flashman181

The hotel is great but another rough nights sleep will make for a long day again. The body clock is out of whack of course with the little hand on 6 but the big hand stuck on 3 ? Of course, it could be those new French PJs I bought 🤦🏻‍♂️

First impressions of South Africa is they don’t charge like scrub bulls. Two beers last night for $8 AUD was good value. They do like tips though of course. We are checked in for our flight to Victoria Falls at 1120 but as an international flight we have to be there 3 hrs before hand and no Qantas Club folks. However when we get to The River Club salubriousness will abound. It will be 35 degrees however so may have to push aside a hippo and jump in the Zambezi river. Mind you I just may blend in after last two days 🥹 The Doxycycline anti malaria drugs warn to avoid excessive sunlight . Why not just avoid mossies 🤔

Great breakfast at Mondior and again reasonably priced. As we are coming back here after Safari we are storing our large bags at hotel and just taking the baby one because of the light plane regulations . Here is one I prepared earlier.

It was a beautiful morning and have to say felt I was back in Las Vegas

Out to airport in plenty of time and it’s a fair hike to our gate on the lower level. Plenty of shops to browse and Morgan Freeman was there to greet us so that was special

Flight left on time and arrived 10mins early which was just as well as immigration was a nightmare as we knew. Forewarned we flew of plane quickly . It’s crazy you can’t fill in form on plane before you arrive. Of course $30 USD to spend 5 mins in Zimbabwe

Our driver was waiting and took us to border at Victoria Falls to enter Zambia. Took some photos of Victoria Falls but doing a Helicopter Tour tomorrow so won’t bore you with average photos. Eh ? Well ok

In and out a few more times with passport and Street hustlers to avoid had us Zambezi River adjacent for trip to River Club. What a river

As luck would have it we are the only 2 guests for first two days ! I tell ya there are 20 staff hovering , I feel like Eddie Murphy having his bath in Coming to America 😂 Here is one I prepared earlier

Our lodgings were a luxury riverside suite – The Livingstone I presume – with 4 poster bed and deck pool as you do . Stunning

We just made it back in time for afternoon tea and the Sunset cruise with our new best friend Mack. What a beautiful way to end the day

Then it was on the the first of what I am sure will be amazing meals

While it is great to have run of place some company at dinner would be nice and as it turned out some of the senior management dropped by for a chat and maybe the most senior ? owner Pete sat down and joined us for an hour . Then back home for a dip in the pool to cool off before bed. It is hot

This is simply a stunning pace and will fill us with lifetime memories. We always knew this was going to be the most luxurious stay and maybe the least animals seen but was planned that way

#IBF #Amazeballs

And so it begins and only been waiting 3 years so what is another 3 hrs in Business Lounge . Could be dangerous with a 14 hr flight ahead in business class. I’ll drink to that

Rydges last night was fine and quiet. Nice and easy this morning and maybe got here a bit early but made for easy check in and in business lounge in time for breakfast at leisure. It’s a good lounge certainly and could do some damage later in day

Of course all this is leading up to our Safari hopefully kicking off on Thursday . That’s when you can

At this stage flight is “on time” at 0935 but always seems to be a bit late and than make it up in the air 😏 #Seinfeld. And only 2.5 hrs to go

Boarded on time and of course business class is excellent on Dreamliner from the start

One tries to pace one self but pretty soon you are hooking in because you can. The food is excellent as well of course

I did strike up a conversation with a mystery passenger but I have my suspicions I know who it was 😏

The first 3-4 hrs are great but then the reality of 14 hrs kicks in especially after a very poor nights sleep last night . Lovely to see the coastline of South Africa for the first time

Arrived about 20 minutes late and immigration not too bad. Got the shuttle to hotel and room is great and very spacious .

Then it was time for the first drink in SA as we saw a nice bar next to reception

Officially shagged now but thought we would walk next door to Casino complex and food emporium and glad we did. We have two more stays here in next few weeks and will spend more time here am sure. For now a short stroll and some great photos

So, not a lot to say today folks as completely knackered and time for early bed. The real fun starts tomorrow

Always good to pad out a holiday with a few extra days at the start even if not all partying and thrill seeking. For this example let’s add a visit to my Slice n Dice guy at Sunshine Coast Private Hospital. He did a good job last time and Ultrasound and Flashiesmarts suggest same injury. For $200 he could tell me yes my shoulder was fucked and you are now 65. For $300 he will also guess your weight 😏 The significance of age is that the rotator cuff repair I had when a pup of 61 doesn’t tend to work as well at 65. While we both agreed I was a supreme physical specimen he did want an MRI to check on condition of remaining Flashville to see if two rubber bands and a paper clip would work again. There is another option of course. After 65 years of rubbing your shoulder the one way the shoulder will take reverse swing so they do a shoulder replacement called “ Reverse Shoulder” in old farts over 65. Looks an interesting op and does involve a replaced joint and a bank loan so time will tell. I have the MRI booked for Thursday before Easter and if all works then should know by time I rise again on Easter Sunday .

