Trip to New York – Day 7

Day Saturday and first morning cycling activity in Central Park (sightseeing pass). From 8:30 a.m. when we picked up the bikes to 1:00 p.m. when we returned them, we lived a special experience. Hundreds of people ran, walked, cycled, skated and anything else imaginable. We went to The Mall, Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, The Lake, Sheep Medow and various other spots. Ok, to see clearly, all of Central Park you need 2-3 full days.

The time had come for the ultimate experience. We headed to Hudson Yards and went up to The Edge observatory (sightseeing pass). The Edge is a marvel of architecture, engineering and technology with panoramic views of the city we all love as well as the highest open observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. One of the many advantages of The Edge is that it is located on the west side of Manhattan and allows you to see the entire skyline from one place. You can see all the way from the edge of Central Park to the Statue of Liberty and beyond.

But my wife and son remained at the observatory. I took it a step further or to say it literally 50 meters higher. City Climb, the world’s highest outdoor building climb and a unique aerial adventure experience. The City Climb challenges visitors to climb the exterior of a 387m skyscraper and then lean down from the skyscraper’s exterior platform for the ultimate view of New York.

Led by trained guides, small groups traverse a series of outdoor platforms and staircases along the perimeter crown of the skyscraper. State-of-the-art trolley and cable systems secure drivers and visitors to steel rails throughout the journey.

Unobstructed on the outer perimeter of the City Climb, at various points during the experience, guests can lean over the open edges with no obstacle other than the wind and enjoy stunning views of New York City.

The City Climb costs $185, but it’s worth every cent.

Leaving The Edge we went to eat at Whole Foods Market. Whole Foods Market is a Super Market where the upper floor has buffets with all kinds of food. From meat, pasta, salads, vegan, fish, you could choose whatever you wanted. You took a paper box at the entrance and put whatever you wanted in it. Then at the cash register it was weighed and you paid $14/pound, that is half a kilo. A pretty fair price for New York, after all the cornucopias we’d paid for food. It also had tables where we sat and ate.

At 5 o’clock we had a date for The Beast ($30). The Beast is a speed boat that has 2 jet engines. A roller coaster at sea. It started from the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty. On the half-hour route, loud rock music, gas, water, water guns and bottles from the staff. A fun and refreshing moment for young and old.

At 6 o’clock we were outside the MoMA (sightseeing pass) and with only 1.5 hours to explore the museum. The MoMA is the famous modern art museum that houses works by the greatest artists of the 19th century. MoMA’s collection offers examples of contemporary art, including works of architecture, design, painting, sculpture, photography, prints, illustrated books, film, and electronic media. On its walls and showcases you will have the opportunity to admire works by: Picasso, Dali, Gauguin, Kahlo, Rousseau, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Warhol and many others. The museum also has an outdoor atrium with exhibits and a huge shop with memorabilia and replicas. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see everything we wanted to.

At 8 o’clock we entered Madame Tussauds (sightseeing pass). We climbed 5 floors and slowly descended through a unique route. We’ve seen identical effigies of singers, actors, politicians, historical figures, athletes, models, Marvel heroes and more. Among others, we “met” with: Elton John, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, the forgiven Queen Elizabeth, her grandchildren, Scarlett Johansson, Bruce Willis, Chuckie Chan and dozens of others. The highlight of the experience was the wax replica of our hand that they made for us and we got as a souvenir.

10:30 we came out of tiredness, got food from the famous Halal Guys canteen and arrived at the hotel at 11:30. Perhaps the most tiring day of all. Today was also the last day we used the sightseeing pass.