Off to Marrakech end of Feb for a week then we've got a wedding in Cyprus in Sept..
Quote from: Fishy on October 12, 2024, 04:37:05 PMOff to Marrakech end of Feb for a week then we've got a wedding in Cyprus in Sept..
If it's still there ;D ;)
Booked a week in Majorca in Aug and Madrid for 4 days in May
Not a Holiday, but just had a weekend break in Shrewsbury and very nice it was too. Didn't even have to resort to a boat trip to kill time. The town centre is still substantially Tudor. Even sat out eating Tapas with a glass of Bandol Rosé on Friday. Would return.
We've returned home today from a wonderful break in the motorhome. Our fourth trip down to the touring park at Seasalter just up the road from Whitstable.
We decided to check out the Malle Mile motorcycle event held at the weekend at Margate which is within easy reach of Whitstable by train. Featuring straight-line, drag-style competitions, dirt track and 'motopolo' all held on Margate sands at low tide. The bikes were restricted to customs and classics featuring a lot of British period machines. It was a fantastic day weather-wise with sunshine and high temps all day Saturday. We did spend quite a lot of time either in a pub or sat in the glorious sun, concentrating on the consumption of various delicious craft beers. I was chuffed to get a couple of appreciative comments on my Permanent Waves t-shirt!
The day was kicked off with a cooked breakfast at Charlie's in Margate which if not for the wait and the tepid sausage, would have scored a sound 10/10. Some great ales quaffed at Xylo on the front, followed by a quirky little watering-hole by the name of Fez which is stuffed full of period signs, posters, furniture etc. including a genuine Waltzer car.
We travelled down on Thursday and re-aquainted ourselves with one of our favourite Whitstable bar, The Twelve Taps. Ate at Castellum, an Italian on high street.
Friday we dusted off the mtbs and cycled the Crab & Winkle Way to just outside Canterbury, through Blean Woods and stopped off at The Dove in Dargate. After a couple of pints, we cycled onwards back towards Seasalter, stopping at a nice spot for our packed lunch. Not far (15 miles?) but very pleasant in the sunshine.
We planned to catch a local cricket match at Whitstable cricket club on Sunday but were disappointed to find no game on when we arrived on our bikes at the ground. A phone call confirmed the game was cancelled as Westgate on Sea were unable to raise a side. Weather was much cooler on Sunday with cloudy/sun throughout the afternoon but considerably lower temperatures. Fortunately the home of 'The Oyster Men', Whitstable FC, is adjacent to the cricket ground and we were able to watch a Kent Youth U14s match between Whitstable and Rochester. The home side overpowered the visitors to win 4-0. On Sunday the senior side wilkl be contesting the FC Vase at Wembley against AFC Whyteleaf. We finished the day with a nice 'van-cooked' curry - chicken Tikka Masala, rice and naan breads.
Yesterday the weather had definitely turned a bit grotty with 30mph winds and showers in the morning. The rain stopped in the afternoon giving us the chance to escape the van with a cycle to pick up some essentials at the Sainsbury's superstore near Tankerton. We couldn't resist a stop-off at The Twelve Taps on the way back to the site to finish the weekend off. On returning to the motorhome, Clare rustled up penne pasta with broad beans and sausage in pesto sauce.
We've become really fond of this part of the UK in the last couple of years. Kent is, of course, known as the 'garden of England' as it is blessed with higher than UK average sunshine. I guess the reason is that our prevailing weather systems from the west firstly dump their contents on the hills of Wales, the Cotswolds, Chilterns and Surrey hills before reaching Kent depleted of moisture. Mind you, at times that wind from the North Sea can be bracing!
We love the area and have discussed wether we will end our days down there. At the moment though, the in-laws are in need of more help so they will have to be our focus in the short term.
I would thoroughly recommend Kent, especially the Isle of Thanet if youve never visited before.
Just booked a trip to New York in October to coincide with the wife's birthday. She's been but I haven't. Looking forward to having my photo taken outside Trump Tower.
1 more day of work tomorrow and then a short trip next week to the countryside. eThe aim is to see as little other people as possible. It's only a few days but I will bring books, hiking shoes and a music player + headphones. No one will bother me, except for the wife which is allowed. And the dogs come as well.
Mornings are for walking, afternoons for reading.
Quote from: David L on May 22, 2025, 06:26:21 PMJust booked a trip to New York in October to coincide with the wife's birthday. She's been but I haven't. Looking forward to having my photo taken outside Trump Tower.
Better not look cross eyed in that photo, they'll lock you up even when you want to be deported.
Quote from: Thenop on May 22, 2025, 06:52:56 PMQuote from: David L on May 22, 2025, 06:26:21 PMJust booked a trip to New York in October to coincide with the wife's birthday. She's been but I haven't. Looking forward to having my photo taken outside Trump Tower.
Better not look cross eyed in that photo, they'll lock you up even when you want to be deported.
Actually I was born with a strabismus in my left eye. It was corrected when I was five years old although on occasion, especially when I am tired, the eye can still turn in slightly. In view of your comment I will opt to get the photo taken before lunch.
