Happy New Year!
This comes from Muchavista in Spain, where the sun is shining and we have 20 degrees today.
We thought you might like a wee break down of our amazing trip to New York.
We arrived to torrential rain on 23 December, but nothing could stop us from the excitement of arriving in New York and seeing family. We had a few hours wait at the airport for Jamie & Hannah's flight to land. After a few tears, we all hopped into our big black American beast of a van and headed off in the rain to the Pocono Mountains, Southern Pennsylvania. There were eight of us in total, John, myself, Jamie, Hannah, Nick & Ali (Hannah's brother and girlfriend and yes, another Nick & Ali) Denis & Lynelle (Hannah's parents). It was a good 2 hour drive to the mountains and we arrived about midnight to this wonderful lodge in the woods all set for our white Christmas. After much excitement we got to bed about 3 am which meant John & I had been awake for 27 hours. Denis & Lynelle had done all the food planning & purchases for our 5 day stay there, so everything was organised. It was just perfect, including Xmas decorations and lights. We had the tree trimming ceremony on the 24th using 3 decorations each which we had had to bring with us and tell a story about the decorations.
The weather was unseasonably warm in the Poconos so there was no sign of snow. We were in shorts and t shirts for the first couple of days and to light the fire we had to open up the doors to let out the heat. Christmas jerseys were compulsory attire on Christmas Day and a lot of fun and laughter along with good food and wine was shared that day (and every other day).
It was lovely being away from the hustle and bustle of life and a good down time for all before the onslaught of the crazy busy New York City. We even had squirrels and deer in our back yard! The weather became cooler while we were at the mountains and on our last day we got snow!
On the 29th we drove from the Poconos to our Air BnB apartment in Brooklyn, where our Nick joined up with us from Canada, sporting locks of curly hair. More tears of joy! We went out for ribs that night (as you do in the US of A), and low and behold we were talking to the people next to us at our table and one of the people turned out to be Murray Proffit's brother-in-law - such a small world!
We had 11 fantastic days in NYC. We had our beautiful niece, Anneke marry Chris at Grand Central Station, photos taken under the Manhatten Bridge in Dumbo and a beautiful reception dinner in Soho.
We certainly burnt the candle at both ends, to name some of the highlights there was Liberty Island, walking many km's each day and soaking up the life of New York, a Giant's football game, working in the rescue centre, family bowling night, Italian night (John and I cooked an Italian meal we had learnt to make at our Italian cooking school), Brooklyn Bridge & park, New Years Eve and celebrating Jamie & Hannah's engagement.
We are proud to say that Jamie asked Denis for permission to marry Hannah and separately also asked Nick (Hannah's brother) they all kept it to themselves until Jamie proposed to Hannah in New York. Once again, more tears. Jamie arranged to have the ring picked up at Auckland duty free and had it hidden in a sock in transit. It is a beautiful solitaire.
Our boys have chosen well, we now have 2 weddings to look forward to in New Zealand, no dates or plans have been made for either yet.
Back in Spain, we are both recovering from "burnt out colds" and will get back on the road in a few days time. Heading further south and into Morocco.
Lots of love
Lorraine & John
Kiwigypsies
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