Things I learnt about New York

Firstly I must say we had a great time and the people of New York are very friendly, even asking us if we needed help when we were looking at a map.

March weather is mad, us Brits go on about the weather, but in NY last week it was very strange. We arrived on Wed 18th March and it was lovely and warm and sunny. Thurs overcast and drizzle. Friday Snow! Saturday lovely and sunny but cooler, Sunday much the same, Monday freezing but lovely and bright, but that wind was just so cold.

Subway, its great and so easy to use.

The road surfaces are much worse than the UK, yes worse, we couldn%26#39;t believe the bumps and patched tarmac, which adds to the noise at night with trucks trundling around in the small hours, New York really never sleeps.

We stayed at the Hotel Metro great location, tea and coffee available all day free, plenty of choice for breakfast and again free.

Oh and we saw the Hotel Carter, which is in a great location, but we didn%26#39;t pop in not that curious!

Thanks for all the help from the NY experts, just reading other%26#39;s post gave us lots of info.

Things I learnt about New York

Thanks, Pinky! Glad you had a good time.

So, what else did you do? Where did you eat? Who was with you?

Please chime in anytime to help your compatriots. ;o)

Things I learnt about New York

Thanks Pinky I hope there%26#39;s a TR coming our way soon!

Well we saw lots and walked miles, my feet have only just stopped aching and I%26#39;ve been home 4 days now.

Wed arrived lunch time at Newark, cleared customs and took the train to Penn Station Manhattan $15 each and very easy, just a short walk to our Hotel (Hotel Metro), straight out again and down 5th Avenue passing Empire State building to the Flatiron building. In the evening we walked north up 5th but went to bed early, long day with early flight from UK.

Thurs. Got up early and went to Empire State building, cloudy and cold but really enjoyed it, returned to Hotel for warm and hot drink, walked up 5th again saw Trump Tower, Apple Store and FAO, went to Central Park saw skating rink, Great lawn and Zoo. Had Chinese from takeaway around the corner (can%26#39;t remember the name) Walked to Times Square in the evening.

Friday took the subway to Whitehall to get the Staten Island Ferry, it was snowing and visibilty wasn%26#39;t great. Returned and walked around the financial district, saw the Bull, Stock Exchange, Trump Building, more walking to see Brooklyn Bridge then back across to see Ground Zero, after a short rest we went to TOTR for sunset, fantatstic view and amazing susnset, stayed to see the lights of Manhattan come on, amazing.

Saturday we took the subway to Coney Island, its really sad to see it looks so empty, but obviously much loved by locals, who were out in force jogging, walking etc on the boardwalk. Returned to Manhattan and walked through Liite Italy and China Town whislt salesmen/women offered us handbags/purses/watches.

Back on subway to see Grand Central Station, next to us were 3 people talking about doing a dance scene in the station, abit like the T Mobile advert we have in the UK? Saw a bit more of Central Park Belvedere Castle and the boating lake.

Sunday, up early to get ferry to Statue of Liberty, security is like airport security, coats etc all have to be screened. Funny guy entertaining the crowds with songs. Walked around the island, taking lots of photos then on to Ellis Island, don%26#39;t know of any family who went out to US but interesting to visit. Back to Manhattan with great views from the boat and on to the 911 flame and globe. Back past Ground Zero and passed the Woolworth Building before ending up in China Town again.

Monday we had most of the day before returning to Newark for our flight home, it was freezing and almost painful to walk into the wind. Went back to Central Park to see the Alice in Wonderland Statue and the fountain that was is One Fine Day and also the tree lined seating area that I think was in Maid in/of Manhattan. Kept walking, saw the Post Office building and had a walk around Madison Square Garden area, before returning via Penn Station to Newark and home to UK.

Oh yes forgot to mention went with hubby, kids now older teenagers and able to leave them at home for a few days, which enabled us to walk around without them moaning.