Thursday Evening 5th April

Another experience for the kids. We are on an overnight train from Washington to Orlando, that means Sleeper Cabins. Two per cabin and Pa on his own. We got our bags on and stowed while the children excitedly explored each cabin, bunk beds, one that lowers from the ceiling. Claire, my room mate eagerly asked “can I have the top bunk”, not sure why she thought I would want it!!!! Then the fold down basin and the toilet, the light controls and heat controls. All very interesting to kids who have never been on an overnight train before. It wasn’t long and we were off on our 20 hour trip heading south to warmer weather. Our Steward, Preston Ross, came along and talked to us all, worked out how we were all connected, told us not to worry about the “Crankies” next door who have already asked to be moved because they need to sleep (at 4pm) and the kids were making a bit of noise. Eventually we all settled down to watch the world go by and day fade into night. A gorgeous sunset and some dinner, which we had prepared before we left our Amish house. Then later bed time. As I said I had Claire with me. She was still firing on all cylinders and chatted and giggled and switched lights on and off until just after ten and then at 5.30 a little voice said “are you awake Ma”. And so started my day. We arrived in Orlando about 10.30 ish and caught Uber cars to the Budget Depot where we picked up our hire car, another Chev Suburban. Just as well it’s a big vehicle, we need it for the luggage and everyone to fit. We can’t check in to accommodation until 4pm so we found a Outlet Shopping Centre for some lunch and then some shopping.

We are staying at the Westgate Town Centre Resort and have a lovely two bedroom Villa with extra foldout beds. It’s very well set up, there is 4000+ rooms, 14 pools, a water park, a shopping and restaurant area all within the complex. Tristram and Philip head to book Disney tickets and get groceries and Joanne and I take the kids to our closest pool. A great way to end the day.

Friday

Off to the Animal Kingdom. (our accommodation is only a 10 minute drive away). Our first Disney World day today. The kids were excited and keen to try some rides. We had a great, long day and they all coped pretty well. Claire took Pa on the Expedition Everest with Hugh and Tristram later in the day while Lilly, Joanne and I watched the Nemo musical. The highlight of the day for all of us though was the Spectacular Rivers of Light show at 8.30pm. An awesome spectacle of light, music, laser lights and water. Then back to our accommodation for ice cream and bed.

(P- the train trip was fantastic and all enjoyed. It brought lots of memories to Joanne’s mind as she recalled some of our train travel adventures in Europe many years ago – it really is a great way to travel .

Orlando is the second largest “Tourist trap” in the USA (after Las Vegas), with around 125,000 hotel rooms !! If there is a Theme Park to be had it is in the area. They are masters of moving people and making them “Feel good” by the rides and attractions at the parks. Lining up for 50 – 120 minutes for a 2- 3 minute adrenaline rush seems to keep the crowds happy. (If you calculate the time each day waiting for rides (even with a fast pass for some rides) the humble tourist pays a small fortune for the privilege of lining up and waaaaaiiiiittttting! – not to mention the small fortune people pay for overpriced crappy “souvenirs” on offer! – I guess that’s the Business side of me showing out.

However it was a pleasure and was awesome to share the rides with the family and the smiles on their faces after the rides etc. (Pa did sneak off to have a couple of hours siesta thru the day and was very pleased he had his ear plugs to help combat the noise! ). After 12 hrs of rides and waiting I asked the kids what was best – the majority view was the “ River of Light show” in the evening! Not the rides. There was around 80,000 people at the Park yesterday, a very different scenario to our Amish Farm stay and I guess the Florida Everglades will be tomorrow. We will return for a couple more days “Theme Parking” just before the adventure ends.

Wednesday 3rd

Woke up to rain this morning. We had breakfast delivered again. This time Baked Oatmeal, eggs, milk, and brown sugar. Quite nice tasting but quite heavy. Fresh baked bread and fresh eggs also delivered. Because it’s wet us girls decided to go into a shopping mall nearby, while Philip, Hugh and Tristram returned to Paradise to meet with John, our host from last night. He had planned to show them his business, Medical Equipment, wheelchairs etc and also the local Fire Station across the road. He used to be the Captain of the Station for many years and is still an active volunteer.

