Grand Canyon 10 November 2014

The three of us got up very early for our coach pick up at 6 35am after a late night. We settled in our seats on our coach only to find it was a feeder coach and we would be changing to another after paying the outstanding balance, plus we would have the chance of a snack and a drink before we set off. We were quickly processed then off on our trip, the coach was quite comfortable, our driver Larry initialy I found ok but after a while I found his voice irritating, not sure why, because he was quite informative.

First stop was Hoover Dam, unfortunately it was only long enough to take photos from a distance before setting off again,  it would of been great to of had time to explore the place. We carried on for some time, the scenary was much the same for quite a while so we watched a series of videos and films on the monitors, about the area inclufing Route 66.

We eventually reached our lunch stop, there were about 4 or 6 coaches to deal with at the place but they were geared to it, it was a buffet style with plenty to eat, we were sat next to a man from Venuzwalia initially he spoke but then got on with the task of eating his meal.
We travelled on for some hours, I had learnt to take my shoes off on these sorts of trips on coaches and planes, but its always a problem to put them on again after to cope better when I got to my destination, I am sorry not to go into much description of the trip but I slept for much of it until we got to the Grand Canyon at last.

I took Chico with me for a series of photos but got seperated from Paul, the sheer size of the canyon was breathtaking, but I found as with many of the tourist attractions, people are often more interested in taking photos of themselves and friends than the actual view,  also that there is often a selfishness by some and lack of consideration of others who also would like to share the view. It was do hard to even guess how deep the valleys were and round each corner there was a totally different scene, I only wish I had had more time to explore the area, maybe another time and an overnight stop to view before and after the tourists had gone, not sure what that makes me, when I was also taking photos, of Chico. Eventually Paul and I caught up again just before the coach was due to depart. 

It wasn't long to our next stop and more beautiful scenary, plus whilst wandering round, we saw an old steam engine and four deer, they seemed unworried at our presence and we took photos of them, sadly I managed to miss the sunset, but as the light changed the whole valley also did. Paul bought a couple of items then off to the coach again for another long journey,  to our last stop where the coach refuelled and we bought some food, it was the biggest beefburger I have seen for a long time. The driver had put on another couple of videos to pass the time. At long last we were the first drop off, so went to the room and decided to sort out boarding cards it would of been one more thing done. 

We struggled with the various sites and eventually managed to sort out Pauls for Ryanair, but discovered that it was to early to do the others. Paul went off to bed,  I tried to Skype Jane and Bren, with no success, in the end though managed to get them on my mobile, they seem to be having a great time in Liverpool, then back to the room for a bath and bed.

9 November 2014 part two

I thought it would be easier to break this into two sections, Andy tells me there is a problem with posting comments so will habe a look also to look and see if I can finally post some photos of the trip either on here or Facebook, hope those reading are enjoying,  so sorry am behind its because I need to write up when its quiet and then find Wi Fi.

Now then about these topless dancers, im the end I booked for us both more of the actual show later,  but as a total contrast we also booked to go to the Grand Canyon by coach, I worried it would of been a very long drive, but Paul felt we would have longer there, he had goven up on the bike ride as nobody eould snswrt the phone. We seemed to get a very good deal for the trip and I was happy it was going ahead because its why the whole adventure started in the first place.

We had found out, well Paul had that there was a meal deal in the buffet wherein we could pay $35 each and use the buffet as often as we liked in the day, most probably we ent more but had a wide range of dishes to choose from and as much as we wanted.  What an odd collection of food we had across the day. Its interesting that this is not obviously advertised,  maybe they dont want people to be aware of it generally.