Quote from: David L on May 22, 2025, 06:26:21 PMJust booked a trip to New York in October to coincide with the wife's birthday. She's been but I haven't. Looking forward to having my photo taken outside Trump Tower.
I've been to NY only once. It was actually a work trip to Little Falls, NJ - but we took a bus to NY one weekend and did all the tourist things. It was November and fucking freezing - I've been to sone shitty parts of the world and I don't think I've ever been so cold. Great city though.
Quote from: pxr5 on May 22, 2025, 10:18:23 PMQuote from: David L on May 22, 2025, 06:26:21 PMJust booked a trip to New York in October to coincide with the wife's birthday. She's been but I haven't. Looking forward to having my photo taken outside Trump Tower.
I've been to NY only once. It was actually a work trip to Little Falls, NJ - but we took a bus to NY one weekend and did all the tourist things. It was November and fucking freezing - I've been to sone shitty parts of the world and I don't think I've ever been so cold. Great city though.
I'm hoping it will still be reasonably warm (Indian Summer?) but the autumnal colours will be on show.
We will be staying in Manhattan at The Grayson which looks like an ideal location for all the touristy stuff. After four nights we are heading up to White Plains to spend the weekend with Clare's nephew and his wife. They re-located there (from Newbury) for work over a year ago.
We're flying with Virgin, Heathrow - JFK, and decided to stump up a little more for Premium Economy. Been ages since I did long haul, hope to sleep as much as poss!
I'm thinking now we're retired I should start ticking some destination boxes. Can't take it with you and all that!
Flew Virgin PE from Boston a few weeks ago, very impressed and much better than BA.
Last week I booked a week in Zante for July (thanks for all the excellent advice, Matt!)
Today, I booked a Berlin in August - 3 full days...
Quote from: captainkurtz on May 23, 2025, 09:53:34 PMLast week I booked a week in Zante for July (thanks for all the excellent advice, Matt!)
Παρακαλώ πολι :D
You're very welcome. 😉
And remember, it's "ZAK-in-thos", not "Zak-IN-thos". But yeah, you can stick to "Zante" of course. ;D
Quote from: David L on May 22, 2025, 06:26:21 PMJust booked a trip to New York in October to coincide with the wife's birthday. She's been but I haven't. Looking forward to having my photo taken outside Trump Tower.
New York is great - just how it seems in all the films. Been twice, I think firstly in March 2000 (I remember seeing Concorde parked at its gate at JFK), and definitely in November 2002, when I stopped over en route back from Honolulu (as one does) to see Rush in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a couple of weeks or so before they filmed their gig in Rio.
On the second visit I stood in roughly the same place as when I stood at the foot of the twin towers on my first visit; that was a sobering experience.
Well it's time to seriously consider the options of which Greek-speaking territory will be the destination of choice for the main summer holiday this year.
The "window" to get away is even tighter than previous years due to certain bands having the temerity to play at the Piece Hall during the first week of August, so the shortlist is down to some places previously visited where I'd love to go again (Rhodes, Santorini, Kos, Crete, ZAKinthos ;) ) and one that would be new and I'd love to experience (Skiathos).
Lots of moving parts still, so we'll see.
Off to Dumfries and Galloway tomorrow to stay in a holiday cottage for a week. It's the first long trip in our EV, so it could get interesting ;D
I'm chilly Jockoland bound on Saturday for a couple of nights in Glasgow, to watch the Women's Tour of Britain on Sunday.
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on June 05, 2025, 03:11:31 PMI'm chilly Jockoland bound on Saturday for a couple of nights in Glasgow, to watch the Women's Tour of Britain on Sunday.
It's quite warm today.
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on June 05, 2025, 04:16:26 PMQuote from: Nickslikk2112 on June 05, 2025, 03:11:31 PMI'm chilly Jockoland bound on Saturday for a couple of nights in Glasgow, to watch the Women's Tour of Britain on Sunday.
It's quite warm today.
Been able to wear the fingerless gloves and put the hood down on your Parka?
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on June 05, 2025, 09:49:37 PMQuote from: The Picnic Wasp on June 05, 2025, 04:16:26 PMQuote from: Nickslikk2112 on June 05, 2025, 03:11:31 PMI'm chilly Jockoland bound on Saturday for a couple of nights in Glasgow, to watch the Women's Tour of Britain on Sunday.
It's quite warm today.
Been able to wear the fingerless gloves and put the hood down on your Parka?
Only if I can get the Damart balaclava on wearing fingerless gloves.
Flew to Malta on Thurs, joined a cruise ship, sea day yesterday, Heraklion this morning. We were supposed to be in Mykonos this morning but it got cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Other half was disappointed as she went there in the '80s and was looking forward to going back.
I like the sea days most of all as I don't have to go anywhere and shore excursions are usually wearing. I have to go ashore today. But at least I have the Internet when we're not at sea. I get free data roaming. Handy.
Piraeus and Athens tomorrow and I admit I'm looking forward to Athens as I went there 52 years ago! I've brought a decent camera. I had a Kodak Instamatic with me last time. Still have the prints somewhere.
Booked a week and a weekend separately in September and October. We always skip school holiday period, too expensive and too busy.
Staying in country as usual. Relaxing, walking, reading. And cooking, planning an elaborate vegan gumbo, takes up most of the day.
