Zoeken resetten
American Food Trip
  • Katie Ismail

American Food Trip

Tasting the delights the East Coast has to offer Meer informatie
VolgenOverzichtKalenderDelenDelenBucketlist
Nieuwste eerst
  • Het begin van de reis
    8 juni 2022
    Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    Manchester to New York

    8 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    We started the day with a goodbye Mcdonalds breakfast with Mum and Bob in a rainy Morecambe. Once we'd got through check-in and security we got some steps pausing halfway through for a white coffee from PKB.

    An hour into the flight they started the FREE(!!) food and drink service. Starter was a bag of gorgeous pretzels with a white wine. Main meal was chicken and bacon in a white wine sauce with mash peas and carrots, which typical me ate inside my bread roll like a sandwich. The meal was lovely but not quite the portion sizes dad is used to!
    Two hours later was an ice lolly (or lolly ice as the flight attendant said) and a soft drink. Followed an hour later by the afternoon tea. The sandwiches were rank (cream cheese with dill and cheese and pesto), even dad didnt eat them. But the scones and lemon cake were lovely washed down with a cuppa.

    Once we got into New York and found our way to the hotel it was 7pm (NY) time but technically midnight UK time and we'd had no tea so we were starving. We wandered out and came across a Wendy's. It had onscreen ordering so we could peruse the menu with no stress. We then got $5 dollar meals consisting of burgers, chicken nuggets, fries and a drink. The fries were AMAZING so crisp, hot and seasoned. Dad really enjoyed the honey mustard dip too. I washed mine with a small (if you can't belive it looking at the size of the cup) minutemaid lemonade. Overall it was delish    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    New York

    9 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Well our first full day in New York started in the most authentic way. On our way from the Rockefeller center towards Central Park we came across a breakfast food cart. The man was a seasoned professional and gave us the lowdown in his broad new York accent. We both went for an egg and bacon bagel with a large coffee. It cost $25 but it was worth every dollar.
    Three quarters of the loop around Central Park it was getting to 1pm and we were starting to flag. Dad made the joke "if only we could stumble across a subway in this park" then we remember we live in the 21st century so got Google maps out and lo and behold there was one 0.3 miles away. We both got Turkey breast and it was good to get some veggies in. A running theme started to occur with this costing $25.
    Around 3pm we had to decide whether to go back to the hotel or wait it out for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. We decided to grab a drink and wait it out so went to the old faithful Mcdonalds. Dad got a normal coffee and I got an iced one and we watched the world go buy.
    Still feeling full from the lunch we grabbed an apple and peach each before the show (along with a Dr pepper for Dad it cost $10!!) The show was amazing, the magic effects were stunning and I'm so grateful Dad thought to get me tickets. We finished off the day in true New Yorker style with a hotdog each (another $24 dollars down)    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    New York Day 2

    10 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    We started off the day at Popa'2 van on the corner of the street of the Dylan Hotel with a egg and bacon sandwich which we ate on the way to the Empire State Building. We grabbed a cold drink from a CVS pharmacy before heading down to the Ground Zero.
    After a poignant couple of hours at the respectful 9/11 museum it was 2.30pm and we were ready for food.
    There was lots of street food stalls but again had New York prices. A fast food chain we'd seen a lot was Chick-fil-A so we thought we'd give a go. A woman came down the queue and took our order we went from spicy chicken sandwiches, she highly recommended the special sauce. It was nice and kind of caramely, I put mine on my burger. (another $25 order)
    Next stop was Statue of Liberty, we got a boat ride to the island had a walk round then got a drink. I had a lovely iced coffee. Dad got a water just to requench and then went for a fresh lemonade in the coolest bottle. He decided to take the lid home for Bob.
    Once we got back to the hotel, checked into the tour it was 8pm and we were hungry. We had a look online for something different but all restaurants are ridiculously expensive so we ended up at the old faithful Wendy's. Dad went for the $5 meal again but with spicy nuggets this time. I however went against all instincts to go as cheap as possible and went for the strawberry chicken salad meal (10.99). I was so glad I did, it was refreshing and filling. You got a bag of candied almonds which were gorgeous. All in all, another great day!    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    Philadelphia to Washington

