The second part of our holiday begins. We were a little delayed out of Frankfurt but it was all good in the end.
Lufthansa was comfortable to fly with. The seats smaller than Qantas and Singapore business but comfortable.
I love observing my fellow passengers. The couple opposite did not stop talking except when kissing , holding hands, touching and when everyone was settling for a nap she disappeared. I thought a toilet break but no she had climbed onto his seat? In a very short white skirt. I’m not really sure what happened after that as I put my sleep mask on!
We arrived into NY JFK airport. It’s never easy travelling into the US. Customs is extremely slow.
We got off the plane – me with my crutch and swollen knee to be confronted with a huge queue. I’m not underestimating the 600 or so crowd of ‘Others’ – the US citizens went one aisle & the others in a long queue.
I stood for awhile until a staff person saw me swaying on my crutch and took me to the front and a special quick lane. Thank goodness. I would have been standing for at least 2 hrs.
There were 5 customs officers each taking at least 7 mins to process each entry.
We still waited for about 15 mins to get to the top of the 2 person queue.
Then a wait for luggage. Then a 5 min walk to a bus. A 10 min bus ride to an air train. A few mins in the train and finally to the hire car place.
We landed at 1.30. We were on the road to the Hamptons on a Friday afternoon by 2.50 and reached East Hampton and our friend Lynn at 6.30. Phew.
Lynn is a friend made on our swim trek to Galapagos about 7 years ago. She, her sister Lois and five other friends often zoom with us and we meet up when we can. It’s always fun.
This time it’s just us with Lynn, along with her lovely step son James and his fun wife Aline. They are such friendly couple who have just moved back to NYC after raising their two daughters in Connecticut. We are so fortunate to be having the weekend in Lynn’s fabulous house in the Hamptons.
We arrived in time for drinks and a delicious lobster meal. What a welcome.
The next day after a morning swim we took off for the beach and a bit of sightseeing in the area.
The closest beach is Georgica beach. Dolphins were playing off shore, the water was beautiful and the two young lifesavers really friendly.
We came up the Hamptons to Sag Harbour a few years ago with Rob & Jordan and Jordan’s parents Lisa & John. That weekend was great though it was cool and a bit rainy. This time it’s warm and sunny.
Lynn’s house is like a resort. I could stay for months. And Lynn is a warm generous host. Definitely a 🛌 🛌 🛌 stay. With a usb special plug next to the bed! Thanks Lynn.
Lunch was a fresh corn, avo, tomato, feta, & herb salad. Just what a weary traveller needs.
The afternoon was spent swimming, reading and preparing for dinner that night. Lynn had invited a few friends in for dinner.
Such an eclectic group. Alan an actor with several films under his belt, Brooke a retired Journalism professor, and author and Marilyn whose husband , Don Hewitt, now deceased had founded US tv show 60mins which was then produced as an Australian 60 minutes as well. Lynn, our friend was a journalist was on the ABC news magazine. And a nicer lady you could not meet.
We had a terrific night.
Today we talked about playing pickle ball, a new game which is taking over the US as a new sport. It was hot, we were tired from last night so spent time sitting around the pool relaxing.
Then it was time to head into NYC. The drive back was much better than the one going out. We found the hotel with no problems and found the room to be big and very comfortable. I had read the wifi was terrible. It’s not.
The Tuscany by Lux I’m giving you a 3 🛏️ 🛌 🛌
We were going to meet some friends but plans didn’t eventuate so we had a drink at Alberts Bar on 42rd St. and watched the last few games of the US Open.
Then dinner at a little Italian.
We ordered beers and cocktails and settled onto the bar stools waiting for Rob & Jordan who were riding city bikes over.
John and Lisa found it last week and what a find. That’s if you enjoy singing ‘Show Tunes’ with a bunch of talented strangers. It was hilarious and so much fun. The pianist sits in an enclosed area with a bar with stools around it. 
Everyone else just stands around the small floor space and just joins in. The tunes are all from musicals and it’s amazing how everyone just knows the words.
Well it used to be – back when alcohol was banned so went ‘underground ‘. It was behind an unmarked door, a dark bar found after climbing down steep stairs. A jazz trio played and we had one last drink before bed.
frans travel tales 