New Jersey

Made the 5 hour train journey from Northampton, Massachusetts down to Newark, New Jersey to visit my cousin Charles and family. Amtrak train seats are so spacious. Loads of legroom. But a bit bumpy and not as smooth a ride as in the UK. Maybe as the network is so huge and used mostly for freight. Curiously too you are booked a non specific seat on the train. Selected carriages are opened on arrival and the conductors usher you into these where there are free seats. Once you have taken one they check your ticket then write out a paper slip with name and seat number which slides into a groove on the overhead rack.

The train skirted New York City before plunging into a tunnel to reach Penn Station. Then on to New Jersey.

The next morning made a sortie for fresh bagels. Looks like Dr Seuss got here first.

Charles took me out for a spin in his Porsche but this is as close as I got to driving.

Water tower at the Cross Estate mansion.  We saw more than a few 'mansions' set back from the road with their enormous lawns and drive ways. Local services like the police and schools are funded by the high property taxes here. 

In the evening we ate at a lovely southern Indian restaurant and I had the delicious crispy onion rava dosa.

Followed by ice cream of course. 

Was really lovely to catch up with Sonal, Charles and Karishma. 28 years since I was last here!