcome reception so it's out with the dinner suit, long black dress and bling. We also join our new American friends in 'Le Champagne' which is a smaller restaurant on board which you must book and pay a surcharge. A great time had by all.......they even present you with your own menu as a momento!
On the first full day at sea, Sunday, I start the morning with a pedicure at the Spa - superb! We have now met a couple from Baltimore and together we do a brief French lesson in the lounge, followed by a cooking demonstration with Executive Chef Douglas Hope.....there is a daily program and you can choose to do as much or as little as you like. Tonight is formal night and the Captain's welcome reception so it's out with the dinner suit, long black dress and bling. We also join our new American friends in 'Le Champagne' which is a smaller restaurant on board which you must book and pay a surcharge. A great time had by all.......they even present you with your own menu as a momento!
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Fort Lauderdale
Julianna has organised a car for us so at 1.30pm we are off, in style, to Fort Lauderdale. A cab is normally about $80, a car $140, our jaunt costs $190 between the two couples and a much more pleasant trip. We board the Silver Cloud with much pomp and ceremony and are shown to our cabin on the 7th deck. Everything you could want is at your fingertips down to a choice of Ferragamo, Bulgari or some other fabulous range of personal products. We head to one of the restaurants for lunch and then take a leisurely stroll around the deck to familiarise ourselves with ship life!
Bye Bye NYC!
I've had no access to internet for the past few days so will catch up now. We caught a cab out to LaGuardia - only about 15 - 20 minutes and booked our luggage through on the kerb! That's right - you hand your luggage over to a kerbside check-in guy and you're in business! We're off to Miami and some warmer weather, and it turns out ot be everything you see in the movies! Multi-laned roads across vast expanses of water into Miami with the horizon a mass of hi-rise buildings. We are booked into The Tides which is in Ocean Drive in South Beach right on the beach! The room is huge with a great view across the water... a very 'resort' style look, as you would expect....after checking into our room we head downstairs for our 'welcome' cocktail, sitting out the front of the hotel where you can watch the world go by. We've been tearing around in the cold of New York so it's very pleasant to just sit back in the warmth and watch the passing parade and our one cocktail turns into several :(. Lots of beautiful gay men, bare chested latinos scooting passed on their skateboards (yes....I said skateboards), cruising in their convertibles and hardly a pair of white pants in sight!
We meet a couple from the Gold Coast, Julianna and Charles, who are not only staying in the same hotel but also boarding the same cruise! The night is somewhat of a 'write-off' but the next day we head off (after I have my spray tan) for a reconnaisance. The architecture in South Beach is beautiful 'art-deco' and a place I could have spent a little more time in, but maybe next time!
We meet a couple from the Gold Coast, Julianna and Charles, who are not only staying in the same hotel but also boarding the same cruise! The night is somewhat of a 'write-off' but the next day we head off (after I have my spray tan) for a reconnaisance. The architecture in South Beach is beautiful 'art-deco' and a place I could have spent a little more time in, but maybe next time!
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Another sunny day in NYC!
Low key today. I started with a visit to Urban Nail Salon.....well a girl needs to keep up appearances! We spent the day shopping .....what's new? But today GC had the floor! A new pair of shoes, we picked up his two new suits and then finished off with some new RL shirts.
Petrol must be reasonable here as, apart from hundreds of taxis (cheaper than Brisbane) I'm amazed at how many Escalades there are on the roads - big black cars like four-wheel drives with darkened windows. New York is also a very clean city. You rarely see rubbish on the footpaths - apart from the large bags that come out at night ready for the early morning pick-up.
After dropping off the day's spoils at the hotel and resting up for a little while we set off again to 45th to see "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". It was very entertaining! Darren Criss from "Glee" had the lead, (clearly a crowd favourite!) and Beau Bridges had another lead. It was a great musical with fabulous roles for the men in the cast. I would highly recommend this show.
