Hi all,
Thanks so much to everyone for your tips & help .... I'm finally here, and I LOVE it!

Highlights so far:
The people. Everyone I've met has been so helpful & lovely.

Late night Staten Island ferry trip (free). The Statue of Liberty, backlit by the Manhattan skyline is really something special. It was an overcast night, moon was out & a pinkish glow in the sky just made the picture.

Lunch at the Algonquin. Great atmosphere and good food, excellent service.

Lunch at Pastis (9th@W little 12th). V.good, trendy.

Sauntering around SoHo & the meatpacking district. Sales - some good summer bargains to be had.

The Galleries - MoMA, Guggenheim, Neue and zillions of smaller ones around SoHo & the meatpacking district.

Central Park - it's so beautiful. Hoping to get a ticket for Shakespeare in the Park before I go home.

The Metro tickets: They're such a great way to travel. Not too keen on the subway, although it sure is the quickest way to get around. Just not that keen on some of the aromas. Besides, as a tourist, I'm enjoying the views along the way. Everyone talks about the frenetic pace of NY, but I don't think it's all that different to Sydney CBD, so feel very much at home.

Zillions of other wonderful things but I can't stay here writing this all day or I'll miss out on some of 'em

Oh but I must tell you ... I've now twice been asked to support the local candidate in the mayoral elections! Felt very chuffed to be mistaken for a "local" !

Cheers,
Bokhara

Sounds like you're having a great time.

Chuffed? Is that good or bad? (New expression to me.)

Bokhara, glad you are having such a terrific time!

PS. Remember, it is the subway or train not the Metro when you ask questions!

Have a great week!

Part of the beauty of New York is that many of our locals ARE transplanted from somewhere else - almost everywhere else.

Perhaps you'll become one some day.

From Webster on-line

Chuffed
English dialect chuff: pleased, puffed with fat

faaaatttt????????

chuffed=pleased. Bokhara, glad it's great. When are you moving to the apt on 86th? Do you have an email address you want to share? Might be able to meet you next week if you'll be on your own and would like to.

G'day mate from OZ. Glad you are enjoying NYC. You go girl!

Hi McLaurie,
[email protected] .... would LOVE to meet you!
Have just come home (12.15am) from dinner with some friends in East Village (Max's I think). You know what it's like ... out their door, a saunter down the street and there you are.
And .... I'm already in "my" apartment! E86th@3rd Av! Spent so long in the Met today, had to leave before my feet fell off. On the way home saw this interesting looking little bistro "Le Refuge" (166 E82) that I thought I'd try. As I kicked off the shoes & tried to decide "wine or shower first" ... my cell phone rang & it was "the kids" to see if I'd come out with them. How good is that?

Watch out you NYers .... If/ when I win Lotto - I'm coming to live here for a year!

Oh ... and did I mention those tiny black "Mission" figs ... and the strawberries ?

Chuffed = Very pleased.