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United States
  • Kristen Beath
  • Sarah Faulds
  • Kristen Beath
  • Sarah Faulds

United States

April - May 2019 Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 29, 2019
  • United States
    2

    San Francisco Day 1

    April 29, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Apologies those waiting for the penguin app to ding (donkey & gma), but we have been so busy, sleep was more important!!
    After a long flight, we made it to the hotel!!!! Got early check in which was awesome! After only 1 1/2 hour sleep on the plane, once we showered and changed we were ready to go again! Made our way to Pier 39 and checked out the famous seal! Courtney your noice rage would be peaking.....they were so noisy but also pretty cute. We went on a carousel cause that’s why big kids do.
    We decided the best way to see everything easily would be to get on the double decker hop on & off buses. We got to see pretty much all everything on our sightseeing list!
    Got off at Alamo Square and saw the ‘Painted Ladies’ and had a Full House moment which was pretty cool.
    Completed the loop on the bus, heading over the Golden Gate Bridge. We sat on the top of the bus cause that’s what tourists do.....it was sooooooo windy. Seany I was a bit nervous on the open top so bike riding the next day, was gonna be interesting...was great to have a photo with something that you see in so many movies and shows!
    Next was the crooked ‘Lombard Street!’ In Summer apparently 350 cars line up per hour to drive down it!!
    Then it was back to the hotel for some dinner and a quick change and then off The Fillmore for Zara Larson concert which was a great night!!
    When my head finally hit the pillow, after it being about 4pm Tuesday Aussie time & 17,000 steps. I was out in less than 2 minutes!!!    Read more

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    Day 2 - Bike the Bridge

    April 30, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Day 2 in San Fran started with breakfast at iHop with some chocolate pancakes to get us ready for the long ride ahead!!
    Today we rode from Pier 41, across the Golden Gate Bridge & down the hill to the little town of Sausalito.
    It was sooooo much fun riding across the bridge. We rode for 8 miles with lots of pit stops along the way for photo ops! The legs were burning up the hill to get to the bridge but was so worth it! It was awesome! St George bear came along for the ride too, ticking another city off his travel list - we thought we might get blown away. Dad you would love it - mum I don’t think there’s anyway you would walk across. The pathway is very close to the edge with not much of a railing to stop you going over the edge - great for photos though!!! Down the hill to Sausalito didn’t require much pedalling, was a great cruise down but we were both buggered once we sat down for lunch! Some tacos and beer hit the spot!!
    Caught the ferry back across the bay! Then headed off for a ride on the cable cars which was pretty damn cool! Another ‘feel like I’m in a movie moment’. Visited the cable car museum and found out how the actually work which was pretty cool. They have virtually a big plier which grips the continuously moving cable underground, and gets pulled along!
    Some quick souvenir shopping then it was off the Basketball! Off to Oracle Arena we went to watch the Playoff Game - Golden State Warriors Vs Houston Rockets. A yellow carpet led us up the stairs!! The stadium was pretty great - Australia needs to take some tips - they have cup holders on the back of the seats!!!!!
    Atmosphere was awesome!! Yellow everywhere, the crowd was so loud and into it - so much closer than any sporting games at home. Courtside crowd looked like they were ready to hop on the court!
    Another late night and not much sleep but all ready to go again tomorrow    Read more

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    Day 3 - Alcatraz

    May 1, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    The day didn’t start too well when we got a phone call from the tour guide and there was lots of confusion about pick up. We ended up making our own way over to the pier to catch the ferry over to Alcatraz.
    Such an interesting place!! The audio guide was fantastic!! Just the right amount of information, wasn’t an overload of it, and kept you interested as you walked around the prison! Heard stories from prison guards and inmates about life in Alcatraz & about the attempted escapes as well. Got to go inside the cells and see how small they really are - no wonder people go insane. A great tour. Made our way into the bookshop and there was one of the former inmates there who had written a book about his time in Alcatraz & grabbed a signed copy!
    Headed off to the meeting point for our arvo city tour. We were a bit worried as we were there right on time, no one else in site and no tour bus. The tour bus turned up shortly and we had the bus to ourselves. Some tjings were repetitive for us after already doing the hop on and off bus, but good to see again. Also got to see some things we hadn’t - Twin Peaks, an amazing view of San Francisco.
    After the tour we headed to Pier 45 to check out the Musée Mécanique which had all these old arcade games and puppet show things. All played with quarters.
    Went to this place for dinner that’s famous for its sourdough bread and crab chowder. The bread was nice l, the chowder not so much. Would much rather Lucy’s cheese dip!!!

