US Holiday

[peejay]

Strange thing is I posted all those video postcards of places I went to, but I think->


The Joshua Tree
[youtube]ulrk-O2DVL0[/youtube]

Is the one which indicates the most of exactly what I was feeling that day that I was on the bus at the Joshua Tree national park

It was announced that day that Osama bin Laden was killed, I have made a video, albeit with primitive editing skills, but theres just a sense of resonance about what I created. I think I went in with the intention of telling the world of a post 9/11 America, how they got bin Laden. And also how life goes on, and how music (the song featured is a cover of U2's Running to Stand Still by Elbow) goes on

Very good effort.

There is so much beauty in the USA its staggering.

The people as individuals are great - sometimes a bit of a concern on mass particularly in the middle swathe of the country.

 

[XFactor1979]

Just so you guys know

KEEP KEEP (!) YOUR WITS about you when you go to places like Los Angeles and New York

Even though theres a mistaken belief that America is as safe as houses like Australia because its English speaking, you watch plenty of American TV and its assumed Americans are all like this->

Theyre not

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

If anything I think most people think America is an overly dangerous place. We get a lot of their serial killer movies and crime shows too you know.

The sheer size of their population and what I perceive their socio-economic structure to be like, certainly creates a world of haves and have nots and a dog eat dog survival mentality in some places, but that would be true of most large countries. They all have a seedy underbelly. With a very temporary welfare payment system and a higher jobless rate than we have, there are bound to be differences.

Having said all that, I found almost everybody over there to be friendly and helpful. I'm actually thinking I lucked out so much in every place I went to, that my next trip is bound to have a few bad experiences to balance out the first trip.

 

[Shell]

With the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 obviously a lot is being said and written, and for the first time I've had a look at the memorial/museum they've built. I love what they've done with it. I've always wanted to visit Ground Zero before I died (I was there as a kid 20 years ago in awe of those buildings), so this is definitely on my list.

Thank you for posting that, will definitely take a look at that link.

Saw stories about 9/11 on Sunday Night and 60 Minutes on Sunday (nothing much new reported on- but it still effects me to this very day- I honestly still cant believe what I am seeing on the screen when they show the planes colliding and the towers collapsing.

Two stories in particular too (including one young woman who didnt kiss her fiance that morning cause she had makeup on, and that she would "kiss him later tonight"), just made me weep.

Having said all that, I found almost everybody over there to be friendly and helpful. I'm actually thinking I lucked out so much in every place I went to, that my next trip is bound to have a few bad experiences to balance out the first trip.

This. Love Americans, they are also very hospitable too. One friend I havent seen in over 8 years is welcoming me to stay with her in Florida, for up to two weeks, next year.

 

[Shell]

Ok, I tried to reserve a spot for next July when I'm there, but it says its all booked out.

 

[XFactor1979]

The people as individuals are great - sometimes a bit of a concern on mass particularly in the middle swathe of the country.

I think if you go out to Alabama or areas like that they have those types that accuse people of "They took our jobs"

[youtube]768h3Tz4Qik[/youtube]

 

[peejay]

In 08 i picked up a hire car in DC and drove down the east coast - cut across the top of Florida , through tallahasse, pennsacola and Mobile to New Orleans. Then at New orlens headed due north for Memphis through the Mississippi delta and highway 69. This bit and the retrurn to DC through Tennessee was really where we say these people " they took our jbs".

Did this is 25 days and it was great - opened eyes thats for sure.

 

[imation23]

Hi guys just after a bit of a rough estimate on what a good price for air fares to the states will cost. If I was looking to fly into New york just after Christmas, i.e the 26th or 27th of December and return anytime around June/July what kind of a fare would I be looking at?

Best I can find at the minute is around $2,500. Would this be about right?

Cheers

 

[camsmith]

$2,500 seems way too expensive. Although that time of year might add a couple of hundred dollars. Would have thought you shouldn't be paying more than $2,000.

Just did a quick search then, you are right.. prices around 2,500. Maybe call a travel agent and see if they can do any better. (We flew into NY and out of LA for $1,250 return in may 2010).

Also a heads up for those wanting to go to the States:

Flash Sale! LA from $999 - Starts 10am Weds 7 SEPT

Departure period - 01OCT-04NOV11.

All you need to do is book two or more nights accommodation with us to be eligible for this star-spangled BARGAIN.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Hi guys just after a bit of a rough estimate on what a good price for air fares to the states will cost. If I was looking to fly into New york just after Christmas, i.e the 26th or 27th of December and return anytime around June/July what kind of a fare would I be looking at?

Best I can find at the minute is around $2,500. Would this be about right?

Cheers

It changes all the time. You might be able to get it down to $1500-$1600 within a few weeks by watching out for all the specials on webjet, bestflights etc, but then who knows with the economy the way it is.

It seems that people are not travelling as much at the moment so they are not filling planes so everybody pays twice the amount. You'd be peeved if your plane was full while paying such massive prices.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Here you go, travel before 9 Dec, stay until June. Travel between Sun and Thurs and save yourself $1200 to LA.

http://www.bestflights.com.au/cheap-flights/phone-flights-details/north-america/air-canada/110179

Still cost you $1600-$1700 to LA or $2000 to NYC but worth going a couple of weeks early for that saving.

