19-21 April 2007 HOME JAMES

We pretty much lost Friday somewhere along the way....left New York on Thursday afternoon flying through the night and arrived home Saturday morning. It was a nice and relaxed trip home (thanks to Air NZ even though our New York shuttle driver had never heard of them...and asked us how that little crocodile girl was getting on - close I s'pose!) Thanks to Jim and Ruth for taking care of the whare and for Chrissie having lunch ready for us when we arrived home. We couldn't ask for a more beautiful day flying into Wellington. It's good to be back and the washing machine is in full swing!!!

Wed 18 April 2007 LAST DAY IN THE BIG APPLE

We started our last day in New York by taking the kids out to breakfast for pancakes, waffles and fresh fruit (covered in maple syrup of course). We then went onto MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) showing them a few Monet paintings, Matisse sculptures and paintings, Brigit Riley (which they'd seen at Wgtn Art Gallery on a school trip) and heaps of Picasso paintings. Probably one of the most special and emotional things we did in New York was today going on walk around the Ground Zero site. The Tribute Centre is full of all sorts of memorabilia as well as photos of people who died, part of one of the planes as well as compelling viewing of the documentaries. The tour guides are people who have been directly affected and our guide, Pat Foley had two sons in the fire service, one who survived and one who didn't. The other guide, Kate lost her husband. There was pretty much silence as we listened to their very personal accounts of Sept 11. Pat gave the kids her son's photo prayer card so that is a pretty special memento to have. Later we just roamed the streets and the kids did a bit of last minute shopping. Tonight we pack as we head off to JFK in the morning and homeward bound! It's been fun and as they say over here "Have a nice day" (with a yankee twang)!!!

17 April 2007 WHITE HOUSE, WASHOUTS, WASHINGTON DC

Up early this morning to catch our train to Washington DC (about 3+ hours) but very comfy train and great service - can recommend Amtrak! Yeah, the weather has been fairly wet peaking last Sunday and they reckon the 2nd worst rainfall in New York history...to be honest it is not unlike a typical wet and windy Wellington day but being crazy kiwis with limited time in this town, it doesn't stop us getting out and about. We saw the damage with major flooding on our way down to Washington particularly in New Jersey. This trip not the most scenic of America - a new appreciation of how beautiful our country is. I know trains travel the back routes but lots of these towns are not the prettiest. However Washington can lay on the best first impression with the most amazing and beautiful train station which is worth a visit in itself. And it is a lovely city with out-of-this-world memorials (predominantly to past presidents). We visited Arlington cemetery (Kennedy graves), the Lincoln memorial (site of Martin Luther King's "I have a dream..." speech), the Vietnam vets memorial and the Korean war memorial (all which are different but neat). We also saw the Washington memorial from different vantages around the town (famous in a certain scene in Forrest Gump - one of Muzz's favourites). Since we are foreigners who have to apply to our embassy to visit the White House (and missed out) we had to satisfy ourselves with just checking it out from behind the fence - not bad digs. Air Force 1 helicopters flew over us a few times so maybe Bush was out and about. They fly 3 identical helicopters at once and jumble them up to confuse those who are concerned about his whereabouts to throw them off the scent. Muzz said he was off to Virginia today anyway. Walked the kids up to Capitol and then it was time to catch our train home. All in all, Washington DC was a really nice place and not so crowded or busy and New York. The kids highlight was the Lincoln memorial possibly due to the fact they knew something about it so were pleased to see the massive statue of Lincoln sitting in his chair.

Mon 16 April 2007 MASSACRE, MAYHEM, MUSEUMS

Y0u may have heard on the news about the massacre at a college in Virginia so that's dominating tonight's news. The boys and girls split up today with the boys visiting some local sporting shops and the girls visiting some local clothing shops. You get kind of used to the constant sirens in this town and the heavy NYPD presence....last night there were sirens endlessly! I felt a bit miserable today with a bit of a cough and sore chest - it's hard getting used to constantly being in air-conditioned and heated buildings. The good news is that I have had no trouble travelling with my arm. The boys experienced an underground fire on the subway this morning which was in the subway under them but may be a regular occurrence because the signs discourage throwing rubbish on the tracks (apparently the cause). We all met up for lunch and then spent the rest of the day at the American Natural History Museum where Harry was in his element with the African/Asian animals, mammals, dinosaurs and we all thoroughly enjoyed the Planetarium where you lie back in chairs looking into space (suspect Muzz slept through it because his only comment was how good it was but couldn't provide detail!!). Early night tonight as we have a big day in Washington DC tomorrow. We are having a great time but looking forward to coming home....love to you all.

Sun 15 April 2007 BROADWAY

Very lazy start this morning after such a late night and our great weather didn't last as it was literally pouring with rain all day today!! But it wasn't cold - everyone wears ultra cool gumboots over here! We had a Broadway show today, The Lion King which was just fantastic. The costumes and scenery were just amazing and we were blown away. The kids loved it. Lazy afternoon and a great dinner at a deli we've been eyeing up. Delis over here seem to be a bit different - more of a cafe or restaurant and they are everywhere with really yummy kai. So we've all returned back to our hotel with full pukus!!

