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Well the Angels are now in Red Deer Canada.
However before arriving here we had two more fun packed days in New York.
We bought a 48 hour Hop On Hop Off Bus pass which also included a Harbour Cruise. On Thursday we did the Uptown Tour which took in Central Park and obviously all the sights 'uptown'. It was quite hot as we did not get on the tour until just after lunch. We had actually set off quite early but got sidetracked at the Apple store where Trish and Pam bought keyboards for their ipads, Trish bought a new iphone charger lead and Wendy an iphone protector. Then we found this great pharmacy where we bought so much stuff because it was so much cheaper than home that we had to go back to the hotel as it was too much to carry around for the day. The shop girl organised for us to use another customers 'reward' card which gave us a $20 discount and the owner all the reward points - so everyone was a winner!
When we went through Harlem there was burst water hydrant and one of the locals managed to divert the water so that everyone on the bus got wet. He thought it was hilarious but no-one on the bus did, especially those using their ipads, iphones and cameras.
That night we met up with Jennifer and Victoria who had stayed at Wendy's villas in Bali and were planning another trip. We had a good time with them and have now included them in the blog family.
Next day we were up early to do the Downtown tour. We had to catch the subway during peak hour which was an experience. We were waiting at the designated pickup stop when a large truck full of building materials parked there creating chaos. The bus was coming with no-where to park so one of the ticket sellers told us to go to the lights where it had stopped and to get on there. Only problem was that the bus driver refused to open doors so we had to dart back across the road . Trish got caught up in the rush and got left behind a bit. Wendy had jumped on the bus and was having 'words' with the driver while Pam was hanging half out the door looking for Trish. There was building work going on and there had been a workman eying of Trish. He saw what was happening and came to her rescue getting her through the crowd and to the bus. In all the chaos we did not get his name but is now affectionately referred to as "Bob the Builder".
We got off the bus near the World Trade Centre. We planned to go straight there but on the way passed this shop called Century 21. Again we were sidetracked for a couple of hours as there were so many bargains. Pam and Trish however nearly got evicted as Pam could not be bothered joining the queue for the change rooms and decided to try on some tops in a quiet little corner. A quite officious shop lady informed her that people did not undress in the store but used the fitting rooms. It was too late as the deed had been done and Pam had finally bought some clothes!
We then went to Les Halles restaurant where Wendy had the best scallops, Pam perfectly cooked salmon and Trish finally got a Tbone which did not ooze blood - it was great.
We then set off to the 9/11 Memorial. It is a lovely and very dignified monument to all those who lost their lives. It gave you a sense that those who had caused this terrible event had failed in instilling the level of fear they wanted. Rather the opposite had happened - not sure if we are expressing this very well. You really need to go there - we are very glad we did.
After this we set of for the harbour cruise. So we have now seen New York by air, land and water. We found the locals extremely friendly and helpful. We caught the subway back to hotel during MAJOR peak hour. We had been having some trouble getting the metro passes to work - it usually took a couple of goes. This did not really matter during normal times but this time the station was packed on both sides of the turnstyles. Wendy and Pam were on the platform side and Trish was on the other and simply could not get hers to work. A young local girl simply took it out of her hand, zipped it, and through she came.
We had to be up at 4am so we decided to have an early night but not before having one last session on the 2nd floor where the free wine and nibbles were served. Anyone wanting a good hotel in New York should check out the Library Hotel - it is brilliant.
We caught our plane to Calgary without any problem except that Pam was subjected to a bag search. It seemed all the cords she had to charge the phone, camera and ipad caused some concern.
We landed in Calgary where we were picked up by our great friends Mike and Carol. They told us to make ourselves at home and we have. In fact we have taken over! Pam is sleeping in Mike's study which is in the heart of his Man Cave. He has basically been evicted and we have renamed it Angel Headquarters!
They have a lovely home and an even more beautiful dog Barkley. We have been going each morning to the dog park. The park is huge, with a river running through it, lots of ponds and wildlife - doggy heaven.
On Sunday Karen, Justin and Brynlee came to visit. Karen is the daughter of Nancy and John. Trish and Nancy used to work together many years ago and was the original Canadian connection. Nancy and John are great friends of Mike and Carol. We had not seen Karen for about 14 years so we had lots to catch up on. We reminded her of how she used to invite her friends home when Trish was staying to see the lady who talked funny and how she used to cheat at cards!
That afternoon we had a shopping fix at the local Walmart then it was off to the Toad and Turtle the local pub for dinner.
Today we met up with Ellen, Carol's bridesmaid and we all went for a tour to Forte Normandeau then to the Heritage Ranch Bar and Grill where the highlight, apart from the company and food, was the Barking Squirrel beer.
Tomorrow we are off to Banff when it will be Canada Day so there will be heaps happening. We are overnighting there before heading off to Osoyoos to meet up with Nancy and John. The original plan was for us all to then drive across to Vancouver Island to catch up with the Onushkos (Brian is Nancy's nephew and Karen's cousin). Unfortunately not long after seeing Karen we learned that Nancy's Mum had passed away. We have had to alter some travel arrangements but fortunately we will still all be able to catch up. Our thoughts are with Nancy, Brian and Karen and all their families.
AND before we forget we have taken up our German friends suggestion and Wendy is now known as ZARA.
AND ZARA has been complaining because we did not refer to her friends Marius and Anne cooked her the Moose by their names. Sincere apologies but the reason is quite simple. Zara kept referring to Marius by his two Japanese nick names and the designated blog writer did not think it nice to put one of them in print!
Pictures will be posted soon
The Angels
- comments
Lisa Loving every one of your blogs... so entertaining and getting a real feel for what you Angels are up too. Sounds like alot of fun and many adventures had! Keep them coming Angels! Lx
Leanne Sounds like you're having a blast! Loving the pics too. A great one on top of the hotel in New York.
Jill Crow I feel like I'm there with you (without having to get up early once!!).
Trish Loving all the updates - sounds like you are having a blast. Stay safe girls
Norma Plummer Geez Smithy what a trip you are having - bet you did some damage at Century 21 - I love NY - can't wait for the next Blog. Love Plum
Bill & Jan Glad to hear that you are catching up with old friends and having a busy but great time. Stay well and enjoy.