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Day 2- Exploring Lower Manhattan with my Buddies!!

A Pictorial Guide of our Perambulations in the Big Apple

Well, we awoke to a dull start with the weather but we weren't going to let that put the dampeners on our first day exploring the city. We were so lucky in that Manon had been to New York before and being the jet-setting, international traveller that she is- so she helped up plan our intinerary for the day over brekkie. I enjoyed it as I don't drink coffee- but toast and jelly (hark at me with my American translations !!) a croissant and a bowl of cereal was plenty to get me started for the day !

Just outside the B&B-it started!! Caz's fixation on signs again- aah memories of Langholm! We just can't understand why you are not allowed to stand!! Bit harsh New York eh!!! We hopped on the bus to the terminal and boarded the fantastically free Staten Island Ferry. As you can see Manon and Caz decided to recreate that famous Titanic scene!!! Yep! their hearts will go on and on and on on and on........................

Some might think it must have been more convenient to stay in Manhattan but I loved the Ferry. We got to mingle with New Yorkers, folk were really helpful, everyone going about the daily hustle and bustle- most just sat inside, (Caz and Manon... remember the NYPD cop telling the group of young kids sitting next to you two... "Hey no profanities! " (in a really Brooklyn accent) Most of the passengers must have been so familiar that the sight of the Lady , Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline was not one to marvel at anymore . But to me- the 20 min journey- with the fresh wind in your face was truly invigorating in the morning and after travelling on a hot stuffy subway at nights- brilliantly refreshing while you soaked in the Manhattan skyline - all lit up.

It truly made you slow down . Rather poignantly, I couldn't help also imagining those Twin Towers dominating the skyline and I even thought for a moment how unbearably awful it must have been for any witnesses on the ferry that day , helpless as they endured those distressing moments.

I so recommend a trip on it if you ever go to NY.The ferry was well organised and really punctual, it truly is a credit to the New York transportation system.



I 'm afraid, Caz and I had to do it- all those cop shows in the UK, NYPD Blue CSI NY, Cagney and Lacey etc etc - had to pose with a pukka NYPD cop or two!!
Next stop a moment to remember 9/11 and seeing the Globe was achingly sad. In no time we had strolled up to Trinity Church and St Paul's Chapel and Ground Zero. What struck me was the ground footprint left by the buildings- way smaller than you would imagine. I even tried to look up to the sky and imagine how tall they could have appeared. The Towers must have been an incredible sight with this tiny litle chapel only yards away. It had been a refuge- and like Manon- it was too painful to stay inside and view the tributes left there by the families, especially when you saw the photos, faces of those poor souls. Manon had told us about an area which had a collection of police badges from around the world- it was so moving but I couldn't take pictures and left to wander the pretty little churchyard with blossom floating around like confetti. Earlier we had seen the very old headstones at the Trinity Church and these were similiar dating from the late 1700's . The inscriptions were amazing- mini little stories in their own right, some of the text were so moving, one chap had even inscribed his own headstone and one I think where a woman had called her husband 'baby' - which I found amazingly modern. Remember Manon?.
Definitely another must see- a real opportunity to step back in time and think about those original pioneering New Yorkers.







As you can much consultation was made of the indispensable map!! Where to next Manon?? Aaah a pretty little space - City Park - where Manon and I chatted to a lovely chap and his sweet beagle!

Yes Caz Queens is very funny! Yes Caz you are very sexy! an amazing piece of advertising on the side of a building- not quite a Banksy eh Fruity!!


Caz and I outside the Buddhist Temple- it had a huge singing bowl- I would have loved to have heard it eh Caz? We ambled and strolled our way through lower Manhattan and after Chinatown, turned a corner into Little Italy!! It was so cool and I loved the vibe.


Caz on the Avenue of the Strongest!!!! Cor! Just got my head in!!! It was so funny, stood like lemons trying to find the Flat Iron Building until we turned around and realised we had just literally walked alongside it. hahaha Numpties!!! It was a bit drizzly and grey but hey ho!!! What a truly cool piece of architecture!


Time for food and we decided that we MUST eat in the 'Brewery ' situated conveniently in the ground floor of the Empire State Building, it was a shame that building work was being carried out on in the lobby with scaffolding etc spoiling the interior but buildings like these gotta be looked after, caught a shot of some nice Art Deco features though.

The bar/diner had a really nice authentic American vibe about it and we had really great service from the waitress- I had the most delicious cheesburger!! 10/10!!
As you can see Manon took the opportunity to show Caz what she really wanted to do to her after the intolerable months of jibes about her being chronologically challenged!! Decide for yourself- does she mean it or not???

Nice, sweet demure Manon Caz brace yerself... ooooh I think she means it..... the eyes give it away Manon! hahahah!

Time to move on- after emailing our reports to kfs Headquarters - we headed for the final goal of the day

As we strolled the street at night- what spectacular views we had of the The Chrysler, Empire State Building and Times Square ....wow!!



We headed home wearily on the first subway of the day, after one of the most enjoyable days of my life. We literally saw Manhattan from the South Ferry uptown to Times Square at a snail's pace, meandering and bimbling along, actually seeing the sights, taking the time to stand and stare. We were in the company of the most wonderfully patient guide Manon. She allowed Caz and I to stop every 3 paces to take photos , in some cases actually having to pose too! I can't thank you enough Manon for that day, for Caz and I you were the all the sunshine we needed!!!

And the best thing was ........... Day 3- Times Square up to Central Park- and weather permitting Top of The Rock!! Will we make it?? Be sure to tune in for the next exciting episode................................................................

Patty xxxx