• LinaRogersTravels
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Mac 2018 – Sep 2025

NEW YORK 2018

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    Back home

    22 April 2018, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    So at the moment I am sitting in Brisbane airport and Fortunately even though we were quite delayed leaving LA we have rushed through missing duty-free and made it here in time for our domestic flight home. At this stage I would rate Qantas as just okay but I actually prefer Qatar airlines and emirates😉.
    This has been an excellent holiday at times it was rather cold And Craig’s back could certainly have been better. Overall however it has been wonderful with the following highlights:
    Travelling with my siblings ❤️
    My aunt’s birthday party was amazing 😉
    Staying with various friends was truly wonderful
    I think our favourite place was Chicago
    My favourite joyous moment was seeing the cherry 🍒 blossom in Washington
    And best of all was being with my Craig. ❤️❤️❤️
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  • Last day USA

    20 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☀️ 1 °C

    Last night we got a little more dressed up and went to see the musical Hamilton. It was really good with great singing and storytelling and clearly the audience loved it very much.
    This morning we packed and then had breakfast at Meli cafe restaurant which was just okay. We had a walk and eventually checked out of the hotel and then went to the Chicago Art Institute. This was totally amazing, it was huge and had so many pieces of art work Including modern Art and impressionist and American and much more. I think we need a couple of more visits to see it all. I also went to see the miniature exhibition that we saw in 1980 👍😮. Back to the Hotel and we are going to leave shortly for the airport.

    At the huge OHare airport we checked in very early and then had a relaxed and yummy meal at a proper italian restaurant. At least our last American meal is a good one. Now waiting, waiting, waiting😉
    Finally our American Airlines plane has left for LA.
    At LA it’s a great airport but I think we are delayed😮
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  • Bean, Driehaus Museum & Hamilton!

    19 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    This morning we had breakfast at Panera and it was reasonably good. It was a lovely, sunny day and we walked up Michigan Avenue without hats on! We got to the Millenium Park area and the Bean was great. It's a giant sculpture that is in the shape of a bean and it reflects like a mirror. Great photos of Chicago's skyscrapers and people are possible and it's fun. The nearby Pavillion is also creative and looks like a potential Guggenheim structure! Then we walked uptown to the Driehaus Museum which is a gorgeous building - owned by various very wealthy people. Richard Driehaus (a banker) bought it last and has renovated it to its original glory and it is beautiful and full of fine arts. Beautiful rooms with ornate marbles, woodwork, tiles and wallpaper and floors - simply gorgeous. We loved the tour and met some nice women from Oak Park who have been to Australia.
    After this, we had a wonderful lunch at Eataly. It is like a department store full of Italian food goods with several eating areas. Loved the salad and mozzarella with artichokes, roasted tomatoes, and pistachio pesto! Yum - Craig's pasta was good too although a little undercooked. We also enjoyed a ricotta/pistachio canolli and both want to go back to Italy again! Next, we went to a Nordstrom store to check it out. It seems to be an upmarket, trendy department store with the big labels and more affordable stuff.
    On the way home, we tried to check out the underground to see how easy it would be - not very user easy access with bags it seems.
    Tonight we are going to Hamilton, the musical - so needing a rest now. More later.... see tomorrow’s entry.
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  • On our own in Chicago CBD!

    18 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 1 °C

    Last morning - said goodbye to Dennis :( and Marcie drove us once more downtown to our hotel the Congress Plaza on Michigan Street. She then drove us up to the top of this street and we walked down. Had a good coffee and almond croissant and then started walking down State Street. Went into the Holy Name Cathedral - beautiful but mass was in progress. We also went into H&M and Macey's one more time. Craig bought some hankies and I bought a pair of black pants and some silver earrings. We also had a look at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel - such a gorgeous lobby area and the famous Peacock doors. Lunch was healthy at freshii and then continued the walk - cold but okay - until we got to our hotel to check in. It does seem like an old, but lovely hotel. Nice to rest in our 'large' room. This evening we walked up in the rain to a nice Italian restaurant called Vivere on Monroe Street. We enjoyed the chicken and especially the Latte di Lecce Cheesecake. Walking home was in the snow/rain!!Baca lagi

