USA 2017
NYC - Lower Manhattan & Brooklyn
Today starts off very sunny. We set off at around 8 a.m. On the way to the subway at Herald Square, we stop at a café/breakfast restaurant, because coffee in the morning... Then we take the subway straight to Battery Park. We get off at Bowling Green station and briefly take the bull by the horns. We then stroll through the park and enjoy the sun. It's kind of nice not to just rush from place to place in New York for once.
The Statue of Liberty is already visible in the distance. As on my previous visits to the city, we don't go directly to Liberty Island, but simply pass it by on the Staten Island Ferry. So we board the ferry and position ourselves at the back. This gives us a fantastic view of the skyline as the ferry leaves Manhattan. Once we arrive on Staten Island, we have to be quick. We get off the ferry at the bottom, go straight back on at the top, and head back. We wave briefly to the Statue of Liberty and we're back in Manhattan. And best of all, it doesn't cost a cent.
It is now noon, and we stroll from the ferry terminal through the urban canyons toward Wall Street. I find that this is where you get the expected Manhattan feeling. Relatively narrow streets lined with skyscrapers and a wonderful mix of sun and shade.
We continue past Trinity Church to the World Trade Center. On my last visit to New York, there was still a huge construction site here and you could only imagine how imposing the towers that previously stood on this site must have been. The two memorial fountains, which symbolize the floor plan of the Twin Towers, are impressive simply because of their size and encourage reflection and contemplation. In addition, the fountains seem to flow downwards into infinity.
Before we head to Brooklyn, we take a quick look at New York City Hall. On the way, we pass the beautiful Woolworth Building. This is one of the oldest skyscrapers in Manhattan.
In the immediate vicinity, along Centre Street, there are a few more impressive buildings. Among them is the New York Supreme Court (courthouse).
Off to Brooklyn!
We hop on the nearest subway and travel under the East River to Brooklyn.
Of course, the first thing we want to do is enjoy the classic view down Washington Street toward the Manhattan Bridge. After that, we spend some time in the parks right on the East River, continue to enjoy the great weather, and finally end up at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (one scoop $5, two $7 – so two scoops) directly below the Brooklyn Bridge. The whole time, we are accompanied by a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline. Between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, there is even a small beach on the East River where you can dip your feet in the water./p>
At around 5:30 p.m., we meet our friend after his workday at Jane's Carousel and enjoy the last rays of sunshine. Eventually, we take the subway back to Manhattan. If you've never walked across the Brooklyn Bridge before, I recommend it as an alternative to the subway.
In the East Village, we grab a bite to eat and stop for a beer at New York's oldest pub on the way back to the hotel. McSorley's Old Ale House has been around since 1854, and when you walk in, you're hit by a strong whiskey smell. You'd think they mop the whole pub with whiskey every night. By the way, when you order a beer, you get two half-full glasses with lots of foam on top.
