Jim Paterson

This is definitely not my favourite airport, because I will always remember it for its record breaking, never ending queues. However the staff are very friendly, efficient and helpful. The airport is well connected by trains, underground and buses, but Kansai International is over an hour away from Kyoto. Lounge key lounges available.

This is actually a palace that has been converted into a hotel and conference Centre. It is a really stunning and elaborately adorned venue with great facilities, and some great food on the menu. My favourites included stuffed red peppers, biryani and the hamburgers. The staff were very friendly, helpful and efficient. There are plenty of sculptures and pieces of art, and architectural extravagances to stimulate your imagination.

This statue is a notable tribute to Adam Clayton Powell Jnr, famous for representing Harlem in the US House of Representatives from 1945 until 1971. He was the first African-American elected to Congress from the North-East states. He was a spokesperson on civil rights for the Democratic party and was known for encouraging US Presidents to support emerging nations in Africa and Asia as they gained independence. He was also the first black Council member elected to New York City Council. He supported civil rights for African-Americans, including an end to lynchings, Poll-taxes and for fair employment practises. There is much more to his history and his contributions however, and it is worth learning about.

I really appreciated this Deli. In a baking hot New York summer, the salad bar is just brilliant, providing a refreshing, filling, healthy and tasty lunch. Their salads offer a welcome respite to New York's excruciatingly high prices. They also have a pizza oven and self-service buffet arrangement too, amidst wall to wall adornments of fresh fruit and veg, cured meats and seafood, lots of cheeses, breads, delicacies, deserts, chocolates and more. In fact, the shop is crammed full of delicacies, with every available space used to ensure their offering of an extensive variety of stock. Amish market is a brand name, and this is actually a chain store deli.

This delightful delicatessen is a food lovers paradise, located in the busy Grand Central station. I had resolved not to spend much money in New York given the prices are so high these days, but I crumbled on this occasion, splashing out on some truly tempting and flavoursome tea blends, many incorporating my favourite Rooibos tea from South Africa, as well as some enticing chocolates. It was well worth the experience and next time I will return and enjoy much more. The spices, meats, cheeses, fresh fruit and veg, breads, and other delicacies all look to be of excellent quality. This market is packed with flavour, tradition and exploration, expertise and adventure, colours and scents, and a real passion for quality food. Enjoy