The godfather in New Joisey.

[drron]

Well here we go again.since getting back from Darwin I have worked a month in Mackay again with a DJ flight up and back and JQ flights one weekend to come back and see the grandkids.This time the JQ flights were actually early,the DJ flights late.One interesting fact.When i came back on the weekend i left my MKY long term parking ticket at home when i flew back.Now the ticket machine has an option which I clicked which says"Lost Ticket".Clicking on this brings up the prompt-insert your ticket-what the!
So I press the Help button-the machine starts beeping and everyone is watching me.Eventually a guy turns up and I tell him my story.Now it is $12 a day and the car has been there 51 hours.There is also a message saying there is a penalty for a lost ticket.i expect i will be paying ~$48.The guy gets in touch with the boss who obviously pushes a few buttons and trhe machine comes up-"you owe $24".Whoa.I pay cash-they are not going to track me down!
So back to the trip.Woken ~ 0430 by a call from NYC-mrsdrron went earlier on an award ticket.I still had a few days to work.0630 and I am picked up by Little mountain limos-mrsdrron has organised this time for my 11am flight-and i had to argue for it to be this late!
Arrive BNE 0740.By 0800 I am in the QP.Checkin was a breeze with a very pleasant agent.At the top of the escalator there is a group of asians milling around blocking access.they are bruseqly told to move by the fellow weighing carryons-mine comes in at 10.2kg but i am waved through.Through the express line-and it really was and to the QP.
Brekkie is some bircher muesli and tomato juice-I hadnt lost the 6KG I set out to lose before this trip began.Then again I am not going to overeat in the US-sure,right.Leave the lounge a little after 10 to walk around a little before the long sector to LAX.Get selected for a further security check at the gate.Get to the gate at 1020 when boarding is scheduled to begin.Actually begins 1028.
BNE-LAX QF15. ETD 1105.
Pullback 1113.Take off 1132.
Seat 13B-upstairs.
Next-the flight.

 

[drron]

Soon safely ensconced in 13B and swap my coat for a glass of Charles Heisdeck.As is usual for QF when the glass is empty it is removed-no offer of a refill.Lunch is served soon after takeoff.
I start with a prosciutto and pamesan salad with red wine dressing-I liked it.
Next i chose the seared kingfish with cafe de paris butter,celeriac gratin and spinach.The fish was a tad more than seared and really quite dry.The other choices were a braised chicken breast with lemon and olives served over pasta or a rack of lamb,aioli and rosemary veggies.
Finished with the cheese plate which was passable.
I stared the meal with a Penfolds bin 51 Eden valley Reisling-OK.
Next the Yalumba chardy again OK.No reds this time.Finished with the Baileys Founders Muscat which I have become partial to.Kerry Anne kindly lets me finish the bottle.
After lunch i try to nap.The rug rat in 11 starts to cry.so i watch My Life In Ruins-a good distraction.Just as I finish they announce the system is to be rebooted-no one on the upper deck is having problems and many were half way through a movie.I then watch The Boat That Rocks-at least i enjoyed the music.
Try and nap again but this time screams from row 11.So i watch Kenny which I had missed before.I enjoyed it despite the inaccuracies-when was the last time QF flew into Nashville?The portrayal of Kenny's father though was a little bit too close for comfort.Again every time I lay down Row 11 erupts.So I read for the rest of the flight.
Touch down at LAX-0714.No queue at Immigration,friendly agent.Through to baggage carousel and my bag is already there so first out through customs,recheck my bag and in the lounge at Tom Bradley before 0800.
Off to NYC is next.

 

[drron]

In the tom bradley lounge I just have a juice and catch up on my emails.It certainly is a great improvement on what was there before.Walking to the gate for QF107 I have this sudden fear I have done a QF009 and left my camera on QF15.search my carryon and there is my camera case but no camera-what is mrsdrron going to say .Ask at the gate and the agent radios the cleaning team-nothing found-Oh well get over it.
QF107 LAX-JFK Est Boarding 0830.Actual-0847.
ETD-0915.Pushback-0924.Take off-0935.
Allocated 17B.Very low load so i move into 17A.
Decline the champagne :shock: and have the OJ instead.Soon after takeoff a light lunch is served.Choices-Smoked salmon with green bean and rocket salad.
Penne with zucchini and goat's cheese.
I have the Veal schnitzel with with lemon,coleslaw and herbed potatoes.Quite nice.
I start with a glass of the 2002 Taylors Cab sav but then 2 glasses of the Mt. langhi cliff edge shiraz 2004.
For dessert i have the Apricot Frangipane tart-OK but of course a couple of glasses of the Baileys founders muscat.
Whilst partaking we pass over Las Vegas and Grand rapids,colorado.After lunch I drift off.Come too as our descent is announced,crossing the coast of delaware then up over east Long island so no view of Manhattan.
Touch down 1712.At terminal 1727.Through to baggage claim.A united flight has come in just before us and their bags are coming out.The first bag out with a QF tag is Drrons!:shock:.Out to the taxi queue before 6pm.
NYC is next.

