2nd day in New York

Went to Coney Island and rode the world famous "Cyclone" roller coaster. It's not as big as the new fast steel models, but it still packs a punch. I am going to have bruises on my legs and arms from this ride. All the corners are on an angle. They don't flatten out like more traditional coasters. It was made in 1927 and has held up all this time. Astroland itself isn't much to talk about. Just your traditional midway affair with very old amusement rides. It looked like they opened that part to some school kids who were given open tickes. They seemed to be enjoying all the rides there.

It only took about an hour to get out to Coney Island from 42nd Street, using the subway. It only cost $2 each way. Not bad considering the distance.

I roamed around Times Square for the afternoon, then went back to the Hostel to freshen up for another show I went to called "Hairspray" You have probably seen the ad for the recent movie release. I didn't know it at the time, but it was the productions 5th year on broadway the night I went to see it. The show was great, great, great. The band was loud and rock'n and they had everyone bopping up and down in their seats. All the performers were top notch, especially the black cast. Boy could they belt out a melody or two. The storyline is set in 1962 when there were issues in the States about integration. The sets weren't much to look at, but then they didn't need to carry the musical like Mary Poppins did. The guy that played the mother was a hoot. He stole most of the scenes.

Anyway, made my way back to the Hostel and there were a new bunch of guys there. Several of them were from Eastern Sydney. They were working in the US in the Summer Camp. Although, by the fourth week they were ready to kill the little brats. I must say that the moajority of people I meet up with in Hostels are really nice. They are always open to having a chat (the Germans seem to have a problem with this) and swapping annecdates about the travels. It's funny i the morning how all the alarms and mobiles go off intermitantly to wake up the respective owner. You'd think that the fist one would have woken them all up anyway. Everyone is usually up by 9:30am anyway. Not early risers. The Hostel in New York is US$38 per night. It has a room with 4 double bunk beds and an ensuit.

Cheers
Stephen