Flight from JFK to LAX Thursday August 21 2014

Flight from JFK to LAX Thursday August 21 2014

Not a great flight from JFK to LAX.  We understand about delays and thankfully we had been told at the British Airway Lounge that the flight had been delayed.  Why were we not told upon check-in at the Qantas desk?

Upon boarding, we were told to go upstairs.  We were not shown to our seats on the upper deck but ignored by the staff.

The two staff were reasonably friendly and they informed us that they had no beer and the bar had been restocked at JFK!  Paul had to contend with a Boag's Lager which he did not finish.

The Neil Perry food was very ordinary.  Paul's fish was horrible.  Mine was okay and maybe he got a bad piece.

The worst was yet to come.  There was no announcement for the luggage carousel collection.

We disembarked the flight and followed the other Australians off the plane and followed the two Qantas ground staff with their signs.  One female passenger, in front of us, asked which way to the luggage carousel to the Qantas lady.  She then pointed to her right which was our left.

Why do Qantas not have arrows on their signs?  Either a left, right or proceed forward arrow.  Not difficult.

After we followed the directions of the two Qantas ground staff we continued in the direction and ended up going past Qantas departures.  We suspected we were mis-directed.  All alone we had not seen one sign for baggage collection.  We proceeded on and still saw not one sign saying baggage collection once we had disembarked.

This is how Paul is feeling today!  Not a happy camper after nearly a two hour delay from JFK and arriving at LAX and being sent in the wrong direction 12 (TWELVE) times and walking around in circles trying to pick up our luggage.

The LAX airport needs baggage collection signs.  We knew that we had to go downstairs and we asked 12 airport staff and two walked us to where they thought we had to go.  Wrong!  This is a security issue and a Occupational Health and Safety issue as we ended up in high security areas.  We even asked a cop with a sniffer dog and still could not exit.

We even went into security areas and were abruptly told "that we should not have been in."  And this is the supposed new LAX airport!  Even a policeman with a sniffer dog sent us in the wrong direction.

We went to the Qantas desk three times and there was no one on duty.

Finally after a huge hissy fit (and an understandable one!) Paul saw a Qantas representative in the distance and ran after her.  He explained our 12 instances of being mis-directed.  She escorted us to pick up our luggage via going outside and we had to wait on the footpath for our luggage to be wheeled through their security area.  Our luggage had been taken away and stored thankfully.

Thank you Hazel for helping us to locate our luggage and assisting us with contacting our hotel to say we had been delayed.  She even stayed with us until we got a taxi.  This was the best part of Qantas service for the flight and early in the morning too.  She even gave my partner a reassuring cuddle as she could see that he was distressed due to the lack of service by 12 other LAX staff.

Finally arrived at the hotel at about 2.00am LAX time which was 5.00 NYC time.  Thankfully we both had about an hour's sleep on the flight.

Qantas needs a desk in a central location at LAX that is resourced with a bilingual person 24 hours a day.

I am curious about the other six passengers who also got lost from this flight.

I am also curious if other passengers have had the same experience (from any airline.)

The Hotel Beacon, New York, August 2014

The Hotel Beacon, New York, August 2014

This is our fifth time staying at The Hotel Beacon on Manhattan in New York and below are some of  the reasons why we return.

Friendly staff: 

The Hotel Beacon staff are so friendly and willing to help.  Nothing is an issue for them.  What is even more satisfying is knowing that each year the same familiar faces are there to greet you and welcome you back.  Consistency of service is high on The Hotel Beacon's mission and they deliver.

The staff are so knowledgeable about New York City from events, locations, access, museums, transportation, history, restaurants, arts to sports. If they do not know they will find someone who does know.

Where in the world do you get a gem like Michael?  He greets every customer with his warm smile and deep voice to pave their way to the elevator.  He is always excited to find out about your adventures and is cognisant of everyone's needs.

Ken, Jett and Ray on the concierge desk are so consistently helpful, obliging and fun.  They do not overstep their familiarity with guests and are always eager to please.  Plus they are so keen to learn about new aspects of the city to share with other guests.

On the front desk include Anthony, David, Eric, Isa, Larry and Mary.  Again consistent, helpful, obliging and welcoming.  This is not just with us but other guests too as we have witnessed their behaviour over five long visits to The Hotel Beacon.

The porters including Omar and Rudy who again are ...yes you know!  Consistent, helpful, obliging and welcoming.

If there is any issue then room service or maintenance are there to support you.  Jason and Peter will assist with any needs.  For example understanding how to operate the air conditioning unit.

What about our room attendants?  Helena and Queenie are magical.  So respectful and tenacious in their attention to detail.  It is so lovely to be welcomed  back with such a warmth and generosity of spirit.

Rich and the other security staff are so pleasant and helpful.  They recognise every person who comes into the hotel to provide guests with peace of mind.

How can this level of service be so consistent?

The Hotel Beacon's leadership by General Manager, Tom Travers and his deputy John McEnroe are the answer.  They are the dynamic duo in hospitality.  They are living testaments to breathing this consistently helpful, obliging and welcoming service.

In some other hotels we have been treated with sycophantic and patronising hospitality.  Not here, at The Hotel Beacon is the mantra of sincerity.

Family: 

The Hotel Beacon staff treat you as a respected family member. Many times I have heard the staff say something like "welcome to our home."

Great location: 

The Hotel Beacon is located at 2130 Broadway at 75th Street and its location reminds me of being situated close to all of the amenities in a long Australian strip shopping centre.  There are so many good shops around that you do not need to travel far for your basic needs let alone some interesting shopping purchases and restaurants.

We have walked over most of Manhattan and believe that this is the best location for our needs.  We go to the theatre regularly in New York to see Broadway, Off-Broadway and Fringe shows and thus the 3.5 minute express train is perfect to drop us into 42nd St/Times Square.