Back to thrill seeking and let’s sneak up on it at our age. We fly out , hopefully , on Wednesday to Johannesburg from Sydney. As a relatively early flight we have to travel to Sydney day before so do that on Tuesday – do the math people. This then means we need to be in Brisvegas on Monday to allow us time to get to airport etc. As luck would have it CLP had a voucher (RJER thanks) for a night at Stamford , our preferred Brisvegas hotel. Also an opportunity to drop in to low security Twilight home to see Ferguson Matriach before we jet off. Once in South Africa there will be times of no contact as no signal or wifi in some camps. I tell devoted followers now so there will be no wrist slashing if there isn’t a blog everyday 🕺🏻

After a pleasant visit with Mum we slowly made our way to The Stamford . Was able to check in at midday which is always good . It’s a great room with nice views as usual .

Then headed into CBD for lunch and a few last items . We have checked in for flight to Sydney tomorrow so one less thing to worry about . At this stage . Got our supplies and then had a big lunch at Stanton which certainly filled us up . Luckily could wash down with a cool ale on what was becoming a hot day

Officially full as a goog so while a sherbert later on appeals we may just have a quiet one this arvo as plenty of partaking will ensue in coming weeks and do have that 100 kg weight limit for light planes to consider. Mind you my response would be “ we booked as a double act fella which means we have paid for 200 kg . Took a while but I found a waif that only weighs 62 kg so I figure I am good up to 130 kg? Do the math fella “ Not confident it will work of course so better ease up just in case. We won’t starve in France of course anyway 😏 And it’s goodnight from him

Pleasant nights sleep until 4 am . Ding Ding. “Your upgrade for business class to Johburg on March 8th was successful. We messaged now because you will get plenty of sleep on flight now “ 😏 It’s great news of course but why tell us at 4 am in the morning almost 30 hrs before we fly out? Had a good walk around gardens before hooking into our included hot breakfast. Then it was time to head to airport …. via Toowoomba apparently 🤦🏻‍♂️ Look at 8 am am sure the cab driver knows traffic better than me but we were certainly heading out to Coro drive from Edward Street maybe to hook up with airport link. Anyhow we got there and is comforting to know Taxis rip you off here as well as USA . $60 ! The Qantas Premium entry at Brisvegas is great and we breezed through security in 2 mins after bag drop. Of course that leaves us 2 hours in Qantas Club but we will cope . Here is one I prepared earlier.

Flight delayed a bit but no big deal when only a 90 minute flight and staying at an airport hotel 😏 We chose Rydges at Sydney International Airport so can just walk across to terminal in morning .

Arrived in the land of daylight saving so lost an hours drinking time already 😡 Seems like a good choice of hotel. Self serve kiosk let us choose room and floor . Quickly went down to Smithy’s Bar for a sherbert before checking out the neighbourhood. Ok there is Smithy’s and a bloody big airport 181 steps away. Actually there is also a roof top bar for some late afternoon shenanigans I am sure . Memo sent

Start our anti-malarial drugs now in case some rogue mossies attack on the Zambezi. Done so now it’s off to the bar to target some women. I have the scuffs for it after all 🧑🏻‍🦯

Fair to say the rooftop bar was cod ordinary with all the ambience of a caravan park. Very small and would struggle with more than 10 people. There were 12

Time to sign off and try to get some sleep tonight before the real fun kicks off tomorrow. Let’s hope our current run of luck holds for our flight and landing in Johburg and we don’t hit a slow moving Elephant on the tarmac

