American holiday help.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 2:41 pm

If all goes well, I am off to the Big Apple en route to Panora Iowa in September.

Any tips for what to do and see in New York, where to stay or where not to stay for a three day stop over.

Any tips on bargain flights, best Insurance for my situation in fact anything you think might be of help.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:06 pm

I loved The Natural History Museum.

American Museum of Natural History - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I suspect the Mrs will love this.

Bloomingdale's Flagship Store in New York City Shopping Guide

trivago.co.uk - The world's top hotel price comparison site with over 700,000 hotels

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:10 pm

September, hey?

The Staten Island Ferry is free, passes right by the Statue of Liberty, offers Stupendous Views of our skyline & a walk through downtown by the terminal brings you to the Wall Street area which has been beautifully renovated, great restaurants, near Chinatown & Little Italy.

New York is a walker's Paradise. Let me know the things you enjoy doing. Be glad to help.

Post by **LarsMac** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:48 pm

For details on the City, itself, Anne is the expert, I think.

The American Museum of Natural History is a great place to get lost for a few days. I know. I have been known to spend an entire day there and only leave when they kicked me out.

So much to do.

As for hotels, I am not sure there is a such thing as a cheap hotel in New York. And, if there is, you probably don't want to stay there.

When I go there for work, I like to stay at the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel. It is just across the river from Midtown and there is a ferry that runs right to the Midtown Docks at West 39th St. in Manhattan. You can grab a taxi, or walk to anywhere, from there.

And you can catch an airport shuttle to Newark Airport, which has flights to Des Moines, Iowa (mostly through Chicago, O'Hare.)

Do you know which airport you will be flying in to New York, yet?

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 4:49 pm

It was all vaquely considered when I visited my daughter in Scotland last September, since then she has pushed it forward and confirmed she is taking me, so wants to know how long in New York and what I want to see there.

I am a Natural History sort of bloke.......but can't see myself traveling so far to visit a museum, couldn't give it the credit it's due in the time, not when there are sights, smells and tastes to savour. I don't particularly like joining queues and doing the touristy things, although there are some places that are a must.

The musts on the list are a salt beef on rye in some deli, just like Starsky or maybe Hutch used to have.

I need to see Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Broadway, The Empire state, Fifth Avenue.........off the top of my head.

Oh and to travel in a yellow cab with a mad immigrant driver.

My biggest concern is when I should renew my Passport photo, the old one has long hair and a droopy moustache, I am now nearly bald with no tache. So getting it renewed now might be premature, as I am hoping to be hirsute by September.......so timing is critical.

I will get serious about an itinerary and get back to you.

Post by **LarsMac** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 5:22 pm

Bruv;1456521 wrote: It was all vaquely considered when I visited my daughter in Scotland last September, since then she has pushed it forward and confirmed she is taking me, so wants to know how long in New York and what I want to see there.

I am a Natural History sort of bloke.......but can't see myself traveling so far to visit a museum, couldn't give it the credit it's due in the time, not when there are sights, smells and tastes to savour. I don't particularly like joining queues and doing the touristy things, although there are some places that are a must.

The musts on the list are a salt beef on rye in some deli, just like Starsky or maybe Hutch used to have.

I need to see Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Broadway, The Empire state, Fifth Avenue.........off the top of my head.

Oh and to travel in a yellow cab with a mad immigrant driver.

My biggest concern is when I should renew my Passport photo, the old one has long hair and a droopy moustache, I am now nearly bald with no tache. So getting it renewed now might be premature, as I am hoping to be hirsute by September.......so timing is critical.

I will get serious about an itinerary and get back to you.

Well the Statue of liberty will likely give you a queue, not unlike the London Eye did in 2000. ( remember going there to find a queue waiting to get on the list to join the queue.)

I would put Sardi's on the list of places to eat. Along with Katz Deli on Houston Street. At least that used to be a great Manhattan Deli I think it still is.

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 8:47 am

"salt beef on rye in some deli"

We call it 'corned beef' & Lars is right, Katz's Deli on the lower east side is where you should go for it. Sardi's is in the theatre district, 44th St., near Times Square. It's more touristy, Katz's gives you more local flavor.

The Museum of Natural History borders Central Park on the West side & is not far from "Strawberry Fields" dedicated to John Lennon.

