05 Jan 11 NYC to LAX to SYD to ADL

NYC 2^oC Clear

LAX 9^oC Clouds

SYD 22^o C

ADL 27^o C

Awoke early to get ready for departure. We left the hotel just after 0800 with the taxi trip taking only 40 or so minutes. Quicker than on arrival. With the flat rate, tips and tolls the whole trip cost $60 USD. Every year the toll price increases so the change from $5 when we arrived to $6.50 USD surprised us a bit. That is a huge increase. The cab driver, Brobe Samuel, took us through Queens on the way to the airport.

Word on the street was the city was broke. After laying off the sanitation workers before Christmas some areas of NYC were still waiting or garbage pick ups. Blue and clear bags for recycling, black for rubbish. The snow was a priority, so was clearing refuse from Manhattan and Park avenue. We cannot have the affluent living in the effluent.

Weighed the bags in at the united desk. Had to shuffle a few items around to reduce the cost of excess weight , but this wasn't difficult and in the end we all came in under the 50 pounds anyway. Thankfully I could check in two bags. The queues were minimal as we got there, but by the time it was our turn the line was long. The shortest checkin was seven minutes. That for one person with a small bag. Automation is a wonderful thing. To begin, only three checkin staff were present, growing to four by the time we got to the desk. We asked if we could use the self check-in which they said 'sure'. It worked for me ok, but coming to the rest of the family it failed. 20 or so minutes later we and bags were all checked in for the flight. Security was surprisingly painless and quick this time round. The easiest so far, but probably in part due to the familiarity we now had with the full process. Kylie tried the full body scan machine. There are two issues with the way the security is currently set up. The first is insufficient space to offload all the shoes, bags and any electrical equipment. The second is after the scanning point no room to re-pack and re-dress. Still, most people seem to plan ahead and move through quickly.

At one point the flight took us just south of Boulder and north of Las Vegas. The Grand Canyon was good to see, as was the snow topped mountains just below us. It was at this point the rivetting discussion on what happens to bodies in airline crashes appeared in my book. Research shows the most trauma to the body occurs when it hits the water. Of any survivors questioned in the studies, none remember what actually occurs as the aircraft disintegrates in flight, just that they are somehow involved. The least injuries occur when hitting the water feet first, but survival relies on a speed of less than 110 kms per hour. Terminal velocity of a body is around the 194 Kph. All fun things when you are flying, and still there is an 85% chance of surviving an aircraft accident.

The United Airlines flight was good. Got to watch Social Network. Hopefully next time I get a working headset. Some drinks complimentary, food purchase by card only. I didn't have my card with me. Flight five and a half hours, but we landed 40 minutes early. Lovely.

We landed at LAX terminal seven and caught the shuttle to terminal three. It means another security check. Only one staff member was at the V Australia check in with 24 people lining up to wait. I almost felt guilty being Premium Economy knowing I would be next and those well before us would need to wait further still. It was made worse when the staff member called me up and another gentleman travelling business was in the 'economy' line. As it turns out the Business and Premium lines weren't in place when he turned up. They must have only been put there before us. We checked in ok, and still no word on our lost luggage. Flight is full too. A second staff member turned up so hopefully the 20 or so others will be checked in before more anger. Still, it is five hours before take off.

The lounge is interesting. We were given two complimentary entries, but we could not take the children in on those. Also my platinum membership doesn't allow friends of guests anymore, only gold membership does. The lounge is actually shared through the Alaskan Airlines boardroom. Turn left before the gate, go around the Burger King, up some stairs, press the button on the non-descript door. Wait for the electronic door click, provide the secret handshake...

The genetically modified banana satisfied some hunger.  Thankfully there are food outlets downstairs because the offererings here aren't fantastic. Well, almost time to avail myself of the 3 drink limit at the bar. I will have to pace myself for the flight.

