Nige & Jo’s Worldwide Travelogue
It’s an awfully big planet, so let’s get out and explore…
Life
Advancing on the Alamo, Davy Crockett stylie
A birthday treat in San Antonio, Texas and our hotel overlooks the Alamo
by Nige, 10th September 2019
Advancing on the Alamo, Davy Crockett stylie
A birthday treat in San Antonio, Texas and our hotel overlooks the Alamo
Day 1 - San Antonio. As last night was a Sunday and our R&R was about to commence, a late night in Casa Bouckley with wine, tv and chillin’ was order of the day ( perhaps until 1-30am was a little too much ) However up at 5-30 and off to the airport for some orange juice and bubbles for a breakfast of champions, and a short [relatively] hop to San Antonio, Texas. Clearly Joanne’s dits on the plane were well received by her seat companion [ pic attached ]. A swift tx to the hotel, before an explore on the Riverwalk, outside the hotel, stopping to pose with the John Wayne Rooster Cogburn Bronze Statue and a beer at the Mad Dog Pub ( Tracy, we looked at the Gym, however cocktails at the Hard Rock Cafe, pipped it to the post ) An evening of wine, chat, Monday night football and nibbles ensued in the hotel bar, before crashing out in a huge bed, overlooking the Alamo as we fall into slumber - Happy Days.
Day 2 - San Antonio. A lay in, it’s my birthday we are allowed. Starting with Champagne and OJ, then a nice suprise from my lovely wife - A Segway tour of San Antonio. Last year we Segway raced in front of the White House in Washington, this year a similar race in front of the Alamo - a theme is developing. Having learnt of a heavy German connection with San Antonio, we lunched at a German bar, bratwurst and beers. A little shopping this afternoon for new sandals for Joanne. Upon returning to our hotel, a knock at the door revealed a nice bottle of red wine and a plate of cup cakes and a card wishing me happy birthday on behalf of the hotel. The birthday evening was a departure from our normal fine dining, Joanne found a micro brewery out of the center - Blue Star Brewing Company, who were hosting the River City Big Band - Live Jazz and real ale, a great evening, before heading back to our hotel with tunes a plenty in our heads - awesome birthday.
Day 3 - San Antonio. A late start, post birthday. Coffee and muffins to start the day, heading out for some essential ‘not available in Mexico’ shopping, but getting lost with the Uber driver, was an adventure, not really his fault he was ex US Army. A light lunch before catching up with our friend now living in SATX - Alejandra and drinking wine in the posh hotel - Hotel Emma, the bar a converted distillery from days gone by, with pipes, valves and vats. We arrived back at our hotel for a light supper and a few more glasses of wine, to be surprised that our supper was courtesy of the hotel - why? Because it’s my birthday ‘week’. We will definitely be using this chain again all in all a very tranquil day, with wine, friends and gifts Looking forward to the Alamo in all its glory tomorrow...
Day 4 - San Antonio. Another late start, strong coffee and a brisk walk to the Alamo. The Alamo is a small scale of the original fortifications, however we managed photos with Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and Theodore Roosevelt and a visit to The Menger Hotel bar, where Teddy used to recruit his army from laid off ranch hands and cattle drovers due to the introduction of barbed wire - who knew 😱. The afternoon started with the lovely Joanne, modelling new headgear, before a few steins of German beer in the ‘Bier Garten’ adjacent to our hotel. The evening commenced with cocktails in the bar and onto the Salt Grass restaurant for some fine Texan steak and ribs, washed down with some fine red wine. Lovin Texas.
