.....the amazing people you meet in the amazing city of NY.....

...so Tuesday it is and I leave here on Friday morning - Niagra bound....

After a lazy Saturday on Sunday went to Coney Island on a very typical British beach weather day, cold, grey and windy....

..it was very quiet at Coney as they're doing up all the rides but this should be completed by the end of May.  I still liked Coney even though it was very quiet and slightly eerie and where else can you shoot a freak?? (no I didn't get shot, but to be fair it was closed).  I ate a chilli dog(which I have to confess I am addicted to) and the best chips I have ever had!!!!  From Nathan's a Coney Beach institution.  Another thing I love is the fact everywhere you look in NY there is art it's amazing, murals galore. 

 Listened to NY mocking birds who not only do car alarm imitations but also do a very wicked dolphin impersonation and was impressed at the freakishly large but incredibly fast seagulls (they actually catch chips/fries in the air).  I know it's the small things that amuse but dudes...they catch chips while flying....in the air!!

 Then walked down to NY Brighton Beach, amongst all the mink coat and Russian biscuit shops and back home to a very sleepy afternoon, my third week in NY and I'm starting to lose my energy momentum but would love to write a blog on all the things I wanted to see but just didn't get a chance, this city is just so immense, fantastic and frenetic.

Last night, was very very diverse and I realised how much I love NY and New Yorkers but not rats...I hate rats...

Caught the subway to 68th and was a bit lost when I came out and asked a guy for direction, a very lovely gentleman called David walked me to the park and gave me directions.  He was lucky enough to live on 5th Avenue and when I asked him if he had a view of the park his very amusing response was "well there's no point to live on 5th and not have a view of the park is there" and when I asked him what he did for work responded "I jog around Central Park"...bloody brilliant...ah the luck of the rich and the very charming.

So met a new friend Joe, in Central Park and had a very posh dinner at the Boathouse and with a view overlooking the boating lake in the park had a very wonderful dinner, then it was on to cocktails in the rooftop bar at 230 Fifth....this place was amazing they supply blankets and red robes to keep warm in.  So while being surrounded by a load of people who looked like a mix of Queen Amidala and a collegiate secret society I took in the amazing views, interesting conversation and a very strong raspberry mojito.  

Then it was off home on a very long journey (due to my spaciness) this is when I realised how fabulous and helpful New Yorkers are...won't hear a bad word about them.  Met an incredible, funny guy on the subway...Sagen...who very helpfully gave me directions and his details (sorry my phone and my lack of old tech knowledge lost them) he kindly put me on the right train home despite me attempting to use him as a human shield when I saw what can only be described as a 'mega rat' on the platform.  NY rats are huge they're the size of cats, it's just not right.  I have a rat phobia, my explanation for this is that as a child I read James Herbert far too young.  Then once again got on the wrong train like I said it was a space cadet night, then a lovely lady helped me and I finally got back home, after seeing rat number two.  Well it could of been the same rat following me home, but that thought just terrifies me, and I so am not going to look out the window to see if he's there...waiting...smoking a cigarette...leaning against the street light across the road...in a ratty evil kind of way.

Today sicky couch day, tomorrow I think I'll go to Williamsburg...and hopefully catch up with my good mate from Thailand.