Third time is the charm but not with only one arm? Lets recap

3 years ago in March 2020 we were about to fly to Brisvegas to catch a plane to Sydney for a flight to Johannesburg the next day for a 9 day safari to celebrate CLP 60th birthday. SCOMO – remember that clown? – stepped up to microphone and said “Its not a race, but you cant leave the country. Well, you can leave but you wont get back in ” #hillsonghumour . So cancelled our trip and postponed 12 months because Buffon Bob assured the world it would be gone by Easter and The Wall would stop it spreading. It became clear early on that 1)BB was a bigger clown than SCOMO and 2) the world was in lockdown for a long time. 2021 and then 2022 passed and finally some light was seen at end of tunnel so we settled in for 2023 Safari which now is planned to start in 6 weeks. Apart from seeing some amazing animals we also hope to learn more about some unique species

In the last year another opportunity arose to extend our holiday and tack on a week at end in France , as you do, with John and Lorraine. Too good an opportunity to pass up eh. Due to the vagaries of international travel we fly from Johburg to Lyon via Dubai and back with Emirates while the South African flights are with Qantas. Given the tight schedule of Safari we had planned to fly in 2 days before to allow for usual Qantas incompetence but of course they screwed us early this time , and hopefully for only time, by cancelling that flight three months ago! We now fly in the day before – what could go wrong….?

Having already had one holiday severely hampered by a slowly recovering ankle was happy to see some improvement now where can actually walk around the neighbourhood without a Bex and lie down. Of course there is still some pain but it is manageable. After all have been living with ankle pain for 40 years and mostly smiled my way through except in ’97 when I took that nail to my chin that left a hole there for a year or three.

As ankle has settled down a bit so has knee. Again , its not great but certainly bearable. I even had my first game of golf for 7 months and had been so long forgot to get dressed first but at least was sunsmart and wore a hat. My friends were LIV id with envy when they saw my trimmed down body but couldnt help but comment that I had become a bit of a tosser…..and a hooker and slicer. Unlike my general appearance it was not pretty

So in general things were slowly on the improve. And then the boom was lowered again. I am no doctor , although on a first name basis with plenty now, but I know rotator cuff injuries and almost 100% certain that left one has gone now having already had the right one done a few years ago. At that time was surprised when surgeon informed me that “bicep tendon was also off the bone ” and had to be reattached as no symptoms of that. I mention that now because while rotator cuff pain is classic – cant put a shirt on easily, hurts to place a bag in overhead storage!……., this time already have significant bicep pain which is very restrictive. The biggest issue in last 7 months, apart from pain, has been inactivity which combined with a 64 yr old Ferguson metabolism means the kgs are going to sneak on and have. Just turning the corner with walking and gym and now gym is off the table again 😦 Having already got significant pain dont want to risk further damage with trip 6 weeks away. A trip I might add that involves light aircraft and strict passenger weight limits!

So will start the slow process of seeing a surgeon about my shoulder but wont start the serious stuff until April at earliest and just hope can get through the holiday ok. Of course , apart from everything else these surgeries and rehab cut a fair hole in the old wallet. I will see my local GP next week as also have to get booster shots for typhoid etc because – yes you guessed it – they only last 3 years! Some malaria tablets too. Mind you, last visit did not go well

So, given my general pessimistic nature I wont relax until am actually in that Johburg hotel the night before our Safari starts. If we get to SA in time for Safari then can deal with any subsequent delays in my usual carefree way. Will have to pack a bit lighter of course because if CLP has to carry two suitcases everywhere I want her to be able to manage it as best she can.

I am thoughtful that way.

I was hobbling before Halloween and will be Hobblin long after I fly over the Hudson. This, sadly, is the major takeaway from this holiday. Despite assurances from so called experts the ankle was not ready and is in fact worse than any previous holiday prior to surgery 😡 It has clouded an otherwise enjoyable holiday although some cities better than others. NYC was included because of a significant credit still in play but that won’t happen again. For a couple of trips now have tried to recreate the magic of NYC and Philly in Feb 2015 and it just has not happened for two main reasons this time at least – the weather was too warm and the cities are not the same as they were 7 years ago. It’s not that there haven’t been some highlights the last two weeks – Atlantic City and Hudson Yards stand out – but they have been too few. Some of that of course is self inflicted as have not gone on beer or food tours like I usually do. Have been very conscious of costs this time with the shocking exchange rate and my changed financial position but maybe also got too old to be the “ only single Aussie guy on tour”. It can border on creepy when everyone else is under 30 😏 It’s hard to imagine another solo US holiday with two big holidays with CLP planned for next two years . Hard to imagine me saddling up again at 67 years of age and 3 more years of deterioration . Let’s not forget ,the knee is fast catching up to ankle 👨🏻‍🦯 I also rarely ate out which of course is a travesty when you visit these great cities and you don’t do them justice .

