Friday 14 December - NYC

Plans for today entailed a trip on the subway to Washington Heights to enjoy a visit to the Cloisters which is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We found ourselves in a very Hispanic neighbourhood when we exited the subway and headed off on foot to the Cloisters. The building itself is set on a high ridge in a park on the banks of the Hudson River.

View towards the Cloisters Park

On our walk up Alison's eagle eyes spotted a bright coloured bird in one of the leafless trees and we were able to capture a photo of a Red Cardinal.

The path up to the Cloisters was quite steep and as a result Philip has a bit of tendonitis now!

Once we reached the actual building and looked at the time and entry fee we decided that we did not have the time to justify the expense as we needed to be back for the 1pm show at Radio City. We did take a short walk to the back of the building and captured some lovely vistas across the Hudson River.

AP and JP with the Hudson in the background

Then we took our first bus ride (after two attempts to board buses which were not picking up passengers). We also saw a school excursion group arrive in a Yellow School Bus and we were all surprised at the dress of the main teacher in charge - black tights and a tight top with no bra and (to put it politely) a large frame had our jaws on the ground! Took the bus to 190St Subway station as if we had stayed on the bus to get to our destination it would have taken 2.5 hours!!!

Reached the Radio City Theatre after a stop for some expensive cheesecake and coffee at a nearby cafe and all thoroughly enjoyed the show. Philip and Alison for the second time.

Radio City Foyer

Headed back to the hotel to change and leave cameras behind then back to the bottom end of Manhattan for dinner at Fraunces Tavern. The oldest tavern in the town and George Washington frequented it. It was flooded as a result of Sandy but has just re-opened some of its bars. We enjoyed our meal and very large beers in the case of Philip and Alison.

The beers were 1 litre and Philip was particularly worried of the impact that might happen sometime during the performance of Evita that we were heading to after dinner. Thank heavens for the rest rooms at the Rockefeller Plaza near the theatre district! Side note Alison stopped and bought a bargain pair of ankle boots on the way back to the theatre.

Enjoyed Evita. We had been worried by some reviews of the lady playing Evita but Jessica and Philip thought she fitted the role well but all agreed that at times the words of the songs were hard to understand because of her accent. The role of Peron was played by an understudy and he did a marvellous job. Can't believe that people applaud singers who come on stage just because they are a big name - in this case Ricky Martin. 

Thursday 13 December - NYC

Philip and Alison awoke this morning as the only people in the hotel room - having farewelled Jenny yesterday and Jessica not yet arrived. Philip had been tracking the flights for both the departing and arriving tour group member on Flight Tracker during the night.

Breakfasted and dressed P and A went down to wait for Jessica's arrival on the Super Shuttle. She arrived in good time from the airport and wanted to hit the shower straight away after the long journey. But true to her word as soon as that was done she was ready to hit the footpaths and subways, so off we all went. First stop to refill our met or cards which had expired at midnight on Wednesday and then downtown to the 9/11 Memorial and following that to Century 21 Department store! Jessica was in town and the shopping could begin. Great value buying perfumes for all three members of the family which then gave us store money to use on other purchases. Philip ended up with a new "bum" length grey wool coat and a pair of Crocs slippers. After this initial bit of retail therapy it was then off to Fifth Avenue via Columbus Circle where Philip was disappointed to be told that if he purchased a new Microsoft Surface Tablet from the Microsoft store it still would not have any warranty coverage in Australia. Visited the Plaza Hotel Food Court - to use the restrooms and then walked down Fifth Avenue marvelling at the Christmas decorations on the buildings and in the shop windows.

Jessica's main target in the area was Tiffany's and she managed to give her credit card a workout - some of the purchases for others back in Oz. Alison and Philip also managed to pick up a 30th birthday present for Jessica - she will have to wait until April for that one. Quick lunch of vendor hot dog each before we headed back to the Beacon to drop off the purchases.

