New York

The city that never sleeps, the beyond famous skyline, the home of yellow taxis and millions of films. The next part of my adventure; New York.

We were staying at The Carter Hotel, for a four person room it was $169 a night and split between four people it's $42. The hotel is located in the heart of Times Square, we couldn't have asked for a better location! Another perk of this hotel was they had a Gray Line Bus Tour stand in the lobby, where I managed to purchase a hop on hop off bus tour for three days including three sights for $120. This is so convenient as it's a great way to get around New York and you save so much money!

On our first evening we went to the infamous diner Stardust. In true American style, I had the classic burger and milkshake whilst Daisy got serenaded by one of the singers.

Times Square at night ... I have no words. It's everything and more than what you imagine. It's completely incredible.

The next day we woke up to go to the 911 Memorial and St Paul's Chapel. Although the disaster had absolutely no affect on me or my family, I left both places on the verge of tears. I hit a wall of emotion and once I started, there was no stopping.

We then took the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. The free boat ride is great but I would say it's worth the extra money to actually go on the island to tour the Statue of Liberty, as the zoom on my camera isn't great, I found it hard to get good photos! I plan on seeing the Statue of Liberty properly when I next go to New York.

Grand Central Station was actually probably one of the highlights for me. Not only because of the free wifi in apple! Seeing a location in so many films was unreal, it felt like I was in a movie! Unfortunately I did not leave with Justin Timberlake to cross the road and dine at the Pershing Square.

One of the girls I was travelling with (Sophie), had already visited New York and told us that the Empire State Building was completely overrated during the day and would be much better viewed at night. We left our hotel at 5.30pm pronto and walked the 7 blocks to the Empire State Building. It was definitely worth waiting to go at night! The view is breathtaking; like a starry sky on the ground. Incredible.

The next day was Museum day! Feeling like a proper New Yorker, we took the subway and headed to The Met. In true Gossip Girl style we ate our lunch on the steps. Then we took a gander around the Museum. All the art is stunning but the Temple of Dendur was by far my favourite.

Whilst Daisy headed home, Lara and I headed to The Natural History Museum. 

Easily one of the best museums I have ever been to... but unfortunately I was nursing an awful hangover after a night at the Irish Fiddler and didn't explore as much of the museum as I would have liked. 

The third day, by far my favourite. Sophie and I spent the morning exploring 5th Avenue and admiring beautiful things we could never afford.

We then spent the afternoon Rowing in Central Park, this was the highlight of New York for me. It cost $4 for four of us and was by far one of the best things I did. Central Park is beautiful and there is no better way to enjoy it! We may or may not have disrupted come romantic boat rides when we crashed into them (first time it was funny, second time not so much) but I think we handled it pretty well. But spending time in the sun with some wonderful people was just perfect after a morning exploring.

I can't describe how magical New York is, it's safe to say I rapidly fell in love with all 13.5 miles of New York City.