Winter Break Stop 4-New York

Went round New York 2 days ago. The bus first took us to Chiantown for breakfast but since YR, her mum and I already ate, we decided to walk around Chiantown. Found there were alot of SEA restaurants and FINALLY found the Malaysian restaurant that everybody has been talking about. It was at Bowery Street. Took a few pictures. Will definately come back for a meal before we leave.

Our next stop was Wall street and the Federal Hall, npw known as the Federal Musuem. Stood right in front of the Trinity Church and Wall street which is known as the Heree. It was exactly like National Treasure!!! walked down to the Federal Hall and took a few picture. Found that the Trump Tower is actually only next to Federal Hall=) We also saw the New York Stock Exchange tower and what was suppose to be a bull in front of the tower had now become a Christmas tree. The bull had been moved to the another location which was in front of Battery park=) Took pictures with the front of the bull and then realised that there were a bunch of other ppl taking it from the rear. Tehy were what i would consider 'Sexually Harresing' the bull!!! LOL

Our next stop was Pier 17!!! Took the the water taxi and paid 25 for it. It took us all the way around to see Manhattan by sea. It was HUGE!!!! the wind was not exactly cooperating either! During the boat ride, the wind was strong and COLD!!! everybody was just jumping up and down 2 keep themselves warm. the water taxi took a turn and that was when we sawthe Statue of Liberty!!! It was just like how it was in photos-green with rust!!!LOL...didnt get off to the island but only saw it from afar but it was good enough=) took picture with crazy hair but its alright!!! another american experience=)

The next stop was Times Square and man was it HUGE!! News headlines rotating round and round, big neon lights just like Vegas...even the McD had a huge colourful neon M..LOL..took a few brief pictures and moved on. Will most definately come here again before I leave for Mankato=) On our way to the Empire State Building we went past Ground Zero and the construction site of freedom tower. It was said that its going to be 1776 m high to signify the year USA was first founded=)

Next on the list is the Empire State Building!!! It was TALL!!! first we went for a simulator ride that had a bird's eye view of the entire NYC. The ride was suppose 2b life like but Universal Studios had sucked the fun out of it for me and the whole thing just felt boring. I just followed along when the pictures turn and that was about it while the ppl behind was screaming their lungs out!! totally funny=) Next we took the elevator up to the 80 floor of the ESB before switching to another elevator that takes us up 2 the next 6 floors to the 86th floor of the ESB-the Observation Deck! When we went out, lo and behold it was SNOWING!!! now who would have thought that I would one day see snow at the highest peak of NYC??!! So TOTALLY AWESOME!!!took a few pictures before coming down! The place was just awesome and the view, breath taking!!!

Finally we went to Rockerfeller Center, our final stop. Fifth Avenue Baby!!! Shopping heaven!!! Saw the Rockerfeller Christmas tree which when lighted means Sale SAle SALE!!!! During Summer and Fall the Concorse is a Open Deck Cafe but during winter and Spring it is an ice skating ring! so we saw LOADS of ppl skating round and round!!=) Teh decorations were neat too!! Nutrackers and soldiers and angels everywhere!!!=)

Finally we headed off to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!!! crossed the Ben Franklin Bridge and saw the Ben Franklin monument which was shapped like lightning to a kite=) Stayed at the Hyatt hotel which was just next to the Deleware River! so cool to know wher i'm at LOL.. After checking into our hotel, YR and I decide to take a stroll down where we were staying and found ourselves just a few steps away from the Philadelphia Seaport Musuem! Saw a ship as well as a Submarine!!! Didnt get 2 board it but still, to see a sunmarine was just awesome!!! It was so HUGE and half of it is already underwater, wonder how big it really is? Further walking brought us to Philly's Vietnam Memorial and another block away is the Korean War Memorial!!

Overall, NYC was fun! Saw load of stuff that only can be seen through TV! need 2 spend more time there and hopefully 3 days is enough but I highly doubt that! However need 2 prioritise and the Musuem of Natural History currently tops the Must SEE list!!! NIGHT AT THE MUSUEM!!!

Till then..ciao=)