The Top Ten: New York

As I say farewell to the great city of New York, at least for the time being, I felt it appropriate to offer a final send off with my Top Ten New Yorker Moments to share with you all how I will miss this place.

Emirates has decided that, for now, the Super-Duper Jumbo Jet, the A380 is better allocated to a city pair that has regularly higher load factors than the current situation we are facing with New York. In these global times, it is smart business sense to do so, it is just sad for those crew who knew this place as a second home, as we say so long. NYC is on the outer, but as a result, we are in fact picking up two destinations, Toronto three times a week, and a daily service to Bangkok. Two of my favourite layovers, two very different cities, and two very different customer types!

But these musings aren't about whats new, so without further interruption, here it is;



The Flying Kiwi's Top Ten: New York (in no particular order)



ONE: Central Park, no matter the season, no matter the reason, a stroll around, through or to Central Park is always one of those treasured memories to savour. Plonked in the middle of the tantrums of New York City's bustle, this oasis is a haven to relax, watch the most fascinating people live their lives, find the hidden gems that you didnt see the week before, uncover yet another movie location from your favourite film, and simply let your worries float away.

TWO: Breakfast at Café Metro, on the corner of 7th & 54th. Yes, you have to be there before 10:30am, which is never an issue for this time-zone-crazed traveller, and yes, you probably won't understand José the Mexican chef who is preparing your food. But the Granola Parfait (a fancy name for yoggit and moosli), the fresh OJ, the French Toast with Strawberries and an Everything Bagel with Bacon, Tomato and Cream Cheese are beyond heavenly, and a great start to the day.

THREE: Wholefoods. Columbus Circle's basement hides a gem that I discovered nigh on a year ago, the organic, wholesome supermarket that is Wholefoods. Everything about this place is fresh, clean, green and fabulous. Momma's Chicken and Rice Soup in the winter, Blueberries by the kilo (or pound as the case may be) in the summer. I salivate at the thought, and become depressed at my inability to have access to these treats.

FOUR: Broadway's Theater District. It is no surprise that The Flying Kiwi is partial to a musical or twenty two, and having these stages no longer on my hotel doorstep will be a challenge and a sacrifice. Having seen a good number of the current theatrical offerings, I do feel, though, that I have been very fortunate and have seen enough to last me through these tough times!

FIVE: Paper thin walls of the crew hotel. Ok, no, when trying to sleep in the afternoon for a 20:30 pick-up, and listening to the hotel cleaners talk about which type of chilli con carne they are going to make for dinner is not ideal, but its kind of endearing, and it was New York. It came with the territory, and I might (just might) miss it now!

SIX: Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge. Such a wonderful skyline, Manhattan really knows how to sparkle on a clear day, and this is one of my best memories in this city.

SEVEN: Bath and Body Works. This store is a clean-freaks porn-shop! Foaming Handsoap, Antibacterial Sanitiser, Scented Massage Oils, Fragranced Candles, so many things to love, so many things to buy, and so so affordable. BBW, goodbye my friend, I am well stocked now, but don't fret, I will be back as the supplies run low. Somehow!

EIGHT: The Subway. It could do with a scrub down, and it could do with losing a few of the hobo's, but all in all, the most efficient, frequent, and affordable way to get around the city.

NINE: Summer. Endless days of amazing weather. Sunshine, Blue Sky, just hot enough to know its hot, but not too hot that you swelter.

TEN: Abercrombie & Fitch. That distinct smell you get, 2 blocks away from the front door. The queue that weaves around the corner down 56th Street to give the illusion that its as busy as sin inside (it usually is, but I maintain, the queue is simply a marketing gimmick), the half-naked model in the front door, the shop-assistants who have no idea where their merchandise is but whose only job is to dance on the spot and say "hi, hows it going" every 34 seconds, the constant "have you tried our new fragrance" everytime you purchase something, the piles and piles of tshirts, hoodies, and jeans that you always adore but can never find in your size, the pounding music which could be mistaken for an aerobics workout mix, the dark windows and dim lighting which makes you realise the colour of the shirt you just bought is in fact a completely different colour to what you had intended. Abercrombie. You will be sorely missed. Thankfully, never fear, I know where to find you in Toronto - yes, more expensive, but you are still within reach!

New York, goodbye, I hope it is not too long until we are connected once more - So Long, Farewell, Kakite Ano!