Shopping loot from today

Jessica had pre-booked a tour through the Lower Eastside Tenement Museum for 6.30pm so we all headed down into Chinatown and Little Italy and when we arrived discovered a new tour being offered called the Store Tour so Alison and Philip bought tickets for that one and were the only members of the tour party with their own personal guide. All were happy with the 1 1/2 hours spent on hearing and seeing this fascinating history and then decided it was now too late to head to Fraunces Tavern for dinner.

We have returned to the Beacon and purchased pizza slices around the corner from the hotel and have dined on that with a bit of bourbon and  coke thrown in for good measure.

Alison and Philip have shown Jessica what true New York stamina is and she is ready for a good and long night's sleep.

Wednesday 12 December - NYC

Slept in this morning before we all headed down 72nd Street with Jenny's cases in tow to catch the B Train and then a transfer at 7th Ave to the E Train to reach the JFK Air Train station at Jamaica. Managed to do it smoothly in spite of a few sets of stairs.

Will be more fun on Sunday when we take the same journey with a few more cases to get to JFK to pick up our rental car.

Reached Terminal 7 at JFK, handed over $70 for Jenny's second checked suitcase and she received her boarding passes for all three legs of her flight home. There were a few tears shed as we left her entering the security check line into the departure lounges. Have seen from Flight Tracker that her flight left a little late but is on schedule to get her into LAX in about 5 1/2 hours.

As Philip and Alison left Terminal 7 they received a text message from the next member of the tour party. Jessica had safely arrived in Hawaii where the temperature was hotter than at home but she had a good flight with two seats to herself. While P and A were digesting this news they boarded the first Air Train that came into the station and ended up on a circle train that simply goes around the 8 terminals. They got suspicious when they saw Terminal 7 come up through the door! They escaped this train and managed to get on the correct one back to Sutphin Blvd and changed to the subway.

Alison was fancing a burger for lunch (time now heading to 3pm) so they changed trains at 50th St and headed further uptown to the 5 Guys outlet that they had found yesterday. Very tasty burger and fries and free peanuts in shells to nibble on while waiting. After the late lunch walked down Broadway to 10 3rd St to have a look at Humphrey Bogart's House - found the building or at least think they did but there were no plaques or signs. Alison stopped in a pet shop on the way and struck up a conversation with an old lady and her three year old Samoyed. He had a bit to say to Philip when they came out onto the footpath.

Back onto the subway and home to the Beacon. The plan had been to walk down to the park on the Hudson river but by this stage the light was fading so the hotel room looked more inviting.

Tuesday 11 December - NYC

Jenny's penultimate day in the Big Apple and she had plans to take it easy at the hotel and pack. Alison and Philip had other plans. We started the morning with a FaceTime session with Jessica and the dogs and Jessica searching her mother's cupboards and drawers for a Disney Lanyard that Alison had purchased on her last visit to Disneyland. Then breakfast of poached eggs on toast - it is great having a kitchen. Following this we caught up with the Aitken family from home who arrived on Monday and are in a suite just across the hallway.

Philip, Alison and Jenny (not under duress) boarded the subway for Rector Street and then a short walk to Battery Park and boarded a boat for a one hour cruise of New York Harbour. Cruised past the lower end of Manhattan - it was interesting to see the new Freedom Tower at the WTC site from a different angle,

past some of Jersey on the banks of the Hudson River. Got an up close look at Ellis Island and Lady Liberty

and then across the harbour to come back up the East River, past Governor's Island and under the Brooklyn Bridge

before turning back to our set off point. Cruise was enjoyable and the commentary added to our knowledge of the city.

Time for a light lunch of hot dogs from a street vendor and Alison only got to eat half hers as she was attacked by a very large marauding seagull which swooped from behind and knocked the hot dog out of Alison's hands. Unfortunately or fortunately Jenny and Philip had their hands full clutching their own hot dogs so no one was able to catch the moment on a camera.

Back to the 9/11 Memorial Visitor centre for Jenny to do some last minute shopping and back on to the subway for a trip further uptown than Jenny had previously been to visit the Cathedral of St John the Divine. The stained glass windows in this cathedral are absolutely beautiful and throw a pink glow along the nave.

