America calling: New York day 2

Right now I'm feeling very patriotic in Washington DC and I have an overwhelming urge to salute the American flag and eat a Big Mac whilst an eagle flies in the distance. These past couple of days have been incredible and packed full of sight seeing and touristy activities.

During our second day in New York, we joined a one day tour which took us to all of the typical tourist attractions. It's feels almost surreal being in New York and seeing all of these famous monuments in real life.

We started the day with a trip to the Empire State Building in Manhattan's midtown area. It was absolutely freezing on the observation deck of the Empire State Building - on the 86th floor!!

My hands went numb as I tried to take photos of the views as my parents gave me the "I'm in so much pain but I have to keep smiling" grin because it was so cold. But the photos and views were completely worth the hypothermia I experienced (thanks 'straya - completely unprepared for the cold)

So beautiful!!

The snow capped buildings

Selfies atop the Empire State Building

👍

Afterwards we went to Wall Street where greed is good ;)

My dad was so excited, he'd been asking me when we'd go to Wall Street since we landed in New York. Wall Street = his dream haha

It's amazing to think that billions of dollars are gained and lost each day in this area.

Afterwards was a boat ride around the Hudson River towards the Statue of Liberty! Although we didn't get very close to her, it was still incredibly surreal to see the statue in real life.

Also got a beautiful shot of the Brooklyn bridge which connects Manhattan island to the mainland.

Brooklyn, the hometown of Lonely Boy circa season 1.

Funnily enough, next stop was the Upper East Side where I met up with my friends Blair and Serena on the steps of the Met.

Blair and Serena just left to get me my yoghurt ;)

It was optional entry into the Met which cost $25 per person so my ay-shun parents said 'yer... We're not going' haha

Instead we went and explored Central Park.

Most magical experience of my life. Everything was covered in snow and it was just so picturesque and idyllic!! If you guys follow my instagram, just watch the video I posted and you'll understand what I mean ;)

At this point, I had a sudden urge to become a hobo and live here in the park.

The famous Bethseda fountain

I could have probably spent an entire day in Central Park.

New York pretzel

Final stop for the day was Times Square and Madame Tussaud's wax museum! At this point our camera died (nooooo!!) so our photos of Times Square were all taken on phones :(

This photo does not do such an amazing place justice :(

But we did go back during the daylight on day 3 - more clearer photos in the next post.

There's a reason why New York is called the city that never sleeps. Standing in Times Square, you're almost engulfed in a shower of colour thanks to the billboards and neon signs. It's bright, small and crowded but nonetheless, unbelievably amazing. It was a real 'dream come true' moment standing there.

There were also lots of people dressed in Elmo, Cookie Monster and zombie suits who essentially walk around fooling tourists into taking a photo with them. It's only after the photo that they find out - "that'll be $10 ma'am". We didn't get tricked but we were pursued by a few though. Never though I'd be chased through Times Square by Elmo.

Afterwards was Madame Tussaud's wax museum which was actually kinda creepy. Standing next to the figures reminds me of when you see a china doll. You just stare at them, bracing yourself for the moment when they come alive and grab you. Am I the only one who thinks this??? Haha