The Splendid Things

DAY 3. PART ONE. LADY LIBERTY AND THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY

Sorry about the break in posts but jet lag reared it's ugly head again last night. We were all in bed by 9.30pm and didn't think about getting up until after 10. Starting to get into the swing of things as a New Yorker (ha!) though. If you want a decent size cup of coffee but don't want to drink a gallon ask for a Grande. Tipping is scaled by service so if it's awesome it's 20% if it's average 10%. It is always warmer when it is snowing. Why?

No wind. Anyway, I digress. Yesterday was our big touristy day. After grabbing a Coffee and Chocolate croissant we jumped on the subway Line 1 down to South Ferry. The Subway was efficient and quick but a little dirty and hard to navigate especially with a stroller. Still a better way than driving. I can't imagine anything worse than driving through the main streets of the city. Digressing again blah blah.

As soon as you step out at South Ferry you are bombarded with Hecklers trying to sell you trips on boats to see the statue. I kid you not we were asked about 20 times . Once you get past the swarm it's straight onto the Staten Island Ferry. Free as a bird. It is regimented. You all stand in front of two big doors and then shuffle through onto the ferry like cattle. We got really great seats on the top level and before we knew it we were on our way to see the prettiest green lady in all the land. Gus slept through the entire thing, waking up just as we were about to dock. I have to say I had exactly the same feeling as when I first saw the Manhattan skyline, a gulp in my throat and a tear in my eye.

Lady Liberty really is a beauty! Smaller than what you think (I think it's all the movies we watch) but still stops you in your tracks. You can't take your eyes off her.

After ticking off a bucket list item we headed up past Wall Street and onto the Freedom Tower and the 911 Memorial Museum. It was sombre, in your face and conveyed just how real that day was and how it still effects the NY community.

What a great day! One of the best! I feel like I need to continually be pinched to remind me that what we are experiencing, seeing, smelling, tasting is real!

Photo dump below if you want to check it out.

Part 2 coming tomorrow. Another Bucket Item List ticked off!

Love Lil xx

#CULBERTSTAKETHESTATES DAY 2. TIMES SQUARE BABY!

So............................................................That's us, in Times Square!

After falling in into bed at 2.30 this morning we all got to sleep. And I mean sleep. We woke up today at 2pm. I'm hoping that we have now kicked jet lag in the arse and the rest of the trip will be on U.S time.

We stepped out of the hotel at about 3.30 and headed straight on down to Times Square guided by the neon. So much neon and flash guys, and noise and steam coming out of the potholes. We felt like we were on a movie set. Today was all about exploring the neighbourhood we are staying in, Midtown. Times Square is a 4 minute walk from our Hotel. First stop was Starbucks. I haven't had a lot of coffee in the U.S yet but Starbucks is the best by far. Every other cup I have had is bitter and not the best. So U.S tip No. 1 tip so far is just go to Starbucks if you are a coffee lover like we are.

Made some of our shopping dreams come true! H+M. There are no words. And Forever 21. We made Gus's dreams come true by going to Toys R Us. A Whole aisle of Imaginex toys! He was in heaven and wanted every, single, one.

We had such a great first day! It was freezing, a bit confusing and overwhelming but every second we were in awe of this Amazing City. Tomorrow is our big touristy day. Empire State Building I'm looking at you.

A few photos below if you would like to see how our first day as temporary New Yorkers went.

Love Lil xx

P.S - totally cried like a baby when we drove over a hill and saw the Manhattan skyline last night. We are just the luckiest three right now.

P.P.S - That 'Russ' coffee cup slays me. 'Did you say Russ Ma'am ?' Hahaha

DAY ONE. TRAVEL DAY ( SLASH NIGHT AND THE NEXT DAY)

Hello from 35023 feet. I'm typing this post in the air you guys! Wifi on the plane, kinda the most brilliant thing ever. We are currently flying over Salt Lake City on our way to New York. Originally we were supposed to be in New York now but our flight at 10.30 am was cancelled due to the weather. You know snow, sleet and rain, all those good things. We only found this out as we were struggling (multiple bags, tired, cranky 3 year old who wanted to lie on the floor at any opportunity) towards our gate. Thank goodness customer service was right next to where we were ready to burst into tears. Half an hour later we were re-booked on a flight to San Francisco and then a connecting flight to NY at 4.45!

So here we are. Not what we expected our Travel Day to be, but we rolled with it, Got to see San Fran from the air and we will be in NY at 1am where it will be a toasty -4.

So what have we seen so far. The inside of LAX, which I have to say is quite dingy and dirty for one of the largest airports in the world. A 5 minute bus trip from International to Domestic, so roads and smog. And then San Fran from the air. I know they are 5 hours apart but the landscape between the two is so different. LA was really dry and in some parts looked almost desert like whereas San Fransisco is much more lush with large mountain ranges and Forests. No Golden Gate bridge though. Much to both Ross and My disappointment.

It's 6.07 LA time. I'm about to enjoy some cheese and crackers with Ross while Gus sleeps in between us, snoring his cute, utterly exhausted little head off.

Till tomorrow.

So excited.

Love Lil xx

#CULBERTS TAKE THE STATES

Hello neglected old thing! I have missed you so. Unfortunately life and work takes over around the christmas period. We are only just getting back into the swing of things with bedtime routines, dinners before 9pm and days off as a family.

So, just a bit excited that the final countdown is on. 13 days till we hop on a jet plane and fly to NEW YORK CITY!!!! It has finally hit me after months of planning and dreaming!
Now it is just a matter of packing our bags, making sure we have our Passports and the three of us are off on our amazing adventure!

Speaking of packing, above is what I have bought so far to get ready for our grand holiday.
We are going from 30 degrees to 3 degrees. 3 degrees people! How are we going to cope? With a warm puffa jacket, fur lined boots and some gloves of course. No snow or wind is going to stop us exploring the City that never sleeps.

So Leather Gloves from ASOS. They fit (excuse the pun) like a glove and are both warm and stylish. Grey knitted Snood also from ASOS. It is so soft and fluffy and was an absolute steal. Cross Body Bag from the one and only Oroton. I have been eyeing off this bag for months. I wanted a bag I could just throw on, not have to lug around but be able to carry all of our stuff. It is perfect, smells amazing and goes with absolutely everything.
Man Style Shirt from Country Road. Can you believe I got it for $19? It is so beautifully cut and has just the right amount of length to wear under sweaters.
Travel Notes Notebook from Kikki K. I got this for a gift for Christmas. You can plan and document your whole holiday and future adventures in this little book, and of course it's easy on the eye. Fur Lined Boots from Boohoo. My toes are going to be sooo warm and hopefully I'll be able to walk and walk cause they are totally comfy.
My hero piece, The Puffa Jacket is Bellfield from ASOS. I love love love it. You cannot even put it on in 30 degree weather it is that warm.

I know that I should be doing all of my shopping in New York but being able to buy a few things has made the trip seem real and adds to the excitement level.
Plus I just love shopping.

Have you ever been to New York, or any other parts of the U.S? I would love any packing or travelling tips or great place to go visit or eat?

Much Love Lil xx