Travel

Memorial Day in New York City was a crazy affair – the weather was gorgeous and the metropolis was swarming with people. The holiday seems similar to our ANZAC Day – except shops are open, many boasting mind-boggling sales – and it also marks the unofficial start to summer. Madison Avenue, the street where our hotel was situated, was blocked off to traffic for as far as the eye could see, and transformed into a market of sorts – with everybody out for a bargain. Tired of shuffling along like a couple out of March of the Penguins, Nick and I escaped the borough for Brooklyn.

Braving the subway was the first order of the day – a quick glance at the map, followed by a deep breath and two swipes of the Metrocard and we found ourselves exactly where we intended. Phew!

Brooklyn was a real breath of fresh air. The streets were quiet and charming, and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We weren’t constantly harassed by street vendors or homeless people. The air felt cleaner. I found myself thinking I could actually live here. It was a lovely escape!

The Promenade (a little like our “Esplanade” in Darwin) offered fantastic views of Manhattan and the Brookyln Bridge. Joggers ran by, and families sat having picnics in the shade. It was a lovely stroll, but we were in Brooklyn on a mission. We were there for Grimaldi’s Pizza.

In all my preparation for our trip, every site/book/forum I trawled advised that a trip to NYC was not complete without a trip to Grimaldi’s. The pizzeria itself is this tiny little whole in the wall in Brooklyn, only recognisable by the line of people that goes around the block. They also advise to arrive by about 11:30am to avoid waiting too long.

We join the already long line at 12:19 pm. We’re in the door with our order taken at 12:59 pm. A small 16″ pizza with garlic, pepperoni, mushrooms, red peppers & extra mozzarella, please. And two Sprites. Meal arrives 1:18 pm. The pizza is huge. Pizza finished by 1:46 pm. Check received and paid, and out the door by 1:50 pm. Walk half a mile down the street, passing those who will be in line for a long while yet. Get in line at the Brooklyn Icecream Factory. Feel like all we’ve done in Brooklyn is line up. Half an hour later, we’re out, Nick with Vanilla Chocolate Chunk, me with Vanilla. Could take or leave the icecream, but the pizza … my gawd, the pizza …

Amble around DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) before making our way up to the entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge is not quite 2km from Brooklyn to Manhattan, so it’s a reasonably short walk, but the view is spectacular. I wish we’d had the chance to do the walk at sunset, but with daylight savings that isn’t until after 8pm, and we just ran out of free evenings! And we had the Empire State Building to climb!

Strolled around the Financial District some more, before catching the subway back uptown (we were pro’s by this time!). Used our “Express Pass” tickets to bypass the 2+ hour line at the Empire State Building – everybody hoping to get in before sunset. Felt like royalty as we sauntered past the suckers tourists who hadn’t thought ahead and forked out the extra $10 for said tickets online. Positioned ourselves in an ideal photo-location at the top of the Empire State Building while we waited for the sun to go down. Managed to snap some terrific photographs, before back to the Palace we went.

We’ve had a busy few days!

We ‘hit’ Woodbury Commons on Thursday – premium outlets, about an hour’s bus ride out of Manhattan. While Nick did quite well for himself, shopping up a storm in Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, all I returned to the hotel with was my bus ticket stub. Very sad. Over 220 outlet stores, including Chanel, Dior, Burberry, Roberto Cavalli, Jimmy Choo … and nothing jumped out at me! I’m a failure as a female – all I’ve bought on this trip is a camera lens.

That night was Romeo and Juliet at the Lincoln Center – it was breathtaking. A combination of sitting in the dark and the soft music almost sent me to sleep at a couple of points, so I was glad when I could get out into the fresh air. We met up with Steve for the second time that day, this time at Serendipity3 – we enjoyed the desserts so much on our first trip that we just had to do again.

Friday started with Fall Out Boy in Rockefeller Center on Today. I’m not exactly a big fan (although I don’t dislike the music either), but we figured that it would be an experience. We found ourselves a great spot, which wasn’t exactly so great as we found ourselves on TV regularly, and stayed for a song before heading off to breakfast at Pershing Square. The whole day was a bit of a blur (I should have posted earlier), but involved Grand Central Terminal, the NY Public Library, Bryant Park, and Bloomingdales! We went to Avenue Q (a sort of dirty, inappropriate Sesame Street) that evening … loved it. When it comes to Australia, I wouldn’t mind seeing it again! We also checked out of Trump Towers, and into the NY Palace.

We had planned for a full day of shopping on Saturday, but this cold has taken up residence in my chest, so we spent a little time just resting in the hotel, before heading back out to browse Saks, Bloomingdales, Bergdorfs and Fifth Avenue in general. It felt like a bit of a wasted day, but I just couldn’t do it – and was in bed asleep before 7pm!

