In Gotham

Didn't realise that New York also had Gotham as a nickname.

Sun 5 Mar

Headed out at 10am in -4 deg C temps. Just down the street is an entry to the Highline, which is a disused rail line that has been turned into a park/walkway. There were some spots of ice along the path and when the wind was in our faces it was bitterly cold. We got as far as the river views then turned back and down to the Chelsea markets where we found a place to buy some food for dinner.

Along the Highline

Later headed down to Trader Joe's for some groceries so we can start cooking our meals. This market was crowded! The line to the 38 (yes 38) checkouts wound around the store and various aisles with 2 people managing a "End of Line" sign and a "Middle of Line" sign. In future we'll use another supermarket just around the corner.

Lines to the checkout at Trader Joe's

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Mon 6 Mar

Today we walked. The temperature was up - just above zero, so we thought we'd head to Times Square. Even though it was a distance, it was an easy and interesting walk. Walked over past the Rockefeller Centre and down to Bryant Park where we got coffee and hot chocolate. Found one site of the New York City Library (the 53rd St Library) that had an indoor area to sit and eat lunch while watching a movie.

Rockefeller Building

Overlooking the skating rink at Rockefeller Centre

In Bryant Park

Partly frozen fountain in Bryant Park

Later found the main site of the New York City Library where Stephanie was able to find her preferred souvenir - a pencil, plus a few other items. On the way out there was a second bag check where Stephanie was chatty with the guard. When he got to me he asked: "Are you with the queen? Is that your queen?" "Yes, she is." "You look after her, man. That lady is fine and chirpy." "I know."

We've found that people in New York are usually not as talkative as the people we found in New Orleans, unless you initiate some engagement with them. Walked back past the iconic Flatiron building then headed back to the unit before the temp dropped too much. About 10km all up.