New York

I'm starting to get a wee bit overwhelmed with the amount of things that I've done already on this trip and even more so when I realise there is still more to go. This has been a dream come true this trip. 

New York marked the ending point of my first tour - the Grand Southern - with Contiki and with my new Contiki Family. I have made some new friends and some new family on this trip. 

When we left Washington D.C. we headed north to Philadelphia. Our first stop was lunch, and when in Philadelphia, you have to try a Phillie Cheese Steak. It's a french stick sandwich with roasted meat and melted cheese, plus mushrooms, capsicum and onions if you want. It was goooood! 

After Philadelphia we hit the road north again to New York and the end of the tour. As you can imagine it was mixed emotions on the bus - excitement for finally being in New York and sadness at leaving our new friends. But, with such wonderful technology as Facey-book we have stayed in touch while in the big city and now that we have gone our seperate ways too. 

In New York I had a new roomie - Zoe and a new tour. This was the New York Uncovered tour, still with Contiki, but a little different, as it was all in the one city and only for a few days. Rather than a coach bus to travel from place to place we walked or caught the subway. And, New York was having a heatwave - high 30's/40's every day with high humidity. I don't think I've ever sweated so much my life. Plus I was tired. So very tired. After 26 full on days on tour, I wanted a sleep in. 

Alas, the tour of New York started the very next day and I didn't get my sleep in until the third morning. It might seem slightly silly to waste half a morning in NEW YORK on sleep, but I needed it, desperately. And here's why. You tell me you wouldn't need a sleep in after doing all this in the heat after a 26 day tour:

 - Did a city tour on a coach bus

 - Visited a church in Harlem

 - Dropped by the Apollo theatre

 - Had lunch at Grand Central Station

 - Paid my respects at the 9/11 Memorial

 - Took a 25 minute Helicopter around the island of Manhattan

 - Had dinner at a pub in Times Square

 - Soaked up the atmosphere in Times Square at night

 - Caught yellow taxi cabs

 - Rode the subway

 - Cruised out to the Statue of Liberty

 - Did a food cart tour around Downtown, Manhattan

 - Saw 'Newsies' on Broadway!

 - Ate at Red Lobster

 - Had a picnic in Central Park

 - Shopped at Tiffany & Co on 5th Avenue

 - Walked through Rockerfeller Centre

 - Experienced a typical Jewish dinner at a local kosher deli

 - Went up the Empire State Building at night

New York felt a lot safer than I thought it would and despite the warnings of unfriendly Americans, I didn't really experience that. The island of Manhattan is so packed in it's crazy. Every inch of the island is jam packed. It's also fairly well labelled - it's chronological for the most part, making it way to navigate for tourists such as myself. There is so much to do and see, you'd need several weeks at the least to see everything you could, but that would cost a fortune! So, the tour around the city was a great way to see as much as possible, and make the most of the few days I had there. 

I'll have to come back though, there is so much more to see and experience. Mark my words, I'll be back to this amazing city! 

Savannah, Georgia to Raleigh, North Carolina

Over the last few days we have covered a lot of miles. And I mean a lot. One night stops are hard work, you arrive mid to late afternoon, sometimes in the evening and get back on the bus early the next morning to do it again. For those following along on the map, in this stretch we've gone from Miami to Cocoa Beach, to St Augustine, to Savannah, to Raleigh, and end up in Washington D.C. tomorrow for a luxiourous 3 night stay. 

Savannah was a beautiful city, very obsessed with park squares. Have you watched Forrest Gump? The park where is sits waiting for the bus and narrates his story is in Savannah. In fact here it is:

The actual park bench is at the visitors centre. I have a picture of that too somewhere. Savannah is a place I wanted to visit as it really captured the 'South American' culture that I wanted to experience. I definetly want to come back here and explore it more. It's on my 'return to' list. 

We arrived in Savannah around mid day and promptly lined up at 107 West Jones Street. This is a normal home on a normal street, with an amazing history. Mrs Wilkes Boarding House is an institution in Savannah and in the USA. You line up for about an hour and when you get to the door you sit at a dining table with other customers. In front of you is a table covered in about 18 dishes of homemade southern food and the biggest plate of the most amazing fried chicken you can imagine. You dig in and when you empty a bowl or plate they replace it. At the end of the meal you take you dishes to the kitchen, pay and attempt to roll yourself back your hotel. It was quite honestly one of the most amazing meals I've had here and real quintessential South USA culture experience. We ate so much food that i'm pretty sure we were 'food drunk' on the walk to the hotel, where we proceeded to curl up in the foetal position on the reception floor (that's no joke - the rooms weren't ready and we were about to go on a tour of the city). 

