What a day we have had! It has been crystal clear and FREEZING! We left the hotel this morning wrapped up to the nines, and caught the subway to Hudson Yard. Strangely there were not many people around – but I suppose all people in their right minds were not walking the streets at about -8!
First on our agenda was The Vessel. As you can see from the pic below, it is a strangely shaped building!
We then proceeded up 100 floors to The Edge – a protruding “balcony” where you can see New York and surrounds. Magnificent! On the balcony floor is a glass piece where you can stand – ie nothing between you and the ground 100 floors down. (Dylan – we thought of you as we know how you can’t walk over any glass – let alone 100 floors up!) I eventually managed to step onto the side of it, but could not breathe while I was on it! William just walked on and took pics!
We then came back down to ground level, and proceeded to walk (still in sub zero temperatures) along The Skyline – an elevated pathway with gardens that runs for about 2km. Unfortunately the gardens were not looking too good, but not much can withstand these temperatures!
We popped in at the Chelsea Market and had a quick bite to eat at Tacos No 1 – a place that William really wanted to try. As you all know I don’t eat spicy food, so asked for just guacamole to be added to my chicken taco. Unfortunately the Mexican man did not understand, and I got my chicken taco with everything except guacamole! My mouth burned for hours afterwards!!!!! Even a Donkin Donut (yes, they are still going strong here!) didn’t help!
We were heading for the Rockefeller Centre when we looked up and saw the most beautiful cathedral – St Patricks. We went in and it was beautiful inside. The only disappointment for us was the St Patricks Cathedral Souvenir Shop in the Cathedral! We then continued to the Rockefeller Centre, and were taken on an interesting tour of all their buildings. To end that off we went up to Top of the Rock (Top of the Rockefeller Centre) 70 floors up where we, again, had stunning, clear views of this metropolis. It was interesting to look down on Central Park where we had walked on Monday in the snow!
Back onto the subway we hopped – we are becoming pro’s at navigating the subway – and off we hopped at Byrant Park – where there is an ice rink at this time of year. Outdoors! And we popped in at the Public Library where many a movie has been filmed. Unfortunately, due to renovations we could not see much.
Our last outing of the day was to the Empire State Building. Up 86 floors and again amazing views. We chose to go up at sunset to get a different perspective of the city. It was freezing standing outside there, and when I put my gloves back on (as you can’t work your cell phone camera with them on), the heat packs I had in my gloves felt like they were burning my hands! (Liza, I found the heat packs you spoke of at a pharmacy here today – thanks for telling me about them!)
After all this, the Terribly Tired Travelling Taylors walked the 1.1 km back to our hotel, picking up some supper at Jollibees – similar to KFC but 100 times nicer! – and flopped down to eat it. It is only just after 8pm here now, but it won’t be long until we are lights out!