 

[drron]

Forgot the best bit of QF107.before landing I was handed my coat.Went to get BP out of the inside pocket and voila!There was my camera-short term memory-what's that?
Anyway get to the taxi rank and there are about 20 people in line and no taxis.the dispatcher is on the radio and in about 90 seconds 10 taxis appear.I would have been in number 9 but it is a large van and the 3 young women behind me have a lot of baggage so I graciously give it up and take number 10.As we hit the Van Wyck expressway we turn off.However the $45 flat fare from JFK is showing on the meter.Hello,hello-I see the headlines now-Old aussie Tourist missing.But no-I glance to my left and note the Van Wyck is a parking lot.Finally i have got a good NY taxi driver-should have taken note of his name!
When my taxi arrived at the midtown tunnel a car was pulled up in front of us in the Ezipass lane,an uniformed fellow came across,a note was proffered which he pocketed,pushed a button and through the car went.Gotta love New Yorkers

At 6.30pm I walk onto floor 37 of the Hilton New york and there I see the beautiful mrsdrron in the Club lounge-already a glass of red wine poured for me,she sure is special.
After a drink or 3 i share my experiences with mrsdrron.Her taxi driver had not turned on the meter,talked on the phone all the time in his native language and on arriving at the midtown tunnel pulled out an Ezipass doodie from his pocket.Fortunately for him she did not take his name and number.
The NYC Hilton club on 6th Ave-

Next-The Glass house.

 

[drron]

After drinks in the lounge of the NY Hilton club we went down to 49th street to City lobster.We go here because it is close to the Hilton and we love Maine lobster.Now a year ago lobster here was $US29.95 a lb.Now it is $19 a lb.The GFC has a siver lining!We both had a 2lb lobster.Now a year ago at this time of night you might have to wait a while for a table.Not now-several tables remain empty throughout the night.As well the Maitre'd checks on us several times whereas a year ago this would have been unusual.We thoroughly enjoy our lobster.
We are here in LOTFAP for my godson's wedding which is taking place in New Jersey about 40 miles from the Hilton.But we are taking the long way round and driving up to New Canaan,CT before backtracking to the Sheraton Mahwah for the night.We have spent at least 6 months of our life in NYC over the last 7 years so we are always seeking out different experiences.The Glass House is architect's Phillip Johnson's place.He designed the New building for NY's Museum Of Modern Art.He and his partner David Whitney donated over 2000 works to the MOMA.
First though it is a walk over to Dollar to pick up my Dodge Charger.Have to wait 25 minutes as a non-english speaking group of russians is picking up a car-and trying to get the 16 year pld son as an extra driver as he has a driver's licence!Get to the agent-"Hallelujah,someone who speaks English!"Taps the keys-"and you have rented here before-Oh thank the Lord".So back and pick up mrsdrron and off we head.takes a while to get out of NYC-everyone must be going away for the weekend.when we reach the Hutchison river/Merritt Parkway(route15N) the going is easy.
Takes us 90 minutes to get to the Visitor centre where all the tours leave from.It is right across the road from the New Canaan railway station which can be reached on Metro North from grand Central.We went on a 90 minute tour(only 10 per group).Cost was $30.You are bussed from the visitor centre to the Estate.I will let the pictures tell the story.first the entrance-

The"Monster"-was to be the visitor centre-

The studio from the Monster-

The House-

And guest quarters-

I should mention on the 90 minute tour no photographs are allowed-however our guide when she found out we were from Australia said she would look the other way.
Continued with more pics next.