  • Chicago Architectural Tour

    17 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C

    Slow morning this morning everyone feeling a bit over food from all the meat we ate yesterday🤪🤪

    After getting ourselves organised we drove into Chicago Central again. At first we had a lovely walk along the Navy Pier. It was very cold but the sun is out and it is very pretty. Lunch was in the food hall near the pier. After this we did the architectural cruise which was excellent. The tour guide was really good, well informed and very interesting. We saw many beautiful buildings and had their history described. That evening we stayed home after taking them to so gong dong Korean restaurant for dinner. We watched Mollys Game which was a good movie. We have really liked being with Marcie and Dennis ❤️❤️Baca lagi

  • Frank Lloyd Wright and much night fun

    16 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C

    We took it easy again this morning and it had snowed quite a bit overnight. We went to Walmart which was not that exciting but we did buy a few necessary things 😉. Then we set off with Marcie and drove to Oak Park. This suburb is full of amazing homes including several Frank Lloyd Wright homes. We did a tour of the Oak Park home which was fascinating - based on nature, space and very Japanese styles. The tour guide was great and we purchased a lovely brooch to remember it. We then drove round to also see the Unity Church. On the way home, we stopped at Rand Red Hots to get another American delicacy hot dogs and a tamale!!
    After a nice rest at home, we went downtown again for another great night's entertainment. We went to 'Howl at the Moon' where live music included two singers/pianists singing requests that we gave tips for. The first two were excellent and very talented and we sang, drank and enjoyed Bruce etc. The next two were just not as good. After that, we continued our Kane Chicago Foodie Tour and went to Al's Italian Beef which was a continuation of junk food heaven. Then we were looking for a toilet and were sent to brand new Found Hotel - like an upmarket hostel. Finally, they drove us to Wrigley Field - the famous baseball field. We had tickets but they had cancelled because of the cold but it was great to see nevertheless. Another great day!
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  • Museums & Blues. Great day.

    15 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ -2 °C

    Another great day with the Kanes in Chicago 💕 after sleeping in a bit we eventually sset out and drove to the science and industry museum. It was a beautiful building old and impressive. Craig particularly liked the submarine exhibition which was pretty cool. We also like the trains and I lliked the train set which was massive And based around the city of Chicago. Once again the space stuff was excellent. We had a late lunch at Thai restaurant which was delicious And then drive through central Chicago which was gorgeous. Eventually we got to the Kingston Mines Blues Pub. We had an amazing evening with the main performer being Linsey Alexander. He also allows various musicians to jam together on the night. So cool. I particularly liked the smoochy man😉Baca lagi

  • Chicago arrival

    14 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 2 °C

    This morning we had breakfast at Le Pain Quotidean and then walked down to Macy’s. It is another lovely sunny 😎 day. We both managed some retail therapy with tourist extra 10%off. 👍 back to hotel and then we took a taxi 🚕 to the airport. Crazy busy today because of the Cherry Blossom Parade but the airport was fine and I am currently doing this entry with the free wifi on our United Airlines flight. It is going to be cold and windy in Chicago 😮💨
    Marcie and Dennis picked us up at the airport and it is certainly colder and wetter. We had an early lovely meal of salad and the best Pizza in Chicago and then drove for about 45 minutes into the outskirts of Chicago Central.
    We went to a cabaret show called ‘a Jim of a show’ with songs by James Taylor, Jimmy Webb and Jimmy van Heuson. The singers were excellent and the evening was most enjoyable. Afterwards Dennis drove around looking for a White Castle so that we could have sliders 🍔.
    It was certainly a great fun night.
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  • Government day!

