Cape May: Reiseführer, Preise und kostenlose Unterkunft · 2026

YTYauheni Turavetsevgeniytyrovez · 15.12.2017Lesen

Everything for the first time From the airplane cabin Austrian Airlines, flight Minsk-Vienna, Vienna-New York. 1.5 hours to Vienna, a layover, and another 8.5 hours of flight to get there, across the ocean. Everything was new to me – after all, it was my first time flying in my life. The flight was not easy for me. I arrived in Vienna looking really red, as if I had just spent two hours in a steam room. I didn't expect it to be so nerve-wracking for me. I managed to pull myself together in two hours. During the long flight to the States, I thought about my future job at a restaurant, about what and how I would have to do, and if they would fire me if I did something wrong. In short, there were only questions to which I (alas) could not yet give answers. Upon arriving at JFK airport in New York, we (I was flying with a friend) had to go through passport control. And so, after standing in line for about an hour (there were a lot of people), our turn finally came, and we headed to the officer. We greeted him calmly, gave him the necessary documents, but that's when our adventures began. During the flight, we were offered to fill out a declaration, which is MANDATORY when entering the USA (a lot is written about this on the Internet), but we didn't attach any importance to it. A big mistake. We stood there not knowing what to do. There was a long line behind us. But we were lucky. The customs officer handed us the declaration and asked us to fill it out right there on the spot. I am grateful to that man for not sending us to the back of the line. Having finally passed passport control, we quickly rushed to get our suitcases, as time was running out and we might miss our bus. NY city We knew how to get to the bus station because two of our friends had arrived a week earlier. Using the AirTrain (they have them in Moscow too), we reached the necessary station and transferred to the subway. After about 40 minutes, we were coming out of the underground passage, and there it was before me, that very same, real New York that I had only seen in movies. An endless stream of cars, crowds of people, steam from the sewers – this is exactly how I imagined it. We were hugely impressed by the real New York, but there was no time to admire it, as we were in a hurry to get to the bus station. And we got lucky – we made it to the last bus to Cape May (New Jersey), which was our final destination. It took more than 4 hours to get to Cape May with one transfer. On the way to Cape May, we made a stop in one of the largest cities in NJ – Atlantic City. Late at night, we finally reached Cape May, exhausted and so tired that we almost missed the stop where we needed to get off. We got off. 2 a.m. An unfamiliar country, an unfamiliar city. No connection at all. No transport running. We are standing there with our suitcases. What the hell are we supposed to do, where are we going? We only had the address of the house. A few minutes later, a car pulls up, a man gets out and says: "Roman?" My friend answers: "Yes." And I thought, finally...

