A chance to do more of Pauls list 7 November 2014

Today we talked about the fact we would be leaving tomorrow so we needed to visit places Paul still had on his list. First we headed for Top Of The Rock observation platform at the Rockerfeller Centre, first we visited the diner next door for breakfast then headed into town. I had a stomach upset so that slowed us down a while and also a swift visit to the main library, shame we did not have longer it was a beautiful building,  then to our first destination,  thete wad a huge crane there which we realised was to erect the Christmas tree, we went into the Lego shop, then inside the centre it was huge, it was the only place we came across that we could sit without feeling we had to buy something.

Whilst I rested Paul went off exploring, next we got our tickets, but had to wait a while so looked outside again and spotted that Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga were there next year in june so maybe an excuse to return, then back to join the queue for the lift, oops no first security, the lift made strange sounds with odd lights as it ascended, finally we were there, it was a shame that the weather was not better plus it was cold and cloudy. Like everyone else we then took a series of photos,  the only difference was we had Chico to join in also. Paul reluctantly agreed to go up to the next level, his view rightly as it turned out was that it would be colder and windier with no improvrment in the view, plus it started to rain so back down to the ground.

The next box to tick was Central Park for a brief visit, shame the weather and time were against us, so we only saw a tiny section before heading for Brooklin Bridge, I suggested we could get a bus instead of the subway,  the only problem was that it stopped every few yards so eventually back to the subway and finally getting there. It really was impressive to see and we decided to walk across,  this worked out really well as it was sunset and there was a beautiful sunset across the harbour.
Paul then Indulged another of his wishes by having a real hot dog from a street stall, we then headed back to where we were staying but first stopped at the diner by the subway the Court Square Diner,  well this was what we had been seeking through the trip, genuine reasonable priced diner with real well presented food,  that had the right kind of ambiance,  plus they sold CARROT CAKE which was a joy to eat and what a huge portion, a shame we were moving on the following day.
Back to the hotel and sorting out boarding cards, taxi, and another tick for Pauls list I found, we packed our cases to save time the following day, a quick check of my e mail then to bed for me,  quickly falling asleep

Our trip to Truro and Falmouth 22 August 2013

Our trip to Truro and Falmouth 22 August 2013

We set off on the coach bright and early it was already getting warm, we had a pleasant drive to Truro, today it was a different driver, seems John has to have 2 days rest so so we had Steve who is a local relief driver instead, he had good local knowledge with humorous stories about local characters, before we got to Truro he explained that we had 2 options either to continue to Falmouth on the coach or to go on small excursion boat down the river Andy said he preferred to go by coach so Brian and I discussed what we should do, we agreed we could not leave Andy on his own,  Brian kindly agreed tl stay with him. I went off with others to bus, down to boat, lots more people joined before we reached the boat, fortunately I got a seat with a good view so I could record anything for Brian later, as far as I remembered it was to be half hour long,

the boat gently went on its way and the captain described land marks and places, it was so peaceful relaxing and quiet I felt quite guily that the others could not of joined me, there were a range of boats and ships that we passed along the way including one that was used in the film Mama Mia, (I must have look when get home)

we stopped every so often to drop off and pick up passengers,  there was a chain driven ferry at one point that took cars wanting to cross the estuary,  I had not realized that Falmouth was such an important shipping port or that it built ships.

we finally reached Truro,  so went looking for coach and travelling companions,  all of a sudden I heard someone shouting it was Brian,  they had been down to the harbour looking for me and the boat we walked up to coach I checked out toilets at Weatherspoons as usual they were clean, read other blog for more detail of this and others.  we then travelled back to Truro,  had a look at the cathedral plus took a few photos

,  then off to BHS for a drink, unfortunately it was my turn to buy so although I knew we had agreed to a Cornish cream tea later I spotted a carrot cake so being greedy had to try a slice, it was delicious,  we wandered back to the coach then another drive to the cider farm for our cream tea, well we had 2 scones each with lashings of cream and cherry jam unfortunately they only provided one cup of tea rather than the pot I hoped for to help wash it down I am beginning to think I need to explore my dietry needs when I return home and reduce my cake input considerably LOL, we had a pleasant ride back to the hotel.

After a shower and rest e had another enjoyable evening meal, I was very impressed with the quality of the food as well as the service, after Andy went to bed and Brian and I went out taking photos of yet another beautiful sunset

there was a young couple oblivious to everyone who made a romantic picture, sorry quali

ty is not that good though, we carried on and came across a beach that was lit up with lots of people enjoying themselves

The Trip To Bergen And My First Day 30,June 2013

I got up early finished my packing, had breakfast,  felt really sad about leaving this beautiful place and my friends,  but it was time to go so we all set off for the bus (I do struggle because its the best one I have ever been on) seems there is no word for coach in Norwegian,  there was plenty of room on the coach so settled back intending to take photos but we were traveling to fast,  we changed to another bus and it filled up as we traveled. the weather was quite warm, and sunny

We eventually reached the ferry so it was a chance to stretch my legs, use the toilet and have a sandwich, by the time I had done this the ferry was docking, what I had not realized was that I should of been on the coach, oops,  I rushed off after it, fortunately it stopped to pick up other passengers so I was able to board without any embarrassment,  then off again to Bergen, just for a change I slept for much of the way despite the fact the driver seemed  to be going quite fast.

Finally  I arrived at the bus station and thanks to Mykles excellent directions was quickly outside the hotel which was opposite the train station,  it seemed very grand from the outside, even more so when I entered,  the young lady was very pleasant and quickly booked me in.

this photo is typical of the layout of the hotel, I now regret not taking more,

I went to the room it was old worldly and spacious, but a little warm for me despite the fact the windows were open, again no air conditioning,  the bathroom was much better, only problem was the towels were a little worn,   but not worn out, there was also a surprising shortage of storage space,  although there was a refrigerator with a range of drinks to buy, on the table there was a basket with snacks,  when I read the prices they seemed quite expensive, again thats based on English prices, not in Norway which is a rich country, but I was later to find they were not so bad, there was also a decent size safe that took everything including my large camera  and was free. The bed was a double and looked very comfortable,  I unpacked had a shower then changed before my first expedition into the town, the receptionist was very helpful and showed me the route to the harbour and provided me with a map.

When I got to the harbour I noticed the funicular to Floyen, it was bright and sunny so I bought a ticket for my next adventure,  I took photos as we climbed,

when I got out it was well worth the trip with views for miles in every direction of the harbour and sounding area, so many more photos were taken. I decided to walk along one of the tracks through the woodland,  somehow for a change I got lost, eventually found a signpost to put me back on track, it was beginning to cool down so only walked a little further before my trip back down to the harbour.

I did not feel like a large meal so settled on an enormous hot dog and a drink, I also purchased a very large piece of Carrot Cake to take back to my room for later, whilst I was catching up with my blog, I also watched tv for a little, there were tv channels in English with Norwegian sub titles,  I found a film on one which helped me settle, the bed was as comfortable as it looked so off to sleep looking forward to tomorrows new adventures.