    Caught the cable cars again and hung out the side. Went to the Top of the Mark at The Incontinental for amazing views and a cocktail. Then finished off the night at Tonga - tiki bar at the Fairmont, didn’t seem fancy enough the be inside, but it was so cute. There was a small Pool in the middle, and a boat which came towards the deck we were standing on whilst the band played. It also rained indoors and there Straw hut things and tiki cocktails
    We weren’t gonna stay out late but things changed haha had a great night    Read more

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    Day 4 - off the Chicago

    May 2, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 6 °C

    Today was a bit of a waste. We were up at 4am to head to the airport for a 7am flight. Both our luggage is already at the max so a second bag will be coming with me from Chicago 🤣 Got on the plane and the captain told us we were awaiting engineers to finish checking the plane after an earlier bird strike. He seemed pretty confident that we would be right to go but Sarah & I we’re both a bit worried, having watched too many air cease investigations. Unfortunately we had to deboard and wait for them to find us another plane - Courtney I think my guardian angel was looking over me.
    3 1/2 hours after original departure time, we were up in the air. But with the delay and time difference, their slow unloading of luggage & traffic, it was 7pm by the time we got to our hotel. Wahlburgers for dinner, caughtup on some posts and photos and planned our day for tomorrow....    Read more

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    Exploring Chicago

    May 3, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    New hotel is much smaller than the Sheraton at San Fran but can’t complain. Breakfast included so #winning
    Today we started with a walk to Millenium Park. We stepped outside the hotel and wanted to get back inside asap!! It was sooooo cold. It was sunny, but the wind felt icy! Walked down magnificent mile and took in all the buildings - it’s a beautiful place. Up ahead we saw a Nutella store!!!! Well that called for a hot chocolate which was next level great! Now we were much warmer and really ready to explore. A few sculptures, beautiful greenery and great views of the city as we headed down to Lake Michigan. It’s such a pretty city!
    Next we got on the ‘L’ and headed to Wrigley Field to watch a baseball game! Chicago Cubs vs St Louis Cardinals. Here we were sitting in the shade so froze our butts off. Again there were cup holders which was exciting haha and all those guys walking around selling peanuts, beer, hot dogs - just like in the movies. I don’t know how anyone could hate cricket and like baseball. Didn’t do much for me but it was a good experience.
    Our next stop was Navy Pier and a ride on the Ferris wheels with some more great views.
    Did some souvenirs shopping! We went in a mall, and had to show ID twice and then get a wristband as proof of age. It was ridiculous and pretty hilarious
    Finished off the night at Kingston Mines - a blues bar which was great. Something different and was really fun.    Read more

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    Second day in Chicago

    May 4, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    After a late night with one too many drinks, we didn’t really want to get out of bed. Still lacking a decent night sleep, we kinda wanted a rest day. Alas, we had more to see and do!
    Off on the L again, back to Wrigley Field for a stadium tour. Everything and anything is Chicago Cubs themed. From Logos everywhere including cups and napkins, to all the staff wearing Cubs clothing and Hats. Even the toilet symbols - the heads are in the shape of a C!!! Was pretty cool to see the field from different views and hear about the manual scoreboard they still have and the history of the club, field and supporters.
    Next was the Chicago 360. Up 94 floors, an observation deck which views of the city and lake from all directions. Stunning!! We also did the Tilt! You Stand uo against the window and hang on - the window then leans out (tilts) down towards the ground. Watching the people in front, it didn’t look like you tilt that far but you definitely feel like you do. That was pretty cool a I think it might be a bit scary to start but it actually wasn’t.
    Weather was much nicer today!!! Actually warmer and could sit outside for lunch in the sun!!
    Next was Lottie’s Pub which is where they film some scenes from Chicago Fire in the bar they own ‘Mollys’ Food was great - we ate chicken tenders, waffle fries and tater tots! Pretty sure we won’t be needing dinner tonight. We also saw the fire & police stations!!
    Back to the hotel for a bit of a rest and awaiting our transfer to the airport!
    Niagara Falls here we come    Read more

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    Arriving at Niagara Falls