YTYauheni Turavetsevgeniytyrovez · 15.12.2017Lesen

A little bit of everything Cape May is a cozy little resort town, the southernmost point of New Jersey, located right on the Atlantic coast. According to Wikipedia, the population of Cape May as of 2010 was 3.6 thousand. But in the summer, this number usually grows to 40 thousand, and that is truly the case. According to Travel Channel, Cape May is among the top 10 beaches in the USA. Standing on the ocean shore for the first time, you catch yourself staring at the mighty water element, spellbound, simply enjoying the moment. It’s impossible to put into words, although, of course, it doesn't compare to the impressions of seeing the REAL New York for the first time. But more on that below. Beauty of the Atlantic Ocean The house where we lived We lived outside the city, renting a room on a summer veranda for four people. I had the chance to work in one of the best restaurants in Cape May – 410 Bank Street restaurant. We got to work by bicycle. I worked as a kitchen prep – in Russian, a kitchen assistant. My job involved cleaning and chopping vegetables and fruits, making salads, and peeling shrimp. I liked the work. But at the same time, there were some difficulties – I’ll be honest, I hadn't really held a knife in my hands before. The chef demanded fast and precise task execution. I had to learn everything quickly, so the first week became a very serious test of resilience and patience, which (I believe) I passed quite well. In the restaurant, I worked with people from different countries: Serbia, Puerto Rico, Romania, Italy, and Russia. At work, I spoke mostly in English. It was not only a good experience interacting with people of different mentalities but also excellent practice for my English and expanding my vocabulary. For the first two weeks, I had to learn the names of products on the fly and remember where everything was in the kitchen; I had to ask things two, three, or even more times. It is worth noting that the chef was friendly and always ready to explain and help. My conclusion is: don't be afraid that you will do something wrong and get fired for it. Americans are very friendly, open people, ready to listen to you and help with words and deeds. The main thing is to be hardworking, self-confident, and just believe that everything will work out! After some time, I knew exactly what I needed to do and how, and the chef appreciated it, which also led to a raise. At first, I earned $9.5 an hour, so to speak, I was on probation. After 3 weeks, my salary was increased to $10 an hour. I tried to give my all every day, working more than the 8 hours stipulated by the contract. I also want to say that our restaurant had so-called overtime. After working more than 40 hours a week, we received $15 per hour for each hour of overtime, which, of course, was very pleasing. And now a few words about the second job. At the second job, I also worked in a restaurant. The Blue Rose restaurant, according to Google, was among the top 5 restaurants in Cape May in 2016. I worked as a dish-washer, which, in my opinion, is one of the least favorite positions among students. My workday started at the first restaurant at 8 a.m. and ended at 5 p.m., then at the second – from 5 p.m. to 12 p.m. I had one day off a week, very rarely two. One week I even had to work all seven days. At Blue Rose, I worked as a dish-washer for more than 2 months, and it was a kind of record because, before that, no one had worked that long in this position. Honestly, it was quite hard because I was on my feet all day. Most of all, I lacked sleep – we slept 4-5 hours a day. But I proved to myself that I can and I know how! There were also funny incidents at work. Together with my friend (we both worked at Blue Rose), we had to unload a garage full of accumulated paper. We didn't even notice how, out of nowhere, a skunk appeared!!! And what do you think, this stinker kept us from working. It kept walking around us, entered our garage, and we couldn't do anything)) Af

OEOlga Emelianovaolenenok · 01.08.2013Lesen

Today I had a full day off. Once upon a time, I dreamed that if this happened, I would definitely go to Philadelphia! Everything changed in a week. The lack of morning employment developed two feelings in me: complete freedom-relaxation and the need to save money! I understand that I need a job. Although sometimes other thoughts wander in: I have a pretty good evening job. The hours are a bit short, but they pay great. After all, I didn't come here to plow like the Puerto Ricans (who earn just enough here for a piece of bread for the winter part of the year). This is also my vacation, and I want to enjoy this unique summer for me! I decided for myself: if another good job comes along, one that doesn't have too many hours, pays well, and treats me well, I'll go to work. If not, then not. With these thoughts, I woke up. I slept well; how good it is when there is absolutely nothing to do! You start to suffer from what to do to spend the day better!!! Go to the movies? To a buffet, to the ocean, to the pool, for a walk... It's hot outside, so I spent the morning at home. Sonya went to the pool. I didn't feel like it. It seems like I've had enough water procedures! Now I'm even swimming a little bit in the ocean. At 2 o'clock I left the house, thoroughly prepared to go to the movies in Rio Grande. True, it's a bit boring alone, without Sonya. While she swims, I think I'll ride around the streets and look for work. I discovered Pacific Avenue. Of course, I had been there before. I remember exactly that the first time I went to work on this street, although on the sidewalk. On the night of the party, we walked there and back the same way. But it was today that I fully discovered it for myself! It is so small, so narrow! Only one lane for cars, a narrow sidewalk cluttered with benches, tables, and advertising barkers of the corresponding establishments! The buildings are so close to each other, lots of cafes. Special tiny pockets are made for Dolly-Trolley stops (a free trolley for tourists). In general, a cute street! I drove past a used bookstore. Some kind of festive mood from this day off. Here is the bank building (I think Cape May Savings Bank) made in an old style. With stylish large clocks on a stand (like in movies about old England). Only in one cafe on Pacific did I find a "help wanted" sign. They need experienced waitresses. Here, Russian logic immediately kicked in: I am the ideal candidate (even for a lifeguard vacancy in the pool!). I left my phone number and wrote the name Olga. After that, the woman started talking to me in Russian). The next "help wanted" was already on Atlantic Avenue in a bar. They need an experienced cook. Well, let's move on. Approximately behind the water park, Surf Ave replaces Ocean, which, in turn, goes down a block lower, following the ocean. Surf is also interesting. The traffic lanes are separated by a lawn, the road is wide, it resembles an avenue! The houses here are of a cooler level. In general, as I noticed, the further from the city center, the cooler the cottages! There are bike paths! Before that, I only saw them in Cape May. Somewhere at the intersection with 17th-18th Street, I found some bakery that works from 7 am to 1 pm. They need help! I will definitely come back and ask. I drove along Surf to the very end. There, behind 1st Street, the ocean begins!!! WHAT A COOL BEACH THERE! This is the first thing I thought, and I don't renounce my words at all. In general, the beach itself is ordinary. What distinguishes it is that the "land" here makes a turn, and the ocean turns out to be on two sides! That new second side presented to my gaze a barge covered in a haze of fog! Beautiful! And, the second (the main thing for Sonya and me): surfers! This is it, that very place! A lot of amateurs who try, fall, and try again! So great! If only we could go there too:)! There are also coaches who teach kids this! Funny! Also, here above the ocean, there is something like observation decks! I