Have to get through the summer first though!
So Heraklion, as it turns out, is less interesting than Middlesbrough. This whole trip has been a grind so far.
Quote from: Slim on June 14, 2025, 09:59:10 AMThis whole trip has been a grind so far.
But you knew that it would be even before you went. So, next year Middlesbrough then I assume?
Quote from: Slim on June 14, 2025, 09:59:10 AMSo Heraklion, as it turns out, is less interesting than Middlesbrough. This whole trip has been a grind so far.
I've never been that fussed about holidays. I don't mind a reasonably quick visit to experience a different culture or environment but I seem to have homing pigeon in my DNA. Business trips were particularly annoying and I just couldn't wait to be on the homeward route again as soon as possible.
Going away with the lads when very young could be traumatic too. You can never account for the behaviour of others when travelling or at the destination. I find inappropriate language excruciating when in mixed company, even though it's strangers I will never meet again I get quite embarrassed. Mind you, that doesn't seem to apply anymore these days. I do feel a gravitational pull to where I've always lived. It's probably a bad thing if I'm honest, but it keeps me content.
I was thinking recently that the chances are I won't travel by plane again and I used to be air travel obsessed (only because I've always been so interested in aircraft) After the last few days I think that idea is more reinforced.
^ I hear you. I'd be happy foregoing holidays, but the missus still likes going away. These days though we like to stay in the UK (thankfully, as airports fill me with dread) and yesterday we got back from a week in a cottage in Dumfries and Galloway. But we'd both had been happy coming home after 4 or 5 days. Thing is these holiday cottages seem to cost the same for 5 days as 7 - bonkers. I think I've done enough travelling in my lifetime (mostly for work) and am now happy to just chill at home.
I've not had what you might call a "proper" holiday for years now. Just weekend breaks, think we had a four night break in Edinburgh 13 years ago. I do like going away and seeing new places, but it's people you encounter on the way that put me off. Not been on a plane since 2012 and Mrs S hasn't been on one since 1997. Whether we will or not again I knoweth not.
We'd like it of more destinations were available on train though the Channel tunnel.
Good Morning from Piraeus. Hot day here. Out to face Athens in 30 mins.
The coffee was particularly vile in the buffet this morning.
Quote from: Thenop on June 14, 2025, 10:57:06 AMQuote from: Slim on June 14, 2025, 09:59:10 AMThis whole trip has been a grind so far.
But you knew that it would be even before you went. So, next year Middlesbrough then I assume?
Ah.. if only.
Quote from: Slim on June 15, 2025, 07:00:16 AMGood Morning from Piraeus. Hot day here. Out to face Athens in 30 mins.
The coffee was particularly vile in the buffet this morning.
Now if all these holiday programmes from the 70s and 80s had been this honest I might have watched them..
Oftentimes I find a holiday is a thing that is enjoyed more as a 'memory' when you're back home...when you're actually on holiday in the moment...you busy trying to get everything done that you want to get done...not sure if that makes sense...
My memories are probably the thing I value the most..and I am trying to make as many as possible whilst I am still physically able..
Got to admit, Athens and the Acropolis have been great. Hot day here. Will be heading back through the city to Piraeus and the ship in 30 mins. Then pizza and a couple of beers by the pool.
Got to put a brave face on.
I last visited the Acropolis in 1973 and it was a bit eerie to find how well I remembered it. Got lots of pics.
(https://i.supaimg.com/12ad6e53-8865-40ca-8f93-3716af44bd0e.jpg)
At the Acropolis a few hrs ago. Been fiddling with image hosting and photo resizing apps, might look a bit over-compressed. Can't tell on a phone.
(https://i.supaimg.com/d7b6989e-f6b1-408b-a474-2388f5d5f34a.jpg)
(https://i.supaimg.com/2b951704-da1c-4c2d-90a1-d6c3b627a909.jpg)
I loved Athens.
Quote from: Slim on June 15, 2025, 01:50:07 PM(https://i.supaimg.com/12ad6e53-8865-40ca-8f93-3716af44bd0e.jpg)
At the Acropolis a few hrs ago. Been fiddling with image hosting and photo resizing apps, might look a bit over-compressed. Can't tell on a phone.
seeing the scaffolding I can only conclude they are finally re-building it. About time.
Back on Crete, at a beach resort near Chania. Warm day, bit of a breeze.
(https://i.supaimg.com/6b1b1d3a-a050-47e8-aae5-be7cd6a45879.jpg)
Azura, parked up at Souda Bay.
(https://i.supaimg.com/45f1ba67-bfa6-4d7e-ab74-95c383984ae2.jpg)
Athens is a magical place for me and the family, to the point where it's become an annual pilgrimage (in late October/early November when it's still pretty warm but obviously less crowded).
We walked round the bay to Crete's Allied War Cemetery. Many of the graves are dedicated to Unknown Airman, Unknown Soldier and so on. But many of them bear names. Mostly men in their early or mid 20s who died in 1941. Poles, New Zealanders, Australians, Canadians and others as well as Brits.
Some civilian graves too, and some military graves from earlier conflicts.
Sweltering hot in Crete today. Was a 6km walk there and back. You can just see our ship on the left of the image.