We stopped at BICE again tonight for dinner and now relaxing back in our room before packing our cases ready to set off to LaGuardia in the morning for an early flight to Miami. M x
Petrol must be reasonable here as, apart from hundreds of taxis (cheaper than Brisbane) I'm amazed at how many Escalades there are on the roads - big black cars like four-wheel drives with darkened windows. New York is also a very clean city. You rarely see rubbish on the footpaths - apart from the large bags that come out at night ready for the early morning pick-up.
After dropping off the day's spoils at the hotel and resting up for a little while we set off again to 45th to see "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". It was very entertaining! Darren Criss from "Glee" had the lead, (clearly a crowd favourite!) and Beau Bridges had another lead. It was a great musical with fabulous roles for the men in the cast. I would highly recommend this show.
We stopped at BICE again tonight for dinner and now relaxing back in our room before packing our cases ready to set off to LaGuardia in the morning for an early flight to Miami. M x
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Guggenheim!
After breakfast we catch a cab to 89th St to visit the Guggenheim Museum. There is a new exhibit by Maurizio Cattelan which is quite extraordinary. Suspended from the ceiling is an eclectic collection of items each with its own story. The exhibit is captivating but I can honestly say this is the only museum I have ever visited in the world where I have suffered vertigo! There is a unique collection of art on display, the centrepiece being the works of Kandinsky, who really marks the birth of the Guggenheim collection. Gaugin, Monet, Manet, Van Gogh and many more are all represented here.
We set off to walk to the Lincoln Centre Theatre on 65th and it is cold! We are booked to see the matinee of "War Horse", which has recently been released as a movie. This production is remarkable! The horses are life size models each operated by three puppeteers and they are so lifelike you forget they are models. The sets, music etc are unbelievable. This is a moving and unforgettable theatre experience.
We head back to the hotel and head straight to the lounge bar where we are joined by Nancy, from Canada. After sharing a couple of hours of 'solving the world's problems' we then head back to our room to prepare for our dinner booking at Daniel. One of the top restaurants in New York it does not disappoint. The service is impeccable, the food, although small portions, is sensational! With the extra little added pre-dinner 'amuse bouche' and after dinner 'dessert and chocolates' we leave feeling very satisfied. We did the three-course dinner (there is also a six and eight course tasting menu) but when you don't eat until 10.00pm it's hard to find a huge appetite. The wine list is extremely extensive, mainly French wines of course, with prices ranging from $80 - $4,500. Another FULL day! M x
We set off to walk to the Lincoln Centre Theatre on 65th and it is cold! We are booked to see the matinee of "War Horse", which has recently been released as a movie. This production is remarkable! The horses are life size models each operated by three puppeteers and they are so lifelike you forget they are models. The sets, music etc are unbelievable. This is a moving and unforgettable theatre experience.
We head back to the hotel and head straight to the lounge bar where we are joined by Nancy, from Canada. After sharing a couple of hours of 'solving the world's problems' we then head back to our room to prepare for our dinner booking at Daniel. One of the top restaurants in New York it does not disappoint. The service is impeccable, the food, although small portions, is sensational! With the extra little added pre-dinner 'amuse bouche' and after dinner 'dessert and chocolates' we leave feeling very satisfied. We did the three-course dinner (there is also a six and eight course tasting menu) but when you don't eat until 10.00pm it's hard to find a huge appetite. The wine list is extremely extensive, mainly French wines of course, with prices ranging from $80 - $4,500. Another FULL day! M x
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Bit chilly today!
Shopping first! I know, I know but it's New York and it's 'semi-annual' sale time.
We took a cab down to Battery Park and started walking. Went to visit the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian in the old Customs building which is absolutely beautiful. The Customs Department moved into one of the Twin Towers about 20 years ago and this building stood vacant for years. It was going to be demolished but thankfully a local Senator stepped in and saved it. Apparently the same fate awaited Grand Central Station until Jackie Kennedy intervened.
Through the World Financial Centre and down to where the new Freedom Centre is rising out of the ashes of 9/11. The memorials are more subdued than they were a few years ago when the feeling of grief seemed to pervade the whole area, but it is still difficult to imagine the devastation that occurred over a decade ago.
