Round The World and other travels
A frequent flyer's collection of trip diaries
This is: Round The World 2006-07
May the 4th (be with you)
After going to bed so early the
previous evening, I awoke at 0400, dozed until 0700 and rose feeling
completely recovered from the 12-hour time change. I had a
refreshing shower and ordered a Room Service breakfast, which was
absolutely divine
After a quick word with the concierge about
the transport system - they were still using Subway Tokens the last
time I was here! - I was on my way. It was one of those gloriously
clear and sunny New York mornings and I started off with a wander
round some nearby Midtown streets, not just enjoying the landmarks,
but also watching the city going to work for another day.
Next, I rode the 6 train to City Hall and walked the couple of blocks to Ground Zero, the former site of the World Trade Center, destroyed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. I'd seen pictures on TV, of course, but seeing that gaping wound in situ was shocking, for I could still see vividly, in my mind's eye, how it all used to look, having visited the towers on three previous occasions. I realised with a sense of guilt that I was dwelling too much on the disfigurement of the city and reminded myself that this was first and foremost the scene of the mass murder of nearly 3,000 people, going about their everyday business.
I then walked the short distance to Trinity Church, Wall Street and Federal Hall, before making my way to Battery Park, where I bought my boat ticket for visiting Liberty and Ellis Islands. Unfortunately, there was a huge line of people waiting to do exactly the same thing, but there was no option but to put up with the 45-minute wait. In good time, I was aboard one of the busy little ferries and bound for the Statue of Liberty. I didn't waste too much time on either island - just enough to quickly see around. By the time I got back to Battery Park, time was getting on, but I didn't feel ready to quit yet. I rode the Subway to the Lincoln Center, had a quick look around, then went for a stroll through Central Park. By the time I got to Central Park East, I was ready to quit. I took a short Subway ride to 51st & Lexington and walked the three blocks back to the hotel. Dinner was a Room Service affair - I just wanted to relax for the rest of the day.
Midtown walk
Ground Zero
Wall Street
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
