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Despite a wonderfully jam-packed day yesterday and quite a late night, New York waits for no-one. We were up and about bright and early again this morning, munching on strawberry and rhubarb hand pies and sipping the best tea there is. Today was going to be another scorcher and we had a lot to see! Thank goodness for expensive trainers and ibuprofen gel, that’s what I say.
We hopped straight on the Subway outside the hotel and headed downtown, all the way to Battery Park. Today’s first mission was The Statue of Liberty! She is my very favourite landmark of NYC. We had to make it through Battery Park without getting scammed by the fake ticket sellers first. They’re very insistent that they work there and you need to speak to them about buying tickets, but do not be fooled! There is only one place to buy tickets inside the park if you haven’t already purchased them online, like we had.
We made it through yet another airport-style security room (Barry got a pat-down this time!) and joined the line to board the next boat. It wasn’t long until one arrived and everyone was ushered on board. We found a spot right at the front and it was completely surreal sailing toward Lady Liberty herself. The whole time we’ve been here, I’ve had this feeling like it’s not real and I’m on a really accurate set, like at Disney or something. This was no exception as we neared the small island, taking photos and enjoying the breeze on this hot day.
The first thing we did was pop into the small museum to check out the statue’s history and how she was built. It was interesting seeing the changes that had been made since she was built in 1876. The torch has been replaced multiple times and the previous model was on show in the museum. The most recent torch is more true to the original design and it was shining beautifully in the sun today. There was a viewing platform on top of the museum so we spent ten minutes there taking in the views.
From the museum, it was a short walk around to the front of the statue. We sadly hadn’t been able to get tickets to go inside and up into the crown (much to my relief and Barry’s disappointment), but it was amazing to see her in her full glory, bathed in sunlight. We ambled slowly through the crowds, taking photos and enjoying the views of the city. Henning felt he was much more magnificent than Lady Liberty. I think they’re both lovely.
We eventually made it around to the other side, through a gift shop and into the courtyard of a café. Here we shared a cookie and had a cold drink each, enjoying the shade and the starlings hopping around, searching for crumbs.
Back on the boat, we found a seat on the top deck and enjoyed the breezy ride to Ellis Island (we didn’t have time to explore it on this trip) and back over to Battery Park.
Another subway ride landed us in the Greenwich Village area looking for a couple of different landmarks. It’s so strange seeing all the familiar street names, not quite remembering where I know them from! Bleecker Street was one of them today. It was a short walk through some very pretty, tree-lined streets to find… the Friends apartment!! We got the obligatory photos and listened to a nearby tour guide ruin the magic for everyone, telling them how inaccurate it is (“it doesn’t have the balcony and it was only ever used for cut shots”). One day when we’re back in California, we’ll do the Warner Bros tour of the actual sets.
Onward! We walked in the general direction of a place Barry has been wanting to see, but on the way we found NYU and the Washington Square Arch, where Harry drops off Sally when they finish their road trip to New York. We sat at the fountain for a short while to take in the atmosphere. It was buzzing with NYU students. I also saw the best dog of the trip, hands down. A Great Dane puppy!
We stopped for lunch nearby at a place called This Bowl. They sell fancy poké bowls and you can customise them however you like. I had miso chicken and Barry had chilli chicken. Both were delicious and were a much needed infusion of veggies!
Feeling revitalised, we made the final push on to Barry’s destination. CBGB’s. This was once a much loved punk music venue, frequented by The Ramones, The Misfits and a lot of Barry’s favourite bands. The vintage clothing and record store which now occupies the venue has been incredibly respectful in their preserving of its history. All of the old posters still cover the walls and the vibes were immaculate. The staff were very accustomed to music lovers needing to see it.
Our missions for the morning had been accomplished, which meant I could finally rest my feet! We had a nice break at the hotel before the main event of the day (according to me, anyway). One of the things I really wanted to do in New York was see a Broadway show, so we booked to see Hamilton, which is one of my favourites and it just made sense to see it where it all happened in the 17/1800s! I practically floated to the theatre, which was another march through Times Square.
We each had a pizza slice for dinner from a place opposite the theatre. It was delicious and just right for a quick pre-theatre meal.
It was finally time to take our seats, armed with a classic Playbill brochure and a drink in a souvenir cup. If you haven’t seen Hamilton, it follows Alexander Hamilton from when he first arrives in New York City, through the revolutionary war, through his political career and personal life. It’s one of my favourite shows and I highly recommend it. The soundtrack doesn’t do it justice. Hopefully our Norfolk based readers have tickets to see it in Norwich in 2025… I know I do!! Every actor was exceptional and I obviously had a little cry. Barry isn’t a fan of musicals and I’ve dragged him to this one twice now. I think that’s enough! He does suffer for me sometimes and I appreciate that he does these things with me.
That’s another day done! I won’t mention that the one time I take control of Subway navigation on the way back, I took us in the wrong direction for one stop…
See you tomorrow for another exciting day!
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