The weather has been pleasant here for the last few days but today, the temperature has suddenly dropped and it is cold (-1).....apparently -3 tomorrow...thank heavens for bubble coats! Clear blue skies so no snow.
We continued through Soho where you find lots of quaint little shops along with lots of designer gear - epecially around Prince and Spring Sts. Managed to buy more shoes.....more through default as we were going into shops to get out of the cold for a while. We ended up at the Oyster Bar in Central Station.....quite a walk from Battery Park, then headed back to our hotel to leave our goodies and grab a drink before heading out again to 43rd St to see "Anything Goes" by Col Porter. A fun show starring, among other notables, Joel Grey. He must be at leat 70 but still fantastic. M x
We took a cab down to Battery Park and started walking. Went to visit the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian in the old Customs building which is absolutely beautiful. The Customs Department moved into one of the Twin Towers about 20 years ago and this building stood vacant for years. It was going to be demolished but thankfully a local Senator stepped in and saved it. Apparently the same fate awaited Grand Central Station until Jackie Kennedy intervened.
Through the World Financial Centre and down to where the new Freedom Centre is rising out of the ashes of 9/11. The memorials are more subdued than they were a few years ago when the feeling of grief seemed to pervade the whole area, but it is still difficult to imagine the devastation that occurred over a decade ago.
The weather has been pleasant here for the last few days but today, the temperature has suddenly dropped and it is cold (-1).....apparently -3 tomorrow...thank heavens for bubble coats! Clear blue skies so no snow.
We continued through Soho where you find lots of quaint little shops along with lots of designer gear - epecially around Prince and Spring Sts. Managed to buy more shoes.....more through default as we were going into shops to get out of the cold for a while. We ended up at the Oyster Bar in Central Station.....quite a walk from Battery Park, then headed back to our hotel to leave our goodies and grab a drink before heading out again to 43rd St to see "Anything Goes" by Col Porter. A fun show starring, among other notables, Joel Grey. He must be at leat 70 but still fantastic. M x
Monday, 2 January 2012
Public Holiday - 2nd Jan 2012
So much for eating a late dinner! Our bodies clearly said, that after eating, we are going to be up for at least 4 - 5 hours so at 4am we were both STILL awake! Then after finally dropping off to la-la land...no. 4 possum rang us at 7am! Dozed again and finally arose about 10am so another late start....ah well....we are on holidays.
We head down to Macy's to spend the next few hours in retail heaven! GC, bless his cotton socks, stood around for about 4 - 5 hours while I try on shoes and pour over racks of tops, dresses etc - it's sale time so people everywhere and it takes longer to be served :( (If shopping at Macy's don't forget to ask for your 'visitor's card', at least it will save you the tax.) Apparently Macy's are putting in a 'bar' which will be 'male heaven' and a great relief to partners wanting to look at every pair of shoes and pick through every rack without a guilty conscience! Attempted Veronica's Closet but there was a wall of people. GC bought two suits.
No shows on tonight so after stopping to watch the light show projected onto the wall of Saks 5th Ave we wander through the Rockerfeller Centre - the Christmas lights are on and are absolutely magical. There are throngs of people everywhere as we make our way back to the hotel and head straight to the lounge for a well-deserved drink. Skyped the girls tonight so don't think we really have the strength to head out again tonight. Bye for now, M x
We head down to Macy's to spend the next few hours in retail heaven! GC, bless his cotton socks, stood around for about 4 - 5 hours while I try on shoes and pour over racks of tops, dresses etc - it's sale time so people everywhere and it takes longer to be served :( (If shopping at Macy's don't forget to ask for your 'visitor's card', at least it will save you the tax.) Apparently Macy's are putting in a 'bar' which will be 'male heaven' and a great relief to partners wanting to look at every pair of shoes and pick through every rack without a guilty conscience! Attempted Veronica's Closet but there was a wall of people. GC bought two suits.
