Day 24 - Las Vegas

Last day in Las Vegas!  Although it's been great staying at a resort, if we were to come back again, we would stay well away from the big resorts and casinos.  You wouldn't believe the volume of people coming and going at all hours of the day.

The Bellagio is magnificent but it is expensive and you pay for every last thing.  We found out today that a $40 (+ tax) charge on our account was because Ian had pulled out a bottle of Congac from the fridge the first day we arrived.  We didn't drink it and he put it straight back but the whole minibar works on a sensor!  Nice one.  Anyway - they did reverse the charge but I do wonder how many people do the same and don't even notice.

We really just did a walk around today and picked-up any last minute things.  We had lunch at the Venetian in their mock-up of St Marks Square in Venice.

We got tickets to another Cirque show called O which is a water show done by the Cirque du Soleil.  It was fantastic and it was in the Bellagio so we didn't need to venture too far.

Off to San Francisco tomorrow for our final 4 nights.  We are both looking forward to our home comforts now.

Day 23 - Las Vegas

Oh to have a cuppa when I wake ... It that too hard to ask.  Apparently yes, in most US states.  Anyway, enough about my troubles.

Love last night was just as good as the last time but it has changed a little for the 10 year anniversary. I talked Ian into getting the remastered vynal of the soundrack, and then we had to work out how we'd get it home.  Mission accomplished today thankfully:)

Ian and I, after 26 days of living out of a suitcase have let all standards go.  We wear clothes multiple times and sometimes even sox.  Although we have done the occasional bathroom sink wash, we're now getting to the end of our trip so are throwing caution to the wind and it seems to work:)

Today was a walk around the south side of the strip and we also headed out to one of the shopping outlets, but I think I'm almost all shopped out (although you never know what San Francisco has in store).  Ian got some nice things though.

We did a bit of a tour of the Bellagio when we got back and there are sooooo many restaurants, cafes etc that we couldn't possibly visit all if we stayed here for a week.  We did however find a nice coffee and a cake and sat overlooking the pool.  There is really not much here that isn't impressive, other than having a drink or dinner overlooking the poker machines!!!

The Bellagio has impressive fountains that have various songs that they play to.  Last night we had dinner on a balcony overlooking the fountains.  The first song was Bruno Marc's (Ashy's favorite) and the second was Frank Sinatra's Fly me to the Moon.  Fantastic!!!  It is extremely impressive and not something you see that often, but we have seen it quite a few times now and feel happy to leave Las Vegas on Thursday.

Tomorrow, I'm looking for some kind of spa I think to finish off our time here in Vegas.

Day 22 - Las Vegas

Las Vegas - well, what can you say ... There are no rules here.  It's one of the only places I know of where drinking in public places is encouraged rather that frowned upon.  It's nothing to see people drinking or gambling (or both) at 8:30 in the morning.  Crazy place!

Had a lovely night with Graham and his mate last night and got back to our room around 10 (which really seemed like 1 AM to us).  Had a good sleep and we were ready for the day.

Mostly today we have spent walking through the many casino shopping centres and watching live shows that just seem to pop-up wherever you go.  We came across another scam here today whereby they offer $20 tickets to see Human Nature (an Australian Motown group).  We thought we'd like to see them here so went back to get more information about the tickets.  The catch was, to get the $20 tickets, you had to go out to one of their Time Share resorts, just outside of Las Vegas.  We've decided to see if we can find tickets of our own without having to be taken around to look at a property we will never invest in.

Heading out for an early dinner soon before we go and see Love again tonight. Really looking forward to that.

Day 21 - Toronto to Las Vegas

Our day today started early as our flight to Las Vegas was at 9:30 from Toronto so we got a taxi around 7 to the airport.  Thankfully we did because neither of us have been through so many checks, screens, queue's before in our life.  By the time we got through Security we had about $15 Canadian $  left and 40 mins to boarding.

So, we used our $15 wisely and got a coffee each and a muffin to share.  Of course, then they don't actually serve food so we had to pay for that on the flight also.   What we didn't realise was that you basically left Canada and went through Customs for the US before boarding the plane, which meant that we didn't have to do the Customs thing here (one small mercy).  By the time we got here (around 4.5 hr flight) we were done.  Then we got to the Bellagio and waited in a queue for 1/2 hr to check in.

