NY - Blackbird Jazz Club

New York cop cars

New York's version of Police cars.

Staten Island Ferry

Seeing as there was nine of us in New York - there was usually somebody to do something with ever day. This day Eve, Mandy and I went on the Staten Island Ferry to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty.

Unfortunately it didn't live up to the hype. It was a lot smaller than I thought it was going to be and unless we wanted to wait an hour and a half for the Ellis Island Ferry to see it up close and personal - the best way to see it was on the Staten Island Ferry. Luckily it was a gorgeous day, a bit breezy but nice all the same.

Staten Island

Scary place!! I felt like I walked into the Twilight Zone! We decided to stop in at a bar for a quick drink instead of simply getting off the ferry and back on - big mistake!

There were a handful of people in the bar and I think they were all inbred. Then the bartender was this young 20-something with her cleavage practically falling out - totally wasted on the Staten Island weirdos.....

New York - Central Park

I've heard a lot about Central Park and seen it in movies but I've gotta say - it's got nothing on Stanley Park!

New York - the girls at the Knicks

The five of us at the Knicks....

From left - Vicky, Caroline, Eve, yours truly and Hannah.

New York - The New York Knicks

I decided that a sports game was a must for my New York trip. And of course we couldn't get in to see the Rangers or Islanders (ice hockey for those of you who are completely uneducated!!) so basketball was the next best thing.

Only five of us out of the nine wanted to go - so off we went. I think we spent the most part of the day shopping (as we did most days) and arrived at Madison Square Gardens ready for some proper New York culture! This included beers (the cups had hollow handles which left room for pretzel sticks!) and hot dogs! Yes both Hannah and I - the veggies - gave up for a night and had hot dogs. I have to admit it was absolutely vile and I'll never have another!!

The game was tons of fun. Madison Square Gardens is quite large but doesn't see it at all when you're actually inside. We had great tickets and saw all of the action. William Hurt was there as well as some random wrestler but the best bit was some guy proposing to his girlfriend. How sweet!!!!

Thomas the Tank Engine

I made the big mistake of going out the night before taking my nephew to a theatre performance of Thomas the Tank Engine. It was my friend Billie's birthday and I was only going for one. Yeah right, one usually means six or seven..... Unfortunately the "six or seven" drinks ended up being nine or ten vodka shots with flaming sambuca soaked lime wedges! Not good! So....a late night followed by an early morning....only to arrive at the Hammersmith Apollo to watch Thomas with hundreds of screaming children. I can't say it was fun but it was interesting. And of course my nephew loved it which is the important part. Next time, no drinking the night before....

Billie's birthday

Shooters, shooters and more shooters.....ugh!! This is just the start of the night. It got MUCH worse....