The first stop for millions of people who emigrated to the United States of America.

Ellis Island Immigration Station was located on a small patch of land at the mouth of the Hudson River, between New Jersey and New York.

The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration describes the story of American immigration and the experiences of people who came to the United States and settled there.

Exploring the museum and the Great Hall helped me to appreciate how anxious people must have felt as they were processed. Most arrivals moved on to find jobs and homes in their new country but others were turned away after failing crude medical or literacy tests.

The Immigration Station operated between 1892 and 1954. An estimated 12 million immigrants passed through its doors. Many citizens of the United States can trace their ancestry back to the time when their forebears arrived at this place and started their new lives.

Enjoy New York’s calmer spaces.

Central Park.

Greenwich Village and Washington Square.

Discover where Jimi Hendrix used to play.

Flat Iron District.

Take a boat trip around Manhattan.

Enjoy a bicycle ride around Lower Manhattan and over Brooklyn Bridge.

New York is the home of some of the most famous arenas in the world and I was keen to visit them.

First of all it was a trip to the Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to see the New York Yankees host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NBL. I had only ever seen one game of baseball so I was excited to attend.

The Diamondbacks prevailed by 6 to 0. It was not a compelling contest. The game was played during a tropical storm, consequently the crowd was paltry and the atmosphere was mundane.

Never mind.

Next, it was an evening at Madison Square Gardens, perhaps the most prestigious indoor arena of them all. Many famous events have taken place here including Marilyn Monroe singing to President Kennedy and the titanic clash between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali in 1971.

I enjoyed a preseason NHL game between the New York Rangers and local rivals the New York Islanders. Ice Hockey never lets you down and it always provides great entertainment. The game ended 4 to 2 to the Rangers. Apart from the thrills on the ice the evenings events included “Dancing Dave” as well as “Tee Shirt Toss”. It was fun for all of the family.

Finally it was 2 nights at the Met Life Stadium in New Jersey to watch a brace of NFL games.

Along with Taylor Swift, I saw the New York Jets challenge the superbowl winning Kansas City Chiefs. It was a great thrill to watch the Chiefs star quarter back, Patrick Mahomes. Patrick has recently negotiated a cost of living bustin’ pay rise and he is reported to earn almost $60 million in 2023.

The Jets put up a great fight, encouraged by an energetic crowd and they almost took the game. However, the Chiefs held on for a 23 to 20 victory in a belter of a battle.

The following evening it was the turn of the New York Giants to welcome the Seattle Seahawks.

The Giants were brought down to size by the Seahawks who cruised to a comfortable win by 24 to 3. The Giants offence could not crack the Seahawks defence. Indeed,Daniel Jones, the Giants quarter back, was sacked a record equalling 10 times during the game.

That is not a record for New York to be proud of.

Summer Exhibition 2023.

A grand day out at the Tottenham Stadium included dangling 50 metres above the ground. Hello to Mike. Don’t forget to see The Rhinos Mike.

When in London try The Hope on Holloway Road and support a diner that supports worthy causes.