Life
The great Northwest roadtrip
A roadtrip of the northwest of the United States and Canada
by Nige, 29th June 2019
The great Northwest roadtrip
A roadtrip of the northwest of the United States and Canada
Day 1 - Roadtrip 2019, well technically it’s day two, but it’s kinda been a long first one... A delight of bubbles in the VIP lounge at Mexico airport, followed by 6 hours a few movies and a few more drinks to smooth the way, landing in Vancouver around midnight, fortunately the hotel bar was open late (very late 😉). A restful night and we were up and raring to go, a nice suprise at the hire car company - a brand new Dodge Charger arrived while we were signing the documents and the manager said - it’s yours 😊. A blast to the border, and all stop, an hour in the queue and we gave the new charger a performance test and boy did it perform well, delivering us to Seattle in a timely fashion, complete with grins ðŸ˜. An evening with wine marvelling at the awesome views from the space needle was followed by an amble back to our lodgings through vast crowds of ‘pride revellers’ warming up for the weekends festivities in Seattle - gonna be busy tomorrow in town 🌈
Day 2 - Roadtrip 2019 (Seattle). After a full on day it was no suprise that today warranted a lazy start, however it would appear that 10am was very early for last nights revellers 😂 a walk into the center was awesome, passing rainbow road crossings, painted walls and the inevitable stop at Jo’s favourite store 😉 before arriving at the waterfront, the other tourists had also arose early 🤣. We found a ‘snorkers’ cafe for brunch with traditional ‘English bangers’, it’s amazing how the little things you miss really put a smile on your face. An afternoon shopping was followed by a few beers, quick change and out for an ‘Indian’, again it’s the little things 😊 Tomorrow we head into the mountains, more fresh air in the lungs - woohoo.
Day 3 - Roadtrip 2019 (Olympia). The sun shone through the stained glass windows at 7am, so we arose early, had breakfast and a few deep political discussions over our coffee with some of the American guests prior to firing up the charger and leaving Seattle behind. A mid morning crossing on the Edmond - Kingston ferry allowed for a few photos and adoring the fresh air at sea level, something in very short supply at Casa Bouckley (Mexico City). The open road through the mountains to Forks flew by, partially due to the Charger and partially due to the wonderful vistas around every corner 😊 We arrived in Forks for the obligatory photo by the sign, whilst wary of strangers who we were sure could be vampires or werewolves 🤣 followed by lunch at a ‘bikers’ diner, which we thought would be a safe haven 🤣. The onward journey saw us hit the Pacific coast where forest meets beach, at which point our phone signals and thus car play satnav died. The Bouckley’s inbuilt guidance kicked in and saw us arrive at our Olympia hotel around 6, just in time for happy hour. Relaxing with chilled wine and warm North West evening sun seemed a perfect conclusion to another day of adventure 😊
Day 4 - Roadtrip 2019 (Olympia). As a result of the extremely comfy bed and the excellent double glazed windows, we slept through until after 9am 😱, perhaps last nights extended happy hour had a small contribution too 😉. That said we were out on the water just after 11, we were going to mix it up kayak/ SUP, but once we were in the kayaks we were off, it was beautiful on the water, some wildlife, but mainly the noise of our paddles cutting through the water was the only noise to cut through the mountain silence. We returned several hours later, once again silly grins on our faces, a little tired, but fully wowed by the Northwest mountain lakes and tributaries 😊 we did however fail to prepare for ‘open top kayaks’, but nothing several layers of aftersun won’t fix. Only one thing left to do today - an early supper / late lunch of seafood - crab, salmon and our favourite - endless shrimps 🤠. Once again (it’s becoming a habit 🤣) we arrived back at our hotel with ‘happy hour in full swing ðŸ»). Tomorrow sees us head to the coast for some beach time 😊
