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NEW YORK

Our first day in the city that never sleeps and our first venture proper, having only glimpsed part of the city as we drove in on the bus. Sadly, our view, last night on our arrival was obscured due to the rain that greeted us into John F Kennedy Airport. Thankfully it had stopped as we got off the bus, and was no where to be seen this morning. Our plan for today is to visit Central Park, well part of it at least. There's no way we could see it all, other than by hiring bikes or being taken around in one of the horse drawn carriages. The likelihood of the first slim, and the second a definite no, our funds won't stretch that far. We caught the tube, after finally finding the entrance. The entrance big enough, just not what I had expected. I had looked up on the internet the various options for tickets and decided that as we where only there for 4 days that it wasn't worth purchasing the week ticket, as much of it would be wasted. Price for a single trip was shown on the web site as $3 each, which we never paid once. Sometimes it was less and even occasionally more. Nevertheless it was the best way of getting about, as it saved Pam's feet no end, so worth the cost whatever we were charged. We set out on the subway to alight midway down the Park at a stop at 81st Street. Not long into our journey an announcement came over the train intercom, which neither of us could grasp any of what was being said. Thankfully, a lady sitting next to Pam saw our confusion and explained that the train we were on wasn't in fact going to stop at 81st Street, or any other stop along Central park, and that like her, we should alight and make alternative arrangements, which we did. We got off at the Columbus Circle station, which is at the foot of the park.

Above on our first New York subway journey. Not really convenient as it now meant that we would have to walk into the park to appreciate what it had to offer and then walk back, whereas I had looked to only do one way! Regardless we set off and mingled with the numerous people already out enjoying this amazing park, surrounded as it is on all sides by the ever growing city, with it's towering buildings and bustling streets.

CENTRAL PARK

The park consist of 843 acres and is the most visited park in the whole of the United States, attracting according to Wikipedia some 40 million visitors in 2013. It was established back in 1857 and since that period seen a number of ups and downs. now maintained by Central Park Conservancy. It is certainly well frequented as we witnessed sitting eating our ice creams. By dog walkers, walkers, roller skaters, skateboarders, joggers, keen runners, and cyclists. It also is the home for many events and concerts, one of which was taking place whilst we were there. To help Pam's feet, we made a number of stops before reaching our original gaol, the Belvedere Castle, at one stop enjoying a local ice-cream as we watched the competitors in an event to raise awareness of Aids. An idylic setting, with many places to stop and admire the views, some of which I hope I captured on the few pictures that I took within the park.

Above: The horse drawn carriages that take you, for a charge, around sections of the park. Next to that the tribute to John Lennon in an area of the park called Strawberry Fields. The area milling with tourists and one very out of tune busker, trying pittifully to sing Beatles songs. Second row pictures looking from the park to the skyline of buildings and church that border the park.

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

We reached the Belvedere Castle, around lunchtime, to find it closed and under extensive repair. We couldn't even make out the shape of the building, thanks to the now much used scaffolding and cladding. Sad to have missed seeing the castle, we set off towards Central Park West - 8th Avenue in search of food. Ignoring the numerous roadside vendors, offering what appeared to be every culinary delight you could conceive, and some that you couldn’t, from a 6foot by 4foot mobile shed - no thanks, we weren’t that hungry.  Luckily, in making our way back to Columbus Circle, we came across the Museum of Natural History, a likely source of food, safe edible food, or so we thought!

Surprisingly not a free museum, but eh we are on holiday and we thoroughly enjoyed the visit and the modest entrance charge. The museum is vast, as is everything in America, and as a result, as well as the permanent exhibits there are a number of specialist exhibitions admission to these being extra. As we primarily wanted food, I went for the basic admission and, neither of us regretted it.