While I love going to Museums, it will take up most of your day, & you'll only be here a short while. I wouldn't suggest a play, as your theatre in London is as good, probably better, probably cheaper. At least it used to be when I was there.

I hope the weather is great for you! September around here is usually very warm, like summer.

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 8:50 am

LarsMac;1456522 wrote: Well the Statue of liberty will likely give you a queue, not unlike the London Eye did in 2000. ( remember going there to find a queue waiting to get on the list to join the queue.)

I would put Sardi's on the list of places to eat. Along with Katz Deli on Houston Street. At least that used to be a great Manhattan Deli I think it still is.

The lines for the ferry won't be as long as the kids are back at school, & there are ferries running several times an hour. The line isn't bad at all. The trick is to rush to the top! to see the view & certain ferries have more decks than others. The guards are very tourist friendly & helpful. Katz's is still run by the same family. I suggest nearby Yonah Schimmel for knishes!

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 9:40 am

American Holiday help, Hmm

July 4th is one of our important holidays. I'll see if I can remember more when I get time.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 9:55 am

AnneBoleyn;1456533 wrote: "salt beef on rye in some deli"

We call it 'corned beef' & Lars is right, Katz's Deli on the lower east side is where you should go for it. Sardi's is in the theatre district, 44th St., near Times Square. It's more touristy, Katz's gives you more local flavor.

The Museum of Natural History borders Central Park on the West side & is not far from "Strawberry Fields" dedicated to John Lennon.

While I love going to Museums, it will take up most of your day, & you'll only be here a short while. I wouldn't suggest a play, as your theatre in London is as good, probably better, probably cheaper. At least it used to be when I was there.

I hope the weather is great for you! September around here is usually very warm, like summer.

Might be pastrami on rye then.........I have looked up Katz's online and that seems to fit the bill.

My ideal day out is sitting on a main street or station watching people pass by.

Just passing the Statue of Liberty on a boat would suit me, don't need to clamber up or around it.

I will be exploring NYC online and what I want to see.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 9:56 am

YZGI;1456537 wrote: American Holiday help, Hmm

July 4th is one of our important holidays. I'll see if I can remember more when I get time.

Thanks..............................I think

Post by **LarsMac** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 10:43 am

Bruv;1456538 wrote: Might be pastrami on rye then.........I have looked up Katz's online and that seems to fit the bill.

My ideal day out is sitting on a main street or station watching people pass by.

Just passing the Statue of Liberty on a boat would suit me, don't need to clamber up or around it.

I will be exploring NYC online and what I want to see.

Yep, the Pastrami on Rye at Katz's is worth the trip to New York, all by itself.

New York is definitely a good place for sitting and watching people.

I recommend Columbus Circle, on the Southwest Corner of Central Park.

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 11:54 am

LarsMac;1456543 wrote: Yep, the Pastrami on Rye at Katz's is worth the trip to New York, all by itself.

New York is definitely a good place for sitting and watching people.

I recommend Columbus Circle, on the Southwest Corner of Central Park.

Also, the Fountain in the Center of Washington Square Park in the Village (Greenwich Village). This is where I had many adventures in the past. The Ghost of My Former Self still haunts the place.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 2:49 pm

It's all sounding good to me.

I have spent many a happy hour at Speakers Corner in Hyde Park watching the nutters, sounds like NYC has plenty of interesting people to keep me happy.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Fri Jul 18, 2014 2:14 pm

The flight is booked.............we travel to New York on 11 September, good job I am not the worrying kind.

Týr · Post by **Týr** » Fri Jul 18, 2014 2:25 pm

I've no idea whether horse-drawn carriages still carry passengers through Central Park but that was an option once.

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Fri Jul 18, 2014 2:28 pm

I believe they still do - more as a tourist attraction - in the same way as the 'upstairs' on a London Open Topped Bus was initially intended for the poorer working classes. Now you pay a premium to go on them.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Fri Jul 18, 2014 2:32 pm

Týr;1460266 wrote: I've no idea whether horse-drawn carriages still carry passengers through Central Park but that was an option once.

Thanks but not something I would cross the road for, let alone the Atlantic.

A nice walk through the park would be more my style.

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Fri Jul 18, 2014 2:35 pm

Bruv;1460269 wrote: Thanks but not something I would cross the road for, let alone the Atlantic.

