Two weeks after travelling to the Invitational Cup Regatta at Newport Rhode Island and now fully recovered from jetlag I now have time to reflect on why we were a little bit tired from that most exciting week.
On each of the 7 days we would do the shopping for 14 people. Fortunately we only had to cook dinner for 4 nights owing to the social activities put on by the New York Yacht Club. Most days we visited the boat shops for parts. Then each morning we would arise around 6.30 to prepare lunches 18 scrumptious rolls, snacks, sliced fruit, gateraded beverages etc etc and breakfast for everyone. We quickly became most skilled at negoting bulk food prices st the supermarket and finding real, rather than water infused meat for lunches. We became so adept at making bread rolls - that by the time we finished the 130th we reckoned we could take on Subway and win! The surprise tidbits were well received by our hardworking sailors. After transporting them to the jetty to pick up their boat we would to a quick tidy up and rush off to our next job - that of being New Zealand's number one fans! We were most fortunate to be offered spectator positions on some of the New York Yacht Club members' most luxurious vessels to watch the racing. These ranged in size from 70 to over 120 feet in length. A couple which could be better described as little ships had the capacity go to sea for up to 3 months without refueling. The owners were most hospitable and we met some very friendly fellow boating visitors. After the racing we would dash off and go shopping for more supplies then join in the after race activities. These included a magnificent seafood buffet on opening night and on the prize giving night a meal almost to die for, followed by dancing to blues music. However the most memorabale evening was the lobster meal. We all sat down to consume One Whole Lobster each! These are the same size as our New Zealand crayfish so this was an absolute luxury. To ensure our enjoyment we were all issued with a plastic bib, pliers, and instructions on how to eat them. Delicious!
At last the last day dawned and at a very early hour for a Sunday we dragged ourselves out of bed to farewell our sailors, some straight home while others via exotic places like Lea Vegas. After a final tidyup of our lovely
home for the week we strolled through Newport mainstreet before boarding the bus to next adventure. And how did our team go? They got 10th overall - and beat the french! See the Invitational Cup we site for more information.
Would we go back again ? Yes! For more racing and maybe some sightseeing this time........
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
About Newport Rhode Island
Having travelled by bus to Newport Rhode Island, we arrived on a hot Sunday afternoon, into a end-of-summer resort! Lots of shops, and tanned people strolling around. After lunching we walked, lugging our cases - on wheels, of course, down streets of 2 - 3 storied wooden houses with steeply pitched roofs and window boxes, to our home for the next 7 days. Many of the houses had plaques on them stating their age which was around 200 - 250 years old and the people who lived there - pewterers, silversmiths, etc. Ours was built in around 1750 and was occupied by a famous cabinet maker, John Goddard and his son Thomas. The house was moved to its current site from one nearer the water, because someone wanted the land, but not the building. The current owners refurbished the 3 storied house - 3 bedrooms, a huge attic room - ideal for grandchildren and for a crew of yachties, and numerous bathrooms. They often let the house out to visitors and would holiday on their boat. It was ideal for boating people like us - much better than a hotel!
Newport, as the name suggests was a port town situated at the beginning of Rhode Island Sound. It ends well inland at Providence, the area's current port. The sound is not as we New Zealanders are used to - high mountains, deep water, but instead, low bush and tree covered hills and about 30 islands amnd peninsulas. Apparently the land, like that in Sweden, Finland and around the Baltic Sea, is very slowly rising as it no longer bears the weight of glaciers.
At the beginning of the sound is Fort Adams - one of two ports built to keep the British out. However the British laid seige and stayed out to sea, so there was no battle and subsquently not a shot has been fired from the fort. This area is steeped in history, much of which had a profound effect on the direction of the United States which, of course, can be found out in great detail, on Google!!
So here is a very very brief outline about Newport Rhode Island in no particular order;
- People came to this area to escape religious persecution
- The rich came here to spend their summers - resulting in the erection of many huge beautiful and opulent palace like mansions - many of which can be visited today.
