We had an early start and called an Uber at 6:50am to take us to Billy Bishop Airport for our Porter airlines flight to Newark airport. The check in process included thorough checks that we had our ESTA approvals for entry to the USA. Also I was given the option of having my carry on bag checked in for $49 or $52 if I was taking it on board. We paid the second option so we did not have to wait at baggage.

There were no queues at security so it was easy and we were through to the lounge in no time. Billy Bishop is a small airport comparable in size to the Coffs Coast airport.

Our flight was delayed for an hour due to air traffic control. I checked out the duty free and was able to buy a Tag No 5 Vodka for $24AUD. Bargain!

Our 8:50am flight was finally ready for boarding at 9:30am and we were soon on our way. The plane was a propeller operated model with a 2 by 2 seat configuration.

The onboard service was excellent for the short flight with complimentary chips, almonds or fava bean snacks plus your choice of water, beer, wine or juice. The drinks were served in glasses…no plastic.

There was the usual queuing at Newark airport to get through customs which took about 40 minutes until we were processed and admitted into the USA.

Before we left the airport we needed to eat, I chose an egg, meat and cheese croissant and Scott chose the Italian Croissant. They were ok.

We then caught an Uber through bumper to bumper traffic to our Hotel, the M Social in Times Square. The lobby for this hotel is on the sixth floor and has views down to Times Square and downtown New York.

After some more refreshments and photo taking we had to get to the Stephen Sondheim Theatre to see the musical &Juliet. The 10 minute walk to the theatre took us through a very crowded Times Square. We were seated in the front row of the Mezzanine level and the musical was fabulous.

We then jumped onto one of the touristy tuktuks and were entertained with music and a tour of the streets. It was fun until it was time to pay a ridiculous $500US.

Scott refused to pay that much and challenged the driver that this was excessive, enlisting the help of a police officer to assist with the issue. Beware of tourist traps! This experience soured an otherwise wonderful day.

Good night