I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Off-Topic => Off-Topic: Talk about anything you want. => Topic started by: Amanda From OZ on February 23, 2008, 05:29:39 AM

Title: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Amanda From OZ on February 23, 2008, 05:29:39 AM

My Lovely Parents are giving me a transplant present and will be shipping me over to the USA. I plan on going in july or august depending when i get time off University.

I will be there for around 3 weeks, and would love to be able to meet some of the IHD Family members.

I would also love any tips and advice anyone has on places to go and things to see.

Love
Amanda
xxoo

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: jonn r on February 23, 2008, 06:22:12 AM

and were are we going in the us?????? boston???? new york???? portland maine...hahah thats funny but would be nice

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Joe Paul on February 23, 2008, 06:27:27 AM

Yeah, what part of the USA you coming to?, East coast rocks!!!! And besides, everyone has seen the West coast  :usaflag;

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: AlohaBeth on February 23, 2008, 06:28:31 AM

Manhattan, Vegas and San Francisco are great -- I'll be living in California at that point, close to Yosemite -- a must see for the beauty of America and only a few hours from San Francisco...    Have an amazing time!  

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Sluff on February 23, 2008, 06:32:28 AM

Come to Wisconsin!!  :waving;

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: isurvived on February 23, 2008, 06:34:19 AM

It depends on what you want to see. Here, we have the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and other Lincoln related historical sites. In other parts of the country, there are nature sites that are absolutely stunning. I have vacationed out west and some of that is very pretty. Take for example South Dakota. Rapid City is a very cool place to go with lots to see like Rushmore, but it also has a lot of natural phenomenon like Thunderhead Cave.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: KT0930 on February 23, 2008, 06:39:00 AM

Atlanta, Georgia:  site of the 1996 summer olympics, Martin Luther King's hometown (beginning of the US Civil Rights movement in the 60's), where the book Gone With the Wind is set, and lots of other natural and historic landmarks and MANY tourist attractions. Only downfall is it's very hot in July and August, but then, you'd feel right at home!

So excited you might get to meet some of us!  :clap;

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: RichardMEL on February 23, 2008, 07:14:09 AM

Wonderful Amanda. I love visiting the US and it sucks since I have not been for 2 years now :( You will have a blast wherever you go. How exciting! :D

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: kidney4traci on February 23, 2008, 07:34:37 AM

Texas!!  (ok hot in summer...) Houston (ok hot AND humid...) Galveston!  (What?  You call that a beach??...) Ok, we have the Space Center!!   :rofl;

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Amanda From OZ on February 23, 2008, 07:37:30 AM

Thanks all, i love the ideas so far.

I love the hot weather so July and august would be perfect.

I don't know yet weather i will be there for 2 or 3 weeks depending on college, so i want to fit everything in, which is going to be so difficult because i want to see EVERYTHING!

Would love to hear more ideas ...!

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: kitkatz on February 23, 2008, 07:41:00 AM

You can come see.....hmmmm...nothing here in Rialto,CA, except little old me!

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Amanda From OZ on February 23, 2008, 07:43:17 AM

Kit... im sure your entertaining enough..... hmm do u do any tricks ;)

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: kitkatz on February 23, 2008, 07:44:12 AM

Yes...I do tricks...I fly off the handle and Jump to conclusions.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Amanda From OZ on February 23, 2008, 07:47:03 AM

That might do.... lol

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: kidney4traci on February 23, 2008, 07:47:28 AM

 :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;  Kitkatz! 

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Romona on February 23, 2008, 07:53:39 AM

The 2008 Transplant Games arew in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. You could meet IHD members that are attending the games! :bandance;

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: petey on February 23, 2008, 07:54:55 AM

North Carolina is nice (and a little warm in July and August)...we have Kitty Hawk, NC (the site of the Wright brothers' first airplane flight)...we have the Outer Banks (first permanent English colony site -- The Lost Colony -- beautiful outdoor drama  depicting the event)...we have the mountains (absolutely breath-taking views)...we have miles and miles of beaches and historic old lighthouses ...we have Paris, and Rookiegirl, and George, and BobT, and Petey and Marvin -- who could ask for anything more?

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on February 23, 2008, 09:20:58 AM

I lolvee Florida but it is really hot at that time of the year.
Also a vote for Las Vegas, Grand Canyon.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: vandie on February 23, 2008, 09:25:22 AM

Maybe you can come for an IHD family reunion?!?!?!

xoxox

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: okarol on February 23, 2008, 10:26:10 AM

Los Angeles area: Malibu beach, shop on Rodeo Drive, visit television studios, see some Hollywood clubs, lots to do here in California! I also love Santa Barbara and San Diego and Manhatten Beach - well, I love all the beaches! Hope to see you!