OEOlga Emelianovaolenenok · 23.07.2013Lesen

We went to that very Harbor View Restaurant & Bar. Sonya was advised to look for a second job there for the evening. After all, her soap bubbles business is not profitable at all. This restaurant is located on the way to Cape May, between two cities. The road is along Ocean Drive. We checked the map and saw that we needed to cross three bridges and then turn left immediately. As soon as we left the WW city limits, we felt like we were on vacation! It's so cool, as if we are already traveling! It's great to discover new places! True, the road is not adapted for cyclists; we rode carefully along the narrow shoulder. The bridges turned out to be just veeeery narrow. Exactly one lane for a car, no room to the left or right. We let several drivers pass and took the risk. The cars behind us were crawling like turtles behind us. It was worse on the second bridge, it is (as I later found out) a drawbridge. That is, a big hill. It's hard to climb it, we dragged our bikes ourselves))) slowly, and accordingly held up all traffic. So we didn't manage to enjoy the beautiful view enough. This bridge is toll for cars. It was cool to fly down from it without pedaling! In fact, WW and CM are surrounded by lakes where there is no ocean. Therefore, there are really many bridges. All these lakes are marinas for a huge number of yachts. You can ride, rent them! The restaurant is located right on the shore. It's a kind of pier. It seems that visitors can arrive on their yacht, park it and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner! We immediately spotted a help wanted sign, which made us very happy. The hostess called the manager Irene. The first question was whether we have an SSN, without it she doesn't hire anyone. Well, strict, but it's safer for us too. Irene hired Sonya for the position of Line Cook in the morning! 6 days a week, with a strict schedule! Very, very good! True, Sonya will have to quit the hotel. But it's definitely worth it! We finished at 4 o'clock. Why don't we dash to Cape May? It seems like we've wanted to for a long time, but there was never an opportunity. The fact that I start working at the very end of WW at 6 only spurred me on. We drove for about 20 minutes. Another big bridge, and we are almost at our destination. In some places we had to use traffic rules, changing lanes at turns to the row we needed. Actually, we only saw one part of the city. But it amazed us! So clean, beautiful, quiet. The most amazing thing is the trees! There are so many of them here! Here I am sitting on my avenue now, writing a blog, looked around - not a single tree! In CM, there are so many of them! And there are almost no cars. We rode boldly in the middle of the roadway, turned wherever and however we wanted! Everywhere there are very beautiful, well-kept houses, lawns - a real American province! It feels like our WW is stuck in a space-time gap. On Ocean Ave there are cool modern hotels, but all other buildings in the hinterland are old, without repairs. Who needs it, you can't live in them in winter, and there is no one to live in them. And in summer, students and illegal immigrants are happy with cheap apartments! I immediately wanted to live in this cozy town, my soul just rejoices! After Ocean Drive, we only turned left so as not to get lost and quickly drive around the coastal part. Actually, when it was time to return, we realized how far we had gone! I would even say we got lost! We didn't make a circle, but a huge loop! We only got onto Ocean Drive at 5:10. My poor bike, I was squeezing the impossible out of it! And if you take into account the heat, then out of myself too!!! The road was very difficult, I pedaled without stopping, and on those two high bridges I thought I would roll down! But at 5:35 I was already home. My legs wouldn't move!!! And I still have to fly to work! I don't know how I did it! In general, at the end of the summer I will either hate the bike or I won't be able to live without it! As a result, to CM, through it a