No shows on tonight so after stopping to watch the light show projected onto the wall of Saks 5th Ave we wander through the Rockerfeller Centre - the Christmas lights are on and are absolutely magical. There are throngs of people everywhere as we make our way back to the hotel and head straight to the lounge for a well-deserved drink. Skyped the girls tonight so don't think we really have the strength to head out again tonight. Bye for now, M x
Sunday, 1 January 2012
1st January 2012
We finally got moving in the early afternoon. Straight to Zara for retail therapy....tick! GC was keen to go back to a market we'd been to once before so through Central Park and up to 77th.....it wasn't there but a nice walk nevertheless on a beautiful NY day with hot dogs (of course) from one of the many street vendors for sustenance. Probably didn't need it but we stopped for lunch before heading down to 42nd street. Did I mention the cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery? Several of these shops throughout NY - I recommend the caramel - yum! There are people everywhere and a neverending stream of smells and sounds.....I don't think you can experience this anywhere else in the world.
Downtown the ice rink is pumping and after grabbing a 'coffee to go' we head off to 44th St where we are going to see "Memphis". A great show loosely based on Memphis DJ Dewey Phillips, one of the first DJs to play 'black' music back in the 50s. Singing was amazing, costumes were stunning, well worth seeing.
Our walk home takes us through Times Square. There is a huge screen above that films the crowd so you actually see yourself up there in lights. Really cool! It's about 9.45pm and there are still crowds of people everywhere. Stopped at BICE (1926), a great Italian Restaurant on 54th between 5th and Madison....and the cool thing is, you can still get a meal! This restaurant adds tax AND gratuity....at least you know exactly what you are up for. You have to remember that 8.87% is added to anything you buy and 15 - 20% tip is expected at restaurants. $1-$2 for the 'coat check', doorman, cab driver, you name it....you tip them!
Till next time - Mx
Downtown the ice rink is pumping and after grabbing a 'coffee to go' we head off to 44th St where we are going to see "Memphis". A great show loosely based on Memphis DJ Dewey Phillips, one of the first DJs to play 'black' music back in the 50s. Singing was amazing, costumes were stunning, well worth seeing.
Our walk home takes us through Times Square. There is a huge screen above that films the crowd so you actually see yourself up there in lights. Really cool! It's about 9.45pm and there are still crowds of people everywhere. Stopped at BICE (1926), a great Italian Restaurant on 54th between 5th and Madison....and the cool thing is, you can still get a meal! This restaurant adds tax AND gratuity....at least you know exactly what you are up for. You have to remember that 8.87% is added to anything you buy and 15 - 20% tip is expected at restaurants. $1-$2 for the 'coat check', doorman, cab driver, you name it....you tip them!
Till next time - Mx
New Year!
Arrived back at Penn Station at about 4.30pm and the place was really jumping. Street vendors selling flashing signs, oversized glasses, crazy hats and people everywhere. Didn't venture near Times Square......have been there on NYE in the past and it's crazy.
After checking back into the hotel, we 'prepped and preened' ourselves ready for the night ahead then hit the lounge on the 2nd floor here where they serve drinks and canapes every night from 5pm. We had dinner downstairs at the Monkey Bar. Food was great and it was accompanied by too much Krug, local whites and reds. After midnight we headed across the road to Bill's Bar where they had a jazz pianist. Great way to end the night singing at the top of our voices along with the rest of the bar! Now early afternoon so think it's well and truly time for some retail therapy. Off to see "Memphis" tonight. Mx
After checking back into the hotel, we 'prepped and preened' ourselves ready for the night ahead then hit the lounge on the 2nd floor here where they serve drinks and canapes every night from 5pm. We had dinner downstairs at the Monkey Bar. Food was great and it was accompanied by too much Krug, local whites and reds. After midnight we headed across the road to Bill's Bar where they had a jazz pianist. Great way to end the night singing at the top of our voices along with the rest of the bar! Now early afternoon so think it's well and truly time for some retail therapy. Off to see "Memphis" tonight. Mx