Day 5 - Roadtrip 2019 (Long Beach). We were sorry to leave Olympia, last nights sunset was awesome, the colours of the forest was simply a wow! This morning however, we headed west, coffee and bagels to go, as the weather deteriorated in the Olympia area, we chased the sun and were not disappointed as we arrived at the coast, allegedly the worlds longest beach (actually it’s the 8th longest) 😂. A tour of the World famous kite museum revealed it must have been named by the same person who said this was the longest beach in the world 😉. We bought a kite, flew it on the beach, held hands and walked down the boardwalk (not all 28 miles though), drove on the beach, got stuck, dug the Charger out and roared to Cape Disappointment (which is not a disappointment) where we walked around the headland, which reminded us very much of Rame Head in Cornwall â¤ï¸. Tomorrow sees us at the Goonies town of Astoria and Cannon beach before heading to the big city lights of Portland and July 4th preparations
Day 6 - Roadtrip 2019 (Portland). The day started early ( talk about excited 😆), we arrived in Astoria before 9am, to view some of the spots where the Goonies was filmed and a selfie next to the Jail and the Fratelli’s jeep ðŸ˜, we stopped for a late breakfast / early lunch at the town of Seaside before arriving at Cannon beach - wow, the site of the Goonies pirate ship scene, Point Break and Twilight did not dissapoint, the quaint town, the beautiful beach and awesome scenery has made Cannon beach amongst our favourite places in the US 😊 (Thank you Michele for the heads up ðŸ‘ðŸ») Late afternoon saw us travel over the mountains and into Portland. Our hotel is something else, not just a happy hour, but complimentary wine for the duration, I think 4th July celebrations are going to be pretty awesome this year.
Day 7 - Roadtrip 2019 (Portland). 4th July in the US - woohoo 🎉. Well the city seemed pretty deserted as we shopped and wandered today, hardly any traffic too. We shopped for some essentials (stuff not available in Mexico 😉) and walked by the river to the blues and jazz event and scoped our viewing point for the evenings fireworks display 😊, we managed to avoid the draw of the famous ‘Voodoo doughnuts’ and arrived at Mothers bistro bar for a scrumptious lunch and some liquid refreshment ðŸ·. Wandering back to the hotel for happy hour(ish), before heading to our spot for the fireworks. The riversides and bridges were lined with revellers and the fireworks started only 5 minutes late 🤣, they lasted for 25 minutes, however for those in the know, the competitors at the annual championships on Plymouth Hoe, have nothing to worry about 😉. We headed back amongst the crowds, a real buzz in the atmosphere ðŸ‘ðŸ». Time for a nightcap and a good nights rest before the journey north tomorrow. 4th July in the US - Done! 😊
Day 9 - Roadtrip 2019 (Vancouver). Day 8 was a non event, it was always planned that way, weave slowly down to Portland over the course of a week, then a long drive back up to Vancouver and the inevitable border crossing delay in a single day. In fact it was a little under 7 hours, arriving at our wooden cabin at the foot of Grouse Mountain around 6pm yesterday evening, wine and nibbles, collapsing into slumber well before the witching hour. Today was a lovely awakening by the dawn chorus and a gentle start, until the Grouse Grind (check it out online no pictures due to the damp conditions and low cloud base). Arriving at the top just after midday, we were greeted by two large bears 😱 who were soaked wet through from the mist and gave us a swift ignoring. We jammed into the cable car with a lot of mountain visitors, all who were equally soaked by the mist. A quick change once back at the cabin and we headed to the sunshine in Stanley park and a late lunch with some fine dining in the ‘Teahouse’ before some obligatory photos and heading back to undertake the Krypton Factor or ‘packing ready for our flight tomorrow’. 😔
Day 10 - Roadtrip 2019 (Vancouver). The Charger was stabled after an exhilarating 2000 miles, with a simple ‘ok’ from the car rental guy. Although not before a visit back to Stanley Park en-route to the airport. A photo by the big tree and as a maple leaf fluttered to our feet we reflected on what a wonderful road trip this has been, seemingly more than 10 days in our minds. We have fallen in love with the Pacific North West and vow to return when we can 🤞. Homeward bound....
Life
aloha Hawaii
An anniversary we will never forget, a beautiful Island and somewhere we could live forever...
by Nige, 21st July 2018
aloha Hawaii
An anniversary we will never forget, a beautiful Island and somewhere we could live forever...
