Day 1 in New York... and a bit

We just went to Birdland. The jazz corner of the world. If you don't know what it is, google it. Or bing it if you're that way inclined. Either way, it's amazing. Chico O'Farrill's Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra are a lot of fun, and Birdland itself is just... well, if you like jazz history, it's incredible. If you don't care about jazz history, it's just another bar/restaurant, but you should really go and learn something about jazz history, because it's fun and there is music.

Dinner: Buffalo Shrimp, Popcorn Shrimp, New York Strip Steak, Cajun Gumbo and a slice of Oreo Mud Pie... All washed down with Brooklyn Lager (which is surprisingly good) and something called Buchet Cuvee, which is... well, after a couple of glasses, does it really matter?

Arturo O'Farill's (Chico's son) band was cooking, and we enjoyed the first show so much we stayed for the second. Afro-Cuban jazz is twice as good as it sounds, seriously. Maybe three times. The music was terrific, food was great, and we spent way too much money there. Oh well.

I should mention that, while at Birdland, Elljae experienced her first ever martini. Gin. With a twist. I advised her against the dirty martini, which I think is good advice for a beginner. Maybe next time.

After leaving Birdland, we strolled over to Times Square, took some great photos, and Elljae tipped a street vendor for playing a Michael Jackson song she likes. No other reason. She likes that song. Yeah, we were in that kind of mood.

Back at the hotel room tomorrow and I just realised... We *STILL* haven't seen the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty.... Tomorrow. I mean later today. Whatever, after sleep.