Arrived in the 6th state of my rapid trip around New England and the final stop in grand old New York, looking scrumptious in the spring sunshine. Decided not to drive into the city, so dumped my car in Stamford and caught the Metro North West, just 60 minutes into Grand Central Station and the heart of Manhattan.

The cherry blossom is out all over the city, turning the sidewalks into grand corridors carpeted with flowers, as well as the usual garbage and roadworks festooning the town.

Tried out the new city bikes scheme, the same as London's Boris bike idea. It's great as it makes short journeys across town so much easier, if you can avoid the traffic which races through the streets. And the tourists aimlessly ambling over the road. And the pot holes. And the cycle rickshaws.

Took in a couple of of shows by getting tickets from the half price box office. Even half price they are more expensive than London. I'm sure they used to be comparable. Saw Pippin and Bullets over Broadway, both very different but very entertaining.

Took a trip down to Ground Zero. Last time I entered that space in 1995 I traveled to the 120th floor for a stunning view down the whole island. Nowhere are two massive pits where the towers stood, marked by a suturing water feature pouring into a black void. The names of all who last their lives in the terrible events of 9/11 are inscribed around the base of the towers.

Home tomorrow after a trip around Liberty Island.