Sat 14 April 2007 LADY LIBERTY

We finally got a decent day in New York so made the most of it and caught a train over to Brooklyn (as in Taft St or Beckam's son whichever you identify with most). We walked over the bridge back to Manhattan and it was really nice. Great views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. We started to get the hang of the subway and made our way up to the Empire State Bldg which is amazing since you get 360 degrees view of the city. William finished work at 6:30 so we met up with him and went down to Chinatown to a yummy cheap restaurant (see it's who you know in this town) and then we all took a ride over to Staten Is and back (late night!) but we had amazing views again of Lady Liberty and Manhattan as we came back in the evening. Again a very late night so hopefully the kids will sleep all the way home or they won't make school on time!!! They all prefer New York (even in comparison to Disneyland) and I guess like Muzz and I are caught up in the vibrancy of it all - there's something always happening.

Fri 13 April 2007 POSITIVELY 4TH STREET

Our first stop off this morning was MacDougall Street which was where Bob Dylan lived when he first came to New York and further down the street was Cafe Wha were he started along with some other singers (still called Cafe Wha). We were being stalked by a lady who asked if we were doing the Bob Dylan Walk (just to let you know there is no such thing "officially"). Turns out Muzz found a kindred spirit so they chatted for ages and she gave him some added information - he was very happy. We then walked down to Ground Zero and you all know the story there however the new Freedom Tower is in the process of being built. Just along the road was Wall St and the NY Stock Exchange as well as the site where George Washington took the oath when he became 1st president. Bus up to Central Park to visit the Dakota building (where John Lennon was shot), Strawberry Fields (a memorial to him in Central Park) and the "Friends fountain" according to the kids! We then made our way over to Queens to Shea Staduim for the Mets baseball game which was very exciting in that they were 2-1 down and ended up winning 3-2. Dylan was very excited to be there and must say it was a great atmosphere and brilliant stadium to watch baseball. It is still very cold over here though (40 degrees or 9 degrees in our language) but the kids are toughing it out! We are being helped out lots and given great advice from the locals who we getting chatting to so it's all good. Hoping to catch up with cousin, William Locke over the next few days around his work schedule.

Thu 12 April 2007 NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

As one New Yorker apologised to us for the weather today we told him it was no different to what we experience back in Wellington (turns out he'd experienced Wellington and Dunedin's weather too) but today it was freezing and very wet. However we spent all day getting our bearings downtown mainly via a bus tour that we have for 48 hours and saw numerous landmarks (Empire State, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Macy's etc) before we decide what we will tackle tomorrow. The architecture is amazing and all so old and this town has heaps of character. Rude New Yorkers are a myth as far as we're concerned as people have been alot nicer than on the West coast. As we drove through Greenwich village heaps of Bob Dylan haunts were pointed out to us so along with Muzz's research, we will be going back to check it all out.

Wed 11 April 2007 START SPREADING THE NEWS...

Long flight across the US today as we headed off to New York. Kids were very tired. We are pushing them to the limit. Sleepyhead Dylan is lacking sleep and they miss my cooking - things must be bad! However Muzz and I were very excited to be in the Big Apple and it is as crazy as you would imagine - car horns tooting everywhere and lots of people. We arrived late but as we are only a couple of blocks from Time Square we took the kids for a look and some dinner. We suspect they were slightly underwhelmed after witnessing the glitzy lights of Vegas. Oh yeah Jim, we have done East Harlem too as our shuttle from the airport had a couple of stops there - does that count???

Tue 10 April 2007 HOME OF THE HAVASUPAI

Today was by far the highlight for both Muzz & I as we flew out (on a very hairy flight) from Vegas to the Grand Canyon. It was unbelievable and a nice quiet atmosphere after the crowds we've battled so far. We hadn't realised the vastness of it all and were blown away. The Havasupai are the local Grand Canyon displaced Indians who have struggled with the injustices like other indigenous peoples after a "land swap" with the Government back in the late 1800s. We loved their shop and Harry is coming home with a hand made Indian spear - I am hoping we get it back into NZ let alone through the incredibly tough airport security of the US. Had a beautiful lunch in Tusayan (where Jim & Ruth stayed???) before a hairier flight back (Sam's turn to feel queazy). Were miles away from the new skywalk but did fly over it out in the middle of the desert. Spent the night back in Vegas walking down The Strip to check out the hotels at night. Not really our kind of town - lots of people, gambling and indulgence!