Well we had a walk then got ready for the show, it was only a small theatre of about 350, I was surprised at how many couples attended, but maybe its mr who is old fashioned,  plus I thought the show would start on time but no such luck. The dancers as far as we could see were attractive and good dancers, I must honestly say that seeing them topless did not really add to it for me, but going by the noise the same could not be said for others. There was a female singer but she was to loud, plus a female comedian, so in actual fact there was not a lot of time that the dancers were on stage, given the skimpy outfits I cannot see costume changes would of taken long. The girl who did a dance using draps was good as was pole dancer,  who was more athletic than provocative to me. At the end the girls posed for the audience to have their photos taken with them.Up close some of them looked older and tired so we left so we could have a good nights sleep and feel relaxed

Vegas Here We Come 9 November 2014

I had slept well but was to hot so got up before Paul and had a shower, his alarm went off just as I was finishing up. So had a coffee packed last things then down to check out, ordered taxi to indulge another of Pauls tick list,  rather than chance the subway, only realised when outside that there were plenty of yellow cabs waiting. Our transport instead was a limousine, I suggested Paul sit in the front, but driver had his stuff there, I also hoped he would be chatty but no such luck, having said that it was a comfortable quick trip to Penn Station to pick up the Airtrain to the airport. Now realised if we had planned well could of done the same when we arrived, rather than lughing cases up and down escalators.

Trip on train uneventful only odd thing is they do not show which track until train is due then everyone rushes down, trains here are very very long, ones we have been on are quite basic but fast. The Airtrain is a monorail and again we were soon there. Sorted out bagdrop then through security, seems if over 70 no need to take off coat or shoes,  they give special card guess who was given one did not realise till now how old I look.

Then off to find lounge,  it was United Airlines own one, large pleasant but little to eat,  nothing like as good as one at Heathrow but at least it had Wi Fi stayed there as advised until was time to request help get to plane, did this vehicle swiftly arrived then boarded plane, this time was in economy, such a difference and so far 3 hours into flight only been offered one drink, all food has to be paid for, seat not very comfortable,  plus video and films all chargeable,  come back Ryanair all is forgiven. There never were any more drinks in the course of the flight, so much for trying to avoid dehydration on flights, at long last we landed and assistance was there, nice man took us out to baggage I could not believe the size of the airport, there was a train to get us there. We then found a shuttle to the hotel and booked in. The size of the room was incredible, I have never been in somewhere so spacious.

Paul for a change was desperate for a meal, quite understandable when you think it was the previous evening when he last ate, so off we set, what a place so large but so badly signposted, eventually we found our  way out onto the Strip, it was really hot and humid and very busy and everything was big and over the top, I suppose it has to be to be Vegas, we eventually found somewhere to eat, this time Subway, I am now getting the hang of how to order food there. Then returned to the hotel passing through the casino which was quite busy then back to the room, Paul wanted to see a show called Fantasy at our hotel, it was another thing on his list and had topless dancers, after discussion we decided we would both go to the show, it will be a new experiance for me, quite expensive and late at 10 30pm for only 90 minutes.

We tried to sort out internet access but here there is none in the room, only free in public areas by Wi Fi otherwise chargeable,  so made harder to do research on things we wanted to do such as our

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

A Very Busy Day 6 November 2014

Well we had had a hood nights rest and took it easy this morning, had got up to date with e mail as well as checking Chicos Facebook account with him, also other websites that I visit, then off on the hotel shuttle to the subway.
By mistake we ended up on Broadway, where all the shows are, even McDonald's was lit up in fancy lights, it seemed to have little effect  on Paul but I was quite excited by it all.
As usual we made one or two deliberate mistakes before finally got to the Intrepid sea air and space museum, a lot of the exhibits were on the former aircraft carrier including planes helicopter's and spacecraft, outside there was a former submarine which we also looked round, photos hopefully to appear soon, Chico and Paul were both in their element checking everything out in the museum and time passed quickly.

Next Paul mentioned that he would like to visit St Patricks cathedral so we went looking for this, it seems it has featured in a range of films. Unfortunately when we eventually found it, the building was almost covered in scaffolding and sheeting outside and inside much the same, although obviously will look spectacular when finished.
Just for a change we got lost on the way to Grand Central Station another place on Pauls list, I had not realised how big and very busy it would be. We looked round but I was getting tired so had a rest whilst Paul went exploring. It was a good chance for me to rest as we had been out a long time,  before travelling back to the hotel for the evening.  I then tried to catch up with my adventures on here for you readers.

