Final Post – Ultimate Review on USA and Canada

Well for the past twenty-seven days, I have been travelling through Canada and USA. And the time has come for me to do what I do best… judge other things – in this case – places.

I haven’t seen much of Canada, only the West Coast: namely Vancouver. Our primary reason to go to Canada is to visit Gabi and Lance, or as I like to call them now: Labi and Gance (I am hilarious). The other reason was to ski. And probably for these reasons, I loved Canada. We of course, went in Winter. We loved the deciduous trees that were so bare and stark against the grey sky – it’s such an opposite from Australia where we don’t have a proper Winter. The other little thing which I adore about Canada is the fact that everything is written in French and English. There isn’t much I dislike about Canada, really. Except perhaps that, in Whistler particulary, it’s pretty expensive – and for a student like me who has no money I would never be able to travel their on my own money. Canadians are nice. I would love to travel more in Canada and go further East, or go North and go over to Alaska. The other influence that Canada has had on me is that it has seemed to turn me into a monster at ice-hockey – all I want them to do is fight.

Florida is certainly a place to Winter – it’s wonderfully warm and very similar to Brisbane weather. Our main purpose in Florida was to visit Disneyworld which I absolutely loved. Disneyworld is certainly a magical place, as I have mentioned in previous posts and I’m so glad I’ve been able to visit.

Washington DC was the next place and it is filled with European beauty and stuffed with history. There a museums about everywhere you look and something else incredible about Washington is the metro system. It works amazingly and if you’re lost – it’s very easy to find your way.

And finally… New York City was amazing – because it is exactly the way you imagine it and so much more. Any of the movies based in New York, or TV shows – it’s simply identical. Times Square is completely unique. Wicked on Broadway was so good and seeing ice-hockey in Madison Square Garden was such an experience.

There is a problem I do have with USA though and it’s one I’ve avoided talking about until now. 25 years ago, when Mum and Dad visited USA from England – it was the most amazing place because everyone was so, so nice, kind and helpful. This was probably compared to England where everyone (like shop assistants) were terrible. 5 years ago, on the USA West coast – they were quite nice, from memory. It just wasn’t the same. I’ve avoided posting this because I know the rumour that Americans are unkind to be completely, truly and 100% incorrect because some of the kindest, most beautiful people I know are American. But where we were – whether it was because it was the tourist section or what it was… but I couldn’t wait to get back to Australia. I love it here, everyone seems to be more agreeable.

Sorry this took so long to post. I could pretend I spent 2 days writing it, but that’s a lie. I am back home and there’s not much left to do but return to normal life and if you wish to keep up with me, please follow me on this link:

http://bellaslittlelife.blogspot.com/

The only other thing left to do – do I have a favourite between USA and Canada?

Well, you have to remember I only saw a snippet of each place but I think it’s sort of obvious…

I love Canada. But I Still Call Australia Home.

Twenty-Sixth and Final Full Day – in NYC – Madison Square Garden

It seems that with each passing day, I am feeling more sick and today I wasn’t able to go out for the activities during the day. I could tell you about my day but that’s not interesting. I slept and watched Glee. Then I had a shower – and that is literally it. But I felt a bit better in the evening – well enough, I decided, to go watch a Rangers game at Madison Square Garden – ice hockey.

I’m an Australian, so this was my first ice hockey game ever and the thing that I was most excited about was a chance to wear my new coat. See, although I’ve spent a lot of time in my life as a tourist, I always pride myself on not dressing like one – until this time with my blue coat, which was great for skiing, but walking through 5th Avenue… I feel a tad out of place when really, it should be like this:

 

So that is how I looked when I went out today, minus the Tiffany’s bag. Looking a lot like myself – with a trench coat, my crucifix necklace and sparkly shoes – so yeah maybe I’m a little unusual. But then when I was walking to Madison Square Garden, wearing the same coat as Charleise – I realized I didn’t look unusual: I looked like a bit of a freak. This probably has something to do with the fact my cough sounded like a blocked drain pipe and when I spoke I sounded like an 80 year old man who’d been smoking for a 100 years. Yeah. Figure that maths out.

