NYC Trip Part 3 - Sightseeing, Snow And Slight Detours

I spent my early twenties consuming a diet of American sitcoms and New York based rom-coms. In 2011, when I first visited NYC on my honeymoon, I was concerned that it would not live up to my expectations, that I had built it up too much in my head for it to ever be a patch on what I had imagined all those years. I needn’t had worried. It was all I had envisaged and more. I fell in love instantly. From the moment I looked out of my yellow taxi window as we crossed the Williamsburg bridge, breathing in each drop of excitement in the air, I knew New York was for me.

NYC Trip Part 3 – Sightseeing, Snow And Slight Detours

Walking the Manhattan streets, its hard not to have the feeling that anything is possible. The enthusiasm and desire of New Yorkers is infectious. On our way downtown to Battery Park we took a detour to Greenwich Village. This bohemian neighborhood, not too dissimilar to Shoreditch or its UK namesake Greenwich, is wonderful to wander around. Street cafes, coffee houses, cool apartment blocks and an eclectic mix of cuisine on offer; its easy to see why Monica and Rachel were so happy living here. Being the FRIENDS geek that I am I couldn’t resist a quick pit-stop at the corner of Grove and Bedford in Greenwich Village for a souvenir photo.

Look Familiar???

After heading downtown on the Subway, a treat in itself for my train obsessed daughter, we were at Battery Park ready to board our Statue Cruises ferry to Liberty and Ellis Island.

I often tell people about my previous visit to Ellis Island. There is something about the building, especially the grand hall, that I find captivating. For me Ellis Island encapsulates everything that America is, and stands for; the gateway to Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness. On my first visit in April 2011 I stood on The Stairs Of Separation and cried. Partly I blame the hormones, I was three months pregnant at the time, but mostly I was just overwhelmed by how many stories had started and ended in that very spot. It still chocks me up now to think about it.

NYC Trip Part 3 - Sightseeing, Snow And Slight Detours

Scarlett was in her tourist geek element on this trip (definitely a chip off the old block) and we were both very impressed with the children’s audio tour on Liberty Island. Very down to earth, age appropriate and informative. She has been imparting her knowledge about all things Statue of Liberty to anyone who will listen ever since. I highly recommend it for any families visiting.

After a quick pit-stop for dinner, and some face-time with Daddy who was back in the UK, we jumped back on the Subway up town for a spot of nighttime sight-seeing. I have always wanted to see the Rockafella Christmas tree, a staple in so many films and holiday episodes of my favorite shows, so, after a walk around Times Square (and the obligatory picture with a NYPD Cop) we walked over to Rockafella Plaza. Oh My Goodness. It was beautiful. Magical. Everything I imagined and more.