If our theatre happens to be closer to 50th or 59th Streets, then we catch the Local (Stopping all stations) train and get off at the closest station.  Or for the shows on the Lower East Side we either catch the train to a station on the west side (Red Line trains 1,2 or 3) then walk across.  Sometimes we might change at 42nd St and catch one of the other train lines to a theatre or other destination.  Manhattan is so conducive to walking and seeing the sights.

If you need to go to the east side then change at 42nd St/Times Square and catch the Shuttle to Grand Central Station. Study the MTA map and get to know the different colours for the various train lines. 

If you want to travel to Columbia University or to Grant's Tomb then it is only one train trip away on the 1 Train.

Harlem is easily accessible via the 2 or 3 train.  These trains also drop you at 110 St which is the closest station to the northernmost part of Central Park.

We love walking and this area is so close to so many wonderful walking areas from Riverside Park, Central Park or along the streets.

The rooms:

The rooms at The Hotel Beacon has a light green colour scheme to make it light and cheery.  The beds are very comfortable without any torn sheets or blankets unlike some hotels that we have stayed at.

The furniture is comfortable, clean and well maintained.  The room is not over crowded in our one bedroom suite.  The lounge/sofa turns out to be an extra double bed and is perfect for families.

We have stayed once in a regular room and it was adequate for a few nights.

For longer stays I would recommend a suite to enable you to have some privacy with your friends or family. 

The hotel caters for families and over the five years we have stayed there we have seen many happy families from all corners of the globe.

Most of the rooms have either an easterly or westerly aspect.  We prefer the westerly aspect to watch the sun set on the summery nights.  Plus with the double glazing the room does not roast like it can do back home on a summer's day.

The air conditioning unit was new from our 2013 trip, proving more effective and quieter than in previous years.

The televisions have good definition and sound.  Be mindful of the black sensor/control that should not be covered to be able to read the remote control. We enjoyed having one of the music channels on in the background.

The bathrooms have the shower in the bath with newly installed hand rails, which are a great safety feature.  The bathroom is small though it is more spacious than in some hotels we have stayed in.  We have friends in New York and it is larger than one friend's bathroom.  We did not have squeeze in or do a side-ways entry into the bathroom.

Depending upon your room you will have an interesting view.  The higher up the clearer the views of either Central Park side or to the west along Broadway and over to New Jersey.  Even lower levels provide an interesting view of watching the parade of people and traffic.

Double glazed windows lessen the noise significantly.  Open the windows to prove it to yourself, as it is like hearing the traffic sound effects from the opening of "Mad Men" and then close them to enjoy the tranquil privacy of your room.

The lifts do not make loud rings when announcing their arrival to each floor.  So being close to a lift was not an issue for us.  Unlike some hotels we have stayed at where the elevator's noise would startle you from sleep.

Kitchenette:

The kitchen in a one bedroom suite is small but adequate.  It is a one person kitchen.  It has a full sized fridge, stove and microwave.  A toaster, kettle and coffee maker are also provided. There is not much preparation space but we have learned to adapt to the tight spaces of Manhattan.

The kitchenette has the basics for your short stay.  For our longer stay we have a standard list of additional items for the kitchen that we request from House Keeping. This includes a vase for flowers, can opener, a large fruit bowl and a sharp knife etc.  These items make us feel more at home.  Anna was sublime in offering three different types of oven trays to ensure that one met our needs.  She is an angel in her dedication to service.

We mainly eat in for breakfast and prepare light lunches.  This way we can have one treat every afternoon on our travels. Otherwise you will put on heaps of weight.  Thankfully we don't!

Compare the price you pay for a standard room with no cooking facilities to a room at The Hotel Beacon.  It is a delight to be able to make your own cuppa when you want to. (Cuppa is Australian for a cup of tea or coffee.)

At night we will have lots of steamed or microwaved vegetables with some exotic dish from either Zabars, Fairway, Trader Joes, Pioneer or other eatery.  There are too many choices!

It is wonderful to be able to try all of the wonderful desserts from either Zabars, Fairway, Trader Joes, Pioneer or other eatery.

We do limit dining out to three times a week as that would be the absolute maximum back home. We want to feel like New Yorkers!  So it is fun to join the queues in the supermarkets and select something for dinner that night!

Check out Trader Joes at 72nd St as it has the fairest queuing system in the world.

Laundry:

There is a new (2013) laundry on the seventh floor that has efficient and clean washing machines and dryers.  It has 24 hours access via  your room key.

The staff can provide quarters for the machines or you can use a credit card.  I would recommend coins as you do not want the extra bank's conversion fees to make your laundry more expensive than it should be.

Do read the signs on the dryers as there is one slot for the coins for two dryers - with one machine above and below.  Read carefully which buttons to press for the upper dryer is the opposite side to the lower dryer.  The machines are clearly marked and mistakes do happen.  Yes I am not the only one who made the mistake as I heard other guests explain the same story to the front desk.

The laundry is an interesting location to meet someone and strike up a chat and to learn about their travel experiences.

Speaking of which you may wish to read my blog about travelling together with some one for the first time.  I spoke to one lady who was distressed about travelling with her cousin who wanted to go back to Australia as she did not like New York.  It is so important to be prepared and to support each other when touring as travel can be stressful at times.  This is another reason why we value our one bedroom suite as you cannot be together 24 hours a day.  (You may wish to read my post about Travelling with someone for the first time - August 9 2014.)

WIFI and computers:

The Hotel Beacon provides WIFI access for your computer needs.  We use our iPAD and had no issues with connectivity.

There are two computers and printers in the right side of the Lobby.  There is a 20 minute limit per person and we noticed that not as many people use them now that WIFI and mobile devices are so prevalent.

There is also a new machine on the wall for you to check in and print your boarding passes.

Shopping:

Depending upon your budget and needs, The Hotel Beacon is located to so many good quality shops..

Within five minutes walk of The Hotel Beacon you have the following:

Our local Newsagent (News stand) is located on Amsterdam Ave between 72nd and 73rd Streets.

Shoe repair is at the personable Andrade's Shoe Repair at 287C Amsterdam Ave.

Dry cleaners abound in the area.

