Finger Lakes to New York

It's early when we wake up, excited about the trip today and seeing our boys. We ring to check they're at the airport and they are checked in waiting at the gate, they sound as excited as us. We set of on the long drive to New York, it feels strange to think we're driving miles across country to reach JFK while the boys are flying even further heading for the same destination.

The journey is good, the temperature is gradually rising from a chilly 42 degrees Fahrenheit to 60 degrees. The scenery is as beautiful as ever, gradually changing to a more urban view and more traffic. Even Gerties enjoying the ride, until we miss one of her directions and some how end up in central New York City! By now Gertie is in melt down, she can't find where we are, above ground, below ground, travelling north, south, east or west. Stress levels in the car are rising rapidly, Jan is threatening a panic attack and Dave feels his eyes are on stalks trying to watch all the cars that constantly cut across us. More by luck - though Dave will say supreme driving skill - we end up going the right direction over Brooklyn Bridge!! In reflection Dave says he always wanted to drive down Broadway, through Times Square and over Brooklyn Bridge. I think he's just trying to make me feel better and certainly don't wish to repeat the experience....

View from the Apartment

After that, saying goodbye to the car and meeting Rob and Tom at JFK are happy experiences. The journey back to the city in the back of a yellow taxi full of happy laughter and excited exclamations about sights. We reach the apartment block, it is huge - 35 floors - we're on the 14th floor. Tom manages to conquer the lock and we fall inside. What a view, arriving after dark all the high rise lights are on, we can see the empire state building, the river and cruise ships!!!!

Tearing ourselves away from the view we go to find a bar and something to eat. A typical Irish bar provides the beer, and Gossips restaurant bar possibly the best burger and chips I've ever eaten.

Well roll on tomorrow for some more amazing sights!!