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🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026
  • Troys Travels
  • Troys Travels

🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026

Almost 30 years ago, I embarked on a journey that would change everything for me! A once in a lifetime experience that sparked my passion for travel 🧳
First stop: USA 🇺🇸 Big 5: L.A. 🎬 Palm Springs 🌴 Vegas 💎 San Francisco 🌉 & NYC 🗽 Leia mais
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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Viajante
    Imagine Strawberry Fields
    Kinda mastered Subway so far!Mother Mary greeted us at The Leo HouseDakota Building, when John Lennon was killedSquirrel 🐿️ running everywhereBelvedere CastleSo refreshingApple 🍎 HeadquartersCreative HoardingTrump Tower 5th AvenueRockefeller Plaza 5th Ave

    New York after a Red Eye 👁️

    9 de junho, Estados Unidos ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We arrived in New York completely wrecked.! That is the first and last time I’ll do an overnight flight. I didn’t sleep a wink.

    We caught the AirTrain to Jamaica, then the Long Island Rail Road into Penn Station, (thanks YouTube; you came through for me again with your tips) followed by a ten-minute walk to our hotel where we could only drop our bags. This 4pm check-in seems a very strange and mostly inconvenient American tradition. It feels far too late when you’ve just stepped off a long-haul flight.

    So we took ourselves off to Central Park. We found a cute little French bakery on the corner of the park and then headed inside for some much-needed serenity and sustenance.

    We wandered to the “Imagine” mosaic at Strawberry Fields where a busker was singing John Lennon songs. We sat quietly and reflected for a while. It was incredibly relaxing. And, sleep inducing.

    We were both running on empty, so Central Park was just the tonic. Like Baby Bears’ porridge; not too heavy, not too light… just right.

    At one point we simply lay on the grass looking up at the sky, hearing only the muffled hum of Manhattan traffic in the distance, broken occasionally by birdsong and squirrels rustling through the brush. For a city of more than eight million people, it felt surprisingly peaceful.

    I reluctantly climbed Belvedere Castle — despite the grand name, it was built purely as a lookout point and “Belvedere” literally means “beautiful view.” The climb was rewarded with sweeping views across the park and the city skyline beyond.

    We wandered back down Fifth Avenue and passed all the big-name luxury stores. Ironically, many of them — Tiffany & Co, Prada, Chanel and Louis Vuitton — were wrapped in scaffolding and renovation hoardings, making some of the world’s most expensive shopping streets look a little unfinished.

    With our eyes almost hanging out of our heads, we finally made it back for check-in at our very average accommodation.

    Perhaps it’s just the exhaustion talking, but the accommodation is disappointing. I booked The Leo House, a guest house dating back to the late 1800s, and at the moment it feels like some of the amenities date from that era too. Given that accommodation in New York is the most expensive I’ve encountered anywhere in the world, I settled for this place on value alone. Right now I’d rate it somewhere between average and a dump — but perhaps a good night’s sleep will improve both the room and my opinion of it. Tomorrow will tell.

    In fairness, (and, to try an put a positive spin here) New York accommodation prices are enough to make your eyes water. The Leo House was one of the few places that offered a private room in a good location without requiring a second mortgage. It may not win any awards for luxury, but sometimes practicality has to triumph over pampering. Fingers crossed 🤞    Leia mais

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Viajante
    Stuart & I
    DumboAnne Hathaway lives here!Beautiful Brooklyn ParkHeritage signs are brownLocal Diner1Stuart's beautiful homeView from Stuart's bedroomWow 🤩 Walk across Brooklyn Bridge

    A Landmark New York Day!

    10 de junho, Estados Unidos ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Woke up semi-refreshed… Mark & I literally ate the complimentary breakfast while frantically manoeuvring our Booking.com apps, desperately trying to find another hotel. ANY hotel had to be better!

    Unfortunately, with prices starting at around $850 a night (honestly! Is this really the going rate for a Manhattan hotel!?!) we reluctantly accepted our fate and decided we’d simply make the best of what may very well be the most depressing hotel in the world.