Sunday was a huge day. We started with breakfast at Sarabeth’s, just across from Central Park – Nick had the most amazing buttermilk pancakes, and I had some really good porridge. It was just what the doctor ordered! In just half a day, we managed to squeeze in a Carriage Ride, a visit to the Zoo & Children’s Zoo, the Hans Christian Andersen and Alice in Wonderland statues, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Betheseda Terrace, and the American Museum of Natural History. Central Park is around 843 acres – and a lot to take in – not to mention two museums .. but we somehow did it!

18. Swing through the sky on a trapeze

Just a quick photo post to validate crossing a ‘must do’ off my 25 by 25 list!

The instructors at the New York Trapeze School were incredible – Nick came along for the ride, and even he enjoyed it. The two hour lesson was an exhilarating experience – and their motto is that you don’t need to worry about fear, only about the addiction… they’re right on the money – if our trip weren’t so short, I would be booking another lesson! Thank goodness for Sydney Trapeze School!

Courtesy of mapmyrun.com - 21.65km ... before I called it quits and hailed a cab

My friend Wikipedia tells me that Manhattan is approximately 21.6km long, and 3.7km wide. In one day, Nick and I managed to clock up 21.65km, between Central Park and the Financial District alone. It went something like this:

Start: Trump International Towers (One Central Park West)

- B&H Photo (W34th St, 9th Ave)
- Chrysler Building (E44th St, Between Lexington & 3rd Ave)
- Flatiron Building (W23rd St, 4th Ave)
- Forbes Magazine Gallery (Between W12th & W13th St, 5th Ave)
- Down past the Williamsburg Bridge & East River Park
- Past the Manhattan Bridge & Brooklyn Bridge
- Lunch @ Pier 17 (South St, Seaport – on the East side)
- Across to Wall St & the Charging Bull in the Financial District
- Over to Trinity Church
- Ground Zero
- Across to St Paul’s Chapel
- Up to Pier 40 (on the West side) for our two-hour Trapeze Lesson
- Perry St for Carrie’s Stoop

…. and then I’d finally had enough, and we hailed a cab up on 6th Avenue.

Photo Credit: iStock

Some of my readers may remember our previous flight to the USA, and the hell that we endured with United Airlines with their tiny seats, grey omelettes and poor service .. Our flight with Qantas was nothing like that of their American counterpart.

The only exception to Qantas’ brilliant service was the attendant that checked us in, who acted like she was going out of her way to do us a huge favour to seat us together – the flight reservation was booked and paid for at the same time on my credit card, I’d expect that we were seated together!

Once you’re past Security, Sydney’s International Airport is rather lacking – there are few nice cafes or restaurants .. so I amused myself in Duty Free and bought a 50ml Chanel Chance EDT, before making myself comfortable with my laptop and some tea.

Despite being seated at the very back of the plane with already screaming children, the flight was particularly quiet once we took off, and I managed about six hours sleep. The seats were about twice the size of those with United, and we actually had something I like to call “leg room”. The Entertainment Units had possibly too much choice – I enjoyed Confessions of a Shopaholic, Marley and Me, Bride Wars (all for the second time), a couple of episodes of The Simpsons, a documentary about Madeleine McCann, and something called Who Stole My Foetus. As far as plane-food goes, Qantas do a terrific job, and we certainly didn’t go hungry.

The only “bad” thing about the flight was finding myself sans mobile, and realising that I perhaps had a little addiction problem; and two passengers in the seats behind us. While the husband was a convicted sexual offender – something he made known to the flight attendant, when asking what he was supposed to tick to the “have you ever been convicted” question on the Customs form, and children were immediately ushered back to their parents – but the wife … the wife was an obnoxious, giant pain in the arse. Every time she got in or out of her seat (which was frequently), she would pull my seat right backwards, and slam the top of my head. I’m quite sure I directed an obscenity in her direction towards the end of the flight.

Interestingly, the passenger next to Nick and I, who had the window seat, didn’t leave his seat once during the entire 13 hour leg to Los Angeles. As somebody who needs to wee several times an hour, this was both fascinating and horrifying for me. He was either the World’s Most Considerate Traveller, or he has the World’s Largest Bladder. …. On our stopover at LAX, Nick would later make friends with the young man who introduced himself as “Matt”, an Australian living in Washington.

The second leg of our flight was entirely uneventful, and we both slept for most of it. I couldn’t even tell you what the inflight entertainment was .. actually, that’s a lie – it was Mall Cop, or whatever it’s called.

Over twenty hours after departing Sydney, we had arrived.

