Breakfast smorgasbord in the hotel- paid for by the club this morning which was very nice. After breakfast there was a town meeting to talk about future conventions and where they will be held. It seems many want a mini one down in New Zealand - so Mike and I will organise that for the future.
Abbie came through from New Jersey to meet Kim and I. We know Abbie through her blog about her journey to cochlear implantation. She is absolutely gorgeous and it was fantastic to meet her. So much fun. Unfortunately I couldn't spend too much time with her as I was booked on the Philadelephia Art Museum Tour.
We met everyone in the lobby and caught the Philly Phlash, which dropped us off right outside the museum. We had a guide, and we were given receivers to wear around our neck. I plugged my cochlear audio cable directly into this and attached it to my implant. Heard perfectly - didn't even need to lipread. But the cable kept falling out out of the implant the connection is so loose and wasn't happy about this, particularly as it cost me $164!!!!
The Guide took us through several sections and concentrated on one or two art pieces in each section. It was absolutely fascinating, and have to say this is the best art museum I've ever been to. I was in awe with some of the art, and how old it all was. I feel NZ is sadly lacking in comparison! After the museum we headed back to the hotel in the Phlash. I really wanted to see the State Penitntiary but had no time, it was tooooo hot, I had sore swollen feet, without about 6 blisters that were bothering me.
Mike and I stopped for a shared Flatbread, then I went back up to my room and put my feet up for about 45 minutes. Back downstairs at 5.30pm and got to spend a bit more time with Abbie. Bid on the silent auction - and managed to win a set of three dri-brix for my CI dry-n-store. Paid $11 for 3, and they're $7.00 each in NZ!! Sat with Marianne and Martin Locke at the banquet.
Spent a bit of time in the lounge bar afterwards saying goodbyes then went upstairs and packed. Had to say Bye to Kim = very very sad. She lives in Seattle and one day I hope to get up to stay with her.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Day 5, 11th July - Philadelphia
Breakfast had been so terrible the day before we got up an hour earlier and headed down to Cosi with Kim and Lorne and had omelette sandwiches instead. Much more filling, and healthier than the 9g sat fat yoghurts on offer!
Workshops in morning. After the workshops, I took Kim, Paul, and Lorne to Elthrey's Alley as they couldn't find it. So here is a NZer leading around Americans!!! I wanted to go back as some of my photos didn't turn out. There is something very very wrong with my camera - its not focusing properly. Will get it looked at in New York.
After Elthrey's Alley we caught the Phlash to Reading Terminal market - no way we were going to walk - far too hot. So hot Mike took off his shirt. We came across some state police in bright yellow shirts on bicycles. I took a photo so they came over to check us out. I explained I was from NZ, and they let me take more photos of them. I jokingly asked if it was legal to walk around topless and pointed at Mike. One of them said.. 'If I had a body like yours I'd be walking around with my shirt off too!!'
Hmmmmmmmmmmm !!
Had lunch in the Reading Terminal Market back at the Amish stall again. I had another apple dumpling. At this rate I'm going to turn into a dumpling but they are so divine. After lunch caught the Phlash to the Mutter Museum - the medical anomaly museum with Mike & Paul. Very interesting stuff - I didn't know humans could grow horns! From there we walked back to the hotel - about 24 blocks all up - a long way - very very hot and I was really grumpy when I got back as my feet were killing me. They still haven't recovered - they are twice the size they should be and very painful. This happened last time I was in America too, so wonder if it's the combination of walking and flying.
Had Dinner wth Dwyane and Cheryl from Ohio - whom I've been talking to for about 12 years online. So nice to meet them after all this time. Also met up with Lori Singer - another american from another list I'm on who heard I was in town and came looking for me!!! Another late night socialising at the bar!!
Workshops in morning. After the workshops, I took Kim, Paul, and Lorne to Elthrey's Alley as they couldn't find it. So here is a NZer leading around Americans!!! I wanted to go back as some of my photos didn't turn out. There is something very very wrong with my camera - its not focusing properly. Will get it looked at in New York.