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: paris on February 23, 2008, 01:38:56 PM

Amanda, you are going to make a lot of Americans very happy when you visit!   What a lovely gift your parents gave you. When you decide on your destinations, I am sure many IHD members want to meet up with you.  I am sure the men are already trying to figure out how to meet you! :clap;  Keep us posted on your plans.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Bill Peckham on February 23, 2008, 02:13:47 PM

The most American thing I can think of is a road trip for part of the trip. If you can hire a car for a week or more then I would say start your trip in LA (I'm sure IHD members could provide a best of LA in 2 days itinerary and then I would get in a car and drive to Vegas - there is nothing like Vegas (you could take in Death Valley on the way to test your love of heat) From Vegas I would drive into Southern Utah National Parks on your way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Plenty of options from here - continue the road trip through the Rockies to Denver. Stop at one of many "Dude" ranches and take a horse pack ride into the woods. White Water rafting. Mountain bike tours over the Flintstone like landscape of South Utah. Drive up to Arches National Park and then fly out of Salt Lake. Drive down to Phoenix to fly on.

There are many road trip options - if it is available to you I'm sure we can think of other cities to connect.

If you want to let someone else do the driving (remember we drive on the right side of the road) there is the Green Tortoise http://www.greentortoise.com/budget.adventure.travel.html which a lot of the cool kids use to get around the US. But either way if you want to see America you have to hit the road.

There are numerous fun festivals in the summer, there are uncountable hiking and camping opportunities. REI http://www.rei.com/stores/rentals.html rents gear so you can get off the road and spend time in some of the US's spectacular wilderness. Kayaking, canoing, rafting, sailing and boating are all options.

On a whirlwind three week trip be sure to give yourself some time to relax and rest. In every part of the country there are cute, walkable small towns that would be great to visit - especially if they're having a local festival. Sometime in the middle of week two, spend a weekend hanging out.

Washington DC in the summer can be pretty miserable but it is a tourist rich city. Free museums on every topic through the Smithsonian http://www.si.edu/
A lot of big cities to choose from NY NY of course; most large cities have many nightlife choices.

Remember the US is big, basically the contiguous US is the same as Australia - only with something dangling off the lower right. When I visited Oz for two months I made a bad choice, didn't consider the distances and mucked up my visit to Perth. I spent four days flying up to/visiting Shark Bay, when I should have just spent that time exploring Perth. Not to say Shark Bay isn't unique and interesting - it is. Wild dolphins come right up to shore and there is an entire bay full of ancient life - direct relatives of the first life on earth billions of years ago. All very cool but the fact is time is very precious when you're traveling. Four days (even out of two months) was too much time to spend.

This was an example of if you can't spend enough time don't spend a little. I had to get back for dialysis so I couldn't spend the three or four days needed to make the trip truly worthwhile a rest in the midst of a long trip. I could have used a few day s of decompression, instead I packed in more travel. It is a hard thing to do but tell yourself - I'll be back. Make sure you spend enough time in places, even if it means going to fewer places. And always have fun, enjoy what you're doing.

Once you narrow down the destinations/activities I'm sure we'll all have great ideas.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: isurvived on February 23, 2008, 03:00:16 PM

Almost anywhere in the lower 48 will be hot, but some places will be miserable. Hopefully, you will find somewhere acceptable to your liking.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Joe Paul on February 23, 2008, 03:04:40 PM

Quote from: Romona on February 23, 2008, 07:53:39 AM

The 2008 Transplant Games arew in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. You could meet IHD members that are attending the games! :bandance;

A couple hundred miles from Pittsburgh,(A place worth seeing in itself) is Gettysburg Pennsylvania, intresting history of some of the United States Civil war. Or if that doesn't intrest you, Hershey PA is about the same distance, and home of the Hershey chocolate company. OK, now if you like amusement parks, Kennywood park is a nice place to spend a day, amazing roller coasters, good food, etc. Hope you consider coming this way, you wouldn't be disappointed  ;D

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on February 23, 2008, 04:36:59 PM

Sedona, Arizona is one of the most beautiful places I have visited.
Also the Painted Desert is beautiful to see.
Ohio has Kings Island(lower Ohio)  and Cedar Point (up by Lake Erie) if you come through that way.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: jonn r on February 23, 2008, 04:38:49 PM

Quote from: Amanda From OZ on February 23, 2008, 07:37:30 AM

Thanks all, i love the ideas so far.

I love the hot weather so July and august would be perfect.

I don't know yet weather i will be there for 2 or 3 weeks depending on college, so i want to fit everything in, which is going to be so difficult because i want to see EVERYTHING!

