NYC Day 5 (2014) | New York Public Library | 360 Panoramic Views from above and beyond | The Empire State Building

New York has been incredibly hectic and fast paced, so on the fifth day, we fueled ourselves with     another round of coffee, juice and pancakes, before tackling another manic yet exciting day in the     Big Apple. We decided to visit the Public Library, not least because I wanted to visit a place where SATC filmed! Who can forget that emotional wedding scene where… *well, I won’t spoil it for       anyone who hasn't watched the movie*! 

The Library is beautiful and the interior is classically grand. The architecture,  marble staircases and ceiling Muriels are simply beautiful. After visiting, I can certainly see why Big & Carrie wanted to get married here!  This library holds more than 51 million items from e-books, books, renowned research from around the world, DVDs, treasured historic collections such as Columbus' 1943 letter announcing his discovery of the New World!  If only we had more time to explore, I'm sure we could have been in there for days!

Having built up an appetite, we craved some greasy grub, so went chose randomly a place called Dallas BBQ and I can't remember the name of my order but a combo of fried shrimps, baby ribs, chargrilled chicken breast, a BBQ steak, side salad, corn bread and a side of chicken wings turned up - and that was just my order!  Kev ordered BBQ baby back ribs which came with fries and corn bread, As you can imagine, we could not eat most of the food, and I even gave my chicken wings away to the person on the next table to us.  They do say the portions are insane in America and they are true to their word! Oh and we bumped into Morgan Freeman on the way out. He wasn't impressed when I tried to kiss him!

We took a cab back to the hotel for a brief rest at the hotel to try and overcome the food coma and later headed back out to ascend 86 floors to the open observation desk of the Art Deco inspired Empire State Building to witness an incredible sunset over New York City. The skyscrapers were illuminated with a golden cast which created shadow and depth among the myriad and 'Tetris' of buildings we see beneath our feet.  The view from the top offers a 360 panoramic view and skyline of this amazing City. As we pan, we could see Lady Liberty standing proudly in the far far distance. 

As the sun starts to set, we witnessed an amazing 'golden hour' across the City. The skyscrapers reflect off from the Hudson River, the clouds dramatic yet striking as the sun begins a slow descend behind the skyscrapers.   A few moments later, the sky turns into a lilacy pink and blue hues of colours, reminiscent of a water colour painting.  As the shadows and darkness cast over us, the City below is prettily lit up and what can only be described as nothing short of dazzling!
  

If you ever visit TOTR or Empire State Building, take time to soak in the dramatic views of New York as the outdoor deck offers beauty, energy and wonderment of the concrete jungle you see beneath you.  You are literally in the heart of it all. Again, that evening, was one of many memorable and magical highlights of our trip.

NYC Day 4 (2014) | Up Close and Personal with Lady Liberty | The Charging Bull | Brooklyn Bridge at DUMBO

Our NYC trip would not be complete if we had not visited one of the most iconic and significant monuments in the world - The Statue of Liberty. Liberty Enlightening the world, as the statue is officially named, was presented to the US in 1886, as a gift from France. 

On the day of our visit, the Sun is shining brightly and the sky is a deep ocean blue. We head to Battery Park to collect our Crown Access Tickets which we booked 3 months in advance online and we're so glad we did as tickets are limited. (if you're planning to visit NYC, I highly recommend that you book the Crown Tickets)

We board 'Miss New York' and wait on the top deck of the ferry. In the distance we can spot the famous copper green silhouette across the New York Harbour and as we approach closer to Liberty Island, the spectacle becomes even more magnificent. We see helicopters flying over head, American flags are waving in the gentle breeze and cameras from other tourists are clicking away. The profile view of Liberty Island and New York's skyline is simply just incredible. You would think you've seen all there is to see but you really haven't. Seeing the lady up close gives you an appreciation of what she represents, enlightenment and freedom. 

We disembarked the ferry, passing the wooden walkways and glanced at the gift shops. Needing a bite to eat we tried the Fish & Chips (not that there was much on the menu).Being British we assumed it would be your regular fish and - instead, we got Fish Fingers and a packet of crisps :|  We did have a chuckle to ourselves.  Well, we didn't come here to try out the food, we came to see Lady Liberty! Standing at 93 metres tall, her torch in her right arm raised high and a tablet evoking laws in her left, she stands magnificently on the pedestal.

Our Crown tickets allowed us to climb the narrow spiral staircase leading us up to her head and it was incredibly insightful to see the interior of the statue. There are 377 (146 steps inside the statue staircase) steps from the main lobby to the crown platform. Once we reached the top, we were able to peer out of the small windows located in her Crown. It is a small space but it certainly gives you the amazing vantage viewpoint from the crown of one of the world's iconic statues. Many photos later, we descend the spiral staircase....did we just actually go inside Liberty's head?! Who can say they've been inside the Crown of Lady Liberty!? Sooo incredibly privileged to experience this opportunity.

Back on the ferry; we make a short trip to Ellis Island, visiting the immigration museum and then returning to Battery Park. A short walk away, we head towards the Financial district. Passing Bowling Green to visit the bronze Charging Bull (Wall Street Bull) close to the New York Stock Exchange.

The evening's activities were spent at Brooklyn, specifically in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). The sun began to set and the glitzy lights from the buildings dazzled their way across the East River. it was one of the most beautiful and memorable evenings we spent in New York.

A slow paced walk along the pier we hear noise emanating from an outdoor Cinema, people are laughing on the green, sitting on picnic blankets as they are watching great British comedians on the big screen -  Monthy Python and the Holy Grail! We love this atmosphere and we settle briefly to enjoy the moment with them. It just tops off a truly enjoyable day.