Hi again!
I hope you enjoyed reading part one and hearing about my engagement....exciting!
Here is the end of week one :)
Day Five
Obviously we want to use our bus pass as much as we can to get our moneys worth! The bus ticket was a fab idea instead of a subway pass due to seeing the sights of New York whilst travelling to our destinations.
Today was no exception, here we are again soaking up the rays on the top deck (don't mention top deck to Rach, we can't get the chocolate bar top deck in England! :S )
Our plan was to visit Christopher Street later on in the week but we actually drove past it! We agreed we would still visit though due to Chris having to stand next to his street sign for a picture.
The tour guide was of course someone we hadn't had before and they pointed out the court house which has been filmed on many movie and tv scenes.
Today the plan was to visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum. As we went to collect tickets we paid our respects near the fountain. It was this gentlemans birthday so they placed a rose on his name like they do for everyone on their birthdays. Such a lovely thing to do.
Our tickets bought, it was time to queue up.
Whilst queuing we decided to enjoy our bagels we'd picked up from breakfast.
We knew visiting here was going to be quite emotional. Inside were items recovered from that dreadful day, parts of the towers. Also stories of passengers from the planes, family members of loved ones lost and survivors.
Once inside we were filled with emotion seeing pictures of how things were before the event happened.
Here is a picture of The Sphere which is now in Battery Park. We would see it later on in the week when we visit the Statue of Liberty.
You can see below what the power and force of the collapse did.
Missing posters were projected onto the wall.
These stairs are called the Survivor Stairs. You could just imagine people running for dear life down these stairs. It was terrible and to be so close to items from that horrid day really upset us.
In the picture below the stairs are shown at the left hand side.
Further round we were face to face with some steel girders which were straight. Seeing them bent and twisted just brought it home just how powerful the collapse must have been to do this to the steel.
They managed to find the antenna that was on the top of north tower and here it is below.
When we saw the remains of one of the fire engines you couldn't help but feel overcome with emotion. It was just crazy seeing a fire engine in that condition. You really couldn't believe these were items that were there.
Watching a video of it in the action really made it real though!
I would recommend a visit to the museum as it has been so tastefully done to respect the victims. It tells you stories of not only the World Trade Centre, but the crash into the Pentagon.
It also has a section on the happenings of Flight 93 that was hijacked and how the passengers were fighting back! This was very upsetting due to hearing voice messages and knowing that they all lost their lives. It was telling you the stories of what happened step by step and how it affected people then and still to this day. It also explained about the attack in the 90's which had 6 victims, including an unborn child.
Due to us wanting to only have one sad day we headed to the 9/11 Tribute Centre and this was similar to the museum but on a smaller scale. They showed you items that were recovered but also offered a tour which is where survivors, rescue and recovery workers, family members, civilian volunteers and Lower Manhattan residents to guide you around telling your their stories.
After all that sadness and reflection we decided to go visit the charging bull near Wall Street. We finally made our way through the crowds of people for a photo.
I heard it was good luck to touch it's balls so there I was hoping for luck and not just the funny looks!
Here we are on Wall Street. This part of town people earn sooo much, it's crazy really!
The sun was making it's way down and we thought as it's nearly the last bus we better make tracks.
Off we hopped onto the bus and it took us home. Along the way we saw the Manhattan Bridge. Plus with it being a new tour guide we learnt just how many Starbucks there are in Manhattan...
212! I decided to take a few pics of different ones but got bored seen as they are kinda on every block!!
Once off the bus and heading towards the hotel, we saw this policeman on his horse. We asked of course if we could touch his horse and he said yes.
Due to it been a Friday night dinner wasn't provided by the hotel. We passed a take away place called Chipotle's and thought we would try it out due to hearing good things about them.
Turns out it was delicious. It was like a Mexican takeaway place. We enjoyed buritos and a salad. Yum yum!
In our room we had been supplied popcorn and I had never made it before. I thought I'd give it a go.
Hearing it pop and seeing it smoking, I was quite freaked out!!
It turned out ok though and we enjoyed our lil snack.
Day Six
Today was a busy day, like them all really!! Our plan was to visit the National Museum of the American Indian then the Statue of Liberty.
We of course caught the tour bus and did the downtown tour once again listening to the commentary and seeing what we would hear this time!
It was interesting hearing all about the way of life a good few years ago!
It was so nice to sit down, relax and rest our feet. New York is so tiring, when we find a chance to sit we take it! :)
Chris caught us and joined us!
The museum was beautiful inside and it would have been rude not to take a picture!
