Today was ANOTHER massive day. Our first place to visit was the 9-11 memorial. It was an easy subway ride downtown. On our way, we stumbled across yet another literature cart. So amazing. And, while we were there, we bumped into Art and Michelle from California. They were also on their way to the memorial, so we went together.

In case I haven't told you before (or in case I just met you on our travels), the last time I was in New York City was immediately before and after 9-11. So, I don't have very fond memories of that time. And, whenever I would think about it, it would remind me of the terror I felt about being on the other side of the world from home and in the middle of what was a war zone. So, this morning, I was not in the happiest mood. The thought of going to the memorial made the hair on my arms stand on end.

So, there we were on the way down to the 9-11 memorial with our new friends.

The memorial consists of two pools, each the same size footprint as each of the towers that were felled.

Attendance is free, but you are required to book in advance.

So, because we were with our new friends, it became a less depressing and solemn event, but a happy occasion.

There were thousands of people there.

Eeerie!

A day that I was not looking forward to because of terrible memories from the last time I was here turned out to be a fantastic day. It was so great to meet you Michelle and Art.

The new Freedom Tower built at Ground Zero, directly adjacent to the new memorial park.

After this, we went down to visit the Statue of Liberty.

This airport style security is everywhere. It is still a city in fear.

Kylie from the ferry! Manhattan is in the background.

From ferry.

Closer

Even closer.

Looking at Manhattan from the Statue of Liberty. I like the nice touch of the plastic mesh fence. 

Then, we went back to the Met and guess what?

And, another literature stand. They are at almost every subway stop we went to.

Next we went to.....

The Guggenheim museum.

Can't wipe that smile from my face.

Then, we went to the top of the rock (Rockefeller centre)

Full marks for anyone that can tell me who this represents.

'Just take the photo, will you Kylie!'

This gives you an idea of how large Central Park is.

Contemplative Kylie

I can't remember what this photo was looking at.

Empire State.

No matter how much guidance I give people, nobody can ever framed good photo of the both of us. Lol.

Next, we went to the top of the Empire State.

In the lobby.

We spotted this cool place from the rooftop of the Empire State. It was cooooooooool as. We thought 'We should go there for dinner and a drink.'

The panorama didnt work too well from the Empire State because of the security grille.

Some randoms taking selfies.

We were not the only ones up there. 

Then, we spotted one of the coolest buildings - the Flatiron, so we went for a closer look.

It was so cool to see it again.

So, as mentioned, we spotted this cool rooftop restaurant when we were atop the Empire State. So, we asked around and FOUND IT! It was super cool.

Awesome view.

Wow! One of the selfies worked!!!!!

Needless to say, we were tired after such an eventful day. Thanks for reading.

When planning the trip, we planned it assuming that we are always in good health, the weather is always perfect and we are always FULL of energy. All of those things have rarely occurred at the same time on this trip. Kylie got over the allude sickness before we left SLC. And, I still had symptoms for most of the time we were in Las Vegas. So, when we had an OVERNIGHT flight from Las Vegas, that was not a masterstroke of genius on my part. Why? Well, first of all, sleep has been a major problem on the trip thus far. There was jet-lag to overcome first. Then, insomnia was a major issue withthe altitude   sickness. Then, we have the fact that airplane travel doesn't lend itself to sleeping too well. Then, we have the fact that we are going to a place that has a three hour time difference. And, finally, we are going to a 'city that never sleeps.' The moral of the story is - Bruno - GET OVER IT! You will not catch up on your sleep debt. Hahahahahahaha!

So, we check in to our AWESOME accommodation. We are staying in the upper west side in this cool apartment (W74th Street).

Its the top floor apartment in this building. The only negative is that its a four level walk-up. If you are coming to town, I cant put you into contact with the owner. It is a real New York experience for us.The restaurants and cafes closeby are awesome. The subway is two blocks away (in both directions).

Our first port of call was the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met). To get there, I looked at the map and saw that the Met is across Central Park. Easy. Just a quick walk.????? Have you been to Central Park? It was easy to get there. But, Central Park is ENORMOUS!!!!! But, back to our Met tour. If you are interested in Biblical History, Oasis Tours operate a few different tours that are Super-Informative. The one that we went of is called 'The Woman and The Seed' and we looked at the first three world powers and heaps of artifacts on show that relate to Egypt, Babylon and Medo-Persia. It went for more than three hours and our tour (Arn) was awesome.

Us with our tour guide. Today we are dressed by Tommy Hilfiger (again - yes, we are wearing the same clothes - LOL).

The main lobby of the Met was bustling. There were (an estimate) of more than 100 people waiting to go on an Oasis tour. It was like an assembly.

We took hundreds of photos and hopefully, I can remember what was significant about them. Here are a sampling. 

This was typical of an Egyptian Prisoner (you can tell by the way that the hands are bound). Look out for this when you see Joseph illustrated as an Egyptian Prisoner.

Look at the cover of the 'My Book of Bible Stories.'

An Egyptian temple. I can remember what was significant about it. But, it was impressive.

Our multi-race tour group.

This would have been on the wall when the prophet Daniel at the entrance of Babylon. Check out the Daniels Prophecy book. 

Some of the beautiful architecture of the Met.

If you do nothing else when you are in New York, go to the Oasis website and book one of these tours. They are free. You pay only for entry to the Met and if you would like to make a donation to the tour guides, you are welcome. They are all regular pioneers.

In Las Vegas, we spent a tonne of money on cabs, We were determined not to do the same in New York. We caught a cab from where our shuttle bus dropped us off in New York and we resolved that was going to be our last. So, we bought 2 unlimited subway tickets.

Because I knew that Manhattan was where the 'Manhattan Project' originated, I said to Kylie 'Look out for the literature stands.' And, literally 45 seconds later.....

It was so awesome to see. Just out of the picture, our sister is talking to an interested person.

We then ventured up to ground level and we found ourselves...

.....in Times Square. Sooooooo many people. 

I cant remember the last time I had a Hot Dog, and I cant remember the last time I ate street food. But, Im in New York - do as the New Yorkers do.

There is a massive red stairway that we are sitting on. It is the TKTS stand (where you can get discounted Broadway tickets). We bought our tickets from Australia (we are seeing Spiderman - Turn off the Dark).

New Yorks finest keeping us safe.

Then, we headed home on the subway. This is our home Subway station.

And, this is the street close to home.

Can you see Eddie and Peppers Pizza? That is a Pizza shop in a basement. Where else but in New York would we eat Pizza in a basement? At $2.50 for a massive slice of Margarita, Im not complaining. It was also DELICIOUS!!!!!!

And, thats what we did after sleeping maybe two hours during an overnight flight. Im impressed - are you?