Mt Isa to the Adirondacks via Curacao.

[drron]

Well time to take off again.Ready for our grandaughters first christmas and her christening.Also along for this trip is my former partner and family .His 4 children look upon us as grandparents so we have had a lot of practice.To pay for this trip meant some extra work hence a week in the Isa.
If you are going through the Isa then a great restaurant is Doms on Camooweal street.A great Italian restaurant.However the locals have realised this now so that bookings are essential any night but you can get anything takeaway.The calamari and garlic prawns along with any of their pastas are very good.another reasonable restaurant is at the Red Earth boutique hotel but a bit more expensive.With the clubs my pick is the Buffs club on the highway.Barramundi is great here and if in town on fridays you cant go past the all you can eat t-bone for $12.
Unfortunately on Sunday 2/12 the mercury reached 43C.Monday flew out to brisbane.The service on QF up and back was very good.This is also the first time I have flown QF since becoming a candy seat and a great surprise to now get my seating preference which hasnt happened before even when i was still with QFF.
Tuesday just after 5am it is off to BNE for the flight with JAL to NRT and on to JFK.At checkin we couldnt get BPs for the second leg.Then at security the vegemite was confiscated-the same size that went through on our carryons in September and cleared BNE,LAX,DEN,ATL.Oh well.Get to QF lounge and mrsdrron breaks her glasses,blind before the first champers!Then flight is delayed due to baggage handling problems.Another announcment that they are using the delay to let QF engineers fix the IFE-grimace!90 minutes late we tahe off and our connection time at NRT is looking a little tight.Fortunateley we make up 30 minutes and are told the JFK flight is looking like being 20 minutes late.So make the flight easily but only get 20 minutes in the new JL Sakura lounge-a great improvement on the old one but when we come back it will be first class for us.
The JL flight to JFK is disappointing as it is obviously an older plane with the original Magic 1 IFE.Food is very good and well presented.Goes down well with a very nice french red.No worries with the IFE-since retirement I have rediscovered the ability to sleep on planes and after dinner nod off to wake 90 minutesout of JFK.On arrival it is -2C,a great change from the ISA.Next instalment more restaurants in NYC.

 

[drron]

Well back in the Big Apple.Stayiny in our son's in laws apartment in the Trump towers at the UN this time on 1st and 48th.For those interested in airline status his father in law is Chairmans lounge,Concierge key,Solitaire as well as top status on JMB and LH.After my good sleep on the plane it was out to dinner after unpacking.Went to Smorga's cafe on corner of 49th and 2nd.A Swedish restaurant that was quite nice and reasonably priced.The next morning it was off to see our grandaughter in Tudor city.On 47th and 2nd every wednesday is a small farmers market-picked up some veggies,milk,apple cider and apple cider donuts.For lunch though got takeout from Boi to Go on 2nd between 42nd and 43rd-great vietnamese rolls and snacks.If you are going to the UN pick up something here and stroll up to Tudor City and eat it in the park.You will recognise it from the Bourne ultimatum in the scene where he gets Landy to lure the CIA out of their offices.I saw this being filmed in April.From there walk down the stairs at the end of 43rd to the UN.Here is also a very good upmarket Italian restaurant L'Impero-bookings reccomended.
After lunch off to see our other grandkids at The Rockefeller centre.A very clear day with snow the day before so the Top of The Rock was great today.Dinner tonight at Sip Sak one of our favourite cheap eats in NYC.A turkish restaurant on 2nd close to 49th.Fantastic Octopus and the lamb is also good.For deserts the Baclava and rice pudding.
Friday,Saturday and Sunday off to the Hilton on 6th for a conference.At this time of year 5th Ave is bedlam but i found at 7.30am hardly a sole and a great time if you want photos.Tonight dinner at another of our cheap eats favourites-the Mee Noodle house on 49th and 2nd.Had takeaway from here later as well.2 can eat very well for less than $30.Pork ribs,chow fun,prawns and the beef with mushrooms highly reccomended.Unlike many Chinese restaurants this one has resisted Americanisation.
Sunday went to a late lunch with the family to a new Texas BBQ restaurant-Hill Country at 26th between Broadway and 5th.Canteen style,no waiting and very family friendly.Texas BBQ is dry,as they say add sauce if yoyu really have to.Very good game hen,ribs and steak.
Monday night to East-cheap Japanese on 44th between 2nd and 3rd.Other branches 55th west and 66th east.The skewers,sashimi,short ribs and sauteed mushrooms were all great.Also Monday learnt that my first 2 requests for upgrades on AA to Curacao have come through.On the flights back to LGA will make Explat.Will report back then.

