Wednesday, 2 December 2015
New York 3rd December 2015
Our first stop this morning was to drop two bags of clothes off at The a Salvation Army Goodwill store, due to the amount of new stuff that we have purchased, to be fair a lot of the goods are Christmas presents. We had our last wander around. Hell's Kitchen and 7th avenue and fifth avenue. Wecamehome and started packing. We left around 7pm to go to the Marriott Theatre to see On Your Feet the new Gloria and Emilio Estefan story. It was great, music fabulous. The girl who played Gloria was fantastic. We came out and took our last photos of Times Square. We have had an absolute blinder of a holiday. I still think the Americans are a bit crazy and they make up their own words, speak far too loud, walk right into you because they are too busy texting. The place is so noisy, the car horns beep all the time. The food leaves a lot to be desired. However, they, still hold sales like no other country and they do Christmas events and decorations amazingly. Would we ever return to New York ? Absolutely. Off to the airport now.
New York 2nd December 2015
Today we caught the metro through to Queens to the shopping mall as it was raining today. We spent a few hours there, then caught the metro home. We had a wee kip as we were getting ready for the lighting of the Rockefeller tree. We got caught up in the news about the killing of 14 people in San Bernardino California so by the time we left it was about 6.30pm. The place was heaving but once we got through the security checks we just worked our way to the front where we actually had a great spot. The concert started with James Taylor, also performing were Mary J Blige she was brilliant. Sting was on he was good. Andrea Bocelli was in fine form and there was a guest appearance by Michael Buble who was fantastic. Then at 9.00pm the Xmas tree is lit, it was quite spectacular and it is a lovely tree. I have been so blessed to have witnessed all these fantastic sights my bucket list is well and truly completed and I am so thankful to Arthur for allowing me to do all these things. I love you so much.
Tuesday, 1 December 2015
New York 1st December 2015
Today we went through to Harlem we were going to Sylvia's Soul food restaurant. We caught the tube and to be fair we didn't stray from the main thoroughfare we went to Martin Luther King Avenue it's fair to say Harlem is the poorer part of town. The restaurant was lovely inside adorned with pictures of celebrities over the years, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Sylvester Stallone and many more, it had a lovely cosy feel to it. The waiter was lovely and couldn't do enough for us. They bring you a plate of hot biscuits to us scones, they were delicious. I had grilled breast chicken in herbs with sides of garlic mash and candied yams, they were so tasty. Arthur had fried chicken and waffles, absolutely beautiful. This is by far the best food we've had since we've been here. Well worth a visit. Prices were good too. After that we went to the Natural History Museum where they filmed Night at the Museum. Very disappointing and so disjointed. We had a bag of clothes shopping, we asked if we could leave them in the cloakroom, after faffing about and waiting in a queue they then told us we couldn't leave the bag. There is no guidelines as to follow for the exhibits and lots of the bulbs had gone so on occasions it was impossible to read the information about the exhibits. Considering you pay 22 dollars entry it was very poor. Then if you want to see the butterflies and the fish you then have to purchase additional tickets. I found it a real poor show and would not recommend it to anyone. At least we can say we've been.
New York 30th November. 2015
Another lovely dry day. We ventured along Madison Avenue to Central Park where we hired the horse and carriage. The carriage was white with purple interior and a big plush purple throw to keep you warm. The horse was called Gino who was a lovely looking beast. We went right through Central Park and was given a lot of good information by the guide Peter. When we stopped he took some photos for us and I had a chat with Gino the horse. Don't think Gino was enamoured that I had no snacks cos he gave me a wee nip on my hand. We then walked along to the diner called Astro have to say some of the best grub we've had. We then walked back along 6th Avenue to the hotel. Got ready and headed off to Radio City to see the Christmas Spectacular I absolutely loved it, you're given a free Xmas hat and three D glasses. The three d section is Santa on his sledge going through New York. Brilliant. We then made our way to the Marriott Marquis Hotel to dine in the revolving restaurant. It is on the 48th floor we got a table at the window which was perfect. It was a buffet at 38 dollars a head. Lots of salad choices, hot choices, buffalo wings, mashed potatoes, beef ribs and penne pasta in vodka. Dessert section was the best. Arthur had a bourbon on the rocks. I had a glass of Pinot Grigio the bill came to 138.98 dollars. 18.98 was the eighteen percent gratuity. We also bought tickets for Thursday night for the new musical. On your feet the story of Gloria and Emilo Estefan. I hope it's good because the two tickets cost 298 dollars. All In all a fabulous day.