After Elthrey's Alley we caught the Phlash to Reading Terminal market - no way we were going to walk - far too hot. So hot Mike took off his shirt. We came across some state police in bright yellow shirts on bicycles. I took a photo so they came over to check us out. I explained I was from NZ, and they let me take more photos of them. I jokingly asked if it was legal to walk around topless and pointed at Mike. One of them said.. 'If I had a body like yours I'd be walking around with my shirt off too!!'
Hmmmmmmmmmmm !!
Had lunch in the Reading Terminal Market back at the Amish stall again. I had another apple dumpling. At this rate I'm going to turn into a dumpling but they are so divine. After lunch caught the Phlash to the Mutter Museum - the medical anomaly museum with Mike & Paul. Very interesting stuff - I didn't know humans could grow horns! From there we walked back to the hotel - about 24 blocks all up - a long way - very very hot and I was really grumpy when I got back as my feet were killing me. They still haven't recovered - they are twice the size they should be and very painful. This happened last time I was in America too, so wonder if it's the combination of walking and flying.
Had Dinner wth Dwyane and Cheryl from Ohio - whom I've been talking to for about 12 years online. So nice to meet them after all this time. Also met up with Lori Singer - another american from another list I'm on who heard I was in town and came looking for me!!! Another late night socialising at the bar!!
Day 4 - 10th July - Philadelphia
UP at 8.00 then down to the first workshop. By 8.30am was so tired could hardly keep eyes open. I think this was because the breafast provided was really poor - pastries only, which I hate. They did have a yoghurt there as well which I thought was healthy, until I looked at the nutrition info to find it had 9g of saturated fat!! My poor heart!
By 11.00am I was so tired I slipped out of the workshops and went back to bed and slept til 12.30pm. Met the Duck group at 1pm in lobby, then walked down to the Duck tour. A bus tour round Philly that takes you over land and on to the Delaware River. It wasn't that good- but it did give you an indication of areas to explore later. The Delaware River was filthy - and if you think Auckland Bridge is bad - the bridge over the river is rusting really badly - you could see it!!
After the Duck Tour Mike and I headed over to South Street - a famous street in America. We called in on the Liberty Bell on the way. Took lots of photos - incredible architecture - red bricks, OLD OLD. South Street was a real education too. An eclectic mix of sex shops, condom shops, restaurants, irish pubs, designer fashion, homeless people, drug addicts, historical landmarks tourists, police and doorways covered with graffiti. I managed to get a photo of a woman being arrested. All highly entertaining and interesting!!! We lunched at a boring establishment - but cheap - Subway - $5 for a footlong sub which we shared. $2.50 each!!
At the End of South Street we found the Vietnam Memorial, then the Korean one, then found an old historical building which was the first stock exchange of USA. Back to the hotel to change the memory card of my camera. Silly me left my 2gb flash card at home by mistake, so only have two 1gb ones - which is difficult when you shoot in RAW mode. We then walked to Elthrey's Alley which is USA's Oldest street. I'm sure I thought Quebec City street was older, but Elthrey's Alley is actually Trademarked (law) as the oldest street so it must be!! The alley was incredible - lots of photos, Walked to Benjamin Franklins Graveyard after that - but it was closed and I never did get back to get more photos of it. Txted Kim to find out where she was - she told me City Tavern, so we walked over in the general direction of that - Walnut Street and 2nd. On the corner of Walnut St and 2nd, I txt Kim again to find out where she was, to find she had left a message to say she wasn't at city tavern afterall but at Rotten Ralphs!!! We just happened to be standing right outside it - so up the stairs to sit with them and while away a few hours. Back to the hotel for non existent hot chocolate - no hot drinks available in hotel after 10pm. Ludicrous!!
Footsore and weary!
Cheers
Robyn
By 11.00am I was so tired I slipped out of the workshops and went back to bed and slept til 12.30pm. Met the Duck group at 1pm in lobby, then walked down to the Duck tour. A bus tour round Philly that takes you over land and on to the Delaware River. It wasn't that good- but it did give you an indication of areas to explore later. The Delaware River was filthy - and if you think Auckland Bridge is bad - the bridge over the river is rusting really badly - you could see it!!
