First slice of the big apple

5th Avenue reflections

Empire State Building

Me at the top

Hello!

New World Trade Centre 1 building

Naked? He was wearing undies?

After a hearty breakfast of maple pecan crunch flakes I take the few steps to 5^th Avenue and go in search of Tiffany’s. Oh, oh there are police everywhere and barricades. What is going on? All is ok, they are just setting up for a parade. Maybe to welcome me?

I go up and down the block where is Tiffany’s? Eventually I ask this doorman with a million dollar smile. He shows me it is 2 metres to my left. Doh, tourist syndrome. Photo frenzy ensues. However I am not wearing a LBD, nor eating my breakfast.

Now to continue on my pleasant Sunday morning journey down 5^th Avenue. St Patrick’s is on the left and I nick inside but not much to see as cathedral is being refurbished and is covered in scaffolding inside and out.

It’s not long before I have photosnapped my way to 34^th street and the Empire State Building. Being a Sunday morning I have avoided all the long queues and am being whisked by the elevator to the 86^th floor in no time. Out into the throngs I go, views from east, north, west and south. This city is big on a map and even bigger in real life. The Chrysler Building is a standout and I like all the bridges ringing the city. Now lets take another lift and go to the 102^nd floor. Its much smaller, not as many people, an easier to see everything. Following the signs I now make it to my first of many ‘exits through the gift shop’ and do my bit to keep the American economy going.

Time to head along 34^th street and take in some shops I am starting to remember to walk on the other side of sidewalk and learning one thing I don’t like about New York is the people smoking cigars as they walk along. Stinky.

Next stop on the tourist trail is B & H Photo and Video, a store Stephen regularly shops at online. Armed with my shopping list I enter the fray. This place is heaving, people everywhere and every electronic gadget you can ever imagine. Its like candy land. But wait there is more, what’s all this whirring and tracks around the roof? Some guy explains it is a conveyor system to move the goods around. Huh? Off to the 2^nd floor I go. Which according to me is the 1^st floor another thing for me to learn about America.

I am on the right floor now the short queue I have to stand in to wait for one of the 40 photo specialist counters. The size of this place and the level of service is phenomenal. Within moments Mereash has my list added into an order, then within minutes the equipment arrives. It’s sent up from the warehouse in the basement via the conveyors. I think Santa’s elves must work downstairs. Truly amazing experience.

My feet are waining and my tummy is rumbling, across to the water I walk and hop on a boat to cruise around the river and check out the sites. We back out of the dock and the first thing I learn is we are right where the Hudson river plane landing was. Then its on for great views and commentary. We are getting closer and closer to the big lady in the river, finally time for some snaps. Oh oh, the camera battery is flat, time to switch to the phone. Hop it does not fall overboard. Can’t wait till I get to go over to visit the Statue of Liberty. Manhattan really looks impressive in the sunshine. One building the guide points out is apartments that have garages next to each apartment ie if you live on the 11^th floor you drive up to the 11^th floor to park. I later found out that Nicole Kidman owns one of them. They are only new so if you get in quick there is one left to buy at $13 million.

Now for a wander through Times Square (manic) and then up Broadway (interesting) to home. That’s more than enough for one day, there are many more to go.