New York

Well, New York.  What a place.... I will have to load photos later as it costs an arm and a leg just to be typing!  Not to mention the fact that I have not worked out how to do it yet (except from my own computer). 

We have walked miles (not kms), seen people from around the world - all here in downtown NY.  We are approx 6 blocks from Madison Square Garden and 10 from Times Square, so right in the heart of things. 

What I have loved the most?...... the Guggenhein Museum, what a spectacular building, the feel of it was magical.  The exhibition a little morbid though.  It is right across from Central Park where we headed for "green therapy" after spending hours in the canyons of skyscrapers.  We of course found a lake to row in and marvelled at how many people thought that boats should proceed with the flat end first (not the bow).  With me coxing and Catherine rowing we overtook all boats and arrived at the far end of the lake in double time.  We then proceeded to do some ballet (Enza) before turning, several times, whilst taking movies with my camera.  The photos almost made us seasick later. 

We have toured Downtown, Uptown and Midtown, the Hudson River (past the Statue of Libery and Ellis Island), Brooklyn on a tourist open top bus.  It is important to keep your eyes open at all times (not for the perfect photo opportunity but to dodge sweeping gingko limbs that threaten to poke our your eyes whilst you admiring the view).  We have wandered down 5th Avenue, been to Ground Zero and other poignant places.  I have never seen so many people of indeterminant sex.  I think that we are in a gay section of town.  Very safe! 

We have been on the 17th floor with full kitchen facilities and a garbage shoot that send your rubbish plunging to the basement (I assume).  We have eaten gorgeous food (king crab legs with avocadoes last night) and found the best whole food market just blocks from our apartment.  Now we understand why NY kitchens are so small, there is no need to cook at home.

We have more pictures of skycrapers than you can poke a stick so it will be nice to head to Ireland overnight and see some greenery.

Oh, and last night we walked to Pier 54 on the Hudson and danced swing to a live band.  I danced with a Chinese guy, a Swedish guy, an old sleazy guy, a wonderful latin-american dancing guy and all sorts of others as well.

Anyway, I had better go before the time runs out and this ends up not being published.  Please excuse all typos as I don't have time to re-read it.

Love to all
Robin