We had a lovely dinner (steak, which Murray cooked on the barbque in the snow). After dinner we had a spa. John (foolishly) braved the elements and made a snow angel quickly before hopping back into the hot tub very quickly.
In the morning we had a leisurely breakfast. The sun was shining beautifully, and everything looked lovely & crisp. It was around 0 degrees. We wandered around the property taking photos of the icicles hanging from the house, the cardinal bird, and the snow. Murray took us over the road to his mother's house. She is away so unfortunately we did not get to meet her. Behind her house (the old farmhouse) are the barns in which Murray (& his father before him) kept their Jersey cows during the winter. A huge space, all mechanised, now unused.
After lunch we drove into Montreal. We visited St. Joseph's Oratory, a huge church on Mount Royal. In fact there are a number of large churches on the site. We had to go up three very long steep escalators to get to the top church. This is used for State functions. It is a very modern looking interior.
From there we went to the other side of Mount Royal, and parked the car. Walked around past large groups of children sleging and people skiing (on dusk) to the observation site, from where we could see all over central Montreal. By the time we returned to the car is was dark. We drove into the area of Westmount, the upmarket suburb for English speaking Montrealers. We called in to see Marilyn & Murray's daughter Megan and her partner Devon in their lovely apartment, before driving through the city to the St John's Basilica. Megan was amazed at the similarities between John & Marray! Unfortunately the Basicila was closed for a multi-media presentation, so we were unable to go inside.
There is a real push to have everything in French here, and the local "English" Canadians are reducing in number, as many shift away to the English parts of Canada. All the signs are in French, and shop staff tend to only speak in French.
We walked around a few streets in this area of old Montreal, past quaint little shops all decorated for Christmas. Then we drove to another area and had dinner at a very nice restaurant, l'Acadamie. After that it was a one hour drive back home, and soon to bed.
31st January: This morning it is cloudy, 4 degrees outside so positively tropical! We have just had breakfast, and the boys have gone off to the grocery store. Marilyn is preparing for guests tonight - we are of course behine NZ! There are 8 people coming for a pot-luck dinner to celebrate New Year, so we will get to meet some of their friends.
This afternoon we will go into the town of Huntington, which is their nearest town.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Travelling at last
W enjoyed the musical. Great performance from some very talented children. First time ever to wear tramping boots to the theatre, and not out of place.
Went back through the snow - fortunately only 2 streets - to Michelle's apartment and had a relaxing evening.
In the morning (28th) we went to Times Square, now full of visitors, and walked through to Bryant Park and around. Did a little shopping on the way. Back to Michelle's, and had an email to say our flight at 17.30 had been delayed for two hours. Then we got another email to say it was back on time.....
So we finished packing and went down to 8th Ave to catch a taxi just after 3pm. The traffic was gridlocked through Manhatten, and we took over 1/2 hour to get past Central Park. Our driver was good but could not go any faster. We got to the airport at 4.20, and there were very long queues for Air Canada flights. Checked in on the self-help machine, then "pushed in " to bag drop off, as the queue was very long there - and time was running out. Then someone started asking people in the queues who else was waiting for the 5.30 flight. There were a number of people who had to be brought forward to make the flight.
Got through security and to the gate, to find the flight delayed for 1 hour due to mechanical issues. Finally got to take off, and 1 hour 40 later disembarked in Montreal. After goling through customs we emerged to meet our friends. Murray & Marilyn drove us to their home, about 1 hour, in the country. Snow everywhere - though dark so we couldnot see it.
We had dinner & went to bed just after midnight. It was lovely to see Murray & Marilyn again, and a great catchup.
Today (29th) we got up about 8, and left for Ottowa at 10, after a leisurely breakfast. It is a two hour drive, through snow covered county. We walked around the Parliament Building, then had lunch at a Market Produce Restaurant. Then we walked over the St. Laurence River to the Musee Canadien des Civilisations - yes everything is in French and English. We spent time in the Canadian history section. It was very well set out, a lovely museum.
Walked back to the car, stopping for a coffee on the way. By then it was dark, and we drove back to the farm. Arrived about 7pm. Now having a pre-dinner drink. No doubt will update tomorrow.
Went back through the snow - fortunately only 2 streets - to Michelle's apartment and had a relaxing evening.
In the morning (28th) we went to Times Square, now full of visitors, and walked through to Bryant Park and around. Did a little shopping on the way. Back to Michelle's, and had an email to say our flight at 17.30 had been delayed for two hours. Then we got another email to say it was back on time.....
So we finished packing and went down to 8th Ave to catch a taxi just after 3pm. The traffic was gridlocked through Manhatten, and we took over 1/2 hour to get past Central Park. Our driver was good but could not go any faster. We got to the airport at 4.20, and there were very long queues for Air Canada flights. Checked in on the self-help machine, then "pushed in " to bag drop off, as the queue was very long there - and time was running out. Then someone started asking people in the queues who else was waiting for the 5.30 flight. There were a number of people who had to be brought forward to make the flight.
