Manhattan

New York started with me putting my life on the line and stepping into the street to hail a yellow cab. "East 18th and 3rd" I demanded in my best NYC voice and then proceeded to weave through the streets, dodging pedestrians and other cabs and gazing open-mouthed at the height of the buildings, the noise of the horns and sirens and the masses of people.

I have spent the last few days really just wandering around. There are so many famous sights here that you can just wander along any old street and there they appear. I have seen the Empire State and Chrysler buildings, Central Park, Wall Street, Ground Zero, the Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island, the Statue of Liberty, Broadway and 5th Avenue, Madison Square, Times Square, lots of shops and restaurants and my oh my lots of people.

Unlike other places in the States, people seem to prefer walking to driving which is a nice change. The weather has been quite cold but there are always places to duck inside when you need to warm up. Bronwyn, with whom I'm staying, has a studio apartment in a central location which is very convenient and although small, a nice place. She works long and I think tedious hours but also makes time for plenty of late-night fun. The city does not sleep so things can be found to do at any time.

Being the good country lass that I am there is only so much megatropolis that I can handle at a time so I am going upstate for a few days but will be back here for Easter.