Day 302 - Central Park Birthday Party

Today I have been invited to the Chief of Staff's sons birthday party in Central Park.

Stopping off on the way to pick up a present for little Mike (an official premier league football) and acquainting myself with Duane Reades floor while I attempted wrapping it, we headed for Central Park.

The party was at the the Victoria Gardens section (where the ice rink usually is) fairground. Soon after arriving, I was bundled into a mini helicopter to accompany a little girl around the park. She was not scared of letting me know that I wasn't peddling fast enough to get the helicopter higher. After our initial disagreement, I won her over when I took her on the swinging pirate ship.

Certainly another experience that probably won't happen again; attending a four year olds birthday party in Central Park.

Day 301 - Yotel

Today a few of us went for brunch at Yotel. New York brunches really are another level of restaurant entertainment, especially when you are joined by wide smiling, spectacle wearing animals.

Day 300 - 300

I am in the 3's. Sleep optional.

Day 299 - Play Rugby USA

This evening a few of us were invited to the Saatchi and Saatchi offices for a fundraiser that benefited Play Rugby USA. A fairly low key event, we were treated to stories from the children that Play Rugby USA benefits. I also had great fun watching my flatmate squirm as he decided that the meal for two he had bid on was bad idea and rather extravagant for Mountbatten stipend. Fortunately for James, he was outbid.

Day 298 - Films Under the Stars

A ten minute walk from my apartment leads you to Hoboken Park. As of today, every Wednesday throughout the Summer, there will be films being played under the stars.

Tonight we were treated to Skyfall. Watching a very good Bond Movie, with a NYC skyline as a back drop, is definitely one of those moments that I will cherish from this year.

Day 297 - Makes It Worth It

Morning runs are so worth it when you experience the sunshine coming up over New York. Truly is a fantastic source of motivation.

Day 296 - Reality Check

I have definitely brought the British Summer with me as it is raining again on a Monday morning. These moments are definitely reality checks after weekends of sunshine and non work related activities.

Day 295 - Frying Pan

We went to the Frying Pan today to enjoy the sunshine on NYC harbour  Located at Pier 66, the buckets of corona and steady sway from the boat, were a fantastic way to settle into the evening sun.

Day 294 - Reliving My Youth

Yes the new trainers that I have bought glow in the dark. Yes I am 23 years old. Yes I have embraced New Yorks fascination for brash 'sneakers'. No I am not going to wear them with a suit and baseball cap (another New Yorkism).

Day 293 - What a Finish

If my wake up view wasn't good enough, then I have this to settle me to sleep. I can really spend some time day dreaming while looking out at that.

Day 292 - House of Waters

You pass many acts in the subways, some are brilliant, while others are not so. This band, House of Waters, were the former. They really were talented and had people dancing during their commutes, which is extremely rare. I will definitely keeping my eye out for them again.

Day 291 - Beautiful Wake Up

I have started sleeping with my blinds slightly open so I can wake up that view every morning. Perfect wake up view.

Day 290 - Modern Art?

After the light rail that I take to work in Weehawken abruptly decided to breakdown, we had to get off at a random stop in Hoboken and wait for the next train to come. While I was stood there, I couldn't help but notice the oddly shaped planet looking objects with cartoon children placed on or around them.  I asked someone who knew the area and they said that it was the local councils idea of brightening up the place. I would stick with flowers.

Day 289 - Ouch

Today has been uncomfortable to say the least! I feel like I have been sandwiched between two buses. To top it of, I have a lobster red face and a swollen ankle, which can only mean it was a job well done yesterday!

Day 288 - Tough Mudder Philadelphia

Today was all about mud, sweat and running. 8 of us ran the 10 mile, 24 obstacle mud run, under the team name Mountbatten Mud Men.

The obstacles varied from; underwater ice pools, to mud crawling while avoiding electrocution. It is hard to say which was a worse feeling, the 10 mile run up and down hills or getting electrocuted to the face. I think I will have to go with the run!

Either way it was a fantastic experience and great to run with such a good group of people. I will definitely be running a few of those in the UK.

Day 287 - Philly

Big bucket list tick off for me today! I went to the home of one of my favourite fictional sport stars, Philadelphia.

Driving on down early morning, the first stop was Liberty Bell. It was slightly humorous that this 'British' built bell had a huge crack down the middle of it. The Brits should have definitely outsourced its build!

Next stop was Jim's Steaks for a Philly Cheesesteak. Hesitant at first, I embraced the grease riddled bun and slept off the calories in a random park for a few hours.

After our Cheesesteak nap, we headed over to the Philadelphia Met Museum for the Rocky step experience. Having watched the Rocky films many, many times, I felt extremely privileged to pound the same steps that Balboa had done all those years ago.

As the heat was a belting 34c, we headed back to the hotel to embrace the outdoor pool. It's fair to say, this has been an awesome Saturday!

Day 286 - Corporate Cheese

Although I do quite like this photo from a professional perspective it does make me cringe on a personal front. Embrace the smurk! 

Day 285 - Path High Fives

On the Path tonight, there were two Gentlemen that were trying to brighten up everyone's commute home. They did this by getting everyone to high five their neighbour. Although hesitant at first, everyone embraced one another in a palm slapping fashion. Made the sardine can home slightly more enthralling!

Day 284 - ManhattenHenge

New Yorkers were treated to a real beauty of a sight today, when the Sun perfectly splits the streets! Looking directly down any Westwood street you will see this twice a year phenomenon. I will remember to take my proper camera for the next one. 

Day 283 - Only in New York

New York is famous for many things; the Empire State, Statue of Liberty, waiting 3 feet in the road to cross...

This is a true New Yorkism, that I have seen nowhere else in America. When waiting to cross the road, it is almost a necessity to disregard the pavement and wait impatiently in the road. Busy, busy people.

Day 282 - The Music Woman

There was a colourful piano placed near Macy's today, that was free for anyone to play. Although the majority were not that great, this one lady was fantastic. Not a bad way of burning some time in New York.