RTW 2.5x - a DONE4 with stops in NYC, London and Italy (HCO only)

[PrezRegan]

yeh thats what I just paid but last years was $8400 !!!...In any event way cheaper than ex Aus and I get a MEL-BNE-MEL thrown in as well

I think it also varies based on taxes so depending on where you fly through/from that may increase the cost e.g. if flying from LHR

 

[Rebus]

This is a sensational endeavour!

How many SC will you rack up with this trip?

 

[PrezRegan]

Definitely enough to get me to WP!

This is a sensational endeavour!

How many SC will you rack up with this trip?

I think it should be enough to get me to WP! I haven't crunched the numbers in detail as I'd have to figure out earn for partner airlines etc. etc.

 

[PrezRegan]

QF3
AKL-NYC
16:15-15:20 dur 15h 35m
B787 seat 1K

My longest flight ever and I spent most of it sleeping. Did have dinner but asked not to be woken for breakfast. Menus and food below. I decided to try something different and got the vego option which wasn’t bad.


Deplaning HCO and with MPC was super fast. I think I was out within 5 mins… there was no line and I walked straight out and to the train that connects to the subway. It took about an hour door to door to get to my hotel, Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District. Was subjected to a performance on the train by some random dude who wanted to showcase is dance and hip hop skills…

The hotel is nice and modern. Status acknowledged on check in. I don’t think I got an upgrade as I don’t think there was a better version of the double room I booked. The gym here is tiny but the location is good.

 

[PrezRegan]

A super busy day today exploring NYC and surrounding boroughs.

Started with a train ride to Brooklyn via the NYSE and the 9/11 memorial. It was really moving to see in person and it’s hard to appreciate the scale of the buildings until you go there.

In Brooklyn we grabbed a bagel from the super popular la bagel delight at Dumbo before walking across the bridge. Stunning views of the skyline - it was a beautiful day.

After that we walked through Chinatown and Little Italy before heading over to Central Park. By now it was approaching mid afternoon so we grabbed a coffee from blue stone (apparently they do Australian coffee - and from the Tim Tam and straw wrapper the seem to be leaning pretty heavily on this Australian theme) and chilled in the park watching the people go by.

This break gave me a second wind but I was keen for a snack so we went to Grays Papaya, a famous hot dog joint. It was pretty good!

After this we went to Times Square which was absolutely packed, before a quick train back to the hotel.


25k steps and it’s only 17:33 - but it is counting the ones from this morning

 

[Princess Fiona]

I’m in the middle of an ex TYO DONE4, think it’s my third this year. 4 weeks sound like luxury, love the pics!!!
HLO is the only way to travel.

 

[PrezRegan]

Today was a bit quieter. We started with a trip to Staten island via the ferry which takes you past the Statue of Liberty for free. We were planning on going to the edge - one of the viewpoints in the city - so decided to get a different ferry to Pier 78 nearby.

In addition to being faster than taking the free ferry back and a train, this ferry also got us closer to the Statue of Liberty for $4.5.


The Edge is is the tallest building in the western hemisphere and 1100ft above the city. Thanks to the stunning weather we got some great views over the city.

Theres also a restaurant/bar there so we stopped for a coughtail as well. The edge is located in a mall and there was a pretty cool food court style area called Little Spain which has a collection of Spanish restaurants and eateries in a small area. We stopped in for some tapas and a vermouth which was quite good! Would love to go to Spain but this will have to do.

Only 11k steps today but I think I need a bit of a break after going hard the last couple of days. Tomorrow will be a quiet one whilst I catchup on some uni (unfortunately life goes on ) before my flight to SFO.

 

[elanshin]

Today was a bit quieter. We started with a trip to Staten island via the ferry which takes you past the Statue of Liberty for free. We were planning on going to the edge - one of the viewpoints in the city - so decided to get a different ferry to Pier 78 nearby.

In addition to being faster than taking the free ferry back and a train, this ferry also got us closer to the Statue of Liberty for $4.5.
View attachment 469692

The Edge is is the tallest building in the western hemisphere and 1100ft above the city. Thanks to the stunning weather we got some great views over the city.
View attachment 469693View attachment 469694View attachment 469695
Theres also a restaurant/bar there so we stopped for a coughtail as well. The edge is located in a mall and there was a pretty cool food court style area called Little Spain which has a collection of Spanish restaurants and eateries in a small area. We stopped in for some tapas and a vermouth which was quite good! Would love to go to Spain but this will have to do.
View attachment 469696
Only 11k steps today but I think I need a bit of a break after going hard the last couple of days. Tomorrow will be a quiet one whilst I catchup on some uni (unfortunately life goes on ) before my flight to SFO.

Personally I like Summit One Vanderbilt over the Edge. Whilst not taller, its a lot more interactive inside (kind of a teamlab vibe they were going for). It's also the newest skyscraper observation deck.

Friends showed me Los Tacos #1 (they have a few locations around NYC) and I have to say it definitely lives up to it's reputation and the line. Give it a go if you have time.