Would love to hear more ideas ...!

ok....here i go...what MAINE  has to offer ..........LOBSTER.....hmmmm.......MORE LOBSTER.......spme of the best coastline anywere......and oh yeah did i say LOBSTER....... :yahoo; :yahoo; :yahoo; :yahoo; :yahoo;

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: charee on February 23, 2008, 05:00:47 PM

OMG Amanda Thats fantastic Your mum and dad are awesome people :clap;

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: tamara on February 23, 2008, 05:14:51 PM

Congratulations Amanda ! Be thinkin of you livin it up in the U.S of A when I'm bein a lil busy bee at work !

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: boxman55 on February 23, 2008, 07:12:00 PM

Wow this is very cool. I don't know how you can do it in just one 3-week trip. You would almost have to split the country in 1/4ths and come 4 times to cover everything in each quadrant. But if I was going to pick my first section it would be the southwest. Southern California north to Yosemite, or Northern Ca south to Yosemite, then Arizona-New Mexico-Vegas (Nevada)-Utah and Southern Colorado (Telluride, CO a must see) All the national parks in this part of the country are a must see...Boxman

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: CW on February 23, 2008, 07:15:04 PM

Quote from: kitkatz on February 23, 2008, 07:44:12 AM

Yes...I do tricks...I fly off the handle and Jump to conclusions.

OMG Kit  :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;

OK... OK... I am back  Thats great Amanda, because most of my family is from the east I have to do San Francisco tours every few months, Frisco has a lot to offer. The architecture, historical sites, restaurants, natural sites, pacific ocean and much more all packed into such a small area that you can do a lot in one day! I also suggest Socal (southern ca) that seems to be the heart of IHD and a great destination. And of course my hometown NY.  Wherever you go I am sure you will have a blast! :bandance;

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Wattle on February 23, 2008, 10:26:47 PM

 :yahoo;  Yeah Amanda!!

The hardest part now will be where to go! So many great ideas. I am sure you will have a fantastic time.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: kidney4traci on February 23, 2008, 10:40:40 PM

Too bad you weren't coming today!  We had the prettiest day today.  The kids went swimming at the neighbors, they heated the pool up.  It was sunny and about 80.  Oh yea, and the rodea is coming in town.  Lots of fun there! 

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: kidney4traci on February 23, 2008, 10:42:17 PM

Bill, I noticed you forgot to mention a ride on your boat as an attraction!   :2thumbsup;

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Amanda From OZ on February 24, 2008, 03:13:52 AM

Wow thanks everyone these ideas are great... and yes my parents are the best.

Bill the road trip sounds great but it depends on who I'm going with, if Rick can take time off work i will be going with him (and he can drive) but if not i will be coming with my cousin Daniella and there is no way anyone would want either one of us driving.   ;D

These ideas have helped me a lot, but i won't know how to pick between them.  :-\

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Sluff on February 24, 2008, 04:13:38 AM

It would be a scary thing to see you guys driving in the US.  :rofl;  >:D

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Joe Paul on February 24, 2008, 04:14:17 AM

Quote from: Amanda From OZ on February 24, 2008, 03:13:52 AM

Wow thanks everyone these ideas are great... and yes my parents are the best.

Bill the road trip sounds great but it depends on who I'm going with, if Rick can take time off work i will be going with him (and he can drive) but if not i will be coming with my cousin Daniella and there is no way anyone would want either one of us driving.   ;D

These ideas have helped me a lot, but i won't know how to pick between them.  :-\

IMHO, since you live on an island, anything to do with a beach should be on the back-burner  :lol; OK, OK us people here on the North- Eastern side of the United States haven't had any type of get together, I'm digging for a chance to meet  ;D

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Romona on February 24, 2008, 06:14:12 AM

No matter where you choose, you will have a wonderful time. And like someone else said, there will be people to meet up with. This will give people a reason to get together.  :bandance;

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Bill Peckham on February 24, 2008, 09:26:17 AM

Quote from: kidney4traci on February 23, 2008, 10:42:17 PM

Bill, I noticed you forgot to mention a ride on your boat as an attraction!   :2thumbsup;

I do wish I had a boat again. I charter these days - in fact I have a make good week coming up on May 21st - but it's pretty easy to get on the water here in Seattle. I have friends with sailboats. And ther eis always the Washington State ferry system which can get you into the San Juans, the San Juan Islands are one of my favorite places. Another of my favorite places are the Oregon beaches but like Joe Paul said - seeing beaches might not be at the top of the list. In Seattle you can see snow too - Mt Rainier has glaciers year around (see them while they're still here).

Seattle has a lot to offer a visitor, from Volcanoes, 70 miles (about 115 KM) of wilderness ocean beach, temperate rain forests, to a busy city (reminds me a bit of Sydney only smaller), with the Paul Allen Experience Music Project, Museum of flight and a six week SeaFair celebration July to August culminating in a visit from the Blue Angeles during the hydroplane races. Seattle is great in the Summer.

