Mardi is laid up today, her foot is getting better and should be back on the road tonight, when we have dinner planned with Bob and Cathy.
I wake early and watch the cricket – the one day World Cup semi-final see Australia take on South Africa. These contests never disappoint, and this one is no different. Australia win in a nail biting low scoring natch. Sorry Jared – we’ve done it to you again.
After some morning chores, I decide to head out for a walk. Another perfect autumn day and 17 degrees.
I head out downtown along Broadway from 44th and end up at 20th. It’s a fascinating walk. Broadway always has some interesting things to see. I pass a sculpture of a life size blue whale made from metal. Herald Square looms with crowds peering at the Macy’s Christmas windows. The Thanksgiving parade will venture past our hotel next week. I continue to Madison Square Park and the glorious architecture on show here, including the flatiron building, my favourite. Sadly it’s covered in scaffolding as it undergoes repairs. So there are no good photos.
I walk further downtown to 20th, then across to Park Avenue. I then wander back along 5th Avenue all the way back up town to 47th. Along the way I peer into shop windows and marvel at the ever changing architecture. The iconic facades of the 1920s and of course the majestic Empire State Building are gorgeous. The jarring blue glass towers define progress, but lack soul. The Art Deco Rockefeller Centre is abuzz as people mill about the ice skating rink and yet to be opened iconic giant Christmas tree.
I cross to 6th Avenue where the square block black glass and concrete banking buildings of the 1970s tower above all else. Three stand like rigid colossus over looking 6th Avenue and 46th.
I eventually make it back to 44th, a 50 block round trip.
Mardi has rested well and her foot is on the mend.
A little later we head out to dinner. We are meeting our friends, we haven’t seen them together in four years. Bob and Cathy live near the South Street sea port and we meet them in Cliff Street at a Thai place, Lil Chef Mama.
It’s great to see them again and we sit and enjoy Pad Thai, green curry, and dumplings as we catch up on four years. After dinner we wander over to the Tin Building at Pier 17. The Tin Building use to house the local fish markets. Today it is an upscale eatery, cafe, produce, candy and whole foods market place. We buy desert and wander around the various stalls. We chat as we walk exploring rows of condiments, fresh fruit and veg, fresh meats, up market chocolate and candy, alcohol and myriad other bits and pieces.
We then wander back to their apartment and chat for a while. It’s really good to see them. We collect a new piece of luggage they’ve kindly held for us for a few months now. And make our way home.