Day 1 in Hawaii, an early start (mainly due to time zone changes), a walk along the shore, while the sun rises, a light breakfast and out amongst it before 9 am 😊 a stroll via Joanne's favourite shop, and some cracking Pineapple cocktails, before an afternoon dip in the warm Pacific. Alas all the evening holds is Hawaiian cuisine and more cocktails - oh go on then
Day 2 - Hawaii, an early start, collected at 0530 for a day at Pearl Harbour, we started on the 'Pearl Harbour Avenger' the USS Bowfish, a Second World War submarine (similar to Alliance), a visit to the USS Arizona, quite humbling and sombre. This was followed by lunch on Ford Island, Naval Air station Pearl Harbour, where Joanne kicked my backside on the WWII flight simulator (Ken & Aidy - no surprise there). The afternoon continued with an awesome tour on the USS Missouri, followed by a visit to the National Memorial, before being delivered back to our hotel at 1600, just in time for happy hour. This evening promises rustic dining at the Outback Steakhouse, followed by a fireworks bonanza back at the Hilton (photos to follow...)
Day 3 - Hawaii, a lazy start, well 8 am anyway, coffee and pastries for breakfast before heading to the Royal Palace for the Worlds biggest Hula competition (note we didn’t win this year). We headed back to the hotel for a little afternoon siesta, and were surprised when due to it being our Anniversary, our suite had been upgraded to a corner suite with two balcony's overlooking the sea! Cocktails on the club lounge terrace for sundowners preceded an evening on the town, with some exquisite fine wine and dining at Ruth & Chris's Steak House before a nightcap of champagne listening to the sea gently wash the shore below our room. Happy Days
Day 4 - Hawaii, well we had planned to have some downtime as well as enjoy and explore the island, whilst we are here and with Sunday being a day of rest - yep, you guessed we completely 'binned' that idea. Up early with a traditional 'Ken & Sharon' breakfast, Buck's Fizz to finish off the remaining bottle of bubbly. We then decided to 'yomp' up a small volcano at the end of the bay (a mere 250m climb over 1.5km), transport to the start of the yomp, proved to be a little confusing and caused a substantial delay, however unperturbed by this we continued our quest, the climb proved not to be that challenging, but a lack of air movement in the volcano was challenging for even the fittest of hikers. Alas our planned stunning photos and video were scuppered by a no-fly zone for drones 😞 Returning to the hotel, we cooled off (not much due to it being like bath water) in the sea, cooled a little further in the pool and had sundowners on the club deck, before retiring to our room for cheese, biscuits and wine and some much-needed chill-out time, tomorrow promises to be a full day exploring further.
Day 5 - Hawaii, another 'crack of sparrows' start. Up and out with coffee and croissants by 7-30am, a quick bit of shopping (essential items, not available in Mexico 😊) and then a drive through the hills to the North Shore, and although there were no 50-foot waves today, we found some awesome beaches and deepened the tan from light pink to red lobster, thankfully plenty of Aloe Vera is available to cool the skin 😊. Returning to the south of the island via the tropical forests was another awesome experience, affirming our want to come back to this beautiful island and explore more. The now ritual sundowners on the club deck preceded some 'gizit' shopping and supper in the hotel, listening to the sea crash on the shore...
Day 6 - Hawaii, at last, a chilled out day. A late rise and breakfast on the balcony watching the surfers and SUP'ers whilst looking back at our week in paradise. A lazy afternoon by the pool watching the world go by, whilst enjoying a few of the speciality cocktails. The late afternoon was filled overlooking the ocean, eating some fine Hawaiian seafood and drinking Mai Tai's. All too soon our Hawaiian adventure draws to a close and tonight we will depart for our flight back to the land of sombreros and Tequila, with possibly a little stop en route.