Amanda if you were going to visit Australia for three weeks, knowing what you know, what would be your itinerary? From that we might be able to offer the "up top" version.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Slywalker on February 24, 2008, 10:53:30 AM

I vote for the northeast - you can start in Portland, Maine and drive down to Boston then New York and then Washington, D.C.  Road trip???!!!!  Yes, Road trip should be fun.  And hot is relative, it is not that hot in the northeast.  Hot for Maine might be 75 to 80 degrees.  Wind off Atlantic Ocean keeps things reasonable.

Can't wait to hear your plans.

Sandyb

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Meinuk on February 24, 2008, 11:13:15 AM

Time to represent NYC – and I’ll do it via two things that I love, food and movies…

DAY ONE
Pack lightly, and have one suitcase on wheels.  You can do it - no one will know that you are wearing the same outfits over and over.  First, you fly into NYC – if it is via JFK, you’ll be reminded of Kennedy's Camelot and you’ll be in one of the world's largest and busiest airports – Don’t take a cab, take the subway and be introduced to NYC’s greatest asset, it’s people.  (It is a schlep, but treat it as an adventure – this is the trip of a lifetime) While at the airport, pick up a copy of New York Magazine, you’ll have something to read on the train, if you don’t feel like people watching.  JFK Air Train takes you to the E or A train (E is shorter) and you’ll have around an hour on the subway.  Then depending where your hotel is, you’ll be in the Big Apple. 

Let’s pretend that you have arrived in the early afternoon, and you are staying at a midtown tourist grade hotel on 34th street.  The E train would drop you off at Penn Station, Madison Sqaure Garden, when you get off the train, you’ll see people people, people, shopping, commuting, begging, busking and sight seeing – crowded and dirty, fast paced and unforgettable.  Are you hungry?  Stop at a Penn Station Pizzaria and grab a slice and a drink.  Not the best pizza ever, but still an iconic moment -  your first slice at Penn Station.

The city can be overwhelming and the city can be beautiful.  Check into your hotel, drop off your bags, turn on the TV to a local station as you putter around your hotel room – American TV is crumbling societies all over the world, and it is right there in your hotel room.  Take a shower and wash off the travel grime, and you are ready to hit the pavement.

Where to?  Well, hit the highlights – if it is after dark, then check out Times Square – after the natural sun goes down, the Neon rises.  Times Square is a monument to capitalism.  Check out 42nd Street – once a seedy porn filled part of town, now sanitized and flashing for your dollars – chain shops galore.  Look at the trinkets but don’t spend your money (unless you really want post cards)  If you saw Enchanted, you’ll see where the prince popped into the city.  If you loved Midnight Cowboy you’ll be where Joe Buck chased his dream and met Ratso Rizzo.

You could see a Broadway play or even an off off Broadway play (cheaper and more accessible) off Broadway is the Petri dish for talent development.  ( You can arrange tickets before hand via the internet) There is a group, the Labyrinth Theatre Company a multi racial, multi talented group of individuals who are keeping theatre an art form.  If you want to laugh, there is always the Upright Citizen’s Brigade, and improve group who are on the cutting edge of comedy.  Now is the chance to see stars before they hit the stratosphere, you’ll see the artists behind the phrase "starving artist".  If you are tired, call it an early night and get a good night’s sleep.  If your are jet lagged, hit one of our 24 hour diners. Or grab a Recession Special at Grey's Papaya.


DAY TWO
Early in morning, before the crowds hit, you should trek to the top of the Empire State Building.  The K2 of NYC skyscrapers.  Do it because it is there, and you can say that you did it.  But skip the crowds, it is not worth waiting in line.  The Empire State Building it is one of the Seven Wonders of NYC.  After you’ve come down from the top, stop at a deli and have a NYC breakfast, an egg, cheese and bacon roll with coffee.  Find a city bench on Fifth Avenue, eat your breakfast and people watch.  People in thousand dollar suits commuting to their offices, Bronx secretaries with the most amazing teased hair and painted talons in their professional “work” suits.  Pay attention to these people, their diversity makes America a melting pot.  You’ll see walking skeleton models sharing the sidewalk with blousy NJ housewives.  Everyone will ask about your accent.

Walk up Fifth Avenue from 34th street to Central Park.  Fifth Avenue divides the city; as you walk north, anything on the left is WEST side and anything on the right is EAST side.  While strolling up Fifth Ave, you’ll walk past the Lions that guard the NY Public Library – also the steps where Uncle Ben died in Spider Man.  You’ll pass high end boutiques (check out the window displays), You’ll see millionaires shopping and you’ll see homeless people looking for change.  We all co-exist in NYC.