The shopping expedition was very successful with us all making purchases. Once Philip picked us up we headed to the Good and Plenty Restaurant for lunch. As the name suggests the meal was good and plentiful. We were seated at a table for 12, others were already seated there. The meal starting off with chicken salad, coleslaw, fresh bread, jam, iced water, iced tea and lemonade. Then mains arrived, large platters each of roast beef, fried chicken and sausages plus mashed potatoes, peas, corn and gravy. All these were shared between the guests at the table and as soon as one platter was emptied another was bought out to replace it. Everything was delicious. Once mains were finished, desserts were bought out; Shoofly pie, cherry pie, some weird custard-ish stuff with saltine crackers in it, eggs, sugar, butter and vanilla and then vanilla and chocolate ice cream and orange sherbet. We all left having eaten way too much but thoroughly enjoying the local Amish food. (By the look of the chef, he was eating all the leftovers from the hall that seats 420!).

After lunch we decided to look at a couple more covered bridges in the area. The countryside here is beautiful rolling hills, gorgeous farm yards and homes, quaint little villages and lots of horse and carriages along the roads. Also kids on scooters and Amish kids walking home from their local schoolhouse.

Slight interruption while kids have their go writing on the blog on the last couple of days.

Once we returned to our accommodation Hugh and Claire, Tristram and Joanne went over to the barn to watch the milking and give the horses a pat before tea.

Hugh

I liked visiting the Amish area. I like playing with the Amish kids after tea. Mr John took us to see his big fire truck, I got to sit in it with daddy. We went on a horse and buggy ride and I really liked it. Today we are going on a 24 hour train ride to Orlando. I am going to sleep on a bunk. Im in the same room as daddy. It is really fun looking at all the stuff out the train window. I have seen lots of interesting things, like a river, boats, houses, an army helicopter and more boats and creeks. We watched the Amish man milk his cows.

Lillian

Today we are on a train trip to Orlando in Florida. I have had a great time in America and all the other places that we have been to. We went out to an Amish family’s home for dinner I really enjoyed this. On the train I am in a room with mummy. We have bunk beds. Yesterday morning we went shopping at a mall. I brought a new back pack. Today we went to get a manicure and we then drove on to Union Station. Then we caught the train.

Claire

We went out for tea with an Amish family. We went shopping and I bought the best thing in the world, an Omelette maker. We went to an all you can eat restaurant and filled ourselves up. Today Ma and I had a manicure because I have grown my fingernails and don’t bite them anymore. We both got the same colour polish, PINK. Ma is sharing my cabin on the train.

Thursday

Today we left our Amish Stay to head back to Washington to catch our train to Orlando. 20 hours with Claire in my cabin. It could be a long chatty night!!!! On our way to Washington we stopped at a mall to stretch our legs and we finally found somewhere that Claire and I could have our special manicure that I promised her if she stopped biting her nails. She worked really hard to do this before she left home and today we have beautiful pink nails. She chose the colour. Lilly and Joanne also had their nails done but after Claire and I.

Once we arrived at Union Station and dropped our hire car off we visited the food court for lunch, not quite as good as the Good and Plenty Restaurant In Lancaster County PA. Then as we boarded our train, the Silver City, to Orlando there was much excitement from the kids (Big and small) as we found our cabins and stowed our luggage. Preston, our host on the train introduced himself and showed us round our minute cabins, made sure our luggage was stowed and gave us directions to the dining car etc.

After an hour or so the kids excitement started to ease and we settled in for the ride.

(P- The visit to Lancaster County Pennsylvania was as good an experience as it was in 2000 when we visited with OLDER sister Eileen and her husband Ross, coincidently our lodgings on an Amish Farm were just 400m from the camp ground we stayed in in 2000 in the Motorhome. The apparent “simplicity” of the Amish lifestyle doesn’t exclude them from the challenges of modern society. Small farms and a labour intensive way of farming still feel the effects of low milk and grain prices just as intensive operations do. The home we stayed on (Beacon Hollow Farm) was traditional with no connected electricity etc. the hosts were friendly ( once they found we were from a rural base we were invited to wander the farm as we wished). The 50 cows (indoor herd) were milked with a “bucket “ milking machine similar to what my father used in the 1950’s. It took approx 3 hrs to milk the 50 cows! (Our modern dairy’s can milk 1000 in this time frame). The Amish and Mennonites we met were all friendly and loved to share their stories with us and listen to ours. We left with warm memories and I so enjoyed the sound of the horses and carriages clip clopping along the road, the heavy horses working the fields and the old fashioned gas lit general stores, markets, oh and did Any one mention the old fashioned FOOD?)