But moving on from my vanity, and back to the game. I didn’t think I’d enjoy it, honestly. I thought I could just sit there and go off into my own little world. I didn’t like the fans around us, at first. But over time, I started to get more into it – although I was sitting there a bit dopey and in a feverish stupor. Some eager fans, who were a bit drunk and were very rude to us at first changed over time and started explaining the rules to us and everything. I liked watching them fight – it was my favourite part. I’ll bet that just ruined your impression of me, but hey, when I was 8 years old my favourite program was WWE Wrestling.

The Rangers are New York’s team and their colours are blue and red and so they used the expression “true blue” a lot, and they were against Los Angeles Kings. I have been to both cities, but we all elected to support Rangers because:

1) We got a free t-shirt

2) They used the expression “true blue” – a typical Australian expression

3) If you weren’t a Rangers fan, you would NOT have liked to be in that stadium.

The game was great – it went into overtime, and then a shootout and the Rangers won. Everyone is extremely patriotic, and incredibly enthusiastic. But the other thing I loved about the game were all the people walking around selling things like hotdogs, pretzels, popcorn, drinks and chips. It was so awesome – when Anne and I first saw it, we squealed and jumped up and down and Mum told us to control ourselves.

  (I think that man was selling hotdogs)

So today was our final full day which, naturally, is a little sad but I am looking forward to getting home… to see my pets, sleep in my own room, see my friends, go to church, be able to walk outside without layering up because, of course, there’s not place like home.

It has been great being with the Dightons – they are all such great fun. Peter is plain hilarious but always walking a line of what’s appropriate, and Anne is just lovely. You are also always guaranteed some form of entertainment with Ben around, and I also enjoyed meeting and getting to know his girlfriend, Charleise some more. Charleise is very beautiful – but she also has the incredible sense of loyalty and was ready to “sock the guys were being rude to Jonny” and an amazing confidence that so many people long to have. So, Benjamin – top marks. I approve.

As I mentioned earlier, I like to not look like a tourist and generally look quite respectable wherever I go… yeah… this was certainly not the case after the Rangers game…

 

I have my hair out because I’ve lost all my hair ties and have been reduced to wearing rubber bands in my hair and am wearing my free T-shirt – it was one-size fits all and that size was Extra Large. I’m also holding my drink from the game – that was a regular size… only in USA.

And now, I feel I must leave you. I want to feel at least slightly better for my journey home tomorrow and as most of you know my Mum’s a nurse and her general philosophy is: “If you’re not dead, you’re okay”.

Twenty-Fifth Day – in New York City – little blue bags and medium brown bags.

Today started off like any other day. Jonathon didn’t want to get up out of bed. Mum yelled at him a bit. I was still feeling pretty crook but determined to go. And Dad spent a lot of the time texting Mr Dighton.

I haven’t really made it very obvious who is now travelling with us. After Auntie Mandy left us, we were joined by our very dear friends the Dightons. Ashley Dighton has been Jonathon’s best friend since the first day of school but unfortunately Ash isn’t travelling with the Dightons at the moment. The Dighton party consists of: Mr Dighton/Peter and Mrs Dighton/Anne as well as Ben, their eldest son and his girlfriend Charleise. It’s a refreshing change to see some friends, and to hear people talk with an Australian accent! Note: I will sometimes alternate between Mr Dighton/Peter and Mrs Dighton/Anne, this is only because when we were kids, Jonathon and I called them Mr and Mrs Dighton – but as time goes on we mostly call them Peter and Anne. I alternate a bit.

So today Peter, Jonathon and Dad decided to go and explore the city – Seinfeld style. I don’t like watching Seinfeld at all. Sorry but I don’t find it funny, but those three love it so off they went to find the sites and setting of Seinfeld. Benjamin decided to go off on his own; read the paper and have a coffee, as Benjamin does and so Anne, Mum and Charleise decided we ought to go shopping. I was, of course, obliged to follow along.

