The Big Apple!!

We arrived in New York about 8pm and headed straight for the hostel. A bit of a dive but it was clean and had a bed and more importantly...air con! We woke the next day and went down to Ground Zero to have a look at the progression of the construction of the Freedom Tower. The spire was added in May and externally looks pretty complete. Interestingly, it reaches a symbolic height of 1,776 feet, the year of their independence.

We got passes for the 9/11 memorial which are free and you get let in at certain times to avoid too much queuing. The memorial itself are two "Memorial Pools" which were built in the footprints of both towers. Inscribed along the outside are the names of all those that died in the tragedy. It looks beautiful and will be a lovely space once it is all completed, a must visit. 

 Next we had a few recommendations to walk the "High Line" in the Meat Packing District. It is the old train track that ran above the city and has now been turned into a walk way and garden. It runs from Gansevoort St (14th St) up to 30th Street in Chelsea. So nice to see New York from a different perspective, really chilled and we are so glad we did it!

Looking down onto the roads in the Meat Packing District below

Gardens on the High Line 

Street artwork...incredible version of the famous "Kissing the War goodbye" photograph.

That evening we decided to go to Time's Square for a cocktail and dinner. We went to the View bar, a revolving bar and restaurant about 50 stories up at the Marriott hotel in Time's Square. Incredible views and a cocktail...what's not to like?

View from "The View"

The following day we went to the "Top of the Rock" at the Rockafella Centre. Both me and Lisa have done the Empire State before so figured we do something different. Such a great experience, cool as there are 3 levels to it. Shame it was a little cloudy, but still great views.

Top of the Rock looking out to Central Park

After the Top of the Rock, we got the subway to Greenwich Village to have lunch and a mooch about. Such an awesome vibe in the West Village, a bit more chilled out and more boho. Booked on a Sex on the City tour of the city for the afternoon. Was great fun, the tour guide pointed out loads of places that featured in the series and films. Stopped at a couple of places, including a sex shop, designer shops and a bar!

Buddakan which featured in the first movie..this bar is where the "last single girl kiss" was filmed.

Finished the day off with a walk along the Hudson river and a meal at the Boat Basin. A bar/restaurant just next to the river with great views. Perfect end to a great two days in this amazing city. Off to the Rockies next and looking forward to the quiet and chilling out...cities are tiring...but fun!

Until next time...