The last day in NYC started out gloomy and rainy but at least cooler. It did clear to a better afternoon and of course the coolest and best morning of the whole holiday was Monday morning when I flew out.

Flashies

Best Flight.

The Qantas flight from Melbourne was best simply because it was the only non economy flight. It left on time, good service, bag received . AA certainly run a efficient no frills service at least in my class level.

Best Lounge

Admirals Flagship in LAX is a step above anything else and still not sure how I got in . Admiral Clubs are more like Qantas Clubs so nothing special but better than nothing. The business lounge at Brisvegas was actually very good but the QC at Melbourne is cod ordinary

Worst Lounge

Las Vegas – because there isn’t one !

Worst Flight

No real bad ones but 14 hrs in economy is 14 hrs in economy even with good service so Qantas LAX – Brisvegas is the “loser” . All flights left pretty well on time and didn’t lose any bags

Best Accomodation

They all had their strengths and weaknesses but all very comfortable and safe. The winner is MGM Signature because on high floor and the best bath of any hotel have stayed in that I recall. Very important after a day of walking . Tower 3 not ideal with extra walking

Chicago – bar fridge in middle of room , small bath , no laundry

Philly – the stairs , the creaks . Every amenity you could ask for though

New York – hopeless TV in room . No streaming, no ON Demand just crap . Great room though, good location

Best Pool

Las Vegas . Wish I had discovered earlier . Great way to spend an hour

Best Tour

Much like the pool, only one entry so a clear winner . Trip to Grand Canyon was very comfortable if a bit long. Glad you saw it and Hoover Dam but not a lot else to fill in time

Best Beer

The Cloudburst IPA at Twisted Tale in Philly mostly because it was actually a bit of a session with a stranger and you got Popcorn

Worst Beer

Miller Lite at Paddy Whack also in Philly. It was flat and tasted odd. Only drank 100ml

Best Coffee

Had plenty of good Cortado but the best was La Colombe in Philly

Worst Coffee

Anything non Cortado basically. A small field again but a tie between Starbucks Latte at MGM and Latte at Pretty Mangy in 30th Street Station

Geek Tourist Moment

You can’t go to Vegas and not get a picture with Elvis even if you have to dig him up

Best Day Trip

Again a small field but the trip to Atlantic City was great on a glorious day . Bit dead perhaps but that means less crowds.

Best Bar

Clear winner – Club 2212 . Handsome bartender, generous pours , no crowd , American Honey , great views

Best Public Transport

Buses in Chicago and NYC were great . Modern and clean . Subway in NYC was ok….it’s old and a bit dirty but efficient and relatively safe during day. Philly and Chicago were a bit rougher. Good Police presence in NYC

Worst Transport

The taxi ride to JFK on Monday was a nightmare. $100 USD flat rate and a very dangerous driver. She had one accident on the way and could have had 3 more

Biggest Disappointment

Scaffolding is everywhere in NYC. Detracts from some wonderful buildings and also makes it that bit harder to walk around.

Biggest Surprise

I didn’t break my ankle in the 3 weeks or catch the lurgy

Best Partner

Well, look who turned up at airport to drive me home 😘

And that’s a wrap. The ankle is a shocker after last 36 hrs of mostly sitting . Be good to get home to Maryhole tomorrow and back into my boring routine

Dreary start to day has me struggling a bit to come up with ideas for things to do. Weather should clear by afternoon and cool and cloudy then but with dank skies and humidity at present not a lot springs to mind that doesn’t involve a long subway ride, hop off take a photo, and hop back on . A good day to do some washing….

After a light breakfast I intrepidly set off to see some sailors and then have a sit down late breakfast somewhere. The buses should be good at this time of day even on a Saturday and two less sets of stairs to negotiate. Fairly ignorant bunch of travellers mind you. They always sit in the “handicap” zone and always leave via front door rather than back door as announcements continually say.

A short walk to the water then where you would expect to see most ships and wasn’t disappointed. They had started a breeding programme with a little baby one tied up along side

Plans then were to head into 5 th avenue and have a squizz and then find the always reliable Little Collins for coffee and feed. The tree was ready to go up at Rockefeller.