    13 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    This morning after breakfast of oats with fruit at a local bakery we took another Uber down to the Thomas Jefferson memorial we have been impressed with Uber so far. This memorial is also another very impressive one and we were lucky to be there for the 275th celebration of Thomas Jefferson. We saw a ceremony with officials and military soldiers who looked great in their regalia and they played music 🎵 and laid flower wreaths. Next we went to the Capitol building Which is the government house and it shines brightly. In the sunlight. We waited around for dignitaries to Leave and then went downstairs to the visitor centre. Fortunately, we were able to get into a tour and had a good look around at the dime and saw the many statues representing each of the American states and several of the presidents - but not all of them.
    Then we walk down to the Union Square train station. This is another impressive building for a train station And we had lunch there at Johnny Rockets, finally an American diner👍
    Long walk home and it was actually quite hot we got sweaty😫. We enjoyed a cool drink at the Post Pub next door to our hotel and then a rest.
    This sunny evening we ventured out for our final meal at an excellent restaurant called Centrolina. Yummy pasta with ricotta mint and fava bean was the highlight and it was in a very trendy area near to all the expensive shops. Lovely balmy evening walk home. Off to Chicago tomorrow. 😉❤️
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  • Washington and Sunshine! Day2.

    12 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    April 12, 2018
    This morning we had some yoghurt & fruit in our room and then organized an Uber ride down to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. The Uber worked really well and the driver was very friendly. The Museum was a real ‘wow’ for Craig and I was suitably impressed with all the planes, rockets and war displays. They have amazing things on display included space shuttle, Apollos and even the Wright Brothers plane. I particularly love Amelia Earhart’s pretty red plane!! It was free and so we went to the Washington National Art Gallery next. We loved amazing art there including one Leonardo Da Vinci, Monets, Renoirs and other French Impressionists, Cezanne’s – didn’t love the portraits; also loved another Singer Sergeant and some Whistlers and American Art including the bronze Shaw Memorial – commemorating the role of the African American soldiers. The guides were very helpful and friendly! We had sandwich lunches at the Art Gallery Café.
    It was such a lovely sunny day – no coats and we really enjoyed going through the Art Gallery sculpture park with the fellow Washingtonians sunning themselves outside. During his presidency, bloody Trump has converted a beautiful Post Office building into another one of his expensive hotels. What an unethical person he truly is! The walk back to the hotel was very pleasant indeed. Washington has very wide avenues and magnificent buildings.
    This evening we walked out to Tortino's Restaurant - Italian but everyone working there was Mexican! We didn't like the gnocchi much but loved the salad + burrata + especially the SemiFreddo of amaretto flavour. Another good day and so far we really like Washington.
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  • Blossoming Washington DC!

    11 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    We didn’t rush to leave but left about 9am. The roads were busy but fine and as always Craig was amazing in the car – love him so!! We arrived around 12pm and parked in front of the Madison Hotel and walked our bags down to our hotel – The Architect. We couldn’t check in but left, got petrol and then returned our car to the Renaissance hotel – which was a little tricky to find but okay. We then set out for a long and wonderful walk. We are located in the financial district, which is very close to the White House We walked down and saw many amazing, large impressive buildings including the Eisenhower and walked through the Ellipse section of parklands near to the very tall Washington Monument. More walking took us to the Memorial fountain area, which leads to the Reflection Pool (as in Forrest Gump!!) which was very moving and leads up to the Lincoln Memorial. We then walked by the District of Columbia War Memorial, which looks like a little Roman temple. We found the Martin Luther King Statue, which is quite remarkable – I loved it and it is a suitable tribute to this significant man. Then our hearts were joyous – the Washington cherry blossom trees are in full, gorgeous bloom and absolutely looked fantastic. One for the bucket list. It was a long walk home but Washington is a well laid out, clean city with many buildings on a massive scale.

