Travelicious

It was still great. Could really taste the garlic. This was the only burnt crust piece of my half.

Did not see many vendors. But plenty of people standing in the middle of the walkways taking selfies or photos of each other.

Having half the pizza left, we got it to go and took the ferry to Wall Street. It started to rain as we searched for the correct subway station to get us back the most easily to Grand Central. Google maps sometimes makes walking directions difficult to follow. We made it back, and have decided to just hang in our very nice hotel tonight, drink little airline size bottles of vodka that we brought for just for such an occasion, and eat the rest of the pizza. Honestly, we are so worn out after yesterday and today that I really wonder how we will hold up for this long trip. Luckily, we will have plenty of sea days on the Prima. Tomorrow’s plan is Coney Island.

It was also a much longer walk than I expected, but we rewarded ourselves with a pizza and sangria from Grimaldi’s.

We slept in until about 9:30 this morning, and it felt great. Had coffee in the room and got ready to head to Brooklyn. We took the subway from Grand Central to the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge, and walked across. There were so many more people doing the same than I expected. It was 11:30ish on a Wednesday. Don’t people work anymore?

No. They did recommend sharing sides, and there was really enough for 4 people. We couldn’t finish the steak, even though it was not “for two. They had a “for two” porterhouse for $160. No thanks. Honestly, the sides were phenomenal. The steak was tasty but pretty tough.

Calling it a day. 🥱

By the time we walked back to the hotel, my Fitbit read as follows:

Also a nice bottle of wine.

We walked to Central Park, and walked and walked and walked. Came back to the hotel, had a drink at the bar, then got ready to walk to Gallaher’s for dinner. Split a rib steak, Brussel sprouts and hash browns. Way too much food.

Ride in was great with prepaid Carmel. Took maybe 30 minutes in to hotel, rather than hour last time.

Safe, uneventful flight, and we just got to hotel. Had a screwdriver and snack box on the way.

Our stay at the Holiday Inn was pretty crappy. First they sent us to a room that was either still occupied, very dirty, or both. We returned to the front desk, where the manager apologized profusely, then laid our key card beside only, extremely slow desk clerk, and disappeared into her office. When we finally secured a clean and unoccupied room, we dropped our bags and headed to the restaurant for a beer and pizza. Both were good. I realized I had left my phone in the room, though, so food photos not starting yet. Cell service in the hotel was nonexistent, and wifi would cut off after about 3 seconds. Couldn’t get TV to change channels until maintenance came to pull the antenna from behind the dresser. Oh, and the $20 per week parking was raised a whopping 150% 2 weeks ago, to $50 per week. So rather than $140, this will cost $350. Hopefully, the worst is behind us. Boarding in just a couple of minutes. See you on the other side!

Why yes, yes it is!

A few years ago a state senator, also a preacher, tried to get the name of the airport change due to his distaste for the current namesake. The effort failed. This is not a political post, but I figure, love them or hate them, we are exceedingly unlikely to have another president from Arkansas during my lifetime. No offense, Huckabees.

Here we are at the beautiful Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. Tight connection? No problem. Just one terminal, one corridor and 12 gates.

We checked in for Getaway cruise this morning, but the edocs are not yet available, so can't print luggage tags before leaving home. Guess we'll see if we can print at the hotel in NY. Will have to check in for the Dawn cruise while onboard the Prima. We were shooting for 40 pounds or less each in checked luggage, but ended up at about 47 each, plus carry-ons. Ugh. One day I hope to master packing lightly, but the colder weather itinerary makes that difficult for this one.

It's been a busy couple of days getting everything ready. House is now clean, pool is clean, just waiting for towels to dry, then we'll be ready to head to the airport hotel for the night, and our first meal of the trip. Good thing we have several people lined up to help out with the pool, as brother-in-law's blood pressure has gone sky-high, and he is currently in the hospital. Hope they can get it figured out quickly and he can be on the mend.

Thanks. I was aware of this, but unsure about the OBC from the TA. I think it is refundable.

I'm not finding that package. I'm only seeing $10 per day, but will only be charged for 10 days per month, for a max of $100. Of course, I think that is per billing cycle, and we'll be splitting cycles on this trip.

Thanks! I'll check in to it. I doubt I'll be making calls anyway, unless an emergency arises. I hate talking on the phone.

Thanks for checking. I did. In fact, I figured out which station I needed before finding a hotel. Tickets already booked.

Mostly packed, but not flying out until Tuesday morning. Finishing touches today, as well as some house cleaning. Will finish up and go to stay at hotel near airport tomorrow afternoon. Re Snake Away, who knows if it really works, but when I've put it out I haven't seen any for a while. It is probably a bit too early for them anyway, but I have found a few small ones in the skimmers over the years. Only one larger one actually in the pool proper, but I think it was a harmless water snake. He wrapped around the pool brush when I put it in there, and I just took him outside the fenced area to go about his business. When are you heading in? See you soon!

Thanks! Vasa was also recommended by another friend. Will be on the lookout for "fika." Yum!

Thanks for the tips! I'll add to my list of potentials.