We also visited an Amish/Mennonite village store today. We would consider it very old fashioned but they certainly carried a wide variety of goods, from hardware to Amish Prayer Caps, books to paper plates and everything in between. The gas lighting just topped it off.

Easter Sunday

We left our Accommodation in Washington, DC for a scenic drive to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Leaving Washington we drove up the Potomac River with great views back over the city and then driving out into the countryside. The kids were amused that we passed through three different states within the first half an hour of driving (District of Columbia, Virginia and Pennsylvania). We were all looking forward to getting out of the city and having some space, peace and quiet. As usual Philip planned the route. Washington to our next accommodation at Intercourse should take 2.5 hours, Philips route took us about 6 hours.

As we neared Lancaster and turned onto the road to Intercourse and Bird in Hand, the kids eyes widened as we saw our first horse and carriages. We arrived at our accommodation to find a lovely country style cottage with lots of bedrooms, hand made quilts and a cosy fireplace. We were joined briefly during the evening by our host and he casually sat in the lounge of our cottage chatting about where we were from and telling us a little of this history of the home which has been in his wife’s family for 7 generations (since 1865).( Claire had great delight telling everyone that the toilet seat has a fluffy cover)

Easter Monday

This morning we awoke to squeals of delight from Hugh and Claire upstairs as they discovered that the ground was blanketed in white snow and that it was actually still snowing. The kids squeals were very soon followed by my own (Jo’s) as this is one of the experiences I had been hoping would happen! (P- fact correction – Jo’s excitement far outweighed the kids and commenced before the kids, she really had a smile on her Dial!) The snow laid on the ground for a good few hours before disappearing and leaving behind rolling green hills dotted with farm houses and barns. A lovely breakfast delivered by Anna, owner of the farm, which consisted of fresh farm eggs (an improvement on the insipid eggs you buy over here), homemade corn bread, homemade yoghurt and home made apricot jam.

Following this breakfast we went for a leisurely drive through some of the backroads of the area in search of the covered bridges. We then arrived in a town called Strasburg for a buggy ride in a traditional Amish horse and buggy. What a great experience… our Mennonite guide was very explanatory and told us about farming and schooling within the Amish communities. Pa, Tristram and the kids had a quiet afternoon while mum and I headed out to look at a few quilt shops and wander the streets of Intercourse and Bird in Hand. The evening was capped off with a wonderful meal shared in an Amish home. Our hosts Sarah and John Beiler cooked us a wonderful traditional Amish meal and very happily answered our questions about their way of life.

(P- Sarah and John equally asked questions about our lives and John and Tristram struck accord when they found out each other were Pyro’s (my words for volunteer firemen 🚒). When Sara was asked did she Quilt she very quickly replied “No I sew but quilting is too slow for me, I will buy my grandchildren comforters I certainly won’t be quilting them!” – that fixed the illusion that every Amish lady quilts very quickly! Sara’s mother made four quilts for each of her children as they were married. She had 10 children.

Many a joke and story was shared in a very special evening – even the kids went out and played with Sarah and John’s 3 youngest children. They have come home this evening to our Amish home with no electricity or lighting apart from torches and lanterns, no radio, wifi or tv and no microwave, very much wiser to a different culture and way of life. Note- a buggy can come complete with LED lights, Disk Brakes, and Air suspension and can cost upwards of $15,000 add a $7-10,000 horse to the buggy and the kit isn’t exactly cheap! )

We stopped at “The Village Farm Market” for a quick look. We were only just in the door and were very warmly welcomed by the owner and his wife who wanted to know where we were all from. And as a gift for first time visitors they gave us a Shoo Fly Pie and a dozen cookies for the kids. We also bought some other goodies to try as well. It was a great little market even providing precooked and frozen meals, shepherds pie, lasagnes, chicken dishes etc as well as many different pies, apple, lemon meringue, pecan. Could have spent quite a bit here.

Friday 29th concludes with a trip to the NHL Ice Hockey between the Washington Capitols and Carolina Hurricanes. Hugh tells me he had a ball and both Tristram and Phil appeared to have enjoyed the experience immensely.