(https://i.supaimg.com/d6fedd99-cee6-4bbe-925c-77c473d97ae4.jpg)
We're at Katakolon this morning. Another stinking hot day and I don't really want to go ashore. We don't have any excursions booked. The other half is keen to explore as usual but I think I'll give it a miss.
We sail for Malta this evening. Sea day tomorrow.
Unsurprisingly I was persuaded to come ashore for a bit. Presently at a caff in the town. Only a ten minute walk back to the ship.
(https://i.supaimg.com/3f3e151a-9fce-470e-8615-4635f8bab1fd.jpg)
Azura parked up at Katakolon, 30 mins ago. Back on board now.
(https://i.supaimg.com/d4ffb27c-8585-4a70-9f56-e16738e11a69.jpg)
I don't look like a tourist, do I?
Quote from: Slim on June 17, 2025, 11:06:38 AM(https://i.supaimg.com/d4ffb27c-8585-4a70-9f56-e16738e11a69.jpg)
I don't look like a tourist, do I?
Well, apart from the bag, the shades, the cap, the shorts, the camera and pose, you almost fit in with the locals..
Quote from: Slim on June 17, 2025, 11:06:38 AM(https://i.supaimg.com/d4ffb27c-8585-4a70-9f56-e16738e11a69.jpg)
I don't look like a tourist, do I?
What?.. no Rush t shirt?😂
Midday sun according to the shadow, hence an Englishman,guilty of tourism.
Slim your holiday blog is comedy gold.
I'd love you to write a Neil Peart style travel book, but about how crap it is being away from home.
Best seller!
Three paragraphs, (not the book). 😂
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on June 17, 2025, 07:18:39 PMI'd love you to write a Neil Peart style travel book, but about how crap it is being away from home.
Best seller!
Three paragraphs, (not the book). 😂
If you want an essay on holidays and cruises in particular you really should track down the late David Foster Wallace's
A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again.
Another sea day today and the ship is presently about 150 (non-nautical) miles east of Malta, where we should arrive tomorrow morning. Just had a look on Google Maps.
Obviously you can't get terrestrial mobile broadband out here but the ship has Starlink, you get a free hour and I must say it's very fast. Costs £14 a day though so I'll just be making do with an hour.
Last night we attended a Lady Gaga tribute show in one of the ship's venues. Excruciating. But we took part in a game show afterwards which really was a lot of fun, although we didn't win.
Today's marital dispute was about whether we should have a walk round Valetta or not tomorrow. We'll be flying back later in the day and I just think it's a long enough day without walking round some hot, dusty coastal town. Needless to say though, we will be.
In Malta this morning. Had to vacate the cabin at 0800 local time, so presently we're lounging around the ship with our hand luggage until we leave for the airport later this afternoon. On the promenade deck at the moment, took the pic a few minutes ago.
Nice day here in Valetta. We did have a walk around for a bit, though it was a bit brief and perfunctory.
(https://i.supaimg.com/8274d994-56fe-4257-a8d4-dcc9c97fffcb.jpg)
Is the postcard dead?
Quote from: Nick on June 21, 2025, 09:30:33 PMIs the postcard dead?
I've seen them in Greece consistently every year since about 2012, if that helps. :)
After switching seemingly endlessly between one Greek island and another (and Cyprus), I finally pushed the button on a jolly to the north coast of Rhodes, near Rhodes Town, at a resort hotel that has endless 5-star rave reviews and looks the business.
The temptation to have a day trip down to Lindos and my beloved Pefkos I think might prove irresistible, but as long as boats are involved any excursion will do me. :)
Can't think why, but I've booked a Weekend in Cardiff for September.
Of course I know why, it's Mrs S's birthday treat! She's hoping to see Geraint Thomas finish off his cycling career.
Off to Majorca on Aug 12 for a week...weather looks great
Apologies in advance for, well, everything. The t-shirts, the screaming subtitles designed ror 11 year olds, the nametags these people wear (do pay attention) and most of all for hotlinking to a TikTokpage. I am not a user myself but can see the video just fine.
No idea whether you can actually just click then link, if not just copy/paste. I found it funny.
https://www.tiktok.com/@travelandcomedywithjamie/video/7535912574433561858 (https://www.tiktok.com/@travelandcomedywithjamie/video/7535912574433561858)
That's a funny one thanks :)
Off to Cyprus next wednesday for a pal's daughter's wedding.. 34degrees.. toasty..
Quote from: Fishy on September 12, 2025, 11:42:46 AMOff to Cyprus next wednesday for a pal's daughter's wedding.. 34degrees.. toasty..
Paphos? Ayia Napa? Limassol? :)
Wedding is in napa but we're staying in paralimni/ protaras I think..
Arrived in New York yesterday evening. Fairly straighforward trip. Flight was late by over an hour departing from Heathrow due to late arrival. However we made up the lost time and arrived close to scheduled time. First time flying 'Premium Economy' and was a bit disappointed tbh. The food was not 'as advertised' (where do they get those menu pictures done? >:( ). The headphones were a poor fit so the on screen entertainment was accompanied by engine drone the whole time ( I decided to only take my bluetooth buds this time - mistake). Unfortunately we also had a baby in the row behind that was not happy for a while early on. Having said that, the time didn't drag too much and the flight was shorter than I expected at under 7 hours.
