Manhattan

Arrived this evening via my Virgin Upper Class flight which was fantastic. Limos to drop you off and pick you up, drive through check in, cool lounge at Heathrow, fab entertainment and food on board, plus massage.

Saw The Departed on the flight. Classic Scorcese. Gratuitous violence, high body count. However best performance for years from Jack Nicholson, plus Ray WInston as hard man with US accent. Half an hour too long but v.good - though not as good as Goodfellas. Not sure it was the best film of the year. I prefered 'Little Miss Sunshine'.

The view from the car as the New York skyline comes into sight is amazing and it feels very exciting being here. Am staying in a smart cool hotel called The Alex, which is midtown on East 45th.

Within an hour, managed to see Grand Central Station - just around the corner and Time Square. New York's easy to walk around, but its very chilly so didn't stay out too late. Plus full day tomorrow.