Got out my Google maps and there are two LCs let’s go with closest one, still a 20 min walk. So finally arrive and it’s closed. To be fair I didn’t check opening hours just assumed. Checked the other one and it was open and only another 6 mins. Well , open is a relative term. Maybe they should open both cafes if this busy 😏 Pass

There was a nice looking cafe around the corner and did glance “Cortado” on menu and a spare seat, the latter being more important at this stage. Did order a breakfast “sandwich” and it was great

The weather was very changeable but of course much warmer than predicted so got caught out again with a jacket on 😡 Mind you did catch a quick glimpse of myself in the window and maybe some more exercise needed 🤔

Anyway , the reality is I am done with NYC. Its a great city of course especially in winter but this week it has been warm ,congested ,old and dirty really. So much roadwork, construction, scaffolding etc . It simply doesn’t suit me anymore as a solo traveller with significant mobility issues . The subway has been pretty good really but you still have to deal with crowds and stairs. Have been lucky , or smart, to not have caught a lurgy yet so there is that . I haven’t eaten out enough but again local areas don’t really suit. It’s either designed for takeaway or if you are lucky enough to grab a seat it’s crowded and then they put a 2000 cal meal in front of you . I will sign off from blogging for now as you really have been spoilt with 21 days in a row of gems . There will be more eating and drinking but who wants to read about that …….

Paid for exit row seat for 14 hr long haul Monday night so that should make it a bit more doable. At this stage just want to get home .

Friday is washing day . Is everyone happy. You bet your life we are. Not

I may give no quarter but will certainly take some as seems I need about 25 of them ( a quarter of 100 … spooky) to do one wash/dry cycle. Plan then is to put on wash cycle nice and early and come back for breakfast then head down and pull the old switcheroo to the dryer and head out to giggle at the heim.

Ah plans. Slept ok but nothing special . Anyhoo down to laundry at 5:45 , load machine , leaves bags on top of next one, go get my detergent , load it, pay money hit start and head back up to room for breakfast. All good . Head back down at 645 am and see cycle finished . Good . Open door. No clothes. Life flashed before eyes . What has happened. A quick glance at machine next door saw it full of my clothes. Had someone switched them over ? Nope , still dry . I had loaded and started wrong machine 🤦🏻‍♂️ Hey , at least I admit it eh. So , new plan , load and start the correct machine ( after going down to front desk for more quarters after wasting 4$ worth !). Ok , May as well go get a coffee now and wait for switcheroo. Off to Blue Bottle, sat down and thought something doesn’t feel right. Oh yeah, where is my fucking cane 🤔 Hope it is in the laundry . Hey, at least the weather is crap. Little excursion suggest won’t need a jumper this morning so there is that. Rain still expected from midday on

Ok , limp down to laundry to switch over and yep there it is . Whew

Pulled the old switcheroo and headed out towards Upper East Side. Walked through Central Park first up looking for a special bench which was going to be all luck at this stage , but was due some luck. It’s Twue , It’s Twue . My fave comedic actress.

Then carried onto Metropolitan Museum as weather had cleared nicely . As happens a lot in NYC the Guggy was getting a facelift and then headed on up above that to Bluestone Lane in the most magnificent setting of an old church – also getting a facelift 😏 The service was woeful but FW ok.

Considered going on up to Monks restaurant or Yankee Stadium but really needed a break and so caught the “ Select 86 Crosstown” through CP and back to Broadway. Thought I knew all the tricks of public transport but nope. With select you swipe card at bus stop and get a receipt to show driver. Anyway, got home and got washing and still only 10 O Clock. Has clouded over here again but still pleasant and so glad didn’t wear jumper out for morning walk. Just relaxing in room a bit and waiting for room service when I will clear out somewhere I guess 🤔 Running out of things to see and do to be honest today with Veterans Day closing down midtown and not much else to see on UWS.

The service ladies were hovering so thought would duck out while just cloudy and head down to Macy’s to see if window display was up yet. It wasn’t . And then it started raining. The MSG area is a mess too with construction and the veterans parade not far away. Not a knockout trip but did finish the souvenir shopping and the room was done when got back

The buses were good this morning as were the Subways just now but the underbelly of NYC never far away whether it be beggars walking up and carriages or people sleeping on the train at 11 am

Sad to see the rain now with Veterans Parade about to start . Be nice if it held off for a few hours for the March but after that let it piddle down. Of course as we get closer to the Armageddon the forecast decreases. Now mostly drizzle through rest of day and maybe heavier rain overnight. Wouldn’t mind seeing some heavy rain later as pretty well done for the day and Club 2212 is undercover . The only issue really is the TV options are so pathetic even if you find a movie to watch it is full of the most annoying ads you will ever see every 10 mins 😡

