Empire State of Mind

Wednesday 20th May

The alarm clock went off way too early again today and after the last 2 days I felt like a zombie this morning. Nothing that a good breakfast (eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast) with a few mugs of coffee couldn't sort out! Chilly start again today but I was out early.  To avoid a delay in getting down to Battery Park on the bus I opted for the subway.  I had never used the New York subway before so here was my next challenge. Luckily my journey to south ferry station was straightforward, no changes required and it was the last stop on the line. Helped some German tourists out with directions and headed to board the ferry.  The view was much better today.  The statue was clearly visible.

After a bit of a wait to get through security I boarded the ferry right away. Everyone was keen to get a view of the statue as we approached liberty island so cameras /phones etc were in the air.

Fortunately the sea was not choppy and miraculously I did not feel sea sick at all... Usually just the sight of sea water does it for me. It was bitter cold over on the island and there was a stiff breeze but it was well worth it for the views of Lady liberty, one of the most iconic symbols in the whole of America. Of course it signified freedom and a new beginning for many immigrants years ago as they would be greeted by the statue

I walked around the island twice to get good views over to lower Manhattan and of course to get some stunning close up pictures of the statue of liberty. Acted as photographer for a few people, I must look like I have a nack for that kind of thing.

Before heading back to the ferry which was a short walk away I grabbed some quick lunch in the park and just enjoyed the views.

It was like hearding cattle when boarding the ferry, as everyone wanted to get back on the same one, despite there being one every 25 minutes. On the way back the ferry stopped at Ellis island,  where new immigrants were first sent when they arrived in the US.

Back on dry land I then headed for the last attraction to check out on my to do list.... The empire state building!

I took the tube back up to Penn station and could see it as I left the station.... Still I couldn't find it.  How can you lose sight of a building that big? I hear you ask!  Quite simply Because all the other skyscrapers block your view. Fought my way through the crowds on fifth avenue,  there was a new H&M store opening that lots of people were queuing to get into.

Once inside this grand building you have to queue to get through the security checks,  then queue again for the elevator to take you to the 86th floor.  There was as small display to look at on one of the lower floors beforehand but we were being waved on by the attendants.

The views from the top were breathtaking, it was great to get a view of the city at night and day. I would say that personally the Rockefeller center viewing deck probably just edges it for me because you can see Central Park a lot better but my goodness are the views still great at the top of the empire state building.

The wind was incredibly fierce on one side of the platform to the extent it was hard to stand up.  I took to refuge inside for a bit and looked over towards lower Manhattan, the freedom tower and statue of liberty where I had been this morning. It was here that I was listening to a mother explaining the 9/11 attacks to her young son who of course would have not been born then. It went something like this... I'm going to tell you a story... Once many years ago there were these 2 really tall towers over there but one day some bad guys flew some planes into them and knocked them down.  The good guys then built this one to replace it.

Took lots of photos and admired the view of the city before heading back to the hotel for a breather.

In the evening I met up with Sam who was spending his last night in the states.  We took a night bus tour which took us all around the city giving us some great views of it just as the sun was setting. Had the most wacky tour guide ever who kept quoting lyrics from the Frank Sinatra song New York New York and even broke out into song! Great tour though and a fitting way to end my time in the city.

Rounded off the day with a trip to Applebees for a nice meal before heading back to the hotel to pack the case and ready myself for my travel day tomorrow... We're North Carolina bound.