    (Okay… perhaps that’s a little dramatic. But only a little.)

    I’m sure one day we’ll look back on it and have a good belly laugh. That’s holiday planning for you — sometimes things don’t quite work out. Thankfully, on this trip, most things absolutely have. In fact, I’m genuinely proud of how well the rest of this adventure has come together.

    And besides…

    We are in New York!

    That is all that matters.

    Some people dream of visiting this city their entire lives. ✊🏻🙏🎉

    Today I met my New York Greeter, a wonderful volunteer service where a local resident shows you around THEIR New York and their own neighbourhood.
    Stuart was one of the most generous, kind and genuinely wonderful people I have met in this city — or indeed any city.

    He introduced me to Brooklyn Heights, explaining the history of this beautiful landmark neighbourhood. It became New York City’s first designated historic district in 1965, saving its stunning brownstones, churches and tree-lined streets from redevelopment. Walking through it feels like stepping into another era, the Gilded Age, in fact, yet Manhattan’s skyscrapers are never far from sight.

    Stuart told me fascinating stories about David and Jane Walentas, whose vision helped transform much of the nearby waterfront. He explained how many of the old religious buildings and institutions throughout the area have gradually been converted into some of New York’s most sought-after apartments.

    We wandered past the magnificent Jane’s Carousel, lovingly restored by Jane Walentas herself and now sitting inside its beautiful glass pavilion overlooking the East River.

    And the views…

    Wow 🤩

    Wow wow wow wow wow wow!
    Everywhere you looked there was another postcard view.

    I was even privileged enough to visit Stuart’s beautiful apartment. Perfectly decorated, filled with personal and sentimental touches, and boasting a view of Manhattan that quite literally took my breath away!

    I had never seen anything like it.

    It was mind-blowing.

    Stuart was so generous with his time. We strolled through the neighbourhood and into Brooklyn Bridge Park, where we enjoyed a delicious chocolate babka pastry that was simply heavenly. We later stopped for lunch at the local favourite Montague Diner, the sort of traditional neighbourhood place tourists rarely discover.

    Along the way he introduced me to little shops, delis and hidden corners I would never have found on my own.

    And slowly, minute by minute, hour by hour, I could feel myself falling in love with Brooklyn.

    Not Manhattan.

    Brooklyn.

    Especially Brooklyn Heights.

    If — no, WHEN — I return to New York, I will absolutely stay here.
    Without question.

    It was one of the most amazing travel experiences I have ever had.
    I am so incredibly grateful for the New York Greeter program. There truly is no better way to experience a city than through the eyes of somebody who lives and loves it every day.

    Thank you, Stuart.

    I feel genuinely privileged.

    And as if all of that wasn’t enough…
    I am now walking across the Brooklyn Bridge 🌉

    And I am in absolute awe.

    This has to be one of the biggest WOW moments of my travelling life.

    To actually be walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, with surprisingly few people around, taking in those incredible views across Manhattan…
    Watching the famous stone arches slowly rise into view and come into focus as I walk beneath them…
    Seeing the skyline stretch endlessly in every direction…
    It is simply breathtaking.

    I feel incredibly lucky to be standing here right now.
    The only disappointment is wishing I had more time so I could return tonight and see it all illuminated after dark.

    Stuart, you were right.
    New York is one of the most amazing cities in the world.
    In fact, in your opinion, THE most amazing city in the world.
    And after seeing Brooklyn through the eyes of a local…
    Well…
    I can now understand why they named the bridge after Brooklyn.
    Long before Brooklyn became this ridiculously wonderful.
    😝😉

    What a day.
    What an experience.
    What a privilege.
    And what a wonderful reminder that sometimes the very best moments of travel aren’t the famous attractions at all…
    They’re the people you meet along the way.    Leia mais

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Viajante
    Beasts & Butterflies 🦋 Rooftop Pre Show (a hidden gem 💎)For the Gaze!CurtainMadonna Times SquareTimes Square SubwayFull on!