 

[serfty]

Interesting narrative

... Stayiny in our son's in laws apartment in the Trump towers ... For those interested in airline status his father in law is Chairmans lounge,Concierge key,Solitaire as well as top status on JMB and LH. ...

Hmm ... is this a mistype? AFAIK, my S-I-L's F-I-L is Moi!

 

[Happy Dude]

Nice reporting here Doc. With all this eating you might end up with excess baggage charges!

 

[Reggie]

If you are going through the Isa then a great restaurant is Doms on Camooweal street.A great Italian restaurant.However the locals have realised this now so that bookings are essential any night but you can get anything takeaway.

Agreed

another reasonable restaurant is at the Red Earth boutique hotel but a bit more expensive.

Agreed, I particularily liked the Wagyu Steak. The accomodation is at the Red Earth is very good, best in town IMHO

With the clubs my pick is the Buffs club on the highway.Barramundi is great here and if in town on fridays you cant go past the all you can eat t-bone for $12.

Only in town a week and calling it the Buffs, you definitely assimilated quickley.

 

[drron]

Reggie I have worked there before so know the Buffs well.
NM when I was a boy the apostrophe meant the in laws of my son which is not moi but I may be wrong.
Well Tuesday the 11th it is of to Curacao.AA from LGA via MIA.My surrogate 4yr old grandson is turning out to be quite type A-insists we leave for the 11.55 flight at 8am.Manage to put that off for an hour then have one of the quickest taxi rides to LGA ever-noone overtook us.Up to the first class checkin and once again a very friendly AA agent who it turns out is planning a trip to Australia so allows all 8 of us to book in and overlooks the 52.5 lb. bag.A late breakfast at Au Bon Pain before security.Hardly anyone there with only an Orthodox Jewish couple with 2 infants.Did I think it was going to be quick.No about 10 carryons later and the shedding of several layers of clothing later they finally go through.The Africanamerican TSA agent did a very good impression of a New York Jewish accent which amused us but I dont think went down well with the couple in front.Of to the AC before boarding.Nothing special but at least away from the masses.
To the boarding gate.Now I did tell you this was a sector to MIA.14 wheelchairs lined up for preboarding so took some time.Numbers 13 and 14 though were kicking up a real fuss as the gate agents told them their Zimmers had to go in the hold as they could not stow 14 zimmers on board.Agent relented but as we boarded they were taking the Zimmers out of closet and sending them to hold.That Jewish couple-standing right behind all the wheelchairs.gate agent by now exasperated asked if they were first class-of course not.Well get out of the way NOW!
Have to go now.More of the flight later.

 

[serfty]

... when I was a boy the apostrophe meant the in laws of my son which is not moi but I may be wrong. ...

'twas moi, not NM. Quite right drron - I missed the apostrophe, hmmm time to use up this calendar year's extras cover on new reading glasses ...

