Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Day Eighteen - In New York!!

Hey there guys!

So there is a massive queue of people checking in and out of this hostel. May as well give you guys a quick update:

Before I left for NY yesterday, I managed to get a measley 2hrs sleep, as I had to spend all night booking the train, working out how I was getting to the train, working out where I was going in Montreal and New York, and booking accommodation, then packing. Unfortunately, a blog update was sacrificed.

The first interesting part of the trip was walking outside the residence - it had snowed, roughly 5cm! In the cab on the way to the Sherbrooke bus station, I managed to have an almost-all French conversation with the driver, which while basic, made me feel quite proud. Having then caught the 2hr Limocar to Montreal, I caught the metro the the train station, where I would catch the Adirondale for 11hrs to NY.

The train was so comfortable! It was like first class seats on an aeroplane - they were super wide, the back reclined and there was a knee/leg rest thing too (just like a lounge chair), there was a powerpoint, and best of all, I got two seats to myself! It was also very smooth and comfortable. The 11hrs felt like nothing (could have easily gone for longer), and the only thing worth mentioning was the trouble at the US/Canada border corssing: For some reason, a 5yr travel visa for the US wasn't enough for the officials, and I still had to pay $6 for a visa waiver permit or something. I would have argued, but you know, its the US customs, and I was just grateful to get through. But this brought up another problem - I forgot to bring my US currency! Fortunately I could exchange it at the dining cart (CA$20 for US$16 - did I get ripped off?).

Surprisingly, there was snow all the way until about 3hrs before New York, sometimes looking like it had snowed more there than it had back in Bishops. Speaking of snow, its meant to be snowing heaps on Wednesday. Looking forward to getting back and seeing a permanent layer on the ground, especially when my family are due to visit so soon!!!

In New York, navigating the subway system from the train station to my accommodation was quite difficult, if not just because it took me ages to work out where I was, where I was going, and what to catch to get there. But there was no problems, the subway was busy even at 8.30pm so I never once felt unsafe or anything, and I arrived at the Tone on Lex where I had planned to stay.

Unfortunately, I hadn't booked for last night, and they were all full. I did however meet Beata and her friend there, and after a bit of quick research, I found an alternate place and stayed here for the night at Jazz on the Park. Absolutely massive in comparison! The bed was very uncomfortable and there was a super loud snorer, but the people here were great, and I spent the night beforehand socialising with some Brits and Aussies..

Anyway, I've booked the next three nights at Tone on Lex, so I'm just about to check out now and make my way over there to drop off the luggage. Don't know what we've got planned for today, but its a nice day out, and it should be great!

Hope all is well wherever you may reside!

Jono

P.S. My family are leaving for Canada tomorrow!!! So excited for them! And mum, if you happen to read this, know that you'll be absolutely fine on your plane trip, and that I can't wait to see you on the 17th!!!

3 comments:

  1. Whether or not you have a visa you still have to pay to enter the country. The form that was filled out is an arrival/departure form, you'll have to do one of those every time you enter and leave the country.

    Cabs are a viable option if you are just travelling around the cbd. They are super cheap in the US, it will be about $5 to get from Central Park to Times Square, which isn't much more expensive than the subway, and a lot faster.

    If you are looking for somewhere nice and cheap to eat, there is a Thai place on 44th street in between 7th and 8th Avenue. There is also a place called Brooklyn Diner that is quite cheap and is quintessential US diner food. I can't remember which street it is, but if you go to Columbus Square near Central Park, someone will know.

    Have fun!

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  2. New York city! so you are alone there? Enjoy your time! and soon you will be happy to see your family! When do you come back to Bishop's? I am leaving Monday, so I hope can say to you good bye, and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (a little bit ealiern but it doesn't matter)
    Enjoy enjoy Ozzy guy

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  3. Hey Jono Glad to hear you are enjoying yourself and got there safely. Pleased also to hear that it is snowing!! Looking forward very much to seeing you soon - no more talking through a computer! Take care and enjoy the rest of your time in New York! Love Mum, Dad and Andrew xxx

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