Last day of the Trip!

Were leaving New York at 6.40pm tonight so we virtually still have a day we can utilize.

We ended up going to Hoboken in New Jersey because the girls watch a show called 'Cake Boss'.  Theyre really taken with it, so we thought we'd go over and see what all the fuss is about.

The shop was so funny.  Decorated in the second generation Italian way.  As soon as we walked in the line was already to the door.  That was ok because it gave us lots of time to figure our what we were going to buy.  And buy we did, we got cannoli, cream puff, red velvet cup cake, brownie, strawberry tart, strawberries dipped in chocolate, and a macaroon.  They had no where to stop and eat so we went and picked up a star bucks and divided the bounty up so everyone got a taste.  It was all really good!

The town of Hoboken was so quaint.  I really loved it, its so close to Manhattan and only takes about 10 minutes over on the train.  Apparently this is where Frank Sinatra was born as well.

After our look around we went back to Manhattan and had our last 'slice of regular' and headed to the airport.

At check in we discovered we were going home with an extra 55kg of luggage. Hmm?  Maybe it was all that shopping.

I can gladly say now, that after 23 hours in transit we have made it back to lovely little Adelaide and are happy to be home.

We hope to catch up with you all soon x

This is the first day of inclement weather.  Very lucky really since were travelling in the dead of winter.  Its what they call sleet.  Basically its freezing rain on top of snow, so when it hits the ground, it makes a slurry mess.  Makes the day a bit difficult.

Even though weve been travelling in freezing and below zero temperatures its been easier than at home where you just get the rain.  The rain is what stops you from doing what you want and makes a real mess.  With snow it doesn’t really get in the way, you just work with it.

Anyway did a bit more looking around.  Rieley wanted to pick up something from FAO Schwartz, as its her tradition to pick something up from there every time we come here. 

As we were so close, I went and visited the Tiffany’s store on 5^th.  It is my favourite as it’s the largest and original.  Four floors of beautiful things.  And yes I did try a couple of rings on but I didn’t tell Adam or he would have tried to buy me one and I think Im spoilt enough!  It always amazes me how good they make jewellery look.  Every piece shimmers and shines and says ‘pick me’ as you walk by the display cases.  BEAUTIFUL!

As Im sitting here in my room overlooking the Hudson river Im realizing just how bad the weather is because I can no longer see the Hudson river?  There is a total gray haze, were up on the 37^th floor and usually can see for miles.

Time to start getting ready for the theatre now.  Luckily the venue is on the next block so couldn’t get any easier than that.

Patterson

Foyer

Model of temple in Jesus day

Bethel Family Worship room

Massive Laundry

Dining room for 1300 people, all at once

Foyer

With our tour guide, Tina

We had breakfast overlooking Times Square this morning.  I sat there thinking of all the views Ive had whilst dining on my breakfast . . . .   Im a very lucky girl.

We picked up a car and drove out to Paterson today.  Its nearly a two hour drive out, if you hit traffic, which we did.  The roads here are crazy, so many different freeways and tolls.  On our trip home we paid $13, just in tolls.

We got to Patterson at lunchtime.  Its located on Watchtower drive.  We had a little chuckle at that.  We had to wait till the Bethel family had finished their lunch before we could pick up a tour.  So we had nearly and hour to kill but they have quite a bit to look at.  They had a video on how they acquired the land, which was a very interesting story; we’ll share that with you when we get home.

We had a fantastic sister for our tour guide, she was Greek but didn’t look it, spoke with an American accent and was married to a Brazilian.  Her name was Tina and she met her husband in Bethel and they’ve only been married two years.  She reminded me of Rebecca Macmillan, so I loved her immediately.

My favourite part was learning about Gilead School but there were so many interesting aspects, I really loved it all.  It went for about two hours and we fired questions, non-stop.  It was so interesting.

Anyway it was one of the best days we’ve had so far!  Massive effort but well worth it.

Well we only have a few more days left in New York now, were just going to catch up on all the last minute things we want to do.  Tomorrow night were going to see ‘Chicago’. 

Its so funny Adam wasn’t that fussed about going to see a Broadway show because we have seen a few and there isn’t too many new ones that are taking our fancy but its one things the girls absolutely, definitely want to do.  Like Adam said to me, ‘Teenage kids that want to go to the theatre?  That’s not such a bad thing’

Today was a day off to a slow start.  We slept in a little as we haven’t been having dinner till about 11pm at night, so your sleeping schedule gets all out of whack.

        

We headed down to Century 21, which is such a zoo.  I don’t know why we keep going back there?

Then we wandered around the city, hitting a few more shops.  Finally located a Pottery Barn and for all you girls who requested catalogues you’ll be pleased to know I hauled about 3kg of them around the city with me, just for you all.