    After a much-needed rest, we walked out for dinner at a nearby restaurant called GEORGIA BROWNE’S. I had a yummy Catfish Caesar Salad – suitably spicy and Craig enjoyed his pork chop! I also enjoyed my blueberry Mojito. Great day again!
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  • Last day in Williamsburg

    10 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    This morning we had issues with the CVS pharmacy and their pricing strategies but eventually got to the colonial area again. It has been great value for money. Initially we sat and listened to an address by Nation Builder James Madison once again very interesting and it was great to sit outside in the sun. On to the 300 year old everard house owned by legal clerk who also had over 20 slaves. Many other sites were Opened today And we enjoyed the printers, the silversmith, the carpenter and tin smith and many other trades people. Later in the day We really enjoyed going through the wetherspoon Tavern and hearing About how they made money. Certainly at this stage America was still very British and they imported a lot of their stuff. Bus back home for a little rest and now we are going to Christiana’s tavern for our last dinner in Williamsburg. This was a great experience our very pretty waitress Whose name was pooh like Winnie the Pooh Was gracious and interesting and gave us great service. We finished the The evening off with another lovely walk through Williamsburg which was much quieter at dusk. Overall We are really pleased with our decision to come here 😍😍Baca lagi

  • Jamestown, Yorktown & Williamsburg again

    9 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    It was raining and cooler again this morning ): so after breakfast, we decided to drive around the area. We took the Colonial Parkway, which is a very picturesque road through parkland on the way to Yorktown. Yorktown is the original landing area on the Chesapeake Bay. It was lovely driving through green, blossoming trees and under pretty bridges. All along the way, they have put signs to indicate what historical occurrences happened at each spot. Yorktown was pretty but the part we saw near to the sea and bridge did not seem real – just set up for tourists. After a look around, I had a caramel cappuccino at Ben & Jerry’s, which was okay but too sweet of course. Next, we drove down to Jamestown where the archaeological diggings and other historical evidence of various battles is located. This includes the areas mapped by John Smith who of course loved Pocohantas! We didn’t want to pay for further entrance fees as we still have our 3 day Williamsburg ones, so we chose to go on the scenic drive around Jamestown Island – very lovely. BTW we had an enjoyable conversation when purchasing stamps and posting cards at the shop in Jamestown. During the drive back to Williamsburg we stopped at The Carrot Cake restaurant and then went back to Colonial Williamsburg. We parked in a closer area today and walked in to see the home of Peyton Randolph. This was very interesting historically but both of us have no respect for him or his wife Betty, who had 27 slaves to run their households and demonstrated poor generosity when it came to giving any of them freedom. Apparently, Randolph was designated to be one of the Presidents – but died of a stroke beforehand. Choices and Consequences I say! The girl showing us around there was great and Craig asked her many questions which she duly answered in an informative and entertaining manner.
    Finally, we walked up to the Capitol and had our tour there. Once again we had an excellent presenter in the role and that was also extremely interesting. Back home for a rest as I am tired today.
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  • Williamsburg

    8 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    We had a great day today in Williamsburg. After a good night's sleep but pretty average breakfast we drove to the visitor welcome centre and bought our tickets for the next three days. Williamsburg is a totally authentic revolutionary town with pretty streets, beautiful homes and lots of employees dressed up in character for the 1700s. For example we enjoyed talking to Caesar Hope the slave who was freed and became a barber. we also spoke to the shoemaker and really enjoyed going through the governor's palace.