Note Tiffany’s and Trump Tower, paragons of the ever depreciating dollar, gold and platinum respectively.  Stop in some of the shops, even with the weak dollar, you’ll be shocked at the prices.  You’ve just walked down the 24 carat boulevard of Fifth Avenue, and at the intersection with 59th Street just as you get to Central Park - on the right, you’ll see a glass box,a  monument to silicone -  The Apple Store (right next to FAO Schwartz (the worlds biggest Toy store "Big")).

Now you are at Central Park – you should be able to smell the horses.  Walk down Central Park South to Columbus Circle.  Look at the hotels, notice the limousines dropping people off.  Look at the Plaza, imagine Eloise looking out of those windows at the people below.  Go to the shops at Columbus Circle, go downstairs and buy a picnic at Whole Foods Supermarket.  Pack it up, and then walk back to the park and splurge the $35.00 and take a half hour carriage ride, have a picnic and enjoy the scenery.

Lunch is over, you’ve taken a picture with your horse and driver, and then you can hop on the subway downtown.  You need to go to ground zero.  It is a construction site now, but there are memories there, and it will evoke a familiar sadness.  Take some pictures for back home, shake it off and do some retail therapy.  Check out Century 21, inexpensive designer goods.  It’ll be crowded, but you may find something, the key is, dig.  After you’ve left Century 21, make your way to Battery Park.  It is time for a sunset cruise on the Staten Island Ferry.  Time it, it is free - and you'll see the Statue of Liberty along the way (another of the Seven Wonders of NYC).  Plan your trip so that your during your trip back from Staten Island, you can drink a beer and see the Manhattan skyline.  Think "Working Girl" – If you have an I-pod, you could even make a NYC sound track – but that is for another person…

Now it is time for dinner in Little Italy.  Make your way to Mulberry Street and pick a restaurant.  Eat too much, drink too much and enjoy your evening.  After you finish your meal, walk around and enjoy the neighborhood.  When you are exhausted, splurge on a yellow taxi and head back to your hotel.  Don't worry, Travis B. is no longer a NYC Taxi Driver, you are more likely to have an Israeli/Pakistani or African driver.  Make sure that you know the cross streets for your hotel (that is pretty easy, remember, NYC is mostly a grid of Streets (side to side) and Avenues (up & down)).

DAY THREE
Museum day – head back to the Lower East Side and see the Tenement Museum.  Think of the movie Crossing Delancy and stop at the Pickle Guys on Essex Street.  Check out the Essex Street Market, and the shops all around the Lower East side.  Then make your way to Chinatown for lunch.  You have many options – from dollar dumplings at Fried Dumplings to Dim Sum at Ping’s on Mott Street.  There is a lot of shopping, and you’ll never forget the sights and smells.

After Lunch, head uptown to your museum of choice.  Pick a big one and go for it.  Spend an afternoon looking at the world’s wonders.  The go back to your hotel, take a shower and get ready to go out.  Make reservations beforehand for a nice dinner in NYC using opentable.com (http://opentable.com).  Before dinner, stop for an expensive drink at The Campbell Apartment. Then check out Grand Central Station.  Hop on the 6 train and head to Union Square/Greenwich Village.  Walk down Sixth Avenue and remember scenes from Sex and the City – The park where Miranda got married – The sidewalk from 13 Going on 30.  Go to dinner.  (I have many suggestions, but you should check out YELP.com (http://YELP.com) and find your favourite)

After Dinner if you are an old fogie like me, head back to your hotel and snuggle up.  If you are really up to it – hit a dance club.  That is what Madonna did back in the 80’s when she was walking down the same sidewalks.  And Mark Twain, well, he hit up a different kind of club when he called Greenwich Village his home.

I’m going to stop now, and go outside and enjoy this city that I’ve been writing about all morning.  Make a list of what you want to see and see it, but keep your eyes open along the way because there is so much more…

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: okarol on February 24, 2008, 11:16:43 AM

Meinuk - that sounds like a perfect way to see NY - but you forgot one thing: Visit Meinuk and Zach too!

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Bill Peckham on February 24, 2008, 11:47:38 AM

Quote from: Meinuk on February 24, 2008, 11:13:15 AM

Time to represent NYC – and I’ll do it via two things that I love, food and movies…

DAY ONE
Pack lightly, and have one suitcase on wheels.  You can do it - no one will know that you are wearing the same outfits over and over. 

This cannot be over emphasized. And don't forget that your dollar will go a long way. I think a case could be made to bring a foundation of clothes/shoes and buy the rest here. Try this. Pack up your clothes and spend an hour window shopping in your own town. Pack to the point where this is still enjoyable. And as Meinuk said you must picnic in NY NY and all along through the trip - stay away from the fast food.