In the entrance is the ubiquitous skeleton of a dinosaur, although having said that the London museum has just replaced theirs with a huge blue whale. Having asked, and understood the reply we set off in the direction of the café, which was located on the lower floor. Not for the first time, during the holiday, we were disappointed with the selection of hot food that was available. Some of it looking like it had been out for days and look totally unedible. We plumped, as we would find out throughout the holiday, for sandwiches and salad. Suitably replenished we returned to the main floor and entrance to the museum.  Entering the museum proper you are greeted with the sight of an African elephant towering over you as it stands majestically on its raised plinth.  Behind it, a pack of elephants, including their young. The room in which they stand is only slightly illuminated, deliberately so, as the low lighting highlights the amazing displays, which are fully lit, that range around both the ground floor and first-floor walls.

The displays are amazing snapshots of animal life in the wild, beautifully portrayed not just with stuffed animals, but with the addition of tree, shrub fauna and most beautifully detailed and realistic artwork backdrops. We were both enthralled by each of the display windows, my camera and Pam’s iPhone attempting to capture this moment in time,  freeze-framed before our eyes. As I said earlier the museum is vast and warrants a day or more to do the display areas justice. We had a wander, briskly, through some other rooms, but soon realised that there just wasn’t sufficient time available, this holiday, at least, to do the museum and its numerous rooms and exhibits justice.

With a distance to travel before we reached Columbus Circle subway, we made several stops, taking the opportunity to sit and watch the passing metropolis, both people and traffic. At one stop we watched in amazement as this driver negotiated his car out of the tightest gap of two other parked cars. Manoeuvring and clearing the space without touchy either of the other two cars, to a well deserved and acknowledge round of applause. Never one to miss a photo opportunity with a celebrity, we  perchance came across none other than Abraham Lincoln, who, being the man he was, agreed to have a photograph taken together.  A striking pose don’t you think.

Reaching the subway station,  we took another chance to sit and watch the comings and goings, this time at Trump Intercontinental Hotel and Tower. It seems strange, not right some how, to see the President of the United States name branded across the frontage of a commercial building, it just doesn’t seem right.Yes on his library when his term of office is complete or he resigns, which ever comes the quicker. We tried to imagine the Winston Spencer Churchill Laundry and dry cleaning establishment or the Margaret Thatcher Butchers, back in the UK!

Alighting the subway train at the Port Authority station we walked back to the hotel to clean up and change before making our first night time soirée into Time Square. We tried to eat at the Hard Rock Café but, found the waiting time far to long. We did take the chance to look around the display of musical memorabilia, an established feature with these establishments throughout the world. Took a number of pictures and after offering to take pictures of a couple they offered to take us. One of a limited number of the two of us throughout the holiday. With too big a wait for food, we set of in search of somewhere else to eat, taking in the lights of the billboards as we progressed. We ended up at the Dallas BBQ restaurant, being guided to the escalator which took us to the crowded 1^st floor. A reasonable selection of food, from which we both choose chicken and chips, served with peas and dough bread. The meal was good and filling,  although neither of us tried the dough bread. We noted on adjoining tables that we were not alone in rejecting the bread. Back at the hotel we spent what was left of the evening either writing up the diary in my case or finishing off her book for Pam.

our first of not so many offers to take our picture together. This one resulted from my offer to take our photographer. An impressive wall of electric guitars, heaven knows what it must have cost.

9/11 MEMORIALS & THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE

Our second full day and one scheduled to be an emotional one, with our visit to the 9/11 memorials and then exhilarating as we travel to the 52 floor of the Empire State Building. First stop the subway to catch the train that will take us to the World Trade Centre station and from there to the building itself and the two memorial blocks. Not difficult to find your way, simply had to follow the crowds, all with the same objective in mind. Some, 15 minutes after getting off the train we had joined the respectful crowds, in the park area that has been created around the two monuments to the victims of that evil day.  We took pictures, not to be  disrespectful,  more to be able to show others, who may be interested and not likely to get the chance in life to see, what has been so tastefully created as a memorial.  