It probably was a good thing I had to because I am certain Mum wouldn’t have even got to Grand Central without me (a place I have referred to plenty of times because we’ve been there almost every single day). And unfortunately, I discovered that Mrs Dighton is just as bad as Mum. We get on the subway and both sit convinced and betting MY life that we are going the wrong way. But of course, they’re wrong.

Our first stop on our shopping adventure was Bloomingdales. There is this rumour that Queenslanders are “early to bed, and early to rise” and maybe this is true because we got to Bloomingdales before it even opened. It opened at 10am – how late is that?

But we did hang around and get in and I, being the expert shopper I am, headed straight for a chair, sat down and read my CSI: NY book. The first paragraph was about February being the coldest month of the year, and like a local New York-an, I agreed. Bloomingdales is a crazy store though. I thought it would be a department store – like Macy’s or Myer but in fact it’s more like a mall with Louis Vuitton, Coach, Prada and those other really affordable brands. We didn’t even want anything except a Brown Bag. For those who don’t know, Bloomingdale’s bags are marked “little brown bag”, “medium brown bag” and “large brown bag” – depending on the size of your purchase. Anne bought something (no idea what) and was able to proudly carry around her “medium brown bag”.

The next destination was H&M, a shop I’ve seen in Europe, Asia and America but never at home and that was certainly more in our price range and our style. But of all the clothes in the store – Charleise and I bought the same coat. She wore it today, so I’m hoping to wear it tomorrow but I am so sick of my pale blue coat. Remember how excited I was when I first got it? Yeah… I think that’s because I was going skiing and it was perfect for that… and then I was going to Florida so who needs a coat there? Now? I’m over it.

But the next, and by far the most important stop was TIFFANY’S! And would you believe it – everyone of us bought something. Mum even bought two somethings. I got a key with a pink sapphire in it, Charleise got a different, larger key (yeah we didn’t get the same jewellery), Mum got a bracelet and necklace and Anne got a rose-gold and silver free-form hearts. We all proudly carried our little blue bags and met up with all the boys here, who were thrilled to get out fast and onto our next stop.

This is probably because our next stop was a brewery where we stopped to have lunch and they sampled a heap of beers. I guess it’s lucky they don’t have to drive because we catch the subway a lot – which does get tiresome and I think Anne and Mum were feeling it today when we were going to Brooklyn and they were getting a bit whiney, but out of that came my favourite moment of the day:

Mum: “You’re just jealous because I’ve got two blue bags”

Anne: “You keep lashing out at me because I have a medium brown bag”

Can’t you just feel the love?

We were going to Brooklyn to meet a friend of ours called Joe. Joe is studying in NYC, and I don’t know him really well but he’s a very nice guy. We all went out to dinner at a Latin/Columbian restaraunt with his room-mate Alex. The ten of us had a really great time. I don’t know whether it was because everyone got along so well or because there was a large amount of alcohol involved, or perhaps a combination of both – but it was a fantastic night.

At one point, however, I felt apprehensive. Having been sick for a few days, I wasn’t very hungry and decided to have some soup for dinner and there was one I thought looked really nice but one of the ingredients listed was “spicy chipotle broth”. My thought process was basically “Okay… I know chipotle is spicy… any reason why you’ve mentioned that?” and then I started looking for other items with “spicy chipotle” but that was the only one. I then thought “When a Latin restaurant says ‘spicy’… you should probably take that seriously”.

So even against what I thought to be my better judgment, I ordered it and the server did a double take as though nobody has ever really ordered that before… or at least no-one who’s not Hispanic, and then he said “That one’s my favourite”. Normally when a server says that to you, you feel somewhat reassured and smile and say thank you. This time, I smiled and said thank you and wasn’t sure whether it was a good thing or not.

Well, basically, I didn’t think it was too spicy at all. Anyone who did is wimp, in my view.

Tomorrow, it’s my last full day in NYC and you’re very lucky because soon you’ll see the last of me unless you choose to follow my regular blog which is far less interesting. The only thing I want to do tomorrow is buy tacky souvenirs. That’s it.

I apologize that there’s no photos today… I didn’t really take many.

“I want to be a part of it – New York, New York!”

