Tour of New York

 Today consisted of an all day bus tour to some of New York's highlights led by our very capable guide Matthew. After driving through some of the well known areas such as Soho, Greenwich Village etc. our first stop was at the 9/11 Memorial.

This is the newly finished 9/11 Memorial Tower.

The 9/11 Memorial Ponds were both very sad and very impressive. There are 2, each as large as the footprints of the North and South Towers destroyed in the attack. 

The only thing that survived the attacks was this pear tree, which after lots of tender loving care was replanted as part of the Memorial.

 The bus then took us to the Staten Ferry and before entering the departure lounge there was an splendid view of the Brooklyn Bridge.

 It was then onto the ferry and it's fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty and back to Manhattan.

 We returned to our tour bus as seen above. I loved seeing all the trucks in New York and it was a pleasure to travel in one for a day.

 We drove back along the water which enabled us to get a glimpse of many of the bridges.

 In a bus you get short glimpses into other people's lives and although I don't often go in for street photography this woman and specially her dog proved irresistible.

 Then there was another stop with for Jane and I a return visit to Grand Central Terminal and this time we saw the beautiful main entrance.

Before going inside again there was a splendid view of the Chrysler Building, definitely the most beautiful skyscraper in New York.

And right in the centre of the terminus the clock that is such a favourite meeting place for New Yorkers and that features in many films.