Pictures above are of the two memorial fountains created on the location of the original two towers. Water gradually flows from the outer wall, on which are inscribed the known victims of the tragedies of that day. The water then slowly cascades over the edge falling some twenty feet into a square pool in the centre of which is another square hole. The water falls over the four edges into this square opening. The water falling an unknown distance to be pumped back to start the process all over again. The movement so tranquil from one stage to the next. Around each of the four walls of the memorial are the names of the people lost on that tragic day, not just here in New York, but those who lost their lives at the Pentagon also. On the birthday of each person a flower is placed alongside their name, so that they will never be forgotten. A poignant reminder of the people lost and the area of destruction which took place.

A view of the north tower water memorial and the park, in the distance the South Tower water memorial. Poignant lasting reminder of how, so called, humans can apply such atrocities upon other innocent humans.

We didn’t visit the 9/11 memorial building, not because of the cost or the lengthy queue, but for the fact that neither of us could face the awful misery that it must inevitably portray. From the calm of the two pits and their moving water we walked towards the rib-cage to investigate what was contained inside and in the hope that this would be where we reconnected to the subway system. The Rib-cage, that we have nicknamed it, is in fact a Westfield shopping centre. Westfield, I believe started life as an Australian conglomerate with a number of centres throughout the UK. The access from the memorial park is through an innocuous double door, no grand glass frontage as you would expect, or would you. Being located as it is in the memorial park, the less obtrusive the more in keeping with the surroundings. Once inside the sheer scale of the ribbed structure immediately hits you. The ribs continue way below, either side, into the large open space area that is spread out in front of you several levels below. There are no immediate signs of any shops. They only become obvious as you move down into the structure, first on the sides of the building hidden behind the ribs and then as you look to ground level, again interspersed between the ribs, thus keeping the large centre area free. What, some might say as being a waste of a large area, but had it been utilised would have spoilt the impact of this amazing structure. Having got over the beauty of the structure and that in my opinion is what it is, we did find that it was also the new subway terminus, which would take us to our next New York destination, the Empire State Building.

Above:Pictures of the Westfield Centre, the first is taken from the rear of the structure as we made our way to the Memorial Park. The second picture is the view from within the park.

Above: Two photos taken from inside. The first as we entered from the memorial park, at the upper level, looking towards the station end of the structure.(The rear as from the earlier photo). The second picture is taken from the station end on the ground floor looking back towards the Memorial Park entrance.

Above: The scale of the structure, the height, the perfect lines, shown in this picture, taken from the memorial park entrance

Above: Having found the new station entrance this was the view of the walkway to the platforms.

It took us a while to reconnect with the subway, it was a lengthy walk within the new complex, but we finally made it. We alighted at Penn Station terminus, another vast area of corridors and shops, which is inevitable as the subway also serves the Amtrak main line services. Whilst at the station we sat and had lunch, making use of one of the many eateries within the station. Once replenished I had to work out which exit would get us on the right route to the Empire State, which I eventually managed with only a couple of false starts. We slowly wandered our way to our destination, using the sheer height of the building amongst the other tall buildings to keep us on the right track. The walk to the Empire State was again another fascinating insight into the variety of architecture within the city, contrast of old, some run down, to the ultra modern. We had pre-booked tickets for our visit so thankfully missed the lengthy queue for tickets and within minutes of us walking through the doors, kindly opened for us by the buildings smartly dressed commissioner, we were on the first lift taking us to the 80^th floor. The owners of the building have spent considerable dollars to improve the amenities, for the occupiers, more than the visitors, and regaled us, at every opportunity to pass on the amount spent and the savings being made. All Pam and I was interested in was the view, let us at it. The preamble was worth the wait and the 360-degree views from the reception floor amazing. Cocooned behind glass and thankfully with few other people around, we were able to take numerous, some duplicated, pictures between us, from this once in a lifetime vantage point. I was able to take a picture of Pam with the famous King Kong, who was in a polite mood that afternoon, and thankfully let Pam go after her ordeal of standing next to such a huge and reportedly vicious creature. Next stop another lift, this time to take us to the 86^th floor. This time we are in the open, still with the benefit of 360-degree views and thankfully a pleasant warm day in which to enjoy an even higher viewpoint of New York and the surrounding districts. We could have travelled to the 102 floors but didn’t, having thoroughly enjoyed the amazing views made possible at the 86^th floor.

THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

Above: Pictures taken from the first level on the Empire State, looking towards the Hudson River. Somewhere in the second photo, looking right and centre is the location of our hotel.

Above: The first picture is looking at the East river with the Chrysler building prominant to the left. The tiered cake roof with the prominent aerial. The second view is looking North, with just a glimpse of Central Park.

Above: The first picture is taken looking South, towards the new World Trade Centre and the area of the 9/11 memorial park. There is just a glimpse out in the Hudson of the Statue of Liberty. Then the sprawling city, made up of all shapes, sizes and heights of buildings.

Once down on terra firma we caught our breath and looked back up to the towering building that we had just ascended. We both love relaxing and taking in the ever-changing scenery that’s surrounds us. Sitting outside the Empire State certainly gave us ample opportunity to people watch in an abundance. One comical scene, which we will never ever get to the bottom of was between two lady police traffic officers and an unfortunate black gentleman. I first spotted their discussions to my right about 20-30 yards away, just clear of a set of lights. Next thinking that the talks are over they all return to their vehicles but simply move to directly behind me, got out of the cars and resumed their conversation. This discussion went on for a while with one officer doing all the talking and the other making copious notes in her book. Thinking the event was all over they again returned to their respective cars, started up the engines and did no more than travel 20-30 yards further down the busy road and stopped, alighted and started the whole scene over again. Would have loved to have been a fly on the officers note pad to hear and see what was taking place. This was just one of the interesting people encounters we witnessed, whilst building up our strength for the walk back to our hotel. Another interesting walk. We came across the Amazon Book Shop, which I think is their first venture into a book shop, whatever next a department store, that would be revolutionary!  We passed the world-famous Macy’s department store and travelled through the clothing and garment quarter, warehouse’s displaying colourful arrays of garments of all shapes and styles, before reaching 8^th Avenue and the road for our hotel.

Later that evening we walked into Time Square for our evening meal, before returning to the hotel, thoroughly spent and both ready to put our feet up for the rest of the evening.

CRUISE AROUND MANHATTAN

 Not really a cruise but a boat trip that will take us all of the way around Manhattan island, giving us fantastic opportunities to see New York from a different angle to the one we enjoyed the day previous from atop the Empire State. Sadly, we awoke to rain, which thankfully held off during our walk from the hotel to Pier 83 on the Hudson River. This is where we will start and finish our trip. The pier is adjacent to a Museum. A rather unique museum contained on, within and adjacent to the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier. Sadly, as much as I would have loved to visit the museum time wasn’t on my side, next trip to New York, definitely.

We arrived in good time to join the boat, actually we were first in line, so as to gain the best vantage point on board. Little did we know that our early arrival wasn’t necessary as the boat was virtually empty. So much for advertising hype. On the website it claimed that the lunch time cruise was always fully booked! Regardless of the hype, we were well placed at the back on the upper deck poised for two hours of marvellous photo opportunities. As I said earlier we had encountered our first day of rain and the weather even though it wasn’t raining now was overcast and you could feel a breeze coming off the Hudson River. This breeze was to turn out to be a little stronger as we left the shelter of the pier and gradually made our way into the river proper. It turned out to be a strong wind which when walking about the boat taking pictures meant you had to concentrate on your balance. Poor Pam, sitting aft, had to have the hood on her coat up,to try to keep the wind off her. Thankfully it didn’t spoil the time on board and once we turned from the Hudson into the East river the wind dropped considerably and that part of the trip was spent with us being less buffeted.