    Death Becomes Her 🔮

    10 de junho, Estados Unidos ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Tonight I went to see Death Becomes Her while Mark went to see Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which he loved—as I knew he would.

    We found this amazing rooftop bar that basically looked over Times Square. It’s called Beast and Butterflies 🦋 and is a hidden secret which we found! Had some pre-show cocktails 🍸 🍹

    I absolutely loved Death Becomes Her. The costuming, staging and music were all incredibly impressive. I especially enjoyed For the Gaze—a very clever number with a delicious double meaning, complete with funny appearances from Liza and Judy. They also did a brilliant job recreating the scenes we know so well: Helen getting shot through the middle and Madeleine tumbling down the stairs. The choreography and stagecraft involved were remarkably clever.

    It was exactly the Broadway musical I had hoped to experience while in New York—big, bold, brash and wonderfully opulent.

    Tick, tick, tick! ✅

    Afterwards, Mark and I met up and headed into Times Square. As luck would have it, the streets were packed with revellers celebrating the New York Knicks victory. It was quite the spectacle and, to be honest, a little full-on for me. The atmosphere was probably amplified tenfold because they hadn’t had a moment like this in a very long time. It was certainly jubilant, but perhaps a touch overwhelming.

    Gee, I sound a bit old, don’t I?

    Still, it was fantastic to witness such excitement in Times Square, and I’m glad Mark loved the energy of it all. As for me, I’m happy to have ticked ☑️ it off the list.

    Brooklyn Heights was much more my style. 😊    Leia mais

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Viajante
    OculusShiny new One World TradeTree was found among the rubble! "Survivor Tree"It was a perfect day just before 9/11 happened. Locals sometimes call such weather a 9/11 day!Huge Steel pylon from sides of North TowerSlurry Wall holds back Hudson RiverThe Final column removedDent where plane ✈️ hit column!Relative Missing Person notices 😢Survivor StairwellAntenna from North TowerOne engine from the 99 lifts in the buildingThe Flag 🇺🇸 hoisted by responders, on the rubbleCheck out the bent beam!World Trade One : stands tallInside Oculus. Like being in bones of whale 🐳Inside the MuseumA line of actual beam spots. Took a day to cut each one.

    9/11 Memorial & Museum

    11 de junho, Estados Unidos ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    The atmosphere around the 9/11 Memorial was eerily silent. Despite thousands of people being nearby, a kind of hush seemed to fall over the area. The enormous reflecting pools sit in the footprints of the original Twin Towers, with cascading waterfalls almost begging you to stop, reflect and remember. It is one of those places where people instinctively lower their voices.

    The memorial is surrounded by hundreds of swamp white oak trees, chosen because they are native to both New York and Pennsylvania. Their leaves provide shade and a sense of renewal in a place born from unimaginable tragedy.

    One tree stands apart from all the others — the Survivor Tree. A Callery pear tree, it was discovered in the rubble badly burned, with broken limbs and gnarled bark. Remarkably, it was still alive and even had leaves clinging to its branches. It was carefully nursed back to health and returned to the site years later. Every spring, it bursts into blossom and has become a powerful symbol of resilience and hope.

    We decided to do a guided tour before entering the museum, and it was incredibly comprehensive. There is so much history and so many stories that having a guide really helped bring everything together.

    One story I had never heard involved a window cleaner trapped high in the North Tower. He used his squeegee and cleaning equipment to chip through drywall on Level 50, creating an escape route that allowed six people to survive. It was one of countless examples of ordinary people showing extraordinary courage.

    Another moving story was that of Ladder Company 3. Firefighters from Ladder 3 rushed into the towers knowing the danger they faced. Many never returned. Today, one of their damaged fire trucks is displayed in the museum, twisted and battered, serving as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by first responders that day.

    The sheer force involved in the collapse was difficult to comprehend. Massive steel beams were bent and twisted in ways that looked impossible, resembling something you might expect after a nuclear explosion rather than a building collapse.

