Local advice brings joy...

When travelling, having local information can make such a difference to one's experience.

Yesterday, I convinced Craig to get up really early (ok, only 7am, so not too bad) and head as quickly as we could to the Empire State Building. The previous day the previous day we had seen lines from the building that went around the corner and continued on for two blocks. The sign at the front door said that the wait was at least 120 minutes, we decided that our time was much more valuable and that we would come really early the next day.

So up we got, headed down and were there by 8.10 am. Would you believe the line was just as, if not longer, than the day before. So we decided that was unacceptable, and took the local advice to go up to the "TOP OF THE ROCK!!!!!!!!!"...........otherwise (and lamely) known as the Rockerfeller Centre. Only about 15 streets up, exactly the same views, except from there you can actually see the Empire State, as opposed to being on it (check out the picture...).

There were no lines, we walked right in, right on up, and no idiotic tourists to deal with - except for those walking around giggling to themselves and repeating the slogan - "TOP OF THE ROCK!!!!!!!!" a la Vince Macmahon. Guess who fits into that category (10 points for those that guessed Felicity).

More to follow on the enlightening experience that was the evenings visit to Spanky's. Which, contrary to expectation is a temple to the excessive consumption of hog flesh and not a two bit whore house.

Please note that Craig has had editorial input to this blog entry.

NEW YORK CITY

It is big, large, busy and full of bloody tourists (including us).

Would you believe that the only museum we found yesterday that didn't have a 2 hour long line up was the museum of sex??? And would you also believe that the sign on the door says that you are not allowed to touch, lick, stroke or mount the exhibits - like people should need to be reminded!!!

We are just playing it cool here... not putting ourselves down for any time tables. But we are off this morning to climb the Empire State - trying to beat the crowds...

Till the next post...

Singapore...

We have arrived in Singapore in one piece. Very long flight (I wouldn't let myself sleep), but hopefully that has exhausted me enough to sleep right through the next one (14 hours). Craig is soldiering on like a champion. He thinks he won't sleep the whole way to NYC, but we shall see. I will be a very tired bunny by then, that is for sure.

Had a good flight, although not very Christmassy (I thought there would be at least one christmas song). We didn't even manage to get Christmas food, although what we did have was very nice. And we had movies on demand - very cool and an upgrade from what I have seen before.

Keep checking for the next installment...

Will it be London, or New York...

Only time will tell....

THE JOURNEY BEGINS...

Hi All - here is the blog we will be using while we are away. Feel free to check regularly and hopefully we will get a chance to update many times along the way. There may even possibly be a photo too...