Terry's Unreliable Blog: New York 4

It must be a Universal Truth that dining at an art gallery or museum means you will pay more than most places for the same food. Only cinemas probably get away with paying way more than your snack would ever cost to make. Today I had a late lunch/early dinner at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a sandwich, a juice and rice 'pudding' set me back $22. I didn't get a Van Gogh thrown in, not even a fragment of a fifteenth century tapestry!

The Met is a magnificent building containing some real treasures, lots of lovely Vincents, more than a modicum of Monets (a couple of 'lillies') a Degas or two and cheeky Chagalls. The stand out for me though was the Egyptian section with your actual Temple of Dendur, not a replica...a 15th century tomb, removed and installed in the Met since 1978, amazing.

I did a bit of ferry travelling on Wednesday, taking the subway down to Battery Park first off, hopping onto the free (as in no cost) Staten Island ferry. Quite a few people on and your obligatory loud mouth or general nutter to keep it interesting. One guy raced to the front, pulling up at the door then laughing loudly before settling in to some gentle rocking until the doors opened...what must his head be like inside? Thank heavens this country doesn't have a liking for guns because if some of them had one, lord help us all. Anyway it's a 20 minute trip over to a very pleasant looking spot, a lot bigger than i thought. Walked along Richmond Terrace for about fifteen minutes before taking the return journey. A walk from that terminal and past the forbidding 'Department of Homeland Security' (to stop all those baddies who take a ferry obviously) to Clinton Castle, a round structure that has been out on the water, an aquarium, a zoo, a bastion and now, well a box office, to purchase the $13 ticket that takes you to BOTH Liberty Island and Ellis Island. It seems Wednesday was the day at least half the people visiting NY wanted to catch the same ferry as me, so many people. So we were herded on the Miss Liberty and out to the small island that keeps Lady Liberty safe and watching over Manhattan. She is indeed a beauty and so much larger than I had imagined. I must say she has a great view of 'all the huddled masses yearning to breathe free' now living in the five boroughs.

Forty minutes there (the pedestal and monument is closed for cleaning and the installation of a lift) before continuing the ferry journey to Ellis Island. Ellis Island was the processing centre and holding place for nearly 12 million migrants. Quite a moving and interesting place to wander through. Of course not everyone was a 'willing' migrant (orphaned children particularly, the dispossessed and victims of tyranny or pogroms) which makes it even more touching. There is also no doubt people coming to the country with hope in their heart may have had some of their dreams vanquished.What a place and certainly worth the visit. Must say I didn't feel 100% confident about the survival possibilities of the ferry back when I saw the crowd getting on (remembering there were many who only went too Liberty Island and were on the ferry not getting off at Ellis). They did stop the line about five rows after me which I was quite happy with.I had the delight of two very sloppy lovers having a meaningful snog for almost the entire trip back... really? I mean really? Not my idea of romantic.

Dabbling in a bit of showbiz I went back to Rockefeller Center for a tour of the NBC Studios. A couple of Pages took us through the complex of studios, we saw where Dr Oz records his show, Jimmy Fallon and the Nightly News. I have to confess I don't know the first two but the group was very excited by it all. Interesting to hear what the demands of digital TV means compared to analog. A bit of fun.

Time for a bit of a break, lunch and a read before touring the eye

opening, gob-smacking Radio City Music Hall. Gorgeous art deco style throughout and H.U.G.E. Seats a minimum of 5000 people with a huge stage, large floor space and a 80 ft high stage, they claim it be be the largest permanent theatrical stage in the world.

What a thrill to actually stand on the stage, glimpse into the dressing rooms, see the unique hydraulic lift set up to make all the stage effects and then 'meet' one of the Rockettes. We heard some great stories about some of the amazing productions they have done there, not to mention the annual Christmas Spectacular where they feature 'live' animals, including once an Elephant (each year while the show is on people can see the animals being fed out on 6th Avenue at around 7 AM). I think it would really be something to see a show here and pure entertainment. This was a real one hour highlight.

Bonus of the night (additional)was the Hall being only a fifteen minute walk from my hotel and I must say the walk back at 10 o'clock felt very safe. Yesterday was a warm day and night - 22 degrees.

Walking back from the Met through Central Park today (temp was down to 6 dgs)it was a picture all round, families out walking, people in the practice spaces playing baseball, skaters on the rink, dog walkers with more leashes than hands amidst the gorgeous crocuses (crocusi?), daffodils and even a cherry blossom. The lungs of the City were being exercised nicely. Passed by the apartments housing De Niro, Meryl Streep (hurried past in case she'd read earlier posts on this blog)and Seinfeld (the actual not the character).

This life of mine...I tell ya!

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