Day 4 New York

The alarm clock rings early. Why? We have to pick up our rental car today. Originally, we had planned to spend one day less in New York. But due to Sabrina's travel planning, we added an extra day. Changing the reservation would have been significantly more expensive. So we got up at 6:30 am. At 7:35 am, the express bus from the bus station at 42nd Street towards Newark left.

We were brought to the terminal relaxed. With the Skytrain, we then went to the car rental station. It was pouring rain. A temperature drop of about 20 degrees compared to the previous day. At the Alamo counter, we met a nice lady who explained everything in detail - especially the Toll-Pass system. Actually, we had booked a package for 3 drivers. Unfortunately, Marcel is only 23. The SUV we booked can only be driven from the age of 25. This was stated in the terms and conditions. I haven't found it until today. But well, it didn't help. At the Choice Lane, we could choose a car. Somehow, they didn't plan properly and the booked car class was no longer available. So we got the biggest class - actually a premium SUV. Well, that shouldn't bother me. The good man brought out an almost new Ford Expedition Limited XLT. A beast with > 400 horsepower and full equipment. A dream.

Due to the rainy weather, we decided to drive to the outlet in Newark first and do some shopping and have breakfast there. When we arrived there, we found out that the outlet doesn't open until 11 am. We didn't feel like waiting for 1 1/2 hours. After a small breakfast at Dunkin Donuts, we made our way back to New York. Before that, we bought some things for the road trip at Walmart. Mostly drinks and a cool box.

Back in New York and about $30 poorer in tolls, we drove back to the Hilton. Unfortunately, there was no parking garage, only valet parking. What many people don't know: The terms and conditions of the car rental company expressly state that the vehicle may only be driven by the registered drivers - not even by the valet parking chauffeur. Well, it didn't help. I handed one of the two car keys to the guy and sincerely hoped that he would return the $75,000 tank without any damage the next day. As a deposit, we received a small green slip with a number.