Sunday, 29 November 2015
New York 29th November 2015
Today we went to Brooklyn to a shopping mall. Did quite well bought a few tops. We then went to Juniors a deli where we had lovely sandwiches. Arthur had the brisket on rye bread and I had turkey and ham on rye bread. We made our way home and had a rest. We then went up to Times Square it was absolutely manic but good fun. We went to Nathan's and I had a burger and Arthur had chilli dog. I will be glad to get home to have some proper food. We went to Marriott Marquis Hotel to book a table for tomorrow night after we go to the Christmas special at Radio City. The girl told us to go up and see what it's like as the restaurant revolves. It looks amazing. Can't wait.
Saturday, 28 November 2015
New York 28th November 2015
Today we caught the metro to Chelsea to visit the Chelsea Market at the meat packing district. We went into the fish market where they have a snack bar. Arthur bought an Alaskan King Crab leg he devoured it and It cost 20$ which was a really good price. We then caught the metro to take us to the World Trade Centre the museum line was 2 hours to get in. I couldn't stand for that long, so we went to see the waterfall monument which is beautiful. It has all the names of the deceased engraved on it. It is really sad to be there and know what happened. The little church that was there miraculously missed being a casualty of the disaster, apparently it was saved by the tree in front of the church. We then walked through Greenwich which has a lot of lovely expensive shops. For lunch we went to Katz the famous New York deli where the famous scene from when Harry met Sally was filmed. Arthur had a pastrami lunch and I had the roast beef. The meat was lovely but far too much. I don't know how the Americans can eat the amount they do. For the first time since we've been here it started raining. We must have walked about 4 miles today.
New York 27th November 2015
We were up at 6am to get ready for The Black Friday sales. We left the hotel at 7.30 and headed round to Staples where Arthur bought me an electronic tablet for my Christmas. We then made our way along to Macys. Arthur went to the coffee bar and I did shopping. Managed to get quite a few things but the good thing was I didn't have specific items to buy, some people were going crazy. We then went to JCPenneys and Victoria's Secret we then ambled back to the hotel by this time it was 1pm. We had a few hours kip then went out at night to our local Indian restaurant.
New York 26th November 2015
Today is Thanksgiving day. It is 8.20am and we are off to see the parade. We have managed to get a good spot. We have met a lady who lives in West Chester and she is keeping me up to speed with who does what and that all the helpers involved are all employees of Macys. It is a perfect day no wind which means the giant balloons will be able to be shown. The parade has lasted for 3 hours and it has been fantastic all the marching bands have been great. All the floats are so well made and the celebrities I can remember are Shawn Mendes, Panic at the Disco, Mercyme, Prince Royal, Plain White Ts, Doughtry and the star was Mariah Carey. The last float is Santa. The police and Fire service were very well received. The police horses were stunning. So glad we managed to see it the atmosphere was amazing. We made our way back to the hotel and proceeded to watch the party at Macy's where all the acts on the float took part in the show. We went out that night to an Irish restaurant where I had fish and chips and Arthur had Shepherds pie.
