Maaary Pouppins

Well we ended up being in New York for an extra day. Although we were due to fly home last night, when we phoned to confirm our flight the airline said they had no recollection of our booking. Great.

We managed to prove that we had made a booking but they said the earliest flight they could put us on was Monday night (tonight). They've said they'll pay for our extra night's accommodation as they clearly made an error somewhere along the way. Joy.

All that aside, what are my thoughts on New York?

If you come in the winter you need to bring lots and lots of layers. It has been cold beyond belief here. However this has meant that we've been able to do things without queuing, as no other nutters are doing them.

When we went out to the Statue of Liberty for example. We just waltzed through the areas that had been cordoned of for queuing. Same with the Empire State building.

Incidentally I was very impressed with the value of those two attractions. To get a ferry to Liberty island, climb the statue, get a ferry to Ellis island, go round the museum there and then get a ferry back to the main land cost a mere 5 pounds. Bargain.

Similarly it cost us just 9 pounds to go to the top of the Empire State. Baring in mind that these are both ultimate American tourist spots I think that's great value.

We've had a few interesting experiences on the Subway. Whereas on the London Underground it's hard to end up stuck in unsavory residential areas, in New York it's not quite the same.

The Subway doesn't have the zone system like we do, nor does each platform explain where the next train is heading. This means that it's quite easy to end up in a place you don't want to be. Like Brooklyn or Harlem for example.

When we got of the train to find ourselves in Harlem we knew that wasn't good, mainly because this station alone warranted the presence of three police officers. We were so clearly out of place but for some reason my Mum seemed oblivious to the fact.

Whilst I tried to tell her to not make it obvious that we were English tourists, she was there asking in the Queen's English, "Do you want one of my mints?" Every one glances at us. I shake my head subtly and mouth to her not to talk. "Why won't you talk to me? And what's wrong with my mints?"

God. Mothers! Finally we make it to Central Park and from there head down Fifth Avenue for some shopping.

I never thought that I'd say this but I'm sick to the sight of Starbucks. If you go an entire block without seeing one I'd say you should probably go get your eyes tested.

Not only is there one on every block but it seems they're inside many of the tourists spots too: Trump Tower, Empire State, Macy's, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. It seems America is indeed sponsored by Starbucks.

Thankfully though it seems to be much cheaper here. We seem to be paying about 2 pounds for two drinks. You pay double that at home.

Another thing that made me laugh here was the Broadway production of Mary Poppins. Don't get me wrong it was brilliant, but also funny. Mainly due to their English accents.

"Just a spoonful of sugar helps the mediciiiiiine go douwn," pronounced just like that. It was cringe worthy.

However, the stage management was brilliant and I strongly recommend seeing a version of it. Be it Broadway or West End. Although bare in mind that it sticks more to the book than the film.

Right, I'm off back to the room for a bit now.

Best wishes,

Lauz

Photo by alextakesphotos'