Meinuk's three days sound great and really there is a lot to be said for making NY NY your first stop. When you step into Penn Station you'll know you're not in Oz anymore (heh). A key advantage of the east coast over the west coast is the availability of train travel. I believe there is a train pass on Amtrak for US visitors - like the Eurail pass. With it you could connect east coast cities without having to drive. From the east coast you could start your way home by heading west. It would be a real juxtaposition to fly from the east coast Megopolis to Phoenix and then drive through Northern Arizona - here you'd be able to visit the Navajo-  to the north rim of the Grand Canyon and then on to Zion National Park. Plan to spend a couple days in wilderness de-New Yorkifying yourself on your way to Vegas - there must be a way to do this even if you aren't driving. Then on to IHD central in Lala land.

I'm getting wanderdesire.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Joe Paul on February 24, 2008, 03:21:57 PM

Quote from: Bill Peckham on February 24, 2008, 11:47:38 AM

A key advantage of the east coast over the west coast is the availability of train travel. I believe there is a train pass on Amtrak for US visitors - like the Eurail pass. With it you could connect east coast cities without having to drive. From the east coast you could start your way home by heading west.

Thats a great idea, Amtrak stops in Pittsburgh, then you could decide where to go from here after a day or two  ;)

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: lola on February 24, 2008, 03:54:11 PM

Mans MALL OF AMERICA and Sluff is not that far away so you'd beable to see both of us (hehehe) :cuddle; :beer1;

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Amanda From OZ on February 25, 2008, 06:44:41 AM

what a great load of information. Thanks everyone.

I have put together with all your advice a itinerary. I will post it tomorrow after uni. (college)

Fitting everything into a few weeks is not going to be easy.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Romona on February 25, 2008, 04:10:51 PM

Can't wait to see where you are going to have your adventure! :)

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: MyssAnne on February 25, 2008, 04:27:18 PM

Oh man.  ALl of you make yoiur part of the U.S. sound so inviting, and so much fun!!!

Amanda, Meinuk and Bill have some pretty darn good ideas. First, pack LIGHT. Buy what you can here.
Take the train/subway as much as possible, cheaper!!!

Take lots of pictures, we're gonna want to see where you've been!!!

Annie

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: KR Cincy on February 26, 2008, 08:13:12 AM

Amanda...while you are welcome here in the great Ohio valley, I can't say that it's a tourist's paradise.
However, depending on when you are coming, there are rumblings of a IHD reunion somewhere...so that could take care of lots of visits all at once.

I envy your adventure...there's lots here and you have nothing but free places to stay all across the country!

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: bolta72 on February 26, 2008, 08:37:29 AM

No matter where you go, take it all in and have a great time.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: aharris2 on February 26, 2008, 11:41:25 AM

Quote from: Amanda From OZ on February 25, 2008, 06:44:41 AM

what a great load of information. Thanks everyone.

I have put together with all your advice a itinerary. I will post it tomorrow after uni. (college)

Fitting everything into a few weeks is not going to be easy.

But WAIT!  :-\

We're not done!!! Rolando and I have many, many thoughts and just haven't had the time to post 'em.  :'(

And now it seems that Chicago needs to figure prominently in your itinerary if it includes August 2nd  :clap;

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: CW on February 26, 2008, 06:48:55 PM

Quote from: Meinuk on February 24, 2008, 11:13:15 AM

Time to represent NYC – and I’ll do it via two things that I love, food and movies…

DAY TWO
Early in morning, before the crowds hit, you should trek to the top of the Empire State Building.  The K2 of NYC skyscrapers.  Do it because it is there, and you can say that you did it.  But skip the crowds, it is not worth waiting in line.  The Empire State Building it is one of the Seven Wonders of NYC.  After you’ve come down from the top, stop at a deli and have a NYC breakfast, an egg, cheese and bacon roll with coffee. 

Oh how I miss the egg and cheese rolls (plus a touch of salt and pepper minus the bacon) I am not sure why it does not taste the same in Cali. ::)
Oh!.... now I remember,  California's rolls suck!! >:D and the pizza and the salami too; but the tacos and burritos do rock...hmmm.....OK we can call it a tie :thumbup;

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: aharris2 on February 27, 2008, 04:44:43 AM

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK!!! Geysers, hot springs, wildlife, plate tectonics!

We have never been there but it is my dream. Your trip is very different depending on whether or not you are driving, but it appears that it is doable in either event. Bill Peckham's itinerary of the west looked cool ending in flying out of Salt Lake City, Utah. DON'T LEAVE YET!!! Tour Yellowstone. I looked at Yellowstone when you first posted and found that Salt Lake City is the closest major airport to Yellowstone, about 5 hrs away by car or by tour bus(!). July and August are ideal for visiting. It is when the weather is the warmest - approaching 80F in the day and upper 40s overnight.