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
New York 24th & 25th November 2015
We went through to Central Park upper west side. As we were walking through we could hear a marching band so we followed the sound and there was a high school band doing their dress rehearsal for the Macy's thanksgiving parade. They were excellent and what an atmosphere. We then went to see Strawberry fields the tribute area to John Lennon, it is lovely. We then went shopping in Century 21. Jumped back on the metro and went for lunch at The edge of Hells Kitchen. Went home to get ready for Stevie Wonder concert. Jumped the metro to Madison Square Gardens what a venue, got in found our s acts I was ecstatic we were only about 100 feet from his piano. I had a lovely young guy sitting next to me he was from California but now working in New York as a civil engineer. Stevie came on at 8.30 and performed until 12.20 with a 15 minute break the man is a legend. His voice still sounds fabulous and what a personality he is. He brought his 4 youngest children on stage the two little girls were just adorable his two older boys were just joe cool. It was a great concert and I had to keep pinching myself how lucky I was. By the time we got back to the hotel it was about 1.30am and then we were up early to catch the metro to Coney Island unfortunately when we got there the amusement park was closed for the season. We walked along the boardwalk and the sun was shining it was a beautiful day. We went into the NY Aquarium just in time to see the Sea Lion show they were funny. We saw sharks and lots of other fishes. Arthur enjoyed it although I'm sure he would rather have been catching them. We came back to 42nd Avenue and went to the Christmas Market at Bryant Park where I tasted a hot pretzel delicious it was. We came back Arthur went back to the hotel and I went shopping. having an early night as we have the thanksgiving parade tomorrow.
Monday, 23 November 2015
New York 23rd November 2015
Bought weekly passes for the metro and caught the subway to Staten Island Ferry terminal. We went over on the ferry it takes 25 minutes you get a great view of the statue of liberty. No desires to stand in a 90 minute queue to go to the top of her. Quite impressive. We only need to go to the lounge on the 27th floor to get a good view of Manhattan. We had a wander around Staten quite poor area not much going on. We grabbed a snack called a Stomboli like a crusty loaf with various fillings mine had chicken and broccoli. Arthur's a good few different kind of meat. We then headed back on the ferry. We then caught another subway and went to Chinatown, Little Italy and Soho glad we went but wouldn't be in a hurry to go back. Chinatown really grotty and shops are full of tat. We then caught the subway to Grand Central where we went to the whispering arches, it was fun. I then then came back to the hotel and went to do my laundry, what a great set up. They have two washer drier machines and they supply the detergent for you. Ideal as we are here for two weeks. We are now heading out for a meal. A good day and the weather was fantastic.
Went for a curry in a little Indian restaurant close by to the hotel. Food was fantastic. Arthur had goat. I had chicken thoroughly enjoyed it.
Went for a curry in a little Indian restaurant close by to the hotel. Food was fantastic. Arthur had goat. I had chicken thoroughly enjoyed it.
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Sunday, 22 November 2015
New York Sunday 22nd November 2015
Last night we went out for a meal to one of the original diners. I had chicken skewers served on a salad with sweet potato fries. Arthur had Philly cheesesteak with fries. OMG what a plateful plus the never ending supply of black coffee and Diet Pepsi. Food was good. Today we are heading up to
Herald Square and we will check out where Madison Square gardens is in preparation for Stevie Wonder. We headed up to see Madison Gardens looks impressive. Went to Macys then made our way to Fifth Avenue we went to Saks a fabulous place and all the windows are so well decorated it reminded me of the days when Arnotts and Lewis's used to do theirs up. We then ambled our way back to the hotel. We covered 4miles a good walk.
Saturday, 21 November 2015
New York 2015
HWe arrived yesterday 20th November 2015 into Newark Liberty Airport and caught the bus into New York where we met up with Gareth and Sarah, they were at the end of their holiday. We had coffee and cake in Central Cafe in Pershing Square this is where a scene from the film Friends with Benefits was made. Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis were the stars. we said our goodbyes to Gareth and Sarah and walked round to our hotel. it is Club Quarters Grand Central off Lexington Avenue, fabulous location. the hotel is great, room is really well set up. table and corner sofa. comfy bed, microwave and fridge. 37inch tv. Docking station. air con. Coffee maker. Blackout curtains, bathroom lovely with large shower area. Very comfortable room on the 6th floor. If you need additional pillows coffees, towels, there are rooms on each floor where you go and help yourself. On the third floor there is a room with two washer driers set up with complimentary washing powder. Fantastic set up. We went out exploring our local area last night as we were quite tired, we ended up buying a Chinese and brought it back to our hotel. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Had a good sleep did waken up a few times, just trying to adjust to the new time zone.