    One of the most remarkable engineering stories involved the slurry wall. Built before the towers were constructed, this underground retaining wall holds back the waters of the Hudson River. Despite the collapse of the towers above it, much of the wall survived. Engineers believe that if it had failed, large sections of Lower Manhattan could have flooded.

    The “Last Column” was particularly moving. This enormous steel column was the final piece removed from Ground Zero during the recovery operation. Covered in spray-painted messages, signatures, photographs and tributes to fallen responders, it became a symbol marking the end of the rescue and recovery effort.

    One aspect of the disaster that is sometimes forgotten is the dust. When the towers collapsed, a massive toxic cloud spread across Lower Manhattan. Many first responders, recovery workers and local residents inhaled dangerous levels of dust and debris. Tragically, the long-term health impacts have claimed more lives through cancer and respiratory disease than were killed on the day itself.

    We also heard the incredible story of Genelle Guzman-McMillan, the last survivor pulled from the rubble. She had been working on the 13th floor when the South Tower collapsed. Trapped beneath the debris for 27 hours, she was eventually rescued against all odds. Her story is told in the book Angel in the Rubble, and she remains one of only 18 people rescued alive from the wreckage.

    Inside the museum, the scale of the collection is overwhelming. Thousands upon thousands of artefacts have been preserved — everything from office papers and computer disks to personal belongings recovered from the site. Some of the most emotional exhibits were the recorded phone messages left by people trapped inside the towers. Hearing their final words was absolutely harrowing.

    To properly absorb everything would honestly take days. The museum is vast, emotional and incredibly detailed. At times it felt overwhelming, but it is undoubtedly one of the most important and moving places we have ever visited.

    As we emerged from the museum, it was impossible not to look up at the new tower rising above the memorial. The gleaming glass of One World Trade Center seemed to stretch endlessly towards the heavens, its polished surface reflecting the drifting clouds above. Against the brilliant blue New York sky, the upper floors almost disappeared from view, blending into the white wisps overhead. There was something profoundly symbolic about it — a city refusing to be defined by tragedy, reaching skyward once again with strength, resilience and hope.    Leia mais

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Viajante
    See over the shadows left on the ground? Thank goodness for Google eraser.We lasted 2 hours!BrookeShiny Disco 🪩 Balls"Pams" Lemon BarsDon't get us wrong! A fantastic venue!Happy Birthday Cutie! We acknowledge you for a tip 💵Love the patriotic commitment! Could you imagine Australia placing our flag similarly?Catching a Subway! It ain't pretty at 35 degrees! But! The cars are cool 🆒

    Hot 🔥 & the City

    11 de junho, Estados Unidos ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    This afternoon the temperature climbed to 34°C and the humidity was relentless. What had started as a pleasant day of exploring slowly became an exercise in endurance, with the heat wrapping itself around the city like a heavy blanket. By mid-afternoon, simply walking from one block to the next felt surprisingly hard work.

    With little time to spare, we pushed ourselves beyond the 9/11 Memorial and headed further downtown to catch the famous Staten Island Ferry. The free crossing offered wonderful views of Statue of Liberty and a chance to watch the Manhattan skyline slowly fade into the distance. We hopped straight back on for the return journey, making our way to the front of the ferry this time. That proved to be the better half of the trip, with Lower Manhattan gradually emerging from the haze and the skyscrapers growing larger with every passing minute. The views were simply sensational.

    Knowing we had to try the famous treats from Magnolia Bakery in the West Village — the very bakery made famous when Carrie and Miranda sat outside chatting in Sex and the City — we made a quick pilgrimage. Mark chose a cupcake and declared it “melt-in-your-mouth delicious”, while I opted for the famous banana pudding. It didn’t quite blow my socks off as I had expected, but it was certainly delicious and provided exactly the sugar hit I needed to keep going.