04 Jan 11 - New York City

Temp: Much the same as yesterday

Slept in. not much on the cards for today. Took a walk around the corner of the block to 42^nd street. Here I peered into the BB King Blues Club before crossing the road to the Ripley's 'Believe it or not' museum. This is certainly a collection of weird artefacts and information, including quite a number of shrunken heads. Good fun. The girls attempted the laser run with a best time coming in ninth on the leaderboard. Once we had enough of the downright unusual we crossed the road to buy some shoes at the Sketcher shop.

Lunchtime, and nearby found an eatery that sold pizza with a variety of toppings. Yay! A short skip back to the hotel room to drop off our purchases and then grabbed taxi from outside hotel to take us to the north side of Central Park. This is Harlem, but rather than take a walk through the suburb itself we entered Central Park about midway along. We followed the path down to the lake,  which was frozen. By stepping on the edge of the ice the weight would push water from under the ice towards the shore. The crisp crinkling sounds confirmed my decision against testing greater weight on the ice and I adhered to the signs warning of the thin ice. Yes, delicate I know.

We followed the path easterly past a number of others reclining on bench seats catching the warmth of the sun as it reflected off the sheet ice where it could. A building in the corner of the park, partly bounded by water, houses public toilets as well as a nature education centre. The ice covering much of the lakes surface not quite reaching this far. Trees on the east side of the building rose from the lake edge amongst which ducks, geese and other water birds nestled. In following the park further still the direction changed to follow 5^th avenue. Apartment buildings lined this road on the city side. A mixture of architecture, some non-descript with the purpose and expense only really identified through the opulent entrance ways, door staff or elegant gardens or fixtures at ground level.

Park staff busied themselves clearing the snow from the ground, paths and playground equipment. A number of vehicles were parked just within the gates of the park. Two police cars testing the various tones of the sirens, park vehicles and a couple who's purpose was not readily identifiable. This was around the botanic conservatory garden where water around the central statues were now replaced with snow.

We headed westerly taking a rising path that veered south and continued the climb. An interpretive sign identified part of a stone wall structure nestled amongst the natural rock as part of an early convent at this location. On rounding the corner and continuing the climb the nostrils were assailed by the smell of rotting vegetation. Climbing a small hill to take photographs of the eastern cityscape found the source of the smell of the park compost storage point.

The road, divided into shared walkway, cycle track and vehicle road, levelled out from this point and snaked its way following generally 5^th avenue. As it neared the main road street signs identified the portion as part of the Museum Mile. At one point a squirrel fossicked on the ground and snow searching for food, only to be chased into the nearby tree by a diving hawk. The park rangers stopped to take notes on the bird before it took off in search of easier meat.

At the mayoral memorial site we ascended the stairs to take in the view overlooking the Central Park reservoir. This offers a commanding view of the west side cityscape.

We followed 5^th avenue further and crossed over to find toilets in the Guggenhiem museum. Unfortunately use of these facilities would prove costly so the girls grabbed themselves hotdogs and pretzels from one of the street vendors. . Costs for a hotdog range from $2 to $3 USD and often you overhear people checking the prices and moving to the next street corner for hope of something cheaper.

It was time for the girls to finish off shopping in 5^th avenue so once the taxi dropped us off near Abercrombies we parted company and I began the walk back to the hotel. On 44^th between 6^th and 7^th I found the King Tut exhibition and for $33 USD took nearly two hours to enjoy the splendor of ancient upper egyptian opulence. The exact replica of Tutenkhamun at the end of the exhibit was well done.

On returning to the hotel I found I had only just arrived after Kylie, Sara an Hailey. Dinner was at the Hardrock cafe in Times square. As we arrived the lineup wasn't significant and we were informed of the 20-25 minute delay. Not a biggie and this allowed some time to take in the collection of music memorabilia adorning the walls. With some time left we headed into the bar and thankfully just at the time four people vacated their seats for their table. After the barman confirmed the girls were not 21 we ordered a cocktail, beer and softdrinks at pretty much the lowest prices found to date. On sitting down we hadn't made the 'next act' list but before completing the first round our table was ready. The final meal in NY was sensational. Of interest was the information the waiter provided on New years eve at the Hardrock. For $250 USD you get 5 hours of open bar, entertainment, easy access from 43^rd avenue and ready access to Time square at the time the ball drops. This would have been by far a better option than standing for 7 hours on 49^th.