- There was a huge Sanitorium here - started by somebody who used electricity to cure everthing then discovered that there was more money and less responsibility in making the place into a 'health retreat' to which people came and did not want to leave
- The houses are very quaint and disctinctive
- The Navy's main base was here for many years - as it has moved its base elsehwere most of its many buildings are now Naval Colleges
- The area is quaint and beautiful and very cultural - art, crafts, music
- the (only) Main Street has heaps of pubs, cafes and touristy resort shops
- Around the waters edge are hundreds of holiday apartment blocks built around 20 - 30 for the huge summer population - part or a revival plan for the area after the Navy and America's Cup trophy relocated
- There are hundreds and hundreds of boats here - all of which have to be taken out of the water for the winter
- The loss of the America's Cup had a huge impact on the ecomony as well as the New York Yacht Club which owns a mansion donated to it by a former Commodore.
All in all Newport Rhode Island is a beautiful area - very hot in summer and very cold in winter. Apparently when the water froze over around 150 years ago, a large home was built on a very small rocky island as the materials could be brought out over the snow and ice by sled. Then one winter there was a severe blizzard lasting for several days. After it abated, the lady of the house departed to the mainland and swore never to go back again... Today the house has that rather neglected air about it.
Now I will sign off this item and write something about the sailing.....
Newport, as the name suggests was a port town situated at the beginning of Rhode Island Sound. It ends well inland at Providence, the area's current port. The sound is not as we New Zealanders are used to - high mountains, deep water, but instead, low bush and tree covered hills and about 30 islands amnd peninsulas. Apparently the land, like that in Sweden, Finland and around the Baltic Sea, is very slowly rising as it no longer bears the weight of glaciers.
At the beginning of the sound is Fort Adams - one of two ports built to keep the British out. However the British laid seige and stayed out to sea, so there was no battle and subsquently not a shot has been fired from the fort. This area is steeped in history, much of which had a profound effect on the direction of the United States which, of course, can be found out in great detail, on Google!!
So here is a very very brief outline about Newport Rhode Island in no particular order;
- People came to this area to escape religious persecution
- The rich came here to spend their summers - resulting in the erection of many huge beautiful and opulent palace like mansions - many of which can be visited today.
- There was a huge Sanitorium here - started by somebody who used electricity to cure everthing then discovered that there was more money and less responsibility in making the place into a 'health retreat' to which people came and did not want to leave
- The houses are very quaint and disctinctive
- The Navy's main base was here for many years - as it has moved its base elsehwere most of its many buildings are now Naval Colleges
- The area is quaint and beautiful and very cultural - art, crafts, music
- the (only) Main Street has heaps of pubs, cafes and touristy resort shops
- Around the waters edge are hundreds of holiday apartment blocks built around 20 - 30 for the huge summer population - part or a revival plan for the area after the Navy and America's Cup trophy relocated
- There are hundreds and hundreds of boats here - all of which have to be taken out of the water for the winter
- The loss of the America's Cup had a huge impact on the ecomony as well as the New York Yacht Club which owns a mansion donated to it by a former Commodore.
All in all Newport Rhode Island is a beautiful area - very hot in summer and very cold in winter. Apparently when the water froze over around 150 years ago, a large home was built on a very small rocky island as the materials could be brought out over the snow and ice by sled. Then one winter there was a severe blizzard lasting for several days. After it abated, the lady of the house departed to the mainland and swore never to go back again... Today the house has that rather neglected air about it.
Now I will sign off this item and write something about the sailing.....
Sunday, September 20, 2009
From New York to Newport - and that bus ride
After a hectic 4 days in New York we left by the very fast Amtrak train to Providence.
It was midday Sunday, very warm and sunny. The station at Providence was newish spacious, and with very few people about. The buildings around the station were of light orange/beige brick and looked newish. A newer building was advertising luxury apartments, which overlooked a very small river. After looking everywhere for street signs we finally located the bus center and strolled over, to join a variety of people who were waiting for the bus.
Eventually it arrived, late, and with a lot of friendly bantering, everybody got on. The bus driver seemed to know everyone, and it felt as if we were all going on a Sunday jaunt.