Next we were heading towards the ferry over to the Statue of Liberty. I thought I'd seen it already as the sign was pointing to Rach indicating she was the statute of Liberty. :S
Ha ha!
After queuing up to buy our tickets, well we didn't have to pay due to this been in our New York Pass. It was then time to queue up to pass airport style security to catch the ferry. It was a busy ferry!
Rach and I were honoured to find out that they had named a boat after us!
As you can see from the picture below it was a busy time. Here is everyone waiting for the ferry.
We didn't have to wait for too long and raced to get a good position on the boat!
Our yacht was ready and waiting but unfortunately we didn't know this so stayed on the ferry we were on. Ha ha.
It wasn't too long and the Statute of Liberty was getting closer!
Along the way the wind picked up and I couldn't believe I hadn't got a bobble!! My hair was all over!!
The wind let up for a second so we could do this picture of us all.
It is such an iconic statue so to see it in front of you is such a special feeling. She stands so proud and strong, I joked that I felt quite scared. Ha ha :)
On my visit to America in 2007 it was lovely to visit Liberty Island but this was even more special visiting with Rach and Chris. It didn't look any different from back then really ha ha. With our ticket it included an audio tour, I didn't do that before so this was something new for me.
In the picture below we are listening to our audio tour but it looks like we are on the phone ha ha!
Seeing the skyline from this side was lovely. It was such good weather too to really enjoy the view.
That man who we bumped into in Niagara Falls spotted us and asked if we could take a picture of him.
He really was a nutter! Ha ha
The audio tour gave us so many interesting information on the history and facts about Lady Liberty. Rach didn't realise, like a lot of other people probably, that the statue was made with copper and originally copper brown. Obviously due to the weather and rusting this has made her the colour she is today! Rach was flabbergasted by this!
Time was ticking and we knew we didn't want to miss the last tour bus that would take us home otherwise it was a long walk!
Due to it been nearly the last boat, the queue was quite large but we managed to get on the first boat that came. The route included a drop off at Ellis Island but unfortunately we didn't have time to visit here.
The wind decided to make me a new hairstyle again on the return journey!
On the boat we had a reflecting moment on what a lovely day we have had. We really are so lucky to be doing this trip and are quite sad it's coming to an end.
Here is the Immigration Museum on Ellis Island. Maybe one day we can actually get off the ferry for a visit :)
Manhattan was getting closer and closer! We felt like shouting 'tour bus....wait for us!!'
Everywhere you turn you see the American flag. They are just so proud of who they are and it's such a wonderful thing to see.
We were safely docked and ready to depart the boat when we spotted this fella. I joked and said 'I thought we'd left Lady Liberty!' Ha ha.
We got back in good time and decided to try to find The Sphere from the World Trade Centre. One of the statues had finished work and I hoped he wasn't going to bike home dressed like that!
After a short walk we saw it and wow it was a strange feeling. Seeing something that was so poignant and that was there was very touching. Also seeing for ourselves what damage had taken was awful.
Walking around I saw these signposts and thought I'd take some pictures....like I do :)
Reading the signs directing Paradise it reminded me that paradise is all around really. Whatever you are looking for in life just open your eyes and make the most of the life you have been given. Paradise is whatever you want it to be.
That's enough of the deep talk!
We were happy that we made it back to the bus and were on our way home for dinner.
Of course we were used to the route seen as we have done this part of the tour for quite a number of times now but hey ho, you can never have too many pictures.
The bus dropped us off at the nearest drop off and we made our way back ready for dinner. It was the latest we had been back and were worried there wouldn't be any left. The other guests were like vultures really!
Dinner was supposed to be an Italian dish but by the time we got back it was all gone and we were served chicken pieces. I wasn't that keen but luckily for us due to having to wait quite a while for a new serving we were compensated with a free ice cream. It was a very nice surprise and yum yum yummy!!
Due to us having started our New York pass we didn't want to waste it so decided to do something that night. Madame Tussaud's admission was included so it was decided.
We were quite excited really, due to only been to the one in London (even though we have travelled the world and missed probably quite a few along the way!!)
On the way Rach was all excited to see an advertisement spelling out her spelling of RACHAEL!! Bless her! We just had to get a picture!!
The great thing about going here 2 hours before it closes is it's not too busy! We didn't have to queue up to enter and we didn't have to wait to pose with the figures!! Plus it was free!! :) bonus!
I really did have the pose down to a T! (pic below!)
