03 August 2009

Damp Day in NYC

They sure do like honking horns in New York. Whilst it didn't actually keep us awake, the constant beeping is always there, interspersed with the occasional obligatory siren.

yesterday had been a perfect day weather-wise and as it turned out it was a good thing we went for our carriage ride then. Because this morning it was not pleasant at all. We gave up all ideas of a harbour cruise and decided to go up to the top of the Rockefeller Center instead. Turned out that was not a good idea as well as the doorman informed us that the visibility from the 70th floor lookout was zero.
It was drizzling so not surprising I guess.

There were Sunday markets in 6th Ave. Funnily it went for six blocks or more, but each block was a copy of the previous. Smoothies - kebabs - T-shirts - cheap jewellery - cheap scarves and dresses. Next block exactly the same.

We went and had breakfast at a genuine New York cafe. Not one of the myriad chains that can be found anywhere in the country - or the world for that matter - but we sought out something a little more authentic. And found it. It was so authentic and typical New York that we could hardly understand a word they said and had no idea of how their ordering system worked. But they must be used to tourists who don't speak new york and we got by with a nice feed of pancakes and coffee.

The rain was setting in a bit more and so we wandered down past Times Square again and spied Madame Tussauds. Thought it might be fun so we carded $35 each and in we went. It was pretty good fun getting pics with favourite celebrities. It was very crowded though. I guess lots of people, like us, were opting for the indoor sights.

After a couple of hours we finally made our way out. The lifts weren't coping and we had to be re-directed down the fire escape stairs. Only to find it was now pelting down. Luckily we were carrying our Frogg tops and we donned these before making our way seven blocks back to our digs. We found it amazing, but not surprising that the handbag and watch sellers who line the streets were now selling cheap umbrellas. From $10 down to $3. Mostly you could get a new folding one for $5. They were doing a roaring trade. We wondered just where they keep them, but there could be seen the odd run-down looking van parked here and there.

Back indoors we relaxed for a while and after a couple of hours saw the sun come out. So off we went again and this time went up the Rockefeller building and got a good look at the city. But it was starting to get late so we went and sought out some beers and genuine New York Pizza - two slices each was more than enough, they're huge - and went back to the room.

Bugging out in the morning so time to get some sleep. Keep the windows closed to keep out that infernal honking.

Non-riding pics today:
New York brekky

She was supposed to be scared and screaming

Seriously dude, Snakes on a Plane?

Maate, what's your fav of Bills plays?

This is for George - long story.
I am pale in comparison to the late, great Ayrton Senna

T for Times - wet Times

Sally, Buzz and Jim. Who knows their surnames? This large Annie Liebowicz photo is on the side of YSL store on 5th. Commemorating 40 years since Apollo 11. Only concession to advertising is the bag.

Central park from Rockefeller 70th floor

And the other way, Empire State.

Chrysler building is half hidden

The old RCA building has an interesting roof

Only view we got of Lady Liberty

Ya gotta Larf.
Pizza and beer in NYC. Getting into the lifestyle.

2 comments:

  1. C&C Great stories and pics. NYC is called the ZOO as it has every known animal in it. If you can find the Godfather Pizza near 15th Ave I think, man they do a great Pizza. Reading your trip has many memories for us and wishing we were with you. Well done guys. Regards Merv

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  2. Hi Merv, we've moved on. But the pizza we had was from Ray's Pizza on Broadway across the road from the theatre where they do the Letterman show. It has featured a couple of times on the show.
    Very nice pizza.

    Cheers

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