Naysayers and Hardheads

We have arrived safely in the Big Apple and the long-planned trip has become reality! After looking forward to it for so long, I must admit that I suddenly started getting a touch of "cold feet syndrome" about three days before our departure. I wondered if I should question my own sanity about undertaking a trip of this magnitude as the sole person over the age of majority. It didn't help that I was hearing well-meaning but unsolicited comments here and there... "You sure have a lot on your plate!" "Wow, that sure is some schedule!" The biggest naysayer was DH, who has never really been 100% supportive of my plans. I think he knows by now that I'll go ahead regardless, and since he recently bought a brand new Harley Davidson, he really couldn't begrudge me this trip. He has been generous in allowing me free access to all his airline and hotel mileage accounts, and lent me his Citibank card to come away with. However, our recent conversations have been peppered with homilies and warnings: "Just remember, it IS the USA!" "Don't think you're invincible!" "Are you SURE you can drive over there? Be careful!" Like anywhere, travelling in the USA comes with certain risks, and certainly, some basic precautions and care are necessary. But you can't design a trip around the premise of, "What if something happens?" However, I am hardheaded, so I did my best to smile sweetly and just shrug off these comments.

I can happily say, so far, so good! We flew Continental and the food and in flight entertainment was a pleasant surprise. You hear so much negative stuff about American airline companies these days that you prepare for the worst. I am pleased to report that in the case of CO, there is nothing wrong at all with the basic package. (Legroom was another story--Air New Zealand definitely has the upper hand in that department.) Getting through customs at Newark and out to our hotel in Secaucus, NJ was a cinch, too. I chose the Marriott Courtyard in Secaucus based on it's proximity to NY city. I could get five nights at this property for the same amount of Marriott miles as two nights at a downtown NY location. The hotel is wonderful--spacious rooms, friendly staff, plenty of restaurants nearby and--very important for a mum on the road with three kids--a guest laundry! The kids are most impressed with the buffet breakfast--kids up to 12 eat for just $6--and have eaten enough each day to tank themselves up till well into the afternoon. This has been a big help, since it saves on meals. They haven't really wanted lunch so far! For me, the biggest draw card about this hotel is how easy it is to get to downtown NY. The commuter bus stops just outside, and depending on traffic, it is about 20 to 35 mins to the Port Authority bus depot in the middle of NY city. There are a cluster of hotels in the same area as our Courtyard, and I have noticed a number of other families, both American and from overseas, boarding the bus. Seems like Secaucus is a popular area for economical digs while playing tourist in NY.