New York, New York Part 6 - Central Park & Empire State Building

Then for our last full day in New York, we went to Central Park, and what an amazing place it was, to think you are in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world and this park is totally tranquil and relaxing, our first stop was the John Lennon Memorial - Strawberry Fields,  

which was in the view of the hotel where he lived and died, and were Yoko still lives.

Then we walked around the park and took in some of the amazing features and lovely lakes.

We found the Alice in Wonderland Statue, which was stunning and even better in real life to look at.

Then it was time to do some last bits of shopping, so we separated again - and Julie and me went to Tiffany's and I spent my birthday dollars on a lovely key necklace.

Again, another quick turnaround back at the hotel and off we went to the Empire State Building.

The view from here were impressive, especially that we could see a close up of the Flatiron Building, which wasn't far from our hotel.

Thanks for sticking with me, and reading about my trip, one last day coming up soon.  Then I will share some layouts I've been working on over the past weeks.

New York, New York - Part 5 - The HighLine and Top of the Rock

So today we had a slower pace compared to the other days, we visited The HighLine which is a disused rail line above the City.  It was lovely to get away from the hustle and bustle of the City and have a peaceful walk, I know why it so popular with tourist and the locals alike.

Obviously the only way to sit and study whilst on the HighLine

We found one wall art on our walk

 and I enjoyed a ice lolly

 Then we walk to the Chelsea Market - which was another highlight of the holiday - what a fantastic and great place to visit, I truly could have spent the whole day in here, just exploring the many shops and stalls.

On our way back to the hotel, we came across a craft shop - and it would have been rude not to visit -

Another quick turnaround and back out to The Rockafellar Centre - The views where stunning 

As we waited for the sun to set, we took advantage of the free wifi - forget the views we have wifi.

And has the sun set the lights of the city came on and it was another fantastic moment - the photographs doesn't do it justice.

I'll be back shorting with more updates.

Thanks for stopping by

New York, New York, Part 4 - Statue of Libety, Ellis Island & Cruise

On the Saturday we split into two, Morag and Sue C had booked to go on an helicopter and the rest of where going to the Statue of Liberty, with me and Julie going onto Ellis Island.

Whilst waiting for the ferry, we visited Battery Park that had the Sphere - which was originally situated between the Twin Towers before 9/11, they have now moved it here and made a lovely memorial garden.

So we caught the ferry over to the Statue, which was great to see lower Manhattan from a distance.

This is one of the iconic sights of New York and I was so excited to see it up close 

Sue and Barbara just had a stroll around the Statue, whereas me and Julie did the audio tour 

and I actual climbed the 148 steps to the pedestal, and managed to get a great view of Ellis Island and Lower Manhattan.

Then we caught the ferry over to Ellis Island - which was amazing following the audio tour and finding our the full history of the Island and what people had to go through to get into the USA.

Me and Julie ended up getting a taxi back to the hotel instead of the subway, and this was our crazy taxi driver - he was actual nice, but he looks crazy on this photo - lol x.

It was a quick turnaround and we all headed back out - minus Sue P who was meeting her son for a meal - for our evening cruise around the island.

It was lovely seeing the sun set around the island and the island come to life for the evening.

We even had a visit to the Statue - not a very dark photo - but it was all lit up and just looked even more magnificent than it did earlier in the day.

Another full and fun packed day in New York, I'll be back shortly with more update from my trip.

Thanks for stopping by

New York, New York Pt 3 - Brooklyn & Top of the Rock

Me and Morag went for an early morning walk whilst the others where sleeping, it was great seeing the city come back to life, it was still noisy and yellow taxi's everywhere but not many people around.

This squirrel seems really tame, I was this close to it and it never ran away.

Then it was back to the hotel for breakfast and get the subway down to South Ferry for a trip over to Brooklyn.

Now this was one of the unplanned highlights of the week - Chippy didn't swipe her MetroCard properly so couldn't get through the turnstiles - 

so she decided to climb over it

She couldn't get over it - so under it she came

Everyone was laughing - but more so when a guy said ' why didn't you just come through the gate ' which was just at the side of the turnstiles - there was an American with her daughter who was in stitches and I think the daughter even video it.

We eventually got on the subway, only to be created by some subway busters - I was trying to attached a video - but it bloodspot won't let me.  I will play around with it and add it later if I can.

My first sighting of the Statue of Liberty - not a good one due to it being a very misty morning.

 A short ferry side which took us under the Brooklyn Bridge.

Near Manhattan Bridge

the glass house by Brooklyn Bridge

My disappointment of the holiday was not being able to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, I was too scared - I started off ok has it was a concrete floor then it changed to wooden slats - similar to a pier and I just panicked.  I just couldn't go any further, so ended up having to give it a miss and Julie kind enough said she would come back with me - I was happy to get the ferry back and cab back to the hotel - but she came back with me for which I was grateful.  The rest went over and when we meet them later they said that further on it changed back to concrete - if only I knew - maybe the next time I will manage it.

We got the ferry back but it panicked us a bit  has it went down a different route to when we came over,  but it gave us some good views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines.

In the evening we had booked to go to the Top of the Rock with a tour beforehand, then up to see the views of the city at night.  Me and Sue went on the tour whilst the rest waited - we both enjoyed it and learned about The Rockafeller Centre and the surrounding buildings.

Whilst on outside tour, a Police motorbike convoy came pass.   

We meet up with the rest of the group and then we were told that due to low visibility - we couldn't go up to the top but had to re-book for another evening, after the getting over the disappointment, me and Sue had passed a burger bar on the tour and decided to go back to have something to eat and I really think this was the best burger I'd tasted.

After a fun, full day of walking and exploring it was time to go back to the hotel to rest and get ready for our next day of activities.

Thanks for stopping by.