Hello from sunny Brooklyn

So here I am finally, writing from a far off land. The flight from London was very smooth and even landed 40 minutes earlier than planned. Unfortunately for the man sitting in the aisle seat on my row (I always go for the window) I needed the loo 4 times during a 7 hour flight, always it seemed, just after he'd dropped off to sleep - although for the 4th run, I cunningly took my toiletries bag with me to look like I was freshening up before we landed (the fact that I returned from the loo wwith no sign of improvement is neither here nor there). My only disappointment flight wise was missing March of the Penguins while sleeping. I'm sure I'll get over this with time...

Arrivals at Newark airport was also remarkably smooth. I'd braced myself for several hours of queuing, but actually got through really quickly, I even had some cheeky banter with the immigration officials. I think they reached the conclusion that I looked so dodgy that I couldn't possibly be a terrorist.

Anyway, with some excellent directions from my host, I made it to her office at Union Square (making an impressive entrance with a huge rucksack on my back, in clothes I'd been wearing for 2 days) and then headed back to her flat in Brooklyn for a shower before heading out for birthday drinks (her's not mine). Obviously I had no intentions of drinking so early on in my trip, but my arm was twisted, and the bar was giving out free sparkling mango vodka, which would have been rude to refuse really. We ate free pizza in a bar - the best idea ever, they give out whole pizzas free with every drink. Amazing. Kathryn, her friends and I partied the night away, staying up to a ridiculous 10.30pm. You heard me right. In our defence we were very, very drunk and it saved us from feeling too rubbish the next day.

I spent the following morning exploring the local area in Brooklyn and being too embarrassed to take any photos as I didn't want to look like a tourist (you don't understand, everyone here is very cool). Met Kathryn and friends for lunch (they were all bearing up well after the night out). Then it was off to the UN, like the good human rights type I am, for a tour. Apparently George Bush will be there on Monday or Tuesday for the General Assembly. Tomato pelting optional.

Next stop Boston.