 

[drron]

View from the Glasshouse-

The sculpture gallery.The lighting is incredible-

The Art Gallery-

Cant see ie,just through the red doors-

So it was back to the visitors centre and a walk around New Canaan which is a lovely little town.

After leaving the Glasshouse we had made up our mind to have a late lunch at Legal Seafoods at the Palissades mall Nanuet.Disaster it had closed-we were so looking forward to a lobster roll.For those of you going to Woodberry Commons by car-stop off-a Lord& Taylors,Macys and a few others as well as cinemas.We went to a branch of a NYC favourite of ours East and had sushi instead of a lobster roll.
From there it was a very short hop to the Sheraton Mahwah our home for the next 3 days and where the Aussie contingent for the wedding was staying.
That will be next.

 

[drron]

At checkin at the Sheraton Mahwah we are told hotel is full and that the lounge is closed so here is a coupon for breakfast in the restaurant.given a room on the top floor-but a basic room just on the high floor.As at most Sheratons now there is Sheraton link in the lobby for free internet access-either on their computers or your own.No free in room access though.
Had a light meal at their restaurant-I had a country bean soup,really good with a lot of spicy sausage.Then a Caesar salad with chicken that is good.Mrsdrron has the Napa cabbage salad with Asian marinated chicken-it was really good.Have a bottle of Monkey bay SB with it.
Down to brekkie on saturday-place full of Aussies.Limited buffet but an egg cook and the omelette is very good.Also the best bacon I have had in the states-apple smoked and not overdone.On the way out show my coupon and the woman says I have to take it-I say it is valid for 3 days-of we go to front desk and the woman says that coupon was for Monday.As the lounge is normally closed on weekends there is no breakfast given.There is not even water in the room-when we are back in the area will definitely go back to the nearby HGI-even as Gold I will do better there with breakfast guaranteed.
9am and it is of to the wedding.I am officially now the Godfather.However the bride is from an Italo-American family so I am definitely not the only one there!The wedding is in a chapel in the New Jersey Botanical Gardens-a really pretty place-

At the wedding I sit down next to a woman who turns out to be the daughter of one of my old bosses when i was doing my training-a small world.Her husband is a lawyer for News LTD.A fascinating mornings conversations.The wedding went off beautifully and we made our way to the reception at Skylands Manor-still in the gardens-

Next I enjoy a wedding feast.

 

[drron]

We arrive at the manor and enter in company with the bride's godfather-later a very entertaining discussion on Godfathers in New Joisey.We are ushered into a large room with a large central table loaded with Italian antipasti,the champagne is on a side table.Go through into another large room with tables of red and white wine-so we indulge.the next room has an open bar and tables with a selection of pastas and sauces.Through to a smaller room and the table there has a selection of caviars and vodkas as well as smoked salmon and other smoked fishes.Then to a room where they are grilling(ie on a barbecue) various meats and vegetables.All the time waiters are circulating with various other goodies.We are having a great time until about an hour or so later when they announce will guests please go to the great hall where you will find a bottle of champagne with your name on it.This will give you your table number for lunch-Lunch :shock:!Isn't that what we have just had-no that was merely the appetisers.
So we sit down to a formal 4 course lunch.Thank goodness there is no set of scales back at the hotel.Great company with an Australian international winemaker of the year-you just have to work out who that is.We were entertained then by a 9 person group of varying ages and ethnicity-really good too.
Finally the time came when we had to leave.It was a great day.Got back to the hotel around 1800,lay down and woke 3 hours later.For some reason we dont feel like dinner.
Next-retail therapy.

 

[drron]

Now one of the great things about the Sheraton mahwah(or the HGI Nanuet) is that is less than half an hour from Woodbury commons straight up the Thruway(I87).It is one of the better factory outlets that there is with lots of upmarket outlets.It also has a reasonable Italian restaurant-The Positano who do a great dish of mussels-we always eat there.helps of course that it is also in the AA dining program so i earn more AA miles!
We arrive at 0950-on the weekends if you are driving this is essential,by 1100 the huge parking lot is full to capacity.It was a perfect shopping day-overcast,occasional light showers so you didnt feel you were missing out on anything else.We spend 5 hours there and pick up quite a few bargains-although you are getting end of season stuff it is next season's stuff in Australia.
Afterwards we go over the road to Kohls(think Target here).We pick up more stuff at a minimum 70% off.A hint go to the stores website and see if they have any coupons to print out-here we saved an extra 15% by doing this.We then went back to the Borders in Mahwah-virtually the only place open as Bergen county,NJ has most shops close at midday saturday and not opening on sundays.Agai I had joined Borders rewards-free-and the send emails.This weekend I had a coupon for 40% off everything so we both stocked up on reading material and got birthday and Christmas presents for the grandkids.
Back to the hotel for a nanny nap and again we have dinner in the hotel-actually a reasonable restaurant.I have the seafood platter which is 4 large scallops,7 large shrimp,2 pieces of salmon with a large serve of asparagus and $28.
Next-back to NYC.

