Upper Manhattan

What a day!

Got to explore this burrough with its history and hidden gems. The Apollo Theatre, established in 1913, was the birthplace of African American soul music. Think Ella Fitzgerald, Prince, Louis Armstrong, Gladys Knight, Sammy Davis Jnr .... the list goes on. Love the theatres slogan "Be Good or Be Gone" ... and they did indeed boo people off its stage.

Also the birthplace of the Black Panthers and home to the 6th largest Cathedral in the world- St John the Divine. Fun fact: Every first Sunday in October, this church hosts a "blessing of all animals" day. Anyone in NY with any kind of animal arrives to have their beloved pets blessed. There have been snakes, snails and even a baby elephant!

But the absolute highlight for me was attending a traditional gospel service - it was Sunday after all and probably the only time I'd get Karl into a church 🤣. Crazy, loud, passionate, emotive preaching with vocals and music that can turn anyone into a believer!

Also got to see Columbia University, which has incidentally produced more Nobel prize winners than any other ivy league uni.

Then walked around Sugar Hill, in particular Jumel Terrace, the borough’s oldest remaining wood-framed houses which will set you back $800,000 for units constructed in 1882. Got to visit the ostentatious memorial grave of General Grant,the 18th president of the US. Sugarhill's other claim to fame is its history of gangs and drugs, especially peddling white powder, hence the play on the name"sugar". Look up at any of the now barricaded dilapidated brownstone buildings and you may still spot a pair of sneakers hanging in the window , indicating the availability of drugs.

Ended the day with my gangster partner in crime with a bottle of vino on a rooftop bar, overlooking NY.Läs mer