Thank you New York- You were amazing!

This time last week I was jetting off to the big Apple as I previously mentioned in my last blog.

New York was never on my Bucket List but as an 18th Birthday treat for my eldest daughter, I did the dutiful mum thing by tagging long.

It was one of the hardest but most rewarding trip I can honestly say I have ever taken.

Some of you may already know that I was unfortunate to be caught up in the Manchester Attack and although I would be classed as one of the ‘Lucky ones’ by only having minor physical injuries, the psychological impact it has had on me made things so much harder.

The lead up weeks were very difficult as I tried not to show my fears to Abbie ( my daughter) as she was so excited and looking forward to the trip. I just couldn’t seem to imagine that I would actually go through with it.  I spoken with my councillor who gave me coping strategies to help ease my anxiety, but nobody could say how I would be on the day. My fears are crowded places that I see as unsafe, and not only did I have to face two of the busiest airports in the world, but also one of the busiest cities. I was going to have to dig deep and put all my strength in the next few days.

I had contacted the airport in advance as they can offer assistance for hidden disabilities. It wasn’t something I was previously aware of and dint know such things existed. I wasn’t convinced at first contacting them, as I was advised I would have to wear a Lanyard. I couldn’t see why wearing a Lanyard would make any difference. I certainly didn’t want to have to explain to everyone what my ‘hidden’ disability was.

So off to the Check in desk I went and was immediately welcomed by a reassuring smile from the check in girl. She checked us in quickly and told us to make ourselves aware to any airport staff who will escort us through security.

No questions at all and obviously knew that the Lanyard meant I needed that bit of extra help without having to explain anything.

We were directed straight to the front and through all passport security within minutes. The sheer relief I felt just getting through that bit so swiftly helped ease my stresses and that was one big hurdle out of the way.

On arrival into JFK we had to queue for the delightful immigration checks. This felt alright as we were still in a safe secure area so I didn’t have an issue with this at all.

It was then time to hit the streets and head to our Hotel.

We stayed at the Beautiful Riu Plaza Hotel located just off Times Square. First impressions were amazing

The stunning reception area, always smelt of beautiful fresh flowers.

This is the outdoor courtyard. We had breakfast out here too one morning.

I didn’t manage to take a picture of our room but they were fresh and airy and ultra modern, exactly as they show on their website.

We had an amazing view from our 24th floor room too and was never waiting long for a lift either. Beds were soooo comfy to come back to after all the shopping and sightseeing.

All public areas of the hotel were spotlessly clean and fresh with friendly staff available 24hrs a day.

Breakfast was part of our offer and this was available in two areas of the ground floor. A smaller area at the front of the hotel as well as a larger area at the side. We used both of these during our stay and choice was vast and delightful. It set us up for the day ahead.

The hotel has a deli and a main restaurant but we didn’t use these as there was so much choice on our doorstep as it was on Restaurant row as they call it.

Leaving the hotel took less than 5 minutes to Times Square and 5th Avenue so we were spoilt for choice really.

I found Times Square a bit un nerving as it was super busy at any time of the day or night. Shops don’t close until 2am so staying just off there made a much more peaceful nights sleep.

My fears subsided slightly throughout our trip as I was so caught up in the stunning city, I just didn’t have time to always think what I was actually doing.

JFK on the way back was again really busy and production of my lanyard allowed us to queue through a much smaller and quieter part of the airport. It still took a while to get through security, but I did feel that little bit easier after contending with the mass crowds over the time we were there.

All in all, a very positive outcome and my confidence to venture out has now been stretched. I feel I could cope with a lot more things now and that can only be a positive step in the right direction.

Next time I will tell you all about what we did there and prepare yourselves for mass pictures!

Until then, take care Di x