Saturday 21st November 2015
This morning we headed out for breakfast. Arthur had the breakfast platter and I had freshly made pancakes with fresh fruit,delicious. Headed up to fifth avenue, the windows at Saks are beautifully decorated for xmas. Headed on to St Patrick's Cathedral bought a wee ornament for my tree, it is absolutely stunning inside. Blue Bloods has been filmed inside. This means I've been in the same place as Tom Selleck.
Went into Trump Towers. What a place talk about opulent. Suffice to say we had to use the restrooms. Arthur came out with a wee smirk on his face and said tell Donald Trump I've just done a dump. Classy guy. We went to Times Square fabulous atmosphere Arthur kept getting accosted by Olaf and Spiderman. We then headed to Guys American Kitchen Bar where Arthur had a beer and I had a cocktail a Long Island punch. 28 dollars for the pleasure. We then went into the Rockefeller centre, wandered back towards the hotel not sure where we will dine tonight. We have been lucky so far with the weather.
Monday, 8 June 2015
Le Mont San Michell in Pontorson. & Abbeville
This is the famous Mont San Michell. it is amazing it dates from the 8th century. It is a fortified site that resisted against the English invasion of northern France. It's a granite outcrop. Check it out it is very impressive.
Our Friends Malcolm and Marie-Anne we spent our last night of our trip with them and they took us to this little restaurant in Abbeville. The building has been standing since 1585. A lovely authentic French restaurant.
The quaint little restaurant.
We have had a wonderful holiday and achieved a lot. We finally left France on Saturday and went to visit my brother David and his wife Carol in Bristol for a few days. We came home today and delighted to see that the weather has improved. Thanks to all of you for following my blog and for your lovely comments. Until the next trip Au revoir xx.
Thursday, 4 June 2015
La Rochelle
View of the old tower at the harbour.
Another harbour view.
Arthur sampling the local Cidre. Very sweet.
Here we are in La Rochelle it is a lovely place and we had a wonderful time. It is a very historic town and there is lots to see. We stopped for lunch the local dish is Gallette which I can only describe as a big crepe but made with buck wheat with a variety of fillings. I went for the ham and egg it was delicious. Arthur took the cheese filling with sausage but the cheese overpowered everything. The local Cidre as they call it was delicious very sweet but really refreshing and quite low in alcohol about 2%. We had a beautiful meal at night in a little restaurant near our hotel. The chef made me a special meal as I didn't like anything on the menu. He made me a chicken dish and it is the best food I have ever had in my life. Typical Arthur had rabbit he said it was fabulous how could he. Bright eyes burning like fire. Bright eyes la la la la.
Tuesday, 2 June 2015
Argeles Sur Mer
Me having a dook in the pool.
Sunrise as we were leaving this morning for La Rochelle.
Me on the balcony in our hotel
We had a lovely time in Argeles Sur Mer spent three wonderful days lazing by the pool. It is a lovely place and there are lots of Campsites there, some of them look fabulous with good weather what more could you ask for. We travelled through today to La Rochelle the west of France. It is a really quaint looking place with quirky buildings and lots of pretty little shops. We have just returned to our hotel as we were down at the harbour for dinner. I was nearly sick Arthur had the smelly fish soup followed by mussels and frites. Me I had a gammon steak, well at least it wasn't chicken. Goodnight will keep you posted.
Friday, 29 May 2015
Monaco and Nice
A view of Monaco from the harbour. You can still see the scaffolding leftover from the Grand Prix, problem being they still have certain areas cordoned off whilst they dismantle everything. Lovely place even though it is very small.
Gayle and Gareth sorry to tell you we have spent your inheritance. These yachts are something else. I would even take a job as a cleaner on board. Monaco is another world.
This is the main square in Nice it is quite a place. They have a huge area for kids where they have water jets and the kids runabout mad getting soaked. The other section is a light mist that you can walk through to cool down. It's a great idea in the middle of the city.