Twenty-Fourth Day – in New York City – Tacky Souvenirs and Battles for my Life

If anyone was hoping for a day filled with new adventures, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. I woke up this morning with the flu and so I haven’t actually left the apartment today, but I did chain-watch CSI and then SVU – American cable television is really something else. I’m also able to watch “19 Kids and Counting” which, yes, I am addicted to on YouTube at home. But just because I’ve been housebound, doesn’t mean I don’t have anything to say.

Something I hate at home, is when you’re in the city and you see all the tacky souvenirs and you see them and just think “ergh… this is so tacky… how could anyone possibly like this junk?” and yet when I’m overseas, the one thing I think is “Oooh a cheap-looking fridge magnet. How cool!”

But New York City doesn’t only do tacky souvenirs – they seem to think of absolutely everything. For example:

(Ducks!)

And yes – that’s a Statue of Liberty Barbie Doll. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a Barbie Doll in a souvenir shop until now. But, that’s not for me. I’m still looking for the cheapest, tackiest I <3 NY t-shirts.

Something else I loved at Greenwich Village was that some people (probably bloody teenagers =P ) had put smiley faces on the pedestrian crossing signals. Yeah, yeah I know that’s graffiti and it’s illegal and all that – but I thought it was cute.

   

New York City seems to have secrets, and one of the many are these little cellars:

I always wonder what’s going on in there – I think in real life, they’re cellars to restaurants. But it’s much more fun to imagine it’s something illegal.

This morning Auntie Mandy left but our friends who live in Australia but have been in Vermont are now visiting us.

For now, my opinion on New York City is pretty much that I could never live here. It is fun to visit, and it’s sort of something you need to do before you die – but I much prefer places in rural areas, or with natural beauty. Places like Whistler, or places like New Zealand. Or places like Pullenvale.

Got it? Good.

Okay, I know I’m about to break one of the first bloggy rules of not doing any major edits after publicly posting, but I felt I didn’t do this post justice. Because something else massive happened today. I battled for my life.

Yes. You read that right. There is something about NYC – but I keep getting zapped. I suppose to scientific reason is something to do with the fact that the air is so dry and certain materials cause static shocks blah blah blah. But I’m not kidding. Whenever I type with my computer plugged in, I get mini shocks. One of them today was so bad that my whole finger went numb.

But it’s not just static shocks. They are a nuisance – twice today there were major zaps at the power points. I sort of blame American/Canadian power points:

 

The observant have probably noticed that:

A) They are are different shape hence the adaptor

B) There is no safety switch.

In Australia, we have a safety switch for everyone’s safety – as Google Images will show you:

When the switch is like that, it means an electrical current is flowing. You always switch it off before you un-plug things. Here, there is no such luxury.

Anyway the Wi-Fi kept stuffing up so I had to un-plug and plug it in again and when I un-plugged it, there was a white flash. It gave me the biggest fright in the world. And you think that’s scary? You haven’t seen nothing yet.

I was making toast today, and when I pressed the cancel button there was magnificent blue zap and it travelled. It was blinding, and that was scary. As soon as I thought it safe, I tore the plug out of the socket. And I ate my toast. It didn’t taste electric to me. Tasted pretty good.

See, even a day when you’re apartment-bound you can still face scary stuff and engage in Earthly battles for your life.

Twenty-Third Day – in New York City – “Don’t you just love it?”

Happy Valentines Day! It’s Valentines Day here, and you couldn’t possibly forget. In Australia, it is often noted but there’s never a fuss made over it but in New York restaurants were giving discounts, beautiful flowers and balloons were everywhere and men were running around, carrying bouquets of flowers – even Mother Nature seemed to know it was Valentines Day, as the weather was considerably warmer today than it has been.

Today was also Auntie Mandy’s last day in NYC and we’ve already seen most of what she wanted to, although really you could probably live in New York your whole life and not see all of what it has to offer. So this morning, we decided to go to Greenwich Village and I didn’t realize but as soon as I got there, it was like I had stepped into the world of “Friends”. All the buildings are practically identical to the apartment block used for the exterior shot in Friends.