 

[drron]

Sorry serfty-was using everyone's drink chits in the AC.So back to boarding.After the 14 wheelchairs and first class boarding a dead heading crew boarded-all with 3 large carryons which they could not get into forward closet as crew had already filled that.Then the last of the first class passengers who took an age to finally push and shove his carryon into the overhead bin.Now mine is at the legal limit and I have no problem getting into an AA 737 overhead bin,a JQ airbus on the other hand.My extended family were in the last group for boarding-their successful plat challenge didnt post until the next day.They reported that the last 50 or so boarding had any large carryons put into the hold as no overhead space left-those that complained were told the next flight to MIA was in 2 hours,no one took that option.
On boarding Mr. 4 year old of my family was greeted by "Hi cutie would you like to talk to the captain"-he readily agreed and had 5 minutes in the coughpit whilst people cleared the aisles-made his day.Service once again was great.
Left lga 40 minutes late but made up 20.Still reasonable time to get to connecting flight to Curacao.Here the problems of connecting in MIA became apparent.The crew from our flight were coming off a flight from Colombia and got caught up in Immigration so we left 30 minutes late.On this flight we met one of the celebrated AA dragons.Mr 4 would come up to visit us in first and we were berated because people moving between cabins was a "security issue."How come you are letting all these coach people use the first class loo was not the right response.Fortunately the rest of the crew were fine but I couldnt help suggesting she had a goods night sleep as we deplaned.
Next the Curacao experience.

 

[drron]

Arrived in Curacao on time at 8pm.Certainly no aggressive Immigration officials here.Most seemed to want to finish as soon as possible.Two baggage carousels and our bags are set to come out on carousel 1.Everybody lined up and out they come on carousel 2.Fortunately mrsdrron is the first to notice this-I am still quick over 10 metres.Bags collected and the 8 of us get into a van taxi.No meters here and $30 to the Hilton-according to most we did well though not the cheapest possible.
The Hilton Curacao has mixed reports mostly bad but fortunately the truth as usual is in between.Service is slow but as we were to find out the Hilton's service is amongst the best on this island so time to chill out.The hotel originally opened as a Hilton in 1965 but from the eightys on went through a number of operators including as a Sheraton until 2003 when hilton made a comeback.According to the GM in 2008 work will begin on a new block and when that is up and running the current block will be closed for a total refurb.It needs it especially the bathrooms.The rooms however are reasonably spacious and we are all upgraded to the Exec floor.
There is breakfast in the lounge but a continental breakfast is also free to golds and diamonds in the main restaurant which has a slightly better selection.It is meant to be $5 extra for the hot breakfast but no one polices this.Happy hour in the lounge is from 6-8pm but has never started before 6.15.Two computers in lounge for free use.Broadband available in room but $15 per day.The restaurants are not too bad and not that pricy.Kids under 5 eat free and 12 and under at half price making this a good choice for young families.
There are 2 small beaches you can use.A good large pool and a separate kids pool.Snorkelling off the beaches is great with an abundance of small fish and not too far out to live coral.There is also free tennis and a mini golf course again perfect for kids.
The Hilton is next door to the Marriott which is much newer but appears to be populated by older retired Americans or younger European couples.For those that are interested European sunbathing here is the term used for topless.
Across the road is the Floris suites which is much more upmarket and the rooms definitely much better but it is not on the beach.
Next instalment-what to do and eat in Curacao.

 

[drron]

