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Published: July 22nd 2005
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Monday 18th July - Big Easy to Big Apple
Cleared up Wayne, though we left behind the cockroach that came out to play last night.
Rory has more spots. Definitely chicken pox and not meningitis or anything too worrying.
Set off on the quick route back to New Orleans airport via the Ponchartrain causeway, 23
miles across the lake ! Most of the time there was little to see as the lake is big and the
weather was settled. Occasionally the causeway went up and down (to let larger boats pass
?), furthering the horizon but still not changing the view until we were within a few miles
of the other side.
Take-off was late and landing at LaGuardia delayed so we did not arrive until 7pm, an hour
later than expected. Found the local M60 bus to Manhattan. There were so many people that
we could not get on the first. Another came along and the driver would not let me pay with
notes, only coins or a Metro Card. I disaappeared back into the terminal to find either.
The change machine had a sign saying Metro cards
Uproar as boy scouts manhandle Bull
This statue/sculpture is near the bottom end of Broadway. Thare were scouts swarming all around taking photos and loads of other people waiting their turn. Why ? were available at the Hudson's News stand.
They had sold out. I changed 10 dollars into quarters and we squashed onto the next bus
sharing our seats with our rucksacks and daybags. I had picked up a Manhattan bus map and
knew where we were headed. Luggage apart it was an enjoyable first bus ride in NY. Next we
dived into the metro and emerged at W 86th Street . By now it was dark yet still warm. We
made our way along the bustling but not crowded streets past restaurants, neon , cabs etc
We were in Manhattan. It was exciting without actually doing anything.
At W83rd we found no.106 and were given the key to room 106. On the first floor. No lift.
It was bright green.
We walked in. It was bright green. The fan was on. It was a little musty. It was two large
rooms and an archway. One room beds, other room fridge, microwave and sink. Bathroom along
the landing.
By now it is just after 9pm. We are dog-tired but hungry. The man on reception recommends
the Uno pizzeria on
Cameras
I could not get away from them. Columbus/W81st.
It was super. Veggy choices and meaty things for the boys. My pizza pie really was bread
but like pastry. Service excellent. Draught Bud excellent (and I do not like Bud in the UK
!).
Back to the hostel to fall asleep.
Tuesday 19th - Some traditional sights of NYC, unusual times at TGI
Wanted to visit Liberty and Ellis Islands. All the books say get there early. By the time
we were all up, dressed and had had coffee/chocolate in a nearby deli it was going on for
10:30. Forty-five mins later we emerged from South Ferry metro and I joined the queue for
Circle Line ferry tickets. Once out in the harbour the heat lessened but there was a fair
bit of haze making photos difficult. As the higher parts of the Statue of Liberty are
off-limits we decided to stay on the boat and continue to Ellis Island.
Ellis is the home of the immigrant processing centre which closed in 1954. Now it is a
tribute to those immigrants and staff. It covers the details of the processes together with
much
info on the who the immigrants were, why they came, when etc. It is well worth a
couple of hours , or more if you have several days here.
Back on Manhattan, we started walking up Broadway looking for a place to eat. rory chose
TGI Friday's. We entered but there was no-one to meet or greet us. We stood around like
dummies for a minute or so then chose our own table.
Eventually a girl took our drinks order. Some time later after one apology for delay the
drinks appeared. She then went away to bring us menus. Someone else immediately appeared to
take the order. We asked for five more minutes. He went away and never returned, though he
did walk past a few times. After a total time of maybe 30 mins we had had enough. Deb went
to pay for the drinks. A third waitress came over and asked if there was a problem. I
simply asked for the bill. There was no charge.
We dined on cookies from a pharmacy further along Broadway.
After that we paused for some time at Ground Zero. I
never saw the Twin Towers in the flesh
and it is difficult to imagine the site as it was pre-911. Now it is simply a building site
with a simple memorial.
Hopped on a bus to Greenwich Village. Wandered round but found nowhere exciting for
coffee/cake or food. Lots of intriguing chess sets. Further walking brought us to the
Empire State Building. It was very difficult to photograph as I could not get far enough
away. It is shinier in the flesh than in photos/films I have seen before.o
On another bus up Madison Avenue (or was it Fifth ?). Then off at 79th and on the M79
across Central Park. Into EJ's for tea. Burgers all round. Brownie and Key Lime Pudding to
take away.
Wednesday 20th - Too hot - where next ?
Starbuck's for brekkers. We have nowhere booked after tonight. Where can/shall we go ?
Originally we wanted to visit upstate New York. Back to hostel for what turns out to be
hours of research on t'internet while the boys read and play Nintendo. Great difficulty
finding a car to pick
Blissfull boats
The harbour is not just for ferries up in NY and drop off in Montreal. More difficulty finding
reasonably-priced accommodation. Tried around Lake Placid but it is the 'Ironman
International' contest this weekend and digs are scarce i.e. expensive. Why not extend our
NY City stay ? Current hostel want USD115 for Thursday night, we only paid USD79 for the
nights so far. Other places on internet are USD105 and upwards. Current hostel on internet
was USD94 this a.m. but soon disappears.
Perhaps we could go straight to Montreal overnight Thursday ? Deb sends email to see if
feasible.
Sarnies in room courtesy Owen.
Late pm we go for a walk in Riverside Park. Too hot, little shade at this time of day. Bit
of a messy day.
Resolve to book bus tickets and start Canada research a.m.
Thursday 21st - Checkout NYC
Coffee for breakfast. Mail from Elaine, OK to turn up in Montreal. Whoopee ! Send birthday
postcards to Nicholas. Packed bags, checked out of hostel and stored bags.
Down to PortAuthorityBusTerminal for Montreal tickets. Walk around Times SQ area.
Found Nintendo World by accident. Owen/Rory happy
Us and Liberty
We took dozens of photos of it. I think this is the best. for 30 mins playing on mchines in air-con
showrooms. Then to Barnes and Noble for books/maps. No 'Footprint' guide, shame.
Where to eat today ? Most places around here far too fancy. Canot make a sarnie with less
than seven ingredients. Hop on a bus towards Broadway. See 'Josephina's', unfortunately
near Trump Tower, expensive. Walk further and hit on City Bites deli. Lovely Veggie
Lasagne, Falafel Pitta and pizzas.
Take boys back to 42nd Street to see Star War VolIII. Deb and I go to buy a new camera as
my old new camera is soaked in apple juice and has a Do Not Resuscitate sign on.
Benny sells me a digital camera and memory card I do not need. Take it back and get my
money back.
Collect the boys and off to Uno for tea. Not as good as Monday but don't let it put you
off. Pick up bags and make our way back to Greyhound terminal on tube, almost empty
thankfully. We're off to Montreal 23:00 hours.
NY is brilliant. Perhaps we will choose a cooler season next time.
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Nikki B
Nicole Benson
Amazing..
I would just like to say that i have read all of your journal entries from the day you left until your last one in New york City, and I could honestly say how interested and amazed I am of what you and your family have done and gone through. I would do anything to be able to go across a bunch of countries and live out of hostels, huts, and hotels. I honestly sat here for an hour and a half reading your entries and saying "wow, thats awesome" "i wish i was there". The closest I will be coming close to traveling out of my country( The united States-pennsylvania) will be in October. I am traveling abroad with my College to ireland for 4 weeks, and The UNited Kingdom for the next 3 weeks after that, for a total of 7 weeks out of my country. I am extremely excited, but i would give anything to do what you are doing. You and your family are very lucky. I will still be reading your entries. Nikki B P.S. In my opinion, the United States really is not much to see. Although, i hope you stop in Arizona at the GRand Canyon, absolutely breathtaking.