Not quite the beginning, but New York New York!

New York, 40 million tourists a year in Manhattan alone and we have been two spots caught up in the combine harvester, of  cropping pedestrians….well at least that what it feel like.

I am struck by two things about New York that I had forgotten, or perhaps had hoped had changed since 9/11, the first being the complacency of how tourists are treated like commodities and evendisdain on occasions. I seem irreverent and possibly callous but if you are not one of those freaking “Kudasihins” (you know…whateva) or look like Naomi Campbell then you are screwed. Another thing, if you have a physical disability or sensory disability, then you are screwed also.

After walking for two solid days I guess I should get over not being treated like Princess Grace and focus on the mostamazing architecture, the history of this majestic city and the fact that I am lucky to be here.

We have just returned home from the latest Cirque Du Soleil show called ZARKANA at Radio City Music Hall. It definitely had the “wow” factor but then I found the bathrooms where I knew that many famous personalities had walked the white Italian tiles and parked their backsidesover the porcelain in what must be the most breathtaking loo stalls I have ever sat on. The luxuriousness of the ladies loo was stunning, Red velvet curtains graced the entrance, with rich and opulent couches, large original pedestal hand basins that were shrouded by lavish brass mirrors, well it was just something else. 

We have had so many memorable experiences from standing at Ground Zero to the nut case that halted our plane at JFK where the police had to physically remove this diva who had spazed out at the airline stewards……but it is late and “him indoors” has been getting up at 6.30 am each morning after about 3 hours sleep to get as much out of the new York Pass we have bought, so I will pick this blog up in earnest when we arrive in Ireland in a few days. It is evident that I will get no peace and quiet in this amazing city to capture it all in prose.

 

With my feet and heart humming from a spectacular few days I off to my second to last sleep in this city that never sleeps.