Waking early this morning I decided to walk back to the Apple store to see if the queues would be smaller at 6.15 in the morning. Even at this time of the morning the city was still bustling as I made my way across town. The street vendors setting up their food carts and people rushing off to work. The police presence, like yesterday, was high especially along Fifth Avenue near Trump Tower, where I believe the President was in residence. In addition to the NYPD, various television crews from around the world were set out on the street waiting for a glimpse of the leader of the western world. Luckily I was able to get to the store and make the desired purchase. Sylvia meantime watched the rugby on TV.
After our experiences yesterday with the police cordons we decided to view the city today from a different perspective, a water taxi. We walked the short distance from our ship to the water taxi pier to begin the journey down the Hudson River. It was a glorious day once again and we had a tremendous view of the skyscrapers of Manhattan, including the newly built One World Tower.
The first stop was at battery park where crowds gathered to get their trip across to see the Statue of Liberty.
It was at this point that the captain announced that there would be a delay to our journey as the East River was being closed to allow the President to leave New York. However he took us towards Liberty Island which allowed us to get some great photos of the statue. Thank you Mr Trump!!
The guide on the boat was very good giving a great commentary as we proceeded on our journey, although his dislike for the President was obvious. The trip took us up to the Brooklyn Bridge and some people got off to walk across. We had done this on our last visit so stayed aboard for the return journey.
It was a fantastic trip with some wonderful sunny weather although it was a little breezy out on the water, as you can see from our hair.
After lunch we made a visit to the air craft carrier Intrepid, a floating sea, air and space museum, that is adjacent to our ship.
The Intrepid served the US navy in both the Second World War and the Vietnam conflict and latterly was used as a support ship in the US space programme. Exhibits on board included many examples of the planes that flew off the flight deck…….
…..and the space shuttle Enterprise.
It was fascinating to see all the different aircraft and to visualise them taking off from the open deck. A great little visit.
As I am writing this the ship is just leaving New York and the upper decks are packed with passengers getting a last look at this iconic city. Goodbye New York, I’m sure we’ll see you again soon.
