NEW YORK

Tues 23rd August

Flight OK Arrived OK just missed Earthquake caused some problems. Air train evacuated. Had to get cab. The Indian cab driver told us it cost $700,000 for licence. Went Empire state 102nd floor - the Americans do like to get you going round in the right direction - very organised! Could not unpack had to change rooms - Linda claustrophobic - no proper window in our room which looked directly at a brick wall - we could probably have touched it. Our hotel is in the same street as The Gershwin Hotel and the Sex Museum. Didn't get to visit that sadly! Very comfy bed with great pillows.

Wed 24th

Walked to Frank and Joan's Hotel went for horse drawn carriage ride in Central Park with an Irish American who wanted to talk football. Walked for ages with Joan and Frank trying to find a bar or café with an outside seating area. Don't seem to have many of them in the posh end of town which is odd. Eventually found a café adjacent to Times Square (which isn't a square!) called Junior's - huge portions of food here. Left early to get to heliport which was fortunate as had to go back to the hotel to get voucher. Have great knowledge of Blocks and Subway! Flight over River Hudson showing Manhattan amazing although rather worried by the two other very large passengers that were also on our flight! Ate in Les Halles on Madison - very nice.

Thurs 25th

Linda in the gym at 6.45am. Went on bus tour with looney driver. Stopped at ferry to Statue of Liberty huge queue., Massive downpour. Went to brilliant deli called Cucina Liberta opposite Battery Park entrance. Did everything; pizza cooked in clay oven, salad, sushi(hand made on site) hot and cold dishes ready-made; just take plastic carton and fill with your choice, pay by the pound - too many choices. Went back to ferry. Everyone had disappeared cos of rain so we had ferry to ourselves nearly. Went to Ground Zero - scary place. The memorial due to open 12 September. Went to Grand Central/Rockefeller Centre. Walked miles in the rain. Picked up repaired bag. Walked around Madison Square Park and sure we saw Keith Richards. Wrinkly, little old man with eyeliner! Had a meal in Duo by hotel.Three men ate our food so we had to wait for repeat order! Hurricane Irene getting closer - may be leaving just in time. Mayor has advised people on the coast to leave. Decision for mandatory evacuation will be made on Saturday morning.

Fri 26th

Natalie rang at 3.30am family concerned re storm. Getting transfer at 8.25am struggling with luggage weight - they want to charge excess everywhere. Flight left on time. Only free drinks with Delta - food extra. The lady next to us watching 'Insidious' and jumping like mad all the time - must be scary! Should land LAX 2.40pm local time.

What did we think of New York?

People very nice and helpful. Great delis and restaurants. Lots of surprises. A city of great variation. Needed more time as didn't get to visit any museums, art galleries, see any shows, nor did we visit Uptown NY or do any shopping! Lots of walking. Subways good once you get used to the way they work. Horse and carriage ride around the park was nice but didn't stop anywhere and cost $100 for an hour.