After the Duck Tour Mike and I headed over to South Street - a famous street in America. We called in on the Liberty Bell on the way. Took lots of photos - incredible architecture - red bricks, OLD OLD. South Street was a real education too. An eclectic mix of sex shops, condom shops, restaurants, irish pubs, designer fashion, homeless people, drug addicts, historical landmarks tourists, police and doorways covered with graffiti. I managed to get a photo of a woman being arrested. All highly entertaining and interesting!!! We lunched at a boring establishment - but cheap - Subway - $5 for a footlong sub which we shared. $2.50 each!!
At the End of South Street we found the Vietnam Memorial, then the Korean one, then found an old historical building which was the first stock exchange of USA. Back to the hotel to change the memory card of my camera. Silly me left my 2gb flash card at home by mistake, so only have two 1gb ones - which is difficult when you shoot in RAW mode. We then walked to Elthrey's Alley which is USA's Oldest street. I'm sure I thought Quebec City street was older, but Elthrey's Alley is actually Trademarked (law) as the oldest street so it must be!! The alley was incredible - lots of photos, Walked to Benjamin Franklins Graveyard after that - but it was closed and I never did get back to get more photos of it. Txted Kim to find out where she was - she told me City Tavern, so we walked over in the general direction of that - Walnut Street and 2nd. On the corner of Walnut St and 2nd, I txt Kim again to find out where she was, to find she had left a message to say she wasn't at city tavern afterall but at Rotten Ralphs!!! We just happened to be standing right outside it - so up the stairs to sit with them and while away a few hours. Back to the hotel for non existent hot chocolate - no hot drinks available in hotel after 10pm. Ludicrous!!
Footsore and weary!
Cheers
Robyn
Day three - 9th July - Philadelphia
Met everyone at breakfast. Breakfast took 1 hour to arrive - terrible service in this hotel. After breakfast Mike, Paul, Kim, Ruth-Ann and I walked to the visitors centre and caught the zoo shuttle - the Phlash (philly flash) for $2. It's America's first zoo, smaller than Auckland's, but had some incredible animals in it. I enjoyed the rare animal encounter and got some (hopefully good) photos of the very rare monkey called a langur (coche or something). They also had a great reptile and amphibian encounter - of which there were bright purple poisonous frogs and lots of huge snakes! We finished at the zoo at 1.30pm, and picked up the shuttle. Mike and I got dropped off at the Reading Terminal Market while the others went on back to the hotel.
Market was great- I went to the amish food stall and had a roast turkey sandwich ( a half portion though ) and finished with the genuine apple dumpling. The apple dumpling was divine. We wandered through the market then wandered up the main street (Market Street). It was so hot that we had to keep going into different shops to cool down in their air-conditioning. By the time I got back to the hotel, I was soaked in perspiration - it was about 36C plus 99.99999% humidity. Ugh. Got back to hotel at 5pm and had a swim to cool down in the roof top pool.
Registration party (start of convention) started at 7pm. Mike and I took the NZ wine we had with us and offered up a NZ wine tasting. It went down very well!! Talked to everyone until 11pm then hit sack!
Cheers
Robyn
Market was great- I went to the amish food stall and had a roast turkey sandwich ( a half portion though ) and finished with the genuine apple dumpling. The apple dumpling was divine. We wandered through the market then wandered up the main street (Market Street). It was so hot that we had to keep going into different shops to cool down in their air-conditioning. By the time I got back to the hotel, I was soaked in perspiration - it was about 36C plus 99.99999% humidity. Ugh. Got back to hotel at 5pm and had a swim to cool down in the roof top pool.
Registration party (start of convention) started at 7pm. Mike and I took the NZ wine we had with us and offered up a NZ wine tasting. It went down very well!! Talked to everyone until 11pm then hit sack!
Cheers
Robyn
Day 2 - 8th July - Stockton - Philadelphia
The Stretch Limousine arrived on time and took us out to Sacramento airport - another hour of travelling. Just as well we got food at the mall as nothing was open at the airport.. We flew in an old old continental plane- no games or videos, and only a drink and a bag of nuts. Slept maybe for an hour - but very uncomfortable. I have to admit I was jealous of business class on this flight!