    Mark insisted on a daytime shot in front of 66 Perry Street… Carries’ apartment. He had to tackle 2 annoying Instagramming Italians for his own moment to shine! ✨

    Eventually, the heat won. We retreated to the hotel, parked ourselves in front of our gloriously noisy air-conditioners, and enjoyed a little respite from the sweltering city. A whiskey for me, a wine for Mark, and an hour or so of blessed cool air before heading back out again for the evening’s entertainment at the legendary Lips drag show uptown. After a day of memorials, ferries, humidity and sightseeing, it felt like the perfect New York way to finish the day.

    Proudly, we have pretty much mastered the Subway 🚇 system. It’s only the exits on different corners that we are still grappling with, but with just two days left in New York, it’s not something I care too much about mastering. PS: if I ever complain about the sardine-like nature of Melbourne public transport again, please reprimand me! In NYC it’s very much ride or die!

    It was quite a culture shock walking into Lips 👄 Before the show had even properly started, drag queens were moving through the room collecting tips, and throughout the performances they continued circulating, gathering as many dollar bills as possible from the audience.

    Coming from Australia, it felt very different to what we’re used to. Here, every performer would come out, do a number, then continue the number while holding fistfuls of cash collected from audience members. We even watched one queen empty a wad of notes into a bucket before heading back out for more. It all felt a little disingenuous to me, though I fully appreciate that tipping culture in America is deeply ingrained and many people would see it very differently.

    Mark made sure they (particularly our drag queen server) knew that this isn’t how we do things in Australia, which I wasn’t entirely convinced was the wisest move… but it certainly gave us a laugh!

    Then the trays of shots started appearing. It was impossible not to notice how organised & orchestrated the whole process seemed. Staff were carefully noting who had purchased drinks and shots so they could return later and encourage more spending. All I could hear in my head was ABBA singing Money, Money, Money. 💰

    I must admit, it almost made me feel uncomfortable simply sitting and enjoying the show without waving money in the air. That’s not really how I want to engage with a performance. I understand the culture and I respect that it’s different, but I will be quite happy to return to a society where tipping isn’t such a central part of everyday life.

    Afterwards we headed to Don’t Tell Mama near Times Square. Open since 1982, it has been entertaining New Yorkers and visitors alike for more than forty years. There was something genuinely lovely about being there. Part of the reason I wanted to visit was because it was a place my good friend Dame Betty T Rose experienced some thirty years ago. Sitting there, it struck me just how much the world has changed since then. Mark pointed out that entertainment, audiences and even queer culture have moved on enormously, and I think he was absolutely right.

    The most genuine and heartfelt part of the evening came much later.

    Mark and I returned to our hideous but perfectly adequate digs and took ourselves down to the common lounge room. Sitting on those tired old couches, we spent a couple of hours talking about everything we have loved — and not loved quite so much — during this trip.

    Like all travelling companions, we’ve had our ups and downs. There have been moments where we’ve seen things differently, moments where we’ve annoyed each other, and moments where we’ve needed a little space. But throughout it all, we’ve remained steadfast. More importantly, we’ve listened to one another and genuinely acknowledged what the other person was feeling. That’s a quality I really admire in both of us.

    We talked about our favourite parts of the trip and, without hesitation, we both agreed that Palm Springs was the standout. There was something about its pace, its warmth, its character and its people that captured both of our hearts.

    It’s moments like these that mean the most to me when travelling. The sights are wonderful, the attractions are memorable and the photos are great, but it’s the conversations and shared reflections that stay with you.

    I said to Mark that this trip would have been entirely different without him. There were experiences that I might have endured rather than enjoyed, and there were countless moments that became richer simply because he was there to share them.

