New York City

I traveled to New York City for work this week and stayed an extra day to walk around and enjoy the city.  I have only been to NYC once before and ever since then I have wanted to go back.  Finally my chance came up and my main goal was to see the Statue of Liberty.  I am not a morning person but I got up at 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning and hopped on the Subway to see her during sunrise.  It was very cold and windy morning but it was well worth it.  What a wonderful experience!

I was staying in Midtown at 35th and 6th Avenue and quickly purchased a metro card.  Hopping on the subway to get up and down and all around is so easy.  I love mass transportation – the hustle and bustle, the musicians entertaining, and the wonderful people from all walks of life.

While walking around the tip of Manhattan thru Battery Park I enjoyed the sunrise reflecting on many buildings along the way.

There are some many parks to enjoy.  Here is a shot of one.

And here is my all-time favorite find – sailboats!!  I actually saw a sailboat on the Hudson during my meeting.  It was beautiful, white, graceful and very distracting.  🙂

But almost everywhere I turned, I could see the brand new One World Trade Center – also known as the Freedom Tower.  The building stands 1,776 feet tall and is a symbol of renewal and hope.  It has 3 million square feet of office space on 71 office floors and will also have an observation deck.  It sits right next to the 911 memorial pools.

I loved the reflection of the Freedom Tower on this building:

The 911 Memorial was the most moving experience.  There are just no words.

Walking further north I captured this shot.

  This shot is coming up from the Subway at Bryant Park.

Lovely Rockefeller Center.  I had planned to be there for the Today Show but decided at the last minute to enjoy Downtown Manhattan and all it had to offer first.  By the time I got to Rockefeller Center it was lively with the new Christmas Tree getting prepped for decorating and ice skaters enjoying the rink.

And of course, what is a visit to New York City without spending time in Central Park!  Such a gorgeous park.

After many miles on foot and on the subway (up and down many steps) I finally headed back to grab something to eat before heading to the airport.  But on the way back I got to see what I believe is the most beautiful building in NYC – the Chrysler Building.   It was just recently renovated and it is beautiful.

And yes, I plan to go back.  I love NYC – just like their slogan.  I will be there a few more times for work this winter but I do plan to be back in the summer sometime soon.  I can’t wait to get on a sailboat on the Hudson!