I am with you Bill, I feel the wanderlust stirring 8)

Alene
(More to come...)

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Sluff on February 27, 2008, 06:20:18 AM

Quote from: aharris2 on February 27, 2008, 04:44:43 AM

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK!!! Geysers, hot springs, wildlife, plate tectonics!

We have never been there but it is my dream. Your trip is very different depending on whether or not you are driving, but it appears that it is doable in either event. Bill Peckham's itinerary of the west looked cool ending in flying out of Salt Lake City, Utah. DON'T LEAVE YET!!! Tour Yellowstone. I looked at Yellowstone when you first posted and found that Salt Lake City is the closest major airport to Yellowstone, about 5 hrs away by car or by tour bus(!). July and August are ideal for visiting. It is when the weather is the warmest - approaching 80F in the day and upper 40s overnight.

I am with you Bill, I feel the wanderlust stirring 8)

Alene
(More to come...)

I rode through Yellowstone on the bike and spent 2-3 days in west Yellowstone Montana in cabins just inside the city on the left (south)they were beautiful.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Bill Peckham on February 27, 2008, 08:57:20 AM

Here is a link to a road trip I did with the dog in 2006 from Seattle to Chicago through Yellowstone with a stop for a few nights just to the east of Yellowstone in the Shoshone Forest at the Elephant Head Lodge. http://forums.homedialysis.org/showthread.php?t=1069

This trip also marks the first time I used the NxStage - so there is a bunch of talk about it too.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: kidney4traci on February 27, 2008, 07:31:20 PM

CW - California pizza is way better than what they try to pass off for pizza in South Texas!  Can't say anything about NY pizza - never been there...

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: aharris2 on February 28, 2008, 06:58:05 PM

Quote from: Bill Peckham on February 24, 2008, 11:47:38 AM

...Meinuk's three days sound great and really there is a lot to be said for making NY NY your first stop. When you step into Penn Station you'll know you're not in Oz anymore (heh). A key advantage of the east coast over the west coast is the availability of train travel. I believe there is a train pass on Amtrak for US visitors - like the Eurail pass. With it you could connect east coast cities without having to drive. From the east coast you could start your way home by heading west. It would be a real juxtaposition to fly from the east coast Megopolis to Phoenix and then drive through Northern Arizona - here you'd be able to visit the Navajo-  to the north rim of the Grand Canyon and then on to Zion National Park. Plan to spend a couple days in wilderness de-New Yorkifying yourself on your way to Vegas - there must be a way to do this even if you aren't driving. Then on to IHD central in Lala land.

I'm getting wanderdesire.

Meinuk, Bill, you're killing me! I grew up in the "New York metropolitan area" and spent many good times in the City.

Amanda, if you are not driving, there are a number of locations that have well developed public transportation systems. New York City is the most well developed, and well worth a visit whether or not you're driving.

You mentioned the possibility of travel in July. If you make it to New York on Independence Day (July 4th) you're in for a great show - Fireworks over the East River. Bring a radio. Spectacular show!!! (Meinuk???) I saw it one time and it was memorable.

(Now, I have no experience with these, but both Boston and Washington DC are both commuter friendly and must also have excellent Independence Day celebrations - Boston for its history and DC as the national capital.)

Back to NYC. Don't simply take a ferry past the Statue of Liberty, stop!!! This is, to me, what America is (was, or should be) all about. This is (a part of) what is written on her:

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these the homeless, tempest-tost to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

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See it up close and see Ellis Island.  And, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (you'll be able to see Lady Liberty as you walk.)

As Bill said, there's Amtrak and it goes to Boston and DC, both tourist destinations with mass transit. And I like the contrast offered by the west as Bill suggests (don't forget Yellowstone!)
 :clap;

Alene
(...more mass transit locations later...)

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: livecam on February 28, 2008, 07:01:55 PM

Flights to and from Australia often stop in Hawaii.  I could be persuaded to conduct a tour there featuring a stop for some very good steaks.  Think about that one!

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Meinuk on February 28, 2008, 07:08:32 PM

Alene, Don't get me started on the Brooklyn Bridge...  You can walk across, get some of the best Pizza in NY (Grimaldi's), and some ice cream next door, and then walk back again.  Ohh sometimes winter makes me sad.  As soon as the weather gets better, I'm walking over that Bridge!