    We had a soup and sandwich lunch at the Red Tavern and after lunch we walked up to the Arts Museum and were wowed by an address by a gentleman role-playing George Washington. It was very clear to us that the locals know their history very well and many questions were being asked including some by quite small children. Another highlight was going through the lawyers house he was called John Whyte. He assisted George Washington with the declaration of independence and many important people visited and stayed at his abode.
    Another highlight of today was that we saw lots of blue sky, felt the sunshine and many blossoms are now appearing. In the Main Street of Williamsburg the roads were closed off and there was a market with live music and stallholders which was very pleasant.
    Tonight we chose Kephi's Restaurant - greek and delicious. We also only had entrees, salad and dessert - no main course. Much more suitable quantities!
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  • Long drive to Williamsburg

    7 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ 🌧 3 °C

    This morning we packed said goodbye to Erica and Ian and sent off in our giant vehicle. Initially the countryside was lovely but once we got onto the motorways it proved to be much more challenging and busy. Nevertheless Craig was a hero as always and after 7 1/2 hours driving with A couple of stops we eventually checked in to our hotel Called the Spring Hill SUites by Marriot at Williamsburg. After a cheerful check-in, we had a rest in our room which is spacious with dirty carpets.
    For dinner tonight we went across the road to the recommended restaurant called food for thought. We shared Each course which included a tasty salad followed by scallops wrapped in bacon and an okay cream brulée. The Restaurant pub was very busy and there seems to be a lot of people here. Generally, we are finding that food seems More expensive than in Australia once you and the service tip.
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  • Fonthill Castle, Doylesbury & New Hope

    6 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    This morning Ian drove us to Doylesbury airport to pick up our second Hertz car. It was much bigger than we had ordered but we had to take it - the Rinaldis would all fit in this one also - COME BACK?? We initially drove into the town, found Mercer Museum but decided we wanted to see Fonthill Castle more. We walked through the very pretty main street where William Doyle 'set the stage for what was to become Doylestown'. We shared a nice turkey 'hoagie' at Bagel Brothers and then drove to Fonthill Castle. This house was built between 1908 and 1912 entirely of hand mixed concrete by Henry Mercer. With fancy tiles everywhere we really enjoyed today and the drive home was lovely. Tonight, Erica came home from hospital and we enjoyed Craig/Ian time tasting beers and Lina/Erica time talking about the jewellery she makes and she gave me two lovely pairs of earrings and a beautiful blue necklace. It has been really lovely staying with them.Baca lagi

  • Frenchtown walk

    5 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C

    Erica went to hospital for her surgery today so we had a quiet start sleeping in and getting ourselves organised with washing etc. we then ventured out and walked along the canal to Frenchtown which is a pretty little village about an hour and a half walk from here. along the canal we saw Pretty ducks, a beaver in the water and a raccoon. The town has Got several pretty shops and apparently was started by a French gentleman. We initially had coffee and apple pie and enjoyed going into the toy shop to buy gifts For William and Thomas.
    Eventually we had lunch at the National pub. We enjoyed sharing a crab sandwich and meeting Some of the locals including a gentleman turning 103 today. He was in amazing condition and sat up on the stool at the bar with us. Coincidentally an older gentleman came in Who was also an Uber driver. It was good to get home and rest And enjoy this lovely home while we wait for Ian to come home.
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  • Philadelphia!

    4 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ 🌫 9 °C

    Ian and Erica drove us into Philadelphia today – took about 90 mins from Erwinna. Much more traffic, but it was all good. It is a pretty city, especially in the old parts. Had a look at the Liberty Bell and Town Hall – couldn’t go in because it was sold out. We also walked down to the Benjamin Franklin house and museum, which was an interesting exhibition all about his life. It was interactive which really suited my child like preferences. Franklin was an interesting, influential and prolific man who had many good ideas. The weather ranged from sunny through to windy and rainy. We walked up to the Philadelphia Market, which was fascinating. We had the local cheesesteak roll for lunch and it was actually yummy. Many interesting stalls including an Amish one and the mushrooms were fascinating! After lunch the weather got worse so we drove around to the Art Museum which was also the setting for Rocky’s run up the steps. They have his statue there along with his footsteps – a little bigger than mine. The art gallery building was massive and impressive. Driving home we stopped at a beer brewery for beer tasting (I had a Malibu); and then the Shanklands took us to a massive supermarket called Wegmans. It was amazing and we bought a few little items.
    Back home for a quick rest and then we went to the lovely local in called
    Dinner was okay but the setting was gorgeous. We have really enjoyed Erica and Ian’s kind hospitality and friendship. Back home I learned all about Erica’s jewellery making. She is going in for knee surgery tomorrow so she needs to be distracted. Another great day!
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  • Pennsylvania Arrival!

