Sunday 28 June 2009

the late show

late show tickets

rupert jee and bronte
hello deli

times square

coney island

coney island amusements

boardwalk

Tuesday 23rd June
Up and about today at 8.00 am for me and Bronte had a bit of a sleep in. Once dressed and ready I went down and out into the hustle and bustle of New York to get a coffee from Starbucks. It is an amazing city as the whole place hums as if it is alive. Made my way back to the motel and Bronte was just getting up.

Today we left the motel and walked to Times Square just for a look. We were less than 2 blocks from the centre of the square. It was so busy, tourists everywhere. We made our way along Broadway and headed to the Ed Sullivan Theatre where they film the Late Show. We really had not planned it very well as you are meant to get there early and line up to get tickets. When we arrived it was 11.30 am and theoretically you were meant to be there before 11.30 am. We lined up and they gave us a form to fill in which we did. We waited in line as they spoke to all persons individually. It was our turn at right on 12.00 pm and we were taken through and spoke with a bloke. He asked us some questions and confirmed that we could be back by 2.30 pm to pick up tickets and then return at 3.30 pm to be seated all ready for the filming to start at 4.30 pm which lasted for an hour.

The whole process was done as a lottery as well, apparently. After our interview we left and they gave us a phone number to ring to see if we won the lottery, we had to ring at 1.00 pm on the dot. We waited till 1.00 pm and phoned and guess what we got tickets!!! We got some lunch from Subway and then went through the process of picking up the tickets and lining up etc. We were seated by about 4.00 pm ready for the filming. Before we lined up we went into the Hello Deli which is around the corner where Dave films the shop keeper sometimes. Bronte wanted to buy a drink in the shop and get a photo with Rupert Jee, which we did.

I have to say the show was fantastic. It was such a great experience to sit in the audience with Letterman on stage before the filming and the band playing just for us. The filming started and went for the one hour which was full on. This episode was going to air tonight and we were not sure when it was on air in Australia. As it turns out it was the next night on Wednesday 24th in Australia.

Once the filming finished we went out and decided to catch the Subway to Coney Island and have a look. Well I have to say Coney Island was a let down. It was a really old boardwalk and amusement park on the beach. We walked around the boardwalk a bit for a look and walked out the jetty. It was dinner time by then and we found a Popeye’s Chicken and decided to have that for dinner. We then caught the Subway back to Times Square so we could go back to the motel. We wanted to watch the late show and see if we could see ourselves on TV.

Tomorrow we need to fill up the first part of the day as we need to leave NY by 4.00 pm to get to the airport on time for our flight. It’s hard to believe the holiday is almost over!

Wednesday 24 June 2009

bye bye vicky!

'Vicky'
us with vicky

Monday 22nd June
Today we left Philadelphia and we head to Washington to return Vicky. It was only a 250 km trip and we were planning to be there by 12.00 pm. We had our bus tickets to New York booked for 2.30 pm which arrived in NY at 7.00 pm. Vicky was returned with and extra 5950 miles or 9575 km, wow we have covered some distance and seen a lot of fantastic sites. We still have a couple of days in NY to go but no more driving for us.

Arrived at our Sheraton motel in Times Square and it is really nice. It has only been opened for 3 weeks and is really funky. They had cheap nights here on Expedia and that’s why we booked. Normally it would be about $300 USD a night and we paid $115. It should be good to finish off the trip.

Plan is to do a bit of site seeing and maybe try for The Late Show with David Letterman, tickets. Fingers crossed as it would be good to see the show being filmed.

Tuesday 23 June 2009

philly

love park

large monopoly pieces

child!

star troopers at games expo

liberty bell

house where declaration of independence written

ben franklin's house memorial site

ben franklin bridge and philadelphia in back ground

Sunday 21st June
Today we decided to head into the old city to check out some of the sites. The old city is home to some unique buildings and items that are important parts of American history. The Liberty Bell is held here in one museum which is free to enter. The house where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, the site where Benjamin Franklin's house once stood. All of these sites were really interesting and we followed a walking trail around the city looking at all the relevant sites. The first stop though was a park in the city called ‘Love Park’ due to a sculpture located in the park in front of a fountain. We got some free cans of Red Bull from some guys giving them away in a promo while we were there.

