Landed: New York from Lima, Peru

Landed in New York after flying from Peru’s Lima. What to expect…

…but first, ever been asked: fancy a sailing trip down New York’s Hudson River?

Response: Of course!

And, this is the reason for breaking the South American adventure for a month, to head to the mighty US on a sailing jaunt, then also for some play in New York and Boston.

It’s great when you have no real travel plans and make things up on the fly.

Go with the flow. You never know what options come your way. Plans are much too restricting.

Lima, Peru, South America, New York, North America

Travel to New York

Although this is an interruption in the extended backpacking trip, there’s always time for a little diversion.

So fly we do, from Lima to New York and very excited!

Travelling through the very busy streets of Lima from Miraflores to the airport for 17 kilometres, we finally arrive at the airport early.

Jorge Chávez International Airport airport, Lima

Always like to arrive early at an airport and especially for an international flight in the hope to get a good seat for the journey.

Jorge Chávez International Airport airport, Lima, Peru, South America
Photo credit: Google Images

Why is it that some ground staff at airports go out of their way to be nasty or difficult?

Although we are very early in the cue, the miserable check-in lady at the Delta counter decides to give us separate seats and miles apart, whilst barking orders regarding the gate number.

Don’t bother with Duty-Free at this airport – it’s a rip-off.

Searches at Customs…twice

Having already gone through customs, taking off shoes, belts, and anything else at the officer’s whim before heading to the gate – you know the drill – we go through this a second time.

This time it’s after we show our boarding passes and just before boarding the plane.

Passengers are motioned to go to an area filled with flimsy tables.

Officers go through carryon bags again. I ask why we need to do this all over again when we’ve just been through the scanning and searching process: “that was the airport’s scanning, this is the airline’s scanning”.

The officer pulls out my emergency pack, which includes sanitary items and says “oh” with a bemused expression, to which I reply “haven’t you seen tampons before?”

Sometimes, I just should shut up.

My response causes the officer to become snarly and orders a female officer to frisk search me – my partner also starts giving the officer lip, so he orders a frisk search for my partner.

On we venture to the plane, finally. I’m half-expecting a third scanning at the plane’s door!

The delay

Sitting on this midnight Delta Airline flight, we settle in for the long 7-hour journey.

The plane starts taxiing out ever so slowly, only to return after a short time to the gate – one engine won’t start.

Passengers are advised this won’t take long.

After waiting on the plane for 3 hours without food or drink, we finally take off at 3:45 am.

Delta’s non-service

You’d think for an international flight and not a cheap ticket at that, the food would at least be palatable?

Think again. Not on this Delta flight.

The slop that barely resembled a sandwich is served with the tiniest carton of juice you’ve ever encountered in your life, and a grimace from the flight attendant – some people really need a change of career.


Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta & John F. Kennedy International Airports

With the delay at Lima, of course, we arrive late in Atlanta and miss our connecting flight to JFK.

All is not lost as we manage to take another flight within the hour, to finally arrive in the hustle of JFK airport.

The biggest disappointment of all the delay is that without internet connection during the journey from Lima, we miss the window to buy online tickets for the Radiohead concert in NY – a favourite band that’s playing whilst we’re in NY.

Clearing customs, it’s on to Brooklyn by train.


Brooklyn

With a few days to kill before joining friends on their yacht and landing in NY latish in the evening, it’s great to make our way to the pre-booked accommodation in Brooklyn.

Staying in a great basement room on 1322 E 14th St 1-B3, with shared bathrooms and a communal kitchen, is much cheaper for long-term travellers than crippling hotel prices. (Sadly, the 2019 update is that this particular accommodation is no longer available.)

Little did we know that it’s the Jewish New Year tomorrow. As we’re in Brooklyn’s Jewish quarter and it’s a holiday, everything is closed for the weekend and possibly longer.

Scouring the neighbourhood endlessly for food – you wouldn’t think it’s this difficult to eat in the US. Finally stumbling on an open pizza bar serving massive but ordinary pizzas, this fills the spot.

If you want to experience the real New York, then head to the borough of Brooklyn for a raw taste of local life, without pretences.

Tomorrow’s quest is to find the FedEx office in Manhattan that’s holding the NFL tickets for the Boston game. Yes, another little side-trip whilst we’re in the US.


Manhattan Island

Brooklyn is about 30-minutes on the Subway to Manhattan and a pleasant trip, especially crossing the Brooklyn Bridge.


Simply love Manhattan – it’s not my first visit to this incredibly lively island, to which I’ve dedicated a separate post.

After forgetting the FedEx barcode today and combing Manhattan trying to find the office holding our NFL tickets, need to return tomorrow – there are 15 FedEx offices in Manhattan.


Grand Central Terminal – NY to Poughkeepsie

Today we head off for the boat in Poughkeepsie at last and so excited to start this new, once-in-a-lifetime passage.

