Getting our Bearings

On Sunday night after we unpacked we went for a short walk to suss out our immediate surroundings.  Were pleased to find that the street blocks are not as big as I had imagined so we were quickly able to walk two blocks west then two north and home again.  Felt completely safe - no danger of anyone attacking us or stealing our stuff!

Next morning set off on a longer trek.  Our hotel is not far from the eastern shore of Manhattan Island, and we walked west far enough to see the water on the other side, from our home avenue (Lexington Avenue) across to 10th Avenue (there are only twelve).  So its not too hard to walk from one side of Manhattan to the other - I'd say about 40 minutes.

Our mission was to buy Sue's new camera at B&H Photo and Video, the big camera store I'd identified from my research on the web.  B&H is indeed huge.  In the camera section we stood in line until we were allocated a salesman to talk to.  They sit in a row at 60(!) numbered positions behind a long counter (although only about half of those were in action at the time), and you watch a big screen which tells you which one has come free.  We bargained ruthlessly with the nice man, for the new Canon S95 for Sue, and a bigger lens for me, which were then put in a box which disappeared into their store-wide conveyor system to be delivered to the checkout on the ground floor.  To collect our goods we stood in another line for a cashier who took our money, then a third line for a "dispatcher" who re-united us with our booty.

About 90 percent of the staff in the shop sport the distinctive little black cap worn by jewish persons, so I guess the shop must be a jewish-owned enterprise.  We have already noticed a large number of those caps in the street, and also a few of the ultra-orthodox Jews with their big black top hat, long curly sideburns, and black cape worn over a suit.  A rare sight in NZ but obviously common here.

(So your new camera is on its way, Lisa!)