 

[drron]

Instead of driving down I87 to NYC we instead went down RTE 59.Much more interesting going through the smaller towns.Signs of the GFC are everywhere though.The Nanuet mall where we have shopped before is virtully a ghost mall.Even at the palissades Mall there are many empty shops.We do a little retail therapy at Macy's and Lord&taylors.Once again remember to get your Macy's Overseas visitors discount card-at any Macys.Follow the road to Nyack-a pleasant place to visit.

Then despite the numerous times we have been to NYC I made an elementary mistake-we went to visit the NY Botanical Gardens and just like museums it is closed Mondays.So back to the Henry Hudson parkway and come into Manhattan on the East side.I have to say this is a very pleasant way to come back in.Can turn into 54th street and drive straight to the Hilton.Drop off mrsdrron and take the car back to Dollar.Daisy is happy to see me-at least I am organised knowing mileage etc.different to the majority of tourists she has to deal with.
Checking into the Hilton club for the first time I am told because I am a diamond member I can use the club lounge or the executive lounge on 44.Well now the alcohol is free in the club lounge and costs in the exec lounge-I didnt bother renewing my acquaintence.As mrsdrron unpacked I went to the Deli on the other side of 6th ave and got some fruit-beautiful,big dark,sweet cherries and some mangotango pluots-also very sweet.
After happy hour we went down to 47th to Dervish(just around the corner from the DT suites).A Turkish restaurant we used to go to as we loved their deserts.The whole menu had changed.The mussels were NZ green lipped and tough and chewy.None of our favourite desserts were on the menu.Very disappointed.
Tuesday and a late start again.Walk up to Columbus Circle.Wander through Whole Foods.A great place to pick up some eats and take for a picnic into Central Park.Not for us today though.We go up to the Borders-20% of kids books today.As usual I go through some of the non fiction and pick up a book on the demise of Bear Stearns-as it turns out very prescient.
Back to the hotel and change into my good clobber.Lunch is going to be at the best value 3 Michelin hat restaurant in Manhattan.That is next.

 

[pblackm]

Very interesting trip report. But what is LOTFAP? Land Of The ???

 

[NM]

Very interesting trip report. But what is LOTFAP? Land Of The ???

Land Of The Free And Paranoid

 

[serfty]

Very interesting trip report. But what is LOTFAP? Land Of The ???

See here:

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/your-questions/abbreviations-and-explanations-5056.html

 

[drron]

I apologise for my use of shorthand-but it is one of the things I have learnt from the old hands here.It certainly struck a chord with me as i love visiting the USA but it is in some ways quite a schizophrenic place and LOTFAP expresses that.
Anyway back to the TR-there I go again.
Those who have read some of my old longwinded TRs possibly remember that one of my favourite NYC restaurants is Le Bernadin.Chef Eric Rippert-it has had 3 Michelin hats for some years.Quite simply a great seafood restaurant.Lunch is a bargain.The price has increased from $US65 to $US68 for 3 courses but now you can choose any 3 courses so if you like can have 3 mains.Not for us though.In another sign of the GFC we had booked this only the night before-usually it was at least a month before.And there were empty tables.On our previous 3 visits we had booked through Opentable and were seated away from the entrance.On this occasion we had the staff at the Hilton club book it so were seated at the front of the restaurant-ap[pearances are so important in LOTFAP.
Glancing over at the next table i immediately recognised Jamie Dimon-CEO of JP Morgan.Now remember the book I had skimmed at Borders just before lunch-well it was JP Morgan that absorbed Bear Stearns so his photo was prominent in the book.So we had made it in NYC society .
For starters you are given complimentary salmon rillette-really great taste and texture.Mrsdrron starts with shrimp,foie gras,mushrooms and greens and declares it fantastic.I start with foie gras on toast covered with a layer of raw tuna and chopped chives-exquisite.They really do get great combinations of flavours and have not failed the taste test yet.
Mrsdrron then has the lobster($20 supplement) and asparagus.The lobster is the sweetest she has ever tasted but fresh as we were from spargel season in Germany she declares the asparagus just overcooked-but it is a seafood restaurant.I have wild striped bass with langoustine and tomato agnotti in a bouillabisse soup with curry emulsion and again I have to use the word exquisite.The flavours mesh beautifully,the pasta explodes with the old fashioned taste of tomato.
Before the next course we are served a chocolate mousse with a vanilla cream and salty caramel on top-served in an eggshell.Fantastic.A pity i didnt take my camera.
We then both had the Apricot dessert-just divine.I had a coffee.We had a bootle of Marlborough Sav Blanc and the total bill was $US285.If you didnt have the lobster and forgo the wine it would be $US180.For a 3 hat Michelin restaurant this is great value.But you have to enjoy seafood that is not overcooked-the dishes are divided into 3 groups-raw,warm and slightly cooked but to me it is an experience-our 4th visit and if we are back in NYC we will go again.
Now this is next-