(P- The ice hockey – well we get in the uber vehicle and the driver asked us were we going to the fight? I immediately thought I had been duped into going to a Boxing match- which I hate with a passion. The driver soon corrected himself with “well its just one huge fight over the Puck ( flat ball ) “! The forecast “Ballet on ice” was Well managed, Faaaast, furious, rough and very different than any thing I had witnessed. Another tick off the bucket list for me and a not so happy local team ( Capitols) who were the favourite and lost 4 -1!!!)

Saturday 30th

Our last day in Washington. This morning we packed up and toddled down to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. There were some outstanding displays of aeronautical and space engineering and flight including an actual rocket, one of Amelia Earharts planes and a large collection of war planes and Boeing planes.

Following this Tristram, Hugh, Claire and myself (Jo) walked from the museum towards the Washington Monument where the National Cherry Blossom Kite Festival was in full swing. There were kites as far as we could see and the photos really don’t do it justice. Hugh was excited to see a large stretch Hummer (Limousine) while we were walking the Washington Mall today! Pa then picked us up from the Freedom Plaza (something to do with Martin Luther King I believe) in a massive black Suburban truck which we have the pleasure of driving around in for the next few days.

(Pa- Finally out of the cities and on the road tomorrow, the cities have been a great experience but it will be nice to get on with the “road trip” part of the adventure). All coincidently to be taken in a nice big USA SUV!!!

Thursday

Jo and Tristram and kids headed off to do their thing today. They will update you shortly.

Philip and I left a while after them, planning to have an easy day. Oh well not all plans go to plan!!!!!

We walked around the capital building enjoying the warmer weather, many layers less today. This is a beautiful building and few people about so we got some good views. The Cherry Blossom Festival is over Easter but the blossoms are only just breaking bud so not very pretty yet. The Magnolias are in full bloom and look great. We decided P- yep we decided as we walked past the hire bike stand!!! Typical Dobson Impulse!) to hire two bikes for the day. Makes a change from walking and we can cover more area. Cycling is pretty easy as we head down the Mall from the Capitol Building towards the Lincoln Monument. Made a slight detour off the mall to view the White House (P- I am pretty sure Donald asked us to say hi to all and sent his regards???). We made a stop at the WW2, Korean War memorial and the Vietnam Vets Memorial and a quick stop to visit Abraham Lincoln. We cycled across to the River cycle path and down towards the Jefferson Memorial. More Cherry blossoms are out here but in a weeks time they will be beautiful. We have thoroughly enjoyed cycling around the area, as we have both been here before and spent time exploring the mall. We cycled up past Union Station before leaving our bikes at the docking station and then walking back to the Supermarket and catching a Uber back to our house. A great LAZY day!!! (P- 18,000 steps and a 7 mile bike ride and no siesta makes it a tough “Lazy” day)

Good Friday

Philip and I decided to take the kids to the Natural History Museum for the morning so Jo and Tristram could go for a bike ride. We caught an Uber ride down to the museum and lined up to get in. At 9.40 there were probably two hundred people in line at our entrance and it doesn’t open for another 20 min. There is a second entrance on the opposite side that had just as many people lined up at. Once inside we decide to start in the Ocean Display, great little movie about Alvin the deep sea exploration submersible. We follow the displays round seeing a all sorts of underwater creatures, playing on some interactive displays. We also found the mammal exhibit and the butterfly and insect displays. The butterfly house was great. Lots of beautiful specimens flying about and landing on us. It’s amazing how quickly the morning went by. We met up with Jo and Tristram out the front about 1.30 and after a quick snack (P- I am unsure now what the word “snack” means — I am sure if I ate the wrappers the food came in rather than the “food” it would have, looked, tasted, and had more nutritional value than the “food” itself! ) walked up to the White House for the inevitable tourist shots. We then all headed back to our accommodation for a very quiet, lazy afternoon.