And it’s Goodnight from him

Good nights sleep which I attribute of course to my American Honey . No, not Chelsea but the Wild Turkey bourbon 🤦🏻‍♂️ Should be another pleasant day before we get some nasty weather tomorrow afternoon , or as we call it here – Washing Day. So , apart from anything else today I need to get me some quarters. First up though, a new coffee place perchance – Solid State. It was ok but do find some Cortado can tend to be bitter . No I’m not

Time then to see if buses actually do do the stop and pick up caper as head north to look for The Arconia from Only Murders. Research indicated it was The Belnord on 87th street , easy peasy how could you miss a big building with those arches . Rather simple really

Walked around the block. No arches. More research “ a building that takes up whole block” Hey that building behind me also has a big B on it let’s backtrack to 86th street . Aha, that’s betterer

The gate was unlocked and suspected private residence but no harm in asking doorman especially with my kiwi accent.” Hey Bro got sum fush and chups here to eat, can I sit in courtyard” No.

Let’s head to Riverside before these chips get cold. Always a special place and nice and quiet this time of day . Veterans Day tomorrow

The 1 train was close by so let’s head to Chelsea Market on this glorious day and Pack my Meat . Hey it was 9 O’Clock, one actual cafe was open. It was ok but suggest that the extra “ado” probably helps.

The High Line was close by so why not. It was high, so there would be an elevator certainly. Ah no

Such a beautiful day thought may as well check out Washington Square Park . The ankle is bad but as we know it will get worse when I stop. That next Metro only looks about 5 mins away. Might find something interesting along that way . At last , but comes with warning 👍🏻

Google maps is always confusing to me but damn that Metro is taking a long time. Ah, my last google search was for Washington Square so that is where I am hobbling too 🤦🏻‍♂️ By now I am sweating and walking at 0.01 mph so shed the jumper and struggled on. Meanwhile 90% of locals still have gloves and beanie on. FMS, it ain’t cold clowns . I didnt meet Sally but it’s a great location. Plenty of police on the streets everywhere too

Ok now it was time to head home and while the police presence makes one feel safe I was still scared shitless of what was ahead at home. Taking that right shoe off 😢 The longer you stay out the harder it is to stand when you stop . If u know what I mean. I bought a tape measure . Figure when the right ankle drops from 12 inches circumference to 8 inches I can head back out. It’s taking longer

Conan O’Brien is at Beacon Theatre tonight. Checked out tickets 6 weeks ago and even then cheapest seats left in nosebleed were $350 USD😳 Now sold out

The magic, and apparently average, 6 inches measured I headed out down to Times Square just to check it out and my second fave NYC – The Australian . Yep, permanently closed too 😢 I took the safe bet of an Irish Pub but not much ambience in Times Square.

Gotta say , really looking forward to Beacon Bar opening at 4 pm. Will just be me and my Friends . Some planning for last 3 days then required with some possible bad weather. Think it might be time to actually eat out a couple of times even if just a pub lunch.

Well they are starting to slip by eh 😢 Another glorious morning and glad to wake up (first and foremost ) and not see a red wave took over yesterday in election but just the faint red glow on the horizon of the rising sun. Nice old kick in the head for Buffoon Bob but of course the spin will come.

Todays plan is to head up 6 streets to a Bluestone Lane to check out the flat white for a change and then catch the 1 train down to South Ferry and check out the Battery Park area nice and early. Just hope subway not too full of “workers” ! Weather still predicted to be bad on Friday and Saturday but a certain purchase yesterday has taken the Sting out of any possible cabin fever 🕺🏻. So let’s the hit ground gently and almost caress the pavement as I meander along without intent let alone purpose . Fair dinkum an old lady in a wheelchair and one arm was keeping pace yesterday . Coffee nothing special but $1 cheaper 😏

Another good subway ride down to Battery Park. I wasn’t Positive which Terminal to exit from …..