    11 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    7.30am was set off time for the first day of the coach tour so armed with a brew we mounted the coach along with 4 other couples. The first stop was National Constitution Center in Philly, after a walk around we stopped and grabbed a warm soft pretzel. It had sea salt pieces on it and we were served it with mustard packets. For us it was too early in the morning for spicy condiments.
    .
    After a couple more stops and a run up the Rocky steps we'd worked up an appetite. We were taken to a huge market place bustling with Philadelphia locals and tourists alike. We even found a reminder of home. The atmosphere was buzzing, with every type of food available e.g. Cheesestakes, burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs. Wafts of cinammon kept enticing us, with stalls catering direct for those with a sweet tooth. We were both a bit fast fooded out so when we stumbled across the turkey store it was most welcome. We had 'lunch boxes' turkey with mash and veg. It was good to have some proper food
    .
    After a coach ride where I had a little nap and Dad completed his NY footprints, we arrived in Washington D.C. We decided to sign up for the night tour and so have just under 2 hours to get tea. We did a lap of the main shopping streets, it was packed full from a pride parade meaning all the restaurants were full. A sign outside of Flippin Pizza caught our eye so we went in. Dad ordered the 2 Slices deals and went a slice of the Bronx and a Triboro. I went for a slice of the Hawaiian and a garden salad. The pizza Slices were enormous and we both enjoyed it
    .
    We ran quickly back up the hotel room to grab a decaf coffee and a cheeky row of choc for the night tour. It gave us the energy needed to appreciate the George Washington monument, world war 2 memorial, marine corps statue and the Kennedy Centre    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    Washington

    12 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ 🌧 22 °C

    A full day on Washington started with two brews and a banana each that we'd bought at the 7 eleven the night before. On our first stop - statues from the Korean War, Dad tried his Cherry Pie. He was in heaven.
    At the Lincoln memorial we went to a cafe, Dad had a coffee and a muffin and I got a cereal bar, this kept us going to the next stop - The White House. Unfortunately Joe Biden didn't invite us in a brew (apparently in the past you could actually go into the building!) but it was well worth a visit anyway.

    After the morning walking tour we decided to stop at the Smithsonian and make the afternoon our own. It was getting toward 1pm so we decided to scout of the food carts for some lunch. Most were the same ones as New York and then we stumbled upon the yellow van that 1. Had their prices visible and 2. Had rice dishes. Dad had the chicken platter and I had beef over rice. Sitting there in a park, with the sun beating down of us was paradise. The food was lovely and I scoffed every mouthful including the hummus!

    After viewing the Capitol building we grabbed a coffee and took the time to make a few phonecalls home before entering the Museum. After a couple of hours in there we started the 30 min walk home. The sun was boiling and the air felt very close. I suggested that we just grab food on the way and have a picnic and chill night in the hotel. Dad went for cold cuts subway and order it all by himself, he's becoming a pro. I went to 7 eleven and got two tacquitos (they were crispy on the outside and soft in the middle and at only $2.49 for 2 I couldn't help thinking that Bob would be getting those a lot if they had them at the local spar) and a fruit pot. We shared a bag of bbq lays and got a few bottle of pop.

    At about 7.30pm dad decided to go back to the shop and get more pop for tomorrow (and to finish his 2 mile recorded walk). He surprised me with a can of beer each. You definitely get your moneys worth with a full pint per bottle! We decided to just share a can and save the other for tomorrow. We had a little cheers and finished our night ready, for tomorrow's adventure.    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    Williamsburg - Roanoake