Then with a jerk, we roared off!The good homour and commoraderie continued as we lurched here, sped there, stopped at the lights, and at most of the bus stops on the way as we picked up and dropped off passengers.
Then "Driver - there is Miss Jackson!You must stop for her!!" We lurched to a stop and the elderly Miss Jackson, who was dressed all in white, even to white stockings over her dark skinned legs, was helped onto the bus. The then ensured a long friendly debate over whether the bus was late, or the next schedulled one, early. Finally some sort of conclusion was reached and we all held on as the bus took off again and sped off.
Speed limit? What speed limit? This bus had one speed and that was fast! We - the only tourists on the bus had to keep our eyes open without blinking so we could enjoy the scenery as we beetled along.
Finally, after travelling through several long single street towns, we finally reached Newport Rhode Island.
And that is another story.....
It was midday Sunday, very warm and sunny. The station at Providence was newish spacious, and with very few people about. The buildings around the station were of light orange/beige brick and looked newish. A newer building was advertising luxury apartments, which overlooked a very small river. After looking everywhere for street signs we finally located the bus center and strolled over, to join a variety of people who were waiting for the bus.
Eventually it arrived, late, and with a lot of friendly bantering, everybody got on. The bus driver seemed to know everyone, and it felt as if we were all going on a Sunday jaunt.
Then with a jerk, we roared off!The good homour and commoraderie continued as we lurched here, sped there, stopped at the lights, and at most of the bus stops on the way as we picked up and dropped off passengers.
Then "Driver - there is Miss Jackson!You must stop for her!!" We lurched to a stop and the elderly Miss Jackson, who was dressed all in white, even to white stockings over her dark skinned legs, was helped onto the bus. The then ensured a long friendly debate over whether the bus was late, or the next schedulled one, early. Finally some sort of conclusion was reached and we all held on as the bus took off again and sped off.
Speed limit? What speed limit? This bus had one speed and that was fast! We - the only tourists on the bus had to keep our eyes open without blinking so we could enjoy the scenery as we beetled along.
Finally, after travelling through several long single street towns, we finally reached Newport Rhode Island.
And that is another story.....
Saturday, September 12, 2009
New York - where Dreams turn to Reality
Yes, its true! In New York - Dream and your Dream will turn to reality!
I know, because it happened to me..
But first I need to mention the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in SoHo, which we visited. Excellent, if you enjoy Rock and Roll and Blues nostalgia etc. The museum included a large display about John Lennon. Included in the exhibition was the story about John's dream to become a Citizen of New York, which after many obstacles, he overcame and his dream became a reality.
His story made me think about my dream.
The other evening in our hotel room I was in a deep, deep sleep. I dreamt that I opened a door and went into a large hallway. The hallway changed into a small hallway with doors on each side.
One of the doors opened and a very nice young man in a dark suit and white shirt started talking with me. Next thing, another door opened and Chris' (husband) head poped out. "She is with me" he said. "Oh" I replied and followed him into our hotel room - and woke up.
So dreams do turn to reality - but maybe not how we expect them to!
And what was I wearing, did I hear you ask? My full monty, of course!!!
I know, because it happened to me..
But first I need to mention the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in SoHo, which we visited. Excellent, if you enjoy Rock and Roll and Blues nostalgia etc. The museum included a large display about John Lennon. Included in the exhibition was the story about John's dream to become a Citizen of New York, which after many obstacles, he overcame and his dream became a reality.
His story made me think about my dream.
The other evening in our hotel room I was in a deep, deep sleep. I dreamt that I opened a door and went into a large hallway. The hallway changed into a small hallway with doors on each side.
One of the doors opened and a very nice young man in a dark suit and white shirt started talking with me. Next thing, another door opened and Chris' (husband) head poped out. "She is with me" he said. "Oh" I replied and followed him into our hotel room - and woke up.
So dreams do turn to reality - but maybe not how we expect them to!
And what was I wearing, did I hear you ask? My full monty, of course!!!
New York - a Glimpse of a Glimpse...