Supermarkets:  Fairway and Citarella, a gourmet supermarket are both across the road on Broadway.  While a few minutes further you have Pioneer, Trader Joes and Zabars.

CVS and Duane Reade are drug stores with a huge array of items.  There are at least five Duane Read stores within a five minute walk from The Hotel Beacon.  There ane many CVS stores on Manhattan also.

Marshalls is a discount department store and has a great variety of items. They are located at 2182 Broadway between 77th and 78th Streets.

Staples is similar to Officeworks in Australia and is opposite Zabars at 2248 Broadway between 80th and 81st Streets.  Check out their range of reasonably prices souvenirs.

T-Mobile is my preferred mobile phone carrier.  So much cheaper than the roaming fees on my mobile phone from Australia!

Within ten minutes walk:

Bed, Bath and Beyond which is similar to  Bed, Bath and Table in Australia.

Century 21 is a great discount department store and you do not need to go all the way down to Wall St area to shop there.  It is located at 1972 Broadway near Lincoln Center at Lincoln Square.

Harry's Shoes is located at 2299 Broadway.

Westsider Books is located at 2246 Broadway.

Barnes and Noble is heaven for their selection of books and their quality service.

Check out 72nd Street shops:

I love 72nd Street as there are so many interesting shops and businesses.

Ricky'sNYC is a hair supplies store on 72nd St.

Always Love Drug Store at 144 W 72nd St.

Tip Top Shoes at 155 West 72nd St has a great selection of men's, ladies and children's footwear.

Westsider Records is the sister store to Westside Books and  is located at 233 West 72nd St.

The Post Office which is called the UPS is located at 119 W 72nd St.

Hair dressers/barbers:

There are so many barbers, hair dressers and stylists in The Hotel Beacon upper west side area.

We totally recommend the Art of Shaving for men located at 2151 Broadway between 75th and 76th Streets.

The other two men's barbers we would recommend are Barber Shop 72 which is located at 49 West 72nd St and Boutique Barbershop at 226A West 72nd St.

Proximity to subway:

If you are staying for more than a few days I would recommend purchasing a "7 Day Pass" (we would say "Weekly ticket".) It is worthwhile speaking to the person in the MTA booth at the 71St end of the 72nd St Station to buy your weekly ticket! The self services machines are self explanatory but we aware that some machines may not accept cash and be for payment by card only.

Study the MTA site for hints that meet your needs. The Tourist Information section is very helpful.

Buses run up and down Broadway and there are also buses close by that go across town.  There is a bus stop about a block away outside the Apple Bank Building between 73rd and 74th Streets, which is no more than my 100 steps!

If you need to go to the east side then change at 42nd St/Times Square and catch the Shuttle to Grand Central Station. Study the MTA map and get to know the different colours for the various train lines.  Or there may be a train that goes close to your destination from 42nd St/Times Square.  For example check out the route of the N,Q or R train as they may be only a block or two away from your final destination.

Restaurants:

Right next door to The Hotel Beacon is the Viand Café that has an extensive menu and is the perfect diner after a long flight.  The service is quality and the food is well priced.  We swear that we will only eat here on our first night.  The Viand Café is very unassuming and very under-rated.

Nice Matin at 201 W 79th St has lovely food and good quality service.

Ocean Grill at 384 Columbus Ave provides lovely fresh fish and delicious desserts.

Shake Shake at 366 Columbus Avenue at West 77th St is a fun hamburger eatery.

The Beacon Bar:

The Hotel Beacon has the Beacon Bar which is smart and modern.  The Beacon Bar are very friendly and Mike makes the best Manhattans.  (I have had many and love his variation of the Roosevelt Manhattan as he uses Averna as the bar had no Cynar.)

If you ask for this Manhattan with Averna or with Cynar, Mike will remember my original request.

The bar does have a Jazz night which we have not attended as yet.

The décor, location and atmosphere of The Hotel Beacon is ideal for a Piano Bar. We have been to many piano bars around the world and this is the right size room with ample space to move about.

Length of stay:

I would feel cheated if I went to New York for less than two weeks (which is what we did on our first trip to NYC in 2008.)  You see so many people running around and being tourists rather than kicking back and really living like a New Yorker.  Yes, we did the running around on our first trip to maximise what we did and saw. After the original trip we have learned that you need space in your travel schedule for spontaneity.

The Hotel Beacon provides you with the opportunity to feel like a New Yorker and to get to know the city.  It allows you to return to the safety of your hotel and recover for the next day's adventure.

I recommend that you do your research to ensure that you maximise your stay to get real value in New York.

Sites:

Within ten minutes walk:

The Dakota apartment building is famous for where John Lennon was shot. Many celebrities have at The Dakota including Judy Garland and Lauren Bacall.

Strawberry Fields with the famous "Imagine" mosaic is across the road from The Dakota.

The Natural History Museum and the New York Historical Society are also in close proximity to The Hotel Beacon.  My personal favourite is the New York Historical Society as it houses many interesting aspects of New York and is less crowded

Central Park is less than ten minutes walk away.  Central Park is a great place to wander, meander and roam around. There are so many fantastic spots for photo opportunities, let alone places to lounge around for a picnic or soak up the atmosphere.  Central Park is New York City's lungs and helps it to breath.

Research:

Prior to your New York trip I do recommend the PBS series "New York" by Ric Burns while the "Eye Witness Guide to New York" is my preferred guide book.

Coney Island and Shake Shack, New York, August 11th 2014

Coney Island and Shake Shack, New York, August 11th 2014

I read up about Coney Island and found this website to be so helpful and loved their suggested itineraries to cater for for either food, history or nightlife enthusiasts.  A great planning tool.

We went to Coney Island on the Q train from Times Square.  It is an easy train trip and took us about 50 minutes.  We were told by the ever helpful Anthony from our Hotel Beacon that we could take the D, F, N or  Q train.  Anthony suggested that the N would be the quickest.

At Times Square we took the Q train as it was the first to arrive.  We would take the N train on the return journey in order to see different areas.