A view from the old fort above Nice. We took the tourist train around Nice it is a great way to see the place. We had lunch in a lovely traditional French restaurant, they are actually hard to find. Arthur had gizzards as a starter but it was listed on the menu as Delicate Pie Gers when we asked what it was the waitress squirmed and pointed to her throat and said gizzards. Arthur thought they were lovely. Then he had this massive fish followed by cheese. I was more sedate I choose Avocado, crab, and apple, then chicken with mushrooms and finally I'lle flottant, to us meringue on custard. It was a beautiful lunch. This is our final day in the French Riviera. We say adieu and we move on tomorrow to Argeles Sur Mer in the Languedoc area where we will chill by the pool and the beach until Tuesday or longer depending on the hotel. Will keep you posted. Bye for now
Wednesday, 27 May 2015
Cannes
Bonjour France. We arrived yesterday afternoon in Cannes delighted to say the weather is fabulous I was getting a bit fed up with the rain in Italy. Today we walked down to the Palais des Festival at the old port. We couldn't get neat the Cinema area as they are setting up for the Cannes horse show next week.
The view of Cannes old port.
Arthur being Obi Wan Knobi
Me as a Charlie's Angel
The beach absolutely stunning.
Our apartment in Cannes. we're the middle one with the big balcony.
Had a great day we went on the wee tourist train that takes you all round Cannes. Lots to see. Did plenty of window shopping, managed to buy a pair of shoes. Tomorrow we are catching the train to Monaco and Nice will keep you posted.
Arrivederci Italy - Livorno and Pisa
We have finally said goodbye to Italy. We had an amazing time there. This is a statue down at the harbour of Livorno called the four moors. We stayed one night in Livorno on our way to France. Enjoyed it well enough it has quite an eclectic mix of really high end shops and some poor looking streets. The harbour is nice.
A view at the harbour in Livorno.
I just had to do it !!! When leaving Livorno we drove through to Pisa to see the tower. I was quite surprised I thought it would have been bigger. The area surrounding it is lovely and clean. I enjoyed seeing it.
The Duomo at Pisa. The building was very impressive.
All in all a fabulous time was had in Italy so long and now on to the South of France.
Sunday, 24 May 2015
The Amalfi Coast & Sorrento
View of Sorrento from the Amalfi coast road.
Me trying not to get vertigo looking down the 500 foot cliff.
Just some idea of the chaos that is driving on the Amalfi.
Me and my new pals from the National Canine Defence League in Sorrento. See I have got a heart!!!
Yesterday we went to the Amalfi coast, the heavens opened and it rained non stop for a few hours just when we decided to stop. We went through Positano but sadly the place was heaving and we couldn't stop, there was no parking places the police were waving every one on. Positano is lovely. We drove on to Amalfi and no sooner had we parked and then the rain started, however, we braved the elements as we needed fed. The road wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Just a couple of times I think I said a bad word. Arthur was delighted as being able to drive the Amalfi road has been on his bucket list. We then carried on to Salerno which is a nice place.
Today we spent in Sorrento with friends. The Fiorentino family. (they are the parents of Fabio who is my brother Alex's brother in law)what a beautiful day we had with them. Fabio's brother Luigi came over and we went to lunch with him in this fabulous restaurant. It was a joy to share the experience of how the locals lunch. A perfect end to this part of the holiday. Tomorrow we move on to Livorno in Tuscany and we will visit Pisa and Portofino, then that will be the finale of the Italian leg of our holiday, on Tuesday we move to Cannes for four days, after that who knows? Ciao for now.
Friday, 22 May 2015
Castellammare di Stabia & Naples
Hi folks my next update. Yesterday we arrived in La Medusa Hotel in Castellammare and to say it is stunning is an understatement. Arthur casually mentioned in his email to them that we have been travelling in celebration of my recent birthday so they upgraded us to an apartment. It has a lounge and the bedroom Is massive, we have two televisions. They also left two little cakes for us. The garden is beautiful and goes on and on. There is a wedding on tomorrow I cannot wait to see it set up. The downside to the hotel is that it is very out the way, but there is a courtesy bus down to the rail station and the town.
Today we got the train to Naples OMG what a nightmare you are packed in like sardines, no chance of a seat. It was a good day and we took in a lot of sights, the one above is the Piazza Plebiscito, regarded as the main square in Naples. Arthur is eating a pizza in a restaurant called Brandi which is famous for being the originator of a Margherita pizza so called because apparently many years ago they made three dishes for the queen and that pizza was the favourite, so the story goes. The pizza was delicious. Naples is a strange place there is some stunning architecture and some disgusting squalor it is horrible and the graffiti is everywhere. I'm glad I went, don't know that I would return. Tomorrow the Amalfi coast. I'll let you know how that goes. Feel free to give me your comments.