The rest of the evening was occupied by packing and re-packing for the next day.

Some thoughts on New York City:
Big City, some bright lights. In Times Square anyway. Thats about it.
Personally, other cities have more charm, better restaurants and lots of other things to do. I am being unkind, but for me I could not see what the fuss was about. I would have preferred another week in Quebec City. That had beauty and charm.
The museums are great, and if we had an unexhaustable supply of funds would have loved to have seen more. The shops are good, but expensive and in many places you wonder if you are being taken for a ride. The people are friendly, and once they get use to your accent you can strike up great conversations. This that speak english of course. Of all the restaurants only one didn't splash water all over the table - that was Gordon Ramsey's. You go to restaurants to eat and everywhere the food was great. The service was never bad but it ranged in quality, and only The Maze was similar to expectations in Adelaide restaurants.
You do feel safe in the city. NYPD everywhere, and all happy for a chat. Never got a photo with one though. If the police presence is likened to a police state then bring it on. I felt far safer there at night than in Adelaide or Melbourne, and not one feral, obnoxious, drunk or stoned individual. Even the homeless and beggars are polite. A few individuals of not sound mind roamed about, but seemed to hassle the store vendors than really make any nuisence of themselves. Lots of people, but i'd suspect more visitors and tourists. Everywhere people were friendly. If I go back I would love to see Central park in Spring, Summer or Autumn.
Music on the streets is provided by car horns. Toots here and there and everywhere warnign of an approaching car. Many pedestrians need the warning. Drivers of other vehicles as well as using lanes appears optional, or in many cases the paint is severely worn away so you create your own lane. Traffic is generally slow and I was actually surprised by the number of private vehicles in the city. Outnumbered by taxis of course. Many black vehicles pull over offering a ride somewhere. They have the appearance of limosines, but with no markings it is difficult to know how legit they are. They charge more too with one offer to Central Park for $20 USD. By taxi it was $10.

03 Jan 11 New York City

Temp: 3 degrees C Clear skies

Although generally warm the breeze is icy. No sun hits the ground in North South direction roads so at times you do feel the cold. Still, no need for thermals today as the girls were going shopping down 5th avenue. I tagged along to take some photographs. The girls took in the Rockefeller Center tour while I roamed the streets. I think I bumped into Kevin James crossing the street. Not really sure.
All the sales are on with queues at some stores. Abercrombie and Fisk to name one. Must be some reason why clothes made of fabric are worth lining up for. Tiffiny's was... well... Tiffiny's. Expensive and sparkly. I wonder how many people in the store were actually buying? Bloomingdales was an unexpected surprise. Very friendly staff and well set out. Almost like an arcade in that each brand had their own store within the store. Easy to find what you are after. Australian department stores should take note.
We caught a cab back to the hotel and had lunch before the girls went out to do some shopping and look at tickets for a Broadway show tonight. Most shows are closed on Monday nights, but at this stage any show will do.

Kylie and the girls returned to the hotel early afternoon. We managed to get some tickets to some Broadway show. Kylie couldn't remember the name of it as most of the bigger shows were not on monday nights. We headed out to dinner bypassing one theatre shut, but walking under another one definitely open. Dinner was at. the restaurant next door. A nice Italian place where Sara had octopus for main coarse, Hailey enjoyed pasta and Kylie a great steak. My Scallopine Limone was sensational, and followed up by a cheesecake desert finished it off.

We left the restaurant and joined the line for the theatre next door. Kylie tried to surprise me and managed to get tickets to the 'Rock of ages' show. Much cheaper than we were earlier quoted. The show was awesome, with good renditions of 80's rock and a humerous story line. The crowd was quite sedate for the first act, but at the finale people lept up for a foot stomping, hand clapping standing ovation. we had perfect seats to the left of stage and I was positioned on the aisle. This is the aisle the action takes place in. Exploding confetti, actors tripping over in the aisle... Great fun. Hooray for Boobies!

