Day 13 – A tall building and cycling in New York

Today was the day to do the Empire State Building.  We had a early start as we wanted to make sure that we did not get stuck in a queue.  We were there shortly after 9am having experienced a nice little traffic jam in the Lincoln Tunnel.  There was no queue and after having gone through security we decided to pay by credit card which proved to be a smart move as there was virtually no queue

Lego buildings with Bryant Park in the centre

 

Ensuring that Bev does not jump

 

Looking toward the south - Freedom Tower dominating

whereas those paying cash were queuing.  It is a magnificent view from the 86^th floor and the visibility was superb.  It also gives one a sense of the geography again, this time from above.  

Having satisfied our need to do the tourist stuff we decided it was time to get a moderately decent coffee.  We were recommended  a place called Stumptown Roasters in the Ace Hotel near the ESB.  The coffee was not quite up to Wellington standards but compared to the other fare we had had in North America is was good.  It was close to lunch time and Ashley had told us about a place where local restaurants had set up little stalls for may and were serving lunches.  We got a freshly made pizza to share.  

After having walked for kilometres the day before we decided that it was time to get some wheels so that we could bike the Brooklyn Bridge.  When we went on our boat cruise we found Blazing Saddles rental bike service so returned to it.  The service was really good by the man looking after it.  We got good quality bikes which were a couple of dollars more expensive.  We were given really good instructions on how to get to the bridge.  Manhattan is well served by cycleways.  Some are separate from the traffic others are a dedicated lane.  

Got there! Now I have to get back!

The distance to Brooklyn bridge was about 10 kilometres from where we picked up the bike mostly along a dedicated cycleway.  When we did mix with the traffic not only did it mostly travel slowly but also drivers did seem to be both pedestrian and cyclist wary.  Perhaps the threat of a suit if they hit someone has the effect of people being careful.  The ride over the bridge was great and we then found a nice promenade area which looked out toward the toe of Manhattan.  As it was sunny there were lots of people sitting around reading or just dozing.  One of the things I noticed about the parks whether by the river or a promenade is that there are lots of places for people to sit and enjoy the fresh air.  Not only that there was little or no graffiti on the seats.  For some reason people seem to treat them with care.  

Spring has arrived in Brooklyn

After an ice-cream at the famous Brooklyn Ice Cream factory (not as good as NZ ice-creams) we found our way to the Manhattan Bridge and rode that as well.  Then for a moment I took the wrong turn which necessitated some very good navigation and riding in the traffic.  After half an hour or so I got us back to a cycleway that ran along the toe of Manhattan, joining it under the Brooklyn Bridge.  During that little ride I managed to come off my bike when I failed to mount a kerb and desperate to stay on my feet I managed some aerial feat that still had me landing upright.  
 

Brooklyn Bridge (Manhattan Bridge in the background)

By the time  we got back to the waters edge Bev wanted to get back to the bike rental place but I was determined to bike the route around the waterfront which Bev later admitted was well worthwhile.  Going back was hard work as there was quite a head wind. 

For dinner we decided to stay in the city so went down to Greenwich Village where we found the Blue Note Jazz Club but decided it was going to finish too late and we were too tired to really enjoy the music.  Instead we found a place called The Olive Tree which had a Comedy Club below it and to which it was associated.  We had a window seat so we were able to watch all the people who were trying to get in.  There was no space for us so we missed that experience.  It was a nice evening of people watching before taking the subway to the Port Authority and getting our bus back to Union City.