This is no ordinary hotel.  It is pretty up-market and it seems everyone stays here, or maybe we just arrived with other flights.  Seemed pretty busy for a Sunday afternoon.  Anyway, thankfully our room was ready so we came straight up, freshened up a little and went out to find some lunch because we were pretty hungry!

We overlook the multiple pools that his hotel has (at least 7 or 8) and you almost need a packed lunch to get to our room.  Anyway, looking forward to just relaxing for a few days.

Graham and one of his friends are here for a couple of days so we're going to catch-up with them in another hr or so for a drink and some dinner I think.  

Ian and I have both agreed that the next week is a rest week, where we don't have to be anywhere, or feel like we have to do anything.  Looking forward to that:). I've only been here a few hours and I've already bought 2 pair of shoes:). So that's a good start I think

Day 20 - Toronto

Today was our first day of rain really since we left home.  So, what do you do on a rainy old day in Toronto?  You hit the shopping mall.  And hit it I did (Ian not so much).

We had breakfast in the hotel as it's free so that's a great opportunity to eat-up for the day.  We then went for a bit of a walk because we really thought we should see something typically Toronto.  I'm not sure that Toronto has much to offer but the walk was nice and we found some Canadian black squirrels in St James park so that was exciting (I do love a squirrel so I have plenty of photos of them.

Around lunchtime, the rain hit, although it had rained a little overnight it seemed.  It's quite humid so the day has been fairly hot and yucky.  So glad we chose yesterday to go to Niagara because I don't think we could have got a better day.  It wouldn't be half as impressive on a rainy day.

Anyway, today is our last day in Canada before we hit Las Vegas tomorrow.  We get our 3 hours back to so we'll be 17 hrs behind Australia from tomorrow, but our phone should work!

We do love Canada and will be back at some stage.  We'd both like to train across Canada stopping at new places.  Canadians definitely do train travel well.

Day 19 - Niagara Falls

Today started early, very early for us on our holiday timetable.  The tour company we booked our Niagara Falls trip with was to pick us up around 7:15 so we had an early breakfast and waited for them to arrive.  

The company we went with only do small tours so there were 4 of us from Toronto and another couple that we picked-up in Niagara.  The company can only take a maximum of 7 people so it was great.  It's about 1.5 hours from Toronto to Niagara Falls and it's not a bad drive once you're out of Toronto so we arrived around 9 am and first stop was the Skylon Tower (this is a observation deck) to  view the falls and surrounding areas.  Niagara Falls are breathtaking.

We then went on a walk behind the falls (i.e. through the tunnels behind the falls).  There is an open observation deck below the falls where you get a poncho to keep you as dry as possible because the mist from the falls is like a heavy rain shower if the wind catches it at the right time.  Anyway, we didn't do too badly and remained fairly dry.

Our guide also drove us around many of the parks and sites in and around Niagara Falls and provided some excellent commentary about the falls and the history of the area.  I (we), hadn't realised that it was so big.  The Canadians take enormous pride in the falls, particularly given that the most beautiful of the falls (and the best viewing areas) are on the Canadian side. We got some amazing photos.

Finally we went on the Hornblower Cruise that takes you onto the lake right up to just below the falls, now staying dry here was much more of a challenge.  The air and mist swirl around like a small storm at sea so we did get quite wet even with rain ponchos (Elise did warn us about that one). The sheer power of the falls is something to see and experience. Absolutely amazing.

We had lunch with an English couple on our tour before we headed off back to Toronto.

We arrived back in Toronto around 4 PM and are feeling quite tired.  I think it will be an easy dinner tonight here at the Hotel before an early night.  Will email some photos.

Day 18 - Toronto

Toronto!  Well, just like the lady at the train station said yesterday ... It's just another big city ... And it  is I guess, but it is Canada:)

We get a full-cooked breakfast here so, that's just what we decided to have before we ventured out.    Unfortunately here, there is no kettle to have a cuppa (😢) nor is there anywhere that seems capable of serving a good tea or coffee.

Anyway, it is almost a month since we left home and I think we're both a little over trying to find a good coffee, food, anything that you think you can safely put in your mouth.