    13 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Today was a driving day and breakfast was a banana and a lemon pie (dad had cherry) at a truck stop before we drove 2 more hours to Williamsburg.
    It was a quaint little olde wordly town that was like a museum. The sun was beating down on us at a burning 33 degrees. After a good walk round we were dying for a drink but luckily they had 21st century coffee shops and I got a lovely iced coffee to cool me down.
    Next it was back on the coach for a ferry crossing then another two hour drive. The exciting thing was the next stop was a Wal-Mart. Unfortunately we only got 20 mins here, but I ran round the food aisles as fast as my little legs could take me grabbing things for lunch and a couple of snacks.
    The grapes were sweet and juicy and paired nicely with the cracker crunchers, the pringles were a big hit with both me and Dad and I hope one day they sell them in England.
    .
    Another two/three hours later we rolled into Roanoake and got settled in at the Holiday Inn. Luckily the room had a fridge because all our chocolate snacks had well melted.
    We head out to find somewhere for tea, I'd noticed a panda express on the way up and suggested it to Dad while hoping their was seating inside. We went into a couple of shops along the way and then got to Panda Express. We were in luck with plenty of seats inside. I went for a bowl with half chow mein, half veg topped with Kung Pao Chicken ($7.50). Dad went for a plate with half chow mein, half fried rice with Kung Pao Chicken and Honey Sesame Chicken ($9.00). It was amazing, Dad said it was his favourite meal of the holiday so far. It was so reasonably priced too, we both agreed that if they had this chain at home we'd both get takeaways here regularly (especially as they do drive thru!)    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    Smokey Mountains - Gatlinsburg

    14 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    First stop on today's agenda was a gas station for the coach. We got 20 mins for the stop so while I perused the snacks, dad had a go on the slot machines and won $75! Using this he treated himself to a coffee and a blueberry cream Danish while I had a vitamin water with an apple and a cereal bar
    .
    After a couple of hours ride we arrived in Asheville, a quirky town with lots of independant shops. We only had one hour so found a cafe inside an art gallery. I went for a toasted PB&J sandwich (only in America) it was so damn good, and dad had a chicken salad sandwich. Today was their anniversary and each meal came with a free scoop of ice cream, dad went for strawberry and I went for chocolate. It was nice to get our first diner style experience in America!
    .
    The afternoon was made up of travelling through the smokey Mountains, getting plenty of photo ops of the lovely views until we arrived in Gatlinburg at 6pm. Even from the drive to the hotel I could tell it was going to be my favourite town yet
    .
    As we waited for the suitcases we sat out on the balcony sharing a beer and taking in the sights. We agreed immediately that we had to do the skylift, unfortunately on the way up I dropped my bag off and there was a whole palava and ten minutes of stress and worry until i was reunited with my bag. We made our way back up, did the bridge across and looped round. As you can imagine all that excitement had worked up an appetite.
    .
    We headed down the main streets taking in the sights of the Old Town feel buildings along with the neon lights that america is famous far. It was then we spotted our old famous joint Johnny Rockets. While the decor wasn't as great and there was no singing or dancing from the staff, the food was just as good. I knew what I wanted before I even stepped in the building, I had been dreaming of those chilli cheese fries for years now and they did not disappoint. Dad went for a burger and even refilled his fries. One thing, no matter where we've been for fries theyve always been way better than any in England.
    .
    Dads back was hurting so I left him doing a leisurely stroll while I marched up and down the highstreet darting into shops. There were bright new candy shops next to old style moonshine whisky taverns, it was an explosion to the senses and so exciting and interesting to see. After a couple of hours of shopping, wandering and listening to live country music it was time to head back to the hotel for a decaf coffee and some chocolate before bed. Another day we'll spent.    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    Nashville

    15 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Well, words can't even describe how much of an once in a lifetime experience today was.

