More thoughts on New York

New Yorkers love their public spaces and utilise them so well. WIth most people living in apartments, they flock to parks.

The UN tour, with our guide Edgar, from Belarus, was very interesting (even if Edgar seemed a little new to it all).

I am amazed that within the space of 4 days the temperature went from 9 degrees, to 31 degrees.

The Tribeca Talks have been really good. It's the first year they have done them and have really added value to our experience.

There are dogs everywhere - you will meet them in shops and restaurants etc. It's kinda cool. Just remember, "curb your dog"!

Not much shopping this trip - but am the very happy owner of a beautiful red handbag which was on sale big time.

"Defamation: The Movie" was an excellent and thought-provoking documentary. Still thinking about it.

Parking a car in a garage here is around $550 a month (including tips).

Reeces peanut butter cups are the best.

I wish Brisbane had street side vendors, selling hot dogs and pretzels.

Central Park was such an interesting experience. We went on Saturday, when it was 31C and it was so so so full. People love their parks!

FAO Schwarz is a totally cool toy shop. We bought lego candy (from the appropriately titled section: FAO Schweetz)

Our little adventure to the new Yankees Stadium in the Bronx was a little longer than we planned it to be - I had memorised how to get there from Central Park, and then totally forgot we had to catch a different line. Luckily, a kind man named Jerry helped us out, took us up the bus stop to catch a cross-town bus and got us a map. 

Joel Osteen was great at A Night of Hope. Stephen and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was 3 hours, but certainly didn't feel long or dragged out. 

Like all stadiums, they have you hostage for food purchases. We got hot dogs, fries and coke - and it was $36 US dollars. Eek!!!

You can get your clothes washed and folded by the pound over here - our host said it would be cheaper than buying detergent and using a laundromat. She was right. Crazy.

Finally walked half a block to the Hudson River - another lovely area.

Drove through the Meatpacking area - lots of new designers. The area was still meatpacking 5 years ago.

Thoughts are starting to turn to home, and the very long trip....

New York thoughts

Being here 10 days means getting to relax into the city a little - I like this.
Staying in the West Village is very different to staying midtown but I have decided I am a fan.
Saw a rat in the subway, down on the tracks. It seemed a throughly NY moment for some reason.
People carry all sorts of things on the subway.
The American Museum of Natural History was good, but I did feel like I was on a school excursion.
The exchange rate is seriously cramping our style.
I love the "Bread and Pastry Cafe" on Bleecker st. Open 24 hours and they have the yummiest muffins and coffee for
breakfast.
The Christopher St Gourmet Deli is two blocks away, and the "Jane" sandwich is pretty great.
Getting 2 of the last few seats at the Spike Lee session at Apple Soho was a 'lucky' break.
I am so thankful I threw my Converse in at the last minute - perfect for walking all over NY.
I do not recommend, ever, taking a Brisbane - NY trip on the back of a week of sleeping about 3 hours a night. Makes the
first day a very big downer as your body is struggling to cope. Thankful it only lasted one day.
Being in the audience at Letterman was such a great experience - and it was divine favour we got the tickets.
You never know who you will be standing in line with.
Third trip to NY. First time to Statue of Liberty today!
Enjoyed Lobster Bisque at the Soupman.
Ate at the Bourbon St Cafe last night - good southern fried chicken.
Discovered being the NBC weather girl is harder than it looks, and have a DVD to prove it.
Macy's had only two hats to sell me, and neither of them were any good to protect me from the rain.
The lovely waitress at Dublin6 cafe gave us two umbrellas, and we were exceedingly thankful.
There is something thoroughly addictive about this city.