We forewarned they girls that today would involve a LOT of eating...and we were not wrong. First stop was brunch at Balthazar, a New York institution, so I’m told. In celebration, and really, just because, we kicked things off with a breakfast cocktail...cause, you know, it’s Christmas! Most indulgent breakfast enjoyed by all. Brisk walk to the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side where we were taken on the Hard Times tour around 97 Orchard St to learn about the Gumpetz family who lived there, in three rooms, around the 1870s (along with 21 other families) and the Baldazzi family, around the 1930s. They have recreated their apartments to look as they would have and you are taken on an interactive tour with a small group. Really interesting very personal tour. Next stop, to complement ... read more

Cracked some amazing goals on our first day in NYC...some obvious and traditional, some not so much. The day started more or less as planned - a bit of grappling with the subway and tickets, Beeb whinging about the cold and a trip to the American Museum of Natural History. Checked off the obvious items like T-Rex and Blue Whale and caught a 3D movie about the ocean. Spent the requisite amount of negotiation time in the gift shop before heading for our first (!!!) hamburger and chips meal. Despite the clouds and breeziness, and against our better judgement, we dragged a semi-frozen whinging child to Central Park. Some feedback was provided, she was cold, she was miserable, didn’t I mention it was cold, and her face was cold...oh, and what was that, a squirrel. Wait, ... read more

Another glorious sunny day here...which we made the most of by sleeping in...almost over the dreaded jet lag. Today’s mission was just a wander around some of the tourist hot-spots - Fisherman’s wharf, Lombard St and Ghirardelli Square. A walk to the street car took us through the beautiful streets of the neighbourhood we’re staying, enjoying some of the lovely houses. First box to tick was the Pier 39 sea lions, which were out in force. Lucky we also had our resident marine biologist in attendance who was able to bombard us with facts about them and their predators. Taught the scientist in the education centre a few things. Luckily she had enough words left over to whinge her way all the way to the ‘world’s steepest street’, but was temporarily silenced by some ice cream ... read more

It’s always lovely, when you’re entering a country, particularly after 13 or so hours sitting on a plane, if you’re given the chance to really savour the experience. We were doubly lucky this time - not only did we get an additional hour to sit on the plane waiting for a gate, but once we were graced with one, we got to stand in the immigration queue for another hour, watching the ‘Welcome to the USA’ sign flash repeatedly before our eyes. We felt welcome. After that, the trip to our accommodation seemed to fly by. The Airbnb apartment is lovely...and we are looking forward to the fog lifting so we can enjoy the view to the city. Had a quick walk to the shops to pick up some supplies then a great Japanese dinner. Then ... read more