Got through security and to the gate, to find the flight delayed for 1 hour due to mechanical issues. Finally got to take off, and 1 hour 40 later disembarked in Montreal. After goling through customs we emerged to meet our friends. Murray & Marilyn drove us to their home, about 1 hour, in the country. Snow everywhere - though dark so we couldnot see it.
We had dinner & went to bed just after midnight. It was lovely to see Murray & Marilyn again, and a great catchup.
Today (29th) we got up about 8, and left for Ottowa at 10, after a leisurely breakfast. It is a two hour drive, through snow covered county. We walked around the Parliament Building, then had lunch at a Market Produce Restaurant. Then we walked over the St. Laurence River to the Musee Canadien des Civilisations - yes everything is in French and English. We spent time in the Canadian history section. It was very well set out, a lovely museum.
Walked back to the car, stopping for a coffee on the way. By then it was dark, and we drove back to the farm. Arrived about 7pm. Now having a pre-dinner drink. No doubt will update tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Stranded
We are still in New York. All flights today were canceled, so we are now on a 5.30pm flight to Montreal tomorrow (28th). There is snow piled up everywhere. It is the 6th biggest ever snowstorm in New York, so one for the history books.
The snow has been cleared on many roads, so is piled up on the sides of the roads in high mounds. We now have winds which are very cold & strong, blowing the snow around. It is -5, with the wind chill taking it to -12. we went out for a walk around the block - Times Square. Had lunch at a 1950's diner, where the staff all sing (they are trying to get roles on Broadway). Lunch was a burger & shake. We walked a little more before returning back to the warmth of the apartment.
Tonight we are going to see the musical "Billy Elliott". We will again put on our boots & hats & gloves to tackle the elements. Fortunately it is only a couple of streets down.
The snow has been cleared on many roads, so is piled up on the sides of the roads in high mounds. We now have winds which are very cold & strong, blowing the snow around. It is -5, with the wind chill taking it to -12. we went out for a walk around the block - Times Square. Had lunch at a 1950's diner, where the staff all sing (they are trying to get roles on Broadway). Lunch was a burger & shake. We walked a little more before returning back to the warmth of the apartment.
Tonight we are going to see the musical "Billy Elliott". We will again put on our boots & hats & gloves to tackle the elements. Fortunately it is only a couple of streets down.
Blizzard hits NY
We had dinner in last night, and watched the white flakes falling. At midnight Michelle & Liz went out to Times Square. There were large snowdrifts all over, still a few cars driving around - no chains. The snow was still falling, it fell until 4am.
In the morning the sky was clear and all around was white. The cars were still driving, slowly, single lane. Saw many people digging out their cars as they got stuck driving along or had been parked on the roadside. The wind came up and was blowing snow off the tops of buildings.
Our 11am flight to Montreal was canceled, we were moved to a 1pm flight, which was then canceled, as was the following 3pm flight. At this stage we are on a flight at 5.30pm. So currently we are waiting to see if the airport is reopened at 4pm.
It is the second largest December snowstorm since 1896! Certainly some record to be here for.....The wind is stronger now than it has been during the snowfall. It is whistling around the windows here on the 19th floor. It is -4 outside, with the wind chill -12C.
In the morning the sky was clear and all around was white. The cars were still driving, slowly, single lane. Saw many people digging out their cars as they got stuck driving along or had been parked on the roadside. The wind came up and was blowing snow off the tops of buildings.
Our 11am flight to Montreal was canceled, we were moved to a 1pm flight, which was then canceled, as was the following 3pm flight. At this stage we are on a flight at 5.30pm. So currently we are waiting to see if the airport is reopened at 4pm.
It is the second largest December snowstorm since 1896! Certainly some record to be here for.....The wind is stronger now than it has been during the snowfall. It is whistling around the windows here on the 19th floor. It is -4 outside, with the wind chill -12C.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Christmas Day & Boxing day in New York
It was a cloudy day when we awoke. We had breakfast, and at 11am walked to catch the bus to Penn Station. From there we took the train out to Long Island to visit friends of Michelles who live about 1 hour 20 minutes out from Manhatten. We started Christmas dinner at 3.00pm and finished dining about 9.00pm - certainly not the way the Hokitika Pfahlerts do Christmas dinner! However it was very nice and the 4 friends (Maria, Larry, Jean & Lisa) were very good company. Traveled through the delightful (not) town of Hicksville on the way out and back. The train home was uneventful. We unwrapped our present and we were in bed by midnight.
Today we went shopping at Macys, Lord & Taylor and Century 21 - an absolute circus with everyone wanting to get "specials". I got a couple of new jerseys and shirts and Liz a new jacket and gloves. It started snowing late morning and we now have blizzard conditions outside - the first snow of the year. We had a few trips in the falling snow traveling between the various shops and subway stations. They are promising 18" to fall tonight so we are keeping an eye on our flights tomorrow to see if we can get out to Montreal. There are road sweepers and sidewalk shovellers already out in force, thought the number of people walking around has reduced considerably. We are looking at our options for dining out tonight - won't be going far though.
