The evening view - makes the beer very enjoyable

The Empire State Building - first sighting

Wall Street and Broadway!!

Ground Zero remembers all those who perished

Ground zero

Nice views from the hotel

AMTRAK comfort

Day 6 - June 10

No chance for the usual sleep in this morning as we departed Newport at 6:00 am in order to rendezvous with the AMTRAK train that whisked us to New York. Certainly a very gentlemanly way to travel and by 10:15 we were in the Big Apple. After navigating the labyrinth of subway and PATH tracks we soon arrived at the Hyatt, Jersey City. This hotel has killer views, situated across the Hudson, directly opposite the site of the World Trade Centre. Transport wise we may be across the river from Manhattan, however in reality we are only one stop away from the WTC.

A quick recharge of the batteries and we made our way to Ground Zero. The size of the site is enormous and the remaining hole provides some understanding as to the size of the disaster. The memorial is only temporary and quite austere, however in no way does this lessen the impact of seeing it for the first time. We also took the opportunity to call into the Trinity Church which stands near the site

We did a quick lap of the financial district - passing through Wall Street and seeing the NYSE. However Liam and Isabel were fading quickly so we made ground to Times Square and the worlds biggest Toys 'R Us. A Ferris Wheel in the complex kept Kirsten and the kids occupied for another half an hour and we managed to escape with a small purchase for each of the kids. Isabel found a stuffed Border Collie and must like it as she proceeded to place her Rabbie (of four years standing) in the bin when we returned to the hotel. Liam , no guesses - Matchbox cars!!!

Mr Squirrel

A posse of America Cup yachts

The New York Yacht Club - how do you join??

The good life in Newport

Newport Church

Day 5 - June 9

Today we scaled back on the ferocious sightseeing pace and just wandered down to the waterfront area of Newport.

My Grandfather has sailed the waters of Newport so it was only just that I went sailing today. The weather was perfect and the wind made for a lively sail around Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay , a delightful mixture of pristine shoreline and more unbelievable mansions. On departing the wharf the skipper handed over the helm and I had two awesome hours sailing. We effortlessly reached past the mansion where Jackie Kennedy used to holiday as a child, past the mansion built by the Worcester Sauce tycoons and the most magnificent mansion that had been used as a hotel and reception centre, until bought as a home by some wealthy lad. Rumour has it that when the present owner purchased the property he promptly cancelled 200 weddings that had been booked. Don't know if I would want the wrath of some 200 brides and mother-in-laws but then if you have the money it might be kinda fun to do!!! The most satisfying moment was sailing past the NY Yacht Club the once holder of the America's Cup for a mere 132 years - a quick tack, an Aussie salute and the sail was over.

Last evening in Newport was spent enjoying the one cuisine that we don't get in Hawaii - Indian.

Liam and Isabel in the backyard.

Still surviving....

The children's playhouse at "The Breakers"

The vacation cottage - "The Breakers"

Newport Panoramic

Day 4 - June 8

The sleeping in theme continued today ... Liam and Isabel are relishing not having the 6:30 wake up for school. Newport, Rhode Island! A town known for the America's Cup, where Australian yachting had those many attempts before destroying the mystique and the essence of the contest by having the temerity to finally win.

We started with a pleasant ocean drive where the scenery competes with the majestic houses. Despite the large number of mansions the area is surprisingly natural. Squirrels abound and for the kids were quite a novelty - I guess they are pest to the locals?

After lunch we visited the "Breakers" - the Vanderbilt's little summer cottage. Unfortunately the Currigee fibro house, although special, just doesn't compete with this as holiday house. 70 rooms (the home back in NY only had 156), 23 servants and an interior that would do justice to any palace. The mind boggles that this, "Marble House", "The Elms" and other vacationers would only be used for 8-12 weeks a year!! Apparently the parties were pretty good.

Gladys the youngest daughter had the foresight to open the "Breakers" in 1948 to raise money for the Historical Preservation Society - probably one of the reasons that this and ten other of these mansions are open to the public today.

Went for a run around the cliff walk and back down magnificent Bellevue Avenue where so many of these mansions are built.