Biting the Big Apple
Trip Start
Nov 29, 2011
1
92
99
Trip End
Mar 01, 2012
New York City, New York
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Large Visitor GlobeSunday
Another cloudless day with bright blue skies, at least the wind had dropped today so although it was still cold it felt a lot warmer.
Nick, we are following your itinerary more or less, it has been so useful and makes more sense now we are here and realise where things are. I also see what you mean about eating on the way rather than going anywhere special, there are places to eat everywhere.
First stop today was ground Zero, we caught the subway from Central Park down to Fulton Broadway. Although the system isn't too complicated there does seem to be a lack of information compared to the London tube system. That said I don’t think you would get the train driver opening his cab door and telling you where to get off and confirming you’re on the right track at every station like the driver did here. People here have generally been very friendly and helpful. Unexpected and very refreshing for a big city.
We walked the few blocks from the station to Ground Zero and found that we needed tickets to get in. It was a pleasant surprise to find that there was no charge for the tickets, just a donation. As we entered we read that the first bomb attack on the World Trade Centre was 26th February 1993. It suddenly dawned on me that by chance we were here on the very day and more than that there was a planned minute silence at 12.18 to mark the exact time of the explosion. Our entry time was 12.00 and we would be at the site during the silence. It was a very sobering experience and a time for reflection. There was an understated ceremony with five policemen giving a salute at the memorial for the minute silence. The weather was exactly how it appeared on the 9/11 attack which added to the atmosphere. I never saw the twin towers but they must have been awesome in size, looking up I can only image them towering above the adjacent towers. The two infinity pools marking the footprints of the two towers seem a very appropriate and moving tribute.
A few blocks away via a Starbucks, we found ourselves in Battery Park boarding the ferry over to see the statue of Liberty. You can see the statue from Battery Park over the water but we decided we had to go and get up close and personal.
We couldn’t go to the observation deck on the statue as it was closed for renovation but you can walk all the way around. You don’t normally see views from the back, Claire looked up and commented that she was a bit of a hefty bird! I could imagine her saying "Does my bum look big in this" Well with a 35ft waist she does need to lose a pound or two!
The ferry on the way back stops at Ellis Island before returning to Manhattan, we didn’t bother with the extra stop and came straight back. There was a group of street entertainers performing some acrobatic moves to my song (LMFAO – sexy and I know it) they were very good and we stayed watching for a while. We then walked through the financial district to Wall Street. There wasn’t much going on here as it was Sunday and shaded from the sun by the tall buildings it felt quite cold so another Starbucks stop was called for. Dave George you would have been in your element here a Starbucks on every corner.
We headed out of the shadows and found ourselves on the piers of the East river overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. There were two sailing ships in the docks and views up and down the river.
Not far away we wandered into China town and found the usual procession of Chinese restaurants and grocery stores. You should have seen the look on one girls face as she passed us and looked down at Claires footwear, I don’t think she could have opened her mouth any further. Obviously all our other destinations have been warm so Claire only brought sandals and flip flops, although she bought some shoes en route they had been hurting her feet so she had no choice but the sandals. Everyone else here is in boots, and big coats – wimps!
By this time we were approaching evening and we continued through Chinatown and into the area known as Little Italy. Like Chinatown the streets here are filled with Italian restaurants all trying to entice you in with tales of how their restaurant is so much better than the others. We didn’t take too long to settle on one, we needed the rest and the warmth. We had a good meal and made our way back to the subway to take us back to the hotel.
We had a fantastic day and we are both loving New York, by far the best American experience we have had on this trip, and they are not so tax and tip mad here, yes they charge a gratutity but it is more like 10% and already included rather than the 15-20% they wanted in LA.
Kim, your guess at where we are going on Tuesday night is wrong by the way
Don't forget to sign the guest book on the last page - everyone welcome
Comments
missing the shirt too cold now.Everything else looks great enjoy.xx
Yes failed with the shirt, although it's been warmer today up till now I've had 4 layers on. That's why all the photos I have the same top on, I've got all my warmer clothes on
Bought back lovely memories, must go to NY again soon. Pictures are fabulous wish I was there! Ground Zero was just all rubble still when we were there in 2003, it was good to see what they had done with this area, Enjoy your last few days xxxxxxx