    It started off great with a complimentary breakfast in Gatlinburg, I went for cereal and cinammon toast while dad went for a double sausage & egg sandwich

    After a stop at Dolly Partons home town we drove all morning before stopping at a Cracker barrels for lunch. It was nice to stop a real American type cafe. I went for traditional chicken and dumplings with biscuit, dad went for a roast beef dinner. Though I wouldn't have it again I'm glad I tried the chicken dumplings. I didn't enjoy the cornbread it was much too salty for me but I enjoyed the warm biscuit (a lot like a scone but with salt in) I had it with jam on the coach

    Next up was the main event - Nashville. The afternoon was spent up at the Country Hall of fame museum, where I spent an hour fangirling over Taylor Swift displays. We had a quick walk on the main strip then stopped for a cold drink the temperature was 33 degrees and we were feeling it. The studio B tour was next, while it was a humble room, the tour guide was excellent giving you a real feel of the room and the greatness that had transpired here. I got a bit emotional wishing mum was able to experience where Elvis produced so much of his best work

    We had a great surprise at the hotel. Tea was included along with three free drinks. We had baked potatoes with chicken, veg, chilli and nachos. I went for a wine while dad had brandy and coke. We then toasted a beer for dad and a mojito for me while looking out over the skyline before heading down into Nashville itself.

    I'll never forget the experience of Nashive. The atmosphere was buzzing with live country music blasting out from every venue. It was feast for the senses, you really felt like you were witnessing some amazing talent and possible future country stars. We had a couple of beers trying a few different bars with a rooftop bar. Singing and dancing along in the heat with a beer in hand was paradise. It wasn't like clubs or bars back home where everyone is leary or jostling with each other, it was respectful and you felt everyone was joined together by the appreciation of the music. Dad went back to the hotel and I stayed out for one more beer in the Honky Tonk bar, I felt safe and welcome, even meeting a few people. I never wanted it to end. I felt like I'd got the true country girl experience that I've always longed for from when I was first introduced to the genre by Taylor swift at 14 years old.    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    Memphis

    16 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    It was a bittersweet start to the day with a lovely complimentary breakfast at the hotel while looking out at the Nashville skyline for the last time. Still, the sadness of leaving Nashville behind was soon replaced by the excitement of Graceland.

    The first view of graceland immediately blew all expectations out. It was a giant complex of museum after museum. Before we could start exploring it was time to get lunch. Gladys diner (named after his mum) and the coffee & go were closed so Vernon's smokehouse (named after his Dad) it was. I chose the bbq pork sandwich with corn and dad had bbq pork, mash and bbq beans. The meat was soft and seasoned really well, for just over $30 Inc drinks you definitely can't complain.
    The next couple of hours were spent seeing Graceland - the house, the cars, the planes, the costumes, it was so thorough and interesting, we made sure to get as many pics as possible for Mum.

    Once we checked into the hotel we had a quick brew before heading out into Memphis. We bumped into the Scottish couple from the coach and they had said they had been to the Mexican restaurant and the portions were good. We had a quick look round the main strip for something to eat but not a lot took our fancy. Memphis itself was a poor comparison to Nashville.

    So taking that couples advice we went to the Mexican. The decor was garishly bright and unfortunately no air con, but the glasses of water were large and cold. You got free chips and dip for starter, the nacho chips were greasy but the salsa was good. Dad ordered pollo loco which was a chicken sizzler dish and I ordered el paso (chicken burrito). The chicken itself was the best part of the meal, really juicy and I enjoyed the refried beans. Overall it was distinctly average but it got the job done and it was something different.

    We then walked off the big meal with another lap of memphis main strip before making our way back up to the hotel. After a quick brew I settled down for an early night, ready for New Orleans    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    New Orleans

    17 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    The morning was very ordinary with a breakfast of fruit & cereal bar as we started the long coach journey through Jackson to New Orleans

    Lunch stop was at a Walmart with a full hour to look around. This time we got chance to look round the clothes, see the guns, bikes, fishing rods as well as check out all the different snacks and food it had to offer. I was well impressed by the $4.25 luncable uploaded box (even if I did only get one hersey kiss). I sent Bob the pictures of the lunchables and he was very very jealous, saying that if we had these in England he would be sorted for lunch every day.

    Afternoon rest stop was at a visitor center and we got a free cup of lousianna special coffee which was very nice. We got to the hotel early around 4.00pm and had a relax along with a packet spicy cheetos. They were spicy and were full of food colouring as I found when I brushed my teeth later haha.

