Day 3 - New York

I stayed out pretty late last night. After Starbucks, I went to Columbus Circle, which is right next to Central Park, and I sat by the fountains just watching the world go by. At about midnight there was fireworks going off in the park, so I got to see those. Today Trudi was feeling better, so we did the uptown loop tour which takes you all round Central Park and up into Harlem. I actually really like Harlem, it's nowhere near as bad as everyone makes out. Despite it being known as not a very nice area, a one bedroom flat will still set you back $3000 a month there. After the tour we went to a cafe for lunch. It was more like a banquet than lunch. I forgot how massive the portions were here. One thing, and one of the very few things, that I hate about the states is that the wait staff ask you "is everything okay" evey 2 minutes. Yes, everything is okay, it is exactly the same as it was 2 minutes ago. If it wasn't, then I would tell you. At least they are polite.

After that, we went back to the hostel to do some oacking, as we wouldn't be able to do it when we got back in tonight. Erghhh, I HATE packing. Somewhere, I have already gained more stuff.

After the wonders of packing, we got a coffee and headed into Central Park. It is definitely my second favourite part of New York, after Greenwich Village, as it so doesn't seem like it should be there. It is so peacefull, yet you are surrounded by towering buildings everywhere you look. We sat down for a while and watched a baseball game. There was a lot of high fiving going on. Going to see more of Central Park tomorrow. There is so much to see there that you really need a whole week just for the park.

Came back to the hostel to shower and change and then headed out on the night tour. It's awesome to see everything lit up, especially Times Square. Our tour guide was crazy and very over enthusiastic about everything. The tour took up over to Brooklyn and going over the bridge and from Brooklyn gave us some awesome views of Manhatten - got some ace photos.

After the tour we went up Rockafella Center Observatory. Definitely one of the best views I have ever seen. Seeing everything lit up was so cool - definitely worth the trip.

After that we headed back to Time Square and sat outside a bar and had a cocktail. Didn't want to get too drunk though as we are changing hostels tomorrow.

Sucks that tomorrow is our last day :(