Came back to the hotel and just chilled here watching movies but had an early dinner at about 9pm as we had a big day tomorrow to prepare for. 

Today was a shopping mission.  We went out to Jersey Gardens Mall which is basically the biggest outlet shopping in the NY/Jersey area.

We caught a bus out from the city and it only took about half and hour.

Another day ending in sore feet!

I kid you not, out of all the bags you see on that king sized bed only four items in those bags are mine.

Adam said to the girls they might as well take advantage of the cheap prices here and stock up and like good little obedient girls, they did . . . .

We were up bright and early today because we were meeting up with Rob.  It was his last day in NY.  He’d already been skiing in Japan and Aspen and it was one of those bizarre moments when we both realized we’d be in the same place at the same time.

After some breakie we went to the Guggenheim museum.  Weve tried to go on a previous trip but it was closed.  This time around they were also doing some work but we were able to access a few floors.  I personally loved this museum.  Having the audio to listen about the history the building, architecture and artwork was the way to go.

We also hit some of the major sights like the flat iron building and the Empire State building.

Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to Rob as he was off to Spain next.  We really enjoyed seeing a familiar face and enjoyed his great company for the day.

After we said our goodbyes, we headed to Macys for a bit of shopping.

We got back to the hotel with aching feet and settled in for the night.

Up in Bright Lights

Finally got into New York about 5.30, it was another day of delays. 

As we were coming in and could see the skyline it felt the way it did when we started dating.  You know how it is, they come into sight and you get the butterflies in your stomach.  That’s what New York does to me.

We dropped our bags and went out for a bite to eat.  On the way home did a spot of shopping in Times Square.  The retail stores are open to midnight.  Anyway the girls bought something in American Eagle outfitters.  They said to the girls ‘do you wanna get your photo taken and be up in times square?’  Of course the words had hardly passed her lips and the girls were in full pose. 

So I just assumed that they would just stick a Polaroid up in the window or something but  Oh no, they were on a massive billboard to rival all others around them.

Not bad hey, less than a couple of hours in the city and they were already up in bright lights 

Off to New York City

Sitting in Quebec airport, its so quaint just like everything here.  Loved Quebec but Im not too sad to say goodbye as we get to go to the best place on earth, NEW YORK!

Now I must warn you, we may be entirely too busy to blog while were there, as there is just so much to keep us busy.

But we'll try  . . .

Stoneham, Hotel Frontenac and Panache

Hotel Frontenac

Adam and Rieley got up early today and went to Stoneham which is a ski field about half and hour away from the city.  Its mainly a mountain for boarders apparently.  Lots of places to do tricks, half pipes and rails everywhere.

Rieley did really well and the cast doesnt seem to be slowing her down too much.  She did a run that was over a kilometer long.

Jay and I wandered around the town.  Went into the Fairmont Frontenac which is the most photographed hotel in the world apparently.  I was tossing up between staying there and where we are but was so pleased I chose this place instead.

We ended the night by getting the girls room service and Adam and I went to 'Panache' which is the best restaurant in Quebec and happens to be attached to our hotel.  We had a degustation, which is a bit of a tradition and it was one of the best weve ever had.

Were meant to be off to New York tomorrow but they have cancelled the last two days worth of flights due to bad weather.  So lets hope we get there!

Hotel de glace

It was a bit of a mission to hire a car today.  All you travellers you know what I mean,  arranged something with a company on the phone and when you get there they dont honour what they said, throw in the french language barrier and a bit of a messy start to the day.

We eventually got on the road and went to the Hotel de glace.  You may have heard about it.  Its the hotel they build every winter out of ice.  It takes them 5 weeks to build and the season is only 8 weeks long.

Alot of work but its pretty amazing when you see it.  The beds have deer skins on them but thats about it.  We went and had a cocktail at the bar and even the glasses are made out of ice.  Its such a fun place.  They also have a slide made out of ice.  Apparently they did 42 weddings there last year.  They built a chapel too.  

They have been building and pulling it down for the last 11 years.

On the way home we grabbed some 'poutine' which is a really weird Canadian tradition.  Apparently its made best in Quebec.  Basically its chips mixed with gravy with a particular cheese on top.  Were not sold on the idea.  Maybe its like when you taste Vegemite in Australia?

Adam and Rieley are going to hit another ski mountain tomorrow and Jay and I are going 'absorbez l'atmosphère' Soak up the atmosphere.

Quebec City

Our hotel the Auberge Saint Antoine 

Flew into Quebec and made it there by lunch time.  

Ive really been looking forward to this part so Ive splurged a bit on the hotel here (Even though we havent exactly been slumming it) Its one of those boutique hotels so it sometimes can go either way but Im fastidious about researching where we stay so I was pretty confident.