Life
Fun in Florence
A romantic week of luxery in a beautiful Tuscan city
by Nige, 17th July 2017
Fun in Florence
A romantic week of luxery in a beautiful Tuscan city
A Lovely first day after a very early start. Florence is beautiful. It started great - sunset on Piazzale Michelangelo with Johnny Ball, Rula Lenska, Judith Chalmers and the Green Goddess herself - Diana Moran We can't wait for a fun filled week for our anniversary.
A wonderful week, but a thought occured to me - So your first anniversary is coming up, you book a romantic week in Florence in a 5 star hotel, you buy a lovely anniversary present at your wife's favorite shop, you eat lavish meals, visit some of the most beautiful works of art and places in the world, arrive back at your hotel, take some wine up to the roof terrace for sundowners, find out they have a hot tub, convince your wife to strip and join you in the hot tub and then get busted by two American tourists - if Carlsberg did anniversary's....
Lifestyle
A Cornish Coastal Stroll
A Boxing day blow the cobwebs away stroll along the Cornish coastal path, culminating in a beautiful sunset at Rame Head.
by Nige, 26th December 2016
A Cornish Coastal Stroll
A Boxing day blow the cobwebs away stroll along the Cornish coastal path, culminating in a beautiful sunset at Rame Head.
Lifestyle
Sunrise at Uffington Castle
A very early start and minus 8.
by Nige, 30th November 2016
Sunrise at Uffington Castle
A very early start and minus 8.
A very early start and minus 8, to catch a beautiful sunrise at Uffington. It was only when the sun came up that I realised I was sharing the castle with 200 sheep, all who were very interested in the sunrise and added a little detail to the images as they used the Trig point as a scratching post.
Life
Beautiful Berlin
Christmas markets, awesome culture and great friends.
by Nige, 5th December 2015
Beautiful Berlin
Christmas markets, awesome culture and great friends.
Day 1 - A very comfortable flight from Blighty (thank you BA), short drive from Tegel airport to a very plush hotel. Standard arrival procedure followed by mandatory drink at the bar. The initial acquaint resulted in a walk through the Brandenburg gate, Reichstag and Soviet memorial led us to the Holocaust memorial then into the traditional Weihnachts Zauber Christmas market which included champagne, gluhwein and numerous glasses of Chardonnay, all accompanied by live music (of the Christmas variety) and a very diverse gathering of Europeans with copious amounts of Christmas spirit. A short walk back to the hotel for a night cap (or several) proving Berlin is a warm and very sociable city.
Day 2 - A slightly late start, continental breakfast on the go, Reichstag registration and a wander through the streets of Berlin towards Alexanderplatz, this included a brief interview on national TV, a stop at Checkpoint Charlie, visit to remaining parts of the Berlin Wall, the first Christmas market of the day, shopping in a high end chocolate store, Liquid lunch, with some fine Chardonnay and onto another Christmas market, securing numerous presents in the process. The walk back towards the Brandenburg gate, allowed a scope of numerous museums to be visited on Sunday morning. The evening commenced with a tour of the Reichstag dome and awesome nighttime views across the city, followed by supper at a small Italian restaurant along from the British Embassy, night cap in the hotel and a chill out before lights out.
Day 3 - A sensible start to the day (not too early), breakfast at the Brandenburg gate, a leisurely stroll through the park, taking in the BerlinVictory Column, past the zoo and into the kurfurstendamm region for the obligatory Apple and Tiffanys shopping, but alas neither proved successful, so a coffee and snack at a small but quaint coffee shop lifted spirits. The afternoon started by meeting friends Matt and Claire prior to commencing a tour of Christmas markets. A short tube ride to Spandau, revealed the home church of St Nicholas, and the first Gluhwein of the day whilst walking through the old, but traditional market. Onwards to Charlottenburg palace, a light show, market and Gluhwein before reaching the final market of the day in kurfurstendamm, another Gluhwein and parting company with Rachel our guide. The evening continued with fine fare, wine and great company before bidding Auf Wiedersehen to Matt and Claire and retiring for a wine or two, reflecting on a fantastic day in Germany's Fine city.