Our last morning in Sydney. We were up and in the spa at Turbines before 7am. It wasn’t nearly as hot as when we first tried it back at Easter, but it was relaxing and a great way to wake up all the same. After a delicious breakfast at Astral on the 17th floor, Nick and I headed into the City to catch the train out to Bondi.

A trip to Sydney wouldn’t be the same without stopping in at the Foot Haven in Bondi Westfield for our 40 minute reflexology foot massage, and as it was still early they were able to fit us in straight away. After quick browse through David Jones, we were catching a bus down to Bondi Beach… We were meeting up with a wedding consultant at the Swiss Grand Resort!

Sara was lovely. She showed us some amazing photographs, and answered all of our questions with confidence. We liked! But at the same time we didn’t want to appear “too” keen… although it was hard not to! We booked the rooftop overlooking Bondi Beach for our ceremony, and the Bellevue Terrace for the reception. November 7th 2009. It all seems so real now!

After a little shopping in the Pitt St Mall, another spa at Turbines, and a quick shower, it was time to pack up (which didn’t take long!), and head back to the airport *sniff* I’m always sad to leave Sydney.

Unfortunately, even best laid plans don’t always go the way we’d hoped… We were due to depart at 1940 and arrive back in Darwin by 2230 – meaning that we’d get enough sleep to be able to function at work the next day. However, the Sydney skies had other plans! The weather was miserable (which is strangely when I’m at my happiest), and was preventing incoming and outbound flights. We were delayed for almost two hours, but QANTAS were very good at keeping everybody informed. I really felt for the flight attendants, they looked so frustrated.

Soon enough we were on the plane, and on our way home. Another uneventful flight (just the way I like them), and just as I’d predicted, the humidity on arrival sucked the breath right out of both Nick and I. We were home. My birthday weekend was over.

xoxo

After finally drifting off at some ungodly hour Saturday night/Sunday morning (as sleep and I aren’t getting along of late), the alarm went off at 5am for our road trip out to Newcastle!

It wouldn’t run with the theme if the navigator didn’t have us driving around in circles, and true to form, we drove around Chatswood for a good half an hour before deciding to defy the instructions to turn left, and continued straight instead! It wasn’t long before we were well and truly on our way!

I wish I’d thought to have my camera out, because there were some truly amazing photo opportunities along the way! I will definitely have to remember for next time! The drive out was pleasant, and after a stop in at the McCafe for coffee, we were all feeling more awake!

First stop was at my Aunt’s house to catch up with her and the family! … I can’t believe how much Tully and Zac have grown in just six short months! They’re really shooting up now, and the things that they come out with! Zac is really speaking now, and Tully’s vocab blew me away! What kind of four year old comes out with words like “enchantress”?! *giggle* It was so good to see them all again, and Belinda even made blueberry muffins! I haven’t had a muffin in forever – it was so good!

Unfortunately it was a bit of a drizzly day, so we couldn’t spend the morning at the beach, but they did give us a bit of a tour of one of the beaches, and showed us the kids bathing pool. After getting stuck under an awning when the rain really started to come down, it was time to go again…. The drove in front of us for a little way, so that we knew we were on the right road, and after a few hugs it was time to say goodbye! I look forward to moving down to Sydney so that I can see them more regularly, that’s for sure.

We drove out to The Bay to catch up with Gina, Craig, Georji, and their newest addition – Griffin! It was really good to see them again, and to meet little Griff! In usual Georji style, she went shy for a little while, before fairly coming out of her shell, and showing me a lot of her artwork. I can’t believe she’s only three! She’s grown so much since I last saw her, and she’s more talkative than ever! And what does she want to be when she grows up? A Queen!

After lunch and a good catch up with everyone, they showed us around a little, before we went down to the RSL to sit and chat some more. Some RSL! It looked like something the Hyatt would own! It’s undergoing some renovations at the moment, and it’s probably one of the most upmarket RSL’s that I have ever seen. I was fairly blown away!

Before I knew it, it was getting late, and we had to leave to drive Kate back into Sydney to catch her plane back to Melbourne. Words really can’t explain how great it was to see everyone again. I miss them all so much. And every time I visit, I can’t get over how much the kids have all grown. I can’t wait to live closer!

The drive back to Sydney wasn’t as stressful as I was worried it might have been, but it was certainly busier than the drive out. My back was really starting to hurt, but after a stop in at the Caltex on the way back for some dinner, I was ready to go. We managed to get Kate to the airport on time, and returned the hire car without a hitch! A quick taxi ride back to Star City, and I was more than ready for bed…

xoxo

After much primping and preening, and being taken in all sorts of directions by our navigator (you’d think we’d learn!), Kate, Robyn, Tanya and I arrived at the Acer Arena. We were there for Hilary Duff.