We had a nice dinner at at typical American BBQ restaurant - more food than you can ever imagine bout it was good (what we could eat);

From what we've seen of Toronto, Montreal is our favorite Canadian destination so far.  Toronto is great but more busy and definitely more modern than Montreal.  Montreal is sooooo laid back it's great👌😊

I am starting to look forward to home!  I've been living in the same clothes for so long, I think I'll start singing the opening theme from Oliver soon.  I haven't worn anything but sneakers since I left AUS (neither has Ian).  I haven't worn high-heels (neither has Ian) for the last 4 week.  I tried some on today and I nearly fell over (I won't say what Ian's experience was)!  I do feel somewhat "bogan" but know that it will be all too soon before I'm back in the swing of things.

Up early tomorrow for the Niagara Falls!  Looking forward to that experience.  Should have some great photos to share of that experience!

Day 17 Montreal - Toronto

Have I ever mentioned that we love Canada?   We loved the trains in the USA but the Canadian experience is a cut above.  I did mention earlier that we are Business Class all the way (trains only) and it's well worth the additional $.  Business Class Montreal - Toronto cost us a total of $250 Canadian (pretty much parity with the Aussie $).

There is plenty of leg room as well as space between me and Ian.  Windows are huge and we've already been given wine (no judgement please, it was after 11 am).

Sadly, I forgot that we also got Business Class Lounge access at the train station but we did get priority boarding which was great because it meant we were the first on the train and we didn't have to carry our bags down the stairs ... We had an escalator😊👌
Anyway, if the rest of our 5 hr journey is as good as the start, this will be a very good day.

Train to Toronto was fabulous!  Lunch provided and refreshments whenever you wanted them.  They even assist with your bags.

Arrived safely in Toronto about an hour ago.  Heading out now to find something to eat/ drink.  Early night I think.  These relaxing days sure take it out of you.

Day 16 - Montreal (Last Day)

I don't think I've mentioned so far that whenever we sit to eat outside, we are joined by one or more bees (well, I actually think they're wasps).  Today for lunch, we ended-up with 4 of them, and one landing in my drink😩. We then moved inside to get away from them ... thankfully there were other customers outside so they didn't decide to follow us.  I have honestly never seen so many bees as I have here and with my allergy to them, I really didn't enjoy their company.

Today has been a final walk around our favorite part of Montreal, the old part.  It is another beautiful day, probably high 20s again and seems that we'll have similar weather for the rest of the week.

We head-off to Toronto tomorrow, a 5 hr train trip.  We're really looking forward to it.  It will be nice to put our feet up again for the day.  We don't get into Toronto until a little after 4 tomorrow afternoon.

We have booked a trip to Niagara Falls on Friday.  Seems to be a pretty nice day so thought it might be the best day to do it.  It's about 1.5 hrs from Toronto.  We have 3 days in Toronto before flying out to Las Vegas on Sunday.

I don't think we've seen all the things there are to see in Montreal, but both of us needed a well earned break after the cracking pace of the first couple of weeks away.  Montreal is one of those places where you feel like you can do as much or as little as you like.  So much more easy paced than the US and far more friendly people.

Day 15 - Montreal (Shopping)

Well, day 15 and finally we're feeling well rested and relaxed!  Today, again we ventured out later than the Avis norm and headed for the Shopping Mall(s).

Pretty quiet day really, just a bit of shopping before we headed back to our hotel.  We then left for dinner early and went to our favorite plaza here for a drink and finally dinner.  Just back from dinner and an ice cream on the way back.  It seems that there are great ice creams everywhere here.

It's almost a 5 hr trip from Montreal to Toronto but again, we're looking forward to it.  Train travel is definitely our thing! Friday looks like a great day for Niagara Falls so will try and book a tour before we head off from here.

Great news today ... Bruce Springsteen is touring Australia in Jan/ Feb 2017!  Now I just need to be tuned-in to getting pre-sale tix on 20th September (AUS time).  Thankfully we'll be in Las Vegas and it, like New York, never sleeps. Challenge accepted!

Seriously, Montreal has been an exceptional place for us and it is definitely a "must visit" destination, although Quebec City would probably be on the cards in the future also.

Day 14 - Montreal

We set off late this morning after getting up late.  It's so quiet and dark here, we're sleeping until after 7:30!  Unheard of in the Avis household, but I guess without 3 hungry cats to feed on a normal day, there's nothing much to rush up for.

