Brunch with the Fields

On Sunday we took the train out of the city to Summit in New Jersey. Back in New Zealand I'd sent a postcard to the family in NJ who I spent some time with (back in the 80's!) being their au pair, saying that we'd be in the New York area in September and did they want to meet up. Anyway, Scott (the father) got in touch and we invited us out to their place for Sunday brunch.

So here we were, the train taking us past towns that I recognised from my time there and Scott was waiting at the station, not looking very much older despite the years that have sped by.

We had a lovely time, a delicious brunch and really enjoyed meeting up and sharing stories with Scott, Nancy and the 'boys' - all grown men now of course, with the exception of Christopher who was away for the weekend.

Thank you Scott, Nancy, Andrew, Matt and Tim!

An interesting scene awaited us back in Harlem. We came out of the subway and there were police vans and NYPD everywhere. We were only about a block away from the hostel when we finally asked a policeman what was going on. He told us it was the aftermath of 'Africa' day (actually it turns out it was the African American Day Parade - the largest in the US) and to go back to our hotel immediately. Then he repeated it several times in such a way that we did exactly as we were told.

Orlando

We arrived in Orlando on Friday night. Luckily we had somewhere to stay, despite me. I'd booked a hotel weeks ago, but when I went in to check the reservation it wasn't there so I'd clearly made the whole thing up in my head. Cliff found another place that looked better than the original place and for cheaper so it was all good.

We had a good five nights in Florida, we didn't go to Disney (no stand against commercialism, just been there lots before) but we did visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal. They really have made a good job of it, right down to the butterbeer.

Later in the week we went to Universal Studios (Simpsons ride, Jaws - still scares the life out of me and a huge rainstorm which made us look like we'd taken baths with our clothes on).

We went back to Winter Park and visited the farmer's market and Petebrooke where they do really good chocolate covered popcorn and freezer truffles (still trying to work out that recipe).

We played mini golf next to the baby crocs on International Drive. And ate lots of salad all over town.

Vasquez Rocks

You may recognise Vasquez Rocks from Bonanza or The Flintstones. Or probably Star Trek - the episode 'Arena' where Kirk is fighting the alien Gorn. We drove north out from LA, stopping for lunch at a tasty Panera Bread on the way. We started making our way up the jagged sandstone rocks - only Cliff & Liam making it to the top. We then took a short hike around the base, looking out for snakes and mountain lions. We didn't see any.

LA

First stop was the La Brea tar pits. We had a good look around the museum and surrounding park and tar pits.

Then it was over to Hollywood for lunch in a huge mall that was just a car park when we last came, passing good old Kermit on the way.

Onto Grauman's Chinese Theatre to have a look at the footprints. Liam had been there before but he was only 9 months old so it was worth a return visit.

Here's Liam posing by his own star - just waiting for it to be engraved...

Then, just to be jolly, we drove over to the Hollywood Cemetary. It's a beautiful place with some of the most stunning gravestones. Johnny Ramone's was pretty impressive.

Finally, we went over to Randy's Donuts, and although my preference remains with Krispy Kreme, you've got to admire their advertising.

A thoroughly enjoyable day, despite following the tourist track.