Today was both a sad and happy day – on one level we were leaving Boston, but on the other hand we were heading to NYC!
We arrived in the heart of Manhatten about about 11am, and managed to avoid the bad traffic due to the `New York Marathon`taking place. 40,000 runners and 2 million spectators are due to take part in the event – so it should make it a fast paced first day in the Big Apple!
After checking into our apartment (might I say, only 2 blocks from the Empire State Building!) we dumped our bags and strapped on our walking shoes. Walking up 5th Avenue was a highlight as we headed past attractions like Rockefeller Centre (complete with Ice Skating Rink!), the NBA store, Trump Towers and the home of Tiffany’s Jewelery!
The crowds got thicker the further north of 5 th Avenue we went – as the New York Marathon Runners, ran along the southern edge of Central Park. Crowds lined the streets cheering, as a flow of never ending runners made there way through the streets. We joined the crowds, taking in this this iconic event for an hour – and during this time were able to cheer on the four fellow New Zealand runners that we spotted running the last 1/2 mile!
Walking back from Central Park, we headed to the tourism center, Times Square! This was a neon delight and a much bigger area than we expected. Where else can you see a wall of neverending M&M`s, giant billboards and toy stores with Ferris Wheels and 20 foot robot Dinosaurs? The answer is of course ALL in Times Square!
We left this evening satisfied with what we saw in half a day exploring – and eager to find more tomorrow. We also left clutching some tickets to our first Broadway Musical for Tuesday night!