    3 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    We woke earlier and got ourselves organized. Said goodbye to Molly and Rick very kindly drove us to Bound Brook Station, which was near to his work but about an hour’s drive. He is such a lovely man and good friend. He waited with us until we got onto the train to Annandale. Everyone on the train was friendly and helpful and it was only about 36 minutes away.

    We arrived to Ian Shankland waiting for us in the rain at the station. He drove us through really pretty areas to their wonderful home in Erwinna. They were very welcoming and we were taken out to see the lovely covered bridges and towns near to the canal. We had lunch at the pub on the river near the green bridge at Riegelsville Inn – place had a lovely atmosphere with pressed metal ceilings and a british feel. Then they drove on to Bethlehem where Bethlehem steelworks (now closed) were massive. The town was bigger but also very pretty. We had a walk around and looked in the Maravian Bookshop, which was the oldest bookshop in America -1745. Purchased a shopping bag for mum and a lovely red cardinal Christmas decoration and we also went to a shop called Steel which sold lots of steel memorabilia and other stuff. I bought a cute, very warm pom pom beanie. Back home and we had a delicious dinner of sesame tuna and tagine chicken etc. Great night, we were made to feel very welcome indeed. Craig likes the harder mattress.
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  • It's snowing and it is so pretty

    2 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ 🌧 2 °C

    Easter Monday and we woke up to very pretty snow falling. We had a very relaxed day planning, sewing (my hem) and bird watching. Craig needed a slower day for his back. Molly is a very knowledgeable bird watcher. After washing and planning in the afternoon we went out With Rick do you have a look around Freehold. Yes that is Bruce Springsteen‘s hometown ❤️❤️❤️
    In the evening we took Rick and Molly out for dinner to a local Turkish restaurant called Galata. The food was yummy but the serves were ginormous. Craig then talked them Into taking us to a local Costco which is almost identical to The one in Adelaide.
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  • SUPERMARKET, HIKE & DRIVE

    1 April 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    Lazier day at first and we went to the local supermarket - fun looking at all the different products and self-laser scanning. After lunch and a rest, we went for a hike around the Hartshorne Valley area. Lovely 4 km in different woodland with some sea views. The drive back was through gorgeous areas where there were many huge houses. Even Bruce Springsteen lived there before. Yeh!! We also enjoyed an amazing pork rib dinner with cucumber & lime cocktails! Rick & Molly are lovely people to be with. Also adding some photos of Princeton from last night :)Baca lagi

  • Service, sculptures & Princeton

    31 Mac 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    Today after breakfast we went to a memorial service for “tid” a friend of the Goldbergs. It proved to be a lovely interesting experience. She was clearly an accomplished kind woman. We also met some really nice people. Back home and we got organised and went to the sculpture park which was huge. There were many very interesting sculptures there And we spent several hours wondering around The gardens. After that we drove to Princeton the University town. Had a great meal at Dixon’s.
    and then walked around the University present area which is Old but beautifully maintained with gorgeous buildings.
    Great day with Rick and Molly 😍😍
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  • Freehold - goodbye Manhattan, hello NJ

