The City that never sleeps...

It's 5.40am here in NYC, I am currently sat on my bed fully clothed after being rudely awakened by the most hideous fire alarm in the world!

It went off about 20 minutes ago....a very loud siren blasting into everyones rooms. I guess if there was a fire I would be thankful for it, It woke me up straight away. In fact I wonder if I can get one installed in my flat? (The Penthouse tm) Monday mornings are always difficult.

Anyway, upon thrashing around in the dark to find the light, army rolling across the bed to grab the welcome kit I have located what the alarm means...

"The sounding of an alarm indicates that a dangerous condition may exist in the building. Do not investigate, be prepared to leave your room from the nearest exit. Await further instructions via the public address system". I know! Just like a movie! Isn't it exciting?

Said "public address system" has since told us to remain in our rooms at present...I can do that, I like my room! In fact right now I would like it even more if I was asleep, in my bed, in my room.

A whirl of a few fire engine sirens outside (I don't know if they are heading for this hotel but it's adding excitement right?)..another announcement...

"This is your Head of Safety at the Soho Grand Hotel, we have investigated the alarm THOROUGHLY - Please can everyone please remain in their rooms until further notice, if you are currently staying on floors 8,9,10 or 11 and can smell smoke please place damp towels under your doors and call Reception for further instructions".

WHAT?! You've investigated everything thoroughly, we can stay in our rooms, BUT, floors 8 to 11 might need to seal their doors up? Call me a drama queen if you wish but that's a mixed signal if ever there was one. What if you're on the 12th floor? If I learnt one thing in Science it is this, heat rises and it's not good to be in a room above it.

...Twenty minutes has passed and the Head of Safety (who incidentally sounds a lot like the guy who shows you the tables in the bar) has apologised for the inconvenience and said we can go back to our rooms, which I guess means everything is OK?

Fabulous...well it would be if I didn't have to get up in about 20 minutes and get in the shower to start the day. Talking of showers, I hope those guys on the 12th floor haven't used all their towels up forming a barrier between them and erm...nothing?