While munching down on cheeseburgers and hotdogs, we agreed that one girl in particular really needed to add some material to her dress. You could almost see what she had for breakfast *shrug* Minutes later, we heard girls running and screaming, and that was our cue to take our seats…. The girl we’d called a “skank alert” on? It was Ricki-Lee! From Australian Idol! Oops!

I’ve never much been into Ricki-Lee, but she was pretty good live! She was charismatic, and her voice was much stronger than on any CD. She really wowed the crowd! If I were her, I would have wanted to strangle my costume manager though – while having a short dress really isn’t so bad (and it was a very nice dress), it probably wasn’t the best choice for somebody as busty as Ricki-Lee! There were several occasions where she almost “spilled” over *shock* The poor woman was trying to discreetly hitch up her dress, which must have been hard to do with 50,000 or so eyes (well 100,000 when you consider we’ve got two, ha!) on her!

Hilary Duff was AMAZING. A million times better than what I was expecting. I get the feeling that she’s really trying to move away from the preconceived image that many have of her. She and her dancers were scantily clad, the dance moves were rather risqué, and while she played some old favourites, there was a strong dance feel to her new album. The light show was phenomenal, and the crowd was so… intense. Who would have thought a bunch of six year olds could make that much noise?! Even Hilary Duff seemed blown away by the intensity of it all. There were a few noticeable grimaces as she held her ear-piece when the crowd lost all control, and she seemed absolutely speechless! It was nice to hear her thank Australia for all our support with both her movies and her music though… and gosh is she a pretty young thing! Despite all the headlines of her being “too thin” and “anorexic”, she looked perfect. She was healthy, toned, and absolutely beaming. Almost makes you wonder how much truth (and how much photoshopping) there is in those tabloids (ha! – isn’t that just an oxymoron…)!

Friday night, and Nick and I were packed and ready to fly to Sydney. Those who know me, wouldn’t believe it, but I managed to pack everything I needed into one small, carry-on suitcase *falls over* I know!! This is the person who came home from the United States with three extra-large, overweight suitcases! So after checking in online, it meant that Nick and I didn’t have to wait in any long lines, and could proceed straight through security, and upstairs to our gate! Fabulous, darling!

The flight down was uneventful, and the staff didn’t even disturb us to find out if we wanted to eat (which we didn’t) – got to love QANTAS! The landing was smooth, and with only our carry-on luggage, we didn’t need to wait downstairs with everyone else, and could instead head straight over to Hertz… That’s right – Hertz! I was braving the Sydney roads. Something I thought I’d never do after my first driving experience in Sydney!

Once the navigator, that we’d also hired, started working, the drive through Sydney was fine. It was a bit of a rush, actually! We found our way to the hotel that Kate had stayed at in Pyrmont, picked her up, and drove on over to Star City to check-in and leave our luggage.

Our room wasn’t quite ready, but that was okay – Kate and I had to walk down to Circular Quay to catch a bus into Paddington to catch up with Kristen! Gosh it was good to see her… She has this amazing pregnant body – and she’s absolutely glowing. Aside from her preggy belly (which is just gorgeous), she’s as straight up and down as I’ve always known her! Even if she doesn’t see it (*hugs*) I can only hope I look as good as her when I eventually have a bun in my over!

Breakfast at Café Escobar was lovely, but the company of Kate and Krissy was even better… I only wish that Annik had been there! Next time! After breakfast we strolled around the Paddington Markets, where I picked up a couple of things for G & C’s new baby, Griff, and then Kris dropped both Kate and I back in the City… Thanks, Princess!!

Some more shopping in Myer and DJ’s, for presents for G & C’s eldest, Georji, as well as my cousins Tully & Zac, and then Kate and I headed back to Star City to pick up the car…. Where was Nick during all this gallivanting around, you ask? He had arranged to meet up with his friend Mick, and had left us girls to enjoy some “girl time”!

Kate and successfully found our way from the Casino to Bondi Beach, despite the navigator telling us to go in a completely different direction (!!) After a browse and some lunch, we were back in the car to head back to Star City for a spa! … It took us a little longer than we had planned though, with the navigator constantly turning us to do U-turns, effectively leading us round and round in circles!

If anyone has ever seen the episode of the Simple Life, where Paris and Nicole are driving around and around, trying to get over to an exit that they can see but can’t get to – this was us in Bondi on Saturday. It was rather hilarious actually. After we eventually defied the instructions of the clearly dysfunctional navigator, we managed to find our own way back to the hotel!

The spa was fabulous! As was the afternoon nap that we had afterwards, in preparation for our concert that night…
xoxo