Day 4 - Sunday start, croissants and coffee, followed by a quick shop, then off to the first Christmas market on the way to the DDR museum. The afternoon started in Alexanderplatz (no sign of Jason Bourne or Harry Pearce) and the huge Christmas market before a late lunch at our favourite quaint restaurant for traditional Berlin sausage and potato soup followed by Strudel and ice cream, washed down with a couple glasses of fine wine. A short stroll to the traditional Christmas market as the sun went down, for some warming Gluhwein and Christmas music on the stage before returning to the hotel to make the most of the chilled wine, soft sofas and tunes from the house pianist. All in all a traditional Berlin Sunday
Life
Romance in Rome
A great short break to a wonderful city, full of adventure, culinary delights and the odd glass of Vino
by Nige, 19th April 2015
Romance in Rome
A great short break to a wonderful city, full of adventure, culinary delights and the odd glass of Vino
Day 1 - Well to be correct we arrived at 1200, nice limo ride to the hotel, greeted by chilled beer on the rooftop garden. Late afternoon jaunt around the city, a short walk from the hotel lead us to Piazza del Popolo and the De Vinci museum, then onto the Spanish steps for a few photos and take in the atmosphere. A short stroll to the Trevi fountain, which is undergoing a huge restoration. With the sun starting to slip, we found a small cafe for several large glasses of refreshment, before heading back across the Tigris, finding a typical Italian restaurant for some traditional fare, a bottle or two of Chianti, before calling it a day. Tomorrow promises to be a full day with a Vatican tour included.
Day 2 - Started with a leisurely continental breakfast, followed by a walk to the vatican (20 mins) an ice cream from Caffe Vaticano the a 5 hour tour of the vatican museums, The Sistine Chapel, St. Peters Basilica (which include a visit to the coperta, the tombs and St. Peters Piazza. Many pictures taken and knowledge gained, however on completion, the dehydrated tourists headed to Piazza Navona, for wine and nibbles, whilst watching the local artists and street performers, before heading back; shopping for handbags, before finally arriving at a local restaurant for some tuscan wine and traditional local fare. Tomorrow promises a tour further a field.
Day 3 - Quite a leisurely start, mainly due to partaking in the Roman tradition of drink your own body weight in wine yesterday evening, neither of us got close, but had a good go . After the standard continental breakfast, we headed south in the midday sun arriving at the colosseum just before one o'clock, the tour took almost 2 hours, before hitting the Palatine, Roman Forum and associated remains until 5-30, where a late lunch and a glass or two of wine before heading north for an evening tour of the Pantheon, an ice cream and wine from our favourite cafe on the way back to the hotel. A busy day, 25 clicks walking around the city, in perfect (not too hot, but warm and sunny) conditions.
Day 4 - A fairly early start, nice continental breakfast, then shopping, up and down the multitude of streets filled with Prada, Armani and the like, finally stopping at Tiffanys (Surprise Surprise), a sweetener for all the leg work for our tired tourists was a leisurely coffee and cake sitting in the sun. With the shopping done, and temperatures passing 26 degrees, it was time for a small siesta. Refreshed and recharged, we headed back into the busy city, for prosecco as the sun descended, another visit to the pantheon and a walk around the Colosseum lit by night lighting, giving yet another view of this awesome structure. A stroll back up the Banks of the Tigres lead us to a quaint Italian restaurant for some traditional fare, before arriving back just before the clock struck 12. Another 25 clicks today and a wonderful time in this very busy city.
