The big New York freeze!

This pic was taken in Central Park. We did a big walk around on our first day, including going all the way around the Reservoir near the top of the park, just like people do all the time in the movies. About half way round we got a brilliant panoramic view of the Manhattan "Manhattan" - without a doubt the greatest skyline in the world. The arrangement of old and new buildings looked like a perfectly thought out abstract artwork.



Being in New York reminds you of all that is great about the USA.

Despite the freezing weather we have been subjected to (it was 22 F, 10 below freezing yesterday) it has been wonderful walking the streets of Manhattan and gazing up at the glistening silver top of the Chrysler building, the majestic Empire State Building and all the other wonderful other art deco, Gothic and post modern architecture. Just like in the movies, the steam rises up from the street, yellow cabs fly down the busy streets and everyone moves with purpose and for the most part, a lot of style.

It is quite the contrast to the brightly coloured buildings, sunny weather and permanently tanned people of Florida. The pic below was taken on Miami's South Beach last week, when we were walking in jeans and light sweaters. In Manhattan I have been wearing a thermal shirt, sweater, fleece and my brother's warm winter coat, plus a beanie. Despite the layers, the wind still seems to cut through it all when it rushes down the long avenues, not quite as bad when you go down a cross street.

Last night we spent a fair bit of time in Macy's (the world's biggest department store - in my opinion Harrods is still the best) on Broadway doing some shopping with my parents. They flew out today back to Johannesburg. After shopping we walked up to the Rockefeller centre to see the Christmas tree and ice-skating rink and then had dinner at a little Italian bistro on 49th Street.

There is still so much to see here and so many neighbourhoods to explore we probably won't get to tick everything off our "must see" list.

The real pleasure about New York though is walking the streets (taking regular breaks in shops to recover from the biting cold) and being part of the hustle and bustle of daily life here. NY has a buzz unlike any other.