New York Here we come 4th November 2014

Well we managed to wake on time sort ourselves out and be ready for the bus to the airport for 5 30, the member of staff was very helpful in the process, by the way if you are reading this and ever are staying overnight at one of the hotels close to Heathrow, its worth knowing there are buses run by National Express throughout the day to many of the bigger hotel chains that are near to the airport at a cost of only £5 each throughout the day.
Paul had managed to sort out our boarding cards with the hotel, thanks again Premier Inn, so it did not take long to check in, I asked for assistance to get to the plane and at New York and this was quickly arranged, I explained we were going to No 1 Lounge so she sorted out for us to be collected there.
The lounge easy to get to and efficient with paperwork, so soon we were settled with something to eat in very pleasant surroundings, plus we had Wi Fi to catch up with friends, the only problem was when a very noisy man came along, threw his case etc down on the seat then promptly set about making a number of very loud mobile phone calls, eventually he went, the time passed quickly and soon it was time to be taken to the plane, the staff were pleasant particularily the lady who helped on the last part of the trip.
On the plane we were soon settled in our seats and ready for take off, a flight attendant came to ask Paul to speak to somebody from security, I presumed it was something to do with his medical equipment but he was quite a while before he came back. It seemed for some reason there was a problem with his visa and there had been a threat to have him removed from the plane, luckily common sense prevailed, the plane was late taking off and I do wonder if it was down to Paul,  but from then on it was a pleasant flight with frequentl food and drinks, plus we managed to obtain a neckloop so I could listen to music and later watch a film.
On arrival a pleasant man took us through passport control and customs,  which was much quicker than I thought it may of been and told us where to find the Air Train to the city. We again found people very helpful whilst doing all of this, so soon we were in New York city.

I think this is a good time to explain to you readers about my problem in life at present and what I have quickly realised on this trip, in that wearing hearing aids is affecting what messages I pick up and how hard it is to hear people and announcements particularily innoisy environments, Paul has been very good and patient with me regarding this, but I do wonder as the trip progresses how I will manage when on my own.
Well we got to the subway and this was where everything started to go wrong, firstly the staff at the ticket counter were unhelpful, then I got the cases stuck in the barrier,  again good old Paul quickly helped sort it out, the subway was busy but soon ours came, it seemed a long way to our stop, eventually Paul noticed that we had got on the wrong line so we started to retrace our steps.
Then next the train stopped and it seemed someone had become ill, it took quite some time and the driver suggested that people find alternative, Paul was reluctant but agreed, and soon as we got off the train started, ooops,but he had found another way for us to get to our destination, finally we arrived but then needed advice about how to find the hotel, luckily it was only a short walk and we were quickly booked in, the room is pleasant, but by now we were both tired out, I realised we had been travelling for over 20  hours.
The time here was about 8pm, so we went out and had a  burger,no surprise to some readers but not at one of the well known chains, then back to the hotel for a relaxing bath and a chat about what we were doing the following day, well no Paul nodded off in the bath for a few minutes and I wad quite tired so we decided to leave and sleep instead.  I am typing this in the dark, outside there is a view of New York lit up, I am in the dark so as not to disturb Paul and local time is 3am, so will finish now and tell you more of our adventures later.

You will of noticed no mention of Chico, this is because with all of the time spent getting here with the suitcases etc, the last thing I needed was to be sorting photos out for him but I am sure today we will get back to normal.

Our first day in London 3rd November 2014

Hello readers, as promised this is the first real blog of the trip and we start off with London for the day. We arrived early for the train and the trip went well apart from the fact it was raining hard when we got to Euston, we went to leave our luggage, what a rip off £40 for 2 large and two small cases,  the woman in front seemed to have something in her case that they were not happy with but soon we were done and off to buy our travelcards to travel on the tube.
We noticed it was still raining hard so decided to forget trafalgar square and head instead for the Tower and poppy display. Despite the weather there were lots of people queuing for a closer look.  Chico seemed very impressed with all the poppies, next we went down the river to the O2 but it was practically deserted,  so we continued on to the cable car over the Thames, which we all enjoyed, then on to the light railway, unfortunately it was busy and with reflections in the carriage the view was spoilt.w
We then made our way back to St Pancras so I could show Paul what a station could really look like, the place has been renovated beautifully, then to Burger King for A double Whopper then Euston to pick up the cases. (By the way at present I am struggling to enter photos on here but you can see some on Gulliver Chico Glasser profile on Facebook.) On to the tube to Heathrow,  by now it was getting late.
Sady when we got there, we just missed the bus to the hotel so it was another half hour and a tour of all the terminals first.It was a Pemier Inn so check in was fast, but still getting on for 10pm before we were sorting ourselves out, never was I so glad for a shower,  the room was up to their usual high standards it was 12ish by the time we finally settled for the night so with the need to get up again at 4 30am I tried to get to sleep for a few hours.

