Yesterday was all airports & planes & time zone changes. All three flights were on time. We managed to get a little sleep, Sam slept on the airport floor for three hours in Sydney. I used my new eye mask on our final flight & as it wasn't a full plane got to lay down over three seats. Qantas food is pretty terrible, but nothing else to complain about, would definitely fly with them again.

First impression of New York - everyone is SO friendly! Navigated our way from the airport to our Hostel in Queens with luggage (including Sam's snowboard bag) on the subway, which was a bit of mission. But a few helpful New Yorkers assisted with directions and even helped me carry my suitcase up some stairs. We were happy to make it to the Hostel without having to forfeit into a yellow cab. It was zero degrees and there is still snow on the side of the pavement. Discovered on arrival that our double bed is actually two singles, too tired to care. Pushed the two together & wallah it's a double.

Had a very decent sleep & woke up at 7.50am ten minutes before our alarm. Grabbed a coffee at the hostel, which was terrible & explains why it is free of charge, but would grab one again simply to warm my hands.

As soon as we hit Manhattan I found a store that sold mini cupcakes called "Baked by Melissa" so obviously bought three and had a tourist snap in front of the shop.

Headed to Central Park to explore in the snow and hang out with the local Squirrels. Walked a decent amount of it and have decided that I have to join the runners before we leave.

Then found a cute little bakery where we had a mean omelette and hot cup of tea. Dirt cheap and delicious. The man serving me didn't know what I was on about when I requested capsicum in my omelette, but I pointed them out and I now know to refer to them as peppers.

From there we headed to the observation level of the Empire State Building, to take in the views from the sky. Breathtaking to get to the top. Sam attempted to take his first selfie of us with the city in the background, did okay for his first attempt.

By this stage, I'd well and truly realised that my decision to wear ankle boots with a heel was absolutely stupid and my only other option of running shoes even worn with jeans would've been wiser!

After the Empire State Building, we trekked to Times Square and stopped at every shoe store on the way in search of more appropriate footwear without success. Brought my first New York hot dog. Not bad, but probably wouldn't make a habit of it.

Times Square literally blew my mind. I thought I knew what to expect from seeing it in the movies, but you really need to see it to fully appreciate how many screens are going at once. Your eyes dart between the screens and the flashing lights and there are people everywhere. Sam attempted his second selfie at Times Square, which was a little bit better and I'm sure he will master it by the end of our trip around America. I got scammed out of $3 when I got a photo with some characters and they demanded a paper tip.

Continued to search for new shoes, after visiting every shoe store we came across eventually gave up and instead brought three pairs of Nike socks. Wish I could cut my feet off and get a new narrower pair minus the bunion.

Got a phone card sorted so that we can use Sam's phone on our trip. $40 per month for unlimited calls, text & data in America. They have held $200 on my debit card for the two months that we are in the States as security in the event that we make International calls which cost $3 per minute. Sam isn't happy about it & thinks I've kissed that $200 goodbye. Watch this space - who will get to say I told you so?

Laying on the bed in our hostel resting my poor
sore feet, while Sam has his daily nap before we head out for Saturday night
drinks & dinner.