So where in the world has drron gone.Find out in the next exciting episode.

 

[drron]

Before I reveal my secret I will finish off Tuesday's activities.After Lunch at Le Bernadin we went for a walk and ended up at the Rockefeller center.We first went to one of our favourite shops-American Craftsman-always have a look.nearby was a jewellers and so in we went.Now Mrsdrron's birthday was a week away and we would be in the backwoods of Minnesota.We had looked at a few diamonds before this and let me warn you-not all NYC jewellers are kocher.Diamonds presented as VVS2 clarity when the inclusions could be seen with the naked eye.
However this time they certainly appeared legit-a jewish family business-in NYC,surprise,surprise.Now I have some Jewish features-not surprising as in my family tree reseach names such as Levi,Abraham etc suddenly appear in the records.Manny and Steve were typical New yorkers and real salesman.Before we got out of the shop mrsdrron had an order in for a diamond and pink sapphire ring complete with GIA certificate.Now a word of advice-spouse brownie points are worth a lot more than an AA,QF,HH or SPG point.
After that back for a nap and happy hour snacks served as dinner.
Wednesday-After breakfast we walked down to the Rockefeller center and caught the B train to Prospect Park in Brooklyn.Yes thats right those photos are of the Japanese Gardens in the Brooklyn botanical gardens.Next door is the Brooklyn Museum so you can make a day of it if you want.Our visit though was for the Japanese gardens,though the Water gardens had both water lillies and lotus flowering.A few more shots-

Now you can have lunch at the gardens but we decided on BBQ.So back to the subway and caught the Q train back to Times Square.We were going to walk to Dallas BBQ but it had started raining so we just walked around the corner to Virgils-which is a tourist place but the meat is reasonable.It is usually crowded but if you get here about 2pm(as we did) until about 5pm you will have no wait.Mrsdrron had the pulled pork and beef ribs,I the pulled pork and beef brisket.It was good but again we are full and the lounge snacks will do us for dinner.
Fortunately after lunch the rain has settled so we walk back to the Hilton via the jewellers to pick up the resized ring.
Next-our last day in NYC.

 

[drron]

So on thursday we left the hotel about 1000 and walked to 7th Ave. to get the 6 bus to Union Square.We do prefer the bus to the subway-subway is more efficient but you see more from the bus and there are no stairs to negotiate.Unfortunately today is not one of the days there is a Farmer's Market on at Union Square so the cider donuts will have to be another day,but there is a lot in the area.Mrsdrron heads to Filene's basement and DSW.Now guys if you are into books let your partner do this but you head south on broadway to the Strand bookstore-can keep you out of trouble for quite some time.or you can go to the north side of the square to Barnes and Noble.After meet at Max Brenners for a low calorie chocolate experience.
Also nearby is another of our favourite stores-the ABC store-a mecca for home nicnacs.We pass today and walk down 17th where there is the Rubens Art gallery near 5th.A great place if you enjoy Himalayan art.Just around the corner is Loehmans-another discount shopping experience.
Then it is over to 9th ave to Chelsea Markets.Pick up lobster rolls at The Lobster Place.There are also a few places to pick up cupcakes which are popular in NYC-personally overhyped and expensive.Finally back to 6th ave and again catch the number 6 bus back to the Hilton.
just before 5pm when we get back.notice the food cart opposite the Hilton on 53rd only has about 10 people in the queue-very unusual.This is the busiest food cart in NYC that i have seen.
Friday now comes around and it is time to leave.Dont know when we will be back but we will.It is a great place to visit.Once you have been and done your 35 must dos in 3 days come back and spens a little time getting to know the place.Just lay back and enjoy it.There is something for everyone.For Aussies,dont be afraid to hire a car and get out for a few days-the Hudson valley,Catskills and lower CT have a lot to offer.Driving is easy here,Americans are much more polite drivers than the average Aussie.
Next-off to Minnesota.

