New York, New York

Frank Sinatra wanted to 'wake up in a city that never sleeps', now I doubt Frank was waking up along with the rest of New York not sleeping due to their well worn hostel mattress (one could only imagine the stories it would tell if given the power of speech), however I won't complain too loudly as 'the Robber' and I have made it to the big dance. Our ultimate stop in the U.S. of A before we embark on mission to the Old Dart. And what a place it is.

'The Robber' is still questioning where this 'Big Apple' is as he has seen the 'Big Banana' and would like to compare oversized fruits, he can't seem to comprehend the concept of a city nickname, also commenting on the girls in New Orleans, 'I thought this was supposed to be the Big Easy and I aint been able to rob shit'. Fruitless humour aside, New York New York is all it promised and more. From oversized pretzels with mustard to bagles with a 'schmear' of cream cheese, Grande' mocha double espresso frappaccinos to just straight 'Cawffee' we have been swept up by the hustle and bustle of it all yet somehow avoided being totally consumed. Could it be our handy 'Lonely Planet' combination Manhatten Island map and subway guide? Or our thick Australian brouge? Or the fact we visited the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Isalnd, Ground Zero, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building all in one day and seemed to keep running into the same people. Ah tourists, New York loves them! With in excess of 40 million a year they inject a substantial sum of money into the city and don't the locals know that. New Yawkers have in the last few years become friendly! Shock, horror, gasp, gone are the days where if you fell on the ground the average New Yawker wouldn't just walk over you they'd actually use your ear to remove the gum from their shoe too. So enjoy we do their hospitality, helpful directions and witty Brooklyn barbs.

In New York, we are all king of the hill and top of the heap. Unless you're the guy who keeps asking me for any spare change to get a sandwich. I bought him a beer instead so he didn't feel bad about lying.