Today was St Patrick's Day and in New York that means only one thing, a parade. They do parade's really well. And there was a huge crowd, all with their pride on in hats, scarves and painted faces. In fact I asked the woman standing next to me if it was a public holiday, and it is not, so I am not quite sure how come so many people did not have to be at work!

Everyman and his dog was in this parade. Every Irish county was represented, half a dozen school marching bands and most of the public service people were also represented. Yep, the Irish Club from the Sanitation Department through to State Court Workers Emerald Association.

But undoubtedly the highlight was the parade of men in uniform. Policeman, fireman, navy, Coast Guard, State Troopers. It was heaven! They all paraded proudly in their dress uniforms, it was gorgeous!

The woman standing next to me was one of their wives, she told me to head to 2nd avenue where there is a row of Irish pubs if I wanted to find myself one. I'll think about ;-)