    Tonight was the New Orleans Mississippi Paddleboat ride, the whole group apart from two had booked onto this so it was nice to spend time together. We were led onto Deck 2 and sat straight down for dinner. Starter was chicken & sausage gumbo with rice, it was far too rich for me, dad wasn't too keen on it either. We ordered a can of coors lite each and Dad struck up a good conversation with a guy from the coach, talking about work and retirement plans. Main course was served buffet style - chicken in sauce, seafood pasta, herb potatoes and green beans. (I passed the potatoes onto dad) The chicken was lovely and succelent in a really tasty sauce. While it was a random combo of food (to us) it was all individually nice. The side salad had a sweet pomegranate type dressing which I really enjoyed. The pudding was a white chocolate bread and butter pudding which was too weird a texture for me, but the next pudding was definitely a highlight for me. Banana fosters is delish - caramelised banana with cinnamon and vanilla ice cream, refreshing and sweet. It was a lovely evening, we walked the deck a few times taking in the sites having another beer and then settled on the top deck and watched the jazz musicians. It was a real classy and lovely night.

    After a lovely feast we wanted to walk a bit of it off and check out the French quarter. The main Bourbon Street was not what I expected at all and completely destroyed the romantised version of New Orleans I had in my head. We cut the night short and decided to revisit it in the morning instead to appreciate the architecture. Dad went and had a play in the casino while I went home for the usual brew and chocolate before bed. With no alarm to set, it was a nice feeling to go to sleep knowing that there was no early morning wake up call    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    New Orleans Day 2

    18 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    After a lovely lie in we hit the streets of New Orleans, taking the riverside walk to the end of the French Quarter. It was a sweltering day so we quickly grabbed breakfast at a little mini mart then took shelter in shade on the tram stop. I had a fresh strawberry jam donut while dad had a couple of pastries. For my first donut in the US it was a hit, very light and fluffy and packed full of jam.

    We made a plan to stroll up and down the long streets of the French quarter, visiting the fam our Bourbon Street and Royal Street. This was the true feel of New Orleans that I expected, with the picturesque buildings, the iron wrung balconies and the smooth sounds of jazz breaking through the hum every so often. As it was mid thirties degrees, another drink stop was in need, so we grabbed a powerade each to restore our electrolytes. The grape powerade was nice and refreshing, much better than grape Fanta.

    It was getting towards 3pm so we stopped at another minimart got some fried chicken and headed back to the hotel for a rest and cool down. Unfortunately I googled map us to the wrong hilton hotel but luckily it was so hot out than the chicken was still warm when we got to the right hotel ten minutes later. The Louisiana chicken tenders were a perfect balance of soft juicy inside with a dry spicy crunchy skin.

    We headed back out just after 6pm and walked the main more commercial road. It was great for sightseeing with a whole host of characters going about their evening. On our way back down the main street we came across a Chinese. Prices looked reasonable and there was people in eating which is always a good sign. I ordered a chicken chop suey which came with boiled rice ($7) and dad ordered a combo meal - sweet n sour chicken with pork fried rice and an egg spring roll. We both really enjoyed our meals, you got a lot of good and neither of us finished our rice. My chop suey sauce was light, the veg crisp and fresh and the chicken was nice and tender. All in all it was a good shout by Dad.

    I then left Dad in the casino while I went back to organise for tomorrow and have a chill night to rest my weary legs ready for tomorrow's adventure.    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    Pensacola

    19 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    We were treated for another lie in today with a 9am coach depart time. We finished off the grapes and cereal bars on the way to our first stop. The house of the creators of Coca-Cola. The house was kept as a museum with all the features and furnishings from the time, the gardens were gorgeous. With rose gardens and a beautiful pond overlooking the huge lake where a speedboat was powering past. We explored the grounds a bit, finding another smaller lake that was home to an alligator. We definitely saw something in the water but we couldn't tell well it was 100% a gator. What we did see was plenty of spiders, huge ones, all different colourings and menacing looking, in fact the webs covered the entrance to the oriental gardens so I decided to give that a miss and head to lunch.