Just love the continual whirl and buzz in New York’s Grand Central Terminal. Not to mention the stunning architecture that envelopes you, which graces many famous photographs throughout the centuries and today.

Comfortable in the Metro-North Railroad’s train, we settle in for the 2-hour journey on the Hudson Line.

The track hugs and snakes its way along the mighty Hudson River offering gorgeous vistas of the lush Hudson Valley, as the hours melt away into the past, and we finally pull in to Poughkeepsie.

A separate post for you next week about the wonderful experience down the Hudson River.


New Jersey

Without too much time to explore New Jersey, this is a great base and only an easy 20-minute trip on the Subway to venture to manic Manhattan.

The Airbnb booking is a lovely clean room in a friendly local’s house, which offers another cheaper alternative than staying in a hostel, hotel, or on Manhattan Island, whilst waiting to return to the boat.


Heading to Boston

After the incredible cruise down the Hudson River, and exploring a little of Brooklyn, New Jersey, and Manhattan, it’s time to take another side-trip for a few days to beautiful Boston for some culture. And, to also watch the NFL game at the Gillette Stadium between the Patriots and Dallas Cowboys.

Check out my separate post on the fabulous Boston jaunt.


Leaving the USA

Following a wonderful month bombarded with so many travel options and experiencing a plethora of sights, but also catching-up with long-time friends, it’s sad to leave our friends behind in the US.

Our friends are continuing with their circumnavigation and it’s time for us to fly back to Lima to continue the backpacking adventure through South America.

Visit Nilla’s Photography for more images. More posts on USA and South America at Image Earth Travel.

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47 responses to “Landed: New York from Lima, Peru”

  1. Francis.R. Avatar

    As a Peruvian I noticed that in many Peruvians. once they get a position of responsibility and service they take it wrongly as a position of authority. So they feel in their distorted minds as heroes for being abusive to the persons they are supposed to help. I take two strategies, or I behave as if I don’t see them because they feel as kings or queens craving for attention; or I start to make questions and extend more time till they get called out by other persons waiting or their superiors.
    I loved in special your photograph of the Manhattan building, is impressive such infinite sky. The formal style makes me think it’s a Gehry’s design : )

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi Francis, always love your feedback and insightful comment, which helps me to learn more about Peruvians.
      Doesn’t matter the country, you put a uniform of authority on someone and instantly it changes the person, whether that’s for the good or bad. 😉
      Agree, this does look as if it’s a Gehry’s design.

  2. LuLu B - Calabrisella Mia Avatar

    I only spent a day in New York while visiting a friend in Connecticut. We hoped on the train and spent the day in the Big Apple. It wasn’t nearly enough time but I got a taste for the city and hope to get back there one day to explore it some more. Brooklyn looks like a place I would really enjoy!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi Lulu, one day is definitely not enough for NY. I’ve been several times now and it’s still not enough!

  3. inesephoto Avatar

    Great post, Nilla! Manhattan is a special place.
    What is up with good old Delta? I don’t fly Delta often, so I clearly see a decline that started a decade ago.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi Inese, Manhattan is very special and so vibrant.
      Not sure, but it seems that whenever I’ve flown over the last 10 years, I’ve had a problem with most airlines – whether the flight is super late, grounded, or cancelled. It’s very annoying and to have rude staff on top of the already airline’s cr*p service is not acceptable!
      There seems to be less and less service these days as airlines cut costs for profits.

      1. inesephoto Avatar

        Yes, unfortunately. I am a low maintenance flyer though. If they bring me to my destination in one piece, it is all I am asking for. I have my own drink, just in case, and if I really hate the food, I just skip it altogether. Mortal fear doesn’t make you hungry 😉

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Ha, ha think I’m the opposite and no mortal fear on my end. As a result, I’m ravenous on long-haul flights due to boredom.
        Even though I bring my Sudoku, iPod, iPad for reading, and anything else I can thing of, I still get quite fidgety. I’m also one of those annoying people that need to get up every hour to walk around.

      3. inesephoto Avatar

        Ha, the opposite indeed. I am petrified and often fall asleep before the take off – my body just gives up, lol. I was in a, say, situation, during my flight in 1979, and since then I stay put for 12 hours and never unplug my seat belt. I read, watch movies, and if it is a second flight, I sleep. I do everything to forget where I am 🙂

      4. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Ah yes, now I remember reading about your ‘situation’. I’d probably be the same now if I experienced what you did on that flight – hats off to you as you still get on a flight.