Over dinner we were told some really sad news, actor Robin Williams had died earlier that day. This was terrible as it was only a few days ago we were been reminded of him from Mrs Doubtfire 'help is on the way' from the sign in the lift!!
Straight away when we entered the first room of figures, Robin Williams' figure greeted us. Of course this was popular with the visitors today as probably everyday.
Rach was happy seeing Taylor Lautner!
Me and Kim went back a long way! She could have looked at the camera though!
Brad and Angelina were next - I couldn't help but stare! Ha ha
Rach obviously wanted a selfie!
Me and Julia! Two pretty women! :P
It was either Chris or Johnny...sorry Chris!
Marilyn did have a side kick you know! We were a double act in the beginning!
Rach was rude and wanted to know what was in her basket for dinner.
I tried to distract her while I picked out my sandwich from the picnic!
It was such a night, we even went for a bike ride with E.T!
I tried to take him back to Area 51!
Rach was transported into Jurassic park! Massive footprint alert!
Chris was trying to help Indiana Jones find the treasure!! We have a wedding to fund so fingers crossed he found some!
It was fabulous that it was so quiet! There was no massive crowds all trying to take photos. It was really manageable and made the visit a lot more enjoyable!
We were transported into a Kung Fu movie and fingers crossed we had the moves!
Steven thought we did...we were a hit!!
It was fun being in the directors chair but he thought he knew it all.
Chris wasn't having any of it!
And I kept trying to tell him what was what!
It was a fab way of displaying the figures instead of them just stood there. It really helped act out the pictures!
Will Smith tried to hire us to join the federation but we couldn't hack it, our Kung Fu moves are just too good!
Will and I tried to freak Rach out though and I think it worked looking at her face!
This room was great, we were been placed in all sorts of movies!
James Bond was next and I think I had it in the bag! He didn't even move...he had no idea I was behind him!
Chris tried to give him evils but he didn't even move his head! Game doesn't work unless their looking at you!!
Next we were frighted of been eaten by Mr Lector! He is such a lovely neighbour, he invited us round for dinner once but we declined.
After 6 months I was feeling it abit and decided to let it all out in an interview with Oprah. She really took it all in, I felt I could get it all off my chest.
But then she asked Rach to come out and she wasn't happy with what was said!! Security!!
Oprah didn't even move!
In the next room and with a black eye we were transported under the sea and face to face with spongebob sqaure pants!
The next room we were face to face with some royals and past presidents and polictical leaders.
Check out my photobomb below! Ha ha!
Chris and I headed out to dinner with a Will and Kate.
President Nixon was spotted.
Of course we had to have a picture with the one and only Nelson Mandela! Bless him.
It's a shame this won't be possible when we visit the White House but we could dream.
Here we are giving speeches to the nation....
We were heading towards the New York room and along the way we were placed on a beam high up above Manhattan.
I think the Charlie Chaplin lookalike was eyeing up Rach!
He still had his eyes on her even when I was there!
Chris was practicing his swing with Ruth Kelly!
Now I know we have had practise with driving in America but even I wouldn't risk driving in New York City!! Times Square would be a definite no no! I don't know how these taxi drivers do it!
Rach and I have seen The Lion King in London and wow it is AMAZING! Seeing the costume up close was great. You can really see all the details put into it.
We tried getting into character!
I had to play the piano with Alica Keys while she sang about New York!
I think this picture below is a fabulous one as it symbolises Central Park really well and what happened there eariler in the week!
We had visited Lady Liberty eariler today and didn't manage to go to the top of her crown but now we can say we did....kinda! :S
That was the end of the New York room and the next one was music legends.
Our Grandad was a big fan on Frank Sinatra so of course we had to get a picture.
Rach was then walking on the moon. She had forgotten her suit but I don't think it mattered.
Chris was happy, he was with Jimi Hendrix.
Rach was in glitter heaven....Elton John!
Showbiz mates, we go back a long way! Ha ha.
I look like I need Botox next to his forehead!!
Chris is into his sports so the next section was fabulous for him.
We were then chilling out with Mr Marley, inbetween the bongos we borrowed whatever he was on! Ha ha!
Rocking it out on stage with Tina Turner!
She wouldn't give me the mic! Rude!
As we moved on to see another figure Rach apologised to this lady below as she was taking a picture.
This made we laugh as she is a figure herself!! I don't really know what she was representing (maybe paparazzi!) but it was funny!!
Chris and I shared the sofa with the Osbournes.
Here's Rach doing the moonwalk with the one and only Michael Jackson.
As we were spice girls fans in the good old days we were very pleased to see them! They weren't too bad as figures. You can just see us on the right :)
The two new members!