Jo here…

Tristram and the kids and I headed off Thursday morning for a DC Duck amphibious vehicle tour of Washington, including the Potomac River and Tidal Basin. Hugh was super excited because the water based part of the tour took us out under the end of the runway for the Washington airport and he was allowed to drive the duck. While we were driving to the river we were lucky to see Marine One, President Trump’s helicopter, fly over after it took off from the White House lawns. After this we boarded the Old Town Trolley Tour of Washington DC. Hugh liked the tour guides’ joke: what do u call a DC Duck carrying the President? Donald Duck (insert eye roll here). The tour took us tracking down through the Washington Mall (a large grassed avenue that goes for 2.5 Miles) looking at the Capitol Building, many of the Smithsonian museums, the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and out to Arlington National Cemetery where we did a brief tour of the grounds. We headed back with three very tired kids to find a huge pizza ready and waiting for them for tea… needless to say they took no time devouring the entire pizza!

Friday morning, and Tristram and I headed off for a leisurely bike ride around the mall, (T – Jo thought she was in the Tour de France and as per normal was way in front ) monuments and memorials. I particularly wanted to see the White House and have a closer look at the World War 2, Korean and Vietnam memorials. The two of us then wandered through the Smithsonian Information Centre which is located inside a castle opposite the natural history museum. Dad brought us lunch, which was truly one of the most awful things I’ve ever eaten! Street food over here is absolutely disgusting, and way overpriced! (T – pretty sure I’ll go hungry next time ).

We are ready for a girls night in tonight as the boys prepare for an evening at the ice hockey. (P- why would one go outta the warmer weather we finally have into a freezer for the evening to watch some oversized ice skaters hitting a tennis ball around? I think that’s what they do??? Stay tuned for the report!!)

(T I hope to see the little thing that you hit. Hugh and Philip went to study the rules this arvo, mmmm not sure how that went 😴😴😴😴)

Lillian

I went on a trolly and a duck boat ride. We went up to a big cemetery and saw the capital building. We all got quackery on the boat ride. Today we went with pa and ma to the Natural History Museum. We saw butterfly’s and a tarantula and lots of mammals. I enjoyed looking at the crystals and the insects. We went to see the White House where Donald Trump lives. We have had a good day today.

Claire

Yesterday we went on a Duck Tour. It went down the river (Potomac) and up the road. I liked the Capital hill Building.

Today at the museum I had a butterfly land on my head. We saw lots of different crystals, all different colours and shapes. I really liked the museum. I saw the White House today. Ma is taking me to have a manicure tomorrow because I have grown my fingernails.

Hugh

We went on the Duck on land and then on water. I got to have a drive when we were on the river. It was fun. At the museum I saw a big grizzly bear and a lion jumping over us. We saw lots of butterflies, some of them landed on me. I am going to see a ice hockey game with daddy and pa tonight.

Tuesday

On our final night in NYC, we had a girls night out on Broadway. The girls chose the Musical “Frozen” and we were not disappointed. As we walked up to the St James Theatre, Claire stopped to give a police horse a pat and then we found our seats, three rows from the front.

From the moment it started we were all entranced. Claire sang along with many of the songs, Lilly shed a tear and we were amazed by the visual effects. Both girls had smiles a mile wide as the finale was sang and snow started falling from the ceiling. What an experience for Lilly’s first ever Musical and to see a production that had only been open for less than a week on Broadway.

(P- New York comes to a close, the more I explored the more I found that interested me. We tried the street food ( not as exciting as NYs street food reputation led me to believe). The Pizza – better than expected! Found a 50’s Diner – food was awesome and of course we had to relive a little of Forest Gump at the Bubba Gump theme restaurant loaded with verses and sayings from the movie! Central Park needs to be seen and explored again when spring trees, grass and flowers have woken from their winter dormancy. Times Square was almost impossible to describe and I had to go back several times to absorb the ever changing view. The smiles and intrigue on the kids faces as they look, absorb, comment and ask questions about this huge city certainly brings a smile to mine!

Wednesday

This morning we were packed up and out the door by 8 o’clock for a brisk 10 block walk up to Penn Station, NY. We looked quite a sight, single file, all trailing a case (or 2), heading down 10th Avenue. We made it to Penn Station with plenty of time to spare. We were catching the train down to Washington about four hours ride away. Another first for the kids and one adult, Tristram, who haven’t done train rides before. Joanne was only about 7 when she did this sort of train ride, so today bought back lots of memories for her. Views from the train are quite different. Back yards, factories, tunnels, rubbish, graffiti etc. Claire says “mum look more wall to wall houses”. (Terrace houses).