Well the afternoon rain has just come in and today looks like it will be around for a while.Curacao is one of the Carribeans dry islands but this is its wet month.Has rained every day but usually for about an hour so not much problem.
The town of Willemstad is well worth seeing.Dutch architecture and multicoloured buildings lining the narrow entrance to a large protected harbour.Also the Queen Emma floating bridge which has to open for all shipping traffic which is quite frequent.Blew mr 4 year olds mind.originally constucted in 1888.Quite a few shops but not much variety and a good number of eating places.
Fortunately from the Hilton we had a view of the major cruise ship berth so picked 2 days when none in port.Hilton has a free shuttle to town but only takes 10 and only twice a day.Taxi costs $10-$20 depending on how hard you want to bargain or how honest the driver.The first night in town we ate at Kasbanini cafe on the top floor of Fort Rif.Spectacular view,see all the comings and going of the port and the friendliest wait staff we had.Service still slow but the lobster in whisky sauce was great and a very enjoyable night.
On the second visit we lunched at Le Govereur restaurant on the Otrabanda side-one of the reccomended places to eat.Food good,not badly priced but once again slow service.No such thing as a quick business lunch in Curacao.
For 2 days of our stay we hired a van and drove around the Island.In truth not much to see though there are quite a few very nice beaches on the south coast.Great diving I believe but there are dive companies at the Hilton,Marriott and floris suites.On the second day we visited the Park Tropicale.The kids thought it was great but a very poorly kept zoo-really sad especially the blind and lame panther.
From there we went to visit the ostrich farm.Again the tour for the kids was fantastic and the adults enjoyed the guides sense of humour.We made the mistake though of having lunch there.By now we were used to the very slow sevice but the ostrich meat was overcooked and dried out and everything was smothered in hot chili sauce,even the kids chicken wings.
That night we went to dinner at Fort Nassau which overlooks Willemstad-Fantastic views,food very good but expensive and once again very slow service.We arrived about 6.45pm and the kids meals arrived after 8.30pm.Fortunately Mr.4 was intrigued by the views from the fort but even he said he was getting angry because I havent got my food.
The best meal was at Sjalotte at the Floris Suites.Just the 2 of us for a change.Unfortunately the service was no faster but the food was first rate.The chef was Carribean chef of the year in 2006.Not as pricey as Fort Nassau but of course no view.Towards the end of the night a local fisherman arrived with his catch including a very large tuna.The chef sliced part of the tail flesh and everyone there was offered some of the freshest sashimi you will get.
When driving around the 2 things to do are to stop at some Landhuis-dutch plantation houses and at least one of the larger churches-the cemeteries are fascinating-all above ground.
Summary-a great place to spend a week out of the NYC winter.Not a proposition from australia but expats in the USA or Europe should consider it.Of course if you do have long trips both AA and KLM service Curacao.
Well tomorrow back to NYC with news our christmas cottage has had 2 feet of snow.

 

[drron]

Some days just dont go as planned.Booked a taxi to airport.He wanted to charge us $65-more than twice what we paid from airport.lowest he would accept was $40.Problem with bargaining-he did not turn up so had to find another taxi.No problems with checkin and off to MIA just 5 minutes late.Arrived 10 minutes early at high E22.
Now the test with a 2 hour transfer.Failed at the first hurdle with 90 minutes in Immigration so after customs over to the AA transfer desk-busy with many othersin the same situation.Agent got the 8 of us on the next flight in 1 hour.Only problem mrsdrron and I were in paid first so that explat would come with this sector but now only a coach BP and advice to get to gate quickly to go on upgrade(regrade?)list.
We had read about elite security line and at least all 8 of us now plats.identified elite line but lady?was not even looking at BPs but waving everyone over to the one line.Get to gate-E21! and are told that first class will be boarding in 2 minutes and here are your newBPs so that you can board with them.The checkin agent had rung the gate to arrange it.Great work AA.
Everyone boarded AA1818 for LGA and then captain announces we will be waiting at gate for 35 minutes due to delays at LGA.One of the FAs then takes 4 yr old grandson to coughpit-second time in 4 sectors this has happened.Sitting in 1E I could see and here everything.Captain asks him what he wants to be.Having spent a week in Curacao talking about pirates mr 4 answers-A Captain.So on goes Captains hat,all controls are demonstrated and then over the PA comes mr 4s voice"this is your captain speaking".Priceless.
No problems with flight.The BBQ sandwhich is quite acceptable.The crew had been told this was my qualifying segment so a bottle of wine to share.Coming into LGA was great with still a fair bit of snow on the ground.Unfortunately a 45 minute wait for bags,but a quick taxi trip into the Trump tower at UN.
Next instalment-more NYC restaurants.

