America….here I come !

A very early start as I was up for 5-30 a.m.,packed and ready to be collected at… 7-30 a.m. and off to Manchester Airport (thanks Joan)

Then it was the nervous wait,as my case was checked at 22 kgs –success,and no extra charges!, although I did have lots f weight in my rucksack, and briefcase, which I carried on. Then it as the ‘final' English Breakfast’ before my late morning flight to New York.

The flight took off on time and I spent my transatlantic journey watching the film ‘Black Swan’,snoozing,and listening to music (soul music,of course),  landing at Newark Airport, USA on time..then the final ordeal- U.S. Customs and immigration, no problems, I was soon through the airport,and in a taxi heading for New York City (from now on called NYC !)…as I swooped along the highways, the iconic sight of the Statue of Liberty came into view,bringing a tear to my eye..and pocket- the fare was $90 !

As I landed at Newark, Joseph was landing at JFK airport on the other side of NYC, the race was on…who would get to his apartment first !…who do you think ?

I let myself into their apartment on Broadway, Upper West Side of NYC- I had got their first, although only just got the kettle on before Joseph burst through the door…..Jotown’s still too quick !

We shared a cuppa, and Tunnocks caramel wafer..what a New York welcome !

There was no time to relax, although by then it was already  9 p.m. at home…Joseph insisted I went out for some acclimatisation…

And that was it, out we went into the cold NYC atmosphere…taxi cabs zooming by , and a swift walk to Central Park,passing lots of sights on the way, to the John Lennon memorial garden within Central Park http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawberry_Fields_(memorial) then down to the Dakota Buidlings where he was killed, and generally around the area, so I could get my bearings.

We then called into a couple of ‘Irish Bars’ – NYC is full of them, for a welcome pint of …http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinness

and the name of the bar…St James’ Gate…as is where the beer is brewed.

We were joined by Joseph’s wife Nicola whilst we ate,and then it was back to the apt…to collapse, my first evening in NYC, and it was already 3 a.m. back home…but, would I sleep well ?