We started out day heading towards the river to go on a cruise to see the Statue of Liberty. On our way, we passed through the Fashion District and saw the needle and button statue that we had seen on banners hanging on various light poles.
From 7th Ave we took a left and walked down 42nd street to 12th where it stops at the river's edge. We decided to take the Circle Line tour because it was a quick 1 hour out and back. That turned out to be the right decision because the Statue isn't open yet for the season and Ellis Island won't open until for a while. It is still recovering from the damage from Hurricane Sandy. Anyway, we got on the ship, no problem. We waited about a 1/2 hour until we shoved off. We were sitting in the right spot to look over and see all the aircraft on the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum.
On top and at the tip is the Space Shuttle Enterprise. They are building a shelter for it. So pretty soon people on the boat won't have that great view. Apparently it wasn't meant to weather storms such as Sandy.
While we waited, we took pictures, of course.
Once we backed away from the Pier and turned around, I really enjoyed myself. I loved seeing the buildings, their reflections, the way you can see the neighborhoods change, even from the water. We passed by the Empire State Building.
The driving range at the Chelsea Pier is quite something. It is 4 stories high. Seems like an odd extravagance. But what do I know?
Then we came to the Freedom Tower and Battery Park. I'm not going to get down to see the 9/11 Memorial this time, so I am going to be content with seeing the new tower from the water.
It seemed like as soon as we passed the tip of the island, then Ellis Island came into view.
And then, the Lady Liberty herself.
I didn't take too many pictures on our way back. We were sitting on the NJ side and not that much caught my attention.
After we docked and picked up the requisite souvenir, we walked back up 42nd Street to 9th Ave and found a great little cafe for lunch, West Bank Cafe. When we arrived, we were the only patrons, so us parents didn't enforce strict table manners at all times. The wait staff was great, laughing at toddler jokes, and unfazed by the way we ate, vacuum style.
Fortified, we headed to the Lego store at Rockefeller Plaza. So, up 9th Ave to 48th Street. Then over 48th to 5th Ave and into the Plaza. The guidebook said that the store was "massive" and it did not disappoint. Selim was very careful in his selections. We walked around slowly, taking note of the different themed areas. He decided on a small Lone Ranger set and a small bucket of self-serve individual pieces. The excitement came when I bumped Selim's arm that was holding the big open container and the Legos spilled all over the floor. The staff is used to such occurrences and we had the pieces back in the container in no time.
The benches right outside the store were exactly what we needed. We took a brief break to rest, admire our purchases, and take pictures of the store front and fountains.
Realizing that the younger set needed a bit more of a break, Joshua sat in his stroller and fell asleep as we walked back to the hotel. Selim wanted to play with his new Legos and it felt like the right time for a quiet few minutes. Turns out, our morning and early afternoon loop was 3.55 miles.
At the hotel, we said goodbye to Heather, Stan, and Joshua. I took a time out on the bed while Selim put together his new figures. 45 minutes later, we went back outside to enjoy the beautiful day. This time, we hopped on the subway and took the F train to 23rd Street. The goal -- the Middle Eastern store, Kalustyan's. We've broken most of the Turkish tea saucers and I wanted to replenish our stock. We walked up 6th to 27th Street and then over to Lexington. The store had tiny aisles and was packed with all sorts of spices, nuts, tea, and other goodies. I could have lingered, but I didn't. We lucked out and bought saucers, tea, and three kinds of Turkish Delight.
There was one other store that I wanted to find, Fishs Eddy, in the Flatiron District. I'm so glad that Selim was up for it and that we made the effort. What a cool place! Knowing that I will have to be hauling our overnight bags tomorrow was the only thing that kept me from blowing all my extra cash on really fun (and heavy, or fragile) dishes, flatware, and glasses.
When we walked out, both of us were ready to strap on jet packs and fly back to the hotel. Alas that was not an option. But oof bey our feet were tired. By the time we got to the subway, we had walked an additional 1.77 miles.
We got back to the hotel and dropped off our bags. After a 1/2 hour or so we decided to go out for dinner. I thought we would try a place in the guidebook that was over on 44th Street. Back out we went, only to get to the restaurant and find out that there was a 1/2 hour wait. No thank you. We walked back down 7th Ave and found a pizza place for Selim. A block away I bought a sandwich at Pret A Manger. When in London, I picked up their sandwiches often. Our dinner loop added another .87 to our count. And that is how we got to 6.19 miles.
We wolfed down our dinner and then both of us took really hot baths. Next up for tomorrow, the Metropolitan Museum of Art with more family. And more walking.
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