I live in New York City - Ask Me Anything!

[allfurcoatnoknickers]

I see NYC advice threads popping up on the travel boards a lot - anyone got any questions for a current Manhattan and former Queens resident?

I'm also married to a born and raised New Yorker, and we're imminently about to have a baby, in case anyone's wondering what it's like to be pregnant in the US.

Thank you @MissConductUS and @allfurcoatnoknickers

@LizzieMacQueen to answer your question about childcare costs, we would have been better off financially if I had gone back to work and put the kids in day care, but not massively. We decided it was worth the sacrifice for a few years to have the simplicity and lower stress of having them at home. They both went to preschool and I had no problem picking up part time hours when I wanted to work.

@Ribrabrob New York is a pretty fascinating place. And on this thread you have a Brit's perspective and a native's, so you are surely getting the whole picture.

@allfurcoatnoknickers sorry just a quicky - if I need to see a doctor in NYC where would I go?? Presuming it's not serious and needs hospital treatment?

We go on Friday and my anxiety levels are +++++++

@MozzchopsThirty You want an Urgent Care center. They're everywhere. Most well known is probably City MD. That's where I go when I have allergic reactions/chest infections/minor complaints.

@MozzchopsThirty And they're all walk in!

Thanks OP

@MozzchopsThirty No problem! Happy to help if anything else is causing you anxiety

everything lol
I book these trips then panic about random shit before I go like what if I have a brain haemorrhage in the night, who will look after the dcs etc

I know it's crazy

@MozzchopsThirty Do you have short term medical coverage for your trip? Health care providers here have no billing arrangements with the NHS.

I agree with Allfur about urgent care. Do not turn up at A&E in NYC unless it's really an emergency.

I have insurance for the trip
I'm a nurse so wouldn't go to A&E for anything other than an emergency

I'm a nurse so wouldn't go to A&E for anything other than an emergency

I'm glad to hear it. I'm a former A&E nurse and you can't imagine the tourists who wander in with the sniffles or sore feet. Or maybe you can.

Just checking the weather for you and it looks lovely next week, so your timing is good.

NYC 10 day forecast

@MissConductUS yes I can imagine!!!!! Some people are ridiculous 🙄

Yes I know I saw the weather looked good 😎

We fly out today 😊✈️🍎🗽
Can't wait!!!

@MozzchopsThirty You couldn't have chosen a better time! It's a long weekend, the city is quiet and the weather is perfect. Pic taken on my commute this morning.

We fly out today 😊✈️🍎🗽

Hooray! We'll put the kettle on for you.

It is going to be lovely this weekend.

By the way, bring your preferred antihistamines. Tree and grass pollen are high right now. If it's to late, not to worry, they're cheap as chips here and over the counter at any of the chain store chemists.

I've got some, may need to get more for ds1

Much better drugs in the US I'll get some there

Soooo excited 😊😊🍎🗽✈️

We're here now and I can confirm that it's not nearly as busy as I was expecting. The subway rides have been easy (bought a 7 day unlimited pass). Plenty of men in uniform about town if that's your thing.

And eating out hasn't been as scarily expensive as I feared. Though Wholefoods was. $7 plus tax for 4 croissants.

Much better drugs in the US I'll get some there

Look for one of the big chains, like Duane Reed, CVS or Walgreens. They usually put the store brands right next to the branded products (Duane Reed Loratadine next to the Claritin for example) and they will be much less expensive.

So excited for you! Perfect weather to fly in.

I didn't realize you were bringing DS. Let me know if you need suggestions for places to go that he'd enjoy.

Yep just me, ds1 and ds2

Any suggestions welcome
We have a packed week but recommendations are always good

How old are the boys? Timeout NY is always a good source for things to do and what's going on currently:

www.timeout.com/new-york-kids/things-to-do/101-things-to-do-with-kids-in-nyc

www.timeout.com/new-york-kids/things-to-do/the-best-things-to-do-in-nyc-with-kids-this-week

The museum of natural history and the Hayden planetarium (they are connected) would be top of my list, but that will vary with ages and interests.

did you find it hard to get a visa?

Hi, I'll be in NY in August, staying in Brooklyn so near the Transit Museum and bagel shops.
Where would you recommend for proper American breakfasts? Pancakes, eggs, etc.
Also playgrounds, parks etc where older kids (8 and 12) have climbing frames and similar to explore?
Planning on going to Central Park zoo - my memory of the rest of Central Park is its a grass museum, lots of lawns you aren't allowed on and roads going through it - are there better parts? - and the Natural History Museum.

I know it's going to be hotter than hell, but couldn't go another time - tips?

jack I'm afraid Brooklyn is terra incognito for me, perhaps allfur knows more.

Re Central Park, the zoo is brilliant. I think I linked to it up thread somewhere. The lawns are sometimes closed for an event, but should be generally accessible.

There are also lots of playgrounds in CP. Have a look at these maps.

www.centralparknyc.org/maps/