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Two studs do New York - BA First Class
I had a Companion Voucher to use from my Amex card and a load of Avios sitting in my account. Stud 2 was therefore the very lucky beneficiary of a seat in F to New York as my companion. I had never been to New York so was looking forward to being a tourist for 5 days and taking in the sights. The voucher runs out at the end of February and when I was looking to book last year, I had no holidays left to take. So it was decided that we would go in January. Cue cries from friends of "OMG it is gonna be so cold". I didn't mind though. I was quite looking forward to some really cold weather and didn't even mind if there was a bit of snow. The Mother Nature showed herself and New York was blasted with a sh!t load of snow about 10 days before we left. Thankfully, it had all but gone by the time we got there. I had prepared in advance by buying some thermals, a new thick jacket and some good boots to walk around town in.
BA1301, ABZ - LHR, G-EUYT, A320 I got to the airport around 5am and picked up the currency I had ordered and then checked my bag in. BA have started this ridiculous new rule which means that you can't through check bags when you are on separate tickets. Because I used the 2-4-1 voucher for the LHR - JFK flight, I had to book a separate reward flight from ABZ - LHR. So this meant that I had to pick up my bag in Heathrow and then go upstairs and check it in again. Annoying and even more so on the way back! I headed up to the lounge and had a few espressos while watching the snow gently fall onto the top of the planes waiting to fly off across Europe. I was hoping that it didn't get any worse and disrupt my travel plans. However, I had made sure that I factored in more than enough time at Heathrow in case of delays. By the time I got to the gate, boarding was nearly done. I took my seat at the front of the plane, jackets were taken and we were off before long. Breakfast was served about 30 mins after we left Aberdeen. Usually, the hotel breakfast comes with warm bread, croissants, jam and yoghurt. This was lacking for some reason on this flight. This bugs me. If I pay for a flight, I want the service which they should be giving all of the time. The biggest consistency about BA is the fact that it is inconsistent pretty much all of the time. I messaged BA and asked what happened and got back a namby pamby response along the lines of "Yes, we know that the breakfast should come with those things and we are sorry that it didn't on this occasion." - completely ridiculous response. You either give your customers a service or don't. No in-betweens. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4716/...3fc967bd_c.jpg The sunrise as we approached London was great - I'll bore you with a good few pics! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4609/...38f5843e_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4673/...800c079f_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4620/...e7d1288a_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4659/...b360c6a4_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4671/...f7aa3a66_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4630/...c445af3d_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4656/...c877a04f_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4654/...3525672f_c.jpg I thanked the crew for the flight and headed to baggage reclaim where I got my bag within about 10 mins. I then headed up to departures and checked in at BA's first class wing. The check-in agent wished me a pleasant flight and asked me if I knew my way to the Concorde Room which I confirmed that I did. Security was relatively busy but very efficient. Once I got into the CCR, the first port of call was breakfast (given that I had only picked at the breakfast on board the flight down). The eggs Benedict with ham hock were brilliant as was the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. This was washed down with a delicious glass of Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4715/...f7d099f2_c.jpg I then found a seat out on the balcony. The furniture has recently been done up by BA and I wasn't sure whether I would like it. However, I thought it was quite nice. Sometimes the service in the CCR can be non-existent, however, today there was a guy who did regular walk abouts and was more than happy to get refills for people. It was very calm out on the balcony and I am always surprised that you can't really hear any of the hubbub coming from downstairs at the gate level. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4660/...892c0330_c.jpg After a while of lounging around, I made my way to the Elemis spa where I had booked a back and shoulder massage. This was a great way to relax before the flight and I felt very chilled once it was finished. I went back to the CCR and ordered some steamed buns which were delivered quickly. These were great and had a good spice with a kick to it. Washed down with a nice Tanqueray 10 gin and some spiced tonic. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4659/...1ee80203_c.jpg BA115, LHR - JFK, G-CIVZ, B747 We boarded after having to wait in the queue for a while. Once I was on, I was met by a lovely member of crew who told me that she had been waiting for me and to follow her. She showed me to my seat and said that she would be straight back with a drink for me - champagne of course. I got myself settled in and was given pyjamas, slippers and an amenity kit. I was looking forward to being in F for the next 8 hours (the flight was about an hour longer than usual due to some strong head winds..... not that I mattered one bit though!). https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4627/...4f8bf5c3_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4718/...a50d325a_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4716/...397c1b1b_c.jpg Refills of LPGS were offered and then we pushed back and the safety video was showed. Before long we were on our way to New York! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4697/...627ccdfa_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4722/...5619b59e_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4769/...7154bb8d_c.jpg Service started with a drinks run. I started with a gin and tonic. Some mixed nuts were presented but I passed on them as they had some cashews in them (which I am allergic to). Two minutes later, my member of cabin crew had gone to Club and got some crisps for me which were presented in a bowl - great service! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4648/...9ef5f696_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4700/...e5a28168_c.jpg Tables were set as I was enjoying the film "Victoria and Abdul". https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4669/...82d75cea_c.jpg A nice amuse bouche of salmon with a wasabi cream was laid down. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4712/...37f52eb9_c.jpg I went with the asparagus for starter. It was good, although the cream that came with it was quite heavy. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4742/...c0de9fef_c.jpg Mushroom consommé with croutons to follow - BA do know how to do a good soup! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4741/...a1b46af4_c.jpg For main, I chose the rack of lamb with polenta tart, spinach and a ratatouille. It was great and the ratatouille was especially good. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4712/...e97bcef6_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4769/...f8b471b9_c.jpg At this point, I was getting slightly tired given that I had been up since 4am so I decided to have a sleep. The crew made my bed and I slept soundly for a few hours in the very comfy bed. After I woke up, I ordered some dessert - apple tarte tartin with custard. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4698/...055419ba_c.jpg After another few drinks and another movie, it was soon time for afternoon tea. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4625/...48e8d676_c.jpg A nice selection of sandwiches and tasty cakes all enjoyed while watching the sun set as we approached New York. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4627/...7bd74336_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4706/...dd505996_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4767/...59280097_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4621/...b6a49e37_c.jpg Passport control didn't take too long but it took ages to wait for the bags. I got chatting to my member of cabin crew and loved hearing her stories about her time as crew on Concorde at the start of the 2000s. She was such a great example of excellent BA crew. Bags in hand, we took the metro into town and got to the Crowne Plaza at Times Square. Checked in to my room on the 40th floor with a Times Square view. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4606/...9e24a154_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4745/...8e5c140c_c.jpg After freshening up, we headed to Hell's Kitchen and settled on a burger joint. Washed down with a few IPAs, it was great. After that, we headed back to the hotel for some much needed sleep! |
Thanks for sharing, great report... that tart looks great!
Have I missed a joke or something, or have you really just called yourself a stud? :p |
Another first class ( no pun intended Stu ) trip report. Looking forward to the next installment. Can I ask why you didn’t use the 241 to book Abz to JFK ?. Was it due to a lack of domestic connections ?
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Originally Posted by Schwann
(Post 29346735)
Thanks for sharing, great report... that tart looks great!
Have I missed a joke or something, or have you really just called yourself a stud? :p
Originally Posted by mike&co
(Post 29346736)
Another first class ( no pun intended Stu ) trip report. Looking forward to the next installment. Can I ask why you didn’t use the 241 to book Abz to JFK ?. Was it due to a lack of domestic connections ?
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Oh dear my pet hate, the cutlery laid up incorrectly.
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Originally Posted by stu1985
(Post 29346844)
.... I certainly have no grand perceptions about my looks LOL!
And your trip reports are really a joy to read. I find myself looking forward to your posts. |
Nice TR, stu1985!
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Good TR, we await more
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Great start!!
Looking forward to more! |
You'll get plenty of use out of your thermals and jacket here! ;)
Great start to your trip report - making me excited about my trip to NYC this summer! Out of curiosity, since you are a regular BA user, do you know what time check in opens in Aberdeen to drop off your bags? We're booked on the red-eye to LHR and not sure how early I need to get to ABZ to get the bags dropped off and negotiate my way through security. |
Originally Posted by Can I help you
(Post 29346946)
Oh dear my pet hate, the cutlery laid up incorrectly.
Originally Posted by Vaterland
(Post 29347898)
No need to be modest! You are quite charmingly photogenic.
And your trip reports are really a joy to read. I find myself looking forward to your posts.
Originally Posted by florens
(Post 29348317)
Nice TR, stu1985!
Originally Posted by amanx
(Post 29348719)
Good TR, we await more
Originally Posted by roadwarrier
(Post 29352093)
Great start!!
Looking forward to more!