We had little problem getting through the airport (immigration took less than an hour) and getting into the city via the Air Train and the Long Island Rail Road was quick and straightforward (we were planning on getting a yellow cab but changed our minds and saved some money).The room at The Grayson (west 39th) is frankly, poor. Considering the price it's not good enough. We are used to great hotels in Austria when we go on our winter trips so it's our own fault for spoiling ourselves! We were warned not to expect great accommodation but it would've been nice to at least have coffee/tea- making facilities and somewhere to put our clothes. Anyway, we will not be spending much time in the room, the beds (we went for two doubles to prevent getting a broom cupboard) are comfortable and it's in a great location.
We hit the streets just after arriving and wandered to a 7-eleven for a few snacks and some water for the room. We moseyed down to Times Square which is close and then looked for somewhere to eat. The plan was to stay up late and get a night's sleep to get us on track with local time. After eating some nice asian food at a small, clean cafe on 6th Avenue we looked for somewhere to enjoy a couple of beers before turning in for the night. We struck luck! Just around the corner, The Keg Room. An Irish sports bar with a decent selection of craft keg. We enjoyed three (different) halves and met a nice young guy, Jason, who was alone at the bar.
After remaining awake for nearly 24 hours we showered and hit the sack.
Where are you staying @David ? My old office was just off Times Square on 7th Ave.
Quote from: Slim on October 21, 2025, 02:30:13 PMWhere are you staying @David ? My old office was just off Times Square on 7th Ave.
The Grayson Hotel, West 39th street
Quote from: David L on October 21, 2025, 02:45:00 PMQuote from: Slim on October 21, 2025, 02:30:13 PMWhere are you staying @David ? My old office was just off Times Square on 7th Ave.
The Grayson Hotel, West 39th street
Nice, close to the guitar shops. Not far from the YMCA where I stayed in '87. And Central Park.
Quote from: Slim on October 21, 2025, 11:47:18 PMQuote from: David L on October 21, 2025, 02:45:00 PMQuote from: Slim on October 21, 2025, 02:30:13 PMWhere are you staying @David ? My old office was just off Times Square on 7th Ave.
The Grayson Hotel, West 39th street
Nice, close to the guitar shops. Not far from the YMCA where I stayed in '87. And Central Park.
Tomorrow we intend to visit Central Park. We began today with Hudson's Yard including the viewing platform, The Edge - unbelievable views of the city and surroundings. We then walked The High Line. Next was the Staten Island Ferry followed by our first subway ride back to mid-town.
This evening we walked to a bar out on 10th avenue and then dined at a decent Italian nearby. By the time we got back to our room we'd clocked up just under 21,000 steps.
On my first visit to NY we (girlfriend at the time and I) took the Staten Island Ferry. We got off. Looked around for five minutes. Came straight back! At the time (1987) Staten Island wasn't really a tourist attraction. No idea what it's like now, might have a look on Street View.
Quote from: Slim on October 22, 2025, 10:59:52 PMOn my first visit to NY we (girlfriend at the time and I) took the Staten Island Ferry. We got off. Looked around for five minutes. Came straight back! At the time (1987) Staten Island wasn't really a tourist attraction. No idea what it's like now, might have a look on Street View.
Yeah, not much to see over there, we had a beer and then came back to Manhattan.
Quote from: Slim on October 21, 2025, 11:47:18 PMQuote from: David L on October 21, 2025, 02:45:00 PMQuote from: Slim on October 21, 2025, 02:30:13 PMWhere are you staying @David ? My old office was just off Times Square on 7th Ave.
The Grayson Hotel, West 39th street
Nice, close to the guitar shops. Not far from the YMCA where I stayed in '87. And Central Park.
Always hoped to visit Manny's when I was younger. Too late now, closed sadly.
So, we completed the main objective we had for yesterday, to walk the whole way around Central Park. Before we got to the park, we took in the iconic buildings on the way - Chrysler, Rockefeller, Brill and Radio City Music Hall.
We entered GC in the SW corner off Broadway and made our way counter-clocwise. We went a bit wrong towards the northern end as we took the cinder running track around the Jackie Kennedy-Onassis reservoir. We were almost across to the west-side when I realised so it was imperative that, in order to properly complete the task in hand, we doubled back to get ourselves on track again (I'm quite competitive!).
We were able to do that without directly re-tracing our steps such are the myriad routes in the park. So, we took the route through the conservatory garden which was well worth seeing and around Harlem Meer. There's a bit of an incline at the Harlem end (Harlen Hill) which surprised us, in fact I was surprised by the relief of the park overall. I don't know why but I expected it to be flat - not so! A few, let's say, interesting characters at that end of the park.
We had stopped on a bench to fuel up on crisps, a banana and a shared bar of chocolate earlier so we pushed on around the northern end and down the western side towards our start point. Starting at 12:15pm we finished around 3:45pm. We were led to believe it's about 6 to 7 miles around Central Park. I would guess, we walked all of 7 miles, probably a little more, whilst in the park itself.