We have been in New York for 4 days and 5 nights and that is pretty much all that I can say - a Glimpse of a Glimpse! We took 2 bus tours - one uptown and the other downtown but the traffic is so dense at times that the trips are exceedingly long! At least the tour guides are entertaining.
So we have done - the MeT Museum - loved the Afghanastan exhibition - they were part of the Silk Road route and had a blend iof intereting artefacts etc, and a huge quantity or works from the European artists. Saw 2 floors of the Guggenheim centre - but the most intersting place was the Frick Museum - a home of carefully selected items At some stage I will add more about this.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) had a most comprehensive exhibiton of art works from James Ensdor (pardon spelling but it is nearly 1am) - his satire, paintings, sketches and themes were quite something. We have done the State Empire Building the statue of liberty, visited Harlem, Soho, China town, Greenwich town, Tribeca - the list goes on... but they were all just glimpses.
Especially as when we visited these museums it had been raining and I am sure that all of New York travellers from overseas followed us!
Tonight we did a show - West Side Story - a slightly modernised version but beautifully and tastefully done.
We have been so busy that I have done very little shopping, but the shops do stay open late! But not til after 1am, I am sure....
Our glimpse of Art and Culture has just whetted our appetite for more - New York, we will certainly travel to you again!!
So we have done - the MeT Museum - loved the Afghanastan exhibition - they were part of the Silk Road route and had a blend iof intereting artefacts etc, and a huge quantity or works from the European artists. Saw 2 floors of the Guggenheim centre - but the most intersting place was the Frick Museum - a home of carefully selected items At some stage I will add more about this.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) had a most comprehensive exhibiton of art works from James Ensdor (pardon spelling but it is nearly 1am) - his satire, paintings, sketches and themes were quite something. We have done the State Empire Building the statue of liberty, visited Harlem, Soho, China town, Greenwich town, Tribeca - the list goes on... but they were all just glimpses.
Especially as when we visited these museums it had been raining and I am sure that all of New York travellers from overseas followed us!
Tonight we did a show - West Side Story - a slightly modernised version but beautifully and tastefully done.
We have been so busy that I have done very little shopping, but the shops do stay open late! But not til after 1am, I am sure....
Our glimpse of Art and Culture has just whetted our appetite for more - New York, we will certainly travel to you again!!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Friendly New York
I have to say that we have found the people of New York the most friendly out of all the overseas places we have travelled to in recent years.
The people working in the touristy and transport areas we have visited here, are effeicient, smile and look as if they are enjoying themselves. Even the people the streets are friendly and will stop to see if you need any help.
Why is that? Area they so all the time? Or is it because the recent Labour Weekend Holiday is the 'Last Hurray of Summer?'
While striding most of the way along 5th avenue today I thought about all the different types of people we have met around the world - in the tourism, service industries and in general, around the world.
For example, in St Petersburg the people are efficient - sometimes, but stoic and don't smile. Pushy in the streets, but according to our guide 'they just want to get there'
In Sweden - helpful when they realize you speak English.
Most European places that we visited - no shop service as we know it.
Italy - tending towards arrogance at times.
Spain - don't swagger like the Italians and not so 'full on'
Australia - no shop service as we know it.
Cuba - easy going - helpful when you get to know them
Washington (USA) effecient, friendly, but don't smile - as much as New Yorkers.
As we trundled out of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which included a huge display about John Lennon and Yoko Ono, I could understand why John loved New York so much.
It was not just all its numerous nooks and crannies - it was the friendliness of the people!
The people working in the touristy and transport areas we have visited here, are effeicient, smile and look as if they are enjoying themselves. Even the people the streets are friendly and will stop to see if you need any help.
Why is that? Area they so all the time? Or is it because the recent Labour Weekend Holiday is the 'Last Hurray of Summer?'
While striding most of the way along 5th avenue today I thought about all the different types of people we have met around the world - in the tourism, service industries and in general, around the world.
For example, in St Petersburg the people are efficient - sometimes, but stoic and don't smile. Pushy in the streets, but according to our guide 'they just want to get there'
In Sweden - helpful when they realize you speak English.