It was a great trip as I was looking forward to meeting up with a gorgeous actress friend from Melbourne, Australia.    I had acted together with Christina Walls in the play "Disjointed Story" by Sean Hanson in 2008 and it had a large ensemble of actors.  In fact it was my favourite ensemble experience in 48 years of acting. It was great to share the day with her boyfriend Patrick McLachlan.

It was so good to see my friend after about four years of missing each other by a few days in either Melbourne of New York City.

We had a ball at Coney Island and wandered around and enjoyed the weather, the scenery, the action, the rides and the history of the area.

There is a special connection to Melbourne as we have Luna Park in the seaside suburb, St Kilda.  Luna Park  had its centenary in 2012.  Melbourne's Luna Park has the oldest, working wooden roller coaster in the world called "The Scenic Railway".  This is quite a gentle and mild ride for modern roller coaster enthusiasts and we wanted to ride Coney Island's "Cyclone" to share the connection.

Nathans:

We then went off and had lunch at "Nathans" where we had hot dogs, cheese fries and the huge lemonades.  Fun food and once a year type food for us thankfully.  Reasonably priced for a day out.

Thunderbolt:

Will we become Thunderbolters?

We first went on "Thunderbolt" and we were both like screaming teenagers building up the anticipation and the courage to ride it. We had discussed that building up to going on a ride is part of the bravery-award journey.

After watching the "Thunderbolt" for at least ten times we finally made the decision to ride it as we thought the worst part of the ride appeared to be the initial flat-lay-on-your-back journey up a wall to be flipped over and drop 180 degrees down the other side.

I was counting the clicks each time I watched others ride this "Thunderbolt."  Was it ten, twelve of fourteen clicks?  I don't remember now or then.  As I forgot as soon as we were flipped back in our seats and looking to the heavens.  Count?   Not counting for us!  Just breathing and allowing the blood flow to keep us alive!

The adrenalin is building and the wait for the flip over is to come...."when?...Oh!...Just get it over with......I am going to die.... I am am going to die...  l love you P.J. ....oh shit....when?...Yet another click...not another click?  More adrenalin rushing,....oh shit here we go........." 

Scream to release adrenalin!  My blood is rushing through my body as I type this and recall that moment.  We both screamed and loved it.  Vowel sounds rich and harmonic!  Actors training allows one to release the breath and project animalistic vowels of ferocious quality.

"A flash!  Was that a flash?"

Twists, turns, tumbles, speed, churning stomach, G-Forces, corset-tightening-fashion feelings and  sensations of near death.

More adrenalin gut wrenching vowels and the occasional Tourette-Syndrome repetition of "shit, shit, shit!"

Survival.  The final roll towards the end.  The look to each other that we did it.  We were brave, courageous and fools!

When then had the awkward escape from this corset like carriage.  Then attempting to exit the "Thunderbolt" with some dignity.

The celebratory hug together. We are Thunderbolters!

The walk away with the shaking of the entire body like a tantric orgasm gone wrong as it continues for at least ten minutes. 

The obligatory photo to be purchased to share, honour and record our survival experience.  

This photographic record from that earlier "Flash" is now immortalised for our memory.  If you do not buy the photo then it is just a memory.  Here is a record of achievement.

Now I know what Alain de Botton means about "Still Life" paintings to record the mortality of death.  Riding roller coasters is the physical experiential sensation of the before, during and after imagining what near death is like.

We then went for a walk and had two beers each at another restaurant.  It was great to just sit, chat and catch up on each other's lives.  We had an absolute ball for about two hours just kicking back.

Cyclone

At this time Christina's partner, Patrick was a bit disappointed he did not go onto "Thunderbolt" and now was brave and three of were to go onto "Cyclone" and share the Melbourne historical connection to Melbourne's Luna Park and "The Scenic Railway."

We all thought this was going to be an easy ride and we were in for a shock.

It was faster than the "Thunderbolt"!  It was no mild ride.  A similar trip to the Melbourne Luna Park's "Scenic Railway" but much faster and with corset hugging security devices.

We all felt like we were going to smash our heads on the over head wooden beams.  None of us did.  We survived this too!

This time three of us survived and did the obligatory victory hug.   I had to buy the official photograph as a permanent memento of our time together.  It was good value for such a prized memory.

Journey back:

We caught the N train back and shared the experience of four people having had a wonderful experience together at Coney Island.  Three Australians and one New Zealander having fun as we know how to.

We rested in our comfortable apartment at  Hotel Beacon and then headed out for a late dinner.

We went to the "Shake Shack" as New Yorkers said we had to compare it to other burgers like "IN/Out Burgers"  We would compare it to Bill's hamburgers at North Road Ormond as they are the freshest and tastiest we have had.

The burgers were flavoursome and sadly I added tomato sauce (Ketchup) and this spoiled the flavour.  I loved the crispy bacon.  The fries I thought were too fatty compared to other chips.

The lemonade tasted like one of those packet mixes with water added.  The apple juice drink was very ordinary.

If New Yorkers are queueing for this experience then they should get on the plane and go to Bills Fish and Chips in Ormond.  His burgers are about three times the size and are a very traditional old fashioned burger. Bill's hamburgers are $8.00 and are meal by themselves.

I am glad I tried the Shake Shack and want to try another of their burgers or something else on the menu.

Randall's Island walk, New York August 7th 2014 1.00 -4.15pm

Randall's Island walk, New York August 7th 2014 1.00 -4.15pm

100th St Station is a great hub to do so many activities.

Travel to 110th St and take either the Harlem Walk, the Randall's Island Walk, the El Barrio Walk or the Central Park North Walk.  Or simply go and have a swim at the Swimming Pool as it seems to be quiet in summer.  Such a shame as it is a huge pool for laps or splashing around.

Walk across from 110th St towards the East River.  Take the bridge at about 103rd St across to Randall's Island which is a quiet oasis for solitude, walks and sunbathing.

Maps:

There are so many  "Official Maps" that are wrong as they label Wards Island as incorrectly.  

It is Mill Rock Park that is missing from many New York maps according to the Randall Island website.

