Started the day by conquering the NY subway system. It has taken a couple of trips, but we now feel like New Yorkers - Who says we don't know our uptown from out downtown? Hell, we have almost covered crosstown!! We've been to the end of the line, changed lines, crossed lines and still found our way back. We are GOOD.
Got the subway to the Heliport which is located at pier 6- all the way downtown. We were frisked before boarding, and once headphones were in place we took off over the Husdon River. The entire trip was over water - security dictates that nobody flies over Manhattan. The views were incredible. From the air, the sheer size of New York is mind blowing. I guess in our terms, imagine that over 8 million people are crammed into an area the size of Sydney's Northern Beaches (or Belconnen for Canberrans).
The pics probably don't do it justice, but have included quite a few below.
Rod & Helen waiting to board helicopter
Please note life preservers strapped to waist - not needed thank God.
Brian & Maureen kitted out with headphones - are we excited or what?
Lady Liberty from 1000 feet.
Liberty with poor cousin New Jersey in the background.
South Manhattan from over the Hudson River
After the Helicopter ride there was yet another walk - this time from Pier 6 to the Brooklyn Bridge. Along the way, the girls found a few market stalls and couldn't resist some bargains.
The Brooklyn Bridge was crowded with pedestrians and bikes, and we enjoyed the walk to Brooklyn - although keeping right is not a natural thing to do - I hope it feels a little easier in a 30ft motor home!!
Lunch was Pizza - at a great Pizza joint right on the East River looking back to Manhattan. We ordered one large pizza between 4 (see Pic), and Rod tried the Brooklyn Brown Ale - and reported that it wasn't a bad brew. We eventually conquered the pizza, and feeling bulletproof headed for the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory - Helen refrained (had gutsed out at lunch).
A brisk walk back over the Bridge (about 2kms) saw us back in New York, and an easy subway ride back took us home to familiar territory.
A couple of cleansers at the West End Bar & Grill (where we are now locals and known by name) before retiring to the sanctuary of our apartment. Salads at the ready, we are in for another early night.
The girls approach the Brooklyn Bridge.
Maureen and Brian embrace history.
Ditto
An OMG moment
She has earned it
Look closely into the background
Helen swore she had walked back to Sydney and maybe she was right.
She needs that. Take a break sometime soon.
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