New Years' Eve

So there has been no snow and as I am sitting in the airport right now (17:10) there are no delays. Moo has just phoned to say she is off out for a New Years' Eve Party as soon as we get back, or sooner if she can get someone to sit with the boys for half an hour to an hour.

Huffle and I woke this morning with sore feet and weary ankles. We promised each other we would not walk much today. (Ha, ha, ha, ha) We didn't stray far for breakfast but had a huge plate of pancakes with syrup. Yum. A good start to the day. We went back to our room, packed our bags, and checked out. We also put our bags in 'Left Luggage' and got on the subway to Central Park. The idea being that we train it to the other end and walk slowly back towards the centre. Of course, this didn't happen. We ended up where we were the other day, about a third of the way from the beginning (Times Square End). One of the problems with our feet was from yesterday evening when we walked, unintentionally, from our Hotel all the way to Central Park - that's a long way!

Today, although there was snow and ice on the ground, it was a lovely clear, sunny day. We walked to Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy (or something like that) Reservoir where it boasted reflecting pools and beautiful views. The water was a little ripply for reflecting but it was nice. A huge reservoir that covered almost the whole width of Central Park. Unfortunately the buildings that were reflected were not the best ones.

 

However we found the Guggenheim Museum - I know I have seen a film recently which was filmed inside it but I can't remember which one it is - how annoying. Architecturally, the outside is great and Huffle thought it resembled a boat from one angle. The queue to get in was very long and we didn't really want to walk around it, though it did have a Picasso exhibition in there.

We carried on walking (yes more walking - OUCH) and ended up at The Met. We walked up the steps, went inside, saw the queues, asked our feet if they wanted to wander around the huge place and when they politely declined we sat outside and watched the people milling about.

We found a little Greek place for lunch, it was okay, it did a job. We got the train right to the end of the line and ended up at Brooklyn Bridge.

we decided to walk across it until we realised that a lot of it was boarded up so you couldnt see anything from the bridge. After a while we turned around and walked into the Financial District. We had a drink and some of Carlos' cake (once again very good 4/4). We got the train back to our hotel to get our bags. Once we recovered our luggage, we set off to the train station. It was absolutely packed. Even the police were amazed at the huge amount of revellers. We hoped they were all going to go in the opposite direction to us but they were going in every direction. We met a few drunks on the way, had some blowy things blown at us and finally got on the train in the direction of the airport. We knew we couldn't get all the way but were hoping we could get off nearby and then get a taxi in.

We ended up at Queens (Ugly Betty suburb). As we came out of the station we saw more people than near Times Square. I looked at Huffle and said "where are we?" We were under a huge bridge just like in Blues Brothers and various other films I have seen. Cars were honking, gridlocked, people milling about, more honkers and flashing glasses and sparkly hats. OMG, it's New Years Eve,the streets are packed and there wasn't a taxi in sight, except one whose driver was fast asleep. Huffle attempted to tap on his 'off duty' windscreen but in the end hailed a limo cab. He was lovely, took us straight to the airport, to the correct terminal and was thankful for the tip Huffle gave him. ahhhhhhh - sigh of relief that we are at the airport. There was a moment there when we wondered if we might have trouble getting there.

There weren't any major problems once in the small airport. Not too many people. Huffle wasn't allowed to check in via the machine for some reason and had to go to the check in desk. Huffle and I both had to go into the body scanner and hold a pose! We forgot we had left a can of coke in the rucksack so that was put through again. We were early so we sat in a cafe and had a bite and a drink. Moo rang us and we chatted to her about this evening. I blogged, Huffle caught up with Facebook and we waited for our flight to be called. Then we were called for our papers to be checked. We asked why and were told, it was just random!

All in all, a great mini break. Very busy. A very mad city. Amazing buildings and architecture. My favourite building by far is the Chrysler Building from close up and at night. We loved the Flat iron building. We both liked Central Park, especially when it snowed and we walked through the Rambling part and saw the wildlife. We especially liked the Alice in Wonderland Sculpture. 'Eataly' is the best place to eat, drink and shop - all at the same time. We found Times Square overwhelming. I expected it to be bigger and wider and not so compact. We have learnt how to be rap-lookalike-wannabe-hoodie-type-dudes after watching many on the subway. I have also taught Huffle many fashion names after constantly walking through the Fashion district.

I am ending today's post here as there was an incident at the airport of which I am too angry and upset to write about tonight. I don't trust myself in my angered state to write clearly, I am sure I will write more tomorrow when I am more calm.

Home now, gingerbread and cup of Yorkshire tea in my English mug. Bliss!

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR. ALL THE BEST FOR 2013

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