New York July 06

This was my second visit to New-York, I had been, as a student, shortly after September 11th. This time though, being there on business, I was able to enjoy NY as it should be enjoyed: in luxury! I flew first class, stayed in the “hippiest” hotel I have ever stayed in, ate in fine restaurants and even had time to enjoy some shopping (well- to my bank balance's dismay-quite a lot of, actually)- I must admit such indulgence is something I could easily get used to! Somehow, it felt as though I experienced New-York better whilst working there than I had done a few years earlier as a tourist. Every morning, on my way to Park Avenue where the JPM offices are located, I walked down fifth avenue past St Patrick Cathedral & the Rockefeller Centre; from my desk, I enjoyed plunging views on the Empire State and Chrystler buildings- I loved every minute of it (and I was getting paid too!! what more could a girl want??) During the week-ends I went to Central Park, Brooklyn, the United-Nations, Wall St, Staten Island, Chelsea, SoHO, Greenwich village, Time Square, Termini station and, of course, shopping (I mean the Apple centre IS open 24hrs a day, 365 days a year!!) I avoided Nolita though- let’s not forget that the fateful Italy-France final unfolded whilst I was New-York (Not being patriotic enough to join the French crowds but neither insane enough to join the Italian crowds, I watched the match on “neutral” grounds in a little place full of Albanians)!!