Getting in the groove... - New York City, NY
New York City, NY
It's been two very busy days! We are beginning to become more familiar with using the subway, changing lines and trying buses, thanks to an app Martin downloaded on his phone. In many ways it was probably "baptism by fire" in trying the subway on the weekend because the morning peaks for the past two days seem strangely a little quieter. The afternoon does seem to get pretty packed though!
Yesterday morning we discovered Century 21, a large multi level store of discount fashion and accessories. Tim's eyes just sparkled as he filled his basket with discounted "labels". Martin also caught his infectious spirit, buying an impressive pile. Joc and I showed more restraint but were tempted by the handbags and sunglasses! The length of the receipt (and the total!) were big but the savings were amazing. Tim's bedroom is looking like a shrine to commercialism!
After returning to our apartment we headed back downtown to the World Trade Centre and Ground Zero. It somehow seemed fitting that it was raining. After numerous security checks, the memorial was a very reflective space. Just walking around each of the pools- where there are tree lined paths and two 30 foot waterfall pools descend into voids. Reading the names and locations of those who died inscribed on the bronze parapets, proved very emotional for some visitors. Memories are still very raw.
Tim was keen to see Wall Street and the Stock Exchange. The cobbled, windy streets are a very part of New York. Tim's face was beaming as Martin snapped his photo in so many legendary locations. They lined up to have their photo next to the famous bull statue. No doubt Tim is hoping that some financial luck will come his way!
We travelled uptown for a brief visit to the Guggenheim Museum. An impressive modern Frank Lloyd Wright building that belies it' s 50 years ( much like some of us!). But with only limited art works on display due to renovations we took the 5th Avenue bus to the majestic New York Central Library. Such a beautiful building and one of my favourites in NY so far. (Flatiron and Grand Central are "up there" too!) Unfortunately we arrived just before closing time to discover that from July 1 - 3 the American Declaration for Independence and Bill of Rights would be on display. They are rarely on display together so we were keen to return this morning.
The room in which they were displayed was exquisite and a beautiful backdrop to the manuscripts. It was so difficult to decipher the faded handwriting but we were all so pleased that we were able to see them both. How fortunate and a lovely lead up to Independence Day celebrations.
The Chrysler Building was only a block away. Such a wonderful ceiling in the lobby. To think it was painted on canvas then stuck to the roof. Despite the cloud we decided to go up the Empire State Building. It proved a wise decision as we passed empty crowd barriers but it was still busy. We are becoming used to queues! It was actually very warm/humid, still and comparatively quiet. The hustle and bustle of Manhattan was 86 floors below - almost double the 44th floor of our apartment. We just loved the different views and getting our bearings from so many angles.
Seeing Macy's was not far away Joc was keen to explore. Via Foot Locker which Tim and
Martin seem to adore. With 9 floors the staff greet us at Macy's - the biggest department store in the world. In many ways for a brief visit of an hour or so, the size proved overwhelming but Tim and Martin had luck in menswear. It will be fun to compare Bloomingdales in the next couple of days.
We wanted to venture to the infamous Katz deli for a Reuben special; lashings of pastrami and cabbage on rye was perfect before Joc and I went to the Broadway Theatre to see Cinderella. Such a sparkling show and the costume changes were magical. No wonder it won a Tony for best theatrical costumes. As it was a 7 pm performance adults certainly outnumbered children. But there were still some little girls dressed up in pink!
Tim and Martin meanwhile went back to Central Park and Tim ran around a section. A perfect way to burn off the Reuben and enjoy a lovely summer evening. Joc and I walked home along Broadway. At 10 at night it was so crowded with theatre patrons, visitors, most shops open and police on every corner. We felt very safe.
NY seemed to be living up to its motto as a town that doesn't sleep!