Glorious morning and can see the Grand Lady in the distance

On the spur of moment decided to catch the Staten Island Ferry and get out on the water . Hey it’s free . Basically rode across, got off, turned around 3 times and came back. Beautiful views of Manhattan

Some different views on way back of course

Was feeling pretty good ankle wise as not much walking yet so decided to train it up to Brooklyn Bridge. A 10 min walk from station to start of bridge suddenly took its impact so no way was going to walk onto the actual bridge much. Been there done that . Some great buildings in area

Really struggling now but had got a lot achieved so time to head home for a break . With ankle issues suggest rest of stay could be one beer on the hobble and settle in for some bourbon at night . 👨🏻‍🦯 First up though time to look to the cookie. And then eat it

The best laid plans eh. Greenwich Village was an easy 2 min walk and a 1 train. Swiped card, hobbled down stairs . There was a 2 train stationary on one track. Can I just say at this stage can everyone spend some money on the sound system for announcements . Can’t understand a fucking thing you garble – trains, airports etc. So , after standing around for 5 mins with no displays or actions, hobbled back upstairs with several others. Ok, I’m flexible let’s catch a 104 bus uptown and catch out Only Murders building on this glorious day then. Again stand around for 10 mins and despite bus being overdue nothing. Maybe something happening of the naughty kind uptown. Ok nearest bar please driver

So while a disappointing end to a great day there are worse things could be doing

It was almost 4 pm which of course is Happy Hour at the Beacon Bar. The Beacon Bar naturally has relocated to Room 2212 for rest of week . Great bartender, generous pours , no crowds , great views 👍🏻

To be honest don’t think I could have even walked down the hall to get in the elevator. The days are getting shorter as are my hours of activity

Weather should still be good tomorrow so try and catch up on those couple of things missed today and then maybe Chelsea in the afternoon

Now, where did I leave her number 🤓

It’s a nice quite room apart from the odd door closing at night that happens in every hotel. Not a great nights sleep but that will improve. Plan was to get up early as usual and try and catch the blood eclipse but the moon was in wrong position to see early morning. Great last night

It’s great having a corner room as get two different views at different times of day . As predicted it started out a glorious morning

Research indicated a nearby Coffee shop – Blue Bottle – that opened at 630 am and served Cortado. Research didn’t extend to prices 😏 $7 😳

Then it was time to head into Central Park and try and avoid all the fit people running or the dog walkers. Fall foilage is a bit different and just hanging on it seems . Great to see Trump rink finally renamed

If it wasn’t NYC you may not give it a second thought but this image just looks ominous to me

There are many iconic spots in Central Park but personally love the bridges. Despite the crowds was able to get some clear shots. It’s an art what can I say

Of course when you start so early then you can get heaps done by ……830 am 😏 It was a long walk home but as always best to keep going because when you stop the pain really kicks in . At least there was the occasional fun sticker along the way – look under the. “O”

Back in room now for some more research . Such a glorious day you don’t want to waste it but being midterm elections I may stay near by. Weather is supposed to be good next couple of days so maybe smarter to rest a bit more today because seriously the ankle is deteriorating every day 😢

Resting lasted about 30 mins and time to check out Hudson Yards and the subway. All trips on subway were nice and easy and not crowded 👍🏻 Hudson Yards is rather stunning . The actual structure was closed for ascending but could still get some great photos. The mo way shot is shooting uptrend middle . It’s an impressive area so glad made effort of two trains each way

Back home for some lunch. It’s quite breezy outside if exposed like down at Hudson Yards. May head into Rockefeller this arvo to check out the ice rink and surrounds. The Beacon is very well serviced by the subway but you always find things lacking in any hotel. With this one the TV options are very limited with no Netflix et al or on demand. You watch what’s on at the time or you miss it. Of course it’s mostly election today

Headed down to The Rock and had a hobble around . The rink was doing good business as was American Flag sellers

Thought would head towards Times Square to catch Metro home and came across Bryant Park which had season markets up and a skating rink. More importantly it had a bar . #drinkthenrink

Still searching for that elusive Metro 42nd/Times Square station when stumbled across Margaritaville . Well, couldn’t hurt

With brain sharpened now I found the Metro. 72 nd Street is a great station as even Express trains stop there . There is a wine and spirit place next to Hotel so dropped in and saw some Wild Turkey so asked the question and yes they had American Honey . Well couldn’t say no now especially at $25 USD. Wish I had found it in Philly and some may be wasted but still good value with 6 nights to go 🕺🏻Dang I could knock off half of it tonight with election 24/7 coverage

So, another enjoyable day that turned out well just by getting out there. Found 2 good traditional bars yesterday and 2 good fun bars today . Tomorrows loose plan is head down to Battery Park area in morning and Greenwich Village in afternoon. Sadly an old fave Slaughtered Lamb is closed permanently