Monthly Archives: December 2015

New York City, New York USA – Part One

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I’m back In New York City (NYC) and have been trying to photograph its iconic high-rise water towers over the years … The Langham Hotel at Langham Place gave me a nice surprise as I peered between the blinds. Not only is the whole area around the hotel a photographer’s dream, but is superbly situated between the Empire State Building and Bryant Park –  and as they say, ‘location, location’ –  it cannot go unnoticed and most welcomed in this sought-after part of the city. Times Square is approximately 15 minutes and Grand Central Station about 10 minutes walking.

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However, a site inspection and stay at The Langham Hotel, reveals undoubtedly  it’s one of the most spacious in Manhattan, having 214 guest rooms designed with a refined, subtle colour palette and modern furnishings to match.

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A haven after shopping, walking, eating and people watching. All those activities which have us drawn to NYC time after time. Bright, roomy and a separate desk gives a homely feel whilst being in the midst of 24/7 non-stop hustle and bustle.

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As a travel agent it’s crucial in knowing what facilities and amenities are available for guests. The Langham Hotels are synonymous with stylish, modern furnishings which exude luxury and sophistication  throughout. If you feel this is for you, contact me for further information or visit www.langhamhotels.com

There is also 7,500 square feet of private meeting and event space available, with fantastic sky-line views over the city. Altamarea is the signature restaurant on the mezzanine level.

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The bathrooms are incredibly roomy with a rain shower in addition to a huge bath. Being 6 foot tall, trust me, I couldn’t touch the end even with my toes pointed. Pure bliss with a glass of sauvignon blanc! Just don’t fall asleep …

I wonder how they knew New Zealand wines were my favourite whites? Maybe they’ve been reading my blog? Now that’s the kind of touch a classy hotel will endeavour to deliver to their loyal guests and travel agent!

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Hot on my ‘To-do List’ is the city’s High Line walk.

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Starting at West 34th Street (between 10th and 12th Avenues) it begins and finishes at Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District. I would prefer to walk in this direction as the reward of delicious food and drink at the other end makes it even more worthwhile for the effort you’ve put in.

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The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side.

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Trains resting for a short time before being shunted out to work on the busy subways.

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You can simply relax, just sit and watch all the various cruise liners come into NYC.

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There’s those water towers again, I’ll make sure I take some close-up photos later …

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The High Line’s planting design is inspired by the self-seeded landscape that grew on the out-of-use elevated rail tracks during the 25 years after trains stopped running on them.

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The species of perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees were chosen for their hardiness, sustainability, textural and colour variation with a focus on native species.

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The design also emphasises year-round interest and blooms. Several kinds which originally grew on the rail bed are incorporated into the park’s landscape.

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Characteristic of the area, lots of chimneys and brown-stone buildings.

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Help build Lego NYC? Olafur Eliasson’s new interactive installation is sure to unleash the inner child in everyone. The Collectivity Project is about more than just play. Eliasson conceived this project as a way to bring people together and allow them to create a utopian society, if only in miniature form.

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For the High Line, Marshall presents a large-scale, hand-painted mural adapted specifically for the High Line. Titled Above the Line, the mural is an extension of the artist’s Dailies series.

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Love street art, some compelling – such as this one.

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Finishing up at the Meatpacking District, it’s a 1.45-mile-long (2.33 km) walk. The High Line is also wheelchair friendly. Best advice is to go early as it’s packed  with walkers all along the way. These photos were taken mid October and was very warm even then, take layered clothing and plenty of water with you.

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No shortage of cafes and restaurants …

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Really $350.00 if you honk? I’d love to see how they would manage this around mid-town Manhattan!

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I’m calling it a day and heading off for some retail therapy after all that exercise I’ll find the energy to shop for some bargains. Here I go … Macys.  Again, not too far from my hotel.

From Quebec, Canada onto New York City, USA

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You know it’s time to go when the phone rings  with that dreaded wake-up call … So it’s off I go to Montreal to fly onto New York City(NYC). Seems like yesterday I arrived and now it’s time to head off again. My best advice if you’re considering a visit stay in Quebec, allow for at least a minimum of three days as there’s so much more to see and do, as well as relaxing in a truly unique city which has a European feel whilst still in North America.

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I’m going to miss my breakfast delivered and hung at the door each morning by Hotel des Coutellier staff. Fresh croissants, still warm and so fresh, along with a good strong coffee made with the machine  in your room.

