Musical Madness and Tales of New York
And so I'm back.... doo doo doo, from outer space, doo doo doo
Well, okay, so not ACTUALLY outer space... Just the city so good they named it twice - NY NY. Been back a few days now, and getting back into the routine of old Blighty. Was back at work today, doing the old instore shift runner palaver.
The council have put up signs in the place we park our cars, saying PRIVATE and signs about how we'll get clamped if we park there. And that's 'we' in the sense of... y'know, anyone. £150 if you get them to come back within 2 hours, £395 thereafter - nice little earner there for someone! Methinks bolt cutters are cheaper.
I don't understand the problem - there is no one living in the building next door (I think the car park is part of the building) so what does it matter if we park a few cars there every day? I for one am very reluctant to leave my shiny new car down our alleyway - I'm so worried someone will key it as they go past - one of the delightful schoolchildren probably. It has happened to a couple of co workers before. Thanks MBC!
There is a bloody mouse living in our garden. It drives the dog potty and now I can hear it squeaking away, it's pissing me off too.
So anyhoo, New York City! I was out there for a week, and had such a great time. I went on my own, so have heard loads of "Wow you're so brave" comments. The only times I would have liked someone else around were in restaurants, as people tend to have a quick gawp at the loner. It was lovely for the most part - free to do what I wanted, when i wanted.
I visited the top of the Empire State Building - some great views from up there, although it was bloody freezing! Went to Ground Zero, and also to a small gallery called Tribute WTC - lots of bits and bobs they found in the debris, a huge wall of names, and lots more and they also offer walking tours (mostly through the World Financial Centre where you can see GZ) and these are all led by someone who was somehow part of what happened. It was very moving.
Did a bit of shopping, visited Coney Island, Central park, Rockefeller Center, and I also went to a musical matinee on Broadway on Wednesday. I saw Legally Blonde (yes, they made it a musical) and I LOVED it - bought the CD recording afterwards, and have listened to it loads since I got back!!! I'd never seen LB before, and I've now bought the film too.
One great American Tradition I wish we had in this country is DONUTS for breakfast. I'm distraught that we don't have Dunkin Donuts in this country - I'd move to America just for that. There was one just around the corner from my hostel, as well as a Starbucks - wasn't I lucky!!
I had a brilliant time, and can't wait to go back in a few years with the sister!