Convoys and the Long Way Home

[Kangol]

So to the menus-

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Looking forward to the rest.
No tasting menu on QF11?? Or was it offered and you chose not to have it?

 

[drron]

Well if there was a tasting menu on QF11 it was certainly not offered to those sitting in seats 5F,K.
So back to New York.As I said at the beginning the whole purpose of this trip was to attend a conference.It was the annual conference of the American Society of Hypertension.Until about 5 years ago the attendance was over 4000.Now 1200.Drug countries used to sponsor 3000 medicos but now none-though you can meet journalists sponsored by the drug companies.They obviously are less prone to persuasion.The result is much less being provided.For example only on 1 day out of 4 was a morning coffee break scheduled.No breaks for lunch.And instead of a whole floor of the Hilton only 3 rooms used.The trade display was only on 1 day and only 10 exhibitors.
But still some interesting info.Especially from a medico working for NY health.They looked at the supplement market.DNA testing for herbs showed that 4 out of 5 advertised herbal preparations did not contain the herb.Supplements also were often adulterated especially those from China.One red rice cholesterol lowering preparation from China not only contained a statin drug but toxic levels of Cadmium,Lead and coughnic.

Enough of the medicine.Saturday and it was time to have dinner with my oldest sister who is in NYC looking after her daughter.We went to anf ours Rue 57.On the corner of 6th and 57th.REasonable food at not too bad a price.As well it is also with Aadvantage dining so more miles come my way-again an offer on but only 6 miles per $.Means in 2 days I have over 2000 more AA miles in my account.Mrsdrron had the scallops,my sister a steak and I halibut.All were good.Had a fantastic waiter who really made the night-ones like thios make tipping painless.
On Sunday after the conference ended for the day I went back to the room and mrsdrron said do what you have to we are going straight over to Lord and Taylors.Off we went and they have the Polo pink jacket in my size at 50% off.Also 2 pairs of trousers at 50% off.Not only that when we went to the register mrsdrron tells the fellow we are from Australia.As always happens at L&Ts when we say this a coupon comes out and we get an extra 15% off.
So first shopping trip-forget Macys in NYC.It is a zoo and not a pleasant experience.We found a better range at Lord and Taylors.Much quieter and so more pleasant shopping but most of all a better discount-just remember at Macys your discount doesn't apply to concessions-the polo store in Macys is a concession.
L&T is on 5th Ave at 39th.Just south of Bryant Park/NYC City library.

When shopping we met my sister so another unplanned dinner together-Virgils BBQ near Times Square.Not bad-though no AA miles. But I do like my BBQ.

 

[drron]

Monday and a really boring lecture over lunch time so looked up some places to eat and decided on Lukes Lobsters.This is in the Plaza food hall-1 61st east/central park east.Have spent nearly a year all up in NYC and had never been here before.Really nice and the lobster rolls were enjoyable.There are tables and chairs there but you can just cross the road and have it in Central Park.

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This time though I went back to the conference and mrsdrron continued on her exploration of 5th Ave shops.Got this pic on 6th Ave of an ambulance with blaring sirens going no where.Wonder how many die waiting for an ambulance or on their way to hospital.

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That night we had dinner in the China Grill just across the road from the Hilton.Had tried to eat here a few times but no problems.I guess it has gone downhill as the food was not inspiring and expensive to boot.We did have lamb ribs as a starter and they were very good.Told that the chef is from Perth.

Tuesday was a short day so back to the Plaza food hall.This time we ate at Todd Englishs spot-he has had numerous pretty good restaurants around NYC.It was very nice.Because I had been vey interestated in the RealTMA's TR we both had a glass of wine from the Williamette valley.She a pinot gris and myself a pinot noir.Very nice indeed.We then shared a plate of peking duck sliders and lobster sliders-

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Very nice indeed.I recommend a visit.Here ther were several sitting areas and at least 5 kitchens with a great variety of food options.We were seated at the seafood section.The oysters looked good and were freshly shucked-

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After that we bought some pastries from Daniel Boulouds section and wandered across the road-

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[drron]

So a little pictorial of post lunch in Central Park-

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By the time I remembered I often take pics of food there was only 1 pastry left-a strawberry crème puff-

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As well as many humans there were lots of birds enjoying the sunshine-

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[Pushka]

I am waiting to see pix of Mrsdrron's purchases on 5th Avenue.

