And now ... New York!
From the very moment we arrived by train at Penn Station, we knew we were somewhere special. Somehow seeing NYC through the eyes of the kids gives it a whole new freshness. We saw the Empire State, the Guggenheim and of course went to the American Girl store where Anahita collected Sabrina and Katayoun updated her doll's accessories.
Two large bags of M+Ms (Nuru was really a soft touch for $40 of M+Ms) later plus a visit to FAO Schwartz and we were well and truly done. We stayed at the Waldorf, a suitably American landmark: minimalist it ain't.... We got our first taste of what can happen on our hotel bill when the girls say 'yes' to lots of movies on TV. Fortunately the manager understood that our kids could not have watched 9 movies in one evening! Note to self - select parental control.....
Things we didn't quite manage all we had planned but Nina did manage a walk and a run in Central Park! But then this is just a taster for future travels.
Let's not forget the food... Katayoun indulged her love of hot dogs, we had our customary Upper East side brunch at E*A*T* on Madison and 81st; and we recommend Momofuku Ssam at 13th an 2nd Ave. You actually have to reserve the fried chicken - only in Manhattan! Lastly great sushi at Inakaya on 40th the favourite raw fish pusher to the NY Times hacks.
The girls have been learning about budgets and exchange rates. They have a total of $200 to spend across 8 locations. Do the math(s), as we keep saying. It has been quite something watching them handle this.
Anahita has been careful and planned ahead, with money left over, her approach to spending characterised by 'will things be cheaper in NYC?'.
Katayoun, on the other hand demonstrated her embryonic grasp of forex rates with 'Daddy, can you give me $20 for £20?'. Not quite sure what will happen when we get to Yen, Rupees and Shillings!