After the tour we went out to a local pub for a few drinks and a few rounds of pool. The majority of the group moved on to another pub after an hour or so, but a smaller (and cooler ;) ) group stayed behind. With $2 beers and pool tables to play can you blame us?! We had a ball and spent a bit of time flirting with a group of local boys, whom were enamoured with out accents. 

The next morning more sick bags were passed out on the bus than throughout the rest of the tour combined. It was going to be a very long and messy drive to Raleigh. 

We stopped in Charleston, South Carolina, another very pretty and old city on the East Coast with a lot of history, in fact it was the site where the Civil War began. 24 hours after Mrs Wilkes, a lot of beers and not much sleep we needed food, and pronto. After a brilliant steak, we finally managed to appreciate the Charleston city and visited the markets. 

We spent a total of 7 hours on the bus today, which is a lot for one day. You can't move much, there's constant chatter or music, or movies playing and it's hot. Oh and smelly. Anyway, we arrived in Raleigh, North Carolina around 6pm. To be honest not many people have had much positive things to say about Raleigh. Based on my experiences so far there is something very awesome and different about each city and place we visit, so I'm sure there is something about Raleigh. Unfortunately we won't really get to find out as this stop is really just a stop for a stops sake. We are back on the road tomorrow to Washington D.C. I can't wait, there is so much to see and do there! 

Tracy and Candy's Wedding

The 11 June came and went, faster than any of us would have liked. It's the day that we have all been planning for, saving for and looking forward to for nearly two years. It was the perfect, tropical day for Tracy and Candy to get married. 

The evening before Jo and I babysat Ginny so that Ness and Chris could have a romantic dinner together. Ginny was very good for us, even waiting patiently while we spent 15 minutes trying to work out how to get the pram up. We gave up and carried her in the capsule to dinner. 

Wedding day started for us girls in the Salon across the road from the Resort. With plenty of time we all had our nails redone as well. While the mani/pedi the day before was relaxing, the paint job had left a lot to be desired. But, the wonder that is Shellac saved our nails for the wedding. 

I was slightly concerned when the hairdresser teased my hair so much that I thought I might end up as Marge Simpson for the ceremony. Needless to say, I didn't of course. 

The champagne started flowing and I started on my duties as the bridesmaid that will drink twice as much as the bride so that should she fall or embrass herself at all during the day, I would fall twice as hard or embrass myself twice as much, pulling focus from my friend. It was a sword I was willing to fall on, but I'm pleased to say I was not called on to perform such tasks. A debate has since be had about whether I would have done so if required. I say yes of course I would, but now we'll never know. . . 

Lunch was the only hiccup in the day, having ordered room service, it took it's time getting to us, missed a meal completely and as a result we had hungry bridesmaids and no one in dresses when they should have been. 

Once the photographer arrived we got Tracy into her dress, taking about three of us to get her in and tie her up. 

At this point I should mention that Tuesday was the hottest day on the island so far at 30 degrees. Being wedged tightly into dresses, full makeup and running around like blue arse bridesmaids made for a hot and sweltering day. 

Tracy was beautiful. She looked simply stunning and I was so proud to be her bridesmaid. You'll have to see the photos to see what I mean, because there are not enough words to express what a gorgeous bride she was. 

Candy's nieces Selina (9yrs) and Johanna (7yrs) were flower girls. They were incredibly well behaved and so very sweet. They loved getting ready with the big girls and watching their Aunty Tracy get into her dress. They didn't mind being told to jump out of the way, as long as they got to be part of the special day they were happy. 

The ceremony was beautiful. I watched Candy watch Tracy come down the aisle and I'm sure there were almost tears. I myself had a few tears when they exchanged vows. Not only was it one friend getting married, but two amazing and close friends getting married. 

The wedding photos were a laugh, with all four of us girls attempting to eat without spilling and everyone trying to stay hydrated in the heat. The Photographer and his assistant were very good at pointing everyone at ease. We tootled around the island to various locations and once again found ourselves climbing into weeds for dramatic photos. We ended up in the water and jumping on the beach. I won't even mention the mankinis the boys wore as a result of a dare. Tracy's face was priceless. 

On a side note, check our Nior Photography on Facebook for a few sneak peeks of the beautiful Wedding Photos. I have no photos of my own - for had I had my camera handy I would have spent all day behind it rather than enjoy the day and be the best bridesmaid possible for Tracy. 

