Freak or Unique?

Bit of a (silly) childhood dream realised for me today, with a trip to Coney Island.
I think thanks to Hollywood movies, plus the wierd history of the freak shows held there, I've always had a strange fascination with the place.

We spent the day drinking heavily, exploring the boardwalk and riding rollercoasters, all rounded off with a trip to a freak show.
I especially enjoyed the 'Cyclone' rollercoaster and the Freak Show.

The all-wooden Cyclone was built in 1927, a pioneer in the US's love affair with the rollercoaster. It had that rickety scariness that you just don't get on a modern 'coaster (Lucy has the bruises to prove it) and was also surprisingly fast.
Its many claims to fame include the interesting case of Emilio Franco. A mute since birth, he regained his voice on the Cyclone, uttering his first words ever -- I feel sick!.

Certainly not for everyone, The Freak Show was a wierd and wonderful experience with a set list including:
An armless man hammering nails into his skull.
A contortionist squeezing herself into a box.
A fire eater.
A man juggling very sharp knives whilst eating an apple.
A very funny guy swinging a bowling ball around his head via a rope and fish hooks placed into his eye sockets.
'The English Seal Boy' a death metal drummer with seal-like flippers where his arms should be. He was especially interesting to me as he explained the cause of his condition to the audience. One of the many victims of the infamous morning sickness drug thalidomide, it was especially interesting to hear a personal account of this terrible affliction.

All in all a truly interesting day, with great friends and strange firsts. Thank you Coney Island.