Travel tales: what if I hate New York City? The limo, the heat, the tears, more heat. The lobster. The new friends.

I arrived in New York with a broad smile on my face, excited about the possibilities. But I had a little cry tonight. What if I hate New York City? This post may be a little less positive than what you have come to expect. I can't apologise.

We arrived here at 8.00 am to be greeted by hot amd humid weather. Around 30-35 degrees celcius. Everyone has told me about the heat here at this time of the year. But I am here for BlogHer, and could not make my trip another time of the year. I worried that I had made a mistake coming here today. I still have 17 days to go. We walked and walked and walked to find a place for dinner. Even at 7.00 pm the heat was unrelenting. I felt sore and faint and just wanted to sit somewhere cool. When we found the first place that looked good to eat at, I downed two glasses of water and splashed cold water on my head, hands, chest and feet for relief.

I wish my body could regulate its temperature. I wish I didn't feel sore all of a sudden. I wish I could see all the things I have been planning to for the past year. People stare at and comment on how sunburnt I look here - more than in Los Angeles and far more than London, even though there is the notion that people can be as individual as they want in this city. I have had several homeless people/beggars comment negatively on my appearance. Hell, I've saved $8000 for my trip, worked hard and dress fabulous, and they are on the streets begging for change in need of a shower, and they have the nerve to comment on my appearance?! And my accent is proving more of a difficulty than a charm or novelty like it was in London. It is hard. I feel small. This isn't like being Carrie Bradshaw or Felicity Porter (though I got excited seeing Dean and Deluca's on Broadway tonight!). This is the realisation that I am not climatically resilient, and having a chronic illness is tough when you are away from home.

The flight from LA to New York was overnight. I did get some sleep in, but I was sore in the plane - a combination of a long day yesterday without a shower, the flimsy polyester blanket provided by the local airline, and the cramped leg space, meaning restriction of movement for five hours. And I have a chest infection. My letter from my dermatologist requests extra leg room, for medical purposes. I have been very lucky to have this request granted - and even a mini upgrade within economy class - on my international flights. But last night I was given an aisle seat with no extra leg room. It is really disappointing when I have a valid medical request and I see people at the airport demanding a certain seat or others requesting and/or receiving an upgrade in return for good PR. Anyway the skin on the rest of my body fared well and I did not look or feel worse for wear on arrival.

Anyway, I feel a little better after my cry, and I am glad I have got my Mum here who understands and will not tire of my indoor requests. We went to a trendy bar called Brinkleys for dinner. It is on the corner of Centre and Broome Streets. Brinkleys was packed with pretty young things having drinks and dinner. Mum had calamari and I had a lobster sandwich - filled with lobster, mayonaise, lettuce and bacon, on brioche. So good.

We also met two lovely girls who were concerned about me in the heat, we got chatting about work and food and shops, and they said they will keep in touch. The day ended on a high note and I thanked them and the rain for cheering me up.

When we arrived a driver picked us up. There was a sign on the car window the whole trip. Doesnt matter that it said Mrs. It announced to New York that Carly Findlay has arrived.

And this was the first view of the skyline.

I looked at the forecast and the temperature and humidity is set to decrease a little. That will be good for me. I want to love New York as much as I loved London. I don't want to suffer in this heat. A sleep in and indoorsy things tomorrow. Museums, galleries and shops. Wish me luck. I hope to heart New York.