Originally Posted by nequine
(Post 29359122)
You'll get plenty of use out of your thermals and jacket here! ;)
Great start to your trip report - making me excited about my trip to NYC this summer! Out of curiosity, since you are a regular BA user, do you know what time check in opens in Aberdeen to drop off your bags? We're booked on the red-eye to LHR and not sure how early I need to get to ABZ to get the bags dropped off and negotiate my way through security. So my next red eye is next week and I imagine there will be staff at the desk from 5am (maybe even earlier). When I'm on that flight and I am checking bags though, I just make sure I'm there about 50 mins before departure. Enough time to check in and then grab a coffee in the lounge before boarding. |
Thanks for the info. Its been a while since I've checked in luggage with BA at ABZ for a trip and then we weren't on the red-eye so morning timing wasn't an issue.
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Enjoy the greatest city. Flying BA F from London to New York is the best start possible visiting this city.
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Originally Posted by Petrus
(Post 29361115)
Enjoy the greatest city. Flying BA F from London to New York is the best start possible visiting this city.
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Gooooooooood morning New York! I wasn't too jet lagged - I think I woke around 6am and then dozed for a while longer but managed to get a look at the sunrise coming up behind a backdrop of New York's skyline.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4712/...a233f2be_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4749/...d42773a0_c.jpg We grabbed some breakfast in the hotel restaurant and used our $10 breakfast vouchers which we were given at check-in for being Spire Elite members of IHG. There was a good selection of food - both hot and cold items and some interesting smoothies (apple and spinach and some berry one). The apple and spinach smoothie was nice but I didn't eat much as I was still pretty full from the massive burger I had eaten the night before. We got ourselves ready and headed out to take a walk. Unlike me (who was organised for the sub zero temperatures), Stud 2 hadn't taken any thermals and only had trainers and not boots. So, as you can imagine, after a good few hours, he was absolutely freezing and he had to go shopping and do a quick change in order to warm up! We wandered down 5th Avenue and came across the Rockerfeller Centre. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4677/...8e15e81b_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4608/...71f0cec0_c.jpg I love that there seem to be loads of little churches just dotted all over the city which you can't seem from up above because they are nestled inbetween the tall buildings. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4711/...96585328_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4669/...81dbe80c_c.jpg We walked by Trump Tower and both got a picture flicking it the middle finger but I think that such a picture may get me banned for being against the FT rules - haha! Start of Central Park at the northern end. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4670/...2845d93e_c.jpg We then decided to hop on a tour bus in order to see a bit more of the city and get our bearings. We found a guy who sold us tickets (3 days for the price of 2 but I'm sure that he tells everyone that) and we hopped onto the bus which initially took us back to Times Square. We sat upstairs but under the canopy as it was freezing with the wind chill. The guy doing the commentary was great. I can't remember his name but he was an actor wanting to make it on Broadway. He had some great chat and got everyone laughing along with him. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4623/...09b3f4c8_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4617/...c8f21921_c.jpg After our shopping detour, we decided that we would do the 9/11 museum. Seeing Freedom Tower for the first time was absolutely amazing. I knew that it was big but could never truly appreciate the size of it until I was standing beside it gazing up. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4710/...6ffbebaa_c.jpg And to think that where the two beautiful memorial water features are there once stood two massive buildings really is something which makes you stop and think about the magnitude of just what happened here back in 2001. It was a very sobering experience and I took some time walking around looking at the names of those who lost their lives etched into the memorial. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4723/...3228a976_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4714/...117eb126_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4667/...f4fe286a_c.jpg Walking around the museum itself was an experience I will never forget. To see all of the pieces of metal that once formed part of the Twin Towers was something else. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4698/...38105dbf_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4655/...a13e5084_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4764/...4205dc4f_c.jpg The highest point of the Twin Towers. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4716/...453d866c_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4648/...4ced1b40_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4661/...2dcf7fed_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4666/...bbde19ee_c.jpg The walls at the back are, as far as I can remember, the original foundations of the Twin Towers. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4661/...794b44be_c.jpg There were a number of exhibitions in the museum where you couldn't take photos. One of them was a 10 minute video of the excavation of the site and the building of the new towers. There was another one which basically you walked through the day. It started off with TV footage of the news that morning, there was a piece of paper detailing the mayor's duties that day, there were papers from that day which were all talking about the local election that day. You then walked around and the TVs were showing breaking news, you could hear footage from the emergency services that day, you walked and followed a timeline of events that day. There were random shoes covered in blood, there were bits charred paper which had fallen from the Towers, there were IDs of people who lost their lives. One of the tougher bits was listening to voicemail messages left by people for their loved ones - it left such an impact. I spent a very long time walking around this exhibition in the museum. I would thoroughly recommend a visit here to anyone that hasn't been before. