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Published: November 10th 2005
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Dear All,
We left DC on the morning of the 4th November with Jeff and met Julian at the halfway point to Hershey PA. From there we drove through some of the most beautiful countryside we have seen so far. The autumnal colours were out in full force and the Appalcians looked amazing. Pennsylvania has some of the most wonderful countryside and is the perfect place to view the Fall in all its glory.
We arrived at Julian and Jeanettes' beautiful house in Hummelstown and had a quick lunch before Jeanette took us on a drive of the local area. One of the most impressive things we saw was the school run by the Hershey Foundation. They have set up housing, and a fully comprehensive education for children from troubled backgrounds. That evening we were surprised with the arrival of Gavin, Sue and Edie. It was wonderful to get to see them again, especially as Edie has grown so much since we last saw her. We all had a wonderful dinner together, catching up and getting a few more travel tips.
Unfotunately, our time in PA was very short and the next day we were taken to the
Harrisburg train station for the 8:30 to New york. We were very sad to say goodbye to Jeanette and Julian (and Rupert the corgie), they were extremely good to us and we are so grateful for all that they did for us.
The train journey was pleasant and allowed us a second look at the countryside. Amtrak rule. This got us into Penn Staion, New York at about 2pm and we headed from there to the Jakowitz Centre to collect all my garb for the Marathon the next day. This was an experience in itself as there was also a huge running expo on at the same time. After all the necessary was sorted, we hopped into our first yellow cab and headed for our accommodation. Unfortunately it was here that we hit our first snag. To put it bluntly, the place was a dive. We quickly re-negotiated new accommodation in the same place that Joanna and the gang were staying. This worked out far better as my running partner for the marathon (Vonnie) and our support team (Louanne, Joanna, Daryl, Ross and Michelle) were also stayting there.
Saturday evening was a quiet dinner with all, which gave
Vonnie and I the chance to carbo load and relax. Then it was off to bed early for us. I couldn't really sleep that night and was up before the sun, dressing for the race. Louanne, Vonnie, Al and I then caught a cab to the Staten Island Ferry which quickly took us past the Statue of Liberty and on to Staten Island. Here we left Lou and Al, and Von and I carried on to the start of the race. We were early and so had a bit of time to kill, but that was good as the queues for the Portaloos were endless. The day started a little chilly but warmed up really quickly. We both ran in shorts and our SA vests.
The race was one of the most amazing things that I have done so far, the atmosphere, people and sheer size of the race were something to behold. Needless to say it was all very well organised and ran like clock work. We finished in a time of 4hr27min, and I can now confirm that a marathon is very far!!!! I think I will stick to public transport from now on.
That evening
we were very tired and a little stiff and we said farewell to Joanna, Daryl, Ross and Michelle. Dinner with Lou and Von was quiet but enjoyable. On Monday, the four of us took the time to go up the Empire State building and a stroll/hobble through Central Park. The day was beautiful and so it was perfect for this. Lou and Vonnie left that evening and so we were back on our own again. But not for long as we met up with one of Al's old school mates (Dale McComb)and a group of his friends. We had dinner and drinks in the coolest place ever in the Village. It was called the Corner Bistro and served the best burgers in NYC! Dale and his friends are a fantastic bunch of people and really made us feel very welcome and helped us experience New York with the locals!
On Tuesday, Al and I took the Circle Line Ferry Tour (on Brian's advice - thank you). Which gave us great views of the city. After that we explored Lower Manhatten a little more, finishing up in Mid town at Grand Central Station. We finally got round to tasting the famous Junior 's Cheesecake (thank you Sarah) and yes it is THAT good. Damn now we feel like having some more!!!! Being in NY, we couldn't ignore the shops completely and even went as far as visiting B&H to get a new SLR digital camera so hopefulyy the pictures will be even better from now on.
This morning we had a few hours to kill and so went to St. Patrick's Cathedral (breath taking)and Bloomingdales (expensive).
That's it until next time (probably San Fransisco)
Lots of love,
Alun and Catherine.
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hopdog
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domination
way jealous dudes!!! sounds sooooooooooooooooo awesome. Me feeling it me feeling it. Keep enjoying it!!