Tag: Travel

3 Nights in New York on a Budget

Published on by Capucine1 Comment

On my way to Cayman Islands from my visit in the province of Québec, it was inevitable that I stop in New York, at least for a quick glance at this famous ”City That Never Sleeps.”

Like many of us, I always dreamt of walking the streets of the Big City. Flights in and out of New York are so affordable and it was just a few hours and a few bucks to get me in the Big Apple.

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I met up with my friend Lisa, with whom I volunteered with a year ago in Morocco. She flew from Michigan, also a very short and affordable flight.

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There was many AirbNb options, but the best deal I found for our short stay was at the Savoy Hotel, located only a few footsteps from Times Squares. We shared a small room double occupancy in the heart of the action. For New York, it seemed like a pretty sweet deal (and cheaper than most AirbNb and YMCA).

Hotel in Times Square: Park Savoy Hotel: $120/night= $60/night/pp

DAY 1

I met Lisa at the airport. We took a shuttle that drove us through the cluttered roads, all the way to the doors of our hotel. We quickly unpacked and walked to Times Square.

Transportation from JFK to Manhattan: Super Shuttle Roundtrip Ticket= $40/pp

The illuminating signs took over dawn. The square was hustling, as expected, and we quickly learnt how to walk firmly through the people maze. No wonder why they call it the Crossroads of the World, with some 360,000 people walking through each day.

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As we were on the lookout for a nice place to eat, a policeman allowed himself to suggest us the way to Restaurant Row. “There you’ll find 16 privately-owned restaurants, for every taste, ” he said. “It is only a couple of blocks this way.”We thanked him for his genuine help and followed his directions. Located on West 46th, between 8th and 9th Ave in the Theatre District of Manhattan, and only a few minutes walking distance from Times Square, Restaurant Row is a one block stretch that offers cuisines from all around the world. Here you can sample foods from celebrity chefs and glimpse at Broadway Stars enjoying their favourite meals. Our ears were attracted by music notes flowing through the bustle. At the entrance of an illuminated door, a man in a black tuxedo hosted our way inside. Past a bar, we entered a room where a large band played in the back. He sat us at the best table.

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Jazz, food and wine. I’m the happiest girl!

At the entr’acte, they invited patrons to hit the dance floor for some swing lessons. I instantly regretted I wore my hunter gum boots. We were definitely the youngest ”couple” in the place, but the energy was young and frivoulous and everyone tapped their feet, head wobbling, hips twisting on the sounds of jazz music.

Dinner in Manhattan:  Swing 46 (appetizer, 2 meals, 1 bottle of wine, 1 show)= $60/pp.

On our walk back to Times Square, we stopped and played paparrazi at the exit of Richard Rogers Theatre, waiting on actress Idina Menzal (?) to walk the red carpet back to her limousine. 10352977_10154873473400721_8648620460816031866_n

We finished our first night at a pub, for a couple. This is when our unplanned trip got planned by the bartender.

Drinks in Times Square: Rosie O’Grady’s= $20/each

DAY 2

It’s a chilly day of October, but the sun arches across the blue sky, making it the ideal day to explore Manhattan. After a quick breakfast in Times Square, we took the subway, line 2, and got off on Fulton St. We walked through the World Trade Center, encounting the sad truths of 9/11.

Breakfast in Times Square:(can’t remember the place, wasn’t worth it)=$15/pp Get around:MTA Subway Train Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard= $5/pp

It wouldn’t be a trip to NYC without having a glimpse at the Statue of Liberty. We trotted a few blocks and reached the water. We jumped aboard a vessel and cruised along Manhattan, marveling at world-famous landmarks such as the Brooklyn bridge, the Empire State Building, Governors Island, and of course, the Statue of Liberty.

Cruise Manhattan: NY WaterTaxi Cruise= $30/pp

Once we jumped off the boat, and with the help of two friendly policemen, we walked towards the district of Chinatown, right on time for happy hour.

Happy Hour in Chinatown:  Asia Roma (appies, 3 drinks each)= $20/pp

Since Little Italy was just around the corner, we decided to go there for dinner.

Dinner in Little Italy: Da Gennaro (appies, 2 homemade pasta meals, 1 bottle of wine, 2 espresso martinis)= $70/pp

My friend DJ from Cayman now manages a lounge in lower Manhattan. We walked a few blocks and arrived at the Grey Lady where we patronized the bar and socialized with New Yorkers. IMG_5690 We continued the night at the Avenue Club where we danced until 4am. And since we haven’t walked enough, we ventured through Times Square in the early hours of the AM, assisting a morning TV show broadcasting live at the red steps of TKTS booth. Drinks and night out with friends= priceless (it also helps when you have friends that work in the industry).

