New York

My sister treated my niece and I to a 5 day shopping experience in New York.  We stayed in a hotel on 39th street. The location was great, with a view of the Chrysler Tower and it was within walking distance of Grand Central Station and easy access for restaurants and  all the places we wanted to visit.

I had never been to America let alone NY and I approached this journey with nervous anticipation, having heard so many tales of  this great city.  My daughter assured me that I would love NY, having spent four of the five days in this bustling city, I am left with mixed feelings. 

New York City conjoures up for me an adults playground, where buildings are fighting for precedent and anything  anything goes. Having said that I enjoyed this trip, The high point for me was  a trip up the the Empire Sate Building, what a view, and the historical commentary was well worth $10.00. Would you believe that we met a group who were from the very town that I came from and his mum lives two streets away from me, this world can seem so small sometimes

 Second  was a trip to Woodbury Common Shopping Outlet in Central Valley. I loved this as it was hassle free with a great range of  named brand stores.  The drive up made the experience truly memorable as it gave me an opportunity to see the other side of New York, in my mind New York consisted of the city of NY and high buildings which dominate the landscape, not so, it consist of much much more. We drove through rolling green county side, beautiful lakes and fresh air, saw reindeer's sauntering across busy road. just lovely.

In New York City we made it to the Statue of Liberty, but unfortunately we could only walk around the grounds as entrance into the stature t was booked until November. We also visited Time Square, the Garment district. and ground Zero, nothing much to see there, but it felt right to  visit.

I love small independent stores, so Macy and Century 21 did not do it for me, although both offered great clothing at reasonable prices  if you are prepared to search.

Central park and Bowling Green Park were great places, they offered a place to chill out at the end of the day, we even had a take away breakfast at Bowling Green.

This was a shopping trip to celebrate my niece 21st, who sufferers from learning difficulties and her attention span is limited so there was little time for cultural tours. My daughter feel I need to see the cultural New York to make a valid judgement so I am reserving judging this city until, well until .......

Ooh I almost forgot, we took a trip down to Harlem, and had a lovely meal at Sylvia's. definitely worth a visit the food was great.