Landed at Houston. Huge huge airport - big food courts, shops for miles, and miles and miles of walking to get to our terminal to get the next plane. Stopped for breakfast - yoghurt and a banana - nothing else appealed. Too much fried stuff here - no wonder some Americans are huge. Went into a an amazing leatherware shop - hats at $415 and boots at $350 all covered in rhinestones!
After breakfast found our gate and boarded straight away. Arrived Philadelphia 12.00 noon, found baggage and got a $10 shuttle to our hotel. Remembered a little of Philadelphia from last trip when we drove past it on the way to DC. Beautiful city - university area was fascinating.
Checked in, but my room wasn't available, but we found some of the convention attendees - easy to spot - just look at ears - if they're wearing hearing aids/implants - you can be sure they're one of us. We wandered along and found a food court and had lunch (Bourse House). When I got back room was ready so I went up and slept from 2 to 5pm. Left a note for Kim (my room mate) to wake me up when she got in from Seattle.
Got up and dressed and went to Lobby and met Wayne Roorda - a volunteer for Advanced Bionics (like my voluntary work with Cochlear) and he took me out for dinner. I've known Wayne for many years on another email list, but not this SWC Convention one - it was merely a coincidence that he found out I was in PHL for this convention and he happens to live there.
Man it's hot in PHilly - very humid. After dinner the heavens opened and a huge thunderstorm which did cool down the weather a bit. Sat in the pub after dinner and talked to lots of people until 1.am. Woke up at 5.30am!!! Argh! I need more sleep!!!
Cheers
Robyn
Landed at Houston. Huge huge airport - big food courts, shops for miles, and miles and miles of walking to get to our terminal to get the next plane. Stopped for breakfast - yoghurt and a banana - nothing else appealed. Too much fried stuff here - no wonder some Americans are huge. Went into a an amazing leatherware shop - hats at $415 and boots at $350 all covered in rhinestones!
After breakfast found our gate and boarded straight away. Arrived Philadelphia 12.00 noon, found baggage and got a $10 shuttle to our hotel. Remembered a little of Philadelphia from last trip when we drove past it on the way to DC. Beautiful city - university area was fascinating.
Checked in, but my room wasn't available, but we found some of the convention attendees - easy to spot - just look at ears - if they're wearing hearing aids/implants - you can be sure they're one of us. We wandered along and found a food court and had lunch (Bourse House). When I got back room was ready so I went up and slept from 2 to 5pm. Left a note for Kim (my room mate) to wake me up when she got in from Seattle.
Got up and dressed and went to Lobby and met Wayne Roorda - a volunteer for Advanced Bionics (like my voluntary work with Cochlear) and he took me out for dinner. I've known Wayne for many years on another email list, but not this SWC Convention one - it was merely a coincidence that he found out I was in PHL for this convention and he happens to live there.
Man it's hot in PHilly - very humid. After dinner the heavens opened and a huge thunderstorm which did cool down the weather a bit. Sat in the pub after dinner and talked to lots of people until 1.am. Woke up at 5.30am!!! Argh! I need more sleep!!!
Cheers
Robyn
Day one - USA
Flight was very long - in the past 48 hours I think I've only had about 4 or 5 hours of sleep - snatched when I can only. The flight was uneventful except for an arrogant kiwi male sitting behind me who stole my blankets while I was sleeping, and my pillow when I put my head forward for a minute. I got it back the first time, but the second time he stole it while I was sleeping!!! I asked the hostess for another one and she made him give it back to me. The cheek!!
Flying into SFO youculd see a little of the gorgeous coastline but was very 'foggy'. The fog was actually smoke from all the bush fires.
We flew through customs and USA immigration. Paul was waiting for us wearing the Tshirt he bought off Redbubble of mine so he was easily recognisable. He had a surprise for us in the form of a stretch Limo which took us from the airport to his place in 90 minutes. This stretch limo was a super stretch one - and just the three of us in the back!! He's ordered it to take us to the airport at Sacremento tonight too - picking us up in an hour.