 

[drron]

I am waiting to see pix of Mrsdrron's purchases on 5th Avenue.

Sorry no pics.shopping in NYC rather disappointing.Made up for it in the outlets in Georgia and North Carolina though.

 

[Pushka]

Sorry no pics.shopping in NYC rather disappointing.Made up for it in the outlets in Georgia and North Carolina though.

I'm not fussed about origins of the buys.

 

[drron]

Tuesday night and it was off to dinner with my sister and her daughter's partner.Went to an obviously popular place called The Smith.The original opposite the Lincoln Centre.Apparently now 2 other branches.We took a taxi.Worked on the assumption that at 1800 there would be a queue for taxis at the Hilton and there would be a lot of traffic so left early.Result-no queue,no traffic so we had time to kill.Walked over to the Lincoln centre-

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Mrsdrron naturally found the shop whilst I went around collecting good karma.Several families taking pictures of kids that had graduated.I offered to take shots so the whole family could be in the picture.Some didn't understand my offer but eventually all were very thankful.Then to dinner.A huge place and full.Fortunately we had a booking.My nieces partner had the brick flattened chicken-he says it's great.Mrsdrron had mussels.

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I had the short rib special.Didn't look good but tasted nice-

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We shared a rhubarb crumble and chocolate s'mores in a jar-

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Well it was nice though a bit expensive and incredibly noisy.I think there are many more restaurants in NYC to try.

 

[drron]

Pushka I was going to tell you I don't do fashion shoots but then remembered that that would have been a lie-

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This was taken as we walked back to the Hilton from dinner.A fellow with his devil horns who would stop every few minutes and dance to the music from his boom box which he was pulling along.
The thing about NYC at night is that it really doesn't matter which part of town you are in there are always some beautiful scenes-

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And of course typical of NYC the shot down s7th Ave to Times Square.Note the Letterman show.It was his second last night-

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Not so well known is this typical Manhattan street scene-

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[drron]

Wednesday and today was all about lunch.Our favourite restaurant in NYC-Le Bernadin.It actually began in Paris in 1972.Got it's first Michelin star in 1976,it's second in 1980.It moved to NYC in 1986.The French owner and chef died in 1994 and the current chef,Eric Ripert,took over.He was there this day and as usual came out to talk to some of the diners.It got it's third Michelin star in 2005.
The restaurant is all about seafood.It will not appeal to those who enjoy their seafood fried or overdone.The menu comes in 3 sections-Raw,almost raw and barely cooked.We love it and the way seemingly incompatible flavours are brought together.I was a little disappointed as one item was unavailable.From the raw section scallop and sea urchin.I really wanted to see how these went together but I was told today's sea urchin was not up to the usual quality.So I chose another seemingly silly combination-flash marinated snapper slivers with jalapeno and a citrus vinaigrette.First you tasted the fish,then the jalapeno took over until it's fire was put out by the citrus.I really enjoyed it.Mrsdrron had Maryland peekytoe crab with shaved heirloom cauliflower and a mustard emulsion-she loved it.

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For mains mrsdrron went with the baked lobster with baby leeks,sunchoke puree and a red wine sauce.Again she was delighted.I went with a much plainer dish-barely cooked wild salmon with snow peas,****ake mushrooms and a matsutake dashi.Loved it.

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Then desserts.Mrsdrron had one just called strawberry-elderflower scented strawberries,creme fraiche pannacotta and strawberry snowflakes.She just said perfection.Mine was maple-maple candy cap cremeux,maple and huckleberry confit.Nice but not that wow factor.

