Last Bite of the Big Apple

Its the final day in NYC and we have a few hours to kill, so we venture up 5th Avenue and decide to take a pleasant stroll in Central Park.  Pleasant, that is, until the relentless New York sun decided to... well, relent.  Grey clouds were quickly followed by heavy downpours.  I know I should have brought a hat, my hair thickener ran half way down my face.  I looked more like a member of the SAS than your typical British tourist abroad.  I don't think anyone noticed... much.

Here's a picture taken at the corner of 5th Avenue and Central Park, before the hair disaster:

Well, its been an amazing experience, although far too brief.  I too hope I will be back in NYC some time soon and for longer.  See you all on the other side of the pond!

2 wheels better than 4

Interview done and we only have one night left in NYC before we have to fly back to Blighty.  So its time to see as much of the city as we can in the short amount of time we have remaining.  So we hire bicycles and complete a 12 mile route following the cycles paths along the Hudson and East Rivers, before cutting back through Manhattan on the busy (and suicidal) 42nd Street.

Interview for ABC's 2020

The day has arrived!

My manager and I rise early and head over to the location for today's interview for ABC's 2020 show.  Luckily, its just a few blocks along on 49th Street, but even the short walk in the morning humidity while dressed in a suit, brings on a real sweat.

The location is owned by an artist, a typical New York City townhouse/warehouse/artist's studio.  We ascend to the top floor in a huge elevator, big enough to take an entire car, although I do doubt ABC's Health & Safety Department would have approved.

I finally get to meet producer, Susie (a British-American who has lived between New York and London for many years, but now settled in Connecticut) and the lady who will be interviewing me, Amy Rombach.

The interview lasts for an hour and, I have to say, goes exceedingly well.  Although my manager advises me that the section where I say "whacking one off" may not be broadcastable on American TV.  Oh well.

The interview will be airing on a 2020 special all about teachers who have ventured into the world of adult entertainment and how this has impacted on their lives and their careers.  It should air on September 14th.  Parts of the show will also be aired on Nightline and Good Morning America.

Alex Rombach, 2020 Host

Susie, 2020 producer

New York City Strolling

Its my first time in New York City.  I cannot contain my excitement.  I have a quick wash to freshen up then, while I wait for my manager to arrive from JFK Airport, I decide to take a little stroll to the most iconic of New York City landmarks, Times Square.  It certainly puts Piccadilly Circus to shame, although both suffer from being over-priced tourist traps and ridden with hawkers.

My manager's taxi finally arrives.  He blamed his longer than expected delay on queues at immigration.  Have to say, I was pleasantly surprised how swift and amicable the immigration process and officers were at Newark.

I am disappointed with myself.  I have always held much criticism for aspects of the USA, but I can't seem to stop myself from loving almost everything about this city so far.  Damn you, New York!  With that level optimism, I decide, despite his sore legs, to drag my manager around the city on a little walking tour through Hell's Kitchen and over to the banks of the Hudson River.

Of all places, I thought I would be 'safe' from getting recognised in NYC.  However, as soon as we reach the Hudson River I hear the dulcet tones of two Yorkshire sisters screaming "Its Benedict!  Can we have a picture?".  When I return to the hotel, I receive a tweet from an American follower from Chicago, in New York to see a friend, who also claims to have spotted me on the streets of NYC, identifying me by my clothes and my manager.  What a small world!

Room With A View

Just checked into my hotel on West 49th Street, just a few streets north of Times Square.  Its called 'The Pearl' and here's a few pictures from my room on the 15th floor:

Benedict to fly to NYC for ABC interview

Benedict is set to fly to New York City tomorrow to be interviewed on the top rating US TV network, ABC for their award-winning 20/20 show.  He will be discussing his life as a teacher and porn performer.  It will be aired in the USA in September.  Highlights of the show will also be aired on 'Good Morning America'.