A nice walk through the park would be more my style.
True - you can get Horse & Carriages over here.

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Sat Jul 19, 2014 8:07 am

Týr;1460266 wrote: I've no idea whether horse-drawn carriages still carry passengers through Central Park but that was an option once.

Yes, they are still there, but possibly not for long. The mayor & most of the city council, pressed by animal rights groups want them replaced with old style electric cars. This fight has been going on for years, but we now have a mayor who is in agreement w/the animal rights people.

I would like to see the horses stay.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sat Jul 19, 2014 10:53 am

AnneBoleyn;1460307 wrote: Yes, they are still there, but possibly not for long. The mayor & most of the city council, pressed by animal rights groups want them replaced with old style electric cars. This fight has been going on for years, but we now have a mayor who is in agreement w/the animal rights people.

I would like to see the horses stay.

Animal rights people or nutcases?

Saint_ · Post by **Saint_** » Sat Jul 19, 2014 12:01 pm

Bruv;1456521 wrote: Ground Zero.

The 911 Museum is open now. It's supposed to be very interesting, although I would think it would be massively depressing....

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sat Jul 19, 2014 1:40 pm

Saint_;1460329 wrote: The 911 Museum is open now. It's supposed to be very interesting, although I would think it would be massively depressing....

I think I agree with you, visiting the site seems a must if you are visiting the city, but the museum a little too much unless you have personal reasons.

Týr · Post by **Týr** » Sat Jul 19, 2014 2:02 pm

Bruv;1460320 wrote: Animal rights people or nutcases?

I'm an animal rights person. I argue that every animal has an absolute right to be wild, with the sole exception of humans in that they are inherently incapable.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sat Jul 19, 2014 3:23 pm

Týr;1460346 wrote: I'm an animal rights person. I argue that every animal has an absolute right to be wild, with the sole exception of humans in that they are inherently incapable.

But you would want an ideal world, most people live in the real world.

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Sat Jul 19, 2014 4:59 pm

The ironic part is that the horses are likely to be treated far better than they would in the wild, fed, groomed, kept in a cosy stable, etc.

I'm the first one to admit that I don't know much about horses, but a lot of people round here have horse & buggy set-ups, and one thing I know is that they love the work. I've watched as they go about fastening the buggy up, and the most tricky thing they often have to deal with is the horse's impatience to get between the bars (or whatever they're called). They're like dags when you mention "Walkies".

I'm totally opposed to cruelty to animals, but I don't consider having horses pull carriages as being cruel. After all, it's not as if it's really heavy work - not like the coal carts of old.

Unfortunately, as with any well meaning movement, there are the supporters & there are the extremist activists, who will take it upon themselves to law down the law on such matters - often totally irresponsibly.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Jul 19, 2014 5:14 pm

Yeah, last time I was in New York, I don't remember those horses looking abused. Bored, maybe, but not abused.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sat Jul 19, 2014 5:25 pm

FourPart;1460357 wrote: The ironic part is that the horses are likely to be treated far better than they would in the wild, fed, groomed, kept in a cosy stable, etc.

. It depends on the country and conditions of horses In the wild. But you're right, many die from heat exhaustion, draught, starvation, Injury, disease etc because they are so dependent of weather for lush pasture etc. It's also a sad fact that they breed uncontrollably and that contributes to lack of food sources for all.

Horses are pretty sociable animals and enjoy close relationships with man. Having said that, there has been cruelty In farming over the decades but It's getting better especially thanks to the likes of Sir Peter O'Sullevan who has campaigned all his life and set up the charity for race horses and horse welfare worldwide In farming.

You'll hear bad press about how race horses are treated but It Is just that... bad press. Due to the massive amount of rules and regs In horse racing, dope testing etc, It's Impossible to turn up at a race course with a half starved, beaten horse. They have to be In prime condition to perform and I know even my lowly bunch have the life of Riley. They have their own stables, vet, groom, stable hand etc.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Jul 19, 2014 5:56 pm

Bruv, tell us again, how long will you be laying over in New York?

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun Jul 20, 2014 3:35 am

LarsMac;1460364 wrote: Bruv, tell us again, how long will you be laying over in New York?
It is mostly down to what is on my daughters itinerary, but last time we spoke about it, it was three days.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Fri Aug 08, 2014 2:37 pm

Arranged my medical insurance today, apparently to become ill in America is expensive, and getting insured with a history of illness especially the big C puts many insurers off.

