Days 4 and 5 - Mad Hatters in Manhattan, Balls of Meat and Base

We've reached the iconic streets of Manhattan. Though our arrival in New York City was interrupted by an hour and a half power cut on the train tracks, this did little to douse the flaming hysteria that accompanied us as we stepped out into the most recognised city in the world. Apart from that substantial hiccup, the train journey was good, providing us with wi-fi and shelter from the beating rain.

Once we arrived starving and travel-tired, we took a taxi to apartment domestique, banter HQ, home of Luke Maxted Esquire - lover of women, spinner of tales, and general respirer. Luke and his roommate Katie had offered very generously to share their home with us for our passage through New York. What babes! The three chums then went out for our first taste of the Big Apple: a toasted bagel served with spreads and meats, and a large dollop of grumble and condescension. Bagel vendors, at this store at least, appear to be driven by a motivation to make money in spite of their blank and unhelpful customer service. In one sense it's incredibly admirable that they let the quality of their bagels, and not the presence of a smile, dictate their customer satisfaction. Good going.

We bounded up Fifth Avenue - an artery of the city - most known for its shopping spoils (a quick trip into H&M and I was kitted out with some new sleeveless wear to combat the sweltering mist of the city), but had to return promptly in order to prepare for the day's headline act: the ball game.

This was not my first outing to see the Yankees, but my friend Ben, who met us there for the evening, informed me that it was likely to have been my first trip to the new Yankee stadium. This impressive fortress of marble and steel guards a rich history of baseballing triumph; the Yankees embody their sport. Once we got inside, we had a browse of the gift shop and picked up a hotdog each as the excitement around the stands grew. This was heightened further by a rain delay that pushed back the beginning of the game by an hour or so.

Jannick, Ben, myself, and Luke in the stands

The first innings: the Yankees, as the home team, pitch first

Once the game got under way it was an interesting spectacle. Unlike the typical end-to-end games that the Brits are used to (cricket not included), American sports like baseball and football are exercises in slow rhythm and the odd burst of action. As a result tension builds in a much more deliberate fashion, and the game takes much longer as well. Our stint at the stadium (we watched until the end of a game that featured extra innings) lasted about 6 hours, dwarfing the standard 2 you might spend watching a football match. It's unbelievable to think these guys do this every night of the week!

We were lucky to witness a game that featured some late drama, as 'closing pitcher' Mariano Rivera uncharacteristically 'blew a save', in other words, let the opposition score runs that drew the game level in a crucial final innings which he was expected to close out. Though this would not taint the almost god-like reputation of Rivera, it did give the game a much needed twist at the end of what should have been a standard day at the office. The Yankees did eventually score two more runs to bring  home a victory. Well done boys.

The next morning, seemingly inspired by the athleticism we had witnessed the previous evening, Luke, Jannick and I decided to go for a run. There was a road closure so many other sporty-types were out and about enjoying the morning warmth. Marauding down Park Avenue, it was a great feeling to get some exercise finally, and we ended up in Central Park, near the reservoir. After a quick photo-op, we ran back the way we came, stopping again, now sweaty and rejuvenated, at the anger management clinic posing as a bagel cafe for some passive-aggressive breakfast.

Our only objective of the day was to walk the Highline, which we did that morning. A lovely stroll over the top of the loud and crowded streets, this converted old train line is now lined with plants and sculptures.

Now finding ourselves in the Downtown area, we took our time exploring the East and West villages, before coming to the brutal realisation that we were all completely shattered. Not even a frozen yogurt, as delightful and delicious as it was, could make up for the energy our legs had expended over that day and days previous.

The boys cool down in Washington Square Park

 That evening we went out for a night on the town. Celebrating Luke's roommate Katie's birthday in superb New York style, we went to a restaurant that ought to achieve some award for creative idea and execution: The Meatball Shop. This tweely named eatery served up fine meatballs on tasty sides such as risotto, mashed potato and classic spaghetti. It was reasonably well-priced and had a great atmosphere, enriched by club tunes and tasteful American decor.

Eight blocks down we came to an underground bar, and enjoyed some Mexican beer and each other's company in the plush, carpeted basement. A spiffing night all round!

Didn't actually get any photos of the night out, nor the delicious meatballs (alas), but here's a pic of that froyo:

Luke can barely contain his excitement for this dairy treat:

Omnom.