Friday September 30th

Or should I say the “day of queues”. Actually it wasn’t as bad at Heathrow as I had feared and terminal 3 proved positively pleasant compared to my T4 experience with Concorde. A fair number of queues for check-in, security, immigration, gate security, boarding etc – but all moved pretty fast.

Flight was fine – and the in-flight catering on American Airlines wasn’t half bad either. In flight entertainment was a bit crap though - don’t forget to bring a good book (or a Jo who can prove equally entertaining).

Entering NY proved a bit slower – but mainly because we hadn’t been given customs forms at check-in and so had to fill them in standing up. FYI you do need both a green visa waiver card AND the white/blue customs form before you get to immigration.

Taxi queue pleasantly empty – only 3 people in front of us, so that was OK … and the weather … well the weather was great with blue skies and warm sunshine.

And then we arrived at the apartment … and did I mention before I was nervous about this because we had been changed at the last minute? Well no need on that score – WOW doesn’t quite do it justice. Loads of windows, one of the best views in Manhattan and 2 huge bedrooms with more closet space than you could shake a stick at. 2 bathrooms as well – and a well equipped kitchen – so definitely an “upgrade” if you ask me.

Had Tea (rather thoughtfully the apartment came pre-stocked with some basic supplies) and then did some exploring of the local neighbourhood. Rather conveniently there are some deli’s round the corner so we were able to buy some supplies and then head back for a bite to eat and an early night. Well, at least that was the plan, I think we actually stayed up quite late as we had found a bottle of bubbly on our travels and felt forced to celebrate the arrival in NY in style!