Monkeys Take Manhattan

We were fortunate with the location of our hotel as it was opposite a fine diner. We had a filling and cheap breakfast at Manhattan Diner and hopped on the tube, or subway as they call it here, to Battery Park, the port for trips to Liberty Island. There was a huge queue to get through security. The security system was extremely tight and accurate. The metal detector was even able to tell the security guard that my package was not secure and that my flies were open!

We enjoyed our walk around the island and the up close look at the Statue of Liberty. It was a wonderfully clear day and we had picture perfect views of Manhattan. When we got back to Manhattan we walked to Wall Street, Trinity Church and on to South Street Seaport. The Seaport has a new shopping mall and gives you good views of the Brooklyn Bridge. Walking away from the Seaport area we came across a nice cobbled stoned street with interesting shops and a choir arranged like a large singing Christmas tree. We also saw the most authentic looking Father Christmas ever. Beige dungarees, a real, long white beard and small, round glasses. I think this is how the old man must always dress though, because when John asked for a photo the old man just walked off in a huff.

We got a taxi to the Flatiron building but it was covered in scaffolding. We walked up Broadway towards Times Square and ate in a nice restaurant. Then we went to a cinema to see King Kong. I’d really been looking forward to seeing King Kong and it had to be seen in New York. This was the first film we’d seen in the US. It was a strange experience because the audience cheered, clapped and ooh’ed at dramatic scenes. Becky and John even got the Spanish translation from the family sitting behind them.