Day 5 - Well an early start (9am ish) breakfast and packing completed by 1030, a stroll along the Tigres which lead us past Castel Sant-Angelo and into St Peters Square, which is not very square like, posted a few postcards from the Vatican post service and eagerly awaited the Pope's Sunday address. The crowds flooded into the square as midday approached and we watched as he addressed the crowds, I say watched as neither of speak Latin, so have no idea what he said, but the crowds appreciated his words. Following a short wait while the crowds dispersed we had a long traditional Italian lunch outside a quaint restaurant on the other side of the river. Lunch complete, we wandered once again to the pantheon, as the famous ice cram shop with 150 flavours was in need of a visit - pudding complete, a weak back to the hotel, was met by the limo driver who had us back at the airport in double quick time. And by midnight we had returned to where we started. Alas no wine picture today as we had to drive on our return to Blighty, and technically it's a school night too.
Life
Parisian Birthday Weekend
A birthday meal at a French Restaurant in Plymouth, the surprise of Tickets to Paris, and we are off...
by Nige, 23rd November 2014
Parisian Birthday Weekend
A birthday meal at a French Restaurant in Plymouth, the surprise of Tickets to Paris, and we are off...
Wow. What a night, not only did my handsome man take me to the French Restaurant I have been waiting to go to but then he surprised me with tickets to fly to Paris for the weekend for my birthday. I have the most amazing guy whom I love very much xxx
Day 1 - Joanne's birthday weekend : up at 0500, quick drive to Somerset to collect a missing Passport, then Exeter Airport. Chilled prosecco on the plane, short transfer to the hotel, then a healthy helping of red wine in the local cafe. A walk down to the Louvre, followed by a stroll around Louis 14ths gardens. The evening consisted of walk up and down the Champs de elysee through the very picturesque Christmas market. A number of stops, mainly for champers, Chablis, and of course the mandatory stop and shop at Tiffanys all in all a busy half day in Paris, 19km logged and one very happy birthday girl.
Day 2 - Early start (not), out by 11am, a short journey to Versailles, lunch consisting of croque-monsieur and a bottle of Chablis. This was followed by a tour of the palace of Versailles and an after a yomp around the gardens, we departed for central Paris and a trip up the Eiffel Tower celebrating with a glass of champagne at the 'summit' After a descent on foot, we strolled along the banks of the Seine listening to a youth drum band (baby version of Stomp) then a typical Parisian Cafe for supper, consisting of Salmon, Fillet Steak and of course the obligatory bottles of vin!! The Birthday girl is well and truly fed, watered and exercised, time for bed said zebedee
Life
New York, New York, So Good...
New York - Lights, Camera, Action and a birthday. We love NYC
by Nige, 13th September 2014
New York, New York, So Good...
New York - Lights, Camera, Action and a birthday. We love NYC
Day 1 - 1st full day in NYC - 8am start, Grand Central Station(Terminal) breakfast, Empire State Building, a walk down 5th Avenue, raspberry mojitos at Madison Square Market, tour of Greenwich Village followed by a late night 'Top of the Rock' seeing the NY skyline at night. Alcohol and Pizza required!
Day 2 - Later start, downtown via Broadway, breakfast in Greenwich village, 9/11 memorial / museum, Wall Street (Tiffanys) then a cycle over the Brooklyn bridge to explore Brooklyn, followed by happy hour. Another busy day in NYC
Day 3 - Late (relative) start, breakfast in Grand Central, Guggenheim Museum and Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art followed by lunch in Central Park. An afternoon in the American Natural History Museum followed by happy hour uptown and kamikaze cab ride back to midtown. Now it's time to kick back in Times Square Forest Gump stylie.
Day 4 - Breakfast in the park followed by a day on liberty island climbing a small spiral staircase to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, lunch on Liberty Island and later on Ellis Island finding out how immigrants populated the USA. Then a big birthday suprise - front row seats at The 'Garden' to see Tom Petty and the heartbreakers with warm up act Steve Winwood - Happy Days, happy chuffin Birthday!
Day 5 - Brunch (yes very late start) in Central Park, gizzet shopping followed by ver happy hour then supper at the Outback Steakhouse (home of the blooming onion), the a quick night cap - Manhattans in Manhattan and Cosmopolitans then early night.