Travel and adventure = New places and experiences

Yellowstone was pretty much the number one reason for me to come back to the USA. I set out with a 4 am alarm hoping that the shuttle would make it to my lodge in time for me to join the snowmobiling tour to old faithful. I was lucky enough to make it with no time to spare, they grabbed my luggage from me got me to sign the necessary paperwork and shoved me into the room to be fitted in my snow clothes. Within 30 mins of arriving my tour guide Josh was showing me the basics of my machine for the next 2 days and off we went.

At first I was really apprehensive trying not to go to fast and making sure I could stop with plenty of room. After about 45 mins I had relaxed into it was going faster and loving the experience. Josh was a great guide he stopped often to point out wildlife the first thing i got to see was the bald eagle. We kept going along at a decent pace taking in the beautiful scenery. The further I got into Yellowstone the more beautiful it became.

We made our first real stop at the Madison stop here there were restrooms and a little hut to warm up in. Hot drinks were available for purchase but I was doing. The warmers on the handles were keeping my hands warm enough and the other 5 layers i had on were doing there job.

We made way around Firehole falls which was more spectacular scenery, though the stream from the geothermal activities was quite thick. As we made or way back to our snowmobiles we saw a coyote moving through the snow. I was apprehensive not sure how dangerous these animals were so I took some photos and started to back away, turns out they aren't to dangerous as Josh started running towards it to get a closer look.

After our stop we continued on our way towards old faithful. Josh had a plan which was for us to arrive beat the lunch rush, eat whilst most groups were watching old faithful in action and then to catch the less popular display of old faithful. By this point in the day I was now use to responding to the name Australia and getting know more of the people who were the tour.

I was shocked to find out that they only allow 318 snowmobiles in the park each day. It seems like a fairly large number but when you take into consideration how big the park is that really isn't a lot. Old faithful is of course the most popular place thus the most crowded.

I had lunch with a lovely family who enjoyed quizzing me on all the different parts of Australia. I in turn quizzed them on lots of us questions until stumbled onto the topic of ice hockey and the conversation flowed quiet freely. After a quick bite to eat it was out to old faithful the next viewing was set for within next 5 to 10 minutes. Josh plan had worked well it was ready to get a great spot.

Watching old faithful splutter to life was pretty impressive, it felt surreal standing there watching something i had seen tv and read about happen front of me. Old faithful puts on quite a show that lasts a couple of minutes. With the cold weather there is a lot of stream surrounding the water spurt but it still made a great height.

It was time to head back to west Yellowstone and wrap up or day but not before a stop on our back via paint pot fountains, there is some more geothermal pools which have some beautiful colouring. There is also mud pots these were fascinating watching the mud plop away listening to the sounds of the activity that shows how alive Yellowstone is.

Once we got back was straight to a warm shower for me, tomorrow was to bring another adventure of exploring west Yellowstone via snowmobile.

It's just one of those days

Ahh transit days always my least favourite days when it comes to travel but it had to be fine do you can only hope it will be pain free.... right?
My day started well my driver was waiting for me, got me to the airport quickly. Curb checked my luggage, cleared security screening, grabbed a bite to eat made my way to the gate and boarded on time.

The plane pulled away from the gate made its way to the runway seatbelts were fastened.....but then one little announcement seemed to change the course of my day. The people servicing the plane had stuffed up so we had to go back to the gate for them to check out the problem. My connection was already tight 45 mins, so a delay was not what I needed.

Add we came into Denver the pilot announced the gate the connecting flight was departing from and asked others to let those with tight connection go first. connection was now 5 mins. Add I ran for my connection gate I arrived to see no plane at the gate and a different flight detailson the screen. I spoke to the United worker at the counter who told me to proceed to customer service. Whilst I was waiting in line for customer service I turned my phone on I had emails from United informing me that my flight I thought I had missed had now been delayed.

Once I tracked down the gate after it changed 3 times in less than 20 mins I had to make some phone calls first to my shuttle to let know i wouldn't make it next call to my to tell them that i wouldn't be it today either. They wanted to know if I would be there for my snowmobiling tour the following morning or they should sell it. At this stage I really had no idea, I was tired, frustrated and a little lost. It was 4 am back home so i couldn't even call anyone to calm down. Instead I found a spot on the airport floor and the tears started.

