so we have arrived safely in the big apple. waking at around 4:30 this morning in chicago (after about 3 hours sleep), we walked onto the street and hailed a cab. yes, it was that easy to get a cab even at 4:30am. we had a lovely pakistani cab driver who talked to us about chicago and the architecture- whilst we fought to remain awake so early in the morning. made it through the airport quite easily, and had a good flight- despite being held circling in the air for a while as the airport was busy. the view of manhattan and central park from the air was very impressive- if not a little overwhelming!
into a cab (with a significantly less friendly cab driver) and off to our apartment. the trip was stop start, and having just consumed a cup of auntie annes pretzel nuggets i was feeling rather unwell. the traffic became more congested as we got closer into the heart of manhattan. we really began to wonder why anybody would own a car in this city. finally arriving at the apartment, we were hit by the humidity of the city, and the oppressive heat. and we thought chicago was hot! at least it wasn't humid...
in the heart of the city, and all we wanted to do was sleep. we were greeted by monica and given the keys. originally from california, she was absolutely gorgeous and so helpful. exhausted and looking like absoloute hell- we collapsed and fell asleep for the afternoon. waking up at around 5:30- we went and had a look at times square, just around the corner. we went to the m&m world- a look at consumerism at its best. three levels of everything dedicated to m&m characters. jewelery, plush toys, chocolate, stationary and so much more!
we were starving so retreated to a restaurant for dinner. we found an italian place near our place- and got our first taste of the new yorkers. an italian mama greeted us, and she was forward and short with us. but there was a kindness in her manner we couldn't quite put our finger on. dinner was yummy, and after we had paid and got up to leave she stopped us
'no, you stay here. it's too hot outside'
after people watching for a bit longer, we went to the amish market and then to amy's bread for dessert. a slice of red velvet cake and we found ourselves once again in need of sleep. watched a bit of sex and the city- whilst discussing if we would go sit right where they were sitting tomorrow. absolutely unbelievable.
