Well I have finally managed to wrestle the computer away from Ralf long enough to post a blog on what I think about the BIG APPLE.
After a disasterous begining, it was great to be in such an amazing city to help me to forget for a minute. New York is amazing, there is such a buzz as you walk aroubd the city streets, you really can feel it in the air. Speaking of air, never have I been sooooo cold in my life. Temps about 27F (not sure any more about celcius) but the wind chill factor drops it down to about 19. After our visit to the statue of liberty I really didn't think I would ever be warm again. Yesterday wasn't so bad wind wise. The people in NY are fabulous, I think every aussie would feel at home here. Our first morning in starbucks we met a couple of guys, one was waiting to meet the mayor to launch the 2010 census and Ralf was talking to a guy with a thick Jersey accent. Oh we are having some language barrier issues making oursleves understood sometimes too, funny that English needs translating too. I am learning to say restroom, as saying toilets really offends people!
highlights of New York? I loved the Museum of Natural History, Ralfie wasn't real keen but we found it difficult to drag ourselves away. Walking through central park, we bought some Kosher soup in the park, nothing has ever tasted better, the glitz and glamour of the Empire State and Rockerfeller centres and then of course our first NY cab ride down to the Wintergarden theatre last night (as I wasn't walking down in just a skirt, leggings and jumper!!). Everthing is amazing time square... the list goes on and on. I even sent Ralf back to the room for a lay down yesterday and ventured into a Kmart near us for supplies yesterday. The girl on the checkout asked if we had big shops like the crappy Kmart she worked in, in Australia, I assured her we even had houses and big tall buildings!!!
The New Yorkers are very busy people but happy to help and give directions around their city, they really want to show it off.
Probably the biggest disappointment here so far has been ground Zero. Construction has started at the sight (finally the New Yorker say) but they seemed to have removed all memorials to it, which seems odd before they build the comemmoration to it. Overheard so many people say the same thing while we were there.
Today we are off to Washington for a flying visit, it will be great to get off the bus and walk from place to place, Ralf is having a little nap and snoring peacefully at the moment, conserving his energy!
Remember keep those messages coming we love it... it really does help to stave off the homesickness. Thanks Trishy for picking up Lynn, thanks Seb and Steph for making Lynn feel so welcome by both being there and making the house clean (NOT!!). Thanks Lynn for cleaning the house on your first day of holidays. Gerv it was great to hear your voice the other day and you too mum and Trish
Ok that is probably enough for now, Vicki the scenery has changed but no quilt signs yet and as Lynn so kindly pointed out I probably wouldn't know what to do with one!!!!!!
Love to all.
Sam XXXXX
P.S. John, I thought I just saw you drive past in the Polyair truck??
Heya Sam - a quick conversion for you - Celsius it is Minus 2 to Minus 7. I'm glad you tried some Kosher soup. We had some in San Fran as we went to a couple of Kosher restaurants. Their cooking is really delightful and they know the meaning of the word seasoning.
ReplyDeleteYou have to fill us in more on the cab ride and if it was an adventure. I remember one of our ones in LA with a Rastafarian blaring some Central American music and going through red lights!
I am glad you assured the check out chick of us having houses. I was speaking to one in Cody that wondered how we were coping with so much light??? I think she had no idea that Austria and Australia were very different places!
Have a great time in Washington and please take a photo of you guys at the Lincoln memorial. And so want to see the light house in the distance.
Love
T
Hey there Sammy - didn't see your post until I got to work. I am doing co-ord today which means I get to see who we have in the unit and decide who comes and goes as far as patients are concerned. So - quite literally I am surrounded by a couple of phones and a computer or two.
ReplyDeleteSeems I keep missing out on being able to chat to you guys though - however, that should change probably by the time you leave Vegas. I go on leave next Wednesday so that I have time to pack my gear and pack up some of the house with Trish for the reno's. Hopefully I'll be around for one of your phonecalls before you get home.
Could you believe the size of the supermarkets over there? I found they were just so big and the range of stuff was just mind boggling. I ended up just pushing the trolley and letting Trish do the choosing - I think I was in sensory overload. Oh - that is one thing that you should try. Somewhere in the chip isle they sell this caramel popcorn. It is different to ours in that the caramel is not so sweet. I got a real thing for it when we were there. Give it a go - it makes a fantastic snack on the go.
Have a wonderful time in Washington - I've always wanted to go there. I've have quite a few friends who have been posted there over the years. If you get a chance - a visit to the Whitehouse gardens is very much worth it. Whilst you obviously won't see the amazing rose gardens and tulips at this time of year - I have a photo of a friend of mine in the gardens. They were full of snow - however, they had so many plants in bloom that it simply stunned me.
Have a fabulous time.
Lots of Love
Alex
xxx
Hi Sam, It's great to hear you are enjoying the sights and feel of NY. Glad to see your still looking out for the quilt shops for me. I think when you get home I'll have to introduce you to this whole fabric thing. After all you introduced me to high tea and showed me how wonderful that is I think I should definately show you the calming effects on the soul that fabric has.:) Keep taking it all in and enjoying it all it is an amazing journey you are both on! Love you lots vic xoxo
ReplyDeleteHey Vicky - maybe you can set up a quilters club for beginners?? You know such simple lessons as - how to thread a needle?? And then we can all have high tea at the end of each lesson. Then everyone gets the best of both worlds!
ReplyDeleteCheers
The Girls
xxx
Hey ralf and Sam,great to hear you are still having the best time,and enjoying the differences in countries,cultures, and tastes.Looking forward to more pictures.Have the best time in washington.I am in on the beginners club sounds like fun,but i think i have an advantage i already know how to thread a needle lol. back to you two i am sure you will need a holiday to get over your holiday so look out John
ReplyDeleteLike always make the most of it and have the best time love you both Mum and Dad
Hi Girls, you know what? I think that sounds like a marvelous idea! hmmmm...quilting and high tea how much more relaxing could you get?
ReplyDeleteVic xxx