New York New York

I love this city, proper love it. I'd really like to live here one day. I'm not totally sure what it is that has me all of a flutter, perhaps the melting pot of cultures and the anything goes nature.

I've been here this week as a guest of Cybher sponsors AVG and my post about the launch of their 2013 security is coming soon over on the Cybher blog, but in the meantime please enjoy New York through my eyes.

Back home tomorrow:(

Black and White - The Gallery

I've been slacking of late when it comes to The Gallery. No excuse really, it's just that life really has got in the way. The girls 30 mile round trips for the King & I rehearsals are about to turn into double hell as the show starts its run. A show, every other day for seven weeks..... It tires me just to look at them now - fuelled by the thrill of taking to the stage in full regal attire..... for 7 weeks!

So... black and white...

imagine....

John Lennon's memorial - taken on my ride around Central Park with @CosmicGirlie. Such a lovely setting, ruined only by the multiple tourists that Jay had to fend off in order for me to get this clear Hipstamatic shot.

On the nest bench, was this man.....

We liked his sign but really and truly didn't think he would be at all pleased if we interrupted his sodoku for love, hugs, peace or beer..

Jay this ones for you my lovely...

xx

New York, New York

I've always wanted to go to NYC. It's the one place that has always pulled me.

I didn't start traveling until I got married though and as three babies arrived in lightening speed a city vacation has never been an option for us.

Now that they are a bit older I think that they would adore New York.

Despite my initial enthusiasm I didn't really get to see much of the city. The conference got in the way of my site seeing but yesterday I did manage to take in Central Park via a whirlwind tour on the back of a rickshaw.

It really is the way to do it. Speed Central Park in the 100 degree heat.

It's odd coming from a country steeped in history (there is evidence of a Roman settlement close to our small village) to a place where the oldest structure was built in 1850. If our tour of Central Park was anything to go by the history of NYC is defined by the movies shot there. Spiderman, Face Off, Home Alone, Ghostbusters, Stuart Little, Kramer vs Kramer and a memorial to one of England's greatest musicians.

I took in the tourist hot spot that is The Empire State Building. Rode the subway to South Ferry port to take the free ferry to Staten Island, leaving the Manhattan skyline behind me as I looked in awe at 

Lady Liberty. 

Time Square, 42nd Street, Broadway. The places I dreamt of as a young dancer.

Steaming streets, yellow cabs, bright lights, tall tall buildings. A melting pot of language and race where anything goes or anyone goes.

New York is officially my favorite city in the world.

New York in 24 hours

So this is where I'm at. I'm off to New York on Wednesday morning and I have 24 hours to cram in as much of New York as possible before BlogHer begins.
I've never been to New York and whilst I'm sad that Yan won't be with me I'm really excited about experiencing it for the first time.
When I started to think about it this morning I started to panic... a lot... so much to see, so many places that I want to visit but I have to make the best possible use of my time and I am really begging for you assistance.
I'm staying on the Avenue of Americas. So that's my base point. What are the absolute must go places - how far away are they from my hotel and where the hell am I going to find a shop with Blythe dolls?
All assistance gratefully received.