Quebec has the modern city and then the old town which is encapsulated in a massive stone wall.  Were staying in the old town.  Its so quaint, feels just like being in Paris, only less crowded.  Everything is picture perfect.  As yet I havent even seen a starbucks, costco, tim hortons, etc, etc, thank goodness!

So we get to the hotel.  Id already emailed this one and had a confirmation about adjoining rooms so it wasnt going to be a problem.  When we go to check in, I was told those lovely little words that all travellers love to hear 'Mrs Holland were giving you an upgrade to our best suite', in a french accent.  Apparently the rooms Id booked were near some renovations so they chose to move us.

This is the web site for where we staying.  www.saint-antoine.com 

When we walked in the room we where blown away.  It has a separate living room with cocktail area, separate dressing room, split level down into our bedroom that has exposed stone wall, velvet drapes, beautiful upholstered furniture and bedhead and Terrace.  Very Euro Chic. The bathroom even has a heated tile floor.  The girls are right next door and even their regular room is really stunning.

Anyway I know Im raving on a lot about the hotel but you all know how much a good hotel means to me!!!

We went out to grab something to eat but it was about minus 6 and the girls decided to go back to the room but Adam and I went for a walk for a couple of hours exploring.  

As the girls didnt want to go out for dinner we went to the local marche and got fromage, jambon, baguette and lots of other yummy things and had an antipasto dinner in the suite.  Yum!

Niagara Falls

Today we hired a car to go out to the falls.

Theyre just over an hour outside of Toronto.  They are right on the Canadian/Us border.  One wrong turn and your in Buffalo.  Luckily this time, we didnt make that turn.

The falls are amazing and a demonstration of Jehovahs creation at its most powerful.  It felt very cold by the water.  It mainly stings the face, as its just about the only thing exposed.

On the way home we spotted an outlet mall.  It just happened to have a sports store that was huge and closing down.  Do you think Adam was happy?  I lined up for 1 1/2 hours while they searched for and bought Burton, nike, columbia, oakley, etc, etc stuff at ridiculous prices.  I think Adam bought just about as much as hes been carrying in his pack.  So this next flight should be interesting.

We are going to fall into bed tonight as we are exhausted.  As we seem to be at the end of most of our days.

Tomorrow were off to Quebec. Yay!  This is the bit Ive been waiting for, a little touch of Europe.

Had a bit of a random day today.

Jay still wasnt feeling well so we just did a bit of shopping and looking around while Jay stayed at the hotel.  Its pretty much connected to everything so we could pop back and see her.

It was minus 6 today but its funny how you dont really feel it.  Adam was walking around outside in a t shirt while it was snowing!  The thing is the shops and hotel are just a regular temperature so you cant rug up too much or you boil when you come inside.

Early night in, ordered movies and settled in for the evening.

Off to Toronto

Goodbye to the Bonventres

Well unfortunately we have to say goodbye to the Bonventres and were driving directly from Banff to the airport, so about a 1 1/2 hour drive.

We didnt do pre check in this time so were all sitting individually next to random people.  About a 3 1/2 hour trip and yes I got put next to the family with three kids!  Someone always gets that seat and today its my turn.

Land in Toronto and its dark so cant fathom much but its a pretty big city and were staying at the Marriott downtown attached to the Eaton shopping complex so should keep Adam happy.  It even has its own connection walkway into the centre so you dont have to get cold and go outside to access it.  They were pretty good here, straight away they said the rooms are adjoining.  So I didnt have to go through my usual speech about how I want our rooms next to each other or at least with in a few rooms of each other.

Had the best meal of the trip (besides Carolines Bison) at a Portuguese restaurant.  Didnt realize it was silver service till we were inside but it was well worth it.

See how we go tomorrow.  Jaylen seems to be feeling a bit seedy now so we may have to have an easy day.  Oh yeah and by the way Im now the mother of a 17 year old.  Sounds like fun?

Powder, Powder, Powder

Well the best base we've ever had today at Banff.  Powder up to the knee.  It was amazing.

So tired I can hardly write this post!

Jaylen babysat the kids, with Melanie (Carolines sister) so they went on a day trip to Lake Louise.  Had heaps of fun.

Oh yeah and by the way Jay now speaks with a Canadian accent !???

Rieley and Adam were snowboard crazy, Adam spent all day teaching Rieley to do turns and then took her up to the top of the mountain, she was a bit scared but to her credit she road down went surprisingly fast in one section and made it out alive.

It was snowing on the mountain while we were skiing, so beautiful.

Beers and buffalo wings for dinner!

Leaving Banff tomorrow and heading to Toronto.