New York State of Mind

Phew, it certainly doesn't disappoint, I've been to some pretty monumental places in my time, but the sheer enormity and scale of Manhattan really does take your breath away. I was very much reminded of my 1st trip to London - strained neck muscles and dropped jaw wonderment.

I'm still trawling through the 1300+ photos I came back with, I've just started on the 2nd day.

For years I'd had an impression of NY as being nowhere especially interesting to visit - too dangerous, too obnoxious, too frantic. Suffice it to say I don't think that anymore and will not let 42 years pass before I see the place again.

After we got settled in our lovely rented apartment in East Harlem, we found a cosy, little Cuban bar and I was feeling adventurous enough to actually try a beer and eat some deep-fried Cuban fare. Both went down a treat.

Then all 3 of us headed uptown to stroll through a little of downtown Manhattan. A glorious evening, in incredible surroundings w/lovely company. As good a start to a holiday as I could hope for.

Best comment of the day was from a Pakistani (apart from "go to Lahore Kebabs on 38th & Lexington for the best curry") cab driver, who when I told him that I was on holidays with the the 2 Mexican ladies in the back of the cab, asked me.............

"Where did you get them from?" - utterly priceless!