Arriving at JFK about 11ish am, and the slow process of getting though customs, we (my girl friend & I) jump on to the Manhattan Shuttle $15 one way or $27 return, it drops you off at Grand Central, from there you get picked up by a mini bus & that takes you to your hotel, this is all in the $15. It seems a little disorganize but I have to say it works & works well.
We stayed in a hotel on w44th btwn 6th & 5th av,we put our bags in & had a little stroll, Time Sq was five minutes away,didn't do much really, had a few beers in a place called Jimmy's corner on w44th & broadway, it was a great little bar and we made it our drinking hole. Jimmy is apparently a famous boxing training & well known to all New Yorkers. We were a little tired
so headed back to be up bright and early for our first real day in the Big Apple.



DAY 1
Came out of the hotel (Sofitel Hotel) and went to a diner called The Red Flame and had a great breakfast & a bottomless cup of coffee. After that we were ready to hit the city. We went to the subway bought a metrocard $7 all day ticket & headed for Ground Zero. We got there at 10am, it was quiet at this time, but it was very strange to be there, you cant imagine those two building there or coming down. everyboby seemed to speak quietly around there, you must that a walk around & go into the visiters centre, it is very emotional & well worth a visit.
From there we went to the Flatiron building (broadway btwn 5th ave & 23st) it has a uniquely narrow triangular footprint that resembles a massive ship, I just wanted to see it and take a few pics, the girlfriend was not impressed, it a uncanny building & you must of seen on th tv.
We went to Macy's next,go to the costomer service dept & ask for an out of state discount card, you must show i.d to prove you are from out of state but you will get 11% off, and you must ride the creaky old wooden elevator.
Empire state building was not far away so we headed up there, we bought tickets on-line to go up the E.S.B $20each, but if you do this you will save yourself shed loads of time from queueing up for your tickets, you will save yourself about 30-60 mins easy.
WOW what a viewpoint this is & if you get there just before dusk you can see the city lights coming on,you get the best of both worlds.
That night we went to Little Italy,and had a delicious pizza in a place called Lombardi's(32 Spring st) it was a 45 min wait for a table but well worth it.

DAY 2
Went back to the red flame for breakfast & of course coffee. We jump on the subway and headed for Brooklyn Bridge, this is a lovely walk across the bridge looking back at Manhattan, we found a restaurant for a spot of lunch called Juniors (386 Flatbush ave), famous for it's cheesecake and oh boy was it good, apparently Bill Clinton as been known to pop in for the cheesecake.
That night we went to a Virgils real BBQ restaurant ( 2 doors up from Jimmys) really good food and a great looking place, mind you we had to wait for 30mins for a table again but time flies when having fun & the bar.
Had to pop in to Jimmy's corner for a night cap.

DAY 3
You guessed it breakfast at the red flame. Then made our way downtown to the south ferry to go the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, its cost $11.50 for the ferry, you can get off at the statue of liberty but after 9/11 you cant go up in the statue, but Ellis Island is worth getting off and take a guided tour ( its free) to find out how the 12.000.000 immigrants passed through there.
That night we went to Mamma Mexico's (214 e49th btwn 3rd & 2nd ave) lovely food and to see the guacamole made in front of you is impressive.

DAY4
IT'S MY BIRTHDAY.
Went to the red flame for waffles & ice cream,Mmm, then went to Central park to walk them off, this is a lovely place. Went looking for Strawberry fields and of course John Lennons memorial with the words Imagine inscribed, very moving.
In the afternoon we hit the bars, mainly Irish ones. That night I wanted a good old fashioned steak, & oh boy did I get it. We got told of a place called Gallagher's (228 w52st) opened in 1927, winston Churchill once ate there, so has Madonna. The steak was massive, the size of the plate & 2-3" thick, HONEST. It was lovely but just to much & that goes for the price as well, 2 drinks 2 steaks $130 with tip, but hey it's my birthday.
Hit a few more bars & got just a little drunk.

DAY 5
Went for my last breakie at red flame & last bucket of coffee.
Today was look around the shop days for Sarah, first stop Bloomingdales next stop Tiffany & co, way out of my league, Sarah was like a kid in a sweet shop, I was getting nervious & glad to get the hell out of there, but the jewellery were amazing I have to say. Anyway moving on Niketown next to pick up a bargain. We went to the rockefeller centre for lunch & to look at the ice skaters on the outside rink.

Thats about it really, pick up the Manhattan shuttle at Grand Central, which is an amazing place of it own & home.
What a birthday it was, my first time in NY & I hope not the last.

I hope this helps you guys out there, I have got some great information from you guys over the years, I though I would give something back.

Keep up the good work all you guys at Holiday Truths.
Johno signing off.[/list]