Today we decided to do a walk around old Montreal.  Sadly most of Montreal has fallen victim to modernization but there is an area that has been declared historic.  This is the area where we are staying.

First for Breakfast, and we found a great cafe down by the river.  Food here is fantastic and no more expensive than Australia (other than the tip probably).  The last time we were in Canada, we thought it was extremely expensive, but this time, not so much.  I'm not sure if the Canadian $ has changed significantly but it's now pretty much $ for $ here.

Fueled with good food and coffee, we set off along the river (not that you can really see much of the river at the moment but it is there.  There is lots of work happening in and around Montreal city and this is due to their 375th anniversary in 2017 (so one of the shop assistants told us today).  Sounds like it will be one big party here so maybe we're about a year early.

Anyway, we had a lovely day wandering the streets and visiting fantastic craft shops (and a Christmas shop) and a number of very tacky souvenir shops.  Unfortunately the nice things we saw in the craft/ gift shops would have been difficult to bring home with you.

We ended-up having a late lunch at a Restaurant in one of the back streets and as with every meal we've had here so far, it was great food.  Ian probably had the pick, but mine was pretty good also.

I don't think I mentioned yesterday, but Montreal also has an underground city.  This links 4 shopping malls together underground ... FANTASTIC⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Day 13 - Montreal

Today was kind of a rest day so we got up after a great (quiet) night's sleep and headed for some breakfast and the best coffee we've had in a few days!  Finally, people are nice to you in shops, cafe's etc.  Obviously a Canadian thing.

Great to have Canadian $ in our wallets because they're like Aussie $ - colored and easy to identify (I also think their smallest note is a $5).  In the US you felt like you were carrying large amounts of cash, only to realise all you had was 15 $1 notes.

Strangely, but not surprisingly, the shops here are on and around Rue Sainte-Catherine.  Good on you Catherine!  Everyone greets you in French as you enter the shops and continue speaking French until it's painfully clear that you don't have any idea what they are saying!  It is nice anyway to have friendly people around us again.  The worst encounter was (again) with a cabbie from the Airport yesterday.

Where we are staying (the old part of Montreal) is much nicer than the newer parts.  Plenty of old buildings and cafe's, bars and restaurants.  Last night we ate at the Hotel and tonight Ian is making a cheese board with fresh baguettes (strangely enough we came across an IGA with freshly baked bread)!

Not sure what's on tomorrow.  Earlier weather forecasts predicted rain but looks OK now so might strap on our walking shoes again.  There is a walk around the city at night showing city lights so will probably do that before we leave here.

Day 12 - Boston to Montreal

We farewelled Boston on an exceptionally muggy Friday morning.  Boston International Airport is definitely not impressive.  We checked our baggage and went to go through to the gate but (thankfully) the security guy told us that we still had a couple of hours to wait and there was nothing past security.  So we decided to settle for an all American Breakfast of Omelet and Fried potatoes!  Strangely, the lady in the cafe made a pretty amazing tea, so I was happy!

The flight was just over 1 hr from Boston to Montreal.  We did go for a bit of a walk later this afternoon and we're in the older part of the city so it is very beautiful and not so city like.

So far, not much doing for the day but we did go and have a Champagne/ beer at a great little bar before we headed back here to have dinner.

From what we've seen, we both love Montreal and hallelujah - they have colored $ just like us👌😉 - so that will make it easier to work out what money you actually have, although you can feel rich in the US and still only have a wad of $1 notes!

I think it will be an early night and tomorrow will mainly be rest and getting ourselves back on our feet after a week of walking and sightseeing.  We're here for 5 nights before we venture to Toronto by train on Wednesday.

It is so quiet here you can hear a pin drop ... YAY!

Day 11 - Boston

Although the Freedom Trail is only supposed to be 4 KM, I swear it was 40 KM!  It was a great experience and saw some great sights but in the heat, it does feel like it's longer than it really is.

We started the day by having breakfast at a place I found on Trip Advisor - Dig Inn!  Sadly, although the coffee was good, the service was a little less than impressive.  Something that I've found a lot here on the Eastern side of the country.  My memory is that they could never do enough for you, but that was on the West Coast where they are probably a little more laid back.  I'll be interested to compare once we get to Las Vegas and back to San Fran in another week or so.

