New York Nov07

From TheGredil

For all the photos of our trip click here...

We flew to New York via American Airlines. The flight was almost empty which meant we could really stretch out and relax for the eight hours we were in the air. We touched down at JFK airport and easily found our way out, into a yellow cab (after a few hard sells from the dodgy "unlicensed" versions in their black SUV's) and off to Manhattan. It was only about a half hour drive and we were glued to the windows in anticipation of our first glimpse of The Big Apple. We arrived at our hotel, The Ramada Plaza New Yorker, checked in and hit the town. The most significant thing about our hotel was the building across the road. It look like it had been sliced in half and had a huge advertisement for a Motorola painted on the side. It was an eye-opener to commercialism at it's extreme.

Our first glimpse of NY

A lot of effort for a phone

The lights of Times Square

New York is a very diverse city and while it is true what they say about New York, it is busy, fast and hectic, it is for the most part, very orderly. Despite the large numbers of people, cars and buildings getting around was not too difficult or stressful at all.

Since the day was nearly over by this stage we decided to just go for a wander and see what was about. We ended up at our second example of advertising nirvana, Times Square. This was like visual Disneyland as glowing screens flashed tickers and adverts for everything from shoes to chocolate to websites. After tormenting ourselves in the Hershey store we moved on and found ourselves at the famous ice rink next to the Rockefeller Centre where they were preparing for a concert. Standing next to the Rockefeller building we couldn't resist the temptation to go up to the top and see the city at night. It was worth the $17 as the views were simply spectacular.

Wednesday

We were up early today (not really a problem due to the time difference) and off the Empire State Building for some more views of the city. It was about a 20 minute walk from our hotel and despite being the city that never sleeps it did have that "just waking up" feeling about it as people shuffled about on their way to work hugging Starbucks cups. Starbucks nearly have more stores in NY than there are yellow cabs, you can't hide from them. The daytime views from ESB were just as spectacular as the Rockefeller Centre. There was a bit of early morning fog Downtown and over the Hudson River which made for some interesting views as the buildings poked their heads out the top. It was quite a city in the clouds.

A stark reminder

We then headed Downtown to Battery Park Memorial, a memorial to Americans who lost their lives in the Atlantic Ocean during World War II, then off to the financial district. The grandeur of the Charging Bull, New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street and the World Financial Centre all reminders that we were in the Worlds financial capital.

It was then off to the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden for Wintuk by Cirque Du Soleil. The show was fantastic and the talent of the cast was mind blowing and at times during their stunts, almost difficult to watch.

Thursday

Fog over Downtown

With the US dollar at such a low value at the moment and the pound so over-inflated we decided to make the most of the bargain shopping. Despite the reputation of Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue stores we did manage to pick up quite a few bargains. Jeans and shoes in particular, for a fraction of what they cost in the UK.

We made a visit to Trump Tower whilst there for the ultimate in overstated opulence. The building has a striking and mysterious black exterior but it's a totally different story on the inside. Throw your sunglasses on 'cause there's gold everywhere. The only things to stand out amongst the shiny and gold were the black escalators and, of course, a Starbucks cafe. The ground floor was primarily Mr Trump keeping himself rich selling everything from books on how to get rich (irony?) to golf clubs embossed with his name. If you can't join 'em, copy 'em.

Battery Park Memorial

Gold everywhere!

Another day was over so we headed off to dinner. We had reservations at Cipriani's Rainbow Room for Leisa's belated birthday dinner. At the top of the Rockefeller Centre it provides stunning views of the city at night which helps numb the pain of $20 Vodka Martini's. Unlike many novelty "roof-top" restaurants the food was excellent and service was reasonable. Due to the English handicap with regard to all things beef, it was our first good steak in a long time.

Friday

Across the road for some American waffles and pancakes before heading down south to go across the river to Liberty Island, home of the Statute of Liberty. Unfortunately tickets for the statue were unavailable on the day so we settled for seeing it from the outside.

We then wandered up through financial district again, down Wall Street, stopping off at some more of the sights. Federal Hall (where George Washington stood as the first President of the USA) and some more shopping including Tiffany's and another Trump Building. We stopped off for a excellent seafood lunch in amongst New York wheelers and dealers and then up the Federal Reserve where a very stern police officer turned us away for not booking a month in advance.

We jumped on another Subway train (by now we were experts!) and went up to Grand Central Station. It is truly grand, it is central and is a station so it lived up to it's name. Once we finally found our way out, admiring the architecture along the way it was time for a 40 minute walk down to the United Nations Building on the shore of the East River. After some admiring from the outside of the buildings, flags and statues we headed in for a tour and some souvenir shopping. The tour was quite informative and seamed to go by much quicker than the hour that it took.