  

Sorry to everyone who were hoping for a picture of the actual exterior… but… New York is a really big city.

Then we stopped to have lunch at this really nice French place – if you ever get to Greenwich Village, definitely check out “French Roast”. On 14/2/2011 Auntie Mandy declared that it was the best French Onion Soup she’d ever eaten. The prices were reasonable and the Crème Brulee was apparently to die over… not that I think I’d ever die over food… particularly not Crème Brulee – I don’t even like it.

But our next stop, which was somewhat essential before Auntie Mandy left New York was:

 

5th Avenue. Feeling extremely out of place as all the leggy women with little tiny dogs, we ventured into 5th Avenue with two main purposes.

“Don’t you just love it?”

“Love what?”

“Tiffany’s!”

Yes, this is the Tiffany’s from the Audrey Hepburn Classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” on 5th Avenue. For those who don’t know the movie (you shouldn’t) and wish to be more accquainted (you should), check out the trailer:

But we were actually at Tiffany’s for a purpose. My Aunt wanted to get something. An expensive souvenir, true, and surprising too – she’s not a big jewellery person but she wasn’t alone in her wanting something. My mum wants something too. Mum appears to like jewellery more and wear it a bit more but she doesn’t like to spend a lot. But they weren’t alone. Yes, who else wanted something you’re wondering? Jonathon, Dad or me?

Well me, obviously. I graduated from school, at the end of last year and Mum and Dad promised me a present from Tiffany’s, so all of us were there and looking with a purpose. Dad and Jonathon shortly got bored and went to the Apple store. Auntie Mandy had to choose something today since she’s leaving and eventually chose one of the keys, called “Daisy Key”.

It’s beautiful, and very much “her”. Mum and I are undecided. See, I’m torn because I see something at home and might like it better but I mean.. it’s Tiffany’s – on 5th Avenue. That’s pretty special. I already have a heart necklace from Tiffany’s, which I absolutely love. So I am looking for something different. Anyway, Mum and I will go back later, possibly with our friend, Mrs Dighton, who’s meeting us in New York in a couple of days.

Something I probably haven’t told you, is that Jonathon and Dad received tickets to the David Letterman show. They applied online and were fortunate enough to receive the tickets, so they went off there this afternoon – leaving me alone, yet again, with Catherine and Amanda Jane. We went to Central Park, because we were there and let me to tell you something. People have asked me “Has it snowed? Is it pretty??” Well it has snowed a bit, but a few weeks ago New York had heaps of snow and it is piled up on the sidewalk (footpath). Now I hate to spoil people’s dreams and ideals but the snow in New York is far from pretty. It’s not glistening and white, the way it is in storybooks, but it is dirty, black and plain disgusting.

    

After Central Park, we made our way back to Grand Central Station (successfully, I might add) and then had a look around Grand Central Station, which is a tourist attraction in itself. It’s quite a nice-looking station, and rather old-fashioned seeming but it also sadly does have plenty of homeless people trying to stay warm. There are so, so many homeless people in New York City.

We even made it back to our apartment safely and (dangerously) I allowed Mum and Auntie Mandy to take a stroll by themselves. And THEY made it back safe!

But the tourism experience doesn’t end there – it seems strange but a tourist experience in New York City is eating Chinese food (just like they do on Friends) which was what we did tonight. Dad and Jonathon picked up Chinese food on there way home from Letterman. I am still battling that stomach virus and don’t really like Chinese food that much, but when in New York do as the New York-ans do.

  (I’m really excited there because the rice came in the proper boxes, like on the television. I look kind of psycho, actually, but hey that’s just me really).

  I am also really excited there because I am holding a bottle of Sprite Zero. We get Sprite Zero at home, but not in small sizes, and I love it. So very excited (and looking particularly unattractive, I might add)

And now, the tourism continues with classic New York Cheesecake (which I don’t think I’ll like either, but will try it anyway). Tomorrow, Auntie Mandy will leave us in the early morn and I honestly don’t know what we’re doing…

  (New York Cheesecake. I didn’t like it :P Haha I sound like a really fussy eater – I’m not – I tried all of the things I’ve said I didn’t like. Oh and check out Pluto next to me. I procrastinated writing this blog by watching Mickey Mouse cartoons on YouTube )

I know I sent you a link last time to look at but I’m going to send you another for a girl named Sammy: http://sammyswalkthroughlife.blogspot.com/ Sammy has Cerebral Palsy and very recently has taken her first train trip walking, after only about 12 months ago, she couldn’t sit fully upright. She’s done an amazing job. So if you care to, check it out. I think you should.

