With the exception of Niagara Falls, we so far hadn't really done much of the touristy thing. Today though, we were unabashed, card carrying tourists when we went to see the sights of the city. We did it right too, very possibly packing as much into one day as physically possible.
We rode the ferry to see the Statue of Libery and Ellis Island, both of which were very cool to see in person. We'd pre-purchased our tickets, and despite the websites warnings about the long lines for security and boarding, it all went smoothly and quickly. The only low point? Mike realized that he still had his pocket knife in his short's pocket when we were standing in line to go through the airport-style scanner/x-ray security. Now he doesn't have a pocket knife.
We also saw the Freedom Tower at Ground Zero, passed the United Nations, and drove through China Town. We went to FAO Schwartz, St Patrick's Cathedral, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square. We walked through the M&M store.
We had lunch at the famous Katz Deli... both the place where the When Harry Met Sally “I'll have what she's having” scene was shot, and another Man Vs Food destination. A few items of note: It was literally the BEST pastrami sandwich I've ever eaten (this coming from a non-meat eater), it was our most expensive meal to date on this trip, and the food and the novelty of the experience was worth it. But don't use the bathroom. Oh, and if you park on the street, be careful not to put your ticket upside down in your windshield, because you'll get a $65 ticket. You won't have to pay it though, because the meter maid will mistakenly enter the wrong state for your license plate and they won't be able to find you. Shh.
The only thing we really skipped was the Empire State Building (too hazy to see anything).
We capped off the day with a very late dinner at Applebee's, where we enjoyed food, wine, and laughs. The kids were exhausted, but held up very well, and continued to be the troopers they've been this entire trip. They are rock stars.
We were all glad that we'd gotten to experience the city (confiscated knives and rude strangers aside) It was a fun and exciting day, and when I close my eyes I still see the Statue of Liberty, crowded streets, and giant pastrami sandwiches.
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