USA III New York 2011
The low Dollar and cheap air tickets, prompted this trip which ultimately resulted in a shopping spree and in my wrecked nerves. My wive was OK but there was too much sight seeing taking off time for shopping! London - Toronto - New York (Newark) no problem. From the Newark Airport to the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel became a slight problem and big confusion. The "Garmin Girl" (Navigation) didn't speak to me and in the dark night. I missed several vital highway exits than I "programmed" the Navi in our rented Jeep Liberty and off we went and made it in the end. After a long wait at the check-in counter it turned out there was no room due to over-booking! We were offered a limousine for transportation to an alternative Hotel. The driver turning us, was much worse than myself and it took him over an hour for what I needed only 10 minutes the next morning. It was well after midnight before we could find some rest. Next day final check-in. We got a great room with view over the Hudson River to Manhattan and free parking as compensation of our troubles. Not bad! We set out and via the Lincoln Tunnel we reached Manhattan. Got expensive parking near Times Square. It was raining hard and we had to get an umbrella. Got one at an exorbitant price and started exploring New York. Circle Line Liberty Cruise, Hop On - Hop Off bus rides, 5th Avenue and of course Outlets! Driving was no problem but parking mostly quite expensive.
The freedom and flexibility of movement was however worth the cost. A good Navi is a must in order to get around smoothly. Of course there where the compulsory visits to the Outlets! Jersey Gardens, near the Newark Airport was one and the other 1 hour to the North, the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. On the way back out the "Garmin" gave again up the ghost and without even a map, I had to navigate by wits. We made it via the Washington Bridge than all up Manhattan and through the Lincoln Tunnel to the Hotel. Not the nearest way but interesting (not in Nancy's opinion!). Went to Budget and picked up a new "Garmin" Navi for our trip to the North.
After the New York experience we drove up to the Niagara Falls (Canadian side). This is a 6 hours, pleasant, drive but torrential rains slowed us down. Our Hotel the Marriott Falls View Hotel, Niagara Falls (Canada), now a Marriott hotel was splendid. The view from our room on the 30th floor was breathtaking and also the breakfast was great. The only problem was the weather or rather the high winds (150 km/h)which kept us indoors for half a day. I tried to reach the car but walking was almost impossible. Flying debris and glass from broken windows made it outright dangerous.
Of course there where also outlets in Buffalo USA and on the Canadian side. The unstable weather gave enough excuse to visit them! That was OK as long as there was beer available in the food centers. Unfortunately this was not always the case, I call this bad marketing after all mostly the men foot the bills!
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