Note that it is the lower section of Randall's Island that has the bridge at about 103rd St.  This is called Wards Island Park according to the Randall Island website to see the full island and there are  two major parks.

I rang VanDam maps about and the gentleman has still not returned my phone call.  I will him the benefit of the doubt as he may be ill, on vacation or out of the office.  (Still no returned phone call after five days!)

Great views of Manhattan, Queens, Roosevelt Island, Ward Island and the Freedom Tower are available by walking south east on Wards Island.  Keep walking as you think you see it but that it the mid town skyscrapers.  Take a map with you to see their locations.

Concierge Maps have a map that has not been corrected since our first visit in 2008.  Will they reply to my email and feedback?

Also the MTA Map on all subway trains is wrong as it does not include Mill Rock Park  on their map.


Check out the history of Mill Rock Park as I am finally glad to solve this confusion.  No one in New York has told me the correct name of this island.

Souvenir Shops:

There is an "S & N" store at 2031 3rd Avenue near the corner of 111th St  has great bargains for the budget conscious.  So many people will rush to Century 21 and Marshalls but do not forget about the

"Staples" prices for magnets, maps are usually cheaper than some tourist stands.

As you travel further away from the Tourist Areas check out the local supermarkets or variety shops and see how much cheaper are their range of souvenirs, luggage and other essential items.

Post cards:

Less people write postcards due to the instant nature of Social Media.  That is cool but for some people receiving a post card in the snail mail is still a thrill and means you are taking time out to think of them.

You can usually pick up ten for a dollar postcard and some better quality ones are more expensive.

The really budget conscious you can pick up some FREE advertising post cards at cafes, coffee shops, book shop and restaurants.  They are usually of a more artistic quality and have some funky designs.

Bookshops usually have lovely bookmarks as business cards.

Opportunity:

A lovely opportunity exists for restaurants to market and differentiate themselves with their flat pack Ice Bucket Sleeve.

This Ice Bucket Sleeve is like a a six inch high pocket that lays flat and opens to fit in a standard size wine bottle.

The opportunity is for businesses to have their logo and business name and contact details on these Ice Bucket Sleeves.

The businesses could either:

• give them away as promotional corporate gifts at corporate fairs,
• give them to their customers as a thank you for loyalty; or
• sell them for a nominal fee.

Pedestrian Hints in New York, August 11th 2014

Pedestrian Hints in New York, August 11th 2014

Common sense is not common practise!

The following are some hints for being a pedestrian in New York City;;

• Keep calm

• Relax

• Keep right - as the more people who do this faster the traffic flows.  Imagine you are driving a car in the USA and keep right and give way to the left.

• Look both ways always as the traffic flow may change from two way to one way.  

• The streets can be one way and alternate directions.

• Be savvy and street wise.

• Walk with purpose and confidence.

• Enjoy the sites and be aware of who is around you.

Observe the drivers:

For Australians driving on the right can be a daunting task but you could do it if you use walking as your practise run.

Watch how they drive here and give space for pedestrians at crosswalks.  I believe there are big fines for not giving space at crosswalks and that is why you see a lot of drivers reverse to not cover the crosswalk.  (I wish we had that in Australia)

• Keep right.

• Give way to the left.

• Walk as if you are driving on the road so left turns are wide and right turns are closer to the corner.

Observe the traffic lights at corners:

Take note and observe the traffic lights at corners.  For Australians look down and notice the line marking for the cars to stop.  This line is to allow for the pedestrians to have free walkway.

Think of this line when you are a pedestrian for the following hint that my friends in NYC say I should tell the New York Mayor. 

"Remember This Moment" Or "Respect This Moment!"

A famous author said I would find the way to use this idea and share it.  She loves my idea and encourages me to find a way to use it.  I finally have the courage to share it with more people:

• At the corners I call it R.T.M =  "Respect This Moment!"  Or "Remember This Moment!" by holding back at the corner intersections and not go right to the gutter's edge (unless there is no one there.  

• Do not blocking the corner to allow people to turn the corner.

• By holding back enjoy the meditation of allowing people space.

• Enjoy the satisfaction that is not all about you.

• Relish in the thought that we can all relax and get to our destinations more relaxed and quicker if only we gave space at intersections.

• My friends have seen me do the "Respect This Moment!" Or "Remember This Moment!" and one friend suggested that I post YouTube videos of me in action.  I have made a few short videos but left my cords in Australia.  I will post videos shortly when I return to Australia.

• One friend says it is like "Give them a break!" or like the subway announcement about "Courtesy"

Example in action:

• If you are travelling in a north/south direction and you approach a stop light ahead.

• Hold back where the building ends (or to allow the free square space of the corner of the sidewalk.) 

• Don't block the corner as people will try and go around. 

• Look both ways to see if there is pedestrian traffic walking east/west.

• If no one is walking east/west continue to the gutter and wait for lights to change.

• If there is pedestrian traffic flowing from either the east or west, give them space for those pedestrians who want to to turn north or south.

• Look both ways and watch the grateful faces of people as you give them space.

• Watch their faces as they appreciate how you have freed up the flow of traffic.

• Smile - as a smile is infectious.

If you experience negative feedback:

Respond and say "Remember This Moment" or "Respect This Moment" as "I am trying to give you space to move faster mate!"

• A note of caution that not everyone is caring, considerate and selfless.

• We can all be role models and show courtesy as tourists and as locals.

• Shock reaction from you is inserted here!  "No!?" you ask!

INSERT VIDEO HERE OR LINK TO YOU TUBE HERE!

• Don't push and shove

• Share the footpaths, sidewalks or traffic lanes.

• On trains - don't hold the doors open or lean on the doors.

• Give space to passengers getting off the train.  Step to the side and allow them to get off first.

• As you leave a lift, elevator or doorway do not congregate as it blocks the egress.  For example at the bottom of an escalator or "travelator" or moving walkway -  it can cause serious injuries as people are trying to get off the escalator.

• Learn where is uptown and downtown.