We arrived at Washington, DC, Union Station and regrouped ready to walk to our accommodation. (T – Yet again in single file numbered off)

Union Station is a pretty Magnificent Building and still as amazing today as when I first saw it in 2000. (Ross and Eileen you should remember this place). As we exited Union station the first sight we see is the Capitol Building on Capitol Hill where the American parliament meets. We then walked another 10 blocks to our accommodation which turns out to be one of those “wall to wall” houses!

:

Lillian

Today we went on a horse and cart ride in Central Park. We took pa for a surprise ride. The horses name was Oreo. He was black and white. Pa and I went to the M&M shop and we brought a mug that had Lillian written on it. We also got some M&M’s to share. I’ve enjoyed seeing Times Square at night time with all the lights. We went on the Carousel with Pa in Central Park.

Claire

I am the selfie queen. We have been to the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty 🗽. Mummy, Ma, Lilly and I went shopping at Old Navy. Lilly and I bought some clothes.

Hugh

I liked going on the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. We had a carriage ride with pa and went on the Carousel with pa. There are lots of fire engines and police cars.

Jo

New York is an outstanding city! So busy, and an absolute assault on all the senses at once. I enjoyed spending time browsing at Macy’s Department Store and may have made a few purchases. (T – have sold my kidneys to pay for them).

Judith

We have been busy checking out all the sights of this great city. Walking our feet off, trying out the subway, doing some shopping and tonight’s (Tuesday) special outing for the girls, a trip to St James Theatre to see “Frozen” the musical.

We split up this morning with Joanne, Tristram and Hugh taking the subway to the New York City Fire Museum. Then up to Penn Station to check some details for tomorrow’s trip. Then to Macy’s Department Store where Joanne did some shopping.

Philip, Lilly, Claire and I walked down to the waterfront, stopping for a quick play at a playground before walking out onto 53rd street where we found the stables for some of the horses that tour Central Park. The stables, called a Horse Hotel, hold 40 horses plus many carriages.

We continued on down along the waterfront, passing the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier Museum, ferry terminal, cruise terminal and onto the Highline Walk (abandoned above street railway). We wandered for a few blocks along the High Line looking at all the trains for Penn Station, the new Hudson Yard City Development, the largest private realestate Development residences, 3 parks, 100 shops, plus many restaurants on 14 acres adjoining the Hudson River. We continued on to Macy’s where we met the others and then onto Bubba Gumps (Forest Gump themed restaurant) for lunch. After lunch Philip and I went back to the apartment while the others wandered the streets.

(P-Not being a city person I have to say that New York City has been a great experience. Horns beeping, sirens from emergency vehicles more horns and traffic moving in disorganised fashion. This is a city that never rests! We have had a reasonable snapshot of the “Big Apple”. The more we walk the more we find to explore. It’s been great sharing the adventure with Lilly, Claire and Hugh,( oh and Jo and Tristram). I am amazed at their stamina and ability to absorb facts and enjoy the adventure. We have planned self contained apartments in most places we stay. Pa has been busy catering with favourite and new Menus including Donuts, hash browns, Bacon and eggs, waffles and the list goes on. Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies are a favourite “in between” snack.

Two days spent looking at sights, listening to the sounds and experiencing the cold of New York City. The children have walked their feet off, ridden on buses and ferries, ridden the elevator to the 86 floor of the Empire State Building, ridden the carousel in Central Park and seen sights they have never seen before. We have walked 14km yesterday and 10km today. (P- apart from me I needed to sneak off for a Siesta or two!)

When we picked up our tickets for the Hop on Hop Off bus the lady asked where we were from, Philip answered “China”. She looked at us with a weird look and said “ nooooo.” Then when she was telling us where the tour was stopping she pointed out China Town and told Philip he could meet his relatives there. She thought it was hilarious.

We (apart from Philip) headed up to Central Park. Kids were wrapped to see their first squirrels, jump in the remains of the snow, we all rode the carousel, then stopped by the Ice Rink for a rest before heading back to the apartment. We had an early dinner before putting on all our warm clothes had heading out to do the night tour of the city. Good to see the lights of the city, cross the Brooklyn Bridge, see the Freedom Tower and views of the city skyline at night. We are glad we rugged up cos “boy” was it cold riding on the top level of the open air double decker bus!