Back to the trip, and,irregardless of the weather it was well worth the money. Whenever I had looked at a map of New York, street view or 3D Google, and in planning our trip I had study many, I hadn't realised that there was a navigable waterway all around this major city. Obviously booking the trip brought that fact home to me! Below, courtesy of 3D Google are maps showing our 2.1/2 hour progress around Manhattan Island.

We set off travelling towards the World Trade Centre at Lower Manhattan and the area which became the famous entry point of millions of immigrants to America of Ellis Island and the monument that, after 1886, when it was dedicated, they would see, the imposing Statue of Liberty. Travelling along it was great to see the different shapes, heights of the buildings from river level. The Empire State Building (ESB) being the obvious one as we progressed, but soon it appears to be out done in height by some of the structures appearing on the river side of Midtown Manhattan. Our turning point at the World Trade Centre already towers over the ESB, the Trade Centre standing at 1776 feet (significant as this is the year in which American Independence was signed) against 1450 feet for the ESB.

Another must see when next in New York, and having already ticked off, several from our to see or must do list, must be to see the Staute of Liberty. Well here we were approaching her, with careful avoidance, by our skipper, of the luxurious yacht "Aviva", owned by British business man Joe Lewis and owner of Spurs football club, we get a close-up view of this striking sculpture, placed as it is at the junction of the Hudson and East Rivers. This view was well worth the cost of the trip in itself, to be able at last to see this icon, having seen it before but from several thousand feet up whilst in a plane; destination Orlando.

Despite the overcast sky we did manage between us to get a number of pictures, mostly I have to say using Pam’s iPhone as at reaching this crucial point in the trip my camera ran out of battery. Needless to say, I was somewhat limited on the remainder of the journey for taking pictures, especially long distance and, of on shore buildings, carefully identified by our most excellent guide on board, who for the whole two-hour trip gave the most unbelievably informative commentary, and all without notes. All together a fascinating view of New York, seeing buildings, locations and bridges we would have had no chance to see had we been staying for weeks rather than days. We travelled under the Brooklyn, and Koch bridges just to name two of the twenty plus that we passed under or saw.

Above: First the famous Brooklyn Bridge, followed by the Ed Koch bridge, named after the former mayor of the city. Again, the Ed Koch bridge but from the other side showing the Roosevelt Island cable car that runs from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island.

We passed by the Mayors residence called Gracie, the United Nations building and passed under the Roosevelt Island cable car, just as it was passing overhead. We witnessed trains crossing over us, the driver giving us a blast of his air horn in recognition. We awaited the passing of a train over a swing bridge that we were later to pass through. We saw the stark contrasts of where some of the residents of the city and the various districts lived. On the Hudson we passed over or near the stretch of water that pilot Chesley Sullenberger successfully and miraculously ditched his US airways flight 1549, saving all passengers and crew. We passed under an aqueduct used to transport drinking water to the city, and close to the burial place of President Ulysses S Grant and his wife, amazing and peculiar points of interest, throughout the two-hour trip.

Above: My picture from the boat, the aerial picture of the Mayors mansion, courtesy of 3D Google.

Above: Waiting for a train, not to catch, but to pass over the swing bridge so that we in turn can pass through on our journey back to the Hudson River and our docking point. First picture shows our train just about to cross, then the next picture our boat passing where the train had just crossed. Below, the now essential part of any travellers holiday souvenirs, a cruise photo.

We were only in New York for a few days but thoroughly enjoyed the experience, not a place I think that we would want to live; more likely couldn't afford too, but one definitely to hope to return to, as there are still a number of items to tick off our list, like Grand Central Station, The Rockefeller Centre, A Broadway show, USS Intrepid, more of Central Park, One World observatory and so on.

Loved our stay, loved the hustle and bustle, particularly around Time Square. A thoroughly enjoyable holiday, if somewhat tiresome on Pams feet..