        So not flight to Australia anytime soon? 😉

      5. inesephoto Avatar

        Oh Nilla, that would be the death of me 🙂

      6. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        What a shame – you could of stayed whenever we’re back… 😉

      7. inesephoto Avatar

        I am also a little afraid of your wildlife, Nilla 🙂

      8. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Ha, ha Inese, I’ve survived all those nasties for all these years so I’m sure you would also – it’s not so bad. 😉

      9. inesephoto Avatar

        I follow Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers’ Facebook page, Nilla. I know it all 😉

      10. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Don’t believe everything you read – fake news! 😉

      11. inesephoto Avatar

        Hahahahaha

  4. ilonapulianauskaite Avatar

    Traveling is so great, i like to travel as well, but the world is so big and the time goes to fast at least for me🤗

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Travel is amazing and yes time goes much too fast – seems to go even faster the older we get…
      Many thanks for taking the time to comment, which for some reason I had to salvage out of my spam folder – WP does strange things some times.

  5. popsiclesociety Avatar

    So nice places! I would love to be able to visit them all 😊

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Loads of lovely places to see still Ribana and I’m hoping to visit a lot more. Many thanks for your comment. 🙂

  6. gillmorris Avatar

    Great post Nilla, I went to NYC in 2000 and would love to go back again! 🙂 xx

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hey Gill, thank you and glad you enjoyed the post. New York definitely deserves more than one visit. 😉 xx

  7. Tiffany Avatar

    What an amazing experience you had! Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ By any chance you are interested on doing collaborations, you can check out the collaborations portal of Phlanx.com and connect with amazing brands!

    Xoxo,
    Tiffany

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you Tiffany and yes, there’s more amazing experiences to come yet so stay tuned.
      I’ll check it out and let you know. Many thanks, Nilla

  8. afterth0ught Avatar

    Wow! You’re so brave for traveling spontaneously without plan. New York is a bustling city and definitely will need at least a month to fully explore all corners. So enjoying to read your amazing trip. Please keep sharing!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you for taking the time to comment. Not brave as it’s the way I always travel, with barely any plans – check out this post to understand how it all began. 😉

  9. lillyevechristie Avatar

    Wow what an amazing trip! I totally know what you mean about airports and staff, my worst experience was Miami, will NEVER fly into that airport again, such rudeness from the immigration people, so many checks, and they really make you feel like they don’t want you in the country, awful awful place, took over 2 hours to get out! will use another hub for that area in future! love your pictures Nilla, look forward to the next post!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Yes, I always seem to get the worse of the worse and need to bite my tongue, but then again, I travel a lot so it’s bound to happen.
      Did I mention I was detained in Heathrow back in 2016?

  10. karenincalabria Avatar

    What a whirlwind! Love the great colors of the Statue of Liberty followed up by the classic B&W NYC shots. (I grew up in NJ.)

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Yes it was and thank you for your comment.

      I love visiting this whole area and even stayed in Queens and on Long Island back in 2008 when we were buying our boat.
      I have 3 more posts on NY and Boston over the next 3 weeks, so pop back later. 😉

  11. MissteriosoDas Avatar

    Wow! The trip was totally worth it 😊 Great post.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Thank you for your cool feedback. The next 3 Sundays will contain more posts on NY and Boston so stay tuned. 😉

      1. MissteriosoDas Avatar

        Waiting eagerly 🙂

  12. Kelly MacKay Avatar

    Travel usually has some bad points but they end up usually being good stories. I’m headed to Lima next year cheers enjoy

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Absolutely true Kelly and I’ve still got loads of stories to digitise.
      If you have time, this Lima post contains more info – not sure if you’ve read this one…

  13. Best Indian Food Blog Avatar

    Amazing experience shared by you all. I never have been in Lima. Nice conversation.

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Many thanks for your great feedback.

      I’ve just checked out your beautifully delicious blog!

      1. Best Indian Food Blog Avatar

        Thank you so much! It’s an inspiration rather to me.

      2. Image Earth Travel Avatar

        Excellent! 🙂

  14. the eternal traveller Avatar

    Well, if you’re going to have a side trip, New York is the way to go!

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Absolutely! I don’t mind side trips at all and it was a good break from South America.

  15. sloppy buddhist Avatar

    I love nyc and Lima…enjoy your time Nilla ~ smiles hedy ☺️

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Hi Hedy, so do I, but this post is from a 2011 trip – I’m trying to digitise the 10 months spent in South America.

      1. sloppy buddhist Avatar

        ☺️👍

  16. Emma & Nathan’s Travels Avatar

    Aaah so many memories of the USA…the spontaneity of the baseball game we saw in Atlanta, the 24000 miles driven across 45 states, the thought I wouldn’t love it but absolutely fell in love with America!! Even the memories of finding our everywhere’s closed for one reason or another so not finding food 🤣. Another fab post 😊

    1. Image Earth Travel Avatar

      Sounds like you guys had a wonderful time in the US – so much to do there and you need a lot of time. Thank you for the cool comment. 🙂

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