Most European places that we visited - no shop service as we know it.
Italy - tending towards arrogance at times.
Spain - don't swagger like the Italians and not so 'full on'
Australia - no shop service as we know it.
Cuba - easy going - helpful when you get to know them
Washington (USA) effecient, friendly, but don't smile - as much as New Yorkers.
As we trundled out of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which included a huge display about John Lennon and Yoko Ono, I could understand why John loved New York so much.
It was not just all its numerous nooks and crannies - it was the friendliness of the people!
A glimpse of Washington
We travelled from New York to Washington by rail - comfortable,you don't have to sit for hours - well - three, and best of all, we arrive at Washington's beautiful Union Station!
When it opened in 1907, it was the largest Railway station in the world. And so beautifully constructed that it looks like an upmarket Shopping Centre.
Washington, the city area around the White House, is spacious - wide streets and footpaths. All the commercial buildings are around the same height, and mostly plain and square, with a few exceptions - mainly some older buidings. Monuments are everywhere - statues, buildings, plaques but the streets are not named after people - they are numbered!! And Washingtonian designers seemed to like pillars, - many of the government buildings feature these. More about these when I get my pics up.
Our most favoured place we visited during our brief visit was the Smithsonian Museum of Air and Space - everything you could imagine about those topics were featured - including moonstone which you could touch, rockets, and some stunning art by Alan Bean - one of the first Astronauts on the moon.
We then visited the Museum of Natural History. You may recall the "Night at the Museum" movies - you can actually spend evenings there but I do not know if the animals come alive. I kept looking over my shoulder waiting for Robin Williams to appear on his horse...
One of the most recent museums to open in Washington was the National Museum of the American Indian. Housed in a beautiful purpose built building the museum tells of the struggles and survival of the Indian peoples - very touching, forthright and forgiving. The whole place is a work of art.
Like many cities, Washington pulled down many old buildings until their history and heritage was realized. The Old Post Office, thanks to a very outspoken Lady called Nancy Hanks rallied around and saved it. Today it is a well maintained and dramatic multipurpose building, and visitors may ascend to the clock tower and have a view of the city - which is not a view to die for - but the building is worth the visit!!
So after the necessary tours around the Capitol, Lincoln and Korean Monuments the Reflecting Pool and the War Memorials it was time to travel back by rail to NewYork
When it opened in 1907, it was the largest Railway station in the world. And so beautifully constructed that it looks like an upmarket Shopping Centre.
Washington, the city area around the White House, is spacious - wide streets and footpaths. All the commercial buildings are around the same height, and mostly plain and square, with a few exceptions - mainly some older buidings. Monuments are everywhere - statues, buildings, plaques but the streets are not named after people - they are numbered!! And Washingtonian designers seemed to like pillars, - many of the government buildings feature these. More about these when I get my pics up.
Our most favoured place we visited during our brief visit was the Smithsonian Museum of Air and Space - everything you could imagine about those topics were featured - including moonstone which you could touch, rockets, and some stunning art by Alan Bean - one of the first Astronauts on the moon.
We then visited the Museum of Natural History. You may recall the "Night at the Museum" movies - you can actually spend evenings there but I do not know if the animals come alive. I kept looking over my shoulder waiting for Robin Williams to appear on his horse...
One of the most recent museums to open in Washington was the National Museum of the American Indian. Housed in a beautiful purpose built building the museum tells of the struggles and survival of the Indian peoples - very touching, forthright and forgiving. The whole place is a work of art.
Like many cities, Washington pulled down many old buildings until their history and heritage was realized. The Old Post Office, thanks to a very outspoken Lady called Nancy Hanks rallied around and saved it. Today it is a well maintained and dramatic multipurpose building, and visitors may ascend to the clock tower and have a view of the city - which is not a view to die for - but the building is worth the visit!!
So after the necessary tours around the Capitol, Lincoln and Korean Monuments the Reflecting Pool and the War Memorials it was time to travel back by rail to NewYork
The Advantages of Having a Personal Travel Agent
I am very fortunate in having my very own personal Travel Agent.
