New York, Days 3 & 4

You know what?  I think you know where we are...

It’s rather lovely to be able to sleep in.  I know we’re in the City that Never Sleeps and that we should try and get as much as we can out of the day, but it’s nice to not have to get up and start doing stuff until you’re ready to face the world.  I could get used to this.

Sunday started late, as all days have since we’ve arrived in New York.  We took the Subway the length of the City to Battery Park.  Like most major sites, we had to go through security and we were then on the Ferry.

If nothing else, the Ferry gives you a great view across Downtown New York.  The sheer magnitude as it rises from the Island reminds you are in one of the greatest cities in the World.

And then the ferry approaches Liberty Island and the Statue itself.  It was also the first day of Air Force Week, so we also got a flyover formation by the Airforce as we approached the Island.  Pretty cool!

The Statue stands, staring out towards the Harbour, her hand raised with her golden torch above her head.  She is magnificent, a symbol of the City and the Country’s fight for independence.  Everywhere you look in the City are references to her, and it’s surreal to see her in person, but totally amazing.  It reminds you of what can be done with a touch of patriotism and a decent budget!  Unfortunately they’re doing some work on the statue at the moment, so we were unable to go inside.  Still very worth it just to walk around the island.

After the Statue, we headed out to Ellis Island to look around.  Apart from the history of immigration in the States, the history of the building itself is fascinating.  After the immigration centre was shut down, the island lay abandoned for years.  The photography of the ruin and its restoration in the late 90’s is beautiful and the building itself, especially the Main Hall, is truly a wonderful achievement.

After coming back into town, we purchased some dinner from Whole Foods and sat in Central Park and ate a picnic dinner on the Grass.  

Times Square Craziness

On Monday, we started the day by heading to Grand Central Terminal.  As you come out of the tunnels, you are confronted by the most amazing terminal.  There appears to be nothing that this city doesn’t try and do bigger and better than anywhere else!  The ceiling depicts the signs of the zodiac viewable in the night sky, and presides over stunning brickwork.

This was followed by the Museum of Modern Art New York (MOMA).  This is a huge facility that hosts a number of amazing works, including originals by Monet, a huge collection of Picassos, Kahlo, Dali, and my favourite piece there, The Starry Night by van Gogh.  To stand in front of it, to see the brush strokes of the Master himself, absolutely stunning.  The galleries on design are also quite interesting, every day objects examined for their design elements and aesthetic.

Then off to the Rockefeller Centre, and to the Top of the Rock.  On the ground floor, we visited the Lego Store (off course we did) – cute, but not worth going out of your way for.  Then up to the Top of the Rock viewing platform.  This is one of the best places in New York to figure out the layout of the City.  While it’s not the tallest building in the City, its location gives you a glorious view over the City, with Central Park to the north, the two rivers on either side and mid-town and Lower Manhattan to the South.   I’d suggest this being one of the first sights you see in New York to get yourself acquainted with its layout.

Next, Times Square.  This throws you for a six the first time you see it – just the sheer noise and light, the multitude of people moving in and out, the advertisements flashing at you from every angle, it blows you away.  While there, we popped into the M&Ms store – brilliant!  Bought some peanut butter flavoured candy, om nom nom!

Then off to dinner in Little Italy, for dinner followed by my first cannoli. Delish!

Next post – more New York-ey goodness!