Chris made us laugh with his first encounter with Mel B, well she is scary spice!
In the good old days I used to like 'The Rock' so when I saw his wax work I had to get this picture of him giving Chris the eyebrow! :)
We were getting close to the end and came to a pit shop. There was a chance to buy some supplies. We were fine but took some pictures. These candy bars were massive!
Rach and I had to get this picture of the candy bar called York. Nearly hometime :(
Here is Michael Jackson's handprint and autograph when he came and completed his wax work.
Chris was in a funny mood tonight he thought he could take on Mohammed Ali!
As you can see he did make Rach cry though so Chris needed to have words with him!
I tried to calm the situation and hold him back! He was still trying to win a staring contest!
This wax figure is the actual size of a basketball player. Surely he must be the tallest chap! I tried to defend the net but didn't have a chance!
Rach tried the tickling technique!
Chris even won the Super Bowl trophy....what a night!
That was it for the sports room. We moved on to the more recent singers room and the last one.
P.Diddy, Puff Daddy, Sean Combs...whatever his name is now tried to take me out but I've just come off the market now....sorry!
Rihanna was a sport though posing for our pictures, exactly the same pose for all pictures though!
We thought we'd better join in.
I showed Beyoncé that Chris had finally put a ring on it and she was so happy for us!
Justin was disappointed he hadn't got their first though! Oh well, sorry!
We had such a good time and I highly recommend a visit as the figures do look quite life like. You must try to go on a night time though at it really is quieter. :)
It was quite late but when does this matter when you're in New York! We headed towards Bubba Gump gift shop to buy a present for someone. We had to test out the products of course though! I didn't really realise it was to do with the film Forest Gump, I must have been hiding under a rock!
We have seen quite a few of the Bubba restaurants on our travels across America, but I wouldn't fancy it really...I don't like fish :S
Day Seven
Today we were heading on the route we had done a good few times....downtown tour route! I'm sure we could even be tour guide by now!!
We were heading back to the Yankee Stadium, not for another match but a stadium tour.
On our way to the bus stop for the Bronx we passed the Dakota and we all know what sadly happened outside there don't we. Well you should do all the times we went past it. Bless John xxx
Once at the bus stop catching the connecting bus we stopped to take some pictures of this church.
The details are beautiful.
We didn't have to wait long and we were on our way to the Bronx. Our first point out was this gym that is so considerate to it's members...it's placed temptation right downstairs!
Doughnut or work out??
With the time of the tour booked for 11 we knew we had enough time to catch the bus. This saved us getting the metro again. :)
We were a bit early so after collecting our tickets we went to the team shop. Chris bought a baseball and fancied a glove but they didn't sell any anymore. Crazy but true.
The time came where we were allowed inside. The stadium grounds were so much quieter from last time we were here. It wasn't too crazy though like you'd think with it holding so many people!
Today it was nice and pleasant though but at least we can say we experienced it both on a match day and when it wasn't.
Our tour guide showed us round and widened his audience by speaking English and Spanish! I don't think I could do that! :S
Our first room was full of cabinets with memorabilia in. It showed us the history of the uniforms, caps, gloves, balls and bats.
When the Yankees win a championship the players are given a ring. Here are a selection of the rings given over the years. From before 1998 they seemed to be very different from year to year but now it seems they are running with the NY design.
Here is a model of the current stadium.
Next we were shown some suites that cost a tad more than what we paid for our seats. This did include the use of a hotdog stand though so maybe it was money well spent! Ha ha.
Again there was a subtle reminder of where you were even when getting to your seat.
We made our way to the press box to see what their view was like.
Chris and I sat working for the Wall Street Journal and enjoyed the look out imagining what it was like to write an article here. What a job!
Rach was working for the Newark Star-Ledger (the other side!) but we still spoke to her! Ha ha.
Seeing the stand so empty was strange due to last time we were here was a game day, it was packed to the rafters! It was a shame they lost though!
Next was another suite area which was expensive. The view was more head on with the pitch but we were happy with the seating we had, plus ours was in our budget!
As with all seating it was warning you of the dangers of sitting here. Bats or baseballs could come in this direction! Obviously someone had sued them so they were covering their backs.
During the game, the ball didn't come anywhere near us which was a shame but did we really want the risk of it hitting our head?? I don't know! Catching the ball would be pretty cool though plus you had the bonus of keeping it too! Never mind a programme!