My first quote was for (hold your breath) £3000 plus, enough to fund the whole trip. So I persevered and many wouldn't cover me at all, then out of the blue I found the perfect company.

First stipulation was I had to be 12 weeks clear of treatment, so I phoned them yesterday and if I got my Doctor to put in my medical notes that I am fit to travel the cover cost would be the exact same they quoted me three months ago £265.00 all up.

Saw my GP of 35 years today, he did the job and agreed it was a good price, as his own was only a few quid less.

So Monday I will phone them and pay up......I am well pleased.

Post by **LarsMac** » Fri Aug 08, 2014 2:44 pm

So, you got the hotel and stuff in New York all figured out?

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Fri Aug 08, 2014 2:45 pm

When I went to LA (about 10 years ago) I was dreading how much it was likely to cost for Med Insurance, due to being Epileptic, and wondering if I was likely to be able to afford it. In the end it was less than £25 for coverage up to a month.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Fri Aug 08, 2014 2:56 pm

LarsMac;1461609 wrote: So, you got the hotel and stuff in New York all figured out?

That is all down to my daughter, all she has asked me to do was get myself insured.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Fri Aug 08, 2014 2:58 pm

FourPart;1461610 wrote: When I went to LA (about 10 years ago) I was dreading how much it was likely to cost for Med Insurance, due to being Epileptic, and wondering if I was likely to be able to afford it. In the end it was less than £25 for coverage up to a month.

That's probably not too far away from todays prices with inflation, I have had a double whammy big C

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 10:14 am

Bruv;1461605 wrote: Arranged my medical insurance today, apparently to become ill in America is expensive, and getting insured with a history of illness especially the big C puts many insurers off.

My first quote was for (hold your breath) £3000 plus, enough to fund the whole trip. So I persevered and many wouldn't cover me at all, then out of the blue I found the perfect company.

First stipulation was I had to be 12 weeks clear of treatment, so I phoned them yesterday and if I got my Doctor to put in my medical notes that I am fit to travel the cover cost would be the exact same they quoted me three months ago £265.00 all up.

Saw my GP of 35 years today, he did the job and agreed it was a good price, as his own was only a few quid less.

So Monday I will phone them and pay up......I am well pleased.

I pay more than that for my wife and I "each" per month. Friggin American health care..Grr.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 10:33 am

YZGI;1461682 wrote: I pay more than that for my wife and I "each" per month. Friggin American health care..Grr.

Emigrate over here, I am sure we could accommodate you.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sat Aug 16, 2014 3:13 pm

OK, I am planning to communicate with my wife via smart phone using whatsapp, or perhaps by using my wifes iPad.

Can anyone advise me of a decent replacement sim card for internet use for either a cell phone or iPad.

If I buy one in NY will it work in Iowa?

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Sat Aug 16, 2014 3:39 pm

Isn't your wife coming with you? Is your daughter joining you in NY?

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun Aug 17, 2014 2:46 am

AnneBoleyn;1462148 wrote: Isn't your wife coming with you? Is your daughter joining you in NY?

No the wiife is staying behind, I am travelling with one daughter and visiting another in Iowa. The daughter that I am travelling with is funding the trip, we will meet at the airport for the outward flight as she is coming down from Scotland (Missing the Yes No Vote)

We will be spending three days in NY, then travelling to Panora for the remainder of the time.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sun Aug 17, 2014 7:49 pm

Bruv;1462147 wrote: OK, I am planning to communicate with my wife via smart phone using whatsapp, or perhaps by using my wifes iPad.

Can anyone advise me of a decent replacement sim card for internet use for either a cell phone or iPad.

If I buy one in NY will it work in Iowa?

Not sure I can offer a lot of help on this, but yes, you should be able to get one that works in the entire US.

Post by **LarsMac** » Sun Aug 17, 2014 7:51 pm

Bruv;1462147 wrote: OK, I am planning to communicate with my wife via smart phone using whatsapp, or perhaps by using my wifes iPad.

Can anyone advise me of a decent replacement sim card for internet use for either a cell phone or iPad.

If I buy one in NY will it work in Iowa?

You might find this article useful.

Yes, you should be able to find service that covers the entire US.