02 Jan 11 - New York City

Temp 3 degrees C Overcast, rain developing

Grabbed an egg and bacon roll and four hot chocolates for breakfast at Starbucks around the corner. Grabbed a taxi around 1000 hrs and travelled the 33 blocks to the Upper Westside. Got out at the Museum of Natural history and went inside. Purchased a family ticket for $112 USD which included 5 special exhibits for the day. Visited some of the static displays while waiting or the first exhibition. This museum boasts the largest collection of dinosaur fossils of theoir type in the world.
The first special exhibit was the 'Race to the South Pole'. A self guided tour following Admundens and Scotts race to the be the first at the south pole. Managed to pick up a copy of Scotts Antarctic diary for $9.97 USD. Dad should enjoy reading that.
The second special exhibition was the butterfly exhibit. Not as large as the enclosure at Melbourne Zoo, but certainly an experience. The girls loved the butterflies landing on them.
The next special exhibit was the 'Journey to the stars' in the planetarium. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg this was a visual exploration of the birth and death of stars, galaxies and the universe.
A self guided tour of 'The Brain' included many hands on displays showing the functions of the brain and how the brain works; including senses and emotional reponses. Simple, technical and fun. As a T-shirt in the store implied; there are no apps for the brain. Referring of course to iPhone apps.
Caught the Wittelsbach-Graff diamond on display. Hmmm. Shiney.
The Imax theatre showed a documentary of the Hubble space station/camera and how its images have increased our understanding of star creation and death.
In between all the special exhibits we took some lunch and visited the huge number of themed displays. The dioramas are particularly well done. One could quite easily spend a few days in the museum, but by the end of the day we were keen to return to the hotel to make our dinner reservation at Gordon Ramsey's. This was booked months ahead, as it needs to be, so we didn't want to be late.
The museum was warm so jackets were checked. In the end I had to remove my thermal shirt, and found the weather warm when we left the museum even though light was fading. A sprinkle of rain meant finding transport a bit of a priority.
Normally catching New York taxis is easy, but we (and others) quickly found tonight that short trips are refused. 33 blocks not enough, or more to the point the $10 fare no-doubt. Anyway after a few refusals we decided to head west a few streets and chance our luck there. This seemed to work and the first taxi dropped us back at the hotel after spending quite some time negotiating the New York traffic. Thankfully the sprinkle of rain hadn't increased to any real drama.
One thing to note today were the mounting piles of rubbish on the foot paths. No rubbish bins, just garbage bags piled high. As we found out there hadn't been a collection since Christmas eve, largely because removing the piles of snow and ice from the recent storms was the higher priority. 18 inches of snow fell in New York, with parts of New Jersey recording 20 inches. .
We were dropped off close to the hotel. You need to be prepared to alight a taxi close to your destination as the traffic, one way streets, and other obstacles often prevent you getting to the door.
We headed off to Gordon Ramsey's at the London hotel with plenty of time. The taxi got us there quickly and there was a brief wait in the lounge while they made our table ready. I hadn't even had time to fully comprehend the wine list before we were shown our table. I did manage to digest the value of the wines starting at $13 USD per glass. In fact NZ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 was more per glass than we buy in Australia for a bottle. There are two Gordon Ramsey restaurants in the London Hotel. We were boked in the Maze which is the 'casual' restaurant. This said the decor was very up market, and the staff the most professional I have ever experienced.
There were many choices on the menue and as the waitress explained each choice is designed as a tasting. Therefore for a full meal two or more smaller courses would be required. Kylie and I decided on the fixed menue. A complimentary small cup of soup started us off - with the obligatory piles of bread and bottomless water. Dinner consisted of Pumpkin soup (soup poured around the bowl when delivered), green salad with yoghurt, asparagus, beetroot slices and caramelised walnuts. Very nice. Then came the Grilled Spanish Octopus and the Grilled Scallops. yummmm. We ordered the octopus separately. Sliced loin formed the mains. Cooked to perfection. Complimented brilliantly with some glasses of Pinot Giglio from Italy.   Desert was a chocolate fondant. Veeerrry nice. Finally a decent cup of brewed tea. All told, this exceeded expectations. Need to get the recipes!
Walked back to the hotel via Times Square again. Still lots of people, and the stands left over from the 31st were still up - and covered in people.

