Monday 5th May

Day spent in New York, all went up Empire State (yes, INCLUDING John!). Delicious NYC deli lunch, back to hotel then to JFK for early evening flight to Chicago. Checkin was slow, security just like organised chaos. Lots of strict instructions, a bit like being arrested we imagine! Boarded plane, taxiied out, then Cleveland ATC lost all power so all west bound planes were grounded. Waited 2 hours onboard, plane bagan to taxi, then developed technical fault and we had to return to gate! Finally left 3hrs late. Luckily the flight was only 2hrs not 3, so with time change not too bad. Got to hotel midnight, bed at 1am. Good hotel, lovely room, got upgraded to Presidential Suites - big enough to live in, american fridge, dishwasher, two bathrooms etc.