Twenty-Second Day – in New York City

I have worked in childcare centres, been a babysitter, been Junior School Cross-Grade Prefect and looked after Mouse, Pickle and Lizard for a very long time now, but have never felt I’ve had as much responsibility thrust on me as I have today, taking care of Mum and Auntie Mandy in New York City.

It was our intent to go to the “Bodies” exhibition which meant catching a subway, and luckily I seemed to be able to figure our way there. I’m not sure if Mum or Auntie Mandy would’ve even gotten to Grand Central Station without me. But on the way to Grand Central Station, we stopped at a Hallmark shop to buy a card for a friend of ours and I gotta say: I love all the different categories of cards, such as:

Being in the USA, you get a lot of Spanish translation – in Canada, everything’s written in French and English.

  And I love these cards, which show that they are Christian. This photo was actually taken in a supermarket – so it’s not just in Hallmark they have the crucifixes. I have never seen them at home.

But we did get to the Bodies exhibition eventually, and it was really good. It was hardly anything I hadn’t learnt before (except that the word “vaccination” comes from the Latin word “vacca” meaning “cow”, because the first vaccination was by Jenner for Smallpox, by inoculating people with the Cowpox virus) but I liked the exhibition because the items on display are actual dead bodies and preserved organs. I realize that sounds a bit sadistic, but I mean it was fascinating to see what they really look like – better than an artists/biologists depiction.

Our next challenge was to get to Macy’s, but not before we went to a tacky $2 shop and I found lovely tacky souvenirs. I always look for my name on those key-rings and never find them but I did find a name of one of my friend’s – Carmen, and I thought “I’ll buy it for her and send it to her” and then thought “You idiot. Buy something from Australia for her”. If you’re interested, check out Carmen’s website: www.carmenrochelle.com Carmen is a photographer.

The other thing I found at the lovely $2 shop (apart from CSI novels for $1 – I bought 6) were these:

And please tell me you guys think that is weird too. Princesses are grown up – not freaky looking babies. But getting back to New York, and to Macy’s.

Getting to Macy’s took forever. Like the obedient Google-girl I am, I followed Google’s instructions. Google lied. Eventually we went back to Grand Central station, and the other subways weren’t working so we had to wait for a bus and it took forever. But, in that whole time – we were never lost. I like to think that was thanks to me, but maybe I have tickets on myself.

After looking forward to Macy’s for sometime, I’ve got to say it wasn’t as good as Rachel (from Friends) described it. I guess I do hate shopping – but it was so confusing with there being two buildings and everything, and it was 3 o’clock and Auntie Mandy and I hadn’t eaten all day and we were all desperate to eat, so we headed down to the Cellar which has a Bar and Grill, and Auntie Mandy and Mum took to the wine like someone dying of thirst.

Well I exaggerate, Mum had a glass and Mandy had half a glass and my gosh – they were both in fits of hilarious laughter and falling asleep at the same time. Auntie Mandy uses an expression all the time: “Holy Whiteman”, unthinkingly, when she is shocked. Of course, in USA – that could get you into a bit of trouble and when Dad quietly reminded her of this, she almost fell off her chair in laughter realizing her dangerous mistake. I don’t know what the expressions from – I think it’s a movie, any clues anyone?

Soon after, Auntie Mandy said (somewhat loudly) “I hate Macy’s” (which we all did) and Dad had to again chide her and we quickly left (It took a while for us to pry Mum from her chair. She claimed to be sleepy).

