Exploring DUMBO

Apparently it's only 12.30pm but I've already had a day and a half.

And possibly too much coffee.

Awoke at 4.30am tried to get back to sleep but failed, possibly partly as I was listening to real time Radio4 which no doubt didn't help the confusion. Dozed until 6.30am and gave up and headed to the pool to "swim the flight off" as a friend said yesterday. Great advice as it really helped.

At Carl's (vicarious) request headed to Brooklyn Bridge but once I'd taken a picture for him decided to explore Brooklyn instead. And more specifically DUMBO, somewhere I'd heard people refer to but had no idea where it was. For those like me I can tell you it is Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass. And is very cool and funky. Though also very noisy as there are enormous amounts of developments happening, especially along the waterfront. Still I found a fabulous shop (West Elm Market) to buy souvenirs and the DUMBO Kitchen for an excellent breakfast and coffee.

Initially it felt a little odd to be so close to Manhattan but not there. But having explored a little of Brooklyn I really like it and am excited to get to know somewhere different. And to Carl's delight it's much more somewhere I could imagine living for a while.

Headed back to the hotel for a briefing call with one of the speakers for our event and a bonkers FaceTime with the kids.

Now to meet my work buddy for lunch and an afternoon of prep. I will be so ready for bed tonight and hopefully a fuller night of sleep.

Lesley x

Notes for future reference...Superfine for lunch, Stonehome Wine Bar for dinner, Greenlight bookstore.