3/19 Expressions

We just returned from Spring Break in NYC! Here's how we saved some $ and thoroughly enjoyed our vacation. We had enough hotel points to stay at the New York Hilton. It was centrally located; we had access to the Executive Lounge and therefore, had access to continental breakfast and a nice assortment of fingerfoods in the evenings. One morning, there was a "line", so we had the option to take a voucher and have breakfast at the Market Place. It was fabulous and we were hoping for that option again - but alas, that was it. Our flights, we "won" on priceline.com. Can't say we were really happy with the flight times, we had a delay coming home, and was totally switched to a different airline going in. Are there that many crew/maintenance problems - or are airlines really trying to make sure the flights are jammed packed to save $ - I am not sure. Good thing we traveled with our own snacks because going in, snacks were $3-$5. Coming back, the other airline offered no options. We only took carry-ons because we did not want to pay the check-in fee. We found a discount ticket site on-line and purchased 3 great seats to "Mary Poppins" - and really enjoyed it! Since we were less than a block from the MoMA, we purchased a City Pass there. The City Pass kept us busy, saved us time and money. We went on the Liberty Island/Ellis Island tour. Because we had the City Pass, we did not have to wait in the long line - we got to go into the "reserved ticket" line and everything was smooth sailing. We walked to many of the venues which we had access to with the City Pass - saved some $'s there. I did use an 80% off code and we ate at Kirin's Indian restaurant for lunch one day. The food was good and the prices were reasonable. The other lunches were generally from the street vendors. We had a hot dog or two, and other dishes. An entire meal from one vendor was $5 - hot dog - $2. We did buy a few souveniers (sp) from street vendors too. Two "I "heart" New York" t-shirts for $5. Two "Pashima Silk Scarves" - $10. Several costume jewelry items for $5/box. We also stopped in H&M got a few outfits. In other financial news, I am really bummed with the changes at cnnmoney.com - I have kept my "portfolio" on there for years - now, it is gone - what's up with that??? That's another thing I noticed about NYC - can't get away from the news, the cabs have tv screens with news 24/7 and there's a screen in the elevator with the same.