We walked quite a long way around the city and made our way to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. We walked to the centre of the bridge and then back again to the city. It was a really good view of the city from the bridge. Made our way through the city and headed to the train to catch it back to the motel. Once back at the motel we spent some time having a rest and then went out for dinner.

We also had to organise all our luggage and the car as tomorrow we are heading to Washington to drop back the car and we need to pack and fit everything in our luggage cause at the moment stuff is everywhere and it needs sorting out. It’s also about a 250 km drive to get to Washington and we need to be there by 12.00pm.

lucy and the absecon light house

lucy

bronte under lucy

absecon light house

bronte on the porch

the light house

Saturday 20th June
Up bright and early for breakfast today and it looked OK outside. Went back to the room and looked on the internet for a while and then had a shower. Went to pack up the car and go outside again and it was pouring with rain. Not even two hours ago it was sun shine and blue sky. That was going to change the plans for the boardwalk today. We headed back into Atlantic City and it rained all the way. We wanted to check out a tourist spot which is a statue of and elephant called ‘Lucy.’ Lucy was placed on this site back in 1881 and has become a haven for tourists. We had a look at her and took some pictures while trying to stay dry. From there we went north to the light house. The Absecon light house was one of the tallest around and was really old. It was built back in 1857 and was saved from being torn down a few years back. We had a good look at the light house, took some more photos and then it was time to go.

The rain had not stopped all day and we were not going to walk on the boardwalk while it was wet and windy. We decided to get going and head to Philadelphia which was only just over an hour away.

Arrived in Philly and had a late lunch and then went for a drive to a couple of shopping centres as it was still raining. After that we went back to our room and watched some TV. Later on we went out for dinner and had Applebee’s again. Once again the food was great and so too was the service. Went back to the motel and worked out what we were going to do in Philly tomorrow and hopefully fingers crossed it does not rain!!

Monday 22 June 2009

six flags, more fun!!

bronte in six flags park

entrance to six flags


flash and wonder woman


batman ride

waterfall in main square

american screamer roller coaster

superman ride

superman ride

Friday 19th June
Today we decided to go to Six Flags which is an amusement park similar to the one we went to a couple of weeks ago. Six Flags are renowned for having really big roller coasters and are meant to be lots of fun. The park was around 125 kms from Atlantic City and should take less than 2 hours to get there. We also needed to book some accommodation as well as we were only staying 2 nights at Trump Marina and checking out this morning. We managed to book a cheap night in Absecon which was about 20 kms from Atlantic City.

We got to the park and paid to park the car. Six Flags entry fee was $50 but we had a can of coke that had a buy one get one free on the label so we got in for half price. The park was massive and had heaps of roller coasters, they also had a ride which was the same as the Dragster at Cedar Point but this one was taller!! Unfortunately this ride was closed on the day due to the weather. Anyway they still had heaps of other rides. We ended up going on as many as we could which was close to all of them.

There was a ride called ‘Superman’ where you get in your seat, put your legs into a holder around your ankles and then once strapped in the entire chair lifts up and forward, facing you the same as superman flying. So you are in fact hanging looking at the ground. I have to say it was a bit weird to say the least, but we did enjoy it. There was one called ‘Bizarro’ which had only just opened which was also really good, this one we went on twice. There was a wooden roller coaster ‘El Toro’ which was really high and fast. I went on that one too and oh my god, it does not go upside down but boy it was fast and the down hill slopes where straight down. We managed to stay at the park until about 8.30 pm and thought it maybe time to head off. It only took about 1.5 hours to get to the motel.

We checked in and checked out the room quickly and then went out for dinner. Ended up having Burger King and then an ice-cream at DQ. It had been a long day and we needed to get some rest. If the weather was improving we were going to go back into Atlantic City tomorrow and continue on the boardwalk and check out some more of it, hopefully while it’s not raining. We have also just booked our final accommodation in New York. We are dropping the car back to Washington on Monday and spending Monday evening, Tuesday and Wednesday back in NY. Not long to go now as we fly out on Wednesday night.

