New York, New York - well here we are at our last destination before home. Another bizarre time change, after leaving Auckland at 9.30pm on 25 July and travelling for 27 hours, we arrived in New York at 8.00 am on 26 July. Not good for the system but at least we were on time with baggage and ready to meet Kay at midday. There were a few tears on my part but Ray and Kay just had big grins and pleased that at least 3 of us were together again.

Probably not the best time of year to visit as every American and his child together with the rest of the world seem to be on vacation here - makes Beijing look deserted!! With the heat, crowds and traffic it has made for real slow sightseeing and shopping. We have also managed to be totally ripped off in an effort to queue jump. Tipping is way out of hand and comes as a shock when in Oz and NZ they didn't expect anything and were really grateful for any extra. They expect at least 18% in NY and are not interested in coinage - they only take notes and give you small change back as if you have insulted them by giving $10.50 instead of $11. They also make a point of telling you what reward they expect before they have earned it.

Apart from all that we have managed to see all the sights, shop till we drop and eat and drink well. Kay is satisfied with the purchases she has made of a Tiffany bracelet and a DKNY watch (bought with money she had for her 21st).

We have been to see 'Mary Poppins' on Broadway and it was 'supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.' It will probably go down as one of the better shows - 'practically perfect in every way.' See we were paying attention and having watched the film about 50 times probably helps.

We have decided that we would come back to NY but probably for Christmas shopping so can't be so bad as long as you don't mind them extracting as much money as possible out of you within a very short time. It also means that perhaps we won't be able to retire yet as the travel bug doesn't seem to have left us!!!!

See you soon.

Jen Ray and Kay