A lovely lady on the same delayed flight tried help in every possible way she rang companies that might have been able to get me there, angry at companies. just nice knowing I had someone in my corner.

Eventually our flight left, once we landed i had to collect my luggage and then had to my shuttle counter and see what we could work out. Only problem once we arrived i waited and waited but my bag did not show up. So now I had no place to stay, no bag and no idea if i would even get to do the one thing i wanted most this trip.

My shuttle people Karst Stage were fantastic they rebooked me on the 4:40am shuttle, rang motel they recommend booked a room and arranged a way for me  to get there. Next stop sort out my bag, after lots of conversations, particularly about me not having a cell number that has service out here. I had a claim number and a we will deliver it to you when shows up.

As soon add i got into my hotel I Skyped my parents which made me feel better, had a shower ordered room service waited to see if i would get my bag back.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Well Christmas day was finally here, though no snow in sight but I was still in NYC and it was still cold. Cold enough to send my wet hair icy!
My plan for Christmas day was simple sleep in, open the presents my parents packed for me, attend a church service and lunch at the rock cafe.

It was nice not having an alarm to wake up to so I took my time in starting my day, once I was ready I opened my present from my parents it was the passport bead for my Pandora.I added it to my bracelet and finally wore my new bracelet for the first time.

My first stop for the day was St Patrick's, it is currently being restored so it was full of scaffolding inside. I had initially stumbled across St Patrick's when I was trying find some where to attend midnight mass. I was out of luck however since you had to apply for tickets 6 months in advance and have a us address for them send the ticket. So I settled for the 10:15 service. This was the complete musical service which meant hymns were sang in three different languages: Spanish, English and German.

Once the service finished I headed towards the Rockefeller centre as this is where my lunch reservations were for. On my way I discovered the photos by the tree which was set up by Kodak i had seen them a different location the previous night but I much preferred this location. So I lined up had my picture taken then went through the maze to look at my pictures.... i didn't mind them so I purchased some then went to seek out the location of the rock cafe.

I was glad I had made a booking in advance the wait times were in excess of 45 mins and only if there were no shows. It was a pre fix menu but offered a variety of choices. I enjoyed the food whilst overlooking the ice skating rink. Though someone did end up seriously hurt and medical team had to be called to stretcher them off the ice.

I took my time wandering back to my room where I began pack since i had an early flight out the following morning.

I decided to go check out the Macy's window display, it was quieter cause they were closed for the day. The window displays are on both sides of the building and each tell there own story. I really liked the dreaming story it had features that were interactive. You could stand on a step on the walkway wave your hands and control the way snow fell in the window.

After Macy's I walked back into the times square area and discovered the cake boss cafe was still opened i decided I was going to get dessert. I took my number #84 approached the counter to see what was available in the display cases that's when i realised they were only calling numbers in the 20s. I eventually got served and got a delicious lobster tail.

After that it was finish packing and have an early night for my 5 am pick up the following morning.

Christmas eve.... It's the most magical time of year

They rain had finally stopped, I had a goodnight sleep and was getting much more human as I set out on the adventure of Christmas eve.
First stop was the Christmas spectacular at radio city music hall, I had to pick my tickets up using Will call the process turned out to be really easy and much quicker than if I had already got the tickets.

Once I was in I stupid stupid thing in the beauty of the space and how wonderfully decorated it was. I decided that popcorn was a good enough breakfast better than cotton candy or a hot dog. The popcorn came in a flashing container......which how could I resist.
My seats were pretty good first balcony and front row it was nice to have no-one in front of me. The show was spectacular.The highlight for me would have been the toy soldier act. The precision the rockettes have in this act is mind blowing..... try you tubing it might come up.

After the show I hit up the Pandora shop for my Christmas present or presents to myself...A few new beads add my new bracelet and i was on my way.

My amazing friend Kasey had sent me a package before i left with the instructions to take with me and open it some where special. After thought and consideration I decided that needed to be near the Disney store, given how much Kasey loves Disney and that we shopped there together last time in NYC. It was a perfect present for me a beautiful Mary Poppins pendant that I love so much.

After a little more shopping and wandering a bite to eat it was back to room to Skype the family for Christmas day.