01 Jan 11 - New York City

Temp: 3 degrees, warming and overcast.

Lazy day. No real plans. Went down stairs and bought a New York hotdog from the stand on the corner. For the licenses and permits for the various food stands on practically every corner the city of New York gets one billion US dollars per year. With taxes that must amount to huge income from the street vendors. With the permits the vendors locations are protected. Walked into Times Square the crowds were still around. Most of the barracades from the previous night have been removed, although the stands are still up. Decided to walk down 7th into Central park and took a taxi instead. Only about $8 USD.
In central park we thought about taking a horse ride. There is literally a continuous stream of buggies with the occasional trishaw in between. We walked around to the Apple building where street performers were rapping and breaking on the flat snowy area out the front of Pulitzer Fountain.
Crossed the road back into central park after being treated to 45 NYPD police cars with lights and sirens (each siren different). Took in the sites of Central Park Zoo. $48 USD for the family. The zoo is small by most modern standards, however well organised as set out. Managed some great photos of the local inhabitants. This is the zoo featured in Madagascar.
After continuing through more of central park taking in some of the sights of frozen lakes, fields and mushy paths we decided to return back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. I do have to mention the artist braving the snow and ice while painting a central park and city scene. I could imagine Andy doing the same. Not sure how watercolour would fair in icy conditions. Went into a camera store to find out about a battery charger for the Nikon. Managed to knock the forceful sales person down 30% off the price. Still think I was ripped off, but now I can charge the battery and it was about the same price as a proper Nikon charger.
Dinner was at Joe's Steakhouse. 

