NEW YORK - part 2

Today, we (in other words - me!) needed to escape the maddening crowds. It was going to be a hot day so we left early to walk to Central Park.

Being Sunday morning the streets were quiet, we passed a stable preparing their horses & carriages for the day in Central Park.

They kept the horses in this building

A number of local baseball games were in play -  Who's on first, What's on second, I don't knows on third.

 Many people enjoying the wonderful morning - including us

                             

 What would be a good way to relax & have fun?  

My rowing skills were not as good as Cliff's - I felt I was getting us nowhere & worried about running into other boats - so I was not feeling very relaxed.

The skyline of Central Park West was pretty amazing.

After rowing I think a well deserved soda was in order - there was nothing stronger available until midday.

Another lake full of remote control yachts - we found a shady spot to sit, eat salted caramel icecream, watch the boats & passing crowds.

We left the park & realised we lost Nessie -  not knowing where she could be, I asked these friendly NYPD cops for assistance. One very happy to help & one not so happy

Finally we found Nessie at the Plaza Hotel "Home Alone - Lost in New York"

McCoy's Irish Pub in Hells Kitchen, a soda for Cliff & beer for Nessie. The saying for the day in this bar was - "A hangover is something that occupies the head you neglected to use last night" how very true.

Bon Voyage New York city - we've had a very exhausting 48 hours but well worth it.

A day at sea & then Charleston, South Carolina next stop.

NEW YORK NEW YORK (part 1)

After leaving Iceland, we awoke to extremely thick fog. The Captain made an announcement, due to numerous icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland & thick fog the Sea Princess would not be docking in Halifax & we were proceeding direct to New York. A little disappointed on missing Nova Scotia but excited to have an extra night in New York.

We were lucky enough to be in the 2nd group to be processed by Immigration (apparently the last group finished well after midnight) After the experience of being fingerprinted & retina scanned (which was a little daunting) we decided to walk 7kms from the cruise terminal to the new One World Trade Centre (the tallest building below)

The weather was hot but there was a lovely breeze along the waterfront which was full of joggers, cyclists & families enjoying the ourdoors. By the time we arrived at the World Tower it was dark & very few tourists waiting to visit the observatory - which was great for us. The lift took less than 60 seconds to reach the 102nd floor where the 380 degree views of the city lights seemed to go on forever.

On the way back to the ship we stopped at Greenwich Village for a slice of Joe's Pizza (as recommended by Bec) the walls in this little pizza joint were covered in photos of movie stars who have eaten there - but for us, no stars were to be seen, one of the streets near by was closed for filming, so maybe in the early hours the stars go for pizza.

Now for a weekend to explore Manattan

This was a Saturday, so how busy must Time Square be on a weekday?

I think there's a super hero convention in town

People want their photo taken with the numerous characters in the square - I made the mistake of wanting my photo with Woody, Anna & Hello Kitty - after Cliff took the photo they demanded $5 each - lesson learnt - no more photos with cartoon characters.

Unless its a minion in Toys R us

"These pretzels are making me thirsty" 

Cliff needed a drink after devouring this huge salt covered pretzel

Ahh - nothing like a cold beer to wash down a pretzel - Cliff with Tommy the barman at the Landmark Tavern.

Michael the owner of the Landmark left Ireland & worked in Sydney pubs for a couple of years before moving to Manhatten.

After a full day of walking it was back for a quick sleep before the Lion King on Broadway - good thing I set the alarm or we would have missed it.

We had great seats, the costumes were amazing, Cliff enjoyed the show, but for me it felt more like a pantomime. Exhausted we walked back to the ship & fell into bed.