It was such a shame that we weren't allowed to the dug out or the memorial park during our tour. There was a private company get together so they hogged it. They did tell us this when we got our tickets but after all the trouble of two buses to get there we said it was ok due to not really having time to try to come another day.
We were happy with what we did though, especially when we saw the stadium on a match day and when it was quiet.
The tour was over so we said our thank you's. Our bonus was a complimentary wrist band to add to our collection!
Timing was perfect as there was a bus outside so we jumped on and enjoyed the rest of the Bronx tour!
We got off and headed towards Fifth Avenue to start to see some of the shopping highlights. We had a day planned to go down Fifth Avenue shopping, but we were eager to start so headed there once off the bus.
Our first shop was a toy shop that was actually filmed in the Tom Hanks movie 'Big'. Apparently they filmed the piano scene here.
Outside were two guardmen who posed for pictures. I think they were a bit shocked we wanted a picture but you're always a big kid at heart, no matter what age you are!
Inside it was every child's dream! Toys all over! There was a display of cuddly toys that were for sale so we went over. Rach spotted a koala and it took her back to Australia where we held a real one!
I was thrown back to remembering when we fed and pet real kangaroos. What an honour to say we have done these things, it's crazy!
Chris was happy holding Mr Hedgehog!
I thought Elsie and Willy had followed us from Thailand!!
Next it was a visit to every girls dream...Tiffany's! Diamonds galour!
With us now on the search for my official engagement ring I thought well there's no better place! So we headed in.
Chris is in shock in this picture as I had just tried on a ring for $75,000! Needless to say it was above budget!!!
It was soon dinner time so we rushed back due to pulled pork been on the menu tonight, and everyone loves pulled pork....well apart from vegetarians!!
It was delicious and we were about 5 minutes early when we got there! Eager beavers!
For the night time activity we thought we would go bowling! It was included in our pass so of course we went!
It wasn't just any bowling place it was where a few celebrities went too!
We set off and had trouble finding it due to me forgetting my phone with the directions on! We knew it was somewhere near Times Square but to top it off we had trouble remembering the name! Terrible! I had a feeling there was a bowling place at the bus terminal so we headed there. After we finally found there....it was closed!!!
Chris and I remembered walking past it when we checked out Guys American Restaurant so we went near there. Luckily we saw it!! Bowlmor was it's name!!
Off the street you walk in and need to get a lift up to the entrance. As you walk into the foyer you are greeted by pins that celebrities have signed. They didn't want us to sign one :(
You don't just have one themed alley to choose from...there was 8! One was called Central Park and as we checked in I mentioned that it would be fab if we get that one and explained what had happened there the other day! Fingers crossed we get that one :)
We were on the waiting list and this meant watching out for our buzzer to go when there was a lane free.
It was about a 30 minute wait so we had a look around at the different themed areas available. It was a fabulous place!
We then sat at a table at the bar area and couldn't decide what to watch on television.
Luckily we were ok as they were showing every single sports game that was on!!
We commented, at least with watching all the baseball matches we might actually see someone score!!
After our drinks we heard some vibrating and flashing....we were ready!!
We didn't really think about this but of course they asked us what shoe size we were and we didn't know what it was in American sizes!! Luckily they are used to this problem due to tourists so they could convert it for us!!
Luck was on our side due to been given the Central Park alley. This made us smile.
Shoes were on....we were ready!!
The alley was fab! Music was playing the uv lights were on, it was a great atmosphere!
Our names were entered and bumpers were up!
She must have been practicing!! Strike!! She was very happy about that! It wasn't over though, we'd only just began!!
It was such fun! Chris said he didn't want the bumpers up but we did so it didn't matter because if you don't need them, even if their up you shouldn't touch them! He did a few times though so it was lucky we had them up! Ha ha!
The game went pretty quick! Chris and I managed to copy Rach and each get a strike. Chris did very well in catching up and actually winning by ONE point ahead of Rach!! She wasn't happy!
We only played one game but could have played more really it was such fun! We haven't been bowling for ages!
Rach wasn't too happy though she realised she had broken a nail. Hazard of the sport I suppose!!
It was home time and we enjoyed a lovely cup of tea before bed. Rach had to change from her normal hot chocolate which she wasn't keen about, hence her face!!
She enjoyed it though!! Change doesn't always have to be bad!
Well that's it for the end of Week 1, no wonder it wouldn't all fit on one post you'd be reading loads and would take forever!
What a week reunited with Chris, engagements, tiredness! New York is very full on....you don't come here for a rest!!
I do hope you've enjoyed reading this and please feel free to comment!
Lots of love Nat xxx
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