Monday Night in New York

We had a great time on the cruise around Manhatten. It was good weather and I managed to stay well, eat food and even drink champagne. It lasted 4 hours and we were taken around Manhatten and up close to the Statue of Liberty. In true American tradition, patriotic songs were played and sang as we stopped near the statue. The views of the magnificant city of New York were fabulous.
We boarded our flight to Dubai this morning and were surprised to be upgraded to first! It was a very comfortable 14 hour flight and because I was able to sleep it seemed to go quickly. We've had the day in Dubai but I slept for 5 hours. We did go out for dinner with friend, Sarah, across the Marina, at the Marina Walk. It was much quieter than last time. The amazing humidity could hve been the reason. By the time we walked back we were lathered in perspiration!! The temps here have risen since we were here in May...daytime highs in the low 40s, with high humidity.
We've packed for departure tomorrow and limited ourselves to Jetstar's 20kg limit (leaving gear here for D to bring home next time) as we are going to Launceston to see Crows beat Hawthorn and better still, to catch up with family there. Might have to buy warm clothing as the weather in Tas is quite a contrast to here.
Reading about friends at home writing reports makes me realise how lucky I am to be retired and not heading home to catch up on school work.
Thanks to those who've been brave enough to leave comments. It's really great to read them and know you are looking in from time to time.

Onboard AMTRAK

After a dramatic start to the day, we are now sitting on the AMTRAK train to Baltimore, on the way to see the Redsox play Orioles at 7pm tonight. When we arrived at the Piarco Airport, Trinidad this morning, we found that we were not listed on the flight to New York. With train, hotel and baseball booked in Baltimore we were very disappointed. Anyway, we made it by going on standby and being called at the last minute, paying for tickets ourselves and eventually were last to board.
We made it to NY and thro customs very quickly this time, stored luggage and got to Penn St in time for our train. Whew! We'll sleep well tonight.
I am looking forward to a day out in Baltimore tomorrow. I guess there'll be another game tomorrow night. We are due to fly to Dubai on Mon morning but we are now in the process of changing flights. Joe and Kathy from Staten Island, NY have offered us tickets on a charity cocktail/dinner cruise around Manhatten on Mon night. Seems too good to miss so we are hoping to fly a day later, but still make it to Launceston for the Crows v Hawthorn match next Sat. Might just have to look for something to wear on Mon night as we left most of our luggage at the airport.

 We are very lucky to have all these opportunities while travelling.
We are also looking forward to getting home to catch up with family after 5 weeks away.

Port of Spain, Trinidad

We arrived here after a 90 minute trip on another Liat Dash 8, with the West Indes contingent. Two other plane loads of cricket people arrived after us. We finally left Piarco Airport after 2 hours! One case only. There were hundreds of bags for all those people and many South African bags missing, along with 2 of ours. The worrying thing was that Daryl's case with cricket gear was one of them. We'd been told that Liat stood for all sorts of things, one being Left At Another Terminal!!!!! There was one bag similar to ours sitting lonely at the terminal. On checking, it had D's name and a different number than ours! The owner's tag clearly indicated that it was supposed to be on a BA flight, which would have left from Antrigua, for London! Uh oh! Anyway, last night Daryl's red case with cricket gear arrived. The local liaison officer was told the last bag was coming in from Antigua at 9.30 pm last night. Poor guy rang from the airport to say that the flight was cancelled. Maybe today. That case has my scrapbooking purchases but also all our colder weather gear for the baseball and for Launceston on the way home. Also has souvenirs from Boston. Not  a big deal I guess.

This photo is a view from the outdoor restaurant at the Port of Spain Hyatt.

Yesterday, Tuseday, we went for a walk around the local shopping streets near the hotel. At one stage, a woman told Daryl that a man was trying to touch his wallet, which he was holding in his hand!!!
No purchases to be made in that area. Maybe I'll have time to look at Duty Free at the airport on our way out.
It was very hot out and my face was dripping with perspiration. (Too much information!)
Daryl has been to the ground today and has his last game tomorrow. So far South Africa has won 4 games. In the last game, Chris Gayle sent off one off his players for not bowling how he'd told him too. The West Indies Team is getting a lot of flack from the locals.

That Car Ride!

I was anxious to say the least, about the long car ride to the airport. Doped on 2 Dramamine I was in a lather by the time I got to the van. It was hot and very humid. I accepted the offer of the front seat! Actually I had a fabulous trip with not a single feeling of unease. I was able to take photos along the way to try to show a little of the beautiful nature island of Dominica. All photos are taken through the windows of the van and you'll spot evidence of this. I do hope I have been able to do justice to the scenic nature of Dominica. It is one of the most beautiful, forested environments I have seen.

Last views from Fort Young Hotel Balcony

Time to leave. A few last views. How about that view of the horizon!!

Cruise Ship Arrives

This cruise ship arrived on the morning of our departure. It was great to watch it coming in and the locals in the dinghy grabbing the ropes and tying them up.

Views from Fort Young Hotel , Roseau, Dominica

Here are some of the stunning views we were greeted by as we moved around the hotel.