My Trip Report Days 4 - 7

Friday 4th Nov

Today we had another busy day ahead of us, so we were up and out rather early. We had breakfast at a local deli (by our hotel) I forget the name. Then off we went to explore Little Italy, The Village, and Lower East Side %26amp; Chinatown. We did quite a bit of walking and discovered surprise after surprise; we enjoyed LES %26amp; Washington Square Park.

We stopped off at The Pickle Guys to purchase some of there yummy pickles; we had quite a few samples whilst in there. Then off we went to Rivington Street to Economy candy. (Well my nephews had asked me to bring home lots %26amp; lots of candy)….lol this shop has everything your eyes widen as you enter. The owner served us and gave us some samples as we browsed; he was a really nice guy. After walking quite a while we ended up at Pearl Mart. This store is wonderful it is like an Aladdin’s cave and so cheap. I got some really great buys. Had lunch at Joe’s Shangai dim sum was wonderful. I have always wanted to try here and I was glad I finally got to go.

Afterwards we headed down to Century 21 (I can hear you all shouting oh no lol…) I love to hate this shop, But I have had some fantastic bargains from here. I came away with quite a lot of goodies for my nephews e.g. Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren %26amp; DKNY as well as some goodies for myself %26amp; mum. I love a bargain and this is the place for them. We then jumped a cab back to our hotel to have a rest and freshen up.

We were going back up TOTR as we had been told the views of an evening our spectacular. We were not disappointed if you plan going to TOTR I recommend that you go up both during the day %26amp; evening. We had dinner at the River Café the setting was amazing and food was delicious. Afterwards we headed over to the Mandarin Oriental for cocktails.

Saturday 5th Nov

We headed down to Union Square Market for a browse, thought of Louise %26amp; Steve, your photos were not fakes there really is fruit %26amp; vegetables in strange colours %26amp; shapes lol…. We stopped off for breakfast at a place called Chat %26amp; Chew just off Union Square. After breakfast we were off to explore the Upper West Side %26amp; Central Park. The weather report said it would be 72 Degrees today; the weather had been fantastic since we touched down. We spent a wonderful morning in this area there were some fantastic buildings (Thank you Daisiegee %26amp; Bettina for sharing your views on this area. We truly fell in love with the UWS. (DG we passed Jack’s %26amp; Judy’s) thought of you. Not long to go now….

As the weather was fantastic we decided to get a picnic and spend the rest of the day in Central Park. So we stopped by Zabars for some goodies, then off we went on our adventure. We sat on a field by the ice rink and set up our picnic. The area was really busy with lots of people doing the same as us. (It was really warm and the sun was beaming). We tucked into our yummy goodies whilst listening to Diana Ross %26amp; Marvin Gaye and other motown music which was coming from the rink, the setting was perfect. We then walked %26amp; walked and people watched, we came across this guy by were the rollerblade walk is. He was in his 50’s and dressed as a woman with the boobies etc..lol he had a beard dyed yellow and a real parrot on his head. He also had a poodle. Now this poodle had its ears dyed yellow its tail green and he was pushing it in a pram? The people rollerblading had music on and he was dancing away…boy did we laugh…..

We came across quite a few weddings, (I thought of Diva %26amp; hubby) it was such a great day for a wedding. We stopped off at Bethesda Fountain, whilst walking through the park many movies were brought to life. Stepmom, Angels in America far too many to mention…

There was to be a firework display in the evening at the park this was for the Marathon but with it being Guy Fawkes night back home we decided to come back later to watch the display. Afterwards we had pizza at John’s in Times Square, food %26amp; drinks very good, and then we finished the night off with cocktails at the Marriott Marquis view lounge.

Sunday 6th Nov

We had breakfast in our room. Then we went off to mass at St Pat’s. It was another glorious day and it was The NY Marathon today. We went down to TJ Maxx %26amp; Bed Bath %26amp; Beyond and stopped off at Macy’s. We dropped our bags off at the hotel then went for a walk to catch the Marathon. I felt so sorry for the poor runners as the weather was hot, not what you expect November to be.

We had lunch on the move hot dog %26amp; pretzel. In the evening we went to see Mamma Mia I love this show I have seen it before, it’s a real feel good show. We had dinner at Ruby Foos then finished off the night with cocktails at the Marriott Marquis… our last night..