OEOlga Emelianovaolenenok · 04.07.2013Lesen

We had a day off at the hotel, so Sonya and I decided to head to Rio Grande. We thought about doing some shopping (I desperately needed to buy a decent bath towel) and going to the movies. We decided to sleep in. At least I did; I think Sonya even went for a run in the morning. We ended up getting up around 11, had breakfast, and checked the bus schedule. We're getting around on our own. The next bus is in 20 minutes. Not wanting to delay, we got ready in a flash, hopped on our bikes, and reached the bus terminal in about 3 minutes – it's right nearby (at the intersection of New Jersey Ave and Andrews Ave). There's a bike rack next to the station. Inside, everything is simple and clear: ticket counters, benches, and vending machines for drinks and snacks. There are also schedules for all buses passing through Wildwood, Atlantic City, and menus for many restaurants. We bought a $1.50 ticket to Rio Grande. Before this, we had been there twice: to the Social Security office and to Walmart. Both times, our landlady Trish drove us. At 12:00 local time, two buses arrived, both going through Rio Grande. The difference is that one goes to Atlantic City, and the other to Cape May. The one to Cape May doesn't stop at Walmart—a big supermarket like our Auchan where you can buy everything (groceries, clothes, hardware, cosmetics, home goods). The Cape May bus stops near the ShopRite supermarket (which is smaller and more expensive) and then goes straight to Cape May. The Atlantic City bus turns left after ShopRite and passes by Walmart (map in photos). However, we took the first option. That bus was emptier. We arrived, went into ShopRite, checked the prices, and decided not to buy anything for now. We walked to the movie theater. It's not far, we got there in 10 minutes. We walked along the same highway—I think it's Rio Grande Ave. At the fork (where the bus turns toward Walmart), we turned slightly left and saw the sign for the "Save-A-Lot" supermarket (not very big, and we didn't save much there). Last time, Trish drove us there, and we saw the cinema. We figured out the cinema quickly. It's exactly the same as back home. Above the ticket counters, there's a board with current movies. We had a choice between 2 movies and one cartoon. We chose the latter; the language is simpler. The cartoon was Epic, a standard plot—a mix of Tangled and Arthur and the Invisibles. But it was very interesting. We understood almost everything and were very pleased with ourselves. True, it's not a new release, and there were only about 6-7 other people in the theater besides us. While waiting for the show to start, we noticed the ads; almost all of them here are social, everything boiled down to some public cause. After the movie, we tried to find Walmart, but due to my mistake, we went in the wrong direction (we didn't know exactly where it was yet). We went into Family Dollar (this supermarket was recommended to us earlier)—and didn't find anything there; it was expensive and the selection was small. We had to go back to ShopRite, where I bought a beach towel for 5 bucks. On the way back, it came in very handy—it was freezing cold on the bus. I had about 1.5 hours left before work. The girls, Sonya and Anya, were making soup, and I made myself an omelet to grab a quick bite. In the end, as always, I took way too long getting ready. I thought, I'll just ride fast and make it. I completely forgot that I had agreed with Vitya (who also works at my restaurant, just as a dishwasher) to go together. Usually, we meet at 5:40 PM at the intersection of New Jersey and Rio Grande Ave. Only when I saw a missed call from him did I jump out of the house. In an attempt to call back, I couldn't keep a grip on the bike handlebars and crashed into a wall. The impact hit my phone and sunglasses, and only a small scratch remained on my forehead. That was the bike's first introduction to its owner's clumsiness. While I was coming to my senses, another 5 minutes passed. In th