An Englishman in New York

An Englishman in New York

I had never left Europe before; I had never even left the UK before.

So this journey was completely new to me. I was going alone, no

parents, no friends, all the way across the ocean. I didn't know what

I expected, I didn't expect anything really, and I was going to simply

let it all come over me.

Compared to the village I come from New York was an entire new world.

I had been to London on a few occasions, but that was nothing compared

to New York. It was huge and so lively! Unlike anything I had ever

seen before.

The plane was ok, I travelled economy class and the people next to me

were very kind, giving me tips on how to survive New York. At that

time I didn't think I would need any help. When I arrived, the first

thing I noticed were the cars. I had seen it on television before, but

still, it was very strange to see the cars driving on the wrong side

of the road.

I called a cab. The cab driver was a bit awkward; his accent was very

rough. But he was okay and he drove me to my hotel. I had a room in

the Amsterdam Inn, a small and cosy hotel. The people very helpful and

gave a few goods tips as to where I could go for supper or go

sightseeing. The girl behind the desk showed me to my room. It wasn't

very big, but big enough for me. I unpacked my bags and felt pretty

sleepy so I took a nap.

By the time I woke up, it was suppertime. I took a shower got dressed

and went to one of the restaurants the girl had told me about. It was

a small pizza place, but packed with people. Luckily I was alone and

could immediately sit down. I asked for the menu and looked in it. The

first thing I noticed was the "alligator pear" in the salad. I had