    This isn’t the end of the journey — we still have two more days to enjoy — but there was something incredibly special about sitting on those worn-out couches, reflecting on where we’ve been, reconnecting with our thoughts, and talking about the memories that we’ll undoubtedly cherish and laugh about for many years to come.    Leia mais

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Viajante
    Pork and chive dumplingsWrought iron Fire 🔥 escapes & Guide Hannah 😝Yummy Sticky Pork bunsGreat view of One World Trade from ChinatownFruit marketSofias Italian style pizza 🍕Heat rising from manholes above Subway1The tackiest NYC souvenir on the planet! 🪐1"Scout" Aidens' bar on SATCTaxi Cab 🚕 not quite as NYC authentic anymore😋

    Chinatown & Little Italy Secret Food Tour 🇮🇹 🥟

    12 de junho, Estados Unidos ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Today was another hot 🥵 and humid New York day, and Chinatown felt more like a swamp than a city street. Funny about that, because it used to be a swamp, Canal Street was actually a Canal! Our meeting point was Tasty Dumpling, where a tiny fan stood sadly in the corner, doing little more than circulating the warm, humid air. It wasn’t exactly comfortable, but thankfully the food made up for it.

    Our guide, Hannah — or “Hannah Banana” 🍌 as she introduced herself — was warm, friendly and enthusiastic from the outset.

    Our first tasting was a serving of pork and chive dumplings 🥟. Soft, chewy and packed with flavour, they were a delicious introduction to Chinatown’s food scene and disappeared very quickly.

    As we wandered through the bustling streets, Hannah explained some of the area’s history, including the Chinese Exclusion Act, which severely restricted Chinese immigration to the United States. Despite decades of discrimination and hardship, Chinatown endured and became one of the largest and most vibrant Chinese communities outside Asia.

    Our second stop was for noodles, which packed considerably more heat than I was expecting! 🌶️ They were delicious, but by the end my lips were burning and I was reaching for every available sip of water.

    The third stop was a wonderful pork bun filled with tender meat dripping in a sweet, sticky glaze. It was one of those bites that immediately silences conversation because everyone is too busy enjoying it.

    Then we crossed into Little Italy 🇮🇹, which was undoubtedly my favourite part of the tour.

    Our first stop was a charming little trattoria called Sofia’s of Little Italy. The atmosphere was delightful and felt as though it had been lifted straight from a small Tuscan village. We were served Italian-style pizza and arancini balls — both of which were readily and enthusiastically devoured. The food was simple, comforting and absolutely delicious. Mark and I also had a very strong espresso martini 🍸 and raised it for Faye, his late Mum, on her birthday x

    Stepping back outside afterwards was like walking directly into a pizza oven. The humidity seemed to have somehow intensified while we were enjoying the air-conditioning indoors! 🥵

    As we continued exploring, both Mark and I stopped and smiled when we walked past “Scout” the bar used as Aidan’s & Steve’s Bar in Sex and the City. Another Sex and the City location unexpectedly ticked ✅ off the list!

    We also passed through the beautiful streets of SoHo, famous for its cast-iron architecture, huge industrial-style windows and classic fire escapes. Hannah explained that many of the buildings date back to the area’s manufacturing days, when the neighbourhood was a major centre for metalwork and industry.

    Along the way we also walked past the former police station building that was once home to both Cindy Crawford and Calvin Klein.

    The tour finished on a very sweet note with cannoli from the “Cannoli King”. Crunchy, creamy and sweet all at once, they were the perfect way to end an afternoon of eating our way through two of New York’s most famous neighbourhoods.

    Despite the oppressive heat, this was a fantastic tour. Hannah was knowledgeable, entertaining and clearly passionate about the history and food of the area. Between the dumplings, noodles, pork bun, pizza, arancini and cannoli, we certainly didn’t leave hungry. Most importantly, we came away with a much greater appreciation for the stories, cultures and communities that have shaped this corner of Manhattan.

    A very enjoyable afternoon and a very tip-worthy tour. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐    Leia mais

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Viajante
    2
    Empire State of MindFirst: we thought this rainy window view was it!Rainbow over ManhattanBeautiful sunset 🌅Central ParkSunset just got better!Madison Square Garden

    Sunset 🌅 & Rainbows 🌈 over NYC

    12 de junho, Estados Unidos ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Tonight was our final night in New York City, and we decided to book a visit to the iconic Top of the Rock to watch the sun set over Manhattan. It felt like the perfect way to farewell this extraordinary city — one last chance to simply stand still and take in the magnificence of New York spread out before us.

    Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans.

    A thunder and lightning storm rolled in just as we arrived. (Thunderbolts and lightning… very, very frightening…) The observation decks were closed and we were unable to go outside. We were so disappointed ☹️, but weather is one of those things completely beyond our control.

    In fairness, the weather has been on our side for almost the entire trip. Today was incredibly hot and humid, and I suppose we were due for a little drama before saying goodbye to the city.

    And then, just as suddenly as it arrived, the storm ⛈️ passed.

    The skies cleared, the decks reopened, and we were free to witness the most spectacular sunset imaginable. As daylight slowly faded, thousands upon thousands of lights began twinkling ✨ across the city, revealing New York in all its illuminated glory. The skyline transformed before our eyes, from golden evening hues to a glittering wonderland of skyscrapers, bridges and endless city streets stretching into the distance.

    As if that wasn’t enough, before the sun disappeared completely we were rewarded with a magnificent rainbow 🌈 arching across the Manhattan skyline. (Sort of sums up our rainbow 🏳️‍🌈 adventures across USA!) It was one of those unexpected travel moments that no amount of planning can create — and somehow it made the evening even more special than we had imagined.

    We also tackled The Beam Experience, recreating that famous New York photograph. A little terrifying, a lot of fun, and definitely something we’ll remember!

    Our final night in New York was a feast for almost every sense.

    I say almost because afterwards we headed to TikTok Diner near Penn Station for dinner.

    The view from Top of the Rock? Spectacular.

    The rainbow? Magical.

    The city lights? Breathtaking.

    The meal? Absolute shit. 💩😂

    A fitting reminder that even in New York City, you can’t win them all. Still, what an unforgettable way to spend our final evening in the city that never sleeps. 🗽✨    Leia mais

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  • Troys Travels🇺🇸 USA Adventure 2026Viajante
    Loathe hand-held selfies but this, I had to do! 🗽Sailing past the 🗽Chrysler Building ❤️1Lucky people onboard a giant Norwegian 🇳🇴 Cruise 🚢 ship!2High Line Windows to the world

    Getting caught between the moon 🌙 & New York City

    13–19 de jun., Estados Unidos ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Our final official activity in New York City was one that neither of us could have imagined would become one of the highlights of the entire trip.

    This morning we stepped aboard a beautiful luxury yacht aptly named MANHATTAN for a brunch cruise that would fully circumnavigate the island of Manhattan, passing beneath twenty bridges and showcasing every corner of this remarkable city from the water. As we settled into our seats, the gentle strains of Yacht Rock drifted through the vessel — one of my favourite genres of music. Smooth, melodic and calming, it felt like the perfect soundtrack to carry us around Manhattan on our final day in America.

    And then… wow 🤩

    Just wow 💥

    Honestly, this was one of the best things I have ever done in my life.

    A luxury yacht, incredible food, spectacular service, and New York City unfolding around us in glorious Technicolor from every angle imaginable. Every time you thought you had seen the best view, another iconic landmark would appear around the next bend. It was a constant stream of “wow” moments.

    The brunch itself was exceptional. In fact, I think it may have been the best food we have had on the entire trip.

    We began with a beautiful fresh fruit platter — cleansing, refreshing and the perfect accompaniment to a Bloody Mary. Then came baskets overflowing with warm croissants, banana bread, apple tea cake and authentic New York bagels served with smoked salmon, capers and cream cheese.

    The main course featured crispy chicken and waffles served with maple syrup and fresh salad, alongside perfectly portioned brunch dishes that somehow felt both indulgent and elegant at the same time.

    Every bite was delicious.

