The second day started early with the jet lag still in play. We decided with the weather due to be so good that we would go and watch the sunrise. It was due to come up at 0656 but we’d already been awake since 0300 so it seemed like mid morning.
The first stop was for coffee. There is a Starbucks every hundred yards in NYC so this conveniently meant one right next to the hotel.
Harrison chose tea as he didn’t fancy coffee. One sip of earl grey (as that’s all they had) and it was an immediate swap for my vanilla latte. Callan went for a Frappuccino which he enjoyed but froze his hands very quickly in a cold and breezy New York dawn.
The plan was to head to the Brooklyn Bridge to watch the sun rise. It was only a 15 min walk from the hotel which meant we got there in no time. The light was building and the sun began to slip into view above the Brooklyn skyline. We got some fantastic photos, put a few below.
I love the last one. Everyone was getting arty and Callan particularly found he enjoyed photography. He was busy snapping everything on his phone then creating interchanging wallpapers and home screens. He wouldn’t change his favourite picture of Amber though.
We walked up past 1 Police Plaza and City Hall before taking the Metro to the Natural History Museum. We arrived with a little time to kill so took a walk through Central Park. With it being winter the plants were at their lowest but you could see the outcrops of granite type rock that Manhattan sits on. With the streaming early sunshine it sparkled and shone with endless processions of runners, riders and the odd e-scooter humming past.
We joined the line for the museum and soon entered into the warm. It was set up with themed dioramas behind glass in countless rooms. Everyone enjoyed the sea themed room which had a huge blue whale hanging from the ceiling. Of course, it was the dinosaurs that perked someone’s interest.
Callan was flitting around photographing everything. His knowledge is quite something but he still found displays where even he could learn. He was filled with energy and and a skip in his step as we trailed in his wake and marvelled at his enjoyment.
Next stop was Times Square. This was the first time the boys saw classic New York with swathes of people, huge lit billboards and street performers. We’d planned to get on the web cam and speak to Mike and Elaine before starting the next leg of the trip. However, no matter where we stood and how long we waited, Mike couldn’t see us on his laptop.
Amy gave continuous directions about where we were. He then passed back various instructions about how to be more visible. We huddled, we stood by a statue, we waved, we walked to red tables, but no, nothing worked.
Harrison was feeling the call of McDonalds and began to huff at Grandad’s apparent lack of tech skill. Eventually a live link was successful and we were able to wave and then go for lunch.
Callan couldn’t wait any longer so we stopped and used a street side food cart. He chose a spicy hot dog, a mere $9.
With rumbling tummies satisfied we headed off to the Empire State Building. Callan was already nervous about the height as he remembered the Blackpool Tower glass floor. He still went it for though.
Amy was finally able to get her own back and photobomb the boys photo. Harrison less impressed when it’s not him playing the joke.
We went through the introductory walk ways with photos and videos of the health and safety nightmare that defined the construction process in the 1930s. Some iconic but truly frightening images of people perched on steel beams.
We took the lift to the 80th floor which was the inside section.
Callan was comfortable at this point as looked at the expanse of the city back towards the World Trade Centre and our hotel. He was less comfortable when we did the next 6 floors to the outside viewing platform. He did come out and have a look around but then waited whilst the rest of us circled the building.
It was Harrisons turn to come alive with unexpected excitement. He spent his time orientating himself and searching for buildings and places he recognised. He managed to pick out USS Intrepid and with the help of a telescope, began to spot and name the aircraft on its deck.
He then worked out where JFK was and trained his telescope along the flight path of aircraft coming into land. He was busily naming civil aircraft next and scoring landings as they touch down in Queens.
The obligatory gift shop through up a small surprise as it was Callan that was desperate to invest in lego and start a new collection. He went for the architecture series and plans to expand.
It was soon time to descend and experience the ear popping sensation 86 floors in reverse.
At the bottom, whilst still in the Empire State, Amy spotted a Starbucks Reserve. A rare sight and of course requiring of a visit. We sampled some more of the local delicacies it provided (surprisingly similar to home) and did a little brand based shopping.
By now, exhaustion had set in. The step count was off the charts at over 25k and tomorrow beckoned with a lighter load.
In the hotel Callan couldn’t wait to start his lego whilst the rest of us pressed for Harrison to set up a newly purchased fire stick and find some more familiar programs on the TV to watch.
Plans still developing for Sunday’s trips. The 911 memorial we think, but a more flexible day and slightly less arduous I think.
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