• Identify and locate the north direction 

• Identify and locate  south direction

• Identify and locate  is south direction

• Finally, identify and locate west.

I am sorry if this is patronising but you are on holiday and want to enjoy the immersive experience.

• Understand that there are four corners and study what is:
• North east
• North west 
• South east 
• South west

Stand on an intersection and clock wise work out the four corners as this makes it so useful when using the subway:

If you point to the following corners or directions in a clock wise order it will make it easier:

• North east
• South east  
• South west
• North west

(Insert graphic of street corner here! to show the above example)

Subway hints:

• Plan your trip in advance by studying the maps.
• 
  
• Using an electronic map or GPS increases your vulnerabiltiy on the streets.
• 
  
• Remember that they drive on the right hand side of the road in the USA. This simple hint will assist  you when you want to enter on a subway entrance:
• 
  
• Enter on the right side of the street for either direction. Beware:  Otherwise your Travel Card can time out for about 15 or 20 minutes until you can swipe it again.
• 
  
• Failing to plan is planning to fail!

Thank you Erik from Westsider Records at 233 West 72nd St for this hint:

• When travelling the MTA New York subway there is a general rule of thumb to distinguish between a LOCAL and an EXPRESS train.  (Australians would call a LOCAL train a "Stopping All Stations" train.)

• LOCAL trains will be closer to the WALL or  OUTSIDE Tracks

• EXPRESS trains will usually be the inner or middle tracks.

Mobile phone/cell phone usage:

• Do not walk and talk with your cell/mobile phone.

• You may not be covered for personal insurance if you are using your cell phone when walking or crossing the street.  Do check with your insurance company if they encourage you to walk and text while crossing streets etc!  You may be unspleasantly surprised at their exclusions and they can, and, do check your cell phone activity if you make a claim!

• Do not text when walking or driving or going to the toilet.  (Yes I wish I had photos of the guys taking a pee with their cell phone in their hand!  I have heard of about five phones being lost this way!  Enjoy the retrieval of the phone men! Ladies would not use a phone when going to the loo! Surely not!  Oscar Wilde would have a witty remark for that one if they do!)

• Walking and texting increases your levels of vulnerability and distraction.

• Thank a cop for making this city safe.

• Enjoy being caring and considerate and unselfish as New Yorkers as friendly and helpful.

• Respect This Moment!

• Remember This Moment!

My dream:

My dream was for homeless people to write R.T.M like the "ETERNITY" was written in Sydney..  This would provide  people the opportunity to take stock and take note and ponder for a moment.  Sublimely this assisting people to learn to meditate or savour the experience of waiting on a corner.

My dream is for homeless people to write R.T.M on a corners inline with the ends of buildings.  Imagine if every homeless person wrote this on every intersection.  It could make a small difference, no a huge difference in respect.  They would feel as if they were contributing to society too.  I am a dreamer and  ....... Dreams are hopeful actions.  Me sharing this is the first step into turning a dream into an action.

"Remember This Moment" Or "Respect This Moment!"

This is my first draft and it is being sent out to the universe.  It will probably need edits but here goes.....

New York August 9th 2014

New York August 9th 2014

Today we had a relaxing day and caught up with Barb and Dorothy at their street stall.  

On the way we past a Dry Cleaners that had a huge sign stating: "Organic Dry Cleaner".  We both laughed as the only organic dry cleaning we could think of in Australia would be on the clothes line outside with a Hills-hoist.  We do know the difference between regular washing and dry cleaning but thought this was very funny as traditionally outside clothes lines are not used in the USA.

During the afternoon Dorothy wanted to "treat" us to a frozen yoghurt at "Red Mango" at 701 2nd Ave, New York.  Phone (212) 883 7630.   The frozen yoghurt was delicious and we also tried their smoothy which was refreshing and not too heavy.  we also used their toilets which were exceptionally clean.

We helped them pack up their wares. Then went to our favourite Mexican Restaurant in the USA.  It is called BABY BO'S at 627 Second Ave, New York (at 34th St South West corner).  

Love the food and the service at BABY BOS.  The drinks are terrific and the atmosphere is lovely and warm with murals painted on the walls and coloured fairy lights.

The toilets are fun as there is a fun "Do not pee on the floor" visual sign.  I have not seen one of these signs anywhere else.

My partner had a Bud and I had The Green Hornet cocktail, which consisted of Patron Reposado, Midori, Pineapple  juice, Lemon and lime mix.  Strong and full flavour.  I had to have a second.

I had the Steak Vaquero burritos which was skirt steak, black beans, red rice, Monterey Jack and a pickled red onion. Covered with avocado, crema and tomatillo sauce.  This was a huge serve and I enjoyed it.  We both swapped meals for a few mouthfuls.  This size was good to share.

My partner had the El Dorado which was grilled portabellos , spinach,sweet plantains and Monterey Jack.  Covered with red chile sauce, crema and quese cotija.  Served with red rice and red black beans.  I got to try this also and loved its vegetarian full flavour.  This had a lovely texture.

After dinner we went back and relaxed at the hotel.

.

Trader Joes for Queueing System, New York Friday August 8th 2014

Trader Joes for Queueing System,New York Friday August 8th 2014 

Today was one of those catch up days when travelling.  Domestics, washing and cleaning etc. It is so important to have one down day per week to recharge your batteries or you may encounter fatigue or domestic arguments with your partner.

We have learned the hard way to ensure one day per week fits this criteria.

So today was a day of relaxing and enjoying the short strolls around to accomplish small but necessary tasks when travelling.

We adore the Beacon Hotel and this is our fifth time here.  It is like home as the staff know us and it is like home but minus many chores.  The staff are so obliging and friendly.

After going into a great record shop the Westsider Records at 233 West 72nd St,  that sells LPS (Long Playing records for those who are too young to know about these black vinyl disks). We chatted with Eric Johnson who provided some incredible  hints.

Hints:

When travelling the MTA New York subway there is a general rule of thumb to distinguish between a LOCAL and an EXPRESS train.  (Australians would call a LOCAL a "Stopping All  Stations" train.)

