2. Empire State Building - 29/12/09

When you think about New York, the first things that pop into your head, is without a doubt #timessquare and of course #theEmpireStateBuilding among other things. The big city lights! The buildings are amazing and what you have seen in the movies are absolutely true. The hustle and bustle of people, taxi's, and a Starbucks on every corner. We were awestruck-ed. George and I, being the pudent planners that we are, bought a #NewYorkPass that included entrance to all the sights that was on our to-see list. 

The ESB was a few blocks from our hotel in all its grand glory. We went to the 82nd floor's observatory  and the view was spectacular. So was the wind that almost blew us away. 

When I looked out at the view, I wanted to describe it as the 'concrete jungle' like Alicia Keys had sang it, because Manhattan is exactly that. It is an island, but instead of a prehistoric village inhabited by primitive Neanderthals, this island is congested with skyscrapers standing tall, department stores having sell-out sales, and a multitude amount of people from different social classes and backgrounds.

I would recommend not to pay extra for the "skyride" - it is a film showed to you about the history of the building.
It was a bit boring and lame. We went to the 102nd floor, which is the highest point of the building, it was very small and does not make a difference to the view. And at $15 each, it wasn't worth going up those extra floors.

After the stunning view we trotted, against the icy wind, along for about 10 blocks to Time Square. Taking everything in and snapping every detail. We were so amazed at how awesome Time Square is.

         

Left: Look, our heads in jars!! at Ripley's Believe It or Not.





Right: Went on a horse-drawn carriage around and about Central Park.

Below: As we got off our carriage a New York reporter stopped us to ask a few questions. Yes, we were mentioned in the paper! How cool! Nevermind the spello of my surname. For the full story have a look at the archives of the #NYPost.
The Russian carriage-conductor weren't too keen for us to talk to the reporter and he refused to let them take a picture of us with his horse...

We admired another landmark building, the #RockefellerCenter, before we saw some celebrities and got to pose with them for photo's....

Too bad they were made out of wax..

We saw New York by day and now it was time to savour the magnificent view of a New York City night - 

The City that Never Sleeps:

1. Start Spreading the News... - 28/12/09

http://mend30012.deviantart.com/art/New-York-Night-Street-V3-178670851

"Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today. I want to be a part of it. 

New York. New York. 

These vagabond shoes, they are longing to stray. Right through the very heart of it. 

New York. New York. 

I want to wake up in a city that doesn't sleep. 

And find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap. 

My small town blues, they are melting away. 

I will make a brand new start of it, in old New York. 

If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere It's up to you, 

New York. New York!"

    

We landed at JFK in the evening. Walking through the doors to meet the streets of New York City the icy wind crept under my skin, giving me goosebumps.. Or was it just the sight of the Big city lights! We "catched a cab" to our hotel on 5th street, looking big-eyed at everything and taking in each and every square inch. Regardless to say the excitement was sparkling, I was dead to my feet. Being on a plane for more than almost a day, and not getting a proper shut-eye, I needed to catch some zzzzz's. #Latham Hotel