Anyway, got some more great photos and at one stage it looked like the heavens were going to open up, but thankfully, the rain didn't eventuate and it was a hot day (particularly when you're walking).  What I do appreciate here, is that the Americans love their history and monuments.

Observation:  Regardless of the heat, nobody wears hats here!  Kids in playgrounds don'g wear hats!  I have been through some pretty intense heat here without a hat (occasionally sunscreen) but no sunburn like we get at home.  Amazing!

We do love Boston and after NYC, it has been a refreshing change.  Beautiful gardens and parks everywhere so will definitely be back.

Looking forward to getting to Canada tomorrow.  We both love Canada and have vowed to have a day or two rest before we take on anymore walking.  Weather still looks OK so I'm hoping it will still be kind to us.

Day 10 - Boston (Love it!)

We arrived in Boston late yesterday afternoon and we both love this place.  It is indeed slower paced (as we had hoped) than NYC.  Another obvious difference is that you can actually smell gardens here.

We walked into the city stepping momentarily into the Common (beautiful).  Loads of squirrels who come running to you, obviously they get fed but we were a disappointment.  We then headed to Macy's which is so small by NYC standards!

We did get a good night's sleep and we had a light breakfast here at the guest house before we left for the day.  I would say that the highlight of the day was enjoying a drink in the "Cheers" bar.  We both loved that show and so it was great to find it in Beacon St and it was just how we imagined.  It was a great trip down memory lane and we sat just next to the corner where Norm sat.  Although we walked through the gift shop we didn't actually buy anything.

We headed next to the Copley Square shopping Centre but it looked a little our of our price range ($900 for shoes).  We then ended up at the shopping Centre just opposite us.  This was definitely more in our price range.  

We decided a more low-key dinner was on the cards tonight so we went to 5 Napkins Burger place.  I think it will stay with me for a while ... But it was a good burger!

Tomorrow is the Freedom Trail, although Ian keeps telling me "it' a long walk", I think he forgets, I just walked NYC ... And I think it will be nicer than that!

Day 9 - Farewell NYC & Hello Boston

As days go, this one has been fairly uneventful and a much slower pace than the cracking pace we had set for ourselves in NYC.

We checked out of our hotel around 11 and headed for Pennsylvania Station.  Strangely, the cab fare was about 1/2 the price of the other day when I said I hadn't tipped the guy and needed a wine at Rockerfeller Centre.  I think he tipped himself by overcharging us so I don't feel bad at all now.

Pennsylvania Station is hardly pretty, interesting or exciting but it is where we boarded our train to Boston.

Train travel is definitely the way to go here, especially considering my past track record at airports.  We have gone Business Class which not many people do it seems.  It's really not that much more expensive (not like plane travel) and much more comfortable and loads of room and baggage space.  So far, they've all been on time.  Our next train adventure is from Montreal to Toronto later next week.

Neither of us fell in love with NYC.  It's dirty, it's busy and it's HUGE.  But having said that, it is a great place to visit and there is so much to see, we really only touched the surface.

I really wish I had my Fitbit with me to tell me how much we've walked over the past 5 days.  Although walking wasn't always fun (remembering it was a holiday weekend and therefore plenty of people out and about), you did get to see a whole lot more of the city.  Most days were pleasantly warm so it was great walking weather and I had my trusty Sketches to keep the aches and pains at bay.

Boston wether doesn't look as great over the next couple of days, but I'm sure we'll make the most of it either by sightseeing or shopping.  Helen suggested accommodation that appears to be right opposite a shopping mall!  We Dwyer girls really know how to position ourselves for shopping😉.  Thanks again Hel!

Arrived in Boston about 4 hrs ago and I'm feeling human again.  Went for a short walk and found Jo Brasserie - a French restaurant where we probably had the best meal since Washington.  The guest house we are staying is beautiful (and quiet) - I didn't think I'd ever hear myself breathe again.  Thanks again Hel😊🍾
Ian is checking out where the "Cheers" bar is ... I'm looking forward to an early (quiet night's sleep).

Day 8 - Empire State, 9/11 and Meet Pat

Regardless of sleep, we got up at 7 AM to be at the Empire State Building early.  We got there around 8:30 and we both loved it.  We stopped at both the 80th and 86th floors.  It's hard to believe that this building was built in just over a year.  It started in March 1930 and completed in April 1931.  I'm sure there is nothing that spectacular (or less) that is built in that timeframe today.  Views were fantastic and the architecure for the time is magnificent.   I have great photos if only I could post them😁

Sad to see (like many other things these days) the security around entering the building is high.  It was like an airport - bags and individuals scanned.  Great that we had a city pass so that we got priority entry!