Sunday 21 June 2009

atlantic city boardwalk

bronte in front of the taj mahal

amusements at the boardwalk

the taj

water fountain at pier shop

more water fountain

the view from our room at trump marina

Thursday 18th June
Today we had planned to check out the famous board walk of Atlantic City, but first we went to card services and got my card fixed so I could get my $25 added to it. The problem was fixed easily as there was something wrong with my address stopping it from working. Bronte also applied for a card as he wanted to get his free $25 for the pokies to try his luck.

Once sorted out we took the car and parked at the Taj Mahal, which is another Trump casino more in the heart of town. We walked through the Taj and out onto the boardwalk. It was a bit windy and looked like it was going to rain. We walked along the board walk a bit to the north and then turned and walked south for probably about and hour or so. As the weather was a bit crap all the amusement rides were not going but all the shops along the walk were open. We went into a shopping centre which is built over the water and housed some really exclusive shops. In this shopping centre was a water fountain which gave a display every hour on the hour. It was almost on the hour so we went to have a look. It was pretty good, the water was set to music and coloured lights. We watched the display and took some photos. From there we went back outside and it had started to rain. So the walk back was a bit crap as we would get wet!! It was not cold which was good so the walk was not that bad, every time it rained hard we went into a shop until it eased off. We got back to the Taj and we were not too wet which was good.

We went back to the motel for a while before heading out to Absecon for dinner. We found a Chinese restaurant in the phone book so we thought we would try it out. The food was excellent and we both enjoyed our meals. It was about a 10 km drive but was totally worth it. We now headed back to the casino so we could use up the free $25 in the pokies.

Spent about and hour or so on the pokies. Bronte played the machines for half and hour to get his $25 added to his card. I played the Red Baron and managed to win $80. I hit that collect button and took off!!! I had managed to turn the free $25 into a real $80 and I was not going to lose it. Bronte did not have as much luck as me and after about and hour had used all his credit. Our casino luck was over so we went back to the room as it was getting time for bed. Not sure what we are doing tomorrow before we head off to Philadelphia.

Saturday 20 June 2009

atlantic city, trump marina

george washington bridge

empire state building in distance

Wednesday 17th June
Today we were heading to Atlantic City and it was going to be 550 kms in total and take about 6 hours. The trip took us through New York on the way which was cool as we were going to see the city from a distance. The trip went well only stopping for Subway for lunch along the way.

Got to Trump Marina at Atlantic City and checked in. The room was pretty cool for this type of resort/casino. They also had a promotion running where is you sign up and get a ‘Trump One’ card and play the pokies for 30 minutes with your money then they up load the card with $25 that you can use on whatever machines you want.

Went and had dinner at Hooters which was really cool. The food was good but I am sure that most guys don’t go for the food they would go for the girls!! The girls wear almost nothing, only a little top and short shorts. After dinner we went back to the room and then went for a drive to steal some free internet. Trump made you pay $12.95 for internet and we only needed to check emails etc and did not want to pay.

After that we went back to the casino and played the pokies for half an hour. Then we had to load the free $25 to the card. While trying to upload the card the machine was not accepting the card, it was telling us to go to card services for help. So we went back to the room and went to bed. We will go and see them in the morning and have a bitch!!

Thursday 18 June 2009

j f k museum and boston

j f k museum

president seal

space suit

piece of rock from the moon

us flag in atrium

bronte under the flag

the oldest building in boston 1713

quincy market

faneuil hall quincy market built in 1742

Tuesday 16th June
Bit of a slow start today as we had to have breakfast and needed a bit of a sleep in. Once we got organized we hit the shop on the corner from the motel and bought some day trip tickets for the tram. Once on the tram we headed into town and then changed to a train to head to the John F Kennedy library and museum. The museum had exhibits and films about Kennedy extending through all aspects of his life. As a child growing up, his time in politics before he was president and then of course while president and his assassination. The museum was very interesting and has some really good displays. There was a special part to the display dedicated to the first trip to the moon and had displays of the first space suits and space helmets. There was also a piece of moon rock which was brought back from the moon on the first landing by Armstrong and Aldrin. The building its self was also pretty cool and it was situated on the bay right near the water. Across the other side of the bay was the airport so we had a good view of all sorts of planes landing. At the exit of the museum was a massive USA flag hanging from the ceiling in an atrium styled room.