Mon 09 April 2007 VIVA LAS VEGAS

Bit of a drama getting to Vegas even though we were at the airport a few hours before hand but we nearly missed our flight after ticket problems! Anyway we arrived to the searing heat of Vegas and the kids were blown away by our hotel unaware that more impressive ones were to come. Yeah Marg, it was very like '82 on the Gold Coast. For someone who is morally against gambling, Harry was dead keen to try the pokies but was moved along for being under 21 by the staff (in abundance). Very hot so the kids and I had a dip in the pool...oh yeah and I flooded the bathroom but that's another drama! Early night for us by Vegas standards!

Easter Sunday 08 April 2007 SPAGHETTI JUNCTION

Well if we thought the kids had some thrills over the past few days, it was nothing compared to them witnessing their parents navigate LA's busiest freeways in a rental car! Today we hired a car and headed north to Hollywood checking out the Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign - bit of a anti climax with Hollywood Blvd being one of the seedier parts of town but we took our photos and then hit the freeway again, this time with busier traffic however our navigation skills in changing lanes and jumping onto other freeways was outstanding. As cautious kiwis however, we were passed by everyone else exceeding the speed limit! We headed south of Anaheim to the Richard Nixon library and birthplace spending a couple of very interesting hours there. Harry is a box of birds today however it was Dylan's turn to throw up with travel sickness and there is a bit more travel to come! Yesterday we spent another day at Disney having anther go at the highlights. Take care everyone. Love Stace, Muzz and kids xxx

Good Friday 06 April 07 DREAM OF CALIFORNICATION

Happy Birthday to Opa for yesterday. We hope you had a great day. Well it had to happen sooner or later that someone would throw up....and today it was Harry (poor thing). The little man is not well at the moment but it probably started on a horrible ferris wheel ride this morning - not only did you go round but our gondola swung backwards and forwards as well so it was not pleasant for him. He got progressively worse as the day went on so made an early exit from California Adventure (part of Disney). Beforehand we did get to ride an amazing roller coaster and white water raft which had Pohutu blowing at the end of it!! We finished the day with an amazing ride soaring over California which was just stunning. Hope you are all well. We are having a ball!

Thu 5 April 07 WELCOME TO HOLLYWOOD

Took our tour to Universal Studios today and spent another day doing freaky rides - those kids have no fear while Mum and Dad were often left scared stiff and feeling ill!!! We took a tour around the studios and Sam was happy to see Wisteria Lane...but nobody famous! There was a clip of Peter Jackson on our tour which made us proud and lots of mention of King Kong - we think the Yanks have claimed credit for that one but we know better!!! Another tired crew at the end of the day - oh yeah, caught a glimpse of the Hollywood sign as we battled peak hour traffic on the way home.

Wed 4 April BURNARDS HIT DISNEYLAND

Gates opened 8am and we were well early (along with everybody else). Queues a mile long already but we soon discovered they move at least so doesn't seem so bad. The kids were keen to try out the scariest rides but the first one we came across was the spinning teacups so that was me happy! We found the Maori and kiwis in "It's a small world" which is a canal ride that takes you through different cultures singing. Everything is so neat and tidy (as you would imagine) but the difficult thing to come to terms with is the amount of people everywhere (thousands) but we tried out most things and enjoyed the parade and fireworks at night. It was 11pm by the time we got into bed but the kids had a great day doing everything that they wanted.

3 April 07 NEW ZEALAND WE HAVE LANDED

Beautiful flight up the North Island with Mt Taranaki poking through the clouds and sun setting. We knew it was going to be all good when our Boeing 737 was called "Rotorua". The kids were so excited on the plane with their inidividual screens and an extensive choice of movies and tv programmes to choose from whenever you want! Although it was a long night, we arrived in LA in one piece and found our hotel just across the road from Disneyland (6 lane road mind you). First impressions of LA:
Harry - lots of palm trees and it looks hot
Sam - busy, interesting to see people drive on the other side of the road
Muzz - neat to see all the signs of places you've heard of, Ventura Blvd, West Hollywood, Malibu
Dylan - bit of a Mickey Mouse place!
Heaps of big huge utes all over the place so Uncle Gas would be in his element. It was mid afternoon by this time so we wandered over to Disneyland to get our bearings. There's a huge walkway of shops and restaurants so cruised down for a look (Downtown Disney) and we were amazed at how many people were still pouring into Disney late afternoon. Had our first meal in America at the MacDonald right next to our hotel (had to try it out at least once and make comparisons). We all crashed pretty early after a long day (literally) - we had two Tuesdays!

Itinerary

Here's our itinerary for the next few weeks....

Tue 3 April
Arrive in LA staying at Carousel Inn, Anaheim

Wed 4 April
Disneyland

Thu 5 April
Universal Studios

Fri 6/Sat 7 April
Disneyland

Mon 9 April
Travel to Las Vegas staying at the Excalibur Hotel

Tue 10 April
Grand Canyon Deluxe Tour

Wed 11 April
Travel to New York staying at the Manhattan Club

Fri 13 April
Mets game at Shea stadium

Sun 15 April
The Lion King on Broadway

Tue 17 April
Amtrak rail to Washington DC for the day

Sat 21 April
Home James