Fall Canadian Cruise - Day 11-15

New York City

The number one rule of any trip is just enjoy yourself.

You're going somewhere special.

Maybe a place you've never been before or a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Trips are complicated things and there's lots of opportunities for something to get mixed up or changed at the last minute.

Take a deep breath and head out the door with camera in hand for whatever waits.

It could be magical.

Last night in New York, just before dinner.

Over cocktails, we review our "To Do List". On our A List we did 8 out of the 10 must dos.  Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Statue Of Liberty were the only two yet to be done. Problem is both are on the opposite ends of NYC.

We all unanimously voted to see the America's symbol of Democracy.

Dennis wanted to go to China Town to have a Wo Gau Gee Min. I told him he was away from home too long...saimin and Wo Gau Gee Min are a Hawaii thing - they will serve you something different.

We highlighted the revised to do list and proceeded to order dinner.

For the last two mornings we had breakfast at Carve, on 47th and 8th Ave. Two Western Omelets with toast, three coffees, four croissants for only $33.00 and good quality.

Who said NYC is expensive!

The deals are out there, you just need to find them.

Ask a local, just like in Hawaii.

After breakfast we were 14 steps from our Hop On - Hop Off bus.

Jumped off the bus to walk to Chelsea Market. The girls needed a fix.

Chelsea Market is a food hall, shopping mall, office building and television production facility.

It was built in the former National Biscuit Company factory building where the Oreo cookie was invented and produced.

The Highline Walkways are connected with Chelsea Market.

It used to be an above ground railway overpass. They moved the rail underground and instead of tearing down 4.5 miles of steel overpass, they converted it to a pedestrian walkway and garden.

No wheeled vehicles allowed and a wonderful walking and jogging pathway.

Really a nice idea.

Probably the four most common pictures taken in the city are Times Square, the Empire State Building, Freedom Tower...and the United Nations Building.

We're felt obligated to shoot it too.

We went to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal to sail by the Statue of Liberty. It is our American symbol for Democracy.

The ferry is the best deal in New York City. It's a 30 minute ride from Manhattan to Staten Island. You get off on Staten Island, turn right around to re-board another waiting ferry back to Manhattan.

Instant replay, all for FREE!

The return ferry ride from Staten Island was mesmerizing.

To approach Manhattan in slow motion makes you realize why New York is New York...Neeewww Yorrrrrrk.

The ferry ride towards Manhattan gave us a bonus view - on the left is New Jersey.

Another great city, but overshadowed by its neighbor.

For some reason we kept retuning to the skating rink at Rockefeller Center over the past couple of days.

Here we are again driving by.

It keeps calling to us.

Why are you unpacking your luggage and storing them empty...only to repack it all again for your next trip.

In our case, Kona in 6 days and then Las Vegas on Nov. 14.

Remember my other tips on putting all my stuff in individual pouches: the medicine pouch, toiletry pouch, even my power tech pouch, the clothes bag, the hanging scale, rain ponchos in the Ziploc and the mini back pack...leave them in your bag during storage.

By the way, notice my new Adidas draw string mini back pack.

We found it on our way to Chelsea Market. It was $25.99, the first time I paid for one and it is pricey but worth it. It has 3 zipper compartments, two outside and one inside for security. What I like best are the two hook-on loops attachment, the neon yellow strips. I already hooked on 6 carabiners to the loops. Instead of hooking the packages on the right and left side drawstring cords, it will be centered on these looping strips.

I can hardly wait to use it... wait! that means Wendy must go shopping.  

Last night we were contemplating what we can do for our last day in NYC.

We had a full day of touring the Big Apple and had to be back for our 7:00 pm show of Kinky Boots. We did not have time for an early dinner and decided we'd do an after the show dinner. Plus we had to pack and head to JFK airport at 6:00 AM the next morning.

It was a no brainer, to fit all that had to be done, it was a unanimous back to Bond 45.  We loved the atmosphere, loved the food and loved the service.

The manager at Bond 45, Nickolas Sanchez really took care of us. Bond 45 is a very popular and busy Italian restaurant.

I met Nickolas 4 days ago and he fit us in to make sure we had time to make our show. Then tonight we walked off the street needing a place to dine.  Again he fit us in for an after show reservation.

He did not do this because he liked us, well maybe a little.  I am sure he takes care of all his customers this way, everyday.  He is a Big Apple Professional.

I'll be back.

Alicia and Dennis Matsumotos are long, long time friends.

They had to endure 17 days following me thru New England on the Norwegian Gem and discovering getting off and on the ship to tour the Canadian country side was a hike.

Then for 4 days I had them Hop On and Hop Off all over the Big Apple. Plus, dine every night and off to 3 Broadway shows was a test of traveling endurance.

I saw them at the airport, off to Kauai, I think I brought them back alive. We made the most of our adventure.

Now the toughest task, losing 8 pounds before our next trip.  Thank You Alicia and Dennis.

Fall cruise - Canada and New York.

Fall cruise - Canada and New York.