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It's Mothers Day here on Sunday. I know this not because I Googled it, oh no, I know this because it's been promoted on every ad break, news broadcast, weather forecast (and latterly on massive advertising boards) for the past two weeks. I've long felt that the scale of expenditure expected in our country for Mother's Day is unacceptable but we pale into insignificance compared with the US. I'm left wondering what they're going to find to advertise after Sunday. A big tip I've picked up on this city hopping trip - find out where to buy cheap bottled water and carry it with you at all times! The worst so far has been $5.40 for a small bottle from Starbucks on the strip in Vegas - there was me thinking sticking with a chain provider would be a safer option! The most pleasant surprise was noting that a small bottle on the Liberty Island ferry was "only" $2. If there was one place I was expecting a price hike that was it!
Our last day in New York has been ideal. The weather has been sunny but on the cool side - ideal for walking around a busy city.
Self-directed with no tourist bus to guide us we started with a cab ride to Macy's. This is easily the biggest store I've ever been in. It covers a whole block and is simply immense. We didn't want to buy anything, just rode the escalators up to the top floor, walked it's full length to the back and rode them back down again! Our main purpose for heading that way was for me to shop in Old Navy, my favourite clothing store in the US. Suffice to say I am now the VERY proud owner of a pair of (perfectly fitting) size 4 jeans!! What's not to love about the American sizing system??
Flushed with success we headed for Chelsea Market, a very smart indoor area full of individual vendors of pretty much every type of food and drink you can imagine. Having picked up freshly made sandwiches to go we headed for the High Line. The High Line is an elevated walkway created from an abandoned railway track. It's a well maintained area decorated with foliage and grassed areas interspersed with sculptures and fabulous views of the New York skyline. We sat eating our packed lunch overlooking the
Hudson River and New Jersey beyond albeit framed by several skyscrapers. The walk ends with panoramic views over the river and opposite shore line and was one of the highlights of this visit for us. To end our day we returned to Central Park. Without the benefit of Michele to guide us we wandered around aimlessly in the sunshine enjoying the views and watching adults and children alike playing ball games, meditating, boating and sunbathing. On our original walk we had spotted several couples having wedding photos taken. Michele had commented that it is rare to visit the park and not witness this - she was, of course, quite right, and we saw several more again today. We also saw a very tame raccoon which quite frankly interested us more!
Whilst planning this trip we decided to treat ourselves to tickets to a Broadway show. There was much discussion about which to show choose and I honestly can't remember why we selected Wicked in the end. Claire has seen it twice in London but I had my reservations about whether it would be up Bill's street. Well! What a fantastic performance that we both absolutely loved. The acting, singing,
choreography and costumes were all outstanding and we left the theatre on a high, buzzing from the whole experience. Having missed out on our Elton John concert in Vegas we'd also decided to look for any last minute deals for a second show here providing our spending money was still holding out by now. Thankfully it is and so, rather extravagantly, on the following night we went to School of Rock, one of the newer shows on Broadway. This show is quite faithful to the Jack Black movie, with a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Once again an excellent performance. The male lead was excellent and the children played their instruments live and were exceptional. What surprised us was the young ages of the performers - all around 10 I would say. The audience was very responsive and enthusiastic in their praise. We had a great night but both left hoping that these youngsters will be well looked after, particularly when their time in the show comes to an end. From where we were sitting that must be a big high to come down from.... A nice touch with both shows was the fact that you each get a free (my second favourite four letter word after beer!) programme. It is, of course, packed with advertising, but actually gives you all the information you need about the show. A rarely buy programmes at home ( because I'm tight!) so this was a real bonus!
News flash for anyone who has not visited New York - Times Square is not a square! Well it came as somewhat of a shock to me anyway.... It's more of an intersection really but generally impressive whatever shape it is! The trademark neon signs are mesmerising during the daytime but at night they are outstanding, adverts dancing in front of your eyes - it reminded me of an HD version of some scenes from Blade Runner. Walking through the area late at night it was packed with diners and people leaving the theatres on Broadway, with street entertainers and people dressed as random cartoon characters joining in the mix. Although crowded the atmosphere was in no way oppressive or threatening and the area generally just seemed to be full of people enjoying a night out. One of our tour guides yesterday told us that every year people wait for 12 to 14 hours without food, water or comfort breaks just to see in the New Year in Times Square. Whilst I'm sure the atmosphere is great I don't think that the way I would chose to spend the final hours of any year!Before we arrived in New York I have to admit to being a bit anxious about how I would feel here. I'd heard stories about crowded streets, crime levels and general stories enough to cause concern for someone way to comfortable living in a small Cornish village. I have to say that my experience here has been far more positive than I'd hoped it would be. Sure the streets are busy with a mix of locals and tourists trying to make it from A to B, but no more so than London which is the closest comparison I can personally make. I've found the people here in general to be mostly friendly and helpful. Even the guys trying to flog bike hire and bus tours are polite while they're doing it. We have, of course, stuck to traditional tourist areas, and I didn't feel inclined to get off the bus in Harlem yesterday, but as far as I'm aware that is the case with pretty much any large city. We have both really enjoyed this visit. I leave New York quite exhausted by the noise and general bustle but having loved every minute. Given the opportunity I would definitely return - Washington remains my overall favourite city but New York is right on up there right now!
I am in total agreement with my wife's city preferences. We have had a very full time here with many highlights. Two Broadway shows were brilliant but my standout moment was the High Line. This is a disused elevated train line that has been converted into a walk way with gardens. It gives a very different view of the city and is remarkably peaceful.
On a different and happy note- Donald is in trouble! The press corps is starting to circle and the President can't help putting his size 10 foot in it! We have been watching the Comey affair unfold and I don't think it is going to end well for dear Donald!Here' s hoping!
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