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4754/...cba9a54c_c.jpg The architecture outside the museum is just amazing. The clear blue sky gave for some great pictures! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4662/...2e816c9c_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4696/...7f57dabc_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4649/...29953bc1_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4631/...489c4686_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4711/...5fbdb45b_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4710/...fa5f388d_c.jpg We then took a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge where we grabbed a late lunch of pizza (which was absolutely amazing!) https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4724/...0c32b3d3_c.jpg I loved the symmetry of the bridge. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4614/...dd53da55_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4709/...1c369627_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4677/...86cba51d_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4620/...4de7c277_c.jpg Exactly what was needed after a long walk! Washed down with a cold IPA. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4743/...0ccf7da1_c.jpg We waited for the bus back for AGES but it didn't turn up so we found a subway station and took it to Wall Street where we had a walk and then caught the most beautiful sunset over the Statue of Liberty. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4698/...e90602e8_c.jpg Looking back to where we were earlier in the day. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4622/...2493a4e7_c.jpg That night we went to Greenwich Village and we were going to have a few drinks. We walked past one bar and the guy asked if we wanted to go to a comedy show. We thought we would so got escorted inside to a back room where the show was in full swing. We got one of the last seats and enjoyed over an hour of comedy from a number of different comedians. A lovely spontaneous evening. After that, we headed across the road to a Vietnamese restaurant where we had a brilliant meal (and where I tried some Sake for the first time!). After that, and all the fresh air we had during the day, it was back to the hotel for another good night's sleep. |
Fantastic TR with some amazing pictures thus far! I was in NYC during mid Jan, some nice memories for sure!
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Fantastic photos especially the sunset one and I did LOL at your Trump photo which I saw on Instagram!
How long did you spend in the 9/11 museum and did you book tickets in advance? Its top of my to do list for NY this summer but not sure how long to give being in the museum before planning something else for the afternoon. Is it worth doing a tour or is it easy enough walking round yourself? |
Fantastic TR!!! I loved the darkness on the BA115 images.
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Originally Posted by somemale
(Post 29363059)
Fantastic TR with some amazing pictures thus far! I was in NYC during mid Jan, some nice memories for sure!
Originally Posted by nequine
(Post 29365386)
Fantastic photos especially the sunset one and I did LOL at your Trump photo which I saw on Instagram!
How long did you spend in the 9/11 museum and did you book tickets in advance? Its top of my to do list for NY this summer but not sure how long to give being in the museum before planning something else for the afternoon. Is it worth doing a tour or is it easy enough walking round yourself?
Originally Posted by tedcruz
(Post 29366457)
Fantastic TR!!! I loved the darkness on the BA115 images.
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You're off to a great start. Here's to an equally fine finish! ^
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really very nice trip report, enjoying it
Instead of messaging BA, why didnt you just ask the crew why were was no toast/butter/jam? Isnt that easier? |
Thanks for the TR, pics and text.
New York really is a brilliant city. Every time I plan a trip, amongst the first questions is "can I travel through NYC and stopover for a day or two?" Looking forward to the rest. |
As usual, great so far stu1985
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Such a great trip report stu1985! Thank you for taking the time to share.
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Originally Posted by stu1985
(Post 29367497)
We spent coming up for three hours in there but you could easily spend some more time. There are tours available (which obviously come at a price) but I was happy enough walking around myself and at my own pace. I didn't fancy the idea of being forced to go around at someone else's speed.
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Great TR, thanks so much. Lovely pictures!
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Originally Posted by Can I help you
(Post 29346946)
Oh dear my pet hate, the cutlery laid up incorrectly.
Great trip report. I love the sun coming up on a morning flight. Your pics make me want to travel tomorrow. |
Originally Posted by Seat 2A
(Post 29368114)
You're off to a great start. Here's to an equally fine finish! ^
Originally Posted by kosy91
(Post 29368621)
really very nice trip report, enjoying it
Instead of messaging BA, why didnt you just ask the crew why were was no toast/butter/jam? Isnt that easier?
Originally Posted by kalderlake
(Post 29368677)
Thanks for the TR, pics and text.
New York really is a brilliant city. Every time I plan a trip, amongst the first questions is "can I travel through NYC and stopover for a day or two?" Looking forward to the rest.
