Two days spent looking at sights, listening to the sounds and experiencing the cold of New York City. The children have walked their feet off, ridden on buses and ferries, ridden the elevator to the 86 floor of the Empire State Building, ridden the carousel in Central Park and seen sights they have never seen before. We have walked 14km yesterday and 10km today. (P- apart from me I needed to sneak off for a Siesta or two!)
When we picked up our tickets for the Hop on Hop Off bus the lady asked where we were from, Philip answered “China”. She looked at us with a weird look and said “ nooooo.” Then when she was telling us where the tour was stopping she pointed out China Town and told Philip he could meet his relatives there. She thought it was hilarious.
We (apart from Philip) headed up to Central Park. Kids were wrapped to see their first squirrels, jump in the remains of the snow, we all rode the carousel, then stopped by the Ice Rink for a rest before heading back to the apartment. We had an early dinner before putting on all our warm clothes had heading out to do the night tour of the city. Good to see the lights of the city, cross the Brooklyn Bridge, see the Freedom Tower and views of the city skyline at night. We are glad we rugged up cos “boy” was it cold riding on the top level of the open air double decker bus!
Sunday
First stop was Empire State Building and a fast trip to the top to check out the view. This gives a whole new perspective on the size of New York City. Great views over the city, north south east and west. 80th floor was inside, 86th floor was outdoors and it was freezing. (Joanne) -Mum did an awesome job walking outside on the 86th floor given she hates heights.
Stop two was at the 9/11 Memorial. This is a most moving place. Joanne and I were in NYC in 2004 when there was just a hole in the ground where the towers once stood, I was here in 2013 when the memorial garden was open but the Freedom tower was still in construction, now we walked around the memorial garden, through the amazing building which houses the train station and shops. It’s such a moving place and very sobering to see all those names engraved into the memorial but very difficult to explain the emotion involved to 3 young children who didn’t really understand the events behind it. (P- I remember well that horrific day that in my opinion “Changed The Modern World” I was in transit to New Zealand – not a good feeling flying that day! At the memorial we found the name of a lady Judith made a Quilt Square in memory of, that was part of a Memorial Quilt that was assembled post 9/11. This huge quilt was on display for some time but currently sits in the Museum archives. What a beautiful memorial, One could not help but shed a tear when thinking of the suffering that occurred at this site).
We walked from here down to Battery Park where we caught the ferry over to Liberty island to visit the Statue of Liberty. During our walk around Liberty Island Claire loudly declared that ‘I think Pa has dementia so he probably won’t remember’..(P- in defence I was pleading ignorance to something she wanted to do that I wasn’t too interested in that she had discussed prior!). She had us in fits of laughter! Then back to the bus for the return trip to Times Square. We were all frozen by the time we got back so a stop at Starbucks for Coffees and Hot Chocolates as we walked back to the apartment.
A big day left at 9am and returned around 6.30. Again kids did an amazing job.
Tassie Travellers 