Should still be able to get it lower though.

 

[imation23]

Here you go, travel before 9 Dec, stay until June. Travel between Sun and Thurs and save yourself $1200 to LA.

http://www.bestflights.com.au/cheap-flights/phone-flights-details/north-america/air-canada/110179

Still cost you $1600-$1700 to LA or $2000 to NYC but worth going a couple of weeks early for that saving.

Should still be able to get it lower though.

Thanks for the replies, don't have too much flexibility with the dates unfortunately. I guess I will just keep an eye on things over the next month or so.

 

[WALL-e]

STA have $999 return flights to LA if you're going fairly soon.

 

[imation23]

Don't have much flexibility with the dates unfortunately and will need to fly out within 2/3 days post Christmas. Thanks for the replies though guys I will keep an eye on the specials (and this thread!). As I really was hoping to get a bit cheaper than $2500

 

[Cousin Jed]

(We flew into NY and out of LA for $1,250 return in may 2010).

Back then it was pretty normal. You have to wait for specials to get prices like that these days.

 

[GED YLE]

I was in NYC for Thanksgiving. It was pretty difficult getting in anywhere for lunch / dinner. Ended up being brave and trying something from the street vans. We went to the Statue of Liberty and a walk downtown though which was great because things were a bit more quiet. The Thanksgiving Parade was immense, pandemonium from about midnight the previous day as barriers and seating went up along the parade route.

Of the evening we went to the NFL, so my Thanksgiving dinner was nachos, beer and hotdogs. No queues for food at the game as everyone was looking pretty bloated from a huge family lunch, bloke next to me complaining his mate was doing 'turkey farts' all through the first qtr.

And DO NOT forget the Black Friday Sales! The day after Thanksgiving is when most of the retail stores (Sears, WalMart, Macy's, Target, etc) open up VERY EARLY (3-4AM) to get the shoppers in and get Christmas Gifts at DEEP discounts (unless you want to wait until December 26-Boxing Day- for some post Christmas Discounts!!)!!

 

[SonOfScray]

And DO NOT forget the Black Friday Sales! The day after Thanksgiving is when most of the retail stores (Sears, WalMart, Macy's, Target, etc) open up VERY EARLY (3-4AM) to get the shoppers in and get Christmas Gifts at DEEP discounts (unless you want to wait until December 26-Boxing Day- for some post Christmas Discounts!!)!!

True, there were so many shoppers running around doing crazy shit it was amazing. Stuff was incredibly cheap.

 

[alex_is_on_fire]

Does anyone know if any 9/11 monuments or statue or plaque to remember the lost in Los angles exist?

I know it happened in NY at the twin towers but the city of Los angles may have done something to remember the fallen.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Does anyone know if any 9/11 monuments or statue or plaque to remember the lost in Los angles exist?

I know it happened in NY at the twin towers but the city of Los angles may have done something to remember the fallen.

This is a pretty cool sculpture to be unveiled at Rosemead City Hall, 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, CA 91770, on 9/11 this year.

Contains an actual I beam from the World Trades Center.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationw.../la-me-911-sculpture-20110906,0,5914172.story

 

[alex_is_on_fire]

Cheers ODNB

 

[nicky]

Does anyone know good accommodation solutions for NYC? The host cancelled my accommodation booked from Monday onwards - arg!!!

Have tried airbnb, the jane etc...

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Just you Nicky? Wanting to share or go it alone? Budget? How long?

 

[nicky]

Just you Nicky? Wanting to share or go it alone? Budget? How long?

Thanks ODN, I actually found accommodation, infact, I have found ample accommodation.

If anyone is ever stuck for accommodation in NYC and don't want to pay for expensive hotels you can go on what is called "stand by" on airbnb.com. Basically you create a profile and people will get in contact with you. I've had over a dozen contacts in a very short time even though I was able to find accommodation last night. It's very comforting to know that there is that option because not having accommodation sorted anywhere is crap.

Another good option but you need to book well in advance is "the jane" !

 

[monty1104]

Hi guys just after a bit of a rough estimate on what a good price for air fares to the states will cost. If I was looking to fly into New york just after Christmas, i.e the 26th or 27th of December and return anytime around June/July what kind of a fare would I be looking at?

Best I can find at the minute is around $2,500. Would this be about right?

Cheers

I'm flyin out on the 27th Dec with V Australia and I paid $2000, and that was a few months ago.

 

[monty1104]

Love this thread! So helpful.

I'm flying out 27th Dec, staying with a friend in Colorado for a few days, then hitting Seattle and San Fran for 3 days each before doing the Contiki Grand Southern tour, which runs from LA, across southern USA to Miami, then up the east coast to NYC. Staying in NYC for 8 days, then Chicago for 4 days, flying back to LA for a few nights then home.

I'm so excited, and the NYC info has been so helpful. If anyone has any tips on my other non tour destinations I'd love to hear them, especially for Seattle and Chicago.