Thursday October 8, 2015 New York City, New York

Hollis came to the house to pick us up at 4 A, He had already picked up Neva.  After loading our bags he delivered us to the airport in plenty of time to catch our 6:15 Flight.

This is the first day of our planned 13 trip.  Today we are flying via Delta airlines to New York City.  We will change planes in Detroit.  We checked in our bags at the curb.  There was a very short wait for the wheelchairs and then it was off to our gate.  Neva and I have requested wheelchairs for our last several trips because of the limited distances we can walk.  We were pre- cleared though security because of the wheelchairs and we get the perk of pre-boarding.  The flight to Detroit was over three hours so the airline offers menu items at a charge.  Gerri and I shared a turkey and cheese sandwich.  The time between flights in Detroit was brief and we were soon on the airplane to NYC.  This segment was only an hour and a half.  They only offered beverages and pretzels.  Of course Neva saved the day because she always carries “Baby Bell” cheese for snacks. 

We were landed at New York’s La Guardia Airport a little after 4 and met the Princess rep near the baggage claim area.  We had arraigned transportation through the cruise line from the airport to the hotel.  One look at traffic made us glad we weren’t driving.  We have driven in NYC before but that was in the 80’s and on a weekend.  On motorhome trips we have driven through on the expressways.

When we arrived at the Intercontinental Times Square we learned there was a delay on checking in because of a computer glitch .  When the wait was over we were taken to a room, but it was occupied.  Back to the lobby for a different room.  The second room was also occupied.  During this trip back to the lobby we waited there until the bellman was sure of the room.  We were finally in room 2912 by 6:30.  It is a very nice room with a view of midtown and some glimpse of  New Jersey across the Hudson River.

Hotel decor

At Etc. Etc.

As I was checking in Gerri made reservations for dinner at a restaurant a short distance down the street.  We arrived there at 8, the restaurant is named Etcetera Etcetera, a Nuevo Italian.  The food was good but we had no idea what most of the items were.  I played it safe and ordered a rib eye steak.  I don’t think it was as good as the one Keith and I had at Sicilian in Bocco in Morgan Hill, CA.

Pistachio creme brulee for dessert 

View from our room

New Jersey across the Hudson

Back at the hotel we went to bed at about 10 PM EDT, hoping to adjust quickly to the time difference.