    May 4, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    I’m a shit penguin sorry guys!!!!!
    Landed in Buffalo and had a private transfer to Niagara Falls. The driver found out we were nurses and then all he wanted to talk about was his wife’s pain issues and medical marijuana the whole way there.
    Crossing the border was exciting - we got another passport stamp! Woohoo!!!! The guy asked what we were bringing into the country, I was stumped and was thinking about clothes.....anything to declare he meant, guns, weapons etc. hahaha too early in the morning for me
    We got to the Hilton about 1:30. We walked into our room and there was a massive bed.....and then there was a hallway 😱 and another bedroom! A massive window looked out to Niagara Falls! It was just amazing. We’re both started to think shit, how much did we pay for this room??!! A quick FaceTime call to the mums to share the awesome room!! Then it was time to settle in for the footy at 2am Canadian time without the best result 😂 lucky I fell asleep before the game finished    Read more

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    Niagara Day 1

    May 5, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    The view of Niagara Falls from our room - simply the best!!! We could have just sat there all day looking at it!
    Quick run across the road to Starbucks for some breakfast before getting picked up for our tour.

    Today we got to see The Falls from so many different angle and all were impressive. We started off with our ponchos on for the being the falls tour which was cool. Checked out the falls from above and below! They’re so loud and just so beautiful!! The speed of the water is just incredible!

    We were supposed to do the Hornblower boat but it for canned because there is still too much ice in the water. Our jet boat got cancelled too which was sad but what can you do?! Our next option was the butterfly conservatory which neither of us were really thrilled about. Lucky the tour guide suggested doing the aero car instead which goes across the falls above the rapids. Pretty cool to think that one side in Canada and just across the way is America!

    Off to the helicopter ride next which was a lot of fun!! It was only about 8 minutes but it was enough to see Niagara Falls and learn a bit about them. I didn’t know they controlled the amount of water travelling down the falls and that they have tunnels to control the water to help decrease the erosion as well as using it for electricity.

    Buffet lunch at the Skylon Tower was up next. Again beautiful views, yet we still weren’t sick of looking at Niagara Falls. It was a weird buffet in that it was almost like it has breakfast lunch dinner foods but it was nice. The chocolate chip pie for dessert hit the spot.

    Back to the hotel for a bit of a rest. And then we went to Queen Victoria Palace for dinner with a view. Great steak for dinner and brownie for dessert. A walk to the Ferris Wheel to check out the Falls with all the pretty lights and then a late night Uber to Walmart (an adventure in itself) to get a GoPro wrist strap for the Zipline tomorrow    Read more

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    Niagara Falls Day 2

    May 6, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Today started off with the Zipline down the falls which was so much fun!!!!! No nerves at all from me, I think I was too excited! Even St George bear got to ride the Zipline (in the backpack attached, but technically he did 🙊). It was all over in about a minute but soo worth it!
    Next stop Tim Hortons for breakfast and I understand why all you travellers rave about it! We loved the donuts and cookies 😋
    Off to the White Water Walk to check out the rapids. We went down an elevator 78m to the bottom of the escarpment and walked through a tunnel, you walk out the to viewing platform and just go wow! The rapids were just amazing! Again we could have just sat here all day. We got down to end and we may have put out hands through the fence to touch the water. It was freezing!!!! I know it would have been a bit warmer but Dad I have no idea how you and Brian went in that lake!!
    Caught the bus to the floral clock and then on down to Niagara on the Lake! It wasn’t really what I expected, Sarah and I felt like we had stepped into a retirees heaven. All these cute, old stores like Bowral or the Blue Mountains. The Lake itself was beautiful and again water was bloody cold!
    Had a little nap on the way back up to the falls. Stopped at Clifton Hill at an ice cream store called Sweet Jesus recommended by our tour guide yesterday! That was our dinner It was delicious! I had the banging brownie on a waffle cone - chocolate ice cream covered in caramel sauce, brownie bits and ice magic!!! A little bit of souvenir shopping and then off the casino! No winners here but we had some fun!
    Another stop at Tim Hortons to collect some breakfast before our 3:30am pickup tomorrow morning to head to NYC!!    Read more

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    Start spreading the news.....

    May 7, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Another early morning start. Had to cross the Border back into America to catch our flight from Buffalo to NYC - they transfer company must have been worried about it taking a while? But we were at the airport with plenty of time to spare meaning we could have one last visit to Tim Hortons.

    The shuttle from the airport to our hotel nearly took longer than the flight. It seemed to take FOREVER!!!!
    Finally we made it to the Edison Hotel. We were too early to check in, so we dumped out bags and off we went to see Time Square. We decided we were too buggered to do much sightseeing so decided to do a bit of shopping instead. First stop was Disney!!!!
    Hit up Ruby Tuesday’s for some cocktails and delicious ribs for lunch. More shopping and headed back to the hotel. Room is pretty old but beds are comfy so that’s all that matters    Read more

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