Report: New York, USA

Just back from New York yesterday. Thanks for all the help I got here.

Flew with Continental, 322 rtn, consistently cheaper than Aer Lingus. Stayed in New Yorker hotel, it's part of the Ramanda chain. It's being renovated so prices are going to shoot up soon. Cost us 500 euros for 2 people for 4 nights, tuesday to Friday. Room was small but comfy with cable and good shower, bit like an old fashioned b and b but spent little time in it. Hotel is opposite Penn Station, 2 blocks from Macy's and 4 blocks from Empire State Building. Would stay again.

Found NY cheap for electonics , bought a fuji camera for $150, same one here is 250 euros. Boyfriend bought a 2GB laptop with equally good savings. Spent a day in Woodbury Common, was tough on the feet but got some good stuff. Not as much on the shelves though as before Christmas, lots of sale stuff but main stores like Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren etc still stock everything. Even though it was very quiet we found the sales staff unbearably slow and disinterested. Would say it was a nightmare before Christmas. Went to A and F on 5th Avenue, was outside when it opened and it was busy immediately. Very loud music and it was pitch dark, felt like an old fogie (i'm only 28), found it hard to shop there as couldn't see where everything was, some experience. Also hard to tell if the clothes were for men or women as all colours (even pink) the same.

Went to the Met and the Natural History Museum, spent about 3 hours in each so very time consuming for a short holiday, expensive too $20 and $15 respectively to get in.

Saw Phantom of the Opera, got the tickets at the TKS booth on 46th ST. for $61 which was half price. Great show, amazing sets and I don't even like musicals but would encourage people to go.

Carriage ride in Central Park was obligatory, $35 for 20 mins, and $55 for 40 mins. Relaxing and pleasant after a day walking around.

Went to Empire State Building around 11.30pm, no queues, better at night too but still not really worth it but something everyone does I suppose. It's very cold and windy at the top!

Temps were just below zero when we were there and there was light snow but it's dry so to us felt like 5oC. A good coat and scarf is enough, you don't need to be all bundled up like the locals.