Yellow Taxis

Oh no! What a dilemma. Can you count the yellow taxis? I wonder if each driver knows the characteristics of their particular vehicle? Anyway, give it a go, and don't go cross eyed!

United Nations Artworks

One of the many highlights of my visit to the UN building was the artworks given as gifts. Each one highlighting a particular skill of style of their country or idenitifying current social/religious issues of our universal community. Here is just a glimpse.

United Nations

The United Nations is an 'international zone' within the city of New York. Situated on the East River, this group of buildings makes for an impressive sight - including the 'white picket' fence of all the flags of each country representing the UN. We were lucky enough to tour the main building, seeing the many meeting rooms which play such an important role in our world today.

Little Dog, Big City.

Just a quick observation in a big city.

South Street Port

During our stay in New York, we were fortunate enough to visit a museum situated in the South Sea Port area hosting the Bodies exhibition. Other features of this district is the Brooklyn Bridge - you can see in the background of the second photo. This area is bustling with tourists, many enjoying the cafe atmosphere or strolling along the riverside.

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

A visit to New York would not be complete if you did not see the Statue of Liberty. 'Liberty' stands at the entrance to the New York Harbour, greeting all. The statue was a gift from France. Standing 93m and weighing 225 tons, you gain an understanding of the impact this beautiful lady has made to the landscape that is New York City. To co-incide with the ferry trip to 'Liberty', you can also visit Ellis Island. Ellis Island was the first port of call for the 17 million people who fled their homelands due to poverty, war or religious reasons during 1892 and 1954. Before arriving on Ellis Island, all were 'processed' on board, identified and then moved onto the island to be given a medical and legal examinations. Displays on the island document the history of immigration not only in New York, but the United States of America.

World Trade Centre

What was once a thriving business and residential site is now a construction site. However, the emotion of everyone standing peering through the fence was one of sadness/ melancholy, just contemplating what had happened. There was hope though, in the rebuilding of this area. With the Twin Towers structure gone, it was difficult to understand the impact they had on New York. But you can gain some idea from the sheer size of the current site.

St Paul's Chapel II

Here is an example of just three memorials inside St Paul's. Each one is located surrounding the congregation. Each one recognising the 'good works' of the St Paul and wider community. In the days post 9/11, bunks were setup on the upstairs veranda for the rescue workers to rest before continuing their next shift. It was a central location for the distribution of meals and now a public place of recognition for the many involved.

St Paul's Chapel

In Lower Manhattan is a Jewel, St Paul's Chapel. Situated directly across from where the Twin Towers once stood, this chapel was a refuge during the weeks following their destruction. We stumbled across St Paul's on our way to Ground Zero, and we were not disappointed. Established in 1766, St Paul's is the oldest working structure in New York. It has survived more that one disaster in its' lifetime, including the Great Fire of 1776, was host George Washingtons' Inauguration Day, and survived the 9/11 bombings - not a scratch! You can see from the rear view just how close the chapel is to Ground Zero. Inside we were met with many memorials to the people of the 9/11 bombings. Personally, these memorials were an emotional tribute to humanity, especially the messages from children.

New York Public Sculptures

New York has an amazing range of public art. Everywhere you walk, you encounter sculptures, memorials etc. So here is a glimpse of what I was able to capture during my visit. They are from a variety of areas, one from the port leaving for the Statue of Liberty, another on the corner of Fifth Ave, outside the Rockefeller Centre, and finally a Church on Madison Ave. New York is definitely a living artwork in itself.

Central Park

Central Park was more impressive than I expected. The days we visited we were surrounded by people enjoying their days. They were playing basketball, jogging, enjoying a picnic, cycling or riding their horse, or just visiting like us out of curiosity. It truly is an oasis for the residences of New York.

Guggenheim

All I can say is "Enjoy the images of Frank Lloyd Wrights's architectural spiral interior."

M.O.M.A

After studying and teaching about artworks which feature at this famous gallery, it was a dream come true to finally visit the Museum of Modern Art. As you can see I sought out one of my favourite artworks (including Alberto Giacometti's 'Dog'), as well as captured more fascinating images on my visit, for example the couple dressed in their traditional Japanese Kimono, and the open centre courtyard of the building. The M.O.M.A is also the one place that I bought a souvenier from - a candle stick based on the theory of Fibinacci.

Rockefeller Centre

Again another classical landmark of New York City. It's no wonder, its' location is between Fifth and Seventh Aves and West 47th and 52nd Streets - in total 22 acres of prime real estate. We kind of skimmed over our visit to the centre, however we did eat sushi here and manage to lengthen our journey due to 'no idea' how to exit the building... It is also well known as the home of NBC, and in winter the main plaza turns into an ice rink.

St Patrick's NY

Situated across the road from the Rockefeller Centre, St Patrick's Cathederal is a buzzing place. Whilst visiting we were met with a mixture of tourists, security guards, parishioners and wedding parties. St Patrick's is the centre of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. I was impressed with the religious icons present in the Cathederal, especially the one featured here with Mary and the child Jesus.

The People You Meet

Wow, wow and wow!!!! Having never before visited a Madam Toussad's Museum before, it was a surreal experience to actually see the wax figures on display. Each room has a theme with a focus around the celebrities/famous people on display. You would swear that they were about to walk or actually talk to you. A very funny experience, thoroughly worthwhile. See if you can spot Bernadette in the second image.

On Top of the World

The facts;
The Empire State Building design is Classical Art Deco. It was built in 1929 after the stock market crash. It took 410 days to build and cost $41 million. It is 102 story's high and opened in 1931. Its' main use was as an apartment building, with shops below. However, it was nicknamed the 'Empty State Building', as the rent was too expensive so many of the apartments remained empty.

All Things Empire State Building

Here is just a sample of some of the more unusual aspects of the Empire State Building. You can see the viewing telescopes that look like faces, a pigeon perched on the edge of the observation floor and a view of the top of the structure which was originally meant to serve as a zeppelin mooring mast.

Gandhi

A highlight of Union Square was this bronze life size statue of Gandhi. Nestled amongst a small corner area of garden, Gandhi represents the 'striding towards peace'.

Union Square Greenmarkets

Within two blocks from our hotel on E 17th Street were the Union Square Greenmarkets. The markets were founded in 1976, and provide an opportunity for the regional growers of New York to sell their produce, plants, arts and crafts to the locals and tourists trade. As you can see, the markets offer an abundance of choice and a place to socialise and chat to the vendors. I must say I was impressed with the quality and frequency of the markets. If I was a resident of NY, I would definitely buy from these markets.

Rent - ex-American Idol

O.K! With so much on offer, how do you choose which Broadway Show to see? Well, head to 42nd Street. Line up at the Discount Box Office Ticket booth, try to read the forty-something digital show list that is flashing before your eyes. Aim to remember at least two titles of shows, and hope for the best. We got tickets to "Rent". I can't even remember what our first choice was! But not to worry, Rent was just fabulous. With a very capable cast, including the runner-up from the first American Idol in one of the lead roles. What a night. Bern and I have just flown in to New York, dropped our bags at our hotel - no check-in availible as yet, and managed to negotiate all of the above on our first afternoon/night. This day was an indication of what to expect for the next four days, all go,go,go... Keep reading to see what esle we accomplished.