~*~ I *heart* NY ~*~

Isn't it funny how just one experience can totally change your attitude towards someone or something? When I first visited {new york} in 1991 I left after only one day as I couldn't take the utter rudeness and unhelpfulness of its people. many of my friends had experienced the same issues and none of us ever thought we would go back there.
Thanks to my work at {cunard} I have been given the opportunity to spend a day in New York a week ago at the {marriott marquis} before joining {queen mary 2} on her voyage back to {southampton}.

It totally changed my attitude towards New Yorkers and I can now say that I truly LOVE NY! I experienced nothing other than sheer friendliness, everyone was helpful and smiling. Even the Immigartion officers upon arrival at Newark were totally sweet - mine even smiled :)

But let's start at the beginning - on Friday morning I had to get up at 2:00 am to get off the Isle of Wight in time for me 9:00 am flight from Heathrow to Newark. The last flight I had with BA was horrible - they staff were rude, we only got one small meal and one drink during a 6 hour flight, so I wasn't really looking forward to this 7 hour flight. But boy, did they pull out all the stops this time. Staff were amazing, the flight left on time, they didn't lose or damage mu luggage - only the landing was something I did not enjoy. Heavy rainfalls in New York made it REALLY bumpy and as I am not a very good flyer anyway, it was freaking me out. Bumpy landing with a little side-skid due to the wet tarmac made me wish I was back home already...

After arrival at the hotel, everything was forgotten - the rooms were lush and overlooking Times Square, it couldn't get any better. Even though the rain kept increasing, a quick tour of the surrounding areas was on the cards and  as soon as I spotted {the chrysler building} , which is my absolute favourite building in the world, I was in heaven....I got as close as my tired feet would drag me after having being awake for 19 hours. Then I saw a "funky" building in the corner of my eye and thought I should take a picture, not even realising it was {the empire state buliding}, which is Lyndon's favourite building. I felt a complete idiot when I noticed the next day that I took a picture of the ESB without figuring out what it was....d'uh - stupid tourists.

The next morning I had about 4 hours for a sight-seeing tour before I was picked up to get to the ship and as it was a glorious sunny day, I made the most of it. First I went to the {hard rock cafe} for breakfast - all you can eat for only $16 (which already included tax), what a fabulous deal. It was great to sit and watch videos of such cool bands like {led zeppelin} and {soundgarden}. After that I went around Times Square, Broadway, 5th Avenue and all that jazz.

I seriously did not want to leave New York and am already planning my trip with Lyndon for his 40th birthday.

Getting on board Queen Mary 2 was almost like coming home as most of the staff were there, who I met last October already, so that was cool. And I got upgraded from an inside stateroom to an outside with a balcony. Guess what was in full view from my balcony - the {statue of liberty} .... how is that for a fantastic view??

The first night started to get a bit "bumpy" and by lunchtime on Sunday we were facing Force 10 gales and 18ft waves, with very rough seas. So much so that even most members of staff had to take sickness injections in order to carry on with their duties. I wasn't sick at all but I just didn't like the fact that we were moving up and down and rolling around a bit. I couldn't help imagining how bad it would have been had I not been on the stable Queen Mary 2...yikes.

Thankfully the next day everything was done and the rest of the voyage continued without any further bumps along the way. Food and service were excellent as always and the entertainment awesome - Lyndon and I are looking into doing a cruise of the Norwegian Fjords at some stage next year, I am totally into cruising....shows my age, hu?

Anyway, that's it for the moment - I am still trying to catch up with my emails and if you are still waiting for an answer from me, I apologise....I get back to you as soon as I can.

P.S. - even though I am utterly in love with New York, I am  very happy to be back home!   

Comments

[Julia Short]

Wow Kimmy you had a fantstic trip. Lucky you. Great photos!

[ania]

Hehe sounds like quite a trip...say if youre going to the Norwegian Fjords..wave hello as you pass us at Bergen :D

[Vicki Chrisman]

Miss you Kimmy! Glad you had a great time ..but also glad to have you back blogging! lol ( selfish arent I?)
I've never been to NY.. maybe I better give it a try? lol

[nat]

wooow-what an awesome trip!!!! So cool!!!! Love the photos and your write up. And now I can't wait to see you in 3 weeks!

[Andrea]

This sounds sooo fabulous!!! So glad you're back and that you had such a wonderful trip!!! And thanks for sharing parts of your trip here with us :-)

[Sandie]

Fanastic photos Kim, sounds like you had a fabulous time!!