New York, New York!

Well I am now in New York, updating this blog on Hedy's computer as I eat a bowl of lovely Froot Loops and drink a coffee.

The trip probably wasn't so bad, but it did have its moments. When I arrived at Heathrow, the Virgin Atlantic representative asked me if I had completed my online Visa. 'No' said I, 'I have a machine readable passport, and I am only visiting...' (my heart still sinking, thinking that this was what would go wrong). But no, he goes on to tell me that I have to fill out a Visa form online 72 days before travel. As I hung my head in my hands and tried to stay calm, he continued to tell me that as I had not travelled there in the last two years, that they would let me in this time, but I do need the Visa for next time. I was too relieved to give him the smack in the chops that he deserved for scaring me like that! Be advised though Brits and Co. - I was told this end too, we need an online Visa application to travel here now! Scanning our paws like criminals is no longer enough!

I had to laugh as I passed through UK customs - my neatly packed rucksack full of cameras and battery chargers sailed through the xray machine, but my handbag - containing only my purse, phone, ipod and a few pens was stopped and scrutinised by two baggage control staff. What could it be that would spark this interest? Oops. My finger-bone pen. She did laugh when she found it... but also asked me if it was made of real bone. Yes, yes it is. I have taken the hand bones of a human being, and I have made a pen out of them, and THEN, I have put it in my handbag at UK customs. Is this how they catch serial killers? (And, if you are wondering, you may be surprised to learn that it is plastic.)

The flight was okay, except for Mr Elbows next to me, but I do like Virgin and getting to watch Slum Dog Millionaire was a real treat (very good by the way!). Once I was through customs in Newark (with a suitcase minus one wheel - so glad I opted for a pick up!), I finally began to really get excited. I could see the Empire State Building from the runway and walked through the airport with a big grin on my face. I arrived at Hedy's really early as I was dropped first, let myself in with a key she had left me, and then waited 40 minutes for her to get back from the pub! (A few sheets to the wind too!) We headed straight back out, meeting up with some friends, and watched a very close college basketball match in an 'Irish' bar. The match was fun as it went to 6 over times (yes, 6 - what's wrong with a shoot out!?), so by the time we returned, my body thought it was 6am, so my first New York cab ride and early breakfast of two very tasty hotdogs. Yum!

Hedy has just left for work (checking a cold case crime scene - I believe they are hoping to find some arms!), so having finished my breakfast, I am heading straight for the place I want to see the most - the Empire State Building. Bring it on.