BERMUDA AGAINST THE WALL

We are within walking distance of Hamilton HOWEVER the walkways frequently disappear and  the only way to  walk is on a narrow busy two lane road often with weathered walls on both sides.  You need to run fast and watch out for your nose if you peak out to see if any cars/scooter are coming. (Today I needed to watch my knees while I sat on a wall waiting for a bus.)  The roads and weathered limestone walls were built 100's of years ago and apparently no one wants to change them.  They have a good bus system for touring the island but if you want to jump off to explore you might not have a sidewalk. 

Bermuda is beautiful with turquoise waters, islands, pink sand but not quite as charming and peaceful as I expected.  Even though there are only about 64,000 people on the island it seems hectic because of the  heavily traveled and narrow roads.   (Hamilton has sidewalks and crosswalks.).    The ferry boat rides are lovely but the drivers decided to strike a couple of days after we arrived and no one seems to know why or when it will end.

Another new experience for us were the tree frogs that start chirping at sundown and don't stop until after sunrise.  We hear them throughout the night in our bedroom probably because we are staying in a area surrounded by gardens and trees.

COFFEE SUNRISE & DOLPHINS

Lots of memories here in Sanibel - to begin with my parents use to love Florida and frequently came to Ft Myers Beach for their winter vacation (big thing when you live in Minnesota).  I remember coming along with them for some of the visits. My husband and I continued to vacation here with our two children and my parents for many years - it's been about 15 years since we've all been here together.

 We have rented a lovely condo in Sanibel which overlooks the causeway and Ft Myers Beach - we are right on the bay which is providing a great breeze and dolphins for entertainment.  The sunrise is beautiful.  September in Sanibel is very quiet - most of the condos are empty and many of the restaurants and shops are closed.  I love the bike ride up to the lighthouse in the mornings when it is still cool and walking the peaceful Florida beach looking for shells (gifts from the sea).   I've also been sitting by the bay reading The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd (great book).  Here is a quote from the book "There is nothing perfect," ---"There is only life."

BOSTON

This was an exciting change from the Carolinas.  We stayed at the Marriott Copley Square which we managed to get for $125 by bidding on Priceline.  It was a great deal because they upgraded us to a suite on the 33rd floor with a spectacular view.  Copley square was a great area for shopping and restarants and a convenient walk to subways and the historic downtown area.   I sure hope my neice decides to go to college here so I have an excuse to return - one cloudy misty day in Boston was not enough.

CAROLINA'S IN SEPTEMBER

We left New York and flew to Raleigh NC where we rented a car and took a road trip which included Carolina Beach, Wilmington and Myrtle Beach .We then spent three nights in Charleston which has some of the greatest doors and old homes I've ever seen.  I loved walking around  and taking photos at my leisure.  It heats up in the afternoon so a relaxing swim at our hotel worked for me.  We also enjoyed the great company of our daughter who was in Charleston on business.  (You can get to know Anna better by viewing her famous blog - Classy Career Girl.)   
We recommend the restaurant Jestine's - featured on Oprah and 1000 Places to Visit (before you kick the bucket).  The Coca Cola cake was to die for.  After saying goodbye to our lovely daughter we took off for a  Boston. 

JET BLUE TO NEW YORK NEW YORK

The trip started with a drive to Chicago Ohara to catch a  flight to JFK.  We spent the night close to the airport so we could get to Ohara early.  We were told by a hotel employee that there would not be a toll on the way to the airport WRONG we needed 80cents in coins to exit the freeway - no bills and no attendent - fortunately my resourseful husband jumped out of the car and got change from the car behind us.  We were on our way. 
So far we are impressed with Jet Blue.  The personnel are pleasant and helpful. The airline seats have plenty of legroom.  We also like the free snacks and direct TV. 
JFK is probably the easiest and cheapest airport for transportation to Manhattan  -  $7.25 via air train and subway.  We were at our hotel 1hr and 20 min after the plane landed  (the return was not as smooth because we almost got on a train going the wrong direction).
Cheap Eats - 50 cent hot dogs with juicy onions and fresh bun at Grays Papaya on 37th&8th Ave.  Rated best hot dog in New York. 
BIGGEST SURPRISE  No More Honking in Manhattan.  There is a $350 fine for horn blowng - honestly,  it is quiet.  I still can't believe it.
We enjoyed the US Tennis Open and walked all over and were ready to leave all the action for the slower pace of Raleigh, No Carolina.

New York Doors & More

Well we accomplished finding a hotel in New York. I  gave up on Priceline and decided to use points to stay at the Marriott Fairfield Inn on W. 40th Street.  It seemed like a good use of  points considering the hotels rates in NYC in Sept. 

I haven't mentioned that I love to take photos of vintage doors.  So I included a door photo from my last trip to New York.  I plan to add more as the vintage journeys continue.  Not sure why but I love to take photos of doors with my little Cannon point & shoot. You are welcome to give me hints as to how to improve my photography.


       "May the sun always shine on your doorstep."