7th December

JR and I are up and ready very early.  H&M opt for a more leisurely start to the day, so JR and I hit Starbucks, one of my favourite haunts in the world, I always feel at home in a Starbucks, (how could I possibly visit the home of Starbucks, the home of my very first Starbucks, and not indulge?)  I have to state my order and name twice to the staff member at the door with an ear piece, because, you know... I'm English and he can't understand me.  We all meet up in Grand Central at 9.40am, it is such an amazing building with such beautiful lighting. 

We all head out for yet another ordinary breakfast place.  They may be on every corner, but there is nothing ordinary about them.  They never fail to deliver, I indulge in pancakes and maple syrup to get it out of my system, it was delicious. 

We all head for the behind the scenes Radio City Music Hall tour.  Can you believe that this magnificent theatre was once due to be torn down?  I am just a sponge for anything historical and entertainment themed, so I was in seventh heaven trekking around back of house and hearing all about the history of the place, the stars that had performed on that very stage.  It's doors opened in December 1932 (my Mum was 9, I like to time line everything.)

After the tour, we all headed for Rockefeller Plaza to see the tree and we were entertained by the Sally Army.  They must only employ New York's most musical movers and shakers.  Have you seen the Salvation Army in films, all uniformed up and ringing their bells over a cauldron in which to collect cash?  Well... it's all true, they are on every  corner, at least every corner of Rockefeller.  They were very jolly, and very rhythmical.

We had a look around the Met Museum Gift Shop which reminded me very much of the V&A in London.  Then we headed for Cafe Europa for soup and a much needed sit down.

Fully replenished, we headed for the magic that is 5th Avenue.  It's worth visiting NYC just to witness the splendour that is 5th Avenue. 

Hollister's frontage was floor to ceiling individual TV screens all showing one big picture of rolling surf, you could hear crashing waves and a plinth either side of the entrance had rippling water!

Cartier had a massive, light encrusted red ribbon joined to make a bow... on the outside of the building,  Fendi's store was dripping in white light icicles with droplets running down occasional icicles.  The pull of the sparkle drew me to peer into Harry Winston and Van Cleef and Arples, (diamonds darling ;) and we had to, of course, go into the iconic Tiffany's.  (That was actually on my list, how can you say; "no" to Audrey Hepburn?)

After doing much more window shopping, we headed for an Ice Cream in Trump Tower no less.  I had a very runny Rum and Raisin, but it was divine. 

After our pit stop, we headed back to Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular.  All I can say is... it is... spectacular and when you go to NYC, (because you must,) then you must go and see this show at Christmas.  I've seen it before but it's been modernised with 3D no less.  The theatre is dome shaped and at the beginning, I felt like Dorothy at the start of The Wizard of Oz as the light induced blizzard swirled around the walls and dome shaped ceiling.  There is a wonderful Christmas story to be told, a real, live, nativity, (complete with camels and sheep, and a donkey,) 3D and of course, the famous Radio City Rockettes.  If you've never heard of them, they are a world famous, (first established around 1930, although the original dancers are not still performing ;)  They are 38 strong precision dancers.  They are honestly as precise as military, absolutely stunning.  The world famous Toy Soldier routine which is performed every year is mesmerising.  We also had dancing Santa's on plinths beside the stage, I was intrigued and then totally baffled when the shadows of the Santa's started to do a different dance routine!  I wonder if everyone noticed... very clever.

Nuns.  It's not that I've never seen a nun before, but I've never seen so many nuns in one place, at one time.  I think there were around 8 all out for the holiday spectacular, go nuns.

Also in the theatre were some NYC Rangers players (it's Ice Hockey... I had to google,)  and a few deserving kids, Happy Holidays and good on 'ya Rangers, I'm sure the kids had a ball.

The 90 minute show positively flew by, I was tired and thought I would struggle but it was spell binding.  After the show, I relented and decided to buy a programme after all, (I still have the last one I bought,) as you got a free little Toy Soldier inspired tote, and as one of the highlights of the trip, I couldn't resist.

After the show, we  headed for Bill's Burger and Bar.  I had the American Classic with cheese, red onion, steak fries and water, it was delicious.

We headed back to the hotel to collapse, with me having my shower and blasting the head dry before jumping into bed, to save time in the morning.  All of this fun is exhausting.