Wednesday, 20 May 2015
Pescara
Hi everybody finally left Rimini yesterday and have to say had a wonderful time. We went to the old Town on Monday what a gem it turned out to be, lots to do and see. Arrived in Pescara yesterday and we booked into The Best Western Hotel what a location, right in the heart of town in amongst all these fabulous shops. The big elephant is sitting in the square at the Hotel. Me in this really swanky jewellers where you are buzzed in and the door locks behind you. I spent a good whack of my birthday money on 3 fabulous bangles. I could stay here no problem. The beach is lovely. We are now heading off to Castellamare Di Stabio for 5 days where we will explore The Bay of Naples. Ciao for now.
Monday, 18 May 2015
Rimini and San Marino
Basilica San Marino |
Luna Park |
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View from cable car at San Marino |
Rimini Harbour |
Friday, 15 May 2015
Parma
Parma- what can I say, since we left Geneva this morning we have driven through several thunder storms. We went through the Mont Blanc tunnel, unfortunately we couldn't see a thing apart from the rain the clouds were really low lying. The worst part about it was that it costs 43euros for the pleasure of going through it. No doubt people would enthuse about it, to me it was just a tunnel. When we got through to the other end I burst into High On A Hill Lived A Lonely Goatherd yea ole yea ole hee hee. Was so like the Sound of Music don't think Arthur appreciated my singing. Can't tell you anything about Parma as we are stuck indoors as you can see and I aint venturing out in this rain. Will just dine in the hotel tonight and off to Rimini tomorrow.
Wednesday, 6 May 2015
Getting really excited not long to go. Roll on Monday 11th May.
Hi Every One here is my first update. We started off on Monday night at Dover we arrived the usual two hours before our sailing and they asked us if we would like to go on the earlier sail but instead of going to Calais it was going to Dunkirk no problem to us. A very uneventful crossing which was good. We then made our way to Reims travelling through the night, it was quite surreal driving about Reims whilst everybody else was sleeping. We had a snooze in the car for a few hours then approached the hotel and pleaded our case about being put on an earlier ferry, they let us into our room, quite quirky as the photo shows. We then set off round Reims and |I have to say I was most impressed it is a beautiful city and the architecture is simply stunning. We paid a visit to the cathedral and it is well worth a visit, very serene and the colours of the stained glass windows are something to behold. I would happily return to Reims and the hotel was in a fabulous location, good hotel lovely and clean, rubbish Wifi reception. The top photo is in the centre of Reims and it is treated as a roundabout the best looking roundabout I've come across, it appears to be a golden angel. It's called The Glory. The other photo of me sitting at the water orb is just situated in the shopping area. They have the most amazing statues. Today we travelled on to Geneva it was a bit of a journey approx. 6 hours which included stopping for lunch and ice creams. Thank god for air conditioning as it was 30 degrees. I'm sure Arthur really appreciated my music discs that I had made for our road trip those of you who know me will no doubt know how important my music is to me. We arrived at the hotel to be met by two of the friendliest receptionists I have ever come across. They upgraded us and the room is fabulous they also gave me complimentary transport passes for everything in Geneva. We went off earlier and walked for miles we will go to Lake Geneva tomorrow and go for a sail on a boat. Will update tomorrow night. Cheers xx
Thursday 14th May. Geneva
Very impressed with the city, lots of fabulous buildings to see. We made great use of our transport tickets today it is a really good system, trams go all over the city and you just jump on and off they also allow you to use them on the water buses which we did several times it meant that we went to all different parts of the lake. The bottom picture is a fountain in the lake which reaches 500 feet it's quite spectacular. We also visited the beach the marina, unfortunately it is the holiday of ascension which meant that everywhere was closed. I'm sure Arthur phoned ahead and arranged it. All these fabulous shops and I couldn't get into them. Boohoo. Had a great time in Geneva well worth a visit. Tomorrow Parma Ciao.
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