I think that we can say in total honesty that we queued longer at check in and getting through US customs pre clearance in Toronto than it actually took to fly to New York City. US customs is an experience we will not be sad to leave behind us, that is for sure!
Whilst in New York we had mixed accommodation plans of staying with friends James and Mezh in Brooklyn over the 4th of July weekend and a homeswap across the Hudson river looking back at the amazing Manhattan skyline. We were also lucky enough to catch up with many friends who had moved here from Singapore!
Brooklyn was the first stop and we were treated to a great weekend with hosts James and Mezh. It was awesome to be shown around by some ‘locals’ and watch the 4th July fireworks from a rooftop and enjoy some of Mezh’s amazing bbq’d Kebabs!
Whilst enjoying our picnic on a perfect summers day upon a beautifully manicured lawn a man in uniform suddenly appeared….
‘Folks, you are not allowed to picnic in the park, it is in fact against the park's regulations for you to lay down a blanket.’
Shocked by such retarded laws and the unsolicited approach we just kind of stared blankly at him before uttering the words…
‘Er, ok.’
We folded the blanket up, sat ourselves back down and finished our food whilst checking over our shoulders. What utter madness, how in the ‘land of the free’ is it against the law to unfurl a blanket and eat a sandwich or two in a park that you have paid an entrance fee too!
The trouble did not stop there however. As we were walking the grounds we were studying some Venus Fly Traps in a pond. Again, another officer came out of nowhere and reprimanded us for having the kids too close to the water! All very strange indeed.
That aside we had a great day discovering Brooklyn with Mezh and still had plenty of fun!