30th December

I have shopping list of sorts. My iPod broke and the Campers (or my "Pinocchio shoes" as my mother used to refer to them) were chucked in Quito (mmm, lovely place), my jeans are so bleached Jon Bon Jovi could wear them and as the rucksack is full I will need to buy another bag just to get my ever-increasing worldly possessions home.

Met up with Caroline and we had breakfast in the hotel. This was economical to say the least. Half a croissant, coffee and juice and not much more on offer. She was enthusing about her new job. I still have to find one.

We walked down 5th towards Central Park. First stop - Banana Republic. My mum and sister have been banging on about this place for years and I have to say I was pretty impressed. Got hassled to try on a load of stuff by some of the campest blokes in the world but did manage to acquire 2 pairs of jeans and a new black pulling-shirt. $200.

Next stop Apple - exactly the same set-up as in London and all geared around quick purchases for expensive products. iPod Classic, 80GB. $250. I have spent more money than I have in a month and it is 10.34am.

Met Jase in Apple. He had to go one better with the 160GB version of the man Pod. We then made more detours to Macy's and Sketchers where I bought the Camper replacement ($70).

Met up with Hannah, Dan and Jane at 1.30pm but as expected Dan and Jane had just eaten and we were starving. Went to a greasy spoon/diner on 7th by the park. Had Swiss cheese and bacon burger, fries, milk shake and coffee. Ooh, and cheese cake. Reconvened at 2.30 pm. The girls went to Jimmy Choo's and the lads headed for the park for chats about football, women, bladder control without fear of recrimination.

Walked for nearly 2 hours. didn't make it to the park back in '96 so it was nice to see a bit more of the city. The girls joined us at about 4.30pm. Hannah has spent a grand on shoes and a bag and Caroline 500 quid on three pairs which they tell me is a bargain.

Headed back to the hotel for a shower and a kip. Caro and I met in the lobby for a cocktail before dinner and then we headed to Mesa Grill for dinner with J&H and D&J. Had a drink at the bar beforehand and the spiciest breadsticks I have ever had - bit like dynamite in all ways imaginable.

Had posh tacos to start and then a very creditable steak with a mole sauce. The guys all ordered the same and the bill was about $70 a head. We left around midnight and went straight back to the hotel.