    Lunch was in the cafe at the house, I had a toasted turkey sandwich and dad went for bbq pork bun. I was hoping it was the best sandwich of my life after dad tipped $5 and to be fair it was pretty good. It was packed full of meat and I ended up giving a quarter of it to Dad.

    Next it was back on the coach until we arrived in our final state - Flordia. We stopped at the visitor centre and had a sample of Floridas orange juice, it was sweet and smooth, a much needed refreshment from travelling.

    The coach pulled up at the marriott by courtyard at 3pm and we were given the opportunity to go to Pensacola beach, an offer we could not refuse. So after a quick change and sharing a blueberry kitkat (weirdly nice) we were back on the coach. The beach was lovely with soft white sand and warm waters. Dad dived in but I opted for a paddle. We did a quick loop around the beach before it was time to go.

    Back at the hotel I had a peruse of the various eating establishments and seeing as it was fathers day I settled on Dennys Diner, a step up from fast food. The interior was purposefully 70s, which gave it an outdated feel, but the quality of the food was very good. Our waitress was very nice and recommended that I had the country gravy with my steak, mash and brocoli. I can't quite describe the taste but it was nice if a little creamy. The steak was cooked to perfection, nice and juicy and not chewy at all. It came with toasted baguette which was a welcome if unexpected addition. Dad went for a bourbon chicken sizzler complete with potatoes and veg, the sauce was sweet and sticky and he got his with toast. While it's not something you'd ever think of ordering together he also agreed it was a welcome addition.

    After the walk back to the hotel we stopped at a dollar general and got stocked up with items for tomorrow. Then we cracked out the Uno, along with a couple of brews and some chocolate. I can't say that it was an even competition, apart from one game, dad dominated all rounds and ended on 500 points exactly. It was a great evening full of laughs    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    Orlando

    20 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    The morning past with a good read of my book with along with a mandarin fruit cup, cereal bar and a cup of coffee. There was nothing of interest at the morning rest stop but always nice to stretch your legs. It was going to be a later lunch so we shared a packet of salt & vinegar Lays to keep us going.

    Lunch was at a food court in a shopping mall. I chose the small chicken philly cheesestake with fries, it was pretty good and I'm glad I got to try one on this trip. Dad went for a Chinese combo meal but the spiciness of one of the chicken dishes defeated him.

    200 pages of my book later we arrived at Orlando. First impression from the hotel from outside was good but inside there was definitely a musty smell. After having a discussion on what to do for tonight, I noticed that the shuttle bus for Disney springs didn't run for the day but would set off in 20 mins time. We decided to go for it, rushing down to the lobby. Unfortunately the bus was 45 mins late so didn't arrived until 7.30 but finally we were off. Disney Springs was a lot like turkeys Land of Legends, a full shopping complex with various photo opportunities. After a walk through the main shops bit we picked 'The perfect pig' to eat as it was fast moving service. I got the chicken salad wrap which was absolutely huge. While I appreciate bits of nuts and dried fruit in it, the sauce was really tangy, I tried to mop most of it off but I gave up and passed it over to dad. He only have a few bites before leaving the sauce soaked ends. He enjoyed his meal, a smoky turkey sandwich. We soon scoffed up and marched off to make sure we saw all of the park. It looked like a show was about to start but unfortunately we had to leave to catch the shuttle bus back. We were glad that we had managed to get there as it was a nice experience    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    Orlando Day 2

    21 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    After a glorious lie in we had a breakfast of mandarin fruit cup and cereal bar before heading down to old town. Old Town was not what we expected (an old part of town) but rather a little theme park. While we didn't partake in any of the rides we had a nosey about the shops.