Originally Posted by Grande Annee
(Post 29370701)
As usual, great so far stu1985
Originally Posted by Andriyko
(Post 29371025)
Such a great trip report stu1985! Thank you for taking the time to share.
Originally Posted by gaobest
(Post 29373797)
Great TR, thanks so much. Lovely pictures!
Originally Posted by Annalisa12
(Post 29373811)
Great trip report. I love the sun coming up on a morning flight. Your pics make me want to travel tomorrow.
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Last night, we had been chatting about what we wanted to do today and we decided we would go to the Statue of Liberty. We hadn't booked in advance but a few clicks later, we had two tickets booked. I think we got scammed because we paid $25 each on whatever site we used but they were advertised for $17 on the day when we got there? Anyway, we couldn't get into the Crown but we could get part of the way up the Statue. So off we went. And we got to go through the cool shopping mall which is right by the 9/11 museum. I would definitely come here to get all of my messages if I stayed in New York! Love the architecture of the building.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4629/...61fbeeb4_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4697/...7d0e6f86_c.jpg We got down to the harbour where the ferry leaves from and went to collect our tickets. I was astonished by the number of people who had turned up on the wrong day and who got turned away by the lady at the ticket counter. I mean, come on, how difficult is it to book tickets for a given day and turn up on that day!? Getting to the ferry was a right hoo-ha with security the same as you get at the airport with the employees shouting the same words over and over again. Anyway, we got on board and got a spot up on the top deck. It was absolutely freezing! But the ride across to the Statue of Liberty was beautiful - it was great seeing New York's skyline from the water. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4677/...9f7b4660_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4613/...3ee2247a_c.jpg Lady Liberty was getting closer and closer and it was so exciting seeing her up close for the first time. I could see her from a great angle and took a photo of her.... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4721/...c93f016b_c.jpg Oh, you photobombing ba*tard of a seagull! I actually couldn't have timed that shot better if I was trying! Now, out of the way seagull! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4741/...b2fd39fa_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4762/...acced565_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4754/...d5d416e2_c.jpg We got off the ferry and made our way into the Statue. There were two further security checks which seemed strange. First one was airport style - everything off. Second one about 2 seconds later was exactly the same and you had to go through the whole rigmarole of taking everything off again. Never mind, at least the police standing around were nice to look at ;) We picked up a couple of head sets and walked around the museum. It was a great place - really informative and the exhibits told a great story. I loved hearing how the concept of the Statue was first thought of and then all of the hard work which went in to putting her together. I did have to LOL at the part where the Americans ran out of money to finish her and had to fund the rest through donations as a result of a newspaper ad. But I am glad they did because Lady Liberty is absolutely beautiful and even more so up close and personal (which is what we did after we climbed the 200 steps to get to the outdoor level just below the base of her feet). https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4612/...d6c87b93_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4623/...221b1c33_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4652/...46ef230e_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4696/...45ceb00f_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4706/...707efee7_c.jpg After admiring the view for a while, we headed back to the cafe to grab a tea and warm up and then headed back for the ferry to take us to Ellis Island. Bye! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4715/...8185d5f2_c.jpg I loved these wee birdies just hitching a ride with us! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4624/...573ee40f_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4653/...efdc660d_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4668/...028001c9_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4758/...466dde75_c.jpg Ellis Island is well worth a visit. I will go again as we only had a few hours there because we wanted to do other things in the city in the afternoon so we really only did the main tour. It's a great tour and, as with the Statue of Liberty, you get headsets which guide you around the museum. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4649/...f15a13a9_c.jpg The arrival hall where all of the immigrants coming to the US got processed was massive. The stories were really well told and I could just imagine myself standing in line hundreds of years ago and the feeling of nervousness the immigrants must have had going up to the podium and not knowing which set of stairs they would go down - i.e. to stay in the US or get deported. I didn't actually take any other pictures inside - I was too engrossed in the stories which were being told about the different rooms you walked into. Outside was pretty. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4751/...1728eb32_c.jpg Looking back to the city. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4751/...1728eb32_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4603/...c8a8df9b_c.jpg I took a walk around the grounds and stumbled upon this guy getting video'd singing New York by Frank Sinatra, New York against the city skyline. He was dressed up to the nines. It was so, so cringeworthy but I was transfixed and couldn't pull myself away until he had finished. Oh, how I would love to see that video! We got back on the ferry and enjoyed the last views of the Statue of Liberty as we made our way back to dry land. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4769/...07b5fa07_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4758/...47c12d49_c.jpg We grabbed lunch in a diner. I love this IPA - the label is awesome and the beer itself tasted SO good! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4694/...3c227c30_c.jpg I wanted to walk the High Line so we did that after lunch. The High Line is an elevated walkway which used to be a train line in Manhattan. It's now a green space where you can walk above the hustle and bustle of the streets below. There are spaces to sit, some art work dotted around and it's generally a really nice piece of the city that I'm not sure if many people know about because it was quite quiet while we were there. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4710/...90f285b6_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4622/...10b3425b_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4708/...01fa3c51_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4700/...feea64a5_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4712/...d5396af3_c.jpg I couldn't get over the number of trains just sitting here! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4695/...06d5621f_c.jpg Sun starting to set. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4606/...573d91a7_c.jpg I loved the High Line. Such a simple concept but a great way to escape the madness of the city for an hour or so. It would be a great place to go in the summer with a few friends and some beers. This board just summed it up so nicely - you are welcome here. It doesn't matter who you are, you are welcome. The second paragraph I thought was written perfectly and summed up the views of a lot of people. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4716/...8c610a3f_c.jpg We made our way back to the hotel. Stud 2 wanted a nap so I headed to the bar with a newspaper and had a few beers. I had booked a steak restaurant that I had been recommended for that evening - Keen's. There was also a roof top bar I wanted to go to - 230 5th Avenue so we decided to head there first for a drink and then go for dinner. The view from the roof top was amazing! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4719/...f21c4be7_c.jpg There are igloos that you can sit in if you wish or there are plenty of tables and chairs too. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4611/...88b148b7_c.jpg And, more importantly, dressing gowns to keep you warm in the cold winter months! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4699/...6f70bd91_c.jpg *love heart emoji* https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4724/...7e6a08a8_c.jpg And off we go for dinner......Wow, this place was packed to the rafters and then some! I gave my name at the desk and we got taken to our table shortly after and given the menus. I had a great Bloody Mary to start with. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4602/...fe9a715a_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4714/...3d6df99b_c.jpg Love all the old pipes on the roof - hundreds of them! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4606/...b496b671_c.jpg And the steak - absolutely mouth watering. One of the best steaks I have had in my life! And yes, we both finished every last bit! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4749/...de65cbdd_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4767/...8e626bea_c.jpg This guy's face was brilliant when he saw the size of the task he had ahead! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4695/...056e224f_c.jpg The extensive whisky list..... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4765/...18aab3e8_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4711/...0525a01f_c.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4747/...bdb79a6b_c.jpg A great meal. Not cheap by any stretch of the imagination but well worth it as a treat! Stud 2 headed back to the hotel to go to bed while I went to the Marriot revolving bar to take in the night time views of the city. After revolving round for 45 mins or so, I went back to the hotel and promptly fell asleep! |
Ah... Keen's. One of my favorite places anywhere. I've been going there for over forty years, they never disappoint. And the pipes? Hundreds? Not quite, I believe at last count there were 60,000-plus. Great report, look forward to the rest!
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Keens!
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Originally Posted by ss278
(Post 29376284)
Ah... Keen's. One of my favorite places anywhere. I've been going there for over forty years, they never disappoint. And the pipes? Hundreds? Not quite, I believe at last count there were 60,000-plus. Great report, look forward to the rest!
Originally Posted by BahrainLad
(Post 29377362)
Keens!
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I love 230 on 5th, it is very popular with crew and somewhere I head too on most trips.
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Originally Posted by Can I help you
(Post 29377880)
I love 230 on 5th, it is very popular with crew and somewhere I head too on most trips.
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Fantastic photos there and LOL at your photobomber :D Loved the close up ones of Lady Liberty - we bypassed getting off there on our last visit to NYC in favour of spending more time at Ellis Island which was fantastic but very moving.
What like is the view from the Marriott revolving restaurant? That's where I am booked into for our stay and going to book a table for the revolving restaurant when the dates open for our stay there. |
Originally Posted by nequine
(Post 29379173)
What like is the view from the Marriott revolving restaurant? That's where I am booked into for our stay and going to book a table for the revolving restaurant when the dates open for our stay there. |
Cheers :)
The plan at the moment is to go about 6.30 so we see sunset. |
How nice. Well done. Back in NY tomorrow.
which Burger place did you go to in HK? Used to have a condo there. |
Nice signs:D
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