Next we headed to 34th and 1st to catch a ferry to Brooklyn.  We then got to Brooklyn and crossed the Brooklyn bridge (on foot) - great experience, but sooooo many people stopping for selfies.  Anyway, headed for the 9/11 memorial which was great, but nothing stirs the emotions more than the photos of the 2,977 (and that's without those whose lives changed for the worse that day) people who died in the attack staring right back at you.  I am glad I went to see it, but it certainly wasn't an uplifting experience.

We then headed back to the Brooklyn Bridge and walked again to the other side without enough time to do much else but get our tickets and board before we met Pat for a drink and much needed food (that is, food for us, we'd hardly eaten all day).   On the way back, we went past the United Nations.  Sadly again, it was difficult to get good pictures due to an iron fence surrounding it and steel posts  (presumably to stop cars ramming the building.

We met Pat at our hotel and  went to Aperitivo (where Ian and I have enjoyed a couple of meals while we've been here).  Pat had to leave us around 6:30 for a business dinner.  It was so great to catch-up with him while we were both in NYC.

Back in our room now and preparing for our trip to Boston tomorrow - 4 hrs of not walking ... Magic!!.  I think we're ready to move on.  The only thing we haven't done, is seen a show on Broadway - maybe another time😊

Day 7 - Museums & Parks

Today we woke after having jammed our earplugs so far into our ears last night, they were almost irretrievable this morning - clearly we have never lived in a big city. 

We headed-off towards Central Park this morning and just had a ham & cheese roll and a coffee at the park's cafe.  Food here isn't great and is expensive generally.  We have mostly been having only breakfast and dinner.  With a big breakfast, you don't really think about lunch.  Probably not the best to eat up big at night, but I'll worry about that when I get home.

We found the Museum of Modern art on 5th Avenue and went for a stroll.  I will let Ian tell you more about that because I have no culture:). After some time there, we headed for the Guggenheim Museum.  This is more modern art and although I didn't really appreciate it (and Ian didn't as much as the Museum of Modern art) the building is magnificent.  The inside is just as impressive with a spiral ramp that takes you up to the 6 floors of the Guggenheim.  

Hi all, Ian here.  Well what I day I have had. My beautiful (and patient) wife has let me indulge in a couple of wonderful museums. First of all the Metropolitan Museum of Art (or The Met). Well what can I say. What a place, such a beautiful building and so much to see and at times a little overwhelming. Van Gogh, Pissarro, Monet, Manet, Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec plus all of the collection from Afrian art, Greek and Roman art and sculpture- what's not to like. It was a little too much at times but in a good way.  Then up the road to the Guggenheim. Such a stunning piece of architecture by Frank Llyod Wright. We wandered through the building and viewed the temporary exhibition by an artist Moholy-Nagy which is due to finish shortly. Very interesting as well as he Guggenheim collection. Very enjoyable all round.

I would say that we are walking a minimum of 10 KM each day.  It is pretty hot here and the weather has been fantastic, so we've been really lucky there.  We were supposed to get a lot of rain this weekend coming from the hurricane that hit Florida a couple of days ago, but no sign of it.

Tomorrow we are hoping to get to the Empire State, 9/11 Memorial and the United Nations ... Wish us luck:)

Day 6 - New York Shopping

It was a nicer day today (weather wise) than initially predicted but we still stuck with the shopping plan.  We headed towards Macy's (probably 5-6 KM away from our hotel and had coffee, fruit and a muffin for breakfast (today became our bad food day).

Many of the shops had 40% off today because it's Labour Day weekend ... I love Labour Day weekend:).

We went to The Wayfarer on 57th st, one recommended by Helen & Mark.  Food was great also and we shared a Cherry Pie for dessert ... It was fantastic!  I've always wanted to have some cherry pie:)

We haven't been doing much at night because we're both stuffed after the heat and walking.  Will still try to get to a show tomorrow or Monday but there's still so much to see and only 2 days left.  Pat Waters will be in NYC on Monday so will try to catch-up with him also.  He is mostly living in LA but travels here occasionally so it will be good to catch-up if we can.