    The day was heating up and we were ready for a drink so crossed the road to the Mcdonalds. I got a sugar free vanilla iced coffee while day got a large coffee. I noticed on the receipt that if you completed a survey you got a free bakery item. Absolute winner! I filled it in and we shared a blueberry muffin.

    The next couple of hours were spent walking back the road checking out all the gifts shops and supermarkets. I gave Dad the option for lunch for either buying a sandwich for having our last $5 Wendy meal deal and that's what he picked. It was as good as it was in New York. We then headed towards a 7/Eleven to grab drinks for the tonight and breakfast for tomorrow. Dad noticed there was a supermarket next door so we decided to check that out instead.

    The supermarket was a bit more upmarket so when I suggested we buy tea in so that we could eat at the hotel (incase we went Disney springs again or went to the pool) I was worried the prices were too high here but Dad had spotted a salad there he fancied trying (shocking I know!!!) so we both got salads and a few bits.

    Once we were back at the hotel the sun was shining and shrieks were coming from the pool so we simultaneously decided to go for a swim. It was a great pool with a slide and a waterfall, we had a swim, took a few videos for the girls and had some good chats with a couple of others from the tour. It was 7pm before the sun went in and we headed back up. We had our salads (the candied nuts absolutely made it! ) along with a packet of sour cream & onion crisps. The night was still young was it was time for a rematch of uno. This time it was me who absolutely smashed Dad, the luck was definitely with me for that round. Not one to give it, Dad suggested another round and this time the luck had shifted back to him and he won that round.    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    Kennedy Space Center - Miami

    22 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    It was an early 7.45am start to get to Kennedy Space Center for 9am opening. We had our usual coffee, banana and cereal bar on the coach before arriving. After a tenseful 15mins stood outside which there was a dispute with the tickets we were finally allowed entry.
    .
    Kennedy Space Center was amazing, and that's coming from someone who isn't a huge space/aircraft nerd. After a short video presentation the doors opened to the original Atlantic spacecraft, it was epic. The whole center was a great balance of information, interaction and just coolness. The simulator was one of my best parts, to experience exactly what the astronauts do. The size of the aircrafts were beyond comprehension. We both agreed we could've spent a whole day there. In fact we wanted to experience it so much we decided to skip lunch and wait.
    .
    It was 3.15pm before we stopped again but luckily there was a full food court there. I got a multi grain club sandwich and had a hot orginal Earl of sandwich. My bread tasted very buttery like the long live bread that Americans have so much. The coffee was very nice. Dad enjoyed his even though he did make a bit of a mess eating his on the coach.
    .
    We arrived at the Miami Hotel at 6.40 and was told there was a happy hour on until 7pm. We definitely didn't want to miss out on that so we dumped our bags and hurried to the bar. It was free vodka and mixer so I got 1 vodka and cranberry and 1 vodka, diet coke which dad got 2 of for himself. The Welsh couple (Di & Malcolm?) and the other English couple (Pam & Phil) also came down for it so we made a group. It was a really nice evening, getting to know them and having good convo about both the trip and life back home. Its a shame it was on the last night but it was still nice to do. We were all enjoyed it so much we bought another drink each after (even tho it cost a fortune - $25!!). By 8 o clock we all went our separate ways to find some food to soak up the double measures.

    Me and dad both feeling a bit tipsy at this point walking along the main road until we came to a Dennys. We were served by an attentive Chad who sounded like a New Yorker. Dad went for the same as last time but I tried the wheat pancakes with egg, bacon & fruit. It was amazing, the bacon was crispy, the pancakes fluffy and the fruit fresh. It was too much though and I took home a pancake. We had 3 cups of decaf coffee each. Well worth the $33 dollar bill. Not wanting to go straight back to the hotel after eating we went for a walk further up the main street before looping back.    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    Miami

    23 juni 2022, Verenigde Staten ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Waking up on our last day in the States was depressing, even more so that there was no tea/coffee making facilities in the room 😞 Dad tried at reception to see if we could late check out but all they could do was extend it to 12pm which was no good for us. We checked out at 10am, shared my Dennys pancake and wheeled our suitcases 10 mins away to a storage place for $18. Next most important thing - a brew. It was hard work finding a place just for a brew and not food and still unsure we went for a place that had coffee on the menu outside. The coffee was served very modernly in a clear glass with a whisks for a spoon, after a free top up we made our way to Miami Beach.