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As usual you start with a salmon rillettes and petit 4s with coffee.With a bottle of sancerre,tax and tip-$US250.And worth it.Our ninth visit.

 

[drron]

This post is about dogs.Well not actually it is about our US flights but dogs figure prominently.It all started on our flight from DFW-LGA when the couple in 4A,C which were originally assigned to us brought on a very large carryon and 2 smaller unusually shaped carryons.Turns out there was a dog in each.These were certainly not service dogs and their behaviour in the LGA terminal suggested they were definitely family pets.After arriving into LGA mrsdrron went to the restroom.In the next cubicle(the accessible one) went mrs 4A.Mrsdrron hears her saying over and over-"Go potty".

Now it was time to leave New York.We were flying LGA-CLT-ATL.Initially the first leg was with AA the second with US.I looked up the gate on aa.com.It gave us C37 which is an AA gate.When checking the second leg I got a message saying I would have to go to the US website.So we rock up at Terminal B and go to the AA checkin-your flight is with US from Terminal C.Fortunately AA have a shuttle to the US terminal.No problems with checkin.These are our first US flights.
Problem at security as the premium line does not have a body scanner and even though I ask to go across to it the agent makes me go through and as usual the alarm goes off and I automatically go to the wanding position.The second TSA agent has some common sense and says-some metal?I reply a knee replacement and so am now sent to the body scanner.

The AC is just after security.Terminal C looks modern as does the AC-

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Same lack of food options though.Good views but basically of Delta planes-

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Several dogs wandering the terminal at least one boarding our flight.
AA1849. LGA-CLT. ETD-1010. Pushback-1008. Take off-1016. Seats 2A,C. A319.
Eta-1220. Landed 1154. At gate 1159.
Service was just a basket of snacks-crisps,mini pretzels,biscuits etc.Plus juice.Again I went to sleep.Arrived early which was good as only a 55 minute transit.Had to walk to different terminal.AC was next to gate so able to have 20 minutes to refresh.Again lots of dogs wandering the terminal with their owners.Only 1 that definitely was a service dog.Americans really like pushing the boundaries.Boarding on both sectors wasa different from the AA experiences.Same calls made but many try and jump the queue.The agents though are very good at turning people back.We were ptobably 7 and 8 in queue but first to board.

AA 0873. CLT-ATL. ETD-1315. Push back-1313. Take off-1323, Seats 2 D,F. A321.
ETA-1430. Landed-14 21, At gate-1428.
So the seat shot.

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A much newer plane but showing signs of maintenance-

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Seems though some repainting being done at CLT-

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Next Atlanta.

 

[drron]

On arrival at ATL we had to catch the plane train to baggage collection.A fairly long wait for bags.One came out quickly the second near the end but with most of the priority tagged bags-must have trained at SYD!
Then the car train to the rental centre.Long lines at Avis but no problem with Avis Preferred.Soon heading north to Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter.Nice hotel,suite upgrade.Did not get to eat the lounge as we went straight out shopping.Breakfast we were given the choice of lounge or restaurant so we chose the restaurant.So the room pics-

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It was the Memorial day weekend so sales everywhere.Mrsdrron was happy with Dillards and Macys.Then dinner at P F Changs.We like it.Asian inspired.Their dry rubbed ribs are delicious.We also had lettuce cups,lobster tacos and summer rolls.Washed down with a bottle of Californian pinot grigio.

Saturday and we set off north.First the North Georgia outlets where messrs Cole Haan and Armani had particularly good sales.Then to the Commerce premium outlets before getting to our lodgings-Hampton Inn Hendersonville.When I was booking all hotels in Asheville where I had wanted to stay were full.The penny dropped that it was the Memorial day weekend and on the Saturday most colleges etc in Asheville had their graduation ceremonies.The place was jumping.We stayed at a Hampton because it was wash day and most Hamptons have a laundry.The place was full but people were still turning up claiming they had reservations.It was also the first time I had seen this-

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That night it was dinner at Applebees-very little choice.We both had sirloin steak which I combined with the riblets which were nice.

