Day 82, April 16, NYC

 Three amazing things:

1- The Empire State Building, easily one of the most iconic buildings in the world, was fun to ascend. It was as spectacular to view the New York skyline as was billed and as I had anticipated. This was Aaron’s favorite viewing spot of the two skyscrapers we visited. 












2- Top of the Rock Observation deck in Rockefeller Center was my favorite viewpoint of this crazy massive city. From it we were able to see The Empire State Building as well as Central Park, Trump Tower, The Hudson River, The East River, The Statue of Liberty, The Financial District, One World Trade Center, and everything for miles away. Was grand in every way.






3- Times Square is definitely something I plan to never do again. We had to go, of course, just to see where the epicenter of the universe seems to be, especially on New Year’s Eve, but my oh my, what a chaotic, crowded, messed up place is Times Square. There was nothing enjoyable about it at all, but as it was evening time, we waited a bit longer and walked further afield so as to witness the spectacle after dark when the billboards become even more brilliant. But what a mistake that was! The crowds became untenable, and it was all we could do to fight our way out. After I apologized, I promised Kasper never to drag him back there again. 






Other places of note we checked out: 

* Grand Central Station - Reportedly the largest train station in the world, it is absolutely gorgeous. Stellar! Loved it.



* New York City Public Library, Main Branch - More enticing to look at from the outside but not so much on the inside, this was less gorgeous and less stellar. Don’t bother. It did, however, make for a good people-watching lunch spot.



* St Patrick’s Cathedral - Oh my goodness, the cathedral was truly stupendous especially all bedecked with flowers for Easter. A must-visit place.







* The Plaza Fairmont Hotel on Central Park - Another site which could be easily missed, we weren’t allowed anymore than a peek into the grand foyer, but it wasn’t all that grand inside anyway. 

* Empire State Building at night; a grand idea and experience.



Good deeds: There have been only a very few good deeds these past few days but I hesitant to mention any as it is a crazy big and chaotic city, and I find myself just surviving more than extending help. There was one memorable instance, however, given to us. On one particular subway ride, a cute young East Indian couple offered their seats to us, “the seniors.” That was the one and only time of countless trains we’ve been on where anybody offered their seats to us, not that I yet require one. Their respect for elders was most admirable, and we accepted. 

We have tried to be kind, patient, thoughtful, respectful, and helpful wherever we can. As well, Aaron has to given up seats to women frequently (he’s been the only one to do so). But my favorite good deed was how he approached about a dozen police officers (who are present everywhere) to thank them for doing the hard job and for protecting us. A couple of times he choked up with emotion.  His gratitude was accepted with kindness, professionalism and smiles. He’s a good man, my Aaron.  As are our cops in NYC. 




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