It had been a very enjoyable adventure I felt, shame we did not have time to do more and that initially the wrather was poor, we were very impessed at how helpful people were on the many occasions that we got lost, I really must thank Maggie for the time and effort she took to arrange our trip round London

Sadly a setback for the trip

Well I was just sorting last minute paperwork out when during a visit to run through the vouchers Sue my travel agent informed me that Virgin had cancelled the flight home from Shanghai to Heathrow and my choices were to cancel and have a refund, come back a day earlier or maybe a day later but that I would need to pay extra for the costs involved myself. It did not seem to bother them and the effect on me when I am starting the trip next Monday.

It has taken nearly 12 months to get this package together so extra stress now is the last thing I need to cope with, plus having to sort out replacement accommodation and transport all adds to the pressure.

I have spoken to one of the solicitors at Which Legal services, she gave me some advice so I have contacted Virgin via e mail to see what response I now get, on her advice I will also contact my credit card and see what they have to say as it seems they maybe jointly liable, plus it also seems there may be some way through EC legislation to argue my case, which I have also put to them, but if not solved now, I will deal with on my return.

Also i have posted on Facebook both my profile and Chicos because its not right that a company such as Virgin that tells us how customer friendly it is, can just cancel flights I presume because they cannot fill the plane but then walk away without any responsibility to the public as far as they are concerned, whilstsomeone such as myself have to pick up the pieces and spend more time trying to re book elements of the trip with only a couple of days to go before I start on the holiday.

One more week to go 26 October 2014

It seems so long ago since my first chat with my son about a trip to the Grand Canyon, that developed into this marathon of 30 days away with over 60 hours in the sky, 5 countries and 10 destinations for me. Now there are three of us the latest addition is Gulliver Chico Glasser, see previous blog for more about him, dont forget to follow him on Facebook, he hashis own profile and will keep you up to date with his travels as well as photos with me.

They will be with me on my first leg to London that origionally was just a train trip, but thanks to you Maggie is now going to be an exciting adventure, with visits to the Poppy garden at the Tower, then a trip down the Thames by boat, a meal at the O2, then cable car across the river before a train trip to Docklands.  If I time it right it will then be a trip to Heathrow after rush hour to rest before the start of the real trip with our first adventure in New York.

So far it seems we are going to visit staten island ferry, the Statue of Liberty, the memorial to the Twin Towers and the Air Sea museum, but the first adventure there will be to find our hotel, as it involves a trip into the centre first.

After a few days there we travel to Vegas hopefully to visit the Grand Canyon, it came as a surprise that it gets cold in Vegas and the Canyon so it could affect our ability to get there and my sons planned bike ride on the Rim, but we will see. I am still hoping for the chance to meet up with my Buzzer friend Geri if her health is up to it. My son informs me we are having a look at casinos and the Strip is obviously going to be included, think may need to hire a scooter to help cope with distances.

My son then travels back home then its me and my new trusty friend Gulliver Chico Glasser for the rest of the journey. If you read back a little you will read about him, he is with me to promote ME Chronic Fatigue Syndrome awareness and promote our local group as well as encourage people to sponsor him on the groups behalf.

The next leg is to Auckland for a couple of days, then to Oz, Port Douglas, Ayres Rock, then Sydney. I have found a place there to stay where  whem I come in on the ferry there are spectacular views each day of the Opera House and Bridge at each destination it will be an adventure.

