I joined the MET before I left Australia as I knew I would be a frequent visitor to this amazing museum. It is so huge and diverse you really do have to do it over a few visits, otherwise you get art overkill - oh another Monet! The subway comes out at 86th street on the upper east side, and the first thing you notice is the very expensive looking buildings with their canopied entrances manned by smart doormen, then you notice the shopping opportunities! Dean and deluca are a street away, and although small, have to be my favourite gourmet food market so far, for they sell the best of the best. I will be stocking up on... French cheese, Italian salumi, my favourite San Franciscan chocolates, prepared side dishes to go with tonight's dinner, and sample the latest New York food craze - savoury popcorn!

The MET is bustling with visitors and school groups, but this time I don't need to queue, I go to the members desk for my badge and make a reservation at the members only fine dining restaurant for lunch. The first exhibition I look at is the famous Egyptian collection of artifacts, mummy's and the temple of Dendur, but my favourite room was a collection of models found in a plundered tomb that had a hidden room - the models were total reconstructions of merchants life in ancient Egypt, and beautifully detailed.

The next collection was pacific art - mostly the amazing costumes and masks that come from Papua New Guinea's ceremonies. Then Aztec art - all in gold, no wonder Christopher Columbus set sail to find the new world based on reports of all the gold to be had. Then Russian gold - in the form of a private collection of Faberge eggs and artifacts - a much more desirable Easter gift, which is what they were intended for.

It's time for my lunch reservation, and I am underdressed - no Chanel suit or mega blow wave, and one of the youngest in the room. The New York ladies and gents who lunch have gathered in force. However the food is spectacular, first they bring out freshly baked rosemary grissini which are irresistible. I chose a salad with fried artichoke, jamon Serrano, poached truffled egg and manchego cheese, and a side of hand cut French fries with rosemary salt, and a pomegranate and rosemary soda. Yum! All of it! The cost - $27 including tax and a generous tip!

The next room I visit is the modern art room - American art and design - Andy Warhol etc... Then onto armor and medieval... Then a special collection comparing the role of fancy and plain design in art! There is heaps more to see - I've saved the American rooms and impressionist art for Jane's visit - we are both in for a real treat.

On the way back to the train I stop and sample chocolate at Vosges chocolate shop - and bought some pecan chocolate toffee. I got my groceries from dean and deluca - curse them they give cheese samples so ended up with a couple of French cheeses - but they are half the price of Australia so I don't feel too bad. It's almost 6 pm and I still have to get home, so that's it for today!