DAY 3

I was sore. My whole lower body was so sore. But it was Halloween day and we needed to get back outside. We grabbed a tea and walked to Central Park, just steps away from our hotel.

We walked the entire park, through the magical colours of fall. Sometimes a zombie would limp on the path, moaning death and spitting blood.

Walk in the park= free Snacks: Tea= $2 /Pretzel= $2

As we were too exhausted from the night before, we skipped our plans for a Halloween ball party. We chose to take the subway back to lower Manhattan and experience the haunted house everyone talked about. We ate cheap but delicious food in Chinatown, and waited in line for our haunted experience.

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Scary. Spooky. Screamy. I hope this was the first and last time I get lock in a dark closet with a corpulent dead man, then get my hair pulled by 2 mentally-challenged girls and have a black sac over my head, screaming for my dear life. Dinner in Chinatown:  Pho Vietnam= $15/pp Haunted House: Nightmare Haunted House= $30/pp We took the subway back to Times Square, along with ninjas, assassins and zombie princesses.

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We only had a few hours sleep until our shuttle picked us up from our hotel, back to the airport. It was a very short stay, yet we managed to explore some of Manhattan’s best spots, without suffering our wallet (only our feet and legs).

CONCLUSION During my 3 night stay in New York City, I spent approximately $550, excluding airfares. I stayed in a hotel in Times Square, and at the entrance of Central Park. Sometimes I ate cheap, but I did splurge on 2 nice meals (it’s New York after all). I watched a jazz show, encountered a celebrity and watched a live morning TV show. I explored Manhattan, mostly by foot, and all Central Park for free. I saw some of the world-famous landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty. I drank at great establishments, and danced the night away at a famous club. I didn’t do any shopping, but I am very satisfied with all I did, and happy with the money I spent. Despite being known as one of the most expensive cities in the world, I believe anyone can visit New York on a budget, without sacrificing enjoyment. I know I did.

Picnic Day in Île d’Orléans

Published on by Capucine1 Comment

Just 15 minutes from downtown Québec City is located Île d’Orleans. The island has been described as the “microcosm of traditional Quebec” and as the “cradle of French civilization in North America.”

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On a sunny Monday morning of October, Karine and I drove across the solo bridge, entering a land of farming and agriculture.

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We acquired provisions in St-Pierre, filling our basket of local terrines, confits, cheeses and wine for our picnic. We also grabbed cheese curds as a snack for the road.

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Elegant houses dating back from the French regime lined the single road.

We stopped in St-Famille to meet up with our friend Mathieu who works on an orchard. We drove the rough terrain with a 4×4 vehicle, then parked between apple trees, facing the stunning views of the Beaupré shoreline and Mt St-Anne.

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We popped the bubbles and devoured the supplies.

We continued our drive to the far end of the island, towards the village of St-François, passing pasture farms and more beautiful ancestral homes.

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I snapped a picture of the church, originally built in 1734, and rebuilt in 1992 by consequences of a fire that destroyed it 1988 (my mother remembers having coffee at St-Francois Church with the priest in 1976).

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We carried on towards the picturesque village of St-Jean, where charming little houses dating from 1825 to 1860 stand along the road.

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We drove along the beautiful scenery stretching along the banks of St-Laurent River and peeked at the bluffs of Lévis.

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Coming at the end of our island tour, we stopped at St-Pétronille and glimpsed at the beautiful city of Québec.

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We had a delightful surprise when we departed the island: a beautiful rainbow arching across the sky.

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Do’s and Don’ts in Amsterdam During a Night Layover

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A night layover in Amsterdam is a great opportunity to have a quick taste of this romantic and beautiful European city. Within only a few hours, you’ll be charmed by this famous, small city of the world.

When I booked my return flights from the Canary Islands to Canada, I opted for the 16-hour night layover in Amsterdam. As well as being the cheapest option, it was also an exciting and convenient opportunity. Here are my list of Do’s and Don’ts in Amsterdam during a night layover:

Do:

  1. Look at the seasonal weather temperatures at the time you are going. Amsterdam is charming all year round, whether you visit under the warm sun of July or the chilly drizzles of a November sky. However, since you are here because of transit flights, make sure you are aware of the seasonal temperatures and dress appropriately.
  2. Book accommodation in advance. Amsterdam is a year-round destination, with peak times in the Spring and Summer. However, most weekends are at full capacity. Don’t trust hotel runners; tourists are often approached by runners offering them a good deal on rooms. Upon arrival at the site, in an unfamiliar place, the rates tend to go up radically, and they won’t take a “no thanks” for an answer. There are a few illegal hotels with runners trying to scam tourists. Don’t be a statistic.
  3. Take advantage of the nightlife. There are plenty of venues, dance festivals, and clubs to please every taste. However, don’t get too drunk; remember you have a flight to catch in a few hours.
  4. Bring enough money. The Euro is highly expensive, so be smart and plan a decent budget for your trip. Be ready to spend 10 euros for a vodka, plus 5 euros for a side of soda or juice. Don’t expect all establishments to accept credit cards. I’d say 8 out of 10 places we patronized took cash only. Some hostels will also refuse plastic cards. Have enough cash on you to cover the bills.
  5. Rent a bike for an authentic local experience. Biking in Amsterdam is a safe and easy way to explore the city thanks to the flat landscape and the panoply of cycle trails. Take a map, understand the rules of safety and use, and enjoy the ride! However, don’t walk on the bike paths; Amsterdam is known as the most bicycle-friendly capital of the world, and designated areas have been made to avoid accidents. Make sure you stay in the right one.
  6. Get stoned. Legal coffeeshops are marked with a small green sign in the window. You can buy a gram or more, but most will let you purchase only half a gram (which might be just enough for a layover). Most shops will let you smoke your own weed, but remember they are running a business, so buy something from their shop, like a coffee, for example. However, don’t get too stoned; you are a tourist in a touristic place. Pickpocketing and scamming happen mostly to vulnerable tourists. Remember you are also flying in a few hours. Be a smart tourist. And most importantly, don’t buy drugs from strangers. Here’s an interesting link on the subject:
  7. Stroll through the Red Light District. Amsterdam’s most famous tourist attraction hosts brothels, sex shops, and museums. This neighborhood will confirm all the rumors you probably overheard back home. The Red Light District is a necessary check while having a layover in Amsterdam. However, don’t act like a desperate teenager. What saddened me the most was to see groups of young and old men salivating in front of the girls. This legal prostitution involves real human beings, so be respectful of the ladies. This neighborhood can be shocking for a lot of people, so if you can’t control yourself, go take a hike.
  8. Take photographs. Amsterdam has beautiful historical sights and romantic cobbled-stoned streets filled with restaurants, coffeeshops, bicycles, and people to photograph. Also considered the ”Venice of the North,” the city has kilometers of attractive canals and bridges. Taking a cruise on the canals is a perfect way to snap great photographs. If you are there in the Spring, don’t miss the colorful tulips blossoming. However, don’t take pictures of the girls in the Red Light District. Once again, respect the girls. Don’t even attempt to take a slick picture; most likely, someone will see you and might take away your device.
  9. Visit a museum. The city has a rich collection of museums such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House. However, don’t feel you have to go to a museum. If those establishments don’t normally excite you, there are many more things to do in Amsterdam. You only have a short period of stay, so do things that make you happy.
  10. Taste the Dutch cuisine. Explore Holland’s best dishes, cheeses, sweets, and bread spreads. Have a sit-down dinner at one of the local restaurants or eat on the go at the street stalls.

Don’t:

  1. Rely on the weekly forecast. Weather in Amsterdam can be unpredictable, meaning a sunny morning can soon change into a rainy afternoon. Come prepared with a light jacket if in the summer or a warm coat during the winter.
  2. Trust hotel runners. Tourists are often approached by runners offering them a good deal on rooms. Upon arrival at the site, in an unfamiliar place, the rates tend to go up radically, and they won’t take a “no thanks” for an answer. There are a few illegal hotels with runners trying to scam tourists. Don’t be a statistic.
  3. Get too drunk. Remember you have a flight to catch in a few hours.
  4. Expect all establishments to accept credit cards. I’d say 8 out of 10 places we patronized took cash only. Some hostels will also refuse plastic cards. Have enough cash on you to cover the bills.
  5. Walk on the bike paths. Amsterdam is known as the most bicycle-friendly capital of the world, and designated areas have been made to avoid accidents. Make sure you stay in the right one.
  6. Get too stoned. You are a tourist in a touristic place. Pickpocketing and scamming happen mostly to vulnerable tourists. Remember you are also flying in a few hours. Be a smart tourist. And most importantly, don’t buy drugs from strangers.
  7. Act like a disrepectfully in the Red Light District. Be respectful of the ladies. This neighborhood can be shocking for a lot of people, so if you can’t control yourself, go take a hike.
  8. Take pictures of the girls in the Red Light District. Once again, respect the girls. Don’t even attempt to take a slick picture; most likely, someone will see you and might take away your device.
  9. Feel obligated to go to a museum. If those establishments don’t normally excite you, there are many more things to do in Amsterdam. You only have a short period of stay, so do things that make you happy.
  10. Go settle for the traditional fast food. Amsterdam offers a diverse culinary scene. Skip the usual fast food and embrace the local flavours. Be adventurous! You’re in Amsterdam, after all!

I hope this provides a more comprehensive guide for your night layover in Amsterdam. Enjoy your time there!