Fireworks - Yes, NYC can be amazing, but I have to say, I lived in London for years, and the Brits really know their fireworks (lighting up the Thames for the millennium WOW a river of fire).  But, the best ever 4th of July experience I've ever had was catching a flight from LAX to JFK, it was a clear night and thanks to the time change, I watched so many of our nation's fireworks from above.  It was a truly spectacular totally 20th Century view of the celebration.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Sluff on February 28, 2008, 07:12:56 PM

Quote from: Meinuk on February 28, 2008, 07:08:32 PM

Alene,

Don't get me started on the Brooklyn Bridge...  You can walk across, get some of the best Pizza in NY (Grinmaldi's), and some ice cream next door, and then walk back again.  Ohh sometimes winter makes me sad.  As soon as the weather gets better, I'm walking over that Bridge!

Fireworks - Yes, NYC can be amazing, but I have to say, I lived in London for years, and the Brits really know their fireworks (lighting up the Themes for the millennium WOW a river of fire).  But, the best ever 4th of July experience I've ever had was catching a flight from LAX to JFK, it was a clear night and thanks to the time change, I watched so many of our nation's fireworks from above.  It was a truly spectacular totally 20th Century view of the celebration.

One day I'm coming to NY. And we must go for pizza. Of course you may have to drag me if it's too far.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Meinuk on February 28, 2008, 07:19:23 PM

Sluff,  this summer, grab the wife, jump on the Harley and come to NYC!!!!  After the pizza and icecream, I'll even drive you back over the bridge.  I kinda like the thought of being your permanent vacation driver!

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Sluff on February 28, 2008, 08:31:21 PM

Quote from: Meinuk on February 28, 2008, 07:19:23 PM

Sluff,  this summer, grab the wife, jump on the Harley and come to NYC!!!!  After the pizza and icecream, I'll even drive you back over the bridge.  I kinda like the thought of being your permanent vacation driver!

So do I  ;)

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Bill Peckham on February 28, 2008, 08:37:29 PM

Quote from: Meinuk on February 28, 2008, 07:19:23 PM

Sluff,  this summer, grab the wife, jump on the Harley and come to NYC!!!!  After the pizza and icecream, I'll even drive you back over the bridge.  I kinda like the thought of being your permanent vacation driver!

Sluff are you on a permanent vacation?

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: aharris2 on February 29, 2008, 05:34:04 AM

Quote from: Sluff on February 28, 2008, 07:12:56 PM

...One day I'm coming to NY. And we must go for pizza...

(alene writing)
Alright, is this where the "which pizza is better, New York pizza or Chicago pizza" discussion  :boxing; begins...

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Meinuk on February 29, 2008, 08:07:10 AM

Quote from: aharris2 on February 29, 2008, 05:34:04 AM

Quote from: Sluff on February 28, 2008, 07:12:56 PM

...One day I'm coming to NY. And we must go for pizza...

(alene writing)
Alright, is this where the "which pizza is better, New York pizza or Chicago pizza" discussion  :boxing; begins...

I really don't know much about Chicago, and the only Chicago Pizza I've ever had is UNOS - so  you'll get no  :boxing; from me!

FYI - my best Pizza ever in Turin (Torino) Italy (of course, I think that everything is better in Italy),  second, NYC...

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Sluff on February 29, 2008, 09:22:19 AM

Quote from: Meinuk on February 29, 2008, 08:07:10 AM

Quote from: aharris2 on February 29, 2008, 05:34:04 AM

Quote from: Sluff on February 28, 2008, 07:12:56 PM

...One day I'm coming to NY. And we must go for pizza...

(alene writing)
Alright, is this where the "which pizza is better, New York pizza or Chicago pizza" discussion  :boxing; begins...

I really don't know much about Chicago, and the only Chicago Pizza I've ever had is UNOS - so  you'll get no  :boxing; from me!

FYI - my best Pizza ever in Turin (Torino) Italy (of course, I think that everything is better in Italy),  second, NYC...

What's it cost to go to Italy? nevermind I would need a passport.

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: Bill Peckham on February 29, 2008, 10:48:39 AM

Quote from: aharris2 on February 29, 2008, 05:34:04 AM

Quote from: Sluff on February 28, 2008, 07:12:56 PM

...One day I'm coming to NY. And we must go for pizza...

(alene writing)
Alright, is this where the "which pizza is better, New York pizza or Chicago pizza" discussion  :boxing; begins...

Cough, cough, Chicago, cough cough

Bill (ex Chicago pizza flipper) Peckham

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: KT0930 on February 29, 2008, 06:57:54 PM

Quote from: Amanda From OZ on February 25, 2008, 06:44:41 AM

what a great load of information. Thanks everyone.

I have put together with all your advice a itinerary. I will post it tomorrow after uni. (college)

Fitting everything into a few weeks is not going to be easy.

So what's the word, what part(s) are you going to get to see?

Title: Re: Im making my way to the USA.
Post by: paddbear0000 on March 11, 2008, 02:06:23 PM

 :bump; Any news? What happened to the itinerary?