Day in New York

26/12/12
Woke at about 10am after a rather decent sleep - wonder why?

Followed directions to a ‘diner’ for breakfast. Sat at the counter, as they do in the movies, for eggs and bacon.

Headed to the Hudson river to join a river cruise. Quite a long walk and it was so cold that I didn’t need botox on my forehead - the wrinkles were frozen out!! I didn’t realise how cold it was outside otherwise I would have taken my hat. Arrived at Battery Park for the walk up to the 9/11 Memorial. Found a hat seller outside & bought a balaclava (no not to stage a holdup but to keep warm!). As we walked I said to Valda “I think it’s snowing.” At first she said “No”& then came a “Yes it is.” We were then caught in the snow waiting in the lines to enter the 9/11 Memorial. 

It is 20 years since I was in New York & we saw the twin towers then but to stand there today and know how many people died was overwhelming and I found myself in tears. It’s a peaceful place but you ask yourself “How one human being can kill other human beings?”

We went into a local bar to partake in a warming beverage - no not coffee! before heading back to the ferry. The snow was getting heavier by the minute and also colder so when the ferry came we were glad to board. The ferry made a few stops but the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island were out because they had been badly damaged by Super Storm Sandy but the ferry did pause there for photos. We arrived back at the start of our trip & couldn’t get over the layer of snow now under foot. We thought about getting a taxi but that was an impossible task so we walked back to the hotel very carefully as the ground was so slippery. Having cross water laden roads didn’t help & my feet were soon in freezing water!

After arriving back at hotel to change into dry clothes & footwear we headed to the bar and then food.