Day 30 + 5 = 35 - the great migration to Noo Yawk continues

Firstly, apologies to anyone who is still 'listening' - no free Wi-Fi access in the hotel, so will have to wait until I can cut-and-paste into the blog when we get to a proper network. I will try to update daily so at least it may have some semblance of continuity when I do get to post it/them.

Up at 5.30 to get to Dublin airport in time - only just made it with minutes to spare - about 45 of them by my calculation. Departed Ireland, only to fly back over it about 5 hours later. Flight about half full - able to spread out a bit. Went with American Airlines, and have to say that Qantas was much better - for service, food and in-flight entertainment - can't comment on the piloting, but as we made it here in one piece, I guess  they match each other in that department. Luggage arrived well before we did - it was even taken off the carousel and placed together - the coloured ribbon may have been good guide for whoever was responsible. Landed at 5 p.m., made it through Customs by about 6.30, and got to our hotel by about 8.30 after possibly the most exhilarating drive I have ever been on - absolute madness - I have no idea how people survive in such bedlam - blaring their car horns would seem to be one of the methods. After more than 30 years I know understand a fairly crucial part of an old Bill Cosby sketch, in which he makes a reference to Pep Boys, and which I now know to be a mechanics workshop for cars, having passed one on the way to the hotel. Both kids absolutely exhausted, as it was the equivalent of 1.30 in the morning in Ireland by the time we got to our room - both fell asleep on the way from the airport - Patrick woke up (after a fairly hefty nudge from me) to catch a glimpse of some of the iconic sights of New York at night (e.g.the Chrysler building), but Isabel slept through it - completely stonkered, but woke enough to stagger up to the room - promptly collapsed into bed - I will be soon to follow.

Apartment reasonably serviceable - a bit small and daggy, but the beds look very comfortable, although I think I will have to give them a lesson in hospital corners......or even just plain old tucking in for that matter.

Eagerly awaiting our first mugging experience in New York - well, I have to pay for this holiday somehow!