On exit we made our way to Valhalla Bar in Hell's kitchen which was a 10-15 minute walk away. Some good beer and friendly bar tender........and delicious chicken wings! We then went scouting for our next watering hole, Rudy's but happened upon Craft & Carry before we got there. A great find as it turned out with a decent selection of craft beer. Got chatting to a couple from Long Island who, unbelievably slid $30 along the bar towards us before leaving to buy our drinks! They would not allow us to refuse it however much we protested. How nice!
Anyway, we were invited to stay for the evening's Halloween-themed quiz. It was so difficult so we were amazed to win a $20 gift voucher for coming third - admittedly only six teams but we were chuffed.
On the way back to the hotel we stopped for food at the small Taiwanese cafe, Sanmiwago, where we ate on our first night - superb.....again. I had shrimp fried rice, Clare had Terriyaki beef rice bento. Washed down with Singtao beer.
28000 steps, a new record! That equates to around 13 miles, apparently.
Today, we're going back down south to see the Brooklyn Bridge uo close and personal.
That's a lot of steps on crisps, a banana and half a bar of chocolate. What kind of chocolate? Did it taste of sick? 😁
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on October 23, 2025, 03:18:43 PMThat's a lot of steps on crisps, a banana and half a bar of chocolate. What kind of chocolate? Did it taste of sick? 😁
They are in the US, everything is supersized.
Yesterday we took the subway to Brooklyn. Visited O'Keefe's bar - no bloody Guinness ffs! Still, barmaid felt bad so we had a free pint (Lagunitas)!
Checked out Evil Twin brewery tap - great beers (super strength!) before walking back to Manhattan on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Next, ground zero, Woolworth building, subway to NYU and slice of pizza at 'Ray's' just around the corner from McSorley's Ale House where we met our 'new' friends from Long Island, Sean and Elma, for drinks. Finished the evening at 'Swift'. On the way back to the hotel we unexpectedly found ourselves in a Japanese restaurant enjoying dumplings and sushi- very good.
Another busy day! (19000 steps)
Today we had a sort of mopping up exercise. Madison Square Garden and Trump Tower. Had no idea that Trump's gaff is open to the public. It may have been the strong americano at Andrews Diner NYC but some of you will be pleased to hear that my contribution to the Trump residence was loose and quite foul smelling.
This afternoon we made our way via Grand Central to White Plains where we were met off the train by Clare's nephew, Lloyd, who accompanied us to his (and wife Nicola's) apartment. A nice two-bedroom place in the Mitchell block with splendid views. Settled in as Nicola prepared dinner and then we all wandered over the road to their local craft beer bar, Wolf and Warrior. Some good beer on offer.
The lasagne Nicola had prepared was delicious after which we settled down to watch the first game of the World Series. Was hoping to catch a glimpse of Geddy but not yet. Blue Jays are currently ahead 11-4 at the top of the 9th innings despite being the underdogs. Go Blue Jays!
Today is the wife's birthday!
Train back in to NYC from White Plains today. Subway from Grand Central to Court Square and then took a boat across the East River to Brooklyn. Some wonderful views of Manhattan to be had from here.
Brief snack at Smorgasbord, an al fresco food market by the river - delicious empanadas! Next stop The Kent Ale House followed by the Brooklyn Brewery and Spritzenhaus33, both do good impressions of german beer halls. It's a quite different place to Manhattan with a trendy vibe similar to Shoreditch or Hoxton (I guess).Places packed out with a young crowd having a great time..................and us ;D
This evening we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Morton's Steakhouse in White Plains. Quite posh but not in the least bit pretentious. They had been informed of Clare's birthday and we were welcomed with greeting cards at our table. We were looked after well and the food was excellent. Possibly one of the nicest steak dinners I've experienced, although the sprouts consumed by my wife are now making me quite nauseous.
Returned to the apartment to watch the second game in the series. Unfortunately now tied after a Dodgers win. No sign of the Gedster.
More of a laid back day today. We visited Lloyd and Nicola's respective work places in White Plains. Both ambitious, flexible and very capable they've been in the US for a couple of years after already doing a stint in Frankfurt a few years ago.
Nicola has worked for Pepsico for some years and was asked by the company if she would take the position at the global HQ in NY which is the reason they are here. Her workplace is most impressive surrounded by magnificently manicured gardens, through which we took a stroll this morning.
Lloyd spent a time out of work here apart from a temporary stint at his last employer, Vodafone, before getting his current job at the Mastercard global HQ very close to Pepsico. They are both extremely happy with their work situations and both companies allow them to work from home for a lot of the time. Mastercard's premises is also impressive. Having introduced her nephew to working in the city of London as part of a 'bring your family to work' initiative when he was young, she is very proud of both of them for the way they've managed to progress their careers. They both acknowledge her part in their life choices.
Taking a drive across the Hudson River we drove into Nyack to get a light lunch at the Coffee Ride Cafe - popular stop with a large number of local cyclists. We then took their delightful spaniel, Molly, for a short stroll along the Bronx River before driving through the upmarket suburb of Scarsdale where we marvelled at the huge houses and their equally impressive halloween displays. Next stop was Broken Bow Brewery for a couple of nice beers.