Travelling with Mum and Auntie Mandy is fun in so many ways, I always like being out with them and watch people getting completely tripped out and saying expressions like “There’s two of them?!”. True someone who I have never met, and Mum and Dad haven’t seen for 15 years gave a very confused Auntie Mandy a very enthusiastic greeting. But tomorrow is Valentines day and the day after Auntie Mandy will be returning to Australia, in time for Cousin Jeffrey and Lisa’s wedding.

Here are some photos from throughout the day, enjoy:

Happy Valentines Day

I don’t like Macy’s, but I hate shopping and department stores.

  

Radio City Music Hall!!

 

The view from “The Rock”. New York City is amazing.

Twenty-First Day – in New York City – Visiting Ground Zero

If you ever come to New York City, I highly recommend applying for a “greeter”. They are a free service, and a native New York-er takes you around. It’s really informative, and our person was nice (albeit slightly strange). We went to Wall Street, and did you know that Wall Street was actually named after a Wall? In the something-hundreds, the British build a wooden wall to keep the Indians out and that wall marked the end of New York City. And the name Wall Street sort of just stuck. Today, Wall Street is a financial hotspot with amazing security everywhere. You kind of get the feeling in New York that they are always preparing for a war or an attack. Not that it makes the city totally safe – the police have finally caught a man who killed so many of his family – over wanting to borrow his mother’s Lexus. Note to self: do not have son in New York City and buy Lexus. Yeah, but no joke – I honestly don’t feel safe in New York, and would not like to live here.

After the morning with our “greeter”, we decided to go see The Lady. Who’s “The Lady” you ask? Well clearly, you have not been to New York. All the locals call the Statue of Liberty, “The Lady” and for those who aren’t aware, The Lady is not actually on mainland New York, it’s on a little island called (surprisingly) Liberty Island.

So we had to catch a boat out which of course is so fun for me, and when we did get there it was really, really, really cold. The wind just whipped through you and I could hardly put my head up. The Lady is really pretty, to be honest – whether it’s unfortunate or not, she wasn’t exactly a surprise… thanks to her representation in movies and pictures available on the internet. I tell you what though – she’s tall.

The Lady is pretty, but something I never thought I’d say is that New York City is beautiful. Given the fact I prefer mountains and lakes to skyscrapers and urbanization, this is surprising but at sunset – New York was stunning.

Next on our to-do list was to visit Ground Zero. Our greeter wouldn’t take us there – it was too emotional for her – she used to work on the 80th floor. You cannot leave New York without visiting Ground Zero. They are in the middle of reconstructing The World Trade Centre, but there is a memorial museum nearby. 9/11 stunned New York and USA but it also shook the whole world, and I think everyone has their own personal story to tell about the event and here’s mine.

I was 8 years old at the time, and I remember my brother and I had woken up and it was a school day so life continued as normal. I remember sitting at breakfast and hearing the news. My uncle was in New York at the time. My brother didn’t understand, and truly neither did I. We didn’t full understand the extent of this. All we knew was that he had been across the road, but we had heard from him and he had survived. He was running. He ran a very long way, covered with ash and probably not really knowing where he was going. But he survived, and for that our whole family is blessed.

(debris from the World Trade Centre)

I went to where he was, today, and it was just next to the World Trade Centre. The terror and horror that filled the world that day should never have to happen to anyone. When I got to museums about wars or other tragedies, I recognize the tragedy of them, but the difference with learning about 9/11 is that I remember it. It was in our lifetime. If you ever are in New York City, you just can’t leave without going.

But afterwards we went out for dinner in Times Square at TGI Friday’s – a quintessentially American experience but what I loved was that the menu gave you calories. Of course, looking at how many calories the meals had kind of made you feel queasy, but at the same time I thought it was really good.

In Times Square, there is the biggest Toys R Us I have ever seen. It had an ice cream shop and a Ferris wheel. It was really like every kids dream come true.

Tomorrow, I am in charge of Mum and Auntie Mandy for it is my job to get us around the city safely. For those who don’t know – these two women are so directionally challenged I don’t know if they even know their home addresses or how to get to Grand Central Station from where we are. With me there, hopefully we’ll be a bit better off but remember I’m half them – a genetic I constantly have to force away if any of us want to come home safely.