I back today after a solo three days to New York curtosy of the £10 flight and hotel offer from the Daily Express. My wife and three young children would like to thank the Daily Express slightly less than me.

This was my first visit so everything was new. First surprise was the speed from touchdown at JFK to the Comfort Inn Manhattan at 35th Street. We landed at 2030 and I was in my room by 2150 having breezed through customs, caught the air train and LIRR and walked the final block and a half to the hotel. It was simple, safe and very cheap to do. I would definately recommend it for the solo travelller with just the one case. Hotel was average to be honest. Room was OK, big enough but not anywhere to spend a lot of time in, which was just as well as I didn't. Bit plus was ESB sitting 100 years away from me when I look out the hotel window. Brendans bar downstairs was great for a drink, bar meal and a chat with the staff.

Spent morning one, discovering just how easy it was tro walk the streets of the city and find things. Soon got the hand of crossing the streets and learned to adopt the don't dare cross my path walk for the traffic turning right. I went on the 6 hour escorted mini bus trip as seen here http://www.newyorkpartyshuttle.com/ and could not recommend them highly enough. I had made a check list of all the major sights I wanted to see and they covered them all. It allowed me to spend time going back to things in more detail and to cover the shopping and minor things.

Spent first evening shopping in Macys, remembering to get the discount card and free tote bag when I got to the $50 mark. Next morning was up the ESB first thing. 5 minute queue when I arrived at 9 am, 35 minute queue when I came down. Weather was great for February and views were clear. Did the Statten Island ferry, again well worth the time, and also managed to cram in seeing the original Winnie the Pooh figures, Wollman rink, Katz Diner for Pastrami on Rye and a view of the Sally seat. I had prebought a ticket for La Cage, back row, but still a great view. Great chorus, amazing set changes and average leads, IMHO.

Anyway I'm back, slightly jetlagged and off to work tomorrow. I'll be back to visit again and apparently next time my wife is to go as well and I'm to pay.