Monday 7th Nov

We had a lie in today .We were heading for home later ohhh I know I never want to leave to. We got a bit of last minute shopping on 5th Ave, called in at the NBA Joe was there he said it was nice to see friendly faces back again. I had arranged Telaviv to pick us up again. No problems again they arrived on time.

As we were headed to JFK I was quite, mum knew I was sad. I said to her I should have booked an extra couple of days. She said “Annette even if you came here for 6 weeks you would still say the same” she was right of course.

As we approached JFK I started to panic we had quite a lot of luggage. Well I did have to go out and buy another case. There were signs saying the allowance you were allowed we were truly over that!!!! I was looking at the check- in staff seeing who seemed friendly...lol the lady we got was a gem. As I put each bag on the scale she smiled I said I thing we have shopped a bit too much. She laughed and said not to worry? She asked had we had a good time, mum told her this was a birthday treat from me…she said how lovely. She then said she would see if she could upgrade our seats. I looked at mum as the orange heavy labels were stuck on three pieces of our luggage. Amazed. The nice lady said we would know at 4pm if we had gotten our upgrade. Sure enough our names were called out and we were told to head to the BA desk. Oh to win the lottery what a way to fly….

A couple of things to mention I had planned an itinerary which I did not use. Your plans can change due to the weather, what I suggest is writing a to do list and decide each day what you want to do. I think this is so much better.

Also you may have noticed I used cabs as well as walking. The reason I did not use the subways is my fear of being deep underground, I know it saves quite a bit but this is a phobia I have. I wanted this trip to be extra special for my mum, I wanted to spoil her she had a wonderful girlie trip

I would like to thank all who have given me advice and provide a fantastic service to all across the world who crave the excitement of NYC. I will be back again as I have lost my heart to this wonderful city.

My Trip Report Days 4 - 7

Annette--Glad to see that you were able to get part 2 out! Next time I%26#39;m in NYC, I%26#39;ll really have to make it a point to go up to TOTR (it hadn%26#39;t opened yet when I was last in town!). I especially like your idea of going once during the day and once at night. Your picnic in Central Park sounds like a nice way to relax--glad the weather cooperated for you!

My Trip Report Days 4 - 7

Annette, sounds just wonderful. You sure did the town right.

Have a question about the Marriott Marquis...did you have to pay a cover charge just for entering and having drinks?

Got to get myself over to TOTR soon!

Sue i highly recommend going up the TOTR both day %26amp; night.There is no wait like over at ESB they are a lot more organised.

The day we went to Central Park was one of the highlights of our trip.

NYC we did not pay no charge at all.Mind you we did have quite a few drinks.Are they now charging?

Oh, Nets, I was sorry to get to the end of such a wonderful report. I am so glad that you perservered for us and I%26#39;m sure that everyone will be equally as pleased as I was. You and your mum had a wonderful time and will always have something to talk about and remember. It%26#39;s amazing how often things come up and someone says ';Remember when?';.

Have you started planning the next trip yet?????

Current airfares from Melbourne have just gone up from $2,300.00 to $2,838.00!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks again.

Helen

Helen glad you enjoyed the report.I hope i have not annoyed anyone as it has gone on quite a bit. I am so glad i finally got to post my report,you can now understand why i was so upset when i kept losing it. But i owed it to all the kind folk on this forum who have helped me.

What a nightmare your flight costs are!!!!

Take care

Annette

What an outstanding time you ladies had. You were feeling sorry for the Marathoners? What about you guys, up, down and sideways everyday. You must have been in training for months. ;) Glad it was so special.

LOL what a laugh..that transvestite in the park ..or whatever he/it was had me rolling. I wanna know how you get the upgrades!

Annette--Another interesting report. Glad you liked the UWS which is my neighborhood. Ken

Nets this was so worth the wait! As I read it I can imagine I%26#39;m there and I know just how you feel leaving. I have to wait til after xmas to book my trip (to see if we have enough money left over!) and it%26#39;s killing me! There are definately a few things on here that I may pinch as ideas for our next trip - especially Economy Candy!

I am so pleased you and your mum had such a great time - although I%26#39;m still slightly jealous over the three (!!!!!) upgrades - lol

Louise x