The next day (3rd Sep) began with drive towards Newark, New Jersey. By noon we were in NJ. The first thing thatsurprised us simple minded Texans was the way people drove there. We had to quickly remember our driving skillsfrom Bangalore to acclimatize ourselves to driving here. Honk if you are happy (or sad or neither), never leave more than 2 inches of space between your car and the one in front and so on. After checking in at the hotel, we decided to check out NY in the evening, taking the train to Newyork Penn Station from Newark Penn Station (ugh! very imaginative naming!) At the Newark Penn Station, it appeared that they had outsourced the information desk and "May I help you"counters to friendly neighborhood thugs and cheats.
A long walk around the Times Square, the famous curved facade of the Nasdaq building, along Broadway and other 'famous' roads made a memorable evening. It was niceto see so many people walking on roads. We quickly learnt that we can cross roads almost any time we want. Of course, cars can honk at us any time they want and we can shout at them when they do it!
The next day we started with Ground Zero (where the WTC buildings once stood) and quickly proceeded to Liberty and Ellis islands. Any trip to NY is not complete until you have taken your picture with lady Liberty. The immigrantion centre museum at Ellis island was very informative as well. Tip to future visitors to Ellis island: Don't eat at Ellis island food stall if you are a vegetarian. It sucks big time.
Rest of the day involved a visit to the American Museum of Natural history , The Central Park and Madame Tussauds wax museum. Madame Tussauds looked far less impressive here compared to the one in London. No Amitabh Bachan, no Aishwarya Rai! Our evening was dedicated to seeing the Empire State building, the tallest now in Newyork. But most of the evening was spent in waiting in a queue there. But it was worth the wait. Clear skies offerred a majestic view of the city all around. Made me remember seeing Paris from the Eiffel Tower.
The next day morning (5th Sep) Ananth took us to his cousin's house in NJ where we had a fantastic brunch. After days of eating McDonands and such stuff, not to mention burgers at Ellis island, our tastebuds were treated to a sumptuous fare.We later left to see the the Longwood Gardens on the outskirts of Philadelphia. It is a nice botonical garden, but for us it was only an opportunity to take pictures, especially for Ananth with his SLR. Later in the day we returned to BaltimoreAirport and rest of the trip back home was eventless.Here is a panaramic view of Manhattan and other areas from Ellis island. If you care for more pictures, go to http://sripathi.fotopic.net
What about Statue of Liberty.. doesn't look any more better when you get near it. As well see it from far!
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