New York New York

And so, twas on the 2nd August that we left the UK bound for the USA – touched down in New York 7 hours later to discover yet another heat wave was sweeping the city – its been around 35-38 degrees every day – ahhhh – soooo hot, at least the Subway is air conditioned here unlike the London tube.
Spent the first couple of days in Harlem – I honestly felt like I was in a gangsta film when we first arrived – was a bit full on, but within 24hrs I felt more comfortable hangin’ out in the street with my homies, drug lords, chicks who spend way too much time doing their hair, and random people being wrong… Having said that, we didn’t have any trouble, and considering how much cheaper it is to stay in Harlem than downtown Manhattan, its worth staying there – you really do get a unique experience of NY by hanging out there.
Row went to the barber shop one morning for a clip – was really funny – just like the scenes from ‘Barber Shop’ or ‘Coming to America’ when Eddie Murphy goes to the barber. I just sat down and watched as these massive black dudes sat around chatting and ranting about random things and laughing at the Grandpa black dude who when telling a story the others didn’t believe replied ‘Sir haelp me Looord Oolmiyty Jiisus in Hivin’ that he was telling the truth… the which the most massive of the massive dudes said, ‘You knooow dat’s da tru’ … ‘Hmmm mmmm’… anyway – we have video footage – funny stuff.
We caught up with Andrew Moore – and old family friend of Row’s who is living here with the delightful Jackie – they are both wonderful people - not too mention them both being ‘really really ridiculously good looking’ (to be spoken a la Zoolander – they are both prof models) and have been so kind to us. In fact, we are now staying at their awesome apartment in Queens with Jean (awesome house mate) and Lola and Cleo (their funny dogs).
Andrew scored us free box tickets to the New York Mets vs Philladelphia baseball match yesterday – was awesome. Real NY experience.
They also took us to PS1 yesterday – an outdoor day party with DJ’s yesterday and managed to score free entry, VIP passes & free drinks – Hooray! That finished around 9 so we moved to Water Taxi Beach in Long Island city – it was very cruisy. Again, DJ’s were playing but we took it easy and just sat down on the water front at the man made beach overlooking the Manhattan skyline – was beautiful.
We walked home around 11 and Jean pulled out the Haagen Daz caramel ice cream – which, I might add is SOOO extremely delicious it is literally unbelievable. We all sat on the couch with tea spoons, passing it around and delighting in its deliciousness – honestly, anyone walking past the apartment would have thought there was a swingers party going on – it tasted sooo good!
We had dinner with Viv (one of Collie’s best mates) on Friday night – she took us to Republic – a cross between T42 and wagamamma – was really nice. Viv and I were crying with laughter as we reminisced over the fabulous tales of Miss Davis – far out she’s funny. Went to a bar for a drink after dinner where Viv’s friend was having a going away – was awesome set up – but alas, after paying US$20 for a Heineken and Mohita, we decided to call it a night and save our money. Was awesome to meet Viv though – she’s rad. Hoping to catch up over lunch on Monday before flying out.
Row & I are getting a train up to Jersey this morning to spend a night with his Indo cousins who are living here. Should be lovely.
Training back to Manhattan Mon morning, might do some shopping in the arvo, will prob have dinner with Andrew & Jackie that evening and then fly out to Vancouver at 23h05 Monday night – touch down in Canada around 1:30 Tuesday MORNING – ahhh. Can’t believe our ‘touring’ part of our trip is almost at a close! Oh well – after 4 months of living out of a backpack it will actually be nice to get settled somewhere.
Love to everyone back home!