We left the museum and caught the train back to the city. Once in the city we walked around looking at the buildings etc. The town was very old and had many brick buildings dating back to the 1700’s. We walked towards the bay/marina and located the Quincy Markets. This market was full of shops and tourists, this is one of the main attractions in the city. Walked around the markets and had a look in a few shops and just took in the atmosphere. We walked down to the pier area and had a look at the boats and could also see the airport from a different angle.

We made our way back to the tram and caught it back to our room. I went out and washed Vicky as she was really dirty. Ah Vicky is our car, Vicky the vibrator!!! (Pontiac Vibe is the make and model). We drove to Applebee’s and had dinner. The food was nice as it has always been at Applebee’s every time we have been.

Once we got back to the motel we booked some accommodation in Atlantic City New Jersey. We managed to get a room for 2 nights in Trump Marina which is a resort style casino located on the harbor. Got the room for $49 a night which was an awesome price, lets hope it is as good as the name suggest it should be. If not we will have to ring Donald and let him know.

Wednesday 17 June 2009

penobscot bridge and fort knox

look closely you can see the observation level

penobscot narrows bridge
fort knox cannon

bridge from a distance

outside fort knox

Monday 15th June
After breakfast today we packed the car and headed off to Prospect which was only about 30 kms away. It was on back roads totally away from the freeways. Situated near Prospect was the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, which is a single-plane, cable-stay bridge with massive concrete towers that anchor the cables. This is this biggest bridge of this design in the world and stands at 442 feet tall. In one of the concrete towers there is a viewing platform which was at 420 feet high. The view from the top was amazing, you could see for such along way from the top. Also located here is ‘Fort Knox.’ I did not realize that Fort Knox was located there, and no I am not sure if that is where the saying ‘strong as fort knox’ comes from or not.

It was really cool, built in 1844 the entire fort was made from granite which was cut from the ground locally close by. By the way this is the same granite as the Washington Memorial. The fort was massive and had so many positions for cannons and guns throughout the entire fort. It was open in all areas so you could walk around and go into all the dungeons and storage areas and officers quarters etc. The entire fort had tunnels through out which linked a lot of the fort areas together underground. It said at the entrance that it would be a good idea for visitors to bring a flash light. It did not take long to work out why. We did manage though; you just had to let your eyes adjust to the light. It was good as it was not to busy and we could take our time to look around. Once finished here we hit the road, firstly driving across the bridge and back again cause you have to. We did not actually need to go over the bridge as we were heading in the opposite direction.

We made our way through some more back roads until we reached the main road. We took the main road for about and hour then stopped for lunch at Subway. Hit the road again and headed for Boston. We had accommodation booked at a Best Western and the room was really good. It included all the internet and breakfast etc as well. As we got there at 7.00 pm we went straight out for dinner to Ihop, the meal was OK but not a good as usual.

Once we got back to the motel we made a decision to stay for another night in Boston as it looked cool and had a couple of things we wanted to do. I went to reception to add another night and they wanted to charge $129 plus tax. We had only paid $69 on Hotwire which is a discount booking service on the net. I was not going to pay that much to extend so I went on the net and booked another night on Hotwire. Hotwire is like Russian roulette as you do not know where you will be staying until you pay, then you have to go to the chosen motel and you can not get a refund. That is why it is so cheap. Well as it turned out we won the jackpot and got another night in the same place. I went to reception in the morning and they extended our stay. It was good as we did not have to move to another motel.

We are going to look around the city tomorrow by catching the tram in. The tram stops right outside our motel. Once we had our free breakfast that is.

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