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So it’s back at the exquisite Gare du Palais railway station with Via Rail for the last leg of my journey within Canada. It’s a trip towards Montreal for a quick flight into NYC. I understand the rail/road journey from Montreal to NYC is also one of the most beautiful, but that’ll have to be next time.

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This trip was taken early October and the leaves are just starting to turn to their obligatory autumn colours. An array of beautiful foliage capturing a spectrum of blush is seen everywhere now.

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Over the last century, Charny has been influenced socially and economically by the Canadian National Railway which maintains a major national train yard in the town, Joffre Yard. The roundhouse in the yard was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1992.

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Will miss Canada and its ever-changing scenic views and landscape. And, not forgetting the people have been incredibly friendly and very helpful at all times.

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The journey with Via Rail to Montreal is just over three hours with Dorval being closer to four hours travelling as it’s just south of Montreal.

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Even during the month of October, I found the weather to be mild and as long as you layer your clothing you’ll be fine. This is a really a desirable time of the year to visit I think – without all the crowds and no rushing about.

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Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (IATA: YUL, ICAO: CYUL) (French: Aéroport international Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau de Montréal) or Montréal–Trudeau, formerly known as Montréal–Dorval International Airport (Aéroport international Montréal-Dorval), is a Canadian airport located on the Island of Montreal, 20 km (12 miles) from Montreal’s downtown core. The airport terminals are located entirely in the suburb of Dorval, while the Air Canada headquarters complex and one runway is located in the Montreal borough of Saint-Laurent. It is an international airport serving Greater Montreal, along with the regions of northern Vermont and New York. The airport is named in honour of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the 15th Prime Minister of Canada.

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The airport at Montreal is squeaky clean and easy to make your way around. Although, going through an airport after all this time feels sterile and security is tight. I had to really think about my weight restrictions after travelling by rail for sometime. A stark reminder to off-load some items prior to checking in.

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Flying into New York City is one of my favourite fly overs and a couple of days here before heading onto Europe won’t be taken lying around!

Quebec City and Île d’Orléans, Canada – Part Three

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Over the bridge, onto the outskirts of the city, we’re off to Ile d’Orleans which boasts some of the most beautiful countryside. This is the only bridge which leads you to the island full of farms, quaint shops and gorgeous heritage homes.

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Driving through with Michelle experiencing lovely  villages  and farm stalls along the roadside.

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A pink tractor … Why not?

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Michelle with the owner of Cassis Monna & Filles – Bernard Monna who is a native of Southern France and fourth-generation liquoriste, he is the first to produce black currant wines and Crème de Cassis in Québec.

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Outside for a quick walk around admiring the views before going for lunch.

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Maple syrup is a speciality here for our luncheon,  better known as a Sugar Shack, L’ En-Tailleur  is a family owned business.

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Square dancing is a highlight once you’ve had your sugar fix – lots of fun to burn off the calories to a couple of really up-beat musicians.

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We’re about to have a maple syrup tasting, once it’s cooled on the snow. Yum!

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The name Quebec is derived from an Algonquin word for narrow passage (which can be seen here). It originally referred to the narrowing of the St. Lawrence River near what is now Quebec City. The British named the newly captured colony Quebec in 1763.

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Montmorency Falls is a natural phenomenon – definitely not to be missed. At 83 metres high (30 m higher than Niagara Falls), it can be seen from all the way across the St. Lawrence River in Lévis!

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Mushrooms anyone? I know we picked them as kids for our Mums to cook up with the evening meal, but can’t say I’ve seen anything like these before. Wasn’t game to pick it before returning back to Quebec City as it looked like it should stay … Just in case it wasn’t the type for eating – or anything magical.

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Tartare – cold fish has been ordered and it’s a local, more traditional dish. Here at Restaurant SSS back in the old city of Quebec, I’m trying some more local food made by the excellent chefs on site with their superb presentation.

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Poutine at Restaurant SSS wasn’t a problem to put together as it’s considered more of a takeaway-like meal, but they were kind enough to allow me the opportunity to try it at this very classy little restaurant. It’s a Canadian dish, originating in the province of Quebec, made with french fries and cheese curds topped with a light brown gravy-like sauce. Typically found across Canada and in some places in the northern United States. I’m told if the cheese doesn’t ‘squeak’ it’s not fresh. Trust me this was squeaking …