We did New York! and Loved it! Day One

[jeanwales]

THURSDAY
20th November 2008 - The Day was finally here!

After a very restless night I meet up with Barbara downstairs and we set off for the shuttle park. I park the car no problem then the bus to terminal 2. Check in line for our flight seemed quite long as they had no online check in the day before, but in fairness it moved quite quickly and we got our boarding cards. Then outside, we went for Barbara to have her last smoke and then through to departures. I still think the x-rays etc are greatly improved now we go upstairs. We had a bacon and egg buttie in the new café as you get inside and I have to say it was really tasty – far better than the cafeteria rubbish inside. We then had a little look at the shops then we were soon boarding. Good news it was scheduled to get in half an hour early around 11.30 am giving us more time there. The flight was totally full no empty seats at all. I have never been with Continental before and we were both very impressed. The seats were comfy and the seatback entertainment was brill. The crew couldn’t do enough to help and even the food was good. We had a chicken and mash main meal and a turkey and cheese hot sandwich before landing. I would certainly recommend them to anyone. I loved the seat entertainment too – all touch screen stuff and on demand movies, far superior to Virgin. Both Barbara and I synchronised our screens and we watched Mama Mia together as we were seeing it on Sunday on Broadway! Luckily we both loved it. As we approached New York, we were sat on the left hand side thanks to advice here and what a view! I was in love before I landed!



Continued...

[jeanwales]

We landed and were soon at our gate 120 and a short walk to the customs hall. I was expecting massive lines and had a lovely surprise as we were through in less than 5 minutes. We got hold of our cases then I rang up Carmel limo and they were there within 5 minutes. I had to chuckle the driver was driving along the road holding a card out of his side window with the name JEAN written on it. We drove along with Barbara and I oohhing and aahing at the fantastic view of all the skyscrapers. After all the planning and looking forward to it, now the moment had arrived and I loved it. We soon got to the Hilton Garden Inn at Times Square. $53 plus tip – great service. Booked for the return and just have to ring to confirm a couple of hours before pick up.

It was only 12.45 so I presumed we would be too early to check in but thought we would try it. A Result! My room was ready but not Barbara’s. She was on the smoking floor so bet they left the bad guys till the end. I had said on my confirmation email to the hotel that this was a 60th birthday present trip. They were brill. They gave me a nice high room front facing and there was a lovely gift in the room with some candies and popcorn. Nice touch. The room was spacious and the most comfy bed I have ever slept in. There was a big tele, fridge microwave and 2 phones plus wifi. I could not fault it.

[jeanwales]

We put both cases in my room then splashed a bit of water on our faces to wake us up then hit the streets. We walked a few blocks to the Rockefeller Plaza and found an Au Bon Pain café to grab a drink and a cookie to keep us going then walked into the Rock. Had our photos taken on the way in and normally never buy these things but hey what the heck – once in a lifetime experience and all that – we bought it on the way out.




We had heard of horrific lines waiting to get in here so came prepared. We sailed through – no lines at all. We shot up to the top -76 floors I think in a matter of seconds and then the view when we got out was breathtaking.






Sadly it was slightly misty off to the distance and no sun but we spent quite a while just roaming around taking photos. There was an escalator up to another top bit which was more open so I got out there clinging on to poles for life as I have a great fear of open heights.

[jeanwales]

We came down from there and checked out the ice rink and surrounding area. I am in love with the place. The buzz and the atmosphere – I love it. I have nearly as big a grin on my face as when I swam with the dolphins!

[jeanwales]

We strolled back to the hotel and Barbara’s room was ready so we got her case sorted then had a little break to catch breath before hitting Times Square just as it was getting dark and I was blown away yet again.






What a sight. It is hard to put in words but it was so bright and loud and fun. Loads of people here.
We even saw Winnie the Pooh outside Walgreens which had just opened during the week so they were giving free goodie bags away too which I managed to get one when I spent my dollars!



We were hungry now so just went for the first place we found and it was the TGI Fridays, Ordered a flat iron steak with fries and Barbaras was fantastic but I drew the short straw and mine was full of gristle – normally I wouldn’t complain but as I had only had a small bit of it I did complain to the girl and next thing the manager was over apologising and asking did I want another one. As Barbara had finished hers I said no and he said he would knock something off the bill. Next thing when we got the bill they had not charged me anything for mine so I cant complain about service. We walked around Times Square again soaking up the entire atmosphere. We stopped by Toys R Us and were fascinated by the big Ferris wheel in the middle of the store.






then made our way back to the hotel.




Tried to find a sit down Starbucks for a hot chocolate before we got back but hard to find, loads of take out places but not many coffee bars around. We found a cyber café nest to the hotel in the end which suited the purpose but nothing special.
Crashed out to bed in one of the most comfy beds I have ever slept in, but sadly wide awake at 1.30 and tossed and turned the rest of the night.

I think you can guess I enjoyed today!

[NCLRICH]

Looks fantastic! I love New York

[Guest]

Great time I love New york also, one of my fave cities.. Hustle and bustle.

[2waterford]

Wow great start. You both packed a lot into your first day.

We have done TOTR 3 times and it is always a little hazy off in the distance and we have done it on real cold crisp days when there has been a covering of snow.

Oooh I just love NY, cant beat the buzz.

[Guest]

Looks awesome! You crammed so much into your first day

[pepsicube]

What a fantastic day, we loved NY and now really want to go back.
Great photos.