    Around us, guests sipped Mimosas, Bloody Marys and sparkling wines from Napa Valley while Manhattan slowly drifted past. The atmosphere onboard was one of pure joy. There was laughter, conversation and that wonderful feeling that everyone knew they were experiencing something special.

    As we cruised around the island, I couldn’t help but feel that somehow this one experience had managed to encompass our entire holiday.

    We celebrated Pride Month onboard, which felt particularly fitting given how much of this trip has revolved around LGBTQ+ spaces, events, shows and communities. From Palm Springs to Las Vegas, San Francisco and New York, Pride has woven itself throughout our journey, and it felt like the perfect final chapter.

    Standing on the bow of the yacht with the wind rushing past was exhilarating and strangely humbling at the same time. You gain such a unique perspective of Manhattan from the water. Entire neighbourhoods reveal themselves. Bridges tower overhead. Parks stretch out along the shoreline. It allows you to appreciate just how vast and magnificent this city really is.

    Then came one particularly special moment.

    The Chrysler Building appeared in the distance.

    It has always been one of my favourite buildings in New York and although we never quite managed to get up close to it during our stay, seeing it gleaming in the sunlight from the deck of a luxury yacht somehow felt even more magical.

    Perhaps it was the wine talking.

    Perhaps it was simply gratitude.

    But I found myself completely overwhelmed by the experience.

    A huge thank you must go to Chris’s friend Mike for recommending this cruise. What made it even more enjoyable was that we were surrounded mostly by locals rather than tourists. There was a completely different energy onboard. Relaxed. Authentic. Effortless. It felt less like an attraction and more like being invited into a local New York tradition.

    As we approached the pier at the conclusion of the cruise, the speakers began playing:

    “When you get caught between the moon and New York City…”

    I actually laughed.

    What a perfectly timed soundtrack.

    “The best that you can do is fall in love.”

    I will admit that New York and I have had a slightly complicated relationship over the past five days. There have been moments of frustration, exhaustion and sensory overload. But after today, I think I’m finally beginning to understand why so many people fall head over heels for this city.

    We raised another toast to Faye for her birthday before heading off in separate directions for the afternoon. Mark was determined to visit a bakery recommended by his sister, while I chose a much slower pace.

    I wandered along the High Line, one of the loveliest surprises of our New York stay.

    It felt like a hidden oasis floating above the city streets. Birds chirped in the trees while people strolled leisurely beneath the sunshine. Others sat on benches eating ice creams, reading books or simply watching the world go by. The amount of greenery was remarkable and everything felt so thoughtfully designed and lovingly maintained.

    Given another week in New York, I think I could happily spend several afternoons there.

    Eventually I found myself at Chelsea Market.

    What an absolute treasure trove.

    Lobster rolls. Tacos. Bakeries. Specialty food stores. Every corner revealed another temptation. One taco stand had a queue stretching almost out the door accompanied by a sign boldly declaring it to be “the best ever.”

    Judging by the line, people clearly agreed.

    The market was bustling with energy and excitement, and while I could appreciate how fantastic it was, it wasn’t quite the peaceful atmosphere I was craving before embarking on twenty-four hours of travel home to Australia.

    And so, with that, another holiday comes to an end.

    As I sit here reflecting on the past three weeks, I feel enormously proud of what I planned and achieved.

    This trip required months of research, coordination and organisation. Flights, hotels, transport, shows, tours, restaurants and countless logistics all had to come together across multiple cities and states.

    And somehow, it all worked.

    From Los Angeles to Palm Springs. Las Vegas to San Francisco. New York City and everywhere in between.

    There were unforgettable experiences, wonderful people, incredible food, unexpected adventures and memories that will stay with me forever.

    As always, travel reminds me just how big, diverse and fascinating our world truly is.

    So goodbye New York.

    Goodbye United States of America.

    Thank you for the memories, the laughter, the surprises and the adventures.

    It has been an absolute blast.

    And who knows?

    Perhaps one day we’ll meet again.

    🇺🇸✊🏻✈️    Leia mais

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    Final da viagem
    15 de junho de 2026