A warm, sunny Saturday meant brunch in Chelsea and a walk through the Meatpacking district. The sounds of the tyres on the old cobble stoned roads, the factories converted to upscale shops, Apple in an old Fire station, Sephora (visit number 9), Google, trendy cafes and boutique clothing stores. Just an amazing part of NYC.
After walking this area we entered the start of the high line. A unique park built along 25 or so blocks of disused railway lines. An amazing walk wending its way through skyscrapers and residential buildings along 9th and 10th avenues up to 34th street. An interesting walk passing hawkers, a wedding, art works, sculptures and graffiti.
At the end of the walk we were pretty tired and cold and sat in a quaint coffee shop for an hour and had a hot chocolate. The shop, off 10th avenue and 36th street was one of those little gems. Perfect hot chocolate and a live singer serenading the coffee drinkers with Christmas carols and banter.
After our break we walked along 34th street and caught the F train to Roosevelt Island. Along the way we passed the massive crowds outside Macy’s.
We arrived at Roosevelt Island, deep under the island. Three massive sets of escalators carried us to the surface where we walked the Manhattan side of the island to the FDR memorial. Along the way we saw squirrels and a cat, feral by the size of him.
We spent some time at the point of the island looking at Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. Whilst I was taking photos Mardi was asked if she could be photographed. There was a group of amateur photographers on an excursion. After the photos we walked back along the island and caught the cable car back to Manhattan.
The sun had been replaced with afternoon cloud and the temperature had cooled down a lot. We walked along 60th street back to 5th avenue and caught the subway home.
I grabbed Shake Shack for dinner and we had a night in. Times Square was packed. Full of santas, peaceful protesters and the normal Saturday night crowds. It took us 10 minutes to walk a block, something that normally takes a minute or two.
After a big day we settled down and planned our last few days.
