An Englishmen In New York.

All packed up and raring to go!

Howdy all from the US of A!

So I am finally here. I awoke at the crack of dawn yesterday and packed up my carry on luggage and set on my merry way (forgetting to check the room where I did all my packing - mistake no. 1). Just as we were driving past Swindon I realised that I hadn't packed my dollars, lucky I have a very considerate parents who were there to bail me out! So we arrived at heathrow, some goodbyes were said etc. and after hitting duty free I had just enough time for a pint before my flight. I didnt go to the weatherspoon as it was rammed (mistake no. 2) and wernt to a rather swanky wine bar (which wasnt rammed). I then discovered the reason why it wasnt rammed was there are not enough millionaires in heathrow at anyone time to go there. 1 (yes 1!) pint of Becks Vier set me back £5.20! Most. Expensive. Pint. EVER!

Yes, its a plane, but it was MY plane!

Anyhow, I got on my plane, settled down and watched the Artist during my flight. Very good film, I recommend it to all! I was sat next to 2 spainish women, who kept themself to themselfs and so did I. Across the asile from me however were 2 Germans, they were rude and inconsiderate beyond belief. An example, during the food service there was the choice between a very mild chicken curry and pasta. I had the curry and it was delightful. One of the Germans ordered the curry. He took one bite and then called the trolly dolly (a bloke - still a dolly thou) over an asked if he could have the pasta as the curry was too spicy for him. The dolly said that it shouldnt be a problem but he would have to wait untill the end. The end came, he brought down the pasta and the German has since finished off the curry, THEN TOOK THE PASTA!

IMAGINE! - John Lennon memorial @ Central Park

So after strained diplomatic relations at 40,000ft we landed and had a tremendouse time waiting for just under 2 hours at US border control. Anyhow, finally got to the hotel. I would describe it as medeocre. Its hard to say what the standard is because its the first one that I have stayed it. We have 2 bunk beds in the room, (top bunk baby!). I am sharing with a Spanish guy who doesnt speak to me, a guy of some continental persuasion (ain't worked out the accent yet!) and a 31 year old dancer from Santa Cruz - Female!

Last night I decided that a New York drink was in order. The location for the hotel is spot on, right in the centre of Manhattan! I went to the first bar that I saw, and ordered a pint of Stella. No-one told me that pints in the USA are not the same as 'proper' pints, they are smaller, it sucks! I went to about 4 different bars, trying out the sorry excuse they have for larger and just feeling the vibe. I then stopped off at a Japanese restarunt that had a bar in it. Shaun was the barman and what a ace barman he was, proper New Yorker, chatty, exactly how you see on the TV. I then spent the best part of 5 hours in that bar. I was RUINED. All the locals were chatty to me a excellent night was had by all. Shaun (the barman poured me at least 4 free whiskeys (Famous Grouse because it was meant to remind me of home, I obviously didn't correct him that actually its from Scotland).

MUM, DAD I'm in New York!

So waking up with a hangover this morning I got out of bed early and had a great day, I walked at least 10 miles today, did Times Square (its not a square!), did Central Park (really impressive, so big and LOADS of wildlife there. I reckon I saw Cardinals, Orioles and Blue Jays today - knowledge of baseball teams came in handy! ), did Chrysler Building (best building in NYC bar far), did Empire State building (Meh!), had a Wendys (really good burgers), went to Museum of Sex (next door to the hotel and they wanted $17.50 entry, I can get a lap dance for that and learn more about sex!) and that's pretty much it. Aint really got any plans for tonight, might just find a coffee shop and read ma kindle!

Until next time,

HAVE A NICE DAY!

Tom

0/5 - for Andy!