first stop...The Big Apple

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Arrived early afternoon, very comfortable Airbus330 with 'superior' legroom (at extra cost of course!). Our hotel, on Broadway, just up from Times Square very central! Settled by 5pm but our body clock says midnight! And we were up at 5am so feeling sleepy, esp. after a few anxious days prior to lift off fretting about all the detail of a world trip. In the event should not have fretted, all going smooth! Nevertheless by 7pm ready for dinner (supper or is it breakfast?) Its always useful to get your bearings as soon as possible and to adjust to the new time on day one (esp, if going west!). So, off to eat. New York had snow a few days ago, some still on the 'sidewalks' but while cold not bitter! Super meal, prices attractive since the exchange rate favourable. Back to bed by 10pm (=3am).
Up and out by 10amb NY hotels dont do BandB so b'fast on Broadway. Shop for a phone charger, cant get the uk one to work! Beware the Broadway electronic shops with 2xprices! use the local phone co. suppliers!
This is not our first time in NY so we will give the usual sights a miss but Ground Zero is a must. A yellow cab at speed down to the site, visit the memorial centre (staffed by volunteer NYFD related staff), very moving and a wothwhile emotional experience. It is 5+years since and reconstruction is evident but the surrounding streets reflect the 'bombsite' it must have been.
From GZ, a walk from Wall Street round Battery Park and back to the Statten Island ferry termianl (an inexpensive way (free at the moment but may not be much longer?) to see 'Liberty' and the NY skyline...)
Then a subway from Bounds Green, (not Battery unless you wish to change lines) take the express to Grand Central...
Grand Central, a most attractive building, traditional but 'modern', good shopping!, and close to 5th Avenue for the best(?) in NY retail therapy!
Tourists with children (inc grandchildren... must visit 'ToysRUs on Broadway... as a typical example of the very best of the market forces which drive the USA!
As dusk descends, look for food... so much choice and the usual portion in the US will usually feed two UK adults! Newcomers, beware the 'sandwich', its enormous!
And so to bed, pack ready for an early call, an even earlier 'bag-pull' and prepare for the next stop... Las Vegas on the morrow...

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Photos

NY skyline
from the (free) Statten island ferry

Ground Zero
GZ construction site

near GZ
Back street near Ground Zero

ToysRbiginUS
an instore ferris wheel

King Cong...
a leggo model

grand central
What a beautiful building!