Day 5 - Markets, Macys, Empire State Building, Ground Zero & Wall Street

Phew,  I am tired just listing the things we looked at today, particularly as we had a late start because of a late night at the theatre last night.

Priscilla Queen of The Desert was a riot.  It had everything  - from magnificent costumes and sets to bawdy humour and lots of high camp, with plenty of laughs and great music.  The production was truly excellent, and Aussie actor Tony Sheldon who played one of the leads was great. We all thoroughly enjoyed the show.  The crowds in Times Square were also amazing - people everywhere when we came out of the Palace Theatre about 10:30.  We did some people watching, then retired to the West End Bar & Grill for a late night meal and a couple of drinks.  Hit the sack (exhausted) around 1:00am.

The Palace Theatre Times Square

The Neon Lights are Bright on Broadway

After a late breakfast today we walked the twelve blocks to the Hells Kitchen Flea Markets where we all had a Chinese back massage which helped loosen our stiff and aching muscles.  Another walk through the Garment district took us to the world's biggest department store - Macys.  It is HUGE - covers about four city blocks and is 9 floors of shopping paradise.  Managed to get the girls out without too much fiscal carnage and headed to the Empire State building for a squiz before we embarked on our first subway ride.

Empire State Building

We sought out St Paul's Chapel and Ground Zero.  This was a place and time for reflection on the needless and unforgivable act of terrorism that happened here almost ten years ago, and it was quite moving. The crowds were enormous.  Rebuilding of the site is now well under way, and the plans are impressive.

Reconstruction work at Ground Zero

We then headed to Wall Street where Brian swore that he could feel the presence of Michael Douglas. Once again lots of people, but all very well mannered.

New York Stock Exchange Wall Street

A subway ride back uptown (that's New York speak for north) got us close to our apartment, where we plan to spend a restful evening with one or two cold ones.

The Boys waiting for the subway train at Wall Street station

As I write this bog I just looked around the apartment - Helen & Maureen are both asleep in lounge chairs, and Brian has retired to his bed for a nap - and its only 6:30 in the evening - it HAS been a big day. I guess I'll just have to drink alone.

Tomorrow we are going for our helicopter ride over Manhattan - should be one of the highlights of the trip, and we also plan to walk the Brooklyn Bridge.

We have all remarked on how well run, clean and and efficient everything is, from the transport system of  roads and rail networks to the street sweeping and rubbish collection which seems to happen every day. 

We are very impressed with New York and its not hard to see why people fall in love with the place and never leave.