An English (Wo)Man in New York

Day One in New York city and I was on my own... Hedy had gone off to look search a bit of scrub land for body parts, and Gio and Damien were having a lie in before heading off to run some errands. I decided that the best place to start would be the Empire State Building (ESB) so I headed off on foot. Hedy's little appartment is in Downtown Manhattan in the East Village, on the corner of 10th and Sixth. It is really easy to navigate on foot in this city, as you just count the avenues and streets, but finding the ESB is just a matter of looking up and heading in that direction. It is about a 20 minute walk from 10th and so I walked up Sixth Avenue, so I could take in the atmosphere of the city. A few things really fit with what I expected - I have never encountered so many dogs with jumpers on, or people walking along talking (and/or yelling...) to themselves. A few blocks away, there is even a pet store with puppies in the window just like on TV shows (I couldn't possibly live here without buying a doggy in the window...).
The weather was sunny and clear, a perfect day for the views of New York. I bought myself a City Pass at the ESB (access to a few different places for $70) and paid an extra $15 to go right to the top level. The queues are mostly just caused by the strict security checks and lifts up are freakishly fast. The views were amazing from the 86th floor and I must have taken about 10,000 photos. Then I headed up in a tiny lift to the 106th floor with a smaller crowd - up here there is glass to sheild you from the cold winds, and fewer people to get in the way of your views. You also get a much better look at Central Park over the tall buildings. My photo buddy was up here too - a girl who was also on her own so we took it in turns to take a few (horrendously touristy) pictures of eachother. I think I prefered the 86th floor though - that is the place you see in the movies, with the big silver binoculars.
When I left the ESB, I decided to head up town towards the National Library. This is the building where Carrie almost marries Mr Big - it is beautiful, but they are working on it so the outside was covered up a little. I took a quick stroll around and shot a few pics of the inside - although I felt a bit sorry for the poor people trying to read and study with tourists wandering in to stare at them. Is definately worth a look though, even to just see the bits from Sex and the City!
When I left the library I decided to continue up town, not really with any target in mind. Quite soon I looked to my right and recognised the big arched windows of Grand Central Station so heading across. I spent most of my time playing with my camera, but it was just as I expected it, complete with a beam of sunshine straight through the middle from one of the south windows.By this time my feet were pretty sore and I was starving! I headed across town, past the Rockafeller Center ice rink, and found a classy local establishment to sit down and get some lunch (er, MacDonalds...). I really surprised myself by how content I was to wander about alone, and sit in MacDonalds by myself watching the world go by (and playing with my camera again...). I think it must be because I am getting older - I am sure I would have been miserable a few years ago!
When I headed out after lunch I began my walk back downtown and noticed that I was only two blocks away from Times Square so cut across to take a peek. What a sensory overload! You couldn't possibly take in information from any one advert, as about 100 hit you all at once. Visually amazing though - and much more fun that I expected it to be. It was too cold to stop and sit down, but I could have sat there people watching for hours.
With aching feet, broken sunglasses and about 250 photos, I headed home (via Gucci for a new pair of sunnies - or was it KMart..?). I also had a snoop about in Macy's but didn't buy anything! When I got back I crashed out and woke up an hour later when Gio returned. We were heading out for her birthday that evening, and I really needed the kip! For dinner we had barbeque - Texas sausage, and my favourite meal so far, 'pulled pork'... a bit like slow roasted pork. Mmmm. They also had a special on really good Margheritas. Good times! For dessert we went to the famous Magnolia Bakery for very tasty cupcakes. I will definately be going back there for more! Unfortunately, Hedy and I flaked by about 9.30pm and headed home shattered, leaving the others on their way to the 'Big Fat Black Pussy Cat Club' or was is 'Phat'.... or 'Pink Pussy Cat'... who knows! We had big plans for our Saturday and wanted to get a good night's sleep to be nice and fresh in the morning, so we headed back on foot.
I spent all day humming the Sting song - I can't get it out of my head at all! I think it is fairly appropriate though, so I will continue to sing it regarldless!