It was a pleasant 22C in SFO when we arrived, so nice after our storm antarctic winter storms in NZ. However it was not so balmy in Stockton where Paul is - it was a boiling furnace and 38C. Paul tells us that we picked the hottest day to arrive. I seem to make a habit of picking extreme weather, as wehn I arrived in Montreal in 2006, I arrived at the coldest - minus 31C. However I think I'd take the Minus 31 over plus 38 any day!
As soon as we refreshed ourselves with a COLD shower we ordered a taxi and popped down to the mall and got something to eat. We were also desperate for some cold air-conditioning. Shopping with 2 men is no fun. Will have to go back on my own!
After dinner at the mall, we went to T-Mobile and got served by two men in bright pink shirts. Mike and I bought a phone each so we can at least txt each other in case one of us gets lost or separated. Cheap as chips - a Nokia 6710 was $29.99 plus $25 prepay. We can dial 611 when we leave to have the phone unlocked for free for use in NZ. So Anne - don't worry about buying a new Nokia - I have one here for you on my return.
We're about to head out shortly for the philadelphia part of our trip - the Say What Club hearing loss convention and will be on that side of the US for 8 days. A little cooler than here, no stingy eyes from the smoke, but humid so probably just as hot as 38C!!
Flight is at 12.15am and I'm so tired!
Will update blog when I can.
Cheers
Robyn
Flying into SFO youculd see a little of the gorgeous coastline but was very 'foggy'. The fog was actually smoke from all the bush fires.
We flew through customs and USA immigration. Paul was waiting for us wearing the Tshirt he bought off Redbubble of mine so he was easily recognisable. He had a surprise for us in the form of a stretch Limo which took us from the airport to his place in 90 minutes. This stretch limo was a super stretch one - and just the three of us in the back!! He's ordered it to take us to the airport at Sacremento tonight too - picking us up in an hour.
It was a pleasant 22C in SFO when we arrived, so nice after our storm antarctic winter storms in NZ. However it was not so balmy in Stockton where Paul is - it was a boiling furnace and 38C. Paul tells us that we picked the hottest day to arrive. I seem to make a habit of picking extreme weather, as wehn I arrived in Montreal in 2006, I arrived at the coldest - minus 31C. However I think I'd take the Minus 31 over plus 38 any day!
As soon as we refreshed ourselves with a COLD shower we ordered a taxi and popped down to the mall and got something to eat. We were also desperate for some cold air-conditioning. Shopping with 2 men is no fun. Will have to go back on my own!
After dinner at the mall, we went to T-Mobile and got served by two men in bright pink shirts. Mike and I bought a phone each so we can at least txt each other in case one of us gets lost or separated. Cheap as chips - a Nokia 6710 was $29.99 plus $25 prepay. We can dial 611 when we leave to have the phone unlocked for free for use in NZ. So Anne - don't worry about buying a new Nokia - I have one here for you on my return.
We're about to head out shortly for the philadelphia part of our trip - the Say What Club hearing loss convention and will be on that side of the US for 8 days. A little cooler than here, no stingy eyes from the smoke, but humid so probably just as hot as 38C!!
Flight is at 12.15am and I'm so tired!
Will update blog when I can.
Cheers
Robyn
Monday, July 7, 2008
Gone to the U.S.A.
Well - the time has finally come around and in just a few hours I'll be leaving to go Auckland Airport to catch my flight to San francisco. I am just this minute getting excited for the first time.
I will try to update this blog with my travels when i get a chance but not sure how often I will be at a computer.
I will be glad to leave this cold damp cold freezing Auckland weather behind and jump into summer. I will think of everyone back in New Zealand shivering in cold when the lakes finally run dry and the lights and heat go out :) I'll try and bring back a little can of sunshine for you all on my return.
Have fun in my absence, I know I will be :)
Cheers
Robyn
I will try to update this blog with my travels when i get a chance but not sure how often I will be at a computer.
I will be glad to leave this cold damp cold freezing Auckland weather behind and jump into summer. I will think of everyone back in New Zealand shivering in cold when the lakes finally run dry and the lights and heat go out :) I'll try and bring back a little can of sunshine for you all on my return.
Have fun in my absence, I know I will be :)
Cheers
Robyn
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