New+York+&+Boston

This is a recount of our travel to **New York and Boston**

__Saturday - 12/7__ - arrived after what seemed a long flight due to delays along the way, including one at Melbourne airport for 3 hours. This then caused delays at LA airport, not to mention that Una and I were chosen for a random search at LA.

Arrived at JFK airport and Jumped in a taxi ‘to Mid town Manhattan’ It was an incredible feeling to be in New York, past Times Square and here we are

__Sunday - 13/7__ After a restless sleep ( Una active in the morning awake at 4.30am and me active at the end of the day sleepy in the morning)  we headed out on the streets for the first time. Had breakfast at a local corner eatery - egg & cheese rollls and perculated coffee, going cheap ! Went on the subway Wall street and Ground Zero. Opposite the site is the NYFD memorial. Across the street is St Pauls Church where there is a memorial to those that died on that day. The church provided an important place for those who were working to search for people to seek shelter and rest. It has a very human presence - the stories and memories of those touched by this event. What must it have been like to be in the area that day and see what happened.

We had lunch in that area and then caught the Staten Island Ferry and return. Also had a quick look at 21st Century for a quick


 * Monday 14/7**  Walked uptown to Central Park. Such a massive park within such a busy city. The buildings hug its borders. Wandered through the park to the fountain. A couple of photo shoots were taking place. Wandered through some of Strawberry fields to where the 'Imagine' memorial for John Lennon is found. A few JL dudes where there keeping watch and making sure things should be as they should. Walked out of the part at the Dekota building - a popular address with those with money and fame.  Delighted to  find what was to become a favourite lunch place Le Pain Quoidtain, with great hopes for the coffee. It was ok. Walked on the  Lincoln Centre, dropping in on Magnolia's (cake shop) and a bookstore. In the evening went to the  Rockafella Centre Top of the Rock - an amazing view across and around the city. Then had dinner and a drink in the Rink bar (in winter it is an ice skating ring) Had a great night within an amazing centre of art and lights.

Tuesday 15/7 Circle Line tour of the Island - 12 miles long and two miles wide, 20 plus bridges. Visited Grand Central Station, Chrysler Building,Penn station at peak hour travel ! Followed by a trip trip to Maceys ! Ummmm

Wednesday- 16/7 Moma - Salvador Dali painting and film -  Theatre A Chorus Line

Thursday 17 Shopping at Century 21

Friday 18/7 Greenwich village ‘ Joe the Art of Coffee’  /Soho

19/7 Saturday Guggenhiem Museum & Marcys

Wonderful experience in the space at the Guggenhiem. Slowly walking around the space where the work of Louise Bourgeouis was exhibited. Spanning a life time of work across many forms. These places awaken another way of knowing life and how it is experienced and can be communicated to yourself and others.

Macys not so nice....... how can so many people be shopping and buying so many things. It is like being on a merry go round -fast - another bag another bag another bag.... I didn’t enjoy the shopping

Day 8 -Sunday 20/7  After a nice slow start - breakfast at the local food empire we ended up on a train to Chelsea -headed for the local galleries - to our surprise they were closed on a Sunday. On another hot tube ride to Brooklyn instead - were treated to a great little escape with great cafe’s/shops etc. Walked back over the Brooklyn Bridge which we loved dispite the heat - then after a sit in the park in the shade catch the tube home - finished the day at a restaurant on Broadway for a nice meal.

Day 9 Monday 21/7 Went to Upper East End for a quiet afternoon wandering past tall stone houses, with small green gardens behind iron fences. ...... but don’t forget to curb your dog! Had a late lunch at Cafe Luxembourg. An old fashioned American restaurant. Tiled and mirrored walls, red leather seats, art deco style lighting. It was late afternoon the waiters all gathered in a section of the restaurant and ate together and chatted. Wandered around local area and sat in the shade in Central Park - the night ended with a last minute shop for t-shirts. arghh

Day 10 Tuesday 22/7 - left for Boston by train - managed very large bags on escalators and train. comfortable train ride to Boston. B&B easy walk from station. Walked around streets. Beautiful tree lined streets and brown stone buildings. Wide grassy boulevards. A welcome relief after busy NY