happy 
First Stop: Maui, HI
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui, where we were spoiled
The nearest beach... Mmmm, heaven...
One day we went snorkelling around neighbouring Lanai'i...
...and Molokini Crater, where there were reef sharks and moray eels...
...We had a blast!
Another evening we went for a sunset dinner cruise...
...and the food was delicious!
All too soon it was time to head to The Library Hotel, NYC, which was fabulous and...
...which is near to both Patience and Fortitude, the NYPL Lions, and...
...Grand Central Station!
Whilst in NYC we caught our favourite musical on Broadway...
...and visited the American Museum of Natural History...
...where I fell for the life-size blue whale model :p
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ajv relaxed in Central Park... 
...where we also soaked up all the fabulous trees!
One day we went to Boston to see humpback whales...
...and a twenty-odd year old dream of mine finally became reality!
But the biggest surprise wasn't just the humpbacks...
...it was the chance encounter with the second-largest creature ever: fin whales! *squee*
And then it was time to leave NYC behind...
...in the comfort of our suite on board the Queen Mary 2.
We were gifted with bubbly, roses, and chocolate!
ajv and I loved dressing up for the formal dining nights.
On board, the QM2 doesn't look like a ship... This is the Grand Lobby...
...while this is one of the many hallways...
...and this, one of the lounges, the Winter Garden...
...and this is (say it with me!), "The Largest Ballroom At Sea!" [/Clarkson]
And seven days/six nights across the Atlantic later, we were back in Southampton, UK
So, as you cay see, we had a fantastic time. We were pretty relaxed when we got home and it took us quite a bit of time to get settled back into the pace of life! We loved Maui, enjoyed New York, fell in love with the Queen Mary 2, and would happily do any part (or all) of the trip again... I bet the bank account won't though... LOL :)
But, having flown transatlantic several times now, I can honestly say that cruisin' aboard her ladyship is definitely the way to go. Takes longer but is a whole heap more relaxing and enjoyable!
-- Heathwitch
pentacleandpiano.com
August 19 2009, 01:49:44 UTC 2 years ago
August 19 2009, 16:15:27 UTC 2 years ago