We had a perfect end to the day at The Cheesecake Factory in White Plains (fish tacos followed by peanut butter cheesecake).
That's our last full day, heading home tomorrow.
Woke on our last day to find the weather was still fabulous - sunshine and blue skies although the temp is beginning to drop. The trees are turning glorious shades of red, yellow and copper - wonderful sight.
Nicola gave us a tour of their apartment building - wow! At the very top is a large barbecue/patio area, gymnasium, outdoor table tennis and a pool table. There is a fully a large dining area with cooking facilities that can be booked for hosting large groups, a large lounge area and a small pool. They even have a golf simulator! All free to use whenever. The monthly management fee seems cheap to me at $70.
Lloyd then drove us all out to Kisco where we brunched at the Kisco Diner. We were all impressed with our orders. Bacon, onion and pepper omelette with home fries and toast for me. No chance of a decent 'brown' sauce but A1 was available and raised the flavour nicely.
We returned to White Plains and had a mooch around the shopping mall. A high-end affair including Rolex, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton and other 'posh brands'. Not enough time to really explore before packing our bags and setting off for JFK. We said our goodbyes at North Plains station. We will catch up again when Lloyd and Nicola return to the UK for Xmas.
We've had an absolutely wonderful week and vowed to return before too long. Next time we visit them we might go on to do Boston (our fingers are crossed that they stay put for a while!)
Really enjoy reading the travelogues on here, especially as it gives me an excuse to chronicle this year's city break/annual pilgrimage to Athens (our third consecutive year). :)
We were fortunate enough this year to have access to the Escape Lounge in Manchester Airport's Terminal Two by virtue of being in Aegean Airlines' Business Class (we're on plain old Easyjet on the way back), but as I'm not used to such privileges I made the mistake of utterly stuffing myself at the complimentary buffet cooked breakfast, to the point where I couldn't eat a single morsel of food on Aegean's pretty impressive meal service on the flight. On being presented with a tray chock full of food by the smiling stewardess, I apologised to her profusely - in Greek - to her gracious understanding, on multiple levels. I was also suffering from a case of a horribly bloated stomach and trapped wind for a good hour due to my earlier unwise over-indulgence which, let's say, took some time to remedy.
With a strong tail-wind giving us an ground speed of over 1,000 km/hour, we zoomed down to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos in a rapid three hours, the last 20 minutes or so offering a spectacular sight as the sun set and dusk fell over the city.
Yiannis, our driver for the 35 minute journey to our hotel in the Syntagma Square area, was a very endearing gent with utterly immaculate English, and we had a hugely enjoyable chat where he gave me some astute and valuable advice about not just the usual touristy stuff but my own endeavours to improve my Greek. After the young 'un demonstrated her own Greek language abilities (she can, for example, order stuff in restaurants) Yiannis joked that she was better than me! Or at least I presumed he was joking... ;D
After a brief shopping trip to get some bits, and the mandatory selfie-taking on the hotel's roof terrace with the Parthenon gloriously illuminated in the background, the rest of the family retired for the night after a long day, and I nipped down to my Athens "local", The James Joyce, for a cool, refreshing draft Mythos or two - alfresco of course, as late October nights in Athens can still be closer to 20 Celsius than ten.
The plan for tomorrow is to use the hop-on hop-off bus to visit a few places of historical interest, with the mandatory Acropolis visit on Thursday. On both days, the weather looks glorious. 8)
My latest "Holiday" was a weekend in Manchester. It rained.
So to Day Two of our mini-Greek Odyssey, starting with the hotel's reasonable buffet breakfast where I was careful not to repeat the mistake of around 24 hours earlier.
Syntagma Square is one of the transport hubs of Athens, so we found a hop-on hop-off bus stop easily and bought our ticket from a guide; I assumed it would be valid for the day but it's actually valid for 24 hours, and as it turned out that the sight of a ticket in your hand is enough for the driver to (barely) wave you on, it did make me wonder if the rules could be...bent a little bit... ::)
We decided to complete a circuit (about 90 minutes) of the city, complimentary headphones plugged in to the console for the informative commentary, before determining where we should get off.
Amongst the many statues passed, I was particularly impressed by a fantastic sculpture in Omonia Square of Icarus, falling to his death head first to the ground; I found it not only aesthetically stunning but an example of genuinely great art that has got under my skin in a good way and that I've thought about ever since (it's on the "Revisit List" for next year).
After rolling through the menu, so to speak, we opted to disembark by the Presidential Palace, where the Greek Guards have their barracks and can be seen on the public paths going through their stony-faced, distinctive and precise manoeuvres, with some of them being marched right past you under the eye of a superior in more familiar army uniform; the young 'un in particular loved experiencing all this.
Our next port of call, just a few minutes walk down the road, was the Panathenaic Stadium, a site dating from the 6th Century BCE, the venue for the first Olympic Games of the modern era in 1896 and the only stadium in the world built of marble. And what a breathtaking place it is! A stunning amphitheatre that still holds concerts for up to 65,000 people, it is every bit as essential to visit and experience as the Parthenon itself. Olympic rings overlook the stands and the elongated running track, where keen and serious runners take the opportunity to time themselves around it, and others - kids, mainly - scamper up and down the lanes for the pure fun of it. It was all wonderful to witness.