 

[drron]

Back to NYC.First 2 restaurants i missed last report.Cipriani Dolci at Grand Central station.This is a branch of Harry's bar in Venice.The pasta,carpaccio and risotto all passed muster.A good place for people watching especially at lunch.Also in december Grand Central has a light show which makes a good backdrop for the meal.As well at Grand Central there is a Christmas craft market and the MTA have a christmas model train exhibition.
Next was Chinese Mirch at 120 Lexington,at 28th.Run by a family whose ancestors had lived in goa for a few hundred years.So chinese food with an Indian influence.It is spicy but very tasty and reccomended for all those who like a bit of spice.
Today it was lunch at Le Bernadin.At lunch it is a fixed price 3 course meal for $64.It was superb and definitely reccomended.They start with a salmon amusee bouche which was delightful.The appetisers are either raw or just warmed.Mrsdrron had the crab cake-allcrab and basically no cake.I started with the langoustine in a curry sauce-absolutely fantastic.
For mains mrsdron had the halibut in a lemongrass sauce-this was simply beautiful.i had pan fried red snapper with mini pappadums and a papaya chutney with a thai basil and lemon sauce.again delightful.For deserts we shared a passion fruit desert-simply sinful and a lemon parfait with meringue which was exquisite.All washed down with our Kiwi friends Marlborough sauvignon blanc and finished up with some almond and pistachio pastries.All up $230 with tip and well worth it.
Tomorrow off to the Adirondacks for the hoped for white christmas.

 

[turtlemichael]

Thanks drron. Loving the restaurant hints for my upcoming visit.

 

[drron]

Now for our northern adventure.Set off early for the Alamo depot on 37th.A real shambles but eventuall set off in a brand new Chevy Blazer.Pick up mrsdrron and all our gear and head north on 1st ave to I87N.We have not gone far before the snow on the ground is getting thicker and realise this is definitely going to be a white christmas.
First stop naturally for mrsdrron is Woodbury Commons outlets.She gets the Burberrys coat she has had her eyes on for about half the price it was in Singapore.A few other purchases and then lunch at the Positano restaurant in their food hall.They do really good calamari and mussels so this is always our lunch stop when we visit.
Make our nights stop at Albany Hampton at the airport by 5.30 but by then seems to be the middle of the night.We had stayed here about 5 years ago so we get a welcome back and a larger corner room which is the furhest away from the interstate and airport.We decide it will be a chjain restaurant tonight and opt for Smokey Bones a rib place.However their carpark is total slush and full so dsown the road for Red Lobster.Not gourmet food but consistent,reasonably priced and very efficient.We opt for the special shrimp promo-a dozen jumbo shrimp for $13 with a choice of presentations.
The next morning set out for the Adirondacks-temp -3C.Turn off the NY Thruway at Utica and head north on route12 through several quaint villages until we get to Lowville where there is a Walmart to get all our christmas supplies.Surprised to see an amish family in Walmart and when we went outside realised the covered area in front wasnt for carts but for Amish horse and buggies.Turns out this area is a mennonite community and so not as strict as those Amish from Lancaster county.
Lowville is the home of a large Kraft facility which is the home of Philly cream cheese-so made nowhere near Philly.Stop at their shop and sample some of their local cheeses and go off with quite a selection.Then off to the village of Croghan about 10 miles from our destination.Have lunch at Schultzs restaurant the home of the Lewis county Epicurean society.Lets say stopping off at Maccas in Lowville would have been a better choice.
The final couple of miles are on a snow covered road so grateful for the 4 wheel drive.Arrive at the Beaver Point Lodge where the 11 of us will have christmas.First impressions are great.More later.

