Day 17 - Big Apple-tastic

It's 3am. The bar we are in is a little less expensive looking than the last one, which was apparently used for the engagement party scene in Sex and the City: The Movie. This one is called The Maritime. Apparently it used to be a sailors' bar. It's in the Meat Packing district.

I know all this because of Daniel. Daniel, as well as being the friendliest Aussie in New York and landscape gardener to the stars, is a font of knowledge. Daniel has been kind enough to take us under his wing for tonight.

This is our third night in New York. From the moment the subway spat us out into the marble splendour of Grand Central station, our jaws have been permanently resting on the ends of our shoes. We've seen the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island ferry. We've eaten in Chinatown and Little Italy. We've drank in Greenwich Village and Soho (at a bar called Ear, where they have two of the most friendly/ raucus Irish waitresses on Manhattan Island. Universal Truth #1: The friendliest person in a bar is usually Irish). We've taken pics at Time Square, wolfed down a hot dog on Broadway and gone jogging in the amazing Central Park.

However, tonight is different. Tonight Daniel is showing and telling us the things about New York that those who don't live here normally don't get to see.

Daniel says it's easy to spot a tourist in New York. They're usually the ones looking up and going 'wow'. That's because New York is amazing. It's without doubt the definitive template for any global city. You walk around a quiet, unsuspecting corner and, oh yeah, there's the Chrysler building. Or stroll down the street and, well, wouldn't you know it, there's Wall Street (which, by the way, nothing more than a wide lane at best). You get the picture. Walking around New York is like being in a permanent state of deja vu.

But that's not what we're talking about tonight. Currently, we are talking about the myths people have about New York.

Myth #1: New Yorkers are rude
New Yorkers are, on the whole, pretty friendly and polite. Approach someone asking for directions, and you'll get very clear and considered advice. Talk to someone in a bar and you'll end up in a conversation. Sure, New Yorkers might not give you ten minutes, but you'll get a very informative two.

Myth #2: New York is a concrete jungle
New York is filled with some of the most amazing buildings I've ever seen. Gothic, baroque, art deco, big and brown with curly bits on the top. Countless buildings you just know you'd love to call home, but most likely never will. In the middle of it all is Central Park, which is the biggest and finest oasis of calm I have ever seen inside a city.

Myth #3: New York is hard to find your way around
It's the most logical road system I've ever seen. It's easier than getting Greta Scacchi to do a nude scene. It makes all other city planning look like the work of an 11-year old with Parkinsons.

Myth #4: New York is dangerous
I just didn't see it. New York has its' share of crazies, but there are police everywhere. Even travelling the subway in the early morning didn't feel anything but safe.

Myth #5: New York is expensive
If you choose to live there, Daniel tells me you're going to be paying $2,000 - $3,000/ month+ for a studio apartment in Manhattan. However, unless you are deliberately seeking out the latest ultra minimalist bar owned by Madonnas' Kaballah stylist, I'd suggest that dollar-for-dollar it's not that much pricier than Sydney.

However, pretty much everything else you've heard about New York is true. The shopping is amazing. You can get pretty much anything you need at any time of day or night. The people have got a certain style and class about them you don't get elsewhere. Everyone knows exactly what they are about (but maybe that's because they never get the time to think about it too much). You really will never have enough time to see everything.

In a few days, lying on the beach in Miami, I'll realise how much New York took out of me. Being in New York is exhausting. Living there even more so. It's not until you leave you realise how much. New York needs to be shown respect. It's a 'chew you up and spit you out' kinda city. It should come with a sticker that says 'Handle with Extreme Care'.

All that doesn't matter now though. I'm in The Maritime. I've discovered my new favourite gin (Hendricks). The three guys on the pool table have been joined by a leggy brunette, creating an entertaining little competitive situation to my left. It's my round. It's also only 3am. And 3am in New York is the equivalent of 11pm anywhere else.

What a city.

Click here for New York photos