Then its onto Malaysia with a trip to visit my friend in Penang followed by a trip to Singapore and finally to Shanghai before returning back to London again for the last leg home.

Its thanks to Sue at Ace Travel2 that its all been possible,  thanks Sue for all your time and patience over the months in the planning and sorting out paperwork for the trip as well as encouragement with the mammoth task, I must stop making lists as my luggage will be overloaded with them.

My visas are in place,  Sue is coming this week to go through all my paperwork to make sure I have my E tickets transfer and hotel vouchers, my GP has sorted out my prescription and  I should have a letter from her, so there are no issues for the medication I will be carrying for pain relief. I have had all necessary inoculations and more recently my flu jabs and just to make sure, have travel insurance to cover the trip.

After I thought about the cold in New York and possibly Vegas and the Canyon, I have made sure that I will have sufficient clothing that will cope with the hot and cold weather, I have tried packing my case and everything I can think of is going in and it is still under weight,  sorry have not included yet all of Chicos clothes some kindly donated by Caroline and  Mandy, do another task for me. I have decided as I am travelling with Chico that this time I will not take my SLR camera rather, my tablet, compact camera and recently purchased camcorder to record what I see on my travels and also to copy onto my blog but also to keep copies to show when I get back home. They will take up less room and be more inconspicuous I hope as I travel around.

Although it is now so close I still have not sorted out the best way to deal with money in the various countries, despite advice from my friend Paul which has been helpful on the subject and other aspects of my trip. But will finally resolve this week, its so complicated with a range of currencies to deal with in particular when I first arrive at destinations in the different countries and the first few hours whilst I find my bearings, so different as a lone traveller than with an organised trip, but much more exciting I hope.

Well I will close for now, hope you enjoy the read and will continue to follow the adventure as it unfolds.

An update on the next trip

I thought I would give you readers an update on the big trip as it is getting quite near now. All the flights and hotels are booked, although there has been a slight change from Auckland to Cairns, seems that there is no longer a direct flight on the day I want to travel. It seems so wrong that they can just do this at short notice, but it just means I have an extra flight to cope with.
I have now sorted out mine and sons visas for US, application is in for trip to Oz and I am waiting to find out if I need a Chinese visa as will be there for just over the 72 hours that I would not need one.
Have booked sons flights from Ireland now and need to sort out train to London for us both and for my return at the end of the trip back home. We have decided to spend a little time in London on the first day as son has not visited there other than when working.
An extra issue now is with son, that he needs to carry equipment on board for his sleep apnoea, so I need to contact the airlines to make sure what we are best doing about the fact he needs to carry this in the cabin.
I am trying to organise all the paperwork for the trip and create a diary to remind me of things I need to do along the trip such as reminding self to contact airlines 48 hours in advance to re confirm flights, this seems a rather strange practice, surely once we have booked and paid for tickets that should be it.
Have a series of links to different websites to help with exploring the different cities along the way. With so many places its hard to know just what I can fit in given the limited time I have in each place, plus there is jetlag  and my ongoing health issues to cope with.
If you have read my last blog you will be aware that besides my son in US I now have an extra travelling companion namely Gulliver Chico Glasser, he seems to be a great success with people so far, in the groups of friends and family he has been introduced to as well as bringing a smile to people along the way, my problem may be keeping up with the Facebook profile I have created. I have not yet worked out how best to use him for fundraising for our Bury Bolton ME CFS group but I am sure in the weeks to come everything will fall in place and for me personally he will act as an icebreaker as I travel on my own.
At present it seems that I will be travelling by plane over a period of 30 days up to 70 hours in planes and waiting in airports for at least 30 hours, just as eell I have my lounge pass to gove me a chance to relax whilst waiting for flights. I have asked for assistance at airports due to my mobility issues do I am hoping this will make it easier for me getting from check in to the plane. It has only just occurred to me that I need to find out about the best way to obtain my boarding card for the various flights as I will not have access to a printer.
Well still lots to do I think son is excited about it but for me I am still working on the practicalities of the trip and it is getting quite near now, so will close but give an update nearer to the time of departure.