EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

Todays top temperature was a mighty -3ºC. 

It took us about an hour to get dressed with all the layers we had to pile on to combat the cold!

BUT! The sun was shining down on us and it was another 'pretty' day :)

Today we had to catch the subway and bus to get to the West side of Manhattan where the sightseeing cruises depart, after we booked our ticket (another NY Pass bonus) we noticed that it was undated! We didn't need to cruise today, which worked perfectly for us as the Intrepid was right next door. Now we were able to spend the whole morning/afternoon exploring and enjoying the museum.

After a journey through the "Growler" submarine, we climbed aboard the Intrepid.

They have updated most of the displays since my last visit (though that was three years ago!) so there was lots to see, do and experience.

The most amazing and impacting display was about WWII and the role the Intrepid played.  It was on the main deck and projected images onto 3 huge screens, with an additional 2 screens showing crew from the Intrepid who commentated its worst attack. The display was interactive incorporating lighting, and fog machines. It took us on a journey back into the heart of WWII, November 25, 1944 when the Japanese had resorted to 'kamikaze' attacks on the Intrepid, 69 men were killed that day alone...and we stood right where one Japanese plane tore into the carrier. It was insightful, moving and reminded us to appreciate just how lucky we are to live in a free country and honour the sacrifices so many made for us to live this way.

Also on the memorial dedicated to all those who died serving on the Intrepid we found... 

(I'm a little BIG bit glad my man is planning to stay on the ground in the future!)

Though he did love all the planes on display :D

 We went for a ride in a space shuttle modelled on the Gemini. It was fun!

 Up on the flight deck Nath had an excellent time reading about all the different aircraft, what they do, where they are from, where they have been, who made them, when, why, how etc etc...I enjoyed trying to get as much sun as possible, as it was about -4ºC at this time...and that isn't including the wind chill.

One for those with extensive aircraft knowledge (not) this plane is the one they use in 'Top Gun'...with Tom Cruise ;)

 We also visited the Concorde.

 What a massive morning (which turned into afternoon) on the Intrepid, but it was great! 

 Hungry, we set off to the famous John's Pizza, where they do 'no slices' so...we 'had' to eat a whole pizza ;)

 That gave us the energy we needed to spend an evening on top of the world!

 Also known as the Empire State Building.

 Up here it was colder again...but with a view of Manhattan like this:

 Its was worth freezing our butt's off!

 Nathan even got down on one knee and asked me to keep being his wife, forever and ever. I said yes, and he pulled out a ring! This one was significantly less sparkly than my real one (thank goodness!) but made the night just perfect.

 With the best view!

Back on the elevator and 86 floors later we arrived back down in the city we had just been adoring from above.

 (this Empire State Building is much smaller than the original...but much more delicious!)

