New York Christmas
Trip Start
Dec 22, 2011
1
3
45
Trip End
Apr 13, 2012
New York City, New York
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Christmas Eve we did our first proper day of sightseeing! We started by getting the subway down to Pier 84 to catch the hop-on/hop-off water taxi. While waiting in the freezing cold we checked out the huge war ship Intrepid which is docked at the same pier and part of a museum. Once abroad the boat we headed towards downtown - getting some great views along the way. The tour host had a bunch of interesting stories. Where the taxi leaves from is the same spot as the Hudson plane crash - meaning tour boats where the first responders - all passangers were back on land within a few minutes. We also saw where the presidents helicopter lands and an amazing fire boat. Fire boats in NY are named after firefighters who have lost their lives. This boat is called 343 - resembing the number of NY firefighters lost on 9/11. Even more touching is the fact that the hull of the boat is made from steel salvaged from the ruins.
As we continued downtown we saw the construction of the new Freedom Tower which is a symbol of the resilence and strength of New Yorkers. Eventually the building will stand at over 500m tall and will be the tallest office building in the world. Once arriving in Battery Park we made our way up to the 9/11 Memorial site. This was very moving and is a tribute to a vast amount of people. There are 2 memorial fountains which are laid in the foundations of the original buildings. Around each fountains are the names of those who were lost.
Next, we headed to the 1st Precint Police Museum which was fantastic - they had a tribute for 9/11 along with the history of NY police departments. If your ever in NY its worth a visit - doesnt take long to walk through but is interesting.
We were meant to be on a slavery and underground railroad tour in the afternoon but noone showed up to take us - very weird. Anyway we decided to hop-on the taxi again and check out Statue of Liberty up-close which was cool - just a classic tourist destination and photo opportunity. We got back off at Sth Seaport and checked out the xmas markets and popped into a bar for a drink. We meet Karen and Peter and then went to check out bodies: the exhibition but it was closed! Will have to go back:(. We walked around to Brooklyn Bridge for some photos then jumped on the subway and headed back to the hotel and went for a quick dinner for Karen & Pete at Columbus Tavern - also fantastic.
Karen's 60th/ Christmas Day: Warmer today and busy - cant believe how many people out. All the kids went out for a champagne brekkie across the street at Fairway Cafe. We then popped into a stretch limo for a drive to Bryant Park and Grill for a bday/xmas lunch. The setting was beautiful - right behind NY public library with a park that had a skate rink and carosel. Lunch was average unfortunatly but the atmosphere and setting was perfect! We followed lunch with a long walk down 5th Ave checking out all the xmas lights and displays - all of which were fantastic. We were going to get a horse carriage around central park but at $50 for 20min its a bit much. Got a yellow cab back to hotel and have been catching up on blog and attempting some level of organsation.
All in all - WE LOVE NYC!!!!!
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!