    31 Mac 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ 🌙 6 °C

    This morning we checked out and went for a walk for our final meal together. We chose the restaurant called THE SMITHS not far from our Cambria suites hotel. The location has been very good for us. The breakfast was huge!! I ordered a granola with berries and yoghurt, which was yummy, but Craig ordered the Brioche French toast – huge!! We then all walked up to H&M for undies, tee shirts etc. and eventually said goodbye and parted at Macey’s. Craig bought a great red and white floral shirt and then we went back to the hotel, got bags and walked to the NJ Transit station. We had to wait for the platform to be listed and then everyone rushed to get on the train. A lovely, strong black woman helped me with my bag down the stairs and we got on the train fine. All went on time and Rick and Molly were there to meet us. They have a lovely, spacious, pretty home and we really enjoyed being welcome. We went into nearby Red bank for a vegan dinner at Good Karma. It was fine – my buffalo wings made of reconstituted protein were quite spicy. Back home for chatting. Craig’s back has been bad today and he had a difficult phone call with Phil about his mother. However, we also spoke to mum and Luke and Alexander and it seems better than we thought for now.Baca lagi

  • Hiline and our last day!

    30 Mac 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    This morning Craig, Nick, Louise and Tony went downtown to the Stock Exchange. Aldo had organized a tour for them with Chris Coronetti, which they all enjoyed. Josy and I had intentions to get the Big Bus down to the area where we could do the Graffiti walk. Many crowds and in particular traffic jams prevented that once again. No kidding doing the Big Bus sucked so much!! I asked the driver to let us off anywhere when they kept trying to avoid the traffic jams. We got off at Union Square and had a Starbucks to calm the storm. We consequently decided to walk and do the Hiline – starting at the Chelsea Markets. That was huge fun – very trendy, nice food and then we popped up to the Hiline and walked quite a bit of it for about an hour. The ex-train line has been made into a walk above Manhattan – some art along the way. The weather had improved and we really enjoyed it. We eventually got off and tried to walk towards Macey’s getting a little lost (again) along the way. Macey’s was fun. We had lunch there – chicken sandwich but there was more to choose from. I purchased two long sleeved tops and a black tee-shirt with glitzy stars on it. Happy girl. Walked home and rested a little in the hotel room. Need to pack and Aldo is coming in to see us.
    As it turned out we met him at an amazing restaurant called Canaletto – apparently named after a Venetian poet – maybe!! It was the best meal we have had so far on the trip. My marinara spaghetti was delicious. Craig loved his buratta & white anchovies on sweet peppers and veal shank gnocchi. Zabaglione & berries were scrumptious too. Great night – last time we will see Aldo for a while. Amazing last day and tomorrow we move on to New Jersey with the Goldbergs. We have enjoyed staying at the Cambria suites location wise, but it has been noisy with all the building happening nearby.
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  • The Met, Bloomingdales & Central Park

    29 Mac 2018, Amerika Syarikat ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    We set off together but Craig and I left the rest to go to Penn Station to purchase our tickets to New Jersey. We then tried to get the Big Bus uptown. What a fiasco, the New York Pass has proven to be difficult to use. We waited and waited. It didn’t come to the designated stop so we asked and ended up walking for ages back to Broadway. After much wastage of time, we gave up on the Rockefeller Centre and Guggenheim and stopped at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was crowded but really wonderful. Great French paintings – Degas, Claude Monet, some Renoirs and Van Gough’s. The American art was also amazing, especially the Singer Sergeant females. The huge Egyptian Temple in the airy room and lots of other stuff were all good for the soul. However, the cafeteria lunch was not great and a total ripoff. It was lovely to walk through Central Park afterward and even though not very green yet, it is a gorgeous, contemplative spot. We eventually made it to Bloomingdales – love that place. They let us leave our coats etc and gave us 25% off vouchers – yeh! There was a gorgeous shoe display on in the lobby and we found a lovely Karen Miller dress for me ☺ ☺ Back home exhausted so we had a rest. In the evening Craig, Josy and I set off for the Flatiron district because it has been recommended for eating. After much difficulty, we settled on a wine bar called Punch and the food was good – we shared ravioli, salmon and meatball dishes. Back home to pick up Nick and then we walked to the Empire State Building for some night shots. Crowded but lots a fun. Another great day!Baca lagi