We decided we would catch an Uber to Times Square. $65 to go about 7 miles. Google maps reckoned it would take about 10-15 mins driving. It took over an hour to negotiate the crazy traffic. In the end the driver reckoned it would be quicker if we got out and walked the last couple of hundred yards as we were looking at another 20 mins driving.

Time Square was packed with St Patrick Day revellers. What an amazing place all the lit up billboards. And the smell of ‘funny’ cigarettes is everywhere. We had a quick walk down Broadway but the rain started and it was bitterly cold so we caught an Uber back to the hotel. Only 10 mins back and $30.

We’re staying at the Hotel Beacon on Broadway, not the Broadway where the theatres are, up near Central Park. It’s Ok but it’s seen better days. It’s an apartment with a separate lounge and bedroom and a kitchen. The TV in the lounge refused to work properly and the hot water was not very hot. It still amazes me that hotels don’t have power outlets on both sides of the bed. Roman blinds cover the windows. But the bed was comfortable and it was fairly quiet at night time.