The reception was lovely, amazing food and great speeches. I was most impressed by Selina's welcome to Tracy to their family and by Candy's speech that had him and everyone else in tears. He spoke so eloquently about his love for his family, friends and Tracy. I've never heard such beautiful words expressing the love he feels for Tracy and it really did make me cry. Tracy is lucky to have found such a wonderful man that loves her so much. (Candy, that's the last time you'll hear me say that, as we can't have you getting a big head now - I'll never hear the end of it!)

After the music stopped and the tables were packed away the bridal party finally walked back to our rooms, but the night was not quite over. We headed down to the beach and went for a midnight swim. After the hottest day, in the hottest makeup, tightest bra, fitting dress and about 75 jammed in hairclips, a midnight swim was the perfect ending to a fairytale day. 

Rarotonga

This first update comes from an international airport somewhere in the USA (despite being written half way through week one in Raro). The internet access fees at the resort are astronomical and frankly rather than spend the fees I have used it as a good excuse to put down all electronics and just enjoy the sun, beach and cocktail hours. Yes, two cocktail hours!

It was so hard to fathom that after months and months of planning, dreaming and saving I was actually on my way. Tracy and Candy had always said that if they ever got married it was be a destination wedding. We said they had to give us plenty of notice so we could be there with bells on. Two years ago they got engaged and 6 months later they announced a Rarotongian Wedding. We had 18 months to save and save we did. 

The last few months have been busy with moving and big job changes, leaving the excitement build to a minimum. 

After a week staying with Rach, John and Lu, I finally managed to pack my bag to a healthy weight with plenty of room for shopping and left the cold, dark Hutt Valley behind. At 6am I was checked in, snubbed my friends down in the cafe and followed Paul like a black sheep into the Koru Lounge. Holy smokes, what a good way to wait for a flight! 

The flight to Auckland was fairly non-eventful and just when you're about to finish a magazine it's time to land. I had a lovely surprise waiting for me as we got out of the terminal in the form of my Dad, brother Lexi and future sister-in-law Toni. They walked with our crowd over the International Airport, gooing over the gorgeous 5 month old Ginny the whole way. 

Our international flight was fine. Sitting next to Mark in cattle class meant we got very cozy. Rather than sitting all together we formed a nice neat line. I walked Ginny up and down the plane a couple of times to give her other people to stare at and she was the perfect wee flyer. The same could not be said for the large group of 20 somethings sitting across the aisle from us. They took full advantage of the wine and by the end of the flight were climbing over chairs, throwing pillows and shaking seats. 

I got laid at the airport - take note Anna! - as did we all. The resort is amazing and the staff are all so friendly and helpful. I'm sharing a room with Jo and Mark, which is working out well. We generally are only in the room to sleep and shower so it's no drama to be all together. The resort has set up a tab for us which is awfully convenient if not a little dangerous as I just keep spending. That's what holidays are for though right?! There are two cocktail hours which our entire group is present for. How could we not be when the bar is on the beach and cocktails are half price?! They do a special cocktail of the day which just begs for trying. Plus, it's warm, the waters right there and there's nothing else to do much socialise and drink cocktails. Ahh this is the life!

We've been to market day, lounged by the pool with books, swam in the ocean and been on a sunset cruise for Tracy's bridal shower. It's awesome being here with such great and close friends, we just relax together, eat good food and swim. Oh and the cocktails. 

Ginny has been a great traveller, although there has been way too much to see and do for her to consider napping. She's happy to go with anyone and everywhere as long as she has someone to smile at. Tracy's Mum has been enjoying playing Grandma and Jo and I are baby sitting tonight so Chris and Ness can have a romantic dinner. If everyone got their way they wouldn't see their daughter for the entire week away. 

Tracy and Candy have been busy playing host to all 32 of their guests, but hopefully they will stop and relax soon. The girls and I have been to the spa today for some relaxing time before the primping starts for tomorrows big day. The ceremony will be on the beach around 3pm (about 1pm Weds for you NZers). 

After the wedding there are three more days of relaxing and cocktails before my friends head home at some ridiculously early Saturday morning flight. Meanwhile, I'll be sleeping in and spending the day here at the resort before flying at midnight to LA. Strangley, despite being here in Raro, the USA part of trip still sees like some pipe dream. I'm sure once I touch down in LA and head to San Francisco, I'll be a giddy with excitement.