New York - New York

Indianapolis -

The IT Directors tour complete - significant outcomes include increased weight, girth and tiredness - struggle to the airport - sleep though the flight -

New York - Day 1

Arrive at La Gardia - worry about the Pakistani who hurries me across the car park - become relaxed when he discovers I'm Australian - he commences his sermon on the virtues of Australian cricket - he places me in his brand new BMW town car and we head for Simon's place - my sense of relaxation starts to return and I feel of a sense of anticipation rising in me.

The weather is hot and humid and the trip into town is punctuated by frequent albeit short thunderstorms that clear away to a bright skies as we arrive at the apartment.

I am greeted by the doorman - he commences the third degree until his mate chides him saying "he is Simon's dad" - with that questions flow from both of them about how he is going and when the wedding is to be held - eventually keys are produced and instructions provided.

This bloody tooth is starting to create chaos - off to look for Simon's dentist - impressed with the area as I wander up University Place and head south along 14th Street at Union Square - I find the dentist hidden behind a reinforced locked door that buzzes as I try to unsuccessfully open it - I almost give up when suddenly the door opens and the receptionist rushes out and invites me in.

I explain my situation - over here for a wedding - tooth playing up what can you do for me - cheery receptionist looks sympathetic but not optimistic - how did you find out about us she asks - my son is a patient said I - your not Simon's dad are you? - all of a sudden everything is possible and I have an appointment for 1030 tomorrow morning.

Buy some groceries and some beer and retire to the apartment.

New York - Day 2

Off to the dentist - ushered into the chair by the nurse - she goes out and I hear her say to the new receptionist "its Simon's dad" - Dentist arrives - "how is Simon? - when is the wedding?" - looks into the depths of my mouth - pokes and prods and examines x-rays - "not great news I'm afraid - come back on Saturday for a root canal" - "don't worry - you'll be fine for the wedding" - pay the receptionist and appreciate that if a consultation costs this much then a root canal procedure will seriously damage the credit card balance - recall the advice of John and Merie - "it not much in the scheme of things"

Head for my first encounter with the NYC underground - a relatively pleasant experience - very few questions needed to see me riding the railroad to Polo on Madison Avenue to select and be fitted for the wedding pants - I thought the staff from Grace's Department store were fictitious - not true they came straight from Polo's.

Head home - deal with the complications of automated laundry systems - successfully replenish my supply of dirty underwear - look for an iron - Simon rings - I stop looking for an iron and resolve to take my shirts downstairs for professional treatment.

Undertake one of Simon's "must do's". Dinner at Patsy Pizzeria immediately under his lounge room window - superb - arrive home and write this nonsense

Slip out and take some photos to append