MetroPCS and Cricket are likely to have a kiosk in the NY airport. Can't say for certain about T-Mobile.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Aug 18, 2014 6:08 am

LarsMac;1462269 wrote: You might find this article useful.

Yes, you should be able to find service that covers the entire US.

MetroPCS and Cricket are likely to have a kiosk in the NY airport. Can't say for certain about T-Mobile.

Thank you very helpful.

And I have news of the Hotel, Best Western 522 W38th Street, good, bad?

Post by **LarsMac** » Mon Aug 18, 2014 6:52 am

Bruv;1462281 wrote: Thank you very helpful.

And I have news of the Hotel, Best Western 522 W38th Street, good, bad?

That area has been changing quite a bit since I was last there. Even the google images are a year old.

Probably OK. Just don't wander around at night, looking like a tourist.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Aug 18, 2014 7:25 am

LarsMac;1462283 wrote: Probably OK. Just don't wander around at night, looking like a tourist.

Very reassurring.....thanks. I shall wear a baseball cap back to front and adopt a John Wayne walk.

Wouldn't you know it? While the rest of the world go for GSM America goes CDMA, you just dont like to conform do you?

Post by **LarsMac** » Mon Aug 18, 2014 8:55 am

Bruv;1462287 wrote: Very reassurring.....thanks. I shall wear a baseball cap back to front and adopt a John Wayne walk.

Wouldn't you know it? While the rest of the world go for GSM America goes CDMA, you just dont like to conform do you?

It's not the US. It is those specific carriers.

My phones have been GSM for decades.

T-Mobile and ATT are both GSM.

Since I was traveling internationally, that became a decision point for me when selecting a carrier.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Mon Aug 18, 2014 9:58 am

It must be easier to standardise.

So the US cell phone cover is fragmented by provider, they could all use the same system and cooperate to enable maximum coverage.

The rest of the world use metric measurements, US still uses it's own version of imperial, renegades.

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Mon Aug 18, 2014 10:08 am

Bruv;1462303 wrote: The rest of the world use metric measurements, US still uses it's own version of imperial, renegades.
It's strange that in the UK we use Metric for pretty much everything except for Distance, Speed & Fuel Consumption (Miles, MPH & MPG).

I recently took notes on distance covered on my bike at each refueling & worked out the average Fuel Consumption, but even though I think it Metric in everything else I still had to convert it to MPG for it to make any real sense to me (50.1 mpg - not as good as I would have expected for a moped).

Then there's the bizarre way we look at temperature - especially with weather.

"It's freezing. It's -2 degrees out there." or "It's baking - it must be well into the 90s".

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Mon Aug 18, 2014 11:24 am

Bruv;1462281 wrote: Thank you very helpful.

And I have news of the Hotel, Best Western 522 W38th Street, good, bad?

It's right near Times Square, very circusy atmosphere. Loud, bright, noisy. Watch out for the idiots dressed up in costume, the Seseme St. & Disney characters. Slimey bunch. It's nicer downtown, near the new World Trade, but too late I guess. For the wedding, 2 weeks ago, I was staying at the Doubletree Hilton, Stone St. near Battery Park. I had a riverfront room & it was cheaper than what was advertised for Best Western. 'Course it was a Group Rate, so it might be higher. Sorry I didn't mention this sooner............

You'll be fine. It's real honky-tonk area. Picadilly is much nicer than Times Square. Maybe you can take the double-decker (we bought the red ones from you guys) to tour Manhattan. You'll find them right near you.

Post by **LarsMac** » Mon Aug 18, 2014 11:57 am

Bruv;1462303 wrote: It must be easier to standardise.

So the US cell phone cover is fragmented by provider, they could all use the same system and cooperate to enable maximum coverage.

The rest of the world use metric measurements, US still uses it's own version of imperial, renegades.

Verizon and Sprint both thought themselves the market leader when they set out. The CDMA was a standard chosen when there were a couple of other technologies out there, before.

Everyone figured CDMA would become the global standard.

Then GSM was adopted in Europe.

ATT shifted several times, they were committed to CDMA until they sold their cellular section to Cingular, who decided to go with the GSM. Then ATT merged with Cingular and took the cell service back.

ATT has shops at some of the airports. Don't know which one you are flying into. All the airports have some pretty decent guides to what shops are around them.