Headed back over to Broadway

Christmas tree stall on Broadway

and spotted a 5 Guys Burgers and Fries outlet so went in for an afternoon snack of fries and ketchup for dipping. The store actually has a sign up saying from which farm the potatoes for today's fries were sourced and in the eating area is a pallet of bags of fresh potatoes. They were yummy the fries that is!!!

Home to the Beacon to freshen up and then out to Ellen's Stardust Diner for dinner with the Aitken clan. After dinner Jenny managed to do a little more shopping for souvenirs and a new luggage label to grace her new suitcase. Some pastries from Duane Reade store for supper and then home for Jenny to begin the sorting and packing.

Philip and Alison have visited the guest laundry and put on a load of washing. Jenny is packed and ready to weigh and then we will all settle down for a good night's sleep. Alison mentioned that we had not taken Jenny down 5th Avenue, Philip suggested we go then and there and Alison countered with a suggestion for a 6.00am rise. Jenny quite categorically stated that she could cope with missing the shops on 5th Avenue and would rather sleep in before her mammoth flight which starts tomorrow afternoon at JFK and takes her home via Los Angeles and Auckland!

Monday 10 December - NYC

Today Alison and Philip headed off after breakfast and a quality FaceTime session with the dogs (and Jessica)

 to reconnoitre the route to JFK by subway and Air Train in preparation for Jenny's departure on Wednesday. They managed to complete the journey out without a problem and decided that in fact that will be the way that will get to JFK on Sunday to pick up their hire car for the next part of the road trip. They had an hilarious time at the JFK entrance where a staff member convinced them to buy a 5 trip ticket for $25 in preparation for Wednesday. However, when Philip then mentioned that in fact he thought that they might use the air train again on Sunday, the attendant said in that case you need a $25 10 trip card. She then proceeded to approach passengers who were buying single tickets with cash until she had recovered $25 and used up our card. Then she fed the money into the ticket machine and presto we were the proud owners of a 10 trip card. I commented to one lady who handed over her $5 that we were not ticket scalpers and she laughed and said that this would just be another story she would have to share when she returned home!

A and P then headed back into town and unfortunately the number of passengers this time was larger and so they ended up standing for the entire journey. Chivalry is dead on the Jamaica Central line. Philip even received a death stare from one young african american girl he accidentally bumped when the train was pulling off from a station.

Back at the Beacon A, P and J reunited after Jenny had conquered her desire to do a solo journey on the subway to Broadway in search of an AMEX office which she discovered had closed! She made it home safely and even stopped off at the Fairway Market to buy some sweeties for lunch/afternoon tea.

With our taste buds thrilled by these delicacies we all then headed back to the subway and a journey downtown

 to visit St Paul's Chapel where the 9/11 rescuers rested and ate during the recovery.

 By foot then to NY City Hall and the County Court where Jenny was able to experience a Law and Order moment standing on the stairs.

We also walked past the road entry to the Brooklyn Bridge which was shrouded in fog as was the case for all of Manhattan for the day. Uptown then to Macys and into the madness of the world's largest department store in full Festive flight.

Jenny purchased a new Titan suitcase to use for bringing home her USA purchases. We had checked with United airlines earlier in the day and she can have an extra checked bag for $70. Also Philip and Alison bought some dinner supplies from La Cuccina food outlet in Macys - cheese ravioli with pesto sauce and 1/2 chicken with potato and gravy (the daily special). However, we are convinced that the chickens here are very small and in fact more likely the size of city pigeons that we have encountered.

Philip and Alison polished off most of a bottle of Italian Pinot Grigio with their dinner so they are feeling quite relaxed now.

Sunday 9 December - NYC

Out of bed at 7.30am and down to the subway to get Jenny to the 9.00am Radio City show. Made the journey with time to spare and Philip and Alison left Jenny in the show queue and headed off to 9.00am Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. Enjoyed being at the service - shame that when they announce a hymn then only sing one verse - but the cantor's voice was very good. Out of the Cathedral as the 10.00am congregation were heading in. A bit like trying to get out of a subway carriage!

