New York - On Foot!

After yesterday's cold & near-constatnt rain today dawned bright & sunny.  Not warm but we were grateful it was dry at least.
After loading the bus with our bags we drove into the city to spend a full day sightseeing - trying to see all the sights we had had to reschedule because of the rain yesterday.  To complicate things further, once our driver Mike dropped us off this morning we were going to be 'on our own' all day as he had to rest before our night drive home.  So walking & the Subway would be our means of transportation.
We began the day with a walk through the southern end of Central Park, in amongst the many exercising New Yorkers jogging, cycling or walking dogs.

Strawberry Fields, an area of Central Park dedicated to the memory of John Lennon who was shot nearby

The monument to Daniel Webster, author of America's first dictionary

At the Bethesda Fountain, amongst musicians & yoga classes!

The famous Central Park carousel

Leaving Central Park at the south-eastern corner, Grand Army Plaza, we had time for a short visit to F.A.O.Schwartz, the world's largest toy store, & the flagship Apple store.  In F.A.O.Schwartz the giant piano featured in the movie 'Big' is on display (& on sale for $250,000!) & many of the students took the chance to slip off their shoes & play/dance on it.
Afterwards we strolled along Fifth Avenue to St. Patrick's Cathedral & the Rockefeller Center.

30 Rock

From the Rockefeller Center we walked to the Subway to take a train Downtown to Chelsea - a chance to 'live like New Yorkers'.  

In Chelsea we visited Chelsea Market for lunch, then walked along the city's newest & most unusual city park, the High Line, to make our way Uptown towards the Empire State Building.

Waiting for our Subway train

Riding the rails in New York City

Lunch at Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is very popular at the weekend so not everybody could find a seat, but they adapted!

Walking along the High Line, a former elevated railway line that was converted into a city park & opened in 2009

The area around the High Line is thriving since its conversion & art is found all along the way

After lots of walking (& very little grumbling!) we reached the Empire State Building.  We were scheduled to visit yesterday but the visibility was virtually zero with rain clouds enveloping the tower.  That meant it was busier today but the views were worth the inconvenience!

New York City!

From the Empire State Building we had just a short walk to Times Square & our dinner appointment at the HB Chophouse - buffalo chips, penne pasta, chicken tenders with mashed potatoes & julienne vegetables, & key lime pie!

Times Square Police Station

With legs & feet tired after all the walking, we rode the Subway once more for the journey from Times Square to the Lincoln Center, arriving in good time for our final evening's performance, by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.  It was almost a full house & tickets were in high demand for this great performance - & a great way to end our trip.

The Avery Fisher Hall at the Lincoln Center, home of the New York Philharmonic - our last event & a great way to finish.

The students were very happy to see our driver Mike when he met us after the concert.  Now we just have to get home, with a 9 hour night drive ahead of us!