Another day in New York City

Our tour to the top of the Rockefeller Tower (Top of the Rock) was really good.  They showed a film about the building of the tower and other interesting facts.  We got to the top in daylight and stayed until all the lights were on and it was dark.  We were up there for two hours and it flew by.  When we came down we decided it was time to get something to eat and a glass of wine.  Jean was suffering after having an alcohol free day the day before.  It was "Shop Till You Drop Day" in New York as part of Fashion week and we stumbled across a Swarovski Shop that had a DJ playing and free wine and chocolates!!!  Well, did we have fun!  After a couple of wines and getting very excited about the goods on offer for very reasonable prices, Jean, Heather and I danced out of there with brand new bling!!  Then we hit the Anne Taylor Shop.  Both Jean and Heather came out with bags.  We had forgotten to eat but the wines kept us going!  There was a great atmosphere everywhere and most shops had DJ's and drinks. 
We slept late this morning.
Peter and I started the day by watching the TV coverage of the 9/11 ceremony.  It was very moving.  We left our Apartment and walked to Columbus Circle which is at the beginning of Central Park and had a nice breakfast.  We then walked over to the park and hired bikes and pedalled the entire circumference of the park.  We stopped a few times to look at fountains, the lake and various things.  The weather was hot but we had shade and on the downhill runs we got up quite a speed. It was great not to have to wear helmets.  After almost two hours, we returned the bikes and set off on foot to see the things you can't get to by bike.  We went to see the building where John Lennon lived and was killed.  We visited Strawberry Fields which is a part of Central Park dedicated to him and we went to Belvedere Castle which is the highest point of the Park.  There were many activities going on like singers, Jazz bands, orchestral bands, it was lovely to be amongst it all.  After a couple more hours we jumped on the Hop On Hop Off bus and back to Times Square where we ate a slice of Pizza and went to Juniors which everyone says has the best Cheescakes.  We grabbed one swedge to share and headed back to our place to put our feet up for a while before meeting Heather and Jean for the Sunset Tour of Brooklyn.
Tomorrow we are off to Harlem to experience a Gospel Service.

Busing our way around New York

Woke early this morning and went down for a big breakfast.  Showered and hit the streets.  We met Jean and Heather at 9.00am and went to get our tickets for the Hop On Hop Off Bus.  Did the Brooklyn Tour which took us over the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, through China Town, Little Italy, Harlem - we stopped at a place to buy a Pizza wedge, We stopped on the other side of the river and walked down into a park that has just opened and took photos.  We didn't bother getting off the bus because the Driver and Commentator were so good and we learned so much.  We went past the Trade Centre Site and they are setting up for the big commemoration tomorrow.  We were advised not to go there tomorrow because it would be chaos and there would be that much security that you wont be able to move.  Jean and Heather might do a food tour and Peter and I are thinking about doing a bicycle tour around Central park.  We also did the Downtown Tour on the Hop On Hop Off bus today which was good also.  It finished in Times Square, which is where we are staying so we each went back to our hotels to freshen up (and I am writing this) and we are meeting again in half an hour to walk down to the Rockefeller Tower.  We will go up to the Observation Tower and look over the lights of New York. 

New York - New York!!

WOW  Talk about life in the fast lane!  We landed and eventually our luggage arrived then we took off in a taxi along roads that we had heard of thanks to Seinfeld.  Traffic, People, amazing.  We got to our Apartment which is smack bang in the middle of Times Square.  We unpacked - yes - unpacked.  Clothes in drawers and hanging in a wardrobe - bliss.  Unpacked our tea and coffee and sugar because we have a microwave (no kettle) but at least now we can boil our own water for a decent cuppa (the simple things of life)  Anyway, then we hit Times Square and walked about like a couple of dumbfounded tourists.  Eyes everywhere, look at that look at this!  They have a huge screen that films the crowd and you can wave at yourself, so we did.  We took photos.  They have characters walking through that you can have photos with, so we did.  We were hungry so gritted our teeth and tried to find something to eat.  we came across this place where you fill a container and pay by the pound!  They had vegetables!!!!  We had a pretty decent meal for less than $10 for both of us.   Jean has arrived at JFK so she should be here within the next hour so that will be fun.  Her Hotel is two minutes from us so thats good.  We have four days planned with Jean and Heather.  We haven't seen the Statue of Liberty yet but plenty of time.  We will be here for at least 5 days.  Love to you all xxx