It was another perfect sunny day in New York City which meant we could travel unhampered by weather to the gateway of the United States and visit the Lady of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World). We took the Subway to South Ferry. The NYC train system compared favourably with the London Tube, once we had worked out the code.

The regular ticket for $18 was more than sufficient for the day

As we left the train we ignored the usual people trying to sell ‘fast passes’ to the famous statue and Ellis Island for $50 each and took our chance with buying a round trip ferry ticket for $18 which included audio guides at both Liberty and Ellis Island. Best decision of the day.

The lady herself

I must say I was a bit dubious about visiting the Lady with the Torch especially as my husband kept saying, ‘America! America!’each time he saw her. He was remembering one of his favourite movies,’The Legend of 1900’ by Giuseppe Tornatore starring Tim Roth.

We bypassed Ellis Island this time

It was well worth the visit. I learnt something about history, philosophy,sculpture and engineering as well as enjoying a great view of the city and it’s environs from the ferry on a beautiful day. We skipped Ellis Island because we wanted to get to the Chelsea Markets for lunch and we felt it could have been information overload. Maybe we’ll go there next trip.

Chelsea Markets were buzzing

Chelsea Markets are aesthetically pleasing in every way

Getting more proficient at riding the subway we took line 1 on the R train to 14th St and made our way to the Chelsea Markets.
The sight and smell of so many different types of food under one roof made the choice for lunch difficult. We had Thai today and are planning on having pasta tomorrow. While we ate had a great chat with a lady from Brooklyn who was taking her lunch break. She armed us with a few more ideas of things to do and places to see.

The Markets had far too many food choices. We will have to return tomorrow.

On our walk back to where we are staying we enjoyed looking at people doing ‘life’ in Greenwich Village. We have noticed that people are very sociable here in NYC. They meet in parks and talk, play, dance, play music and look as if they are really enjoying life. Maybe the sunshine and warmth after such a long cold winter is helping their happy mood.

In Greenwich Village we felt as though we were walking through a movie set.

Tonight when we were in Union Square,killing a few minutes before seeing a movie, we were entertained by guys playing a soccer game in the middle of the crowd in a space that was less than half the size of a tennis court. A guy and a girl were playing catch over the top of them and people just sitting on the steps. Skateboarders were doing their tricks in the middle of the crowd and skilfully missing people by inches. Buskers were playing drums on one level and a piano accordion on the other without worrying about each other at all. Elsewhere people were on the park benches having deep discussions, reading books, playing with their phones or just resting in the warm Spring evening air. We are loving the feeling of being alive here in NYC.

Playing football in the middle of people chilling on the steps of Union Square.