First Day in NYC

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIE!!!

We all had a bit of a sleep-in this morning, but were up in time for our free breakfast of muffins and less-than-average coffee downstairs. From our hotel, we walked up to Time's Square and got on one of those double-decker tour buses to take in the sights. We sat up top, open to the air, and got off at Battery Park. We made the impromtu decision to take the ferry out to the Statue of Liberty, so after a quick pretzel, we got in line and were on the next boat. Despite the rain clouds in the sky, the air was clear and we had some beautiful views. We got off at the statue and walked around it but didn't go up the base (the statue itself is closed because of security-aka terrorist-issues). Finished in 1886, the statue was actually built to promote French republicanism.

It was a long, cold wait for the ferry back, but luckily we were in line under some cover, as it started to rain not long after we got in line. It was windy and cold, so we skipped Ellis Island. From Battery Park, we walked to the site of the World Trade Centre. It was astounding how big of a hole has been left in the ground after the rubble was removed. There is a great display of the history of the twin towers from their conception, through construction, destruction, and what has been planned to replace them. It was sad to remember September 11th, but great to see that most of the surrounding buildings have been renovated, and that pretty much everything is "back to normal" so to speak.

From there, we walked to Tribeca, a quaint neighbourhood full of cobblestone side streets, unique shops, excellent restaurants, and tree-lined streets. We celebrated Marie's birthday with an excellent meal at a great little place, complete with many drinks and dessert. We walked up Broadway, stopping in some shops along the way to Union Square, where we got on the subway back to our hotel.