LOCAL trains will be closer to the WALL or  OUTSIDE Tracks

EXPRESS trains will usually be the inner or middle tracks.

Thank you Erik from Westsider Records at 233 West 72nd St for this hint.

We then changed  Traveller's Cheques (we prefer this old nostalgic method of using international currency) at our local Chase Bank.  The staff always welcome us warmly.

Trader Joes Queueing System:

Costco and other supermarkets around the world take note of the leadership of Trader Joes in providing a fairer way for checking out of a supermarket.  The next in line is next in line.  There are two lines and they have a staff member who directs customers to the next available cashieer.  It is THE FAIREST SYSTEM I have ever seen. 

Trader Joes should make a video of this fairness and the staff  and customers seem happier.  

Costco Melbourne take note this "lining up" or "queueing"system reduces customer fatigue waiting in the wrong queue!

Australians take note that Aldi is Trader Joes  in the USA.

Travelling for first time with someone, New York, August 9th 2014

Travelling for first time with someone, New York, August 9th 2014

I write the following as I have heard of so many friendships breaking up when travelling together.

Life long friendships and evenromantic relationships being  compromised or destroyed due to not establishing some clear guidelines when travelling together.

The following is our list of things that we have discussed in our 35 years together.  Yes and we have had some huge "barnies", rows or spats or arguments when travelling but the following has reduced their severity and frequency.

Background information:

When I was a Learning and Development Consultant at the old Bank Of Melbourne (in the 1980s to 1990s) I did an activity that the other staff used to nickname "The Walk With Raymond."  It is a simple rapport building activity when someone new joined our department.   A simple strategy to get to know your new colleague.  I would go for a walk with them at lunch time and ask about their interests and backgrounds and how they like to work.  I would also try to understand their preferences for working.

Many Senior Managers have said this should be the standard for many people being inducted into a new area and for general working together.

Then came the clincher:  I would ask them "how do they deal with conflict?'  Usually their response would be "I don't have conflicts" or "There won't be conflict between us!'  I would always say  "Yes there will" as I realistically know that people are human.  I was not being aggressive, I was trying to be pro-active and to reduce the likelihood of major conflicts.

After their initial shock, pause, silence and realisation that I was serious,  I would share examples of what I do when stressed or upset.  I did this to show that no one is perfect and we all are not angels.

I would then ask them "what are the signs of you getting stressed? And "How will I know that you are upset ?  "What annoys you?" and "What do you do when you are upset.  For example go quiet or eat more or other behaviours?"  

I would then explain how I dealt with conflict.  Ever since I was about three years old I was always the mediator.

I would emphasise that their information was confidential and it was about building trust with them.  I always offered support and working friendship to ensure quality and maximum growth for the company.  

Generally people really appreciated the time that I took to get to know them and understand their way of working.  I built up a reputation of respect and some people would joke about this activity as it was like a rite of passage.  It also created some jealousies with some people that they did not do this first.

I found it a turning point and built up genuine trust with most people.  

In thirteen and half years I only had two major altercations.  I was lucky as I saw many other staff not deal pro-actively with their relationship building.

I will update these hints as I think of them under the following headings:

Preparing for a trip hints:

Use the example above and adapt it to "How will we travel together?"

What do you like to do?

What are your three priorties for this trip?

What do like to do?

How much time do you like to go shopping, touring, walking, activities, dining, partying etc?

Where to travel to?

You both have to decide where you want to travel to and the amount of time you are there.

Disagreements or discomfort here is a sign it may not work out travelling together.  Some one may monopolise your dreams or ideas.  Be clear about your objectives.

It is a compromise at all times.

Be clear about why you are travelling and what are your objectives:

Fun

Partying

History

Educational

Music tour

Sport

Theatre,

Following in someone's tracks tour eg Hume and Hovell or Ghengis Khan etc

Road trip

Relaxation

Touring

Sight seeing

Musician fan tour eg Bon Jovi concert tour 

Accommodation:

Sleeping arrangements: double beds, queen, king,  twin, separate rooms etc?

Do you want to go to Bed and Breakfast establishments, hotels, motels, apartments, rent a house, share, etc?

Finances:

Establish that everyone can afford to travel and their budget.  Do not borrow money for a holiday as you will be paying it off for ages. I have heard so many stories of regreets in my banking years about this.

Go on a holiday you can afford.  We had to go to Bright or Ballarat for years as we could not afford to go overseas.  We have such lovely memories of these places too.

What happens if someone runs out of money?

Be clear about risk management and contingency plans.

Travel Insurance:  All have to have it.  No questions asked!!

Partying: 

Alcohol, sex,drugs and rock and roll etc

Where, when and how often.

Establish clear boundaries and you will enjoy your parties even more.

Do you allow some one to stay in your accommodation with you for a night or extended stay?

Food and eating: 

Where, when, how, who, what.  Do you cook in?  If so how often?

What sorts of food do you all enjoy?  Willing to try etc.

Planned versus spontaneous time:

Planned or spontaneous:  What is the ratio of planned and spontaneous activities?  How do you decide this?  How do you change plans or to enjoy the spontaneity?

Compromising:

Discuss and make clear rules about discussing issues.  This includes how long to discuss and time out guidelines.  Some people need space and time to digest their feelings.

Time out:

Everyone needs their own space.  So set clear boundaries of "I need to go for a walk" or "I want to read" etc

For each week of travel you need one day to recharge and take it easy.  You cannot be on the go all the time.

Luggage:

Be clear about capacity and carrying your own items in your luggage etc.

How much luggage?  Luggage allowances etc

Laundry and hygiene:

Personal hygeine has caused many arguments.  Fill in your imagination here as you are right "shit happens!"

Set clear goals of what you expect from each other.  For example the towels hung up, or the toilet seat up or down, space for each person's toiletry items etc.  These are the ones that really set off the biggest arguments.

Be clear about each other's needs and wants.

Sex:

So many things happen here.   There are so many fabulous stories people have shared with me about this category.