 

[drron]

Off in our cab to LGA.We head out over the Queensboro bridge.Just before the bridge I see a sign-No Honking,$350 fine-Now Mayor Mike,just enforce this and your budget problems are over!.We go up 33rd street to Astoria Blvde.Once again i had got a good taxi driver.with tip it was $25-previously i have paid $30 to get to the Hilton.
To AA checkin.Fortunately the bags of the previous pax are on the scales so agent is distracted.First bag weighs 56lb but the 2 together are 91lb so no comments are made.Now I had come over with the bags Russian doll style and they weighed 21kg(44lb) so you can see the US economy did well out of us.Through security quickly and to the AC.The LGA AC was the first and celebrating 70 years of service.You could get a special anniversary glass with vanilla coke-no thanks.As usual a poor selection of food-basically only bagels and cream cheese.Jugs of orange or cranberry juice and airpots of coffee.The main bar was closed.
AA321 LGA-ORD. ETD 1105.Pullback 1104 immediately after last pax boarded-everyone else had been on board 10 minutes.Take off 1123.
ETA 1230. Actual 1214.Seats 4A,B.
For the meal I had the beef quesadilla.OK but it was spicy.Mrsdrron had the chicken salad and felt it was reasonable.We both had the chardy-the only people drinking it and FA thought we might as well finish the bottle-it started about 75% full.We obliged.Fa James had first asked us if we wanted a small or large glass-no prizes for guessing what we chose.F was full in the mad dog but James handled it superbly.did not see much of the female FA-presumably she was plating.
ORD certainly has been tarted up since we were last here-6-7 years ago.There wasnt a long time between flights so we wandered around the shops and had a Starbucks before boarding.No meal service on this flight so once again had 4A,B.
AA1134 ORD-MSP. ETD 1330. Pullback 1425,take off 1429.
ETA 1515. Actual 1535.
At the gate I was pulled aside for a secondary screening.I had my passport out and open.TSA agent looked at it-"Oh,sorry.We cant hold an Aussie up."So through I went.A tsa agent with a heart :shock:.
We had all boarded,door closed,air bridge back when it was discovered the slide on the right front exit had come adrift.Had to get a new cable from the hangar so an hours delay.Unlike JQ we did get a drinks service.As AA obviously has a bit of slack built in now our arrival was only 20 minutes behind schedule.We flew over MSP and down to the south west over Chuska-where the PGA was being played.
On arrival our bags were next to last out.Apart from that MSP appears a pretty efficient place-obviously being done up at the present.
Next-adsventures in MSP.

 

[drron]

After picking up our bags we head to the Hertz desk.For the second time Hertz stiff us.We have booked and paid for a full size car-on the sheet at each computer this is listed as a Chevvy Impala.We get a Chevvy Malibu-clearly listed not as class F but as D-a standard car.complain but she wont budge even showing our Hertz Number 1 gold card.This time there will be complaints.
Just a short trip to the Westin Edina Galleria.Review is here-
http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...stin-edina-galleria-minneapolis-mn-19270.html
Very impressed with the management here and had a great stay.I know QF009 would stay at the W-Foshay down town but parking there is $30 a night and here it is free.As well it is right beside one shopping mall and across the road from another with a Super Target out the back.mrsdrron thought it one of the best situated hotels she had experienced.The hotel was full-PGA was on 10 miles down the road.Service though was exceptional.We had booked 3 weeks out and I was able to use my last free weekend night plus book a rate including breakfast that was cheaper than the best available rate.
After a short visit to the exec. lounge we are off to the Southside Mall-first indoor mall in the USA.Minnesota has no sales tax on clothes or shoes and as at all Macy's foreign visitors get a discount card-here 11%(in NYC it is 10%).So a few purchases.Then we had dinner at P F Changs which is in the mall.Asian restaurants in the US are mostly of poor quality but this chain does serve up some tasty dishes.We have salt and pepper calamari and BBQ ribs as appetisers then have beef+snow peas and lemon scallops-brilliant-as mains.They are both served with a bowl of steamed rice.A plate of wok fried mushrooms as a side.Add a bottle of NZ Sav Blanc and with tip it was $80.
Back to the Westin and a heavenly nights sleep.Breakfast was in the lounge-quite good with a bowl of huge raspberries.After this we drive to Albertville and the premium outlets.Was tempted by a good choice of Polo sports coats at $A110 but decided since retirement I dont really need this.buy a lot for the grandkids.
Nearby is a Culvers frozen custard-really creamy(and obviously low calorie ) ice cream.We each have a cone-yummyThen a drive to the Great Mall of America-that is next.