As well as organising some wonderful trips to my dream places, at the lowest prices he also selects accommodation - at the best prices which are romantic, unique, historic and/or famous.
So it was that in Washington we stayed at the Hilton Capitol - just around the corner from the White House. Originally known as the Hilton Statler, it was completed on the 18th of January, 1943, 3 days after the Pentagon.
it was the most modern hotel of the time and included alumunium windows - which were not widely used then. However the owners donated them to the war effort.
Many famous people have passed through the hotel doors over the years.
In 1963 the Deputy Director Bayard Rustin of the Civil Rights movement stayed there before That March and after that famous "I have a Dream" speech.
President Reagan stayed there and Rose Kennedy hosted the Kennedy Foundation's 1st International Awards Banquet at the hotel.
As I write this, we are back in New York. It is a great time to be visiting here, last weekend was Labour Weekend which is the last of summer , so everything is quiet - no queuesor crowds!!! - almost better than a winter holiday because it is warmer. Anyway before I talk about NY I must tell you more about Washington.....
As well as organising some wonderful trips to my dream places, at the lowest prices he also selects accommodation - at the best prices which are romantic, unique, historic and/or famous.
So it was that in Washington we stayed at the Hilton Capitol - just around the corner from the White House. Originally known as the Hilton Statler, it was completed on the 18th of January, 1943, 3 days after the Pentagon.
it was the most modern hotel of the time and included alumunium windows - which were not widely used then. However the owners donated them to the war effort.
Many famous people have passed through the hotel doors over the years.
In 1963 the Deputy Director Bayard Rustin of the Civil Rights movement stayed there before That March and after that famous "I have a Dream" speech.
President Reagan stayed there and Rose Kennedy hosted the Kennedy Foundation's 1st International Awards Banquet at the hotel.
As I write this, we are back in New York. It is a great time to be visiting here, last weekend was Labour Weekend which is the last of summer , so everything is quiet - no queuesor crowds!!! - almost better than a winter holiday because it is warmer. Anyway before I talk about NY I must tell you more about Washington.....
Saturday, September 5, 2009
First leg of our journey to New York
We are in Los Angeles awaiting our next flight to New York. The trip has been uneventful so far apart from the extremely long wait at customs. It was so long that some poor chap collapsed! Interesting during the whole time he was unwell, no paramedic turned up inspite of being summoned - I wonder what would have happened if he suffered a heart attack???
It is about 8.30 in the morning - 20 degrees in temp and fine, after a 13 hour flight - and still Saturday!
But I have to say that the scenery on arrival here is not a patch on the view we had upon leaving Auckland. We flew across the Hauraki Gulf under blue skies and over a stunning blue sea. It was so clear that we could see all the way to the Bay of Islands and all the way down the Coromandel Peninsula. There was a ribbon of puffy clouds going from Great Barrier Island Northwards, made more dramatic by the shadows they cast on the water.
Even after watching the movie "Earth" during the flight, and its beautiful photography, I can categorically say that the beautiful view out of Auckland Airport suppasses anything on that movie. Some time I will get some pics up....
Oh and when you get the chance - go and see "The Young Victoria" It is very good...
Oh there's our call - see you in NY NY!!
It is about 8.30 in the morning - 20 degrees in temp and fine, after a 13 hour flight - and still Saturday!
But I have to say that the scenery on arrival here is not a patch on the view we had upon leaving Auckland. We flew across the Hauraki Gulf under blue skies and over a stunning blue sea. It was so clear that we could see all the way to the Bay of Islands and all the way down the Coromandel Peninsula. There was a ribbon of puffy clouds going from Great Barrier Island Northwards, made more dramatic by the shadows they cast on the water.
Even after watching the movie "Earth" during the flight, and its beautiful photography, I can categorically say that the beautiful view out of Auckland Airport suppasses anything on that movie. Some time I will get some pics up....
Oh and when you get the chance - go and see "The Young Victoria" It is very good...
Oh there's our call - see you in NY NY!!
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