In November 2001 I met my friend Joy in New York, for a long weekend of mindless hedonism mixed with mindless tourism. This time was a little different though. After the events of September 11th (not to mention the plane crash the week before), everything had an edge to it, whether it was the extra security or the attractions which were still closed. But as with my previous trips I loved the time I spent there. New York is still one of my favourite cities. I resisted the temptation to get an 'I <heart> N Y' T shirt though (and also the 'New York Fucking City' T shirt, though that one was harder).

After a night getting drunk and catching up on each other, we headed out to see the city.

My Photo ID

The Empire State Building had only just re-opened after the terrorist attacks of September 11th. New security procedures were in place, such as airport style X-ray machines to check all bags through. But they also required photo ID. I couldn't work out what the point of this was. It became even less pointful when my PADI diving card (left) was accepted without a question. I had more problems when I used it as ID in bars.

We were staying near Washington Square Park. It wasn't a great hotel (not a bad one either), but it was a great location. Every night as we arrived back I thought I must get a picture of the Empire State Building with it's lights on. It took me until the last night to actually do it. Our hotel is at the left side of the Junction.