That night I headed for the tree i wanted to see it all lit up and it didn't disappoint.... I spent a lot of time looking at the tree from different angles. I had a couple approach me and ask me to take there photo front of the tree,I said i would they would return favour. After all the photos were taken the guy asked me to take one more him as he down on one knee and proposed.

On the way back wandering through times square I went into the visitor centre they had a new years display with a huge bottle of Moet, a replica of ball that is dropped at midnight and coolest part for me was the new year wishes. They had a wall with wishes visitors to the centre had made on confetti, you could then add your own wish on confetti that will be dropped from the ball over times square to bring in the new year.

After my night at the tree I headed back to my room grabbing a slice the way before last family phone call for Christmas then sleep.

The Christmas tree in Rockefeller fuhgettaboudit

As sleepy as I was I knew I wanted to make the most out of my Christmas time in NYC so tonight I had booked a tour to go see the Christmas lights at Dyker Heights. They are the lights you see on the American Christmas light special shows. It started with one person named Lucy she decorated her house one year and when her neighbours complained the next night she added a marching band. The neighbors apparently then joined in, the crazy thing I found was they actually pay professionals to come in out put up all the lights maintain them throughout the holiday period and then take them down and store them.

Anyway before the tour I had to make my way to union square, this was pretty simple just a subway ride I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the subway and the interesting people and sights that come with it. There were also Christmas markets on st union square so I had a wander through those before making my way to the meeting point. Having your streets numbered and going higher or lower depending on the direction makes perfect logically sense.....unless your are me who starts to jumble up numbers and have no idea where I actually am.

I boarded the bus and tried my best to stay awake. We had a reporter on the bus who was interviewing people about why Christmas lights and what made them do the tour.  It was a slow start with traffic heavy to make or way across to Brooklyn but once we got through the main party of traffic things started settling down.

The title of this blog is the first thing they say to you to start the tour. The lights were really pretty they are meticulously put up row upon row it really is impressive. I know I wouldn't have the patience to do it. Not much more I can say except let the pictures speak for themselves.

Next up my Christmas eve adventures...........

Bound for New York

Well the journey has begun,I am currently sitting the floor in Honolulu airport waiting to board the next 10 hour leg of my journey.
I just checked the forecast and it's meant to be snowing in NYC when I arI  ive so that's a little exciting.
My flight over was very full but I still managed to get a few hours sleep though am looking forward to more sleep on this flight and not to mention a shower when I can finally check into my hotel.
So far things I forgot about since last time
* the weird way the toilets flush themselves
* the huge sizes note to self only order small everything
* remember to call it sprite not lemonade

My second leg from Honolulu to NYC was just as fun not much sleep happened i had a 1 year old sitting next me who liked kick and poke me....I less than impressed. Once we arrived at JFK things went smoothly i rugged up but didn't really need to it's been pants and hoodie weather. I arrived at the distrikt where I am staying and the girl got me straight to a room so I could sleep. I didn't sleep though I showered (so good) then went on my merry way exploring.

The first thing I ran straight into was Carlos cafe that he has opened up near Times Square I went in to have a look. Looks ok one of the sisters were there i think Mary the loud one , I didn't bother with getting anything but I will probably go tomorrow and get something.
I was on a mission which was find the nhl store but i had a few stops along way.
Firstly the tree is beyond breathtaking if it wasn't pouring rain i could have stayed there for hours I am excited be having Christmas lunch overlooking it.
I eventually found my way to the nhl store i may have spent nearly an hour just looking at everything. I ended up buying a hoodie since three only one i have is drenched.... did I mention it's raining at some points pouring

I also tracked down five Guys burgers for my first official meal the USA. It was good as always I then named to wander myself lost trusty Google maps helped find way back though.
Tonight I am off to look at the Christmas lights in Brooklyn so stayed tuned for that

USA take two

Well I am just 9 days out from boarding that plane again. I am so excited to be going back to some of the places I fell in love with, exploring some new places, ticking things from the bucket list and getting to experience posts of it with some amazing friends.
I am starting this adventure of with a dream of mine and top of the bucket list Christmas NYC. I have no idea what to expect but I am certain I will love the magical experience. I have planned some Christmas light looking, some ice hockey and a few shows  kick off the trip style