Sunday

First stop was Empire State Building and a fast trip to the top to check out the view. This gives a whole new perspective on the size of New York City. Great views over the city, north south east and west. 80th floor was inside, 86th floor was outdoors and it was freezing. (Joanne) -Mum did an awesome job walking outside on the 86th floor given she hates heights.

Stop two was at the 9/11 Memorial. This is a most moving place. Joanne and I were in NYC in 2004 when there was just a hole in the ground where the towers once stood, I was here in 2013 when the memorial garden was open but the Freedom tower was still in construction, now we walked around the memorial garden, through the amazing building which houses the train station and shops. It’s such a moving place and very sobering to see all those names engraved into the memorial but very difficult to explain the emotion involved to 3 young children who didn’t really understand the events behind it. (P- I remember well that horrific day that in my opinion “Changed The Modern World” I was in transit to New Zealand – not a good feeling flying that day! At the memorial we found the name of a lady Judith made a Quilt Square in memory of, that was part of a Memorial Quilt that was assembled post 9/11. This huge quilt was on display for some time but currently sits in the Museum archives. What a beautiful memorial, One could not help but shed a tear when thinking of the suffering that occurred at this site).

We walked from here down to Battery Park where we caught the ferry over to Liberty island to visit the Statue of Liberty. During our walk around Liberty Island Claire loudly declared that ‘I think Pa has dementia so he probably won’t remember’..(P- in defence I was pleading ignorance to something she wanted to do that I wasn’t too interested in that she had discussed prior!). She had us in fits of laughter! Then back to the bus for the return trip to Times Square. We were all frozen by the time we got back so a stop at Starbucks for Coffees and Hot Chocolates as we walked back to the apartment.

A big day left at 9am and returned around 6.30. Again kids did an amazing job.

March 23

Joanne

Over 17000 kilometers in about 24 hours on 3 different planes in 4 different airports… we’ve finally arrive in New York City. Love this city, totally mesmerizing!

Judith

We have ARRIVED. NEW YORK CITY. WE MADE IT.

After 12 months of planning and dreaming, booking tickets, finding accommodation, more planning, packing and flying we are all finally here in New York. It was very exciting when Joanne and family arrived around 7 pm yesterday evening. Kids were excited, tired, hungry, wanting to sleep, explore talk and sleep again, all at once. But we are all here ready to experience this great city.

Philip and I arrived mid afternoon (P-after a 24 hr delay due to a snow storm over New York it wasn’t a drama as we had a spare day and were staying with great hosts in North Dakota) and taxied to our apartment at 820 10th Avenue, just near W 54th Street. We were met at the apartment by the owner and got the tour and details. It’s a great little apartment and will suit us fine for the time we are here. 3 double rooms and a fold out bed in the lounge. Seperate kitchen and a nice bathroom. I’m sure Philip will be able to whip up some yummy meals in this kitchen. We have a great supermarket across the road for all our supplies and are about 10 minutes walk from Times Square and Broadway. And 2 blocks from Central Park.

We followed Joanne and Tristram’s flight from Los Angeles on Philips flight tracker so knew when they landed. We met them out the front of our apartment with much excitement. Once we had them all settled and fed we donned our coats and headed off for a walk to stretch their legs before bed. Hughs eyes were everywhere, (P- it wasn’t only Mr Hugh! I have never been to NYC and wow Times Square was a light sense overload).

fire trucks, police cars, trucks and people everywhere. The girls were equally as excited as we reached Times Square with the lights, the people, Minnie Mouse, Elsa, Olaf, Spider-Man and shops. I guess we will be down here to see it all again. They started to flag and Hugh needed a piggy back so it was time to get back, get showered and get some sleep for them, stretched out, on beds and not sitting in planes.

Stay Tuned there will be more to come over the next few weeks.

(P-We are camped just by the NYCPD (police) mounted horse department which is a good look. The street food will need to be sampled over the next few days as well as a trip to the M&M shop in Times Square to fulfil a promise to Miss Lilly. There was a comment about Mr Hugh being excited about the fire truck- it is worth noting his Pyro father Tristram got about as excited as he gets!!!!! Time to cook pancakes and hot chocolate for breakfast (topped with marshmallows and whipped cream) – a Pa treat.)