    It was a glorious but hot day, the sea was clear and the sand clean. Unfortunately it was a bit sloped so we couldn't comfortable walk on the sand with the sea to cool us down. After taking a few pics we headed back to the walkway. It was then getting close to 1pm and we were both in need of a drink. Dad even more so and by the time we got to the Public supermarket he was starting to feel a bit squiffy. We got a couple of drinks each and a fruit salad to share before making our way outside to a bench to restore ourselves. After a powerade and his fruit salad dad started to come round, we then decided to go back in and get a sandwich and crisps before our walk back. My sandwich was the best one I've had in the US. The bread was light and fluffy and was packed with soft beef and a spicy horseradish sauce. We ate the crisps but kept the chocolates.

    We had three hours left until the Lyft pick up so it was time for last minute present shopping. Popping into a supermarket to see if there was a toilet I spotted the ice creams and decided to treat us. It was just what was needed the twix one had little balls of biscuit in and I hope one day they bring them to the UK.

    All too soon our time had come to the end. With one last diet coke in the sun we sorted out our suitcases before our Lyft driver arrived to take us to the airport. The airport was quick and we were soon through security after a quick chat with the Welsh couple who were also on our flight we went in hunt for some food. The pizza place looked good and I ordered hawaiian and dad had pepperoni and cheese one. While they werent the best pizza ever they were certainly nothing to complain about it. After a quick nosey around the duty free it was time to board.

    For the first couple of hours I watched Cyrano while enjoying the complimentary service. We had pretzels, I had diet coke and dad had vodka & diet coke (they were out of brandy). For the main I chose the vegetarian shephards pie and dad had chicken and rice. It started off nice but halfway through it had got too overflavoured and rich for me. Dad felt the same about his and didn't want to finish mine. He ate my bread though that was also hard. The best thing about it was the brookie, which was a new thing for me. Dad got a brew but I opted out deciding to try and get a few hours sleep instead.    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
  • Katie IsmailAmerican Food TripReiziger

    Journey Home

    24 juni 2022, Engeland ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    After a broken couple of hours of sleep on the plane, the cabin crew set out serving breakfast. It was a cute little continental box, the orange was much needed juciness. The little box of overnight oats was a nice touch but no matter how many times I try it I just don't think its for me. I saved my blueberry muffin and had it with a cup of tea from pret a manager at London Heathrow Airport

    The London to Manchester transfer flight was at 2.10pm so we when to WH Smith to grab a meal day for the flight. I was so happy that the big hoops were in the deal and got so excited about it even dad got them in his. The wrap was OK and it was nice to have a pepsi max lime. A lovely surprise on the BA flight was they come round with a complimentary packet of crisps and water that we took home with us.

    It was a quick flight and felt like we were waiting longer for my suitcase than the actual flight. Next it was the drive home, there was the usual Manchester rush hour traffic, but by 6.15pm I arrived at 25 Whernside Road. Big hugs were had with both Mum and Bob, it was nice to see them again. After a quick catch up I was mentally tired so headed home. Mum had bought me a fishcake so I got home put it in cooking with some veg while I went for a much needed shower and got into fresh pj's. Roy had sent me some lovely pictures of his day in Morocco and I looked at them with envy while wishing we were back together.

    This holiday definitely lived up to and in many ways surpassed the "trip of a lifetime" expectations. There's so much to process about everything we experienced and it's going to take days to fully absorb and appreciate but one thing for sure, this holiday is going to be something I'll never forget    Meer informatie

    Zie vertaling
    Het einde van de reis
    24 juni 2022
  • 2025© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • Over ons
  • Groepstracking
  • Pers
  • Voorwaarden
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • Helpcentrum
  • Afdruk