Day 184 - Solange's spooky, spectacular Halloween takeover!

In preparation for the New York Halloween parade, and after some successful retail therapy, Lindsey, Natalie and myself commandeered the communal bathroom, laden with costumes, liquid latex, fake blood, wine and nibbles (courtesy of NYC's equivalent of the local 'offy') Gary, who had spent the morning exploring soon returned and the gang was complete.

Several of our fellow guests came in to use the facilities and more than a few eyebrows were raised at our impromptu make-up area; one lady actually asked if she could get to the basin to have a wash!!! She was quickly dispatched by Natalie - our need was greater than hers!

So the transformation began. Natalie quickly morphed into evil She-Ra; I became a zombie fairy; Harry 'Gary' Potter was reincarnated, this time from the dark side with a few more battle scars; and Lindsey took the form of a rather scary Little Red Ridding Hood - a look that she rocked rather too well if you ask me!!

Make-up complete it was time to head out for dinner. There were a few odd looks and comments such as, "Harry, haven't you got big!" A little girl who's dog was wearing fairy wings to match hers (only in NYC folks!!) didn't know quite to make of us and I was quite relieved that she didn't burst into tears.

Dinner was fab, although we may have changed the 'romantic' vibe of the restaurant! It was then time to join the parade. There were witches and wolves, goblins and ghouls and every fairy tale character you can imagine. We were ushered into a pen....where we stayed....until we were ushered into the next one! After about 90 minutes we contemplated admitting defeat. It was bitterly cold with a freezing wind and we had only progressed a few hundred yards.

As we were planning our escape we started to move - and it was certainly worth the wait. The atmosphere was amazing with drums, dancers, music, floats and characters on stilts. The costumes were fantastic, although at times it was difficult to tell whether some people were dressed up, or whether they were just a bit weird! The crowds watching were enormous - at least 10 deep all along the route! Eventually, freezing and tired we headed to a bar for a bottle of well earned Prosecco.

Halloween NYC Stylee was utterly bonkers......and yes we fitted in just fine. Thanks you so much Harry 'Gary' Potter for allowing me the privilege of writing your Halloween blog, and for such a wonderful holiday. 

The End. Xxxx