NYC is a crazy place and it really doesn't stop, there are horns, sirens and traffic noises all night long.  We just got into the lift with a young guy about Django's age and I asked him where he was from, and he said North Carolina.  I asked if he liked living there and his response was "it's much quieter there".    Now that wouldn't be hard.

We think off to Central Park and the Guggenheim  tomorrow.

Day 5 - New York

Once you've spent a night here, it's easy to see why New York is the City that NEVER Sleeps!  It's actually impossible to sleep with all the noise:). Anyway, that's New York and that's why you get complimentary earplugs.

We decided to take things a little easy to begin with today seeing that we've had a few big days so no alarm waking us this morning.  By the time we got on the tourist trail, it was about 10:30.  We headed for our first attraction, which was going to be the Rockerfeller Centre (Top of the Rock) but we couldn't get up there until 12:30 so we headed for the Hudson and decided on the Landmark Cruise that took in Manhatten Island the the Statue of Liberty. So got some great pics (if only I could post them!!!).  It was a great way to see the city skyline.

Food is expensive here considering you have to tip and mostly they have deserved a tip (I guess).  We had dinner at a great Italian place we stumbled across on 49th St called Toscana.  Lovely:). We both didn't sleep well again but now we're just focused on sleeping when we get to Boston... Hopefully.

Day 4 - Washington to New York

After a great night's sleep (almost human again) and breakfast, we headed for Union Station to catch the 10:10 train to New York.  Business Class all the way - it's about 3 hours from New York and it will be nice to set down for a total of 5 nights in one place.

Soooooo - who is the tight-ass Avis ... Well that would be me😈  As Ian has over tipped - I under-tipped our cab driver today after negotiating traffic that I have never experienced before and throw in torrential rain to boot.  Anyway - we found the Rockerfeller Centre (which made me feel happy) and it gave me a renewed appreciation for what Bill and Joan did some 50 years ago.  Amazingly the ice skating rink turns into a "Summer Cafe & Bar" so without wanting to disappoint ... I had a wine to compensate for my poor tipping😏
We went for a walk and found Time Square pretty easily and it is as crazy as it looks on TV.  Video billboards, people dressed-up in Holywood/ Disney costumes so they can fleece the tourists by taking photos with them.  There are other scams that go on there too but so far, we've been wise to them.  They have hop-on hop-off busses here too but by the time they get through traffic, you'd hardly get to the first attraction so we walk everywhere.

Tomorrow looks like a pretty good day weather wise so will probably do sightseeing rather than shopping (no judging please - I'm trying to be mature here) - will keep you posted!

Day 3 - Washington

Chronically tired from a few big days traveling, we got a couple of hours sleep in the early hours of Wednesday morning knowing we'd only have 1 full day in Washington - sleep deprivation wasn't going to stop us!

We headed out and got some breakfast at a great cafe at the end of our street.  Seems that Washington is full of cafes but this one was certainly a great pick.  We sat down to a huge Ham & Cheese omelet and massive coffee (this did help with sleep deprivation:)).


The day in Washington was HOT!!!!  Once breakfast was done, we headed past DuPont Circle and down Massecussets avenue to visit the White House (no sign of Mr Obama).  Probably a 5-6 KM walk.  Police and security presence was massive and they had blocked off Pensylvania Ave to traffic but it was hard to work out why until we heard a couple of helicopters setting to land at the White House.





Strangely there was a sense of feeling safe around there even with snipers on the rooftop.  The Secret Service were everywhere and Ian was amused that their bullet proof vests were clearly labeled "Secret Service" and Ian thought, well, not so secret anymore ... We can all see you!

We walked around the Washington Monument, WW2 Memorial, Lincoln memorial and found ourselves on a hop-on-hop-off bus that was heading to Arlington Cemetary, past the Pentagon.  Arlington Cemetry was an amazing place to see and we were lucky enough to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - very impressive.

Sadly we did miss visiting Congress but I think we did pretty well in 1 day.  By the end of the day we were hot, tired and a little tinged by the sun.  Unfortunately we missed going to a great restaurant for dinner (as recommended by Hel) because we were both pretty tired and done with walking for the day.

We will definitely be back here, as we both love Washington.

** As you can see - having trouble with pics again ... Stay tuned ***