Alison and Philip then walked off in very light drizzle to find the Marquis Theatre on Broadway to buy tickets for Evita on Friday evening. Box office doesn't open until 12 noon on Sunday - bummer. So P and A headed back to wait for Jenny outside Radio City. She was out at 10.30am and had thoroughly enjoyed the show. Snacked on hot dogs from a street vendor and Philip was overcharged so went back and got some dollars back. By this time it was starting to drizzle more so headed back to the Beacon to collect umbrellas and have cheese and crackers for lunch. Whilst lunching we made a little list of things that Jenny might still want to see.

Headed back onto the subway and first to Broadway for Philip and Alison to buy the Evita tickets. Walking then to Bryant Park and a look at the ice skaters and the stalls.

Further along the street to New York Public Library for a television moment to see the stairs where Carrie and Big went up for their wedding or non-wedding.

 Continued walking along 42nd Street to Grand Central station and did a quick tour of the main concourse.

Hopped aboard a train to Bleeker Street station to visit the Dean and Deluca store in SoHo and Jenny enjoyed a chat on the train with two German children. The little girl said cooee to Jenny when she heard Jenny was from Australia! Lots of yummy foods on display at Dean and Deluca and so we purchased our dinner provisions.

Jenny - prawns, tomato and cheddar soup and lemon meringue tart and Philip and Alison - sushi, black eyed pea and ham soup, almond and olive bread and also a lemon meringue tart to share! On the way out Philip was feeling thirsty and saw their special cold drink was fresh lemonade - sugar, two freshly squeezed lemons, ice and water. We all found it very refreshing and gave us a boost for tackling the subway journey back.

Returned to the Beacon and Philip and Jenny had a much needed nanna nap - Alison wrote emails while there was apparently some snoring coming from the bedrooms! We have now enjoyed our dinner and will have our lemon meringue tarts with a hot cup of tea shortly.

Saturday 8 December - NYC

What a day. Overcast and foggy here in the Big Apple but our spirits are so high. Philip and Alison left Jenny in bed and headed off at about 8.20am to try to get tickets to the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. Took an express train again like last night so had to back track to get to the station that we needed and then rushed to the Radio City Theatre where we were able to get special offer tickets at $129 for the two of us in the stalls centre.

What a magnificent show, the dancing and special effects including 3D were just magical and the story unfolded with an initial focus on Santa and then built to a finale of the Nativity.

On leaving the Theatre bought a ticket for Jenny to see the 9.00am show tomorrow (Sunday) - there was no way that she would be allowed to miss the opportunity to see the show.

Alison and Philip headed to the Rockefeller Centre to see the Christmas Tree

and then back to Broadway past a shop that we know Jessica would like to visit

and to the theatre where Jersey Boys is playing and bought tickets for the 2.00pm matinee today. Not a bad price of $137 per ticket for unobstructed view seats to the side of the stalls. P and A then snacked on a vendor hot dog before taking the subway back to the Beacon and Starbucks to break the news to Jenny that she would not be able to spend the day in bed and also would be up and out early on Sunday morning.

Well it is now night-time here and we have returned from an enjoyable afternoon/evening out and about. Headed Downtown to Jersey Boys (4th time for Alison and Philip and 2nd time for Jenny).

We all thoroughly enjoyed the show and our seats were great in the stalls - D row for Alison and Philip and L row for Jenny. The cast got a full standing ovation at the end. Headed two streets down Broadway after the performance to allow Jenny to experience Ellen's Stardust Diner with singing wait staff. We had to queue for 45 minutes to get a table but Jenny agreed that the experience made the wait very worthwhile.

Fully nourished we then headed down Broadway into Times Square to let Jenny see the lights. After that it was a trek back to the Rockefeller Centre to have a look at the Xmas Tree.

We are all now safely back at the Beacon and have enjoyed supper before we head to bed for some well-earned rest.