 

[drron]

Beaver point lodge is great.caters for 14 and there are 11 in our party.On a point sticking out into a lake.Water has iced over and a covering of snow on top.At dusk several deer spotted.Fortunately as is usual the house has great heating.Lots of glass giving us great views.
To give you an idea of position we arte on the western edge of the Adirondacks park.About 25 miles south of Canada as the crow flies if he were here and about 30 miles east of Lake Ontario.There are at least 3 maple sugar establishments in the surrounding area,Croghan has a Maple Museum which houses the Maple Syrup Hall of Fame.A little north is the Fiddlers Hall of Fame.Wow what excitement.
The first day it is outside into the snow building snowmen and then snowball fights with the kids.The look on 4 young queenslanders faces who have never seen snow is priceless.Another trip into Lowville as shock horror we had forgotten the wine.At A and Z liquors we are greeted with so you are not from round these parts.No we are from Australia.So what are you doing here.Buying 20 litres of wine.
Only problem the Turducken has not arrived.If not here by tomorrow it is back into Croghan for a simple turkey and a bit more of the "world famous"croghan bologna from the meat market.
Sunday and a significant snow melt with a warm spell-temp hit 5C.Tomorrow though the forecast is for 1-2 feet of snow so the white christmas is still on.
A very merry christmas to you all.

 

[littl_flier]

Tomorrow though the forecast is for 1-2 feet of snow so the white christmas is still on.
A very merry christmas to you all.

And a very merry Christmas to you and your family as well drron. Great Trip Report, Caracus sounds like heaps of fun. Enjoy the white christmas.

Cheers,
littl_flier

 

[drron]

Well our turducken did not arrive so it was back into Croghan on christmas eve.The fact that more than half of the wine had mysteriously disappeared in 2 days of course was not a factor.Problem was on Monday the snow was really falling.Decided to wait until things eased but of course that did not happen.
So about midday 2 intrepid Sunshine coasters took off in a snowstorm with visibility down to a few feet and 12 inches of fresh snow on the road.The Chevvy Blazer with its 4 wheel drive was fantastic with no help at all from the skilled driver and we arrived in Croghan with no problems.First stop the Liquor store which is also the dry cleaners(hope they dont mix their fluids) and video rental.Surprisingly good selection and we take back 2 bottles of Great Western Champagne-no not from central Victoria but New York state.Funny that there are no limits on wine names here-suppose the French dont want to antagonise their major export market.Naturally a few other bottles of wine as well and off to the meat market.Walk in-have we arrived on the set of deliverance?No turkeys,no bologna in fact nothing-why are you open?Well so that everyone can collect their meat pointing to the fridge stacked with white paper packages.
Off to the IGA.Arrived just before 1pm and the sign on the door said closing at 12 noon.However door open so went in startling the manager.Fortunately she was verey willing to sell her last turkey but locked the door when we went out.Christmas saved!
Much better time on the way back as now very confident with my snow driving skills.Naturally about 5 minutes after getting back the snow slows to gentle flurries.However the place is a picture especially with the visit of some white tailed deer and some small birds to the feeder we have set up.Cant wait for christmas.

 

[Evan]

Wow sounds like it was a great Christmas. Shame about the turducken ! i have only ever had it once and i can tell you what a great idea
mmmm Turkey, Duck & Chicken !

 

[serfty]

... mmmm Turkey, Duck & Chicken !

I must admit, that's a new one on me.

I looked it up: Turducken - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Not sure I like the idea, but I'd try most things at least once ...

BTW, I'm enjoying the TR.

 

[drron]

Well Christmas day arrived and a very definite white chrismas with still a light dusting.Great to be present at our new 11 week old grandaughters first christmas.She was in fine form with 4 cousins to keep her occupied.
Our christmas lunch was saved by the last Croghan turkey along with a local ham and all the trimmings.Finished with Grandmas Christmas pudding which travelled from Australia very well.Accompanied by a lovely 1927 solera Pedro Ximinez and finally a bottle of yalumba antique tawny.Then of course the compulsory post lunch snack before a late afternoon snowball fight.
Boxing day and the sun was out so we could go for a long walk along the back country roads-invigorating.
Thursday was another winter storm with a fairly heavy snowfall making for a few more snowmen and the inevitable snowballs.Today also the email from AA acknowledging Explat status.
Tomorrow our Adirondack stay comes to an end with a 5 day meandering through New england visiting several outlet centres before returning to NYC on January 2nd.