 

[drron]

The Mall Of America-the USA's largest mall.The embodiment of the US consumption ethos.despite the GFC it appears to be still going strong.About 500 shops,nearly 50 eating places,cinemas,a full scale amusement park,mini golf,flight simulator,stock car circuit,aquarium and water park etc,etc,etc.Surrounded by an 8 story car park on 3 sides.Connected to MSP and downtown Minneapolis by light rail.Surrounded by hotels.And no sales tax on clothes or shoes.A shopaholics total fix.
Do a bit of damage at Macys.You get your discount card at this Macys in the Gift wrapping section.Also at Nordstrom rack-Nordstrom's outlet-some great bargains.just a little of the place-

The amusement park-

And a Lego centre for the littlies-

About 1600 we go to one of our favourite chains-Tony Romas-for our lunner(lunch/dinner).We both have a filling large plate of ribs plus a wine and a beer and all up $50.On our way out we cant help being tempted into buying some cinnabons for later-dieting US style!
Drive back to the westin.Time for a short visit to the lounge mainly to pick up some bottled water for our next weeks driving.Wanted some extra milk for the in room coffee.Wasnt any there but attendant arranged for some to be sent up.As I said before,the staff here are great.
Next-2 old Aussies driving Minnesota.

 

[drron]

Sunday and we start off with breakfast in the room.Juice,toast,eggs,bacon and taties with some coffee.Nice.Before setting off we called in at the 24 hour Super Target behind the Westin to pick up some snacks and things for the road.A huge place.Now they even have a Target doctor who on Sunday is present from 9am to 4 pm.
We then set off down Hway 169.Pass Jimmy's orchard advertising 39 types of root beer!.Take the advice of the guides and stop at Emma Krumbee's apple orchard-ho hum,no need to bother.
Drive through Le Sueur-advertising Dr. W Mayo's first house with tours.it is closed and looks like it is only 2-3 rooms.Next is St.Peters.The highlight is said to be having your photo taken at the Pearly Gates.They are digging up Main street so we miss the excitement.
We next detour to New Ulm-the place where New in Town was meant to be set-the filming was in Canada though.We go to Minnesota's oldest Brewery-Schells.Looks a lot better in the books.Although the museum is said to open at 11 and it is now past 12 it is closed.So we go into town to have some lunch.
Now this place has a German heritage and one of the attractions is a Glockenspiel.Wow!We decide to lunch at a German restaurant-Kaiserhoff.Well the atmosphere is more old Americana with jukeboxes playing tunes from the 40s,50s and early 60s.Even has Harry Belafonte.Fond memories of the Carribbean.You could however pick tunes from Glenn Miller,Guy Lombardo,Bing Crosby,Tony orlando up to Kenny rogers.I had a German sampler-

Mrsdrron had the Pork chop which came with the strangest salad-

And the chop-

I had a Schell summer special beer and mrsdrron a glass of white.All up-$40.Just over the road is a building thar was an old hotel and was a hospital,naturally run by Dr. Mayo in the Dakota wars-

We decided to go back to Mankato,where we were staying the night,by route 68.We stop off at the Morgan creek Vineyards on the way.However it is $2 to taste 3 wines and the only whites are sweet so we passed.Easily foynd the HGI Mankato which is virtually brand new and overlooks the Minnesota river.....and the railway yards.
That is next.