Next-plans change.

 

[drron]

In the planning of this trip Sunday was to be a reasonably early start driving the Blue Ridge Parkway to Roanoke.Unfortunately that night mrsdrron discovered that a new Outlet mall had opened in Asheville less than 4 weeks ago.Also this outlet had a Dillards clearance centre and she was not going to miss that.OK I thought the mall opens at 10 so by 11 we could still do the drive though it would mean arriving between 1900-2000.
However Dillards didn't open until midday.Now I research the drive the night before so really hadn't factored in where we could escape from the Parkway.In this section it turned out quite a way north.And being an absolutely beautiful day on a holiday weekend there were quite a few going for a very slow Sunday drive.Mrsdrron ended up being quite upset.Pointing out that at least she got to the Dillards outlet wasn't going to work as it was I who got the best buy.She had been strongly suggesting to me that I should buy some noniron,stain resistant travel pants that were on special at 2 for $66.I got them at the outlet at 2 for $16.
It is a beautiful drive.When we did the drive from the north many years ago we missed this section.i think though that the sections to the north or south are more interesting.

But some pics-

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[drron]

Unfortunately we were too late for the azaleas and dogwoods though some of the rhododendrons had started to flower a little early.Along the roadside there were still some wildflowers that could grow anywhere-

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We called in at a visitor centre where the ranger told us it was easily another 100 miles until we could get off to the interstate.Fortunately she was wrong and a turnoff was just 50 miles up the road.Was a nice drive over to I-81 but still a few hours to get to Roanoke.Arrived at the Sheraton about 2000.We were given a room on the SPG floor across the hall from the lounge.Happy hour went until 2100 so we went over.However the only white wine was a chardy at $6 a glass-the quality was that of a bottle costing $6 at Walmart.Mrsdrron was getting unhappier by the minute.We ate at their restaurant-a Shula's Bar and Grille.My steak was only fair and mrsdrron's salmon was overcooked.

Once again meant a change of plans for Sunday.No more Blue Ridge but straight through to Tysons Corner.

 

[drron]

So Sunday and to the DC area the quick way-I-81,I-66,I-495 btu still took 4 hours.Check in to the Sheraton Tyson's Corner-another cheap hotel~ $US80.Upgraded to 18th floor.Arrived just after a Saudi Air crew-women all in blue with long scarf and a tiny hat on top of it.The women basically got off the bus,put their bags down and lit up a cigarette.Doorman going around telling them all it is a non smoking hotel so only light up out here.So here is the room-quite large-

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A little rest then off we went.Plan was to drop mrsdrron at the Galleria Mall whilst I went of to the Space and Flight museum at Dulles.Hint-arrive at 4pm and parking is free-before then it is $15.Admission to the museum is free.I had a ball.A bit rushed but still got to see most.So some pics-

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The plane in the background is the prototype for a military cargo plane that eventually became the B707.

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The next is one I was looking for having seen where it's weapon was loaded and the airstrip on Tinian where it took off for Japan-

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[drron]

So a few more of the many pics I took.First in the restoration hangar-

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Then as election of German WW2 planes-

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[RooFlyer]

Is that the 'annex' to the main Smithsonian Air and Space museum? I remember years ago after I had visited the main facility, I got on a free bus and went quite a long way to outer Washington to their 'annex' - a large hanger type building where many full size modern passenger jets were housed.

Actually, by your pics it doesn't look like the same thing.

 

[drron]

Possibly is the same but it has now been developed into a major display by itself-
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center | National Air and Space Museum

 

[RooFlyer]

Yes, the same thing (Concord!) - but its changed (grown!) quite a bit!!

 

[drron]

Now to the Americans.Things look a lot larger from the ground-

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