Today architecture is high on our list. We get up close to the Empire State Building and then walk along 5th Avenue back to Pershing Square and admire Grand Central Terminal, both from the outside and the inside. What a magnificent piece of architecture. The external façade is beautiful and adorned with eagles. As you look up toward the main edifice, you catch the magnificent Chrysler building in the background.
As we wander inside, it is as if we have been transported back in time. The atmosphere inside is one of dulled rushing. The space is so cavernous that despite the hundreds of people walking in all directions, their footfalls simply rise into the space. We gaze up at the ceiling: luminescent green with pins of light, maybe it represents the stars. Something we will have to look into. We wander downstairs and get lost in the labyrinth of tunnels, shopping arcades and walkways to and from other platforms and the New York subway. We eventually find our way back to the main concourse. We admire the clock, just a magnificent piece of design: some say it’s worth $20M. It’s a one of a kind, so I guess its priceless.
The space is beautiful, with several artworks, carved archways and ornate hanging lights. Built in 1913, it has withstood the test of time and remains one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Central_Terminal
We eventually wander off and in a few short minutes are at another stunning building, the Park Plaza hotel. With its $3000 a night room rate, it truly is a place the rich and famous stay at. We enter the foyer and are overcome with sights, smells and sounds of beauty, luxury and comfort. We feel a little out of place in our shorts, runners and t-shirts. We ignore that feeling and admire the design, artwork and beauty of the space.
The hotel was opened in 1890 and underwent major redevelopment work in 1907, instantly becoming a success with the well to do of New York as Manhattan quickly became a world city after the war.
It’s getting late, so we wander back down 5th Avenue to our hotel, grabbing a quick burger for dinner and an easy night.
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