We missed the last bus back to Syntagma, but a short cut through a park made for an easy walk back.
After the exertions of the day, the evening was spent going out for a meal and then immediately returning to the hotel to crash because we were all so knackered! But we were also mindful that we wanted to get up to the Acropolis as early as possible the following morning to beat the crowds...
Our return from London today we realised this was flight no 10 this year.. never flown so much in one year...
Quote from: Fishy on October 31, 2025, 11:17:00 PMOur return from London today we realised this was flight no 10 this year.. never flown so much in one year...
Consumed with guilt? :) ;)
Quote from: David L on October 31, 2025, 11:31:47 PMQuote from: Fishy on October 31, 2025, 11:17:00 PMOur return from London today we realised this was flight no 10 this year.. never flown so much in one year...
Consumed with guilt? :) ;)
Nope...
24 for me in the last 12 months. :-[
Quote from: Nick on November 01, 2025, 12:19:06 PM24 for me in the last 12 months. :-[
The many taxes and surcharges on air tickets contribute to airports becoming carbon-neutral - like, for example, Amsterdam Schiphol, only one of the biggest and busiest hubs in Europe.
So, thanks Nick! ;)
Sorry, but "Day Three" has become so long I'm splitting it into three parts. So here goes:
Day Three - Part One
Day Three in Athens was dedicated to the annual pilgrimage to the Acropolis site and the Parthenon, but for the first time we added in an overdue visit to the accompanying museum.
Again, breakfast was taken in reasonable moderation and we were at the HOHO bus stop for about 9:15am - with just over an hour left on our ticket - just as the bus itself arrived exactly on cue.
Although the streets of Syntagma were in shadow at that time of the morning and felt a little too cool for t-shirt snd shorts, I knew that by the time we were up at the Acropolis that choice of dress would be more than vindicated.
And so it proved: the weather had been glorious throughout the visit so far, however on this day it was particularly fine, with only the merest hint of a breeze and a pristine, cloudless blue sky, the temperature climbing into the low-mid 20s.
I didn't pre-book our entry tickets as I expected - correctly - the queue to purchase them on a walk-in basis at this time of year, at this time of the day, would be small and we'd be progressing through the entrance in no time.
Last year, the guy scanning my ticket noticed my AFTK t-shirt said, "Rush - great band!"; this year, as we walked past a guided group to the same point, a guy with long dark hair who looked to be in his 30s pointed at my Time Machine t-shirt - "Rush!", he exclaimed, and we fist-bumped.
We made our way up the steep-ish route through the magnificent structure of the Propylaea, the Acropolis's entrance, which creates a bit of a bottle-neck of people capturing images of it in one direction and panoramic views of the sprawling west side of Athens in the other.
Day Three - Part Two
And so to the Parthenon itself: I'd recently heard on BBC Radio Four's news that, for the first time in decades, it was completely free of scaffolding. An AI search noted this would only be the case for a window of a month or so, hence the privilege to stand in the shadow of its columns felt extra special.
However, on the western face that greets you on entry there was a small but unobtrusive area of scaffolding after all, but still in no way did it detract from the unique aura the building gives off.
The site was a little more crowded than expected due to a confluence of a few guided tours, but once that eased we were able to take some decent snaps in front of the Parthenon from various angles and the sprawling, sun-blessed vista of the city looking the other way. There's a huge flag at the eastern-most point of the Acropolis, but such was the balminess of the weather it was slumped against its pole, an occasional lazy, half-hearted flutter the only indication of what passed for a breeze.
As we were taking some pics in front of the eastern face, I had my second Rush fan encounter of the morning: a gent perhaps in his early sixties who couldn't look more like an American tourist if he tried asked if I was going to next year's tour, said he already had his tickets for Boston and introduced himself as Steve. I shook his hand and told him I will see about next year, and after exchanging a few more pleasantries we moved on.
My last act before leaving was to assist an elderly lady who was clearly finding the uneven, slippery surface difficult to navigate as she was making her way back to the pathway to the Propylaea; "Merci beaucoup! Merci beaucoup!" she said as I made sure she got to safer ground.
Enveloped in a sheen of sweat from clambering about in the warm sunshine, we made our way down to the HOHO bus, which again obligingly arrived as we did, our tickets barely looked at again even though they had technically become invalid half an hour before...
We were to make the short journey to the Acropolis Museum, alighting at the stop by another Athens landmark, Hadrian's Gate, where a few more photos were taken before heading to another "must-go".
Not so much a holiday but a couple of nights in Edinburgh tomorrow and Monday..
Quote from: Fishy on November 29, 2025, 07:22:47 PMNot so much a holiday but a couple of nights in Edinburgh tomorrow and Monday..
Christmas markets I can take them or leave them not fussed.. but the amounts of pubs in Edinburgh is wonderful..
Underground vaults tour was great..
Not a holiday as such but thought this might be a good thread for travel advice. I did the usual Google walkthrough but Glasgow to Evenley does not appear to be a simple exercise by public transport. Any combination of flights, trains, buses and taxis looks quite complicated. Hiring a car is out unfortunately so hoping a bit of local knowledge might turn up something I've missed.