Today we went shopping at Macys, Lord & Taylor and Century 21 - an absolute circus with everyone wanting to get "specials". I got a couple of new jerseys and shirts and Liz a new jacket and gloves. It started snowing late morning and we now have blizzard conditions outside - the first snow of the year. We had a few trips in the falling snow traveling between the various shops and subway stations. They are promising 18" to fall tonight so we are keeping an eye on our flights tomorrow to see if we can get out to Montreal. There are road sweepers and sidewalk shovellers already out in force, thought the number of people walking around has reduced considerably. We are looking at our options for dining out tonight - won't be going far though.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Christmas Eve in NYC
Another clear, sunny day. Again about 0 degrees. We took the bus down 9th Ave to 14th Street. There we went for a walk on the Highline. This is an old railway line which has been rejuvenated as a walking track (with further extensions planned). It has been beautifully done, to look like a disused overgrown railway. Many people saunter along it on a fine day. It is elevated above the streets, so has quite a good view.
From there we caught the C line subway to the Staten Island ferry terminal, right at the bottom of the Island. The free ferry goes every 20-30 minutes. There are up to 2000 people on it! Just walk on & walk off, very streamlined. So we had a good view back over Manhatten while on the 25 minute trip. It was too cold and windy to do too much walking about so we did a short walk near the docks and caught the next ferry back.
Back in town we met Michelle and went shoe shopping. John managed to find 2 nice pairs to replace ones he's worn to death. Liz and Michelle were not so lucky. We had dinner at a cheap diner at Grand Central Station and then headed home. We were joined by Michelles friend Lisa and we all went out for a drink at the Marriot before going off to midnight mass at St Malachys, a small gothic church about 2 blocks from Michelles place.
After mass we came home and rang various family members in NZ before finally getting to be about 2.47am.
From there we caught the C line subway to the Staten Island ferry terminal, right at the bottom of the Island. The free ferry goes every 20-30 minutes. There are up to 2000 people on it! Just walk on & walk off, very streamlined. So we had a good view back over Manhatten while on the 25 minute trip. It was too cold and windy to do too much walking about so we did a short walk near the docks and caught the next ferry back.
Back in town we met Michelle and went shoe shopping. John managed to find 2 nice pairs to replace ones he's worn to death. Liz and Michelle were not so lucky. We had dinner at a cheap diner at Grand Central Station and then headed home. We were joined by Michelles friend Lisa and we all went out for a drink at the Marriot before going off to midnight mass at St Malachys, a small gothic church about 2 blocks from Michelles place.
After mass we came home and rang various family members in NZ before finally getting to be about 2.47am.
Friday, December 24, 2010
New York Update
Hi everyone
No snow yet, but it's promised (50% chance) for Monday. Liz and I went to another show the night before last, called Rock of Ages. It's based on rock music from the early 1980's. We had seats 3 rows from the front. The music was played by a live band. Yesterday we went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We took a couple of buses to get there. Hard to say that you've ever "seen" the Met with several million exhibits. About a dozen or so rooms just with Egyptian artifacts, and another dozen with grand master paintings. Every major theme seemed to cover about an acre! We wandered around for about 4 hours before flagging.
We strolled back through Central Park and window shopped back to Michelle's flat. It was another sunny, cold day. Last night we joined Michelle and her friend Liz to go to the Christmas show put on by the Radio City Rockettes, the annual Radio city Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. This was an "extravaganza" - the nativity scene had real live sheep, 2 camels and a donkey! The hall is huge and seats about 3000.
We have been to the Natural History Museum also. It has some great exhibits, particularly the bits on the origin of man and dinosaurs. However I thought most of it was a bit dated. Just the job for Peter Jackson and Weta workshops to do a makeover and zazz it up!
Michelle had a party at her place last night and invited 25 or so - which didn't finish till well after midnight. Caught up with all her friends. Didn't get to bed till after 2am. And this morning got up at at 10.47am! Great to be able to sleep in.
No snow yet, but it's promised (50% chance) for Monday. Liz and I went to another show the night before last, called Rock of Ages. It's based on rock music from the early 1980's. We had seats 3 rows from the front. The music was played by a live band. Yesterday we went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We took a couple of buses to get there. Hard to say that you've ever "seen" the Met with several million exhibits. About a dozen or so rooms just with Egyptian artifacts, and another dozen with grand master paintings. Every major theme seemed to cover about an acre! We wandered around for about 4 hours before flagging.
We strolled back through Central Park and window shopped back to Michelle's flat. It was another sunny, cold day. Last night we joined Michelle and her friend Liz to go to the Christmas show put on by the Radio City Rockettes, the annual Radio city Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. This was an "extravaganza" - the nativity scene had real live sheep, 2 camels and a donkey! The hall is huge and seats about 3000.
We have been to the Natural History Museum also. It has some great exhibits, particularly the bits on the origin of man and dinosaurs. However I thought most of it was a bit dated. Just the job for Peter Jackson and Weta workshops to do a makeover and zazz it up!
Michelle had a party at her place last night and invited 25 or so - which didn't finish till well after midnight. Caught up with all her friends. Didn't get to bed till after 2am. And this morning got up at at 10.47am! Great to be able to sleep in.
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