Well, it's now almost a month since the adventure ended and I finally thought to finish off the blog!
It was quite an eventful flight home. I almost didn't leave the country, my heavy suitcase caused me to overbalance and topple down the escalator at JFK airport! How embarrassing....then halfway through our flight home suffered a massive nose bleed. We arrived in Sydney and went through customs, with silly me leaving a bag behind - thankfully some fast thinking and talking meant I was able to recover it (given it had all my important Kentucky and Badminton souvenirs, I wasn't going to give up easily!).
Arriving back at Tullamarine and heading down the Calder was strange....everything seemed so eerily quiet after the hussle and bustle of New York!
It was lovely of course to finally see my family and animals again - everyone had done a great job in taking care of the place. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful family. :)
Now, it's back to work and reality...but good to be back in the saddle again. After seeing two of the biggest events in the world (and many other things!) I am all inspired for the season ahead. Next stop? Melb 3DE next weekend...although maybe next year it will be riding rather than watching??
Thanks to everyone reading for sharing the journey with me. :)
Friday, 3 June 2011
Saturday, 7 May 2011
The City That Never Sleeps
Or so it seems!
After a fairly hairy ride into Manhattan yesterday in our shuttle bus we arrived & were soon hit with all things NYC. First walking into Times Square & Broadway totally spun us out. A completely different feel & pace compared to anywhere we've been so far. Our hotel is ok for a budget one...great location, but rather 1950s in decor...not to mention the shower that only works if no one else is showering in nearby rooms!
Today we went on an open topped bus tour of the city. Craziness....I think we had to wait for the 5th or 6th bus in line before we got on near Times Square. Saw lots of the typical things...Times Square, Madison Square Gargen, Empire State Building, the construction site of the new World Trade Center, 5th Avenue, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge...the list goes on.
As I type we have retired to the hotel to watch the Kentucky Derby. Tonight we'll venture into Times Square for a night time view ( M & Ms world is on the list) and to take in the sights before starting the journey home tomorrow afternoon.
After a fairly hairy ride into Manhattan yesterday in our shuttle bus we arrived & were soon hit with all things NYC. First walking into Times Square & Broadway totally spun us out. A completely different feel & pace compared to anywhere we've been so far. Our hotel is ok for a budget one...great location, but rather 1950s in decor...not to mention the shower that only works if no one else is showering in nearby rooms!
Today we went on an open topped bus tour of the city. Craziness....I think we had to wait for the 5th or 6th bus in line before we got on near Times Square. Saw lots of the typical things...Times Square, Madison Square Gargen, Empire State Building, the construction site of the new World Trade Center, 5th Avenue, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge...the list goes on.
As I type we have retired to the hotel to watch the Kentucky Derby. Tonight we'll venture into Times Square for a night time view ( M & Ms world is on the list) and to take in the sights before starting the journey home tomorrow afternoon.
Friday, 6 May 2011
From Kentucky to North Carolina...toward NYC
I am not sure where the last few days has gone, but we've just had a great time staying with Marcus, Hope & Addy in Charlotte. It has been great to experience the way of life over there, including going to a baseball game ( umm, a rather interesting one, with scores of 9-18). A firm memory of the place will be food, including the delights of literally all-you-can eat buffet at Golden Corral, to Ihop (international House Of Pancakes) for brekky, Cracker Barrel & Hooters ( not as raunchy as the reputation, just tacky! Good food though). We experienced many southern delights, like corn bread, pulled pork & hush puppies....oh and real hot dogs, not the sav things we call hotdogs at home. It never ceases to amaze me that getting a "doggy bag" to take your leftovers home is actively encouraged!!
Other highlights included a visit to King's Mountain (actually South Carolina) and being able to visit a local Elementary school & answer questions about Australia with a 5th Grade class. For Mark particularly it was interesting to compare education systems & we learned lots from them too.
Otherwise, we did a lot of looking at different stores...such as BJs, Sears & Super Target ( target that has a supermarket and a whole lot more). It was difficult dragging Mark away from the array of sports stores...so many, but alas the suitcase can only fit so much ( and with domestic flights charging $25 per bag, that wipes out the bargains....well almost).
There's probably heaps of things we've forgotten but we had a fantastic time & hope we can return the hospitality one day in the future (well, I did promise Addy a pony ride...not on a carousel!).
Now we head to NYC to take in the sights before we head home.
Other highlights included a visit to King's Mountain (actually South Carolina) and being able to visit a local Elementary school & answer questions about Australia with a 5th Grade class. For Mark particularly it was interesting to compare education systems & we learned lots from them too.
Otherwise, we did a lot of looking at different stores...such as BJs, Sears & Super Target ( target that has a supermarket and a whole lot more). It was difficult dragging Mark away from the array of sports stores...so many, but alas the suitcase can only fit so much ( and with domestic flights charging $25 per bag, that wipes out the bargains....well almost).
There's probably heaps of things we've forgotten but we had a fantastic time & hope we can return the hospitality one day in the future (well, I did promise Addy a pony ride...not on a carousel!).
Now we head to NYC to take in the sights before we head home.
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Well...it's all over....what a week!
Now it is time to pack up the suitcases for our last week of our holiday. :-(
Rolex SJ Day was an awesome experience...they really worked the crowd before it commenced and then the last 6 rides shown live on NBC. Before the jumping started, there was a course walk with commentary & a presentation of US Pony Club's mounted games championships. PC members also carried in big flags of each country represented.
It was great to see Mary King 1st and 2nd...what a week it has been for her after 3rd at Badminton last weekend. Sinead Halpin is America's new star, taking out 3rd in her first four star. William Fox Pitt was 4th & Clayton Fredericks 5th for Aus after a rail dropped them down 2 places. Oli Townend 6th...so a good trip for the British contingent. Hamish Cargill did complete, but had 4 rails showjumping.
All in all, a good weekend with the weather coming out sunny this afternoon after storms last night. Now we head to North Carolina for most of the week, have a few days in NYC before flying home to Aus. It's all gone so quickly!!
Rolex SJ Day was an awesome experience...they really worked the crowd before it commenced and then the last 6 rides shown live on NBC. Before the jumping started, there was a course walk with commentary & a presentation of US Pony Club's mounted games championships. PC members also carried in big flags of each country represented.
It was great to see Mary King 1st and 2nd...what a week it has been for her after 3rd at Badminton last weekend. Sinead Halpin is America's new star, taking out 3rd in her first four star. William Fox Pitt was 4th & Clayton Fredericks 5th for Aus after a rail dropped them down 2 places. Oli Townend 6th...so a good trip for the British contingent. Hamish Cargill did complete, but had 4 rails showjumping.
All in all, a good weekend with the weather coming out sunny this afternoon after storms last night. Now we head to North Carolina for most of the week, have a few days in NYC before flying home to Aus. It's all gone so quickly!!
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)