31st Dec 10 New York City New Years Eve

Temp: -3 C Overcast, skies clearing

New Years Eve. We headed off in the morning to the North West corner of 50th and 7th avenues for the tour bus. With the crowds expected we left the hotel at 0900 and it really only took five to ten minutes to go the seven or so blocks. Stopped at a cafe on the corner for some breakfast and to pick up some bottles of water. The bus tour was quite good. 5 hours with plenty of stops to get out and walk and a ferry ride around the Statue of Liberty. The bus took us around Broadway, through the restaurant alley, providing background of Hell's Kitchen, Central park, Wall street, Lower Manhatten, NoHo, SoHo and more...
Took in the sites of the Dakota Hotel, Strawberry fields memorial garden, Madison Square Gardens, Empire State building and many other of the significant buildings of New York City. Passed through Canal St, past Houston (pronounce Howsten), Little Italy and Chinatown, and Greenwich Village.
Stopped at Pier 17 for lunch, and area reknown for trinkets and things presumably built up for the tourist trade. Here we caught the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, taking in the sights of Manhattan, the site of the World Trade Centre, Ellis Island and New Jersey.
On returning to shore the bus continued through to the New York Stock exchange, and the World financial centre seeing the remaining foundations of the twin tours and the new construction going up in the area.
Returning back to Midtown we were dropped off just past where we were picked up from. The roads in the area started to close at 1300 hrs and the traffic was now becoming hectic in preparation for tonight. We disembarked about 1530 and began the slow, but steady walk back to the Hotel.
At about 1630 it was time to head to Times square to get a standing position. We took a right from the hotel door and walked along 43rd to Times Square. At Times Square we chatted to one of the 2000 NYPD gathering about the area. He suggested going back to 8th avenue and heading towards 46th and 47th as those roads were open. Of we went. 46th was shut and as we got to 47th I overheard one of the police saying that 52nd was still open. So we trudged on further partially swept along by the growing crowds. 52nd was open and we grabbed our opportunity. Heading back to 7th avenue we turned south following the crowds back towards times square. This was the crown control plan; Shut the access streets to the side, directing people back up into 7th street towards Times Square. In this way people were corralled into sections after being searched and scanned by wands similar to thise used at airports. As each area filled they were closed off and the next section opened. Back packs and large bags were not allowed, jackets had to be opened with pockets emptied for access. Those with bags could leave them in presumably secure areas nearby. Thankfully we chose to travel light, and I only brought along the HD video camera. Shuffling through this was reasonably pain free, and in reality was welcome as we still had 7 hours of waiting to go until midnight.  Once through the check point we went back up towards Times Square finally settling in a spot close to 49th street. A mere 6 blocks from Times Square and from our Hotel. Still, the tower was easily seen. By 1800 hrs the crowds were well established with bodies continually pressing against one other for position. Many trying to move a few metres forward but realising the futility as the view wasn't any better. The transverse streets were kept clear for emergency egress or access, and throughout the night people trying to get from one side to the other were escorted by police for security and to prevent jumping the queue. At the hour of 1800 fireworks went off and a large electronic display indicated 6 hours left. The crystal ball was raised and at this point people around began to question what they were doing here. Some left, and certainly throughout the remaining time many considered the standing too much. We thought about going elsewhere ourselves as we couldn't hear the entertainment which only lasted a few short minutes in between each hour. Thankfully someone brought along some beach balls and this left the crowds entertained at times for the drawing hours.
At this point the harsh realisation of how pathetic waiting to watch a 12 foot diametre, 12,000 pound Waterford Crystal ball, lit up with LEDs decend really was. With no entertainment to speak of this began a serious trial of patience, strength and fortitude. By the 3 hour to go one really had to wander why people go through this. Still more people left and so the spaces began to open. Still hadn't had dinner at this time, however we managed to pick up some chairs from a passerby for $20 USD. After eating the pizza contents we found with surprise how comfortable corrugated pizza cardboard really is on icy wet bitumen. Things weren't all bad, and with two hours to go we made friends with an American, his French girlfriend, a fellow from Bejing now working in LA, a Croatian and a Columbian. Last two being nannies working in New York. Pizza and coffee delivery people paraded up and down the pavement either side of the barracaded sections. By this time people were paying anything for sustenance and seating. Anything they couldnt finish they would offer to any strangers nearby. The silly ones passed off their boxes as well.
With one hour to go someone released hundreds of white and black balloons near our area. Not sure where they came from but there was much cheering as they became caught in wires, balconies and signs as they ascended into the icy heavens. Actually the temperature wasn't too bad. It remained at 3 degrees C for the night until about 1145 when it dropped to 2 degrees C. There were clear skies and a slight breeze. You could feel the cold under foot though. After nearly 7 hours of waiting I learned the trained ran in the subway every 10 minutes. This was identified by the rumble and tremors underfoot. I also discovered the 7th and 49th intersection traffic lights remain red for 45 seconds, amber for 4 seconds and green for 40 seconds. The red remains on in both directions for one second. The beach balls continued bouncing above. Occasionally they would drop to the slush in the gutters only to spray people as they were sent aloft once again. Really you just couldn't think about what was in that water.
At 1130 the last train bellowed underground. And although I was convinced time had stopped, by now the last 30 minutes went quickly. 30 seconds to go and the countdown started. The ball dropped, and amongst 1.3 million people screaming in joy, the boistrous "Happy New Years", fireworks, raining confetti, and immense sighs of relief we bade our farewells to new found friends and headed for the exits. By 0030 we were back at the Hotel, our passes proving useful getting access to the hotel street.  The girls went to bed straigth away and Kylie and I went to the Hotel bar for a New Years drink. After the party was sober it was needed. In hindsight, including the general concensus of others in Times Square the event really wasn't all that it was cracked up to be. For entertainment value, comfort, and beautiful scenery you really cannot go past Sydney harbour on New Years - and they celebrate it a day earlier. Still, it was something checked off the list of have to do's.