The following are questions to consider as I could tell you a story about  every one of them.

Who with?

When?

How often?

Sex toys?  Where to be used or to be stored etc

Privacy: You do not need to know their personal information but do raise the issue.  If they masturbate establish clear guidelines about where.  If sharing a room you do not want to walk in on them if the door is unlocked or in the same room etc.  (I can hear you all cringing and shrugging at this but I can tell you some fantastic stories about this.)

Jet lag:

So many travellers are unaware of how jet lagged they are when travelling.  That is why you need time out.  We think it takes about three days to start to get over jet lag when travelling to the USA from Australia.  We acknowledge clear guidelines about sleep patterns and to talk to each other about how you are feeling.

Even with jet lag medications and hints the main one is to talk to each other and have time out to adjust.

Get sunshine or light to assist you.

You know your own body and respect that about your travelling companion.  It is their body and their reactions and people can get very stressed when jet lagged and make irrational decisions.

Many people when really stressed from jet lag just want to go home.  It happens frequently so by talking through many of these ideas in advance you will have a more memorable trip.

Perfect trip:

No trip is perfect.  Do not set your expectations so high to disappoint yourself.

We have learned to reduce our planned activities and enjoy the spontaneous activities more. For example, in New York there is so much to do so you need this unscheduled time to enjoy these moments.

Set a post trip review date:

Set a time to review the trip within a specific date or a time frame.  Do not let it go further than two weeks or the likelihood of a post trip review will lessen.  The post trip review is to share the fun times and review what worked well and what did not work so well.  It is a way to make sure that you will travel again later and even more succesfully.

Roles for preparing to travel:

Who will do what to prepare for this trip?

Who willl organise the itinerary, the bookings, the accomodation, the travel insurance etc

Be clear about the roles as again this can cause friction.

Remember you can always pull out of a trip if you sense dread.  I assure you the dread will materialise from the stories I have heard.

Establish the clear guidleines of still gong on the trip or not going etc.  What will change the plans?  Do not use excuses - be clear about what would make the trip a "No go!"

Roles when travelling:

I am such a historical buff and want to appreciate things and photograph the moment that it can frustrate my partner.  But we undersatnd our roles and talk about it.  We both enjoy our roles and have fun accordingly.

My partner and myself have a list of roles.  Some people think this is unbalanced and it appears so, but it is our in-joke.

My friend Lorraine was in tears when I wrote my list the first time.  Thanks Lorraine for your encouragement.

Important:  Prior to booking any travel arrangements the rules for travel need to be clearly established.

If you cannot agree on ALL of the above, DO NOT TRAVEL together.  I can give you many examples of disasters.  I am serious you need to work out all of the above to really enjoy the trip.

Traveling together hints:

Copy the above here with variations on the theme.

Keep communicating but know when to shut up and give the other person a break.

Ensure that you set a time to review the trip and stick to it.  You want the magic of the trip to linger.

Post trip evaluation:

Set a time to review the trip even if it was a disaster as it may clear the air.

Have a meal together, or a drink.  Have a photo night, or the old fashioned slide night, or iPAD,  Power Point presentation.  

But do something special together.

Enjoy your time together and the memories.

Ask each other:

What went well generally?

What went well and be specific?

What could have been done differently or better?  And why?  Be specific about what you would prefer next time.

If your trip was a disaster repeat the above process ten times until you both learn to communicate, share and compromise.

Happy Travels.

United Nations and Tudor City, New York, Wednesday August 6th 2014

United Nations and Tudor City, New York, Wednesday August 6th  2014

Wlked along 50th St to the East River and via St Bartholomew's Church.  Gorgeous vaulted ceilings and stained glass window.

No crowds in this area and easy to walk.  Then to the United Nations and to Tudor City.  You get fantastic views of the United Nations from Tudor City and we are surprised that more tourists do not go there.

We then walked via 41st St to Grand Central for a wee stop.  Then walked to Times Square to get our train back to 72nd St.  I wish the average New Yorker could tell me the exact demarcation of Duffy Square and Times Square.  I think Duffy Square has been swallowed up into Times Square.  But it is triangle bordered by 45th and 47th Streets and Broadway and 7th Avenue.

We discussed about the lemmings mentality of many tourists who are probably only here for three to five days.  That is not enough.  Do immersion travel and do thing well.  Study the history and really engage and enjoy New York  City!

Crown Lager should be readily available in New York.  This is a huge missed opportunity in New York by Carlton and United Brewery

Still shocked that it is so difficult to get an A4 size laminated map of Central Park.

Hey guys there is a missed opportunity here.

Opportunities and 40th Anniversary in New York, August 7th 2014

Opportunities and 40th Anniversary in New York, August 7th 2014

The following are examples of opportunities in New York:

Crown Lager is not available in any bar or hotel or restuarant that we have been to.  It is such a good beer and should be available here.  While there is a Australian wine "Yellow Tail" that is much more expensive in Australia than it is here.  A great wine too. 

"Sardis" need to have a postcard or a map similar to the "Hollywood Walk Of Fame."  This would allow patrons to locate the various stars.

The best maps in New York include those published by vanDam.   The other maps are the Tribute Edition and the Concierge maps as they have an enlarged version of the lower downtown/financial district.  The Tribute Edition is available free from Federal Hall in Wall St.

Federal Hall  have toilets down stairs and do not miss the printing press on display from the famous trial of John Peter Zenger who was succesfully defended by Andrew Hamilton in about 1735. This printing press to me represents "Freedom of Speech" and truth as a defence in a libel accusation.

There is not a decent map of Central Park available for New York's Central Park.   I have a few versions but a fold up laminated one similar to the other A4 size would be perfect.  Having the north and south ends of the park on either side of the park, or having a general version on one side and a detailed version on the other.  I will contact vanDam maps with my suggestion.

Today is also the 40th anniversary of Phillipe Petit walking for 45 minutes on a high wire between the Twin Towers.  A special day.   If you have not seen the documentary "Man On A Wire" then do so to be spellbound at Petit's determination.