Geo: 43.5172, -70.3781Up bright and early for the plane. i think they scam tourists everywhere. Price starts at $50 for a car but ends up costing $110US. Anyway turns out tp be a beautiful rig and really wide and comfy with more electronic equipment than anyone person needs, but i don't think he can speak English well.We depart at 10.30am from Newark, on time for a 1.5 hour flight which took 1 hr !!Arrive in Portland and collect car which is scary but we're upgraded to an SUV Hyundai Santa Fe.Off we head and lost 10 mins later but fortunately end up back on the right street. They don't give you any decent maps, so going to have to buy GPS. Make it to Old Orchard Beach which is so much more quieter than NYC. Arrive ... read more

Geo: 40.7805, -73.9512Walked the High Line today which is an elevated rail line that has been converted into a trail that weaves through the Lower East side. We stopped at the Chelsea Markets which was quite interesting.Thought we'd stop in for a bit of shopping. Checked out Macy's and then onto H&M. Kirsten bought clothes at H&M. Didn't make it to Uniqulo..... want to head out to cruise tonight.We planned to do the Harbour Lights Cruise tonight, we underestimated the time it would take to get there as it was still quite a walk after the subway. We made it there just on time (was to leave at 7pm) but it was full. Have to get there early tomorrow night (5.30!) but we found another great diner, Westway Diner on our way back to the subway. ... read more

Geo: 40.7805, -73.9512Took the subway all the way South to Battery Park and jumped on the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. Cool to see, but probably overrated. Nice to see the water again. Battery park was lovely. It weaves all the way up a large part of the West coast of the island. Lovely walk.Up to Madison Square Gardens. Eataly was fascinating, as a large deli market with eating places throughout (too expensive for us - as is most of the food here). GirsWalked out and happened onto the Madison Square Eats. Like 2 rows of market stalls. The place is thriving, lucky to get a seat. Girls were boring and had normal food - fish & chips and fried chicken burger ($27US). Graham and I weren't hungry, but want to come back. Korean, ... read more

Geo: 40.7805, -73.9512Decided to head off and walk Downtown (in hindsight...big mistake,we were exhausted before we did anything) and weaved through central park.Interestingly, no one has balconies, but everyone flocks to Central Park.Times Square is full on with so many people!Broadway is lit up like a christmas tree.Rockerfeller Centre was interesting and found the Top of the Rock. Went to buy tickets and decided to book for the evening as the sun set.Thought we'd find a small park and a bit of green lawn and lay down under a shady tree with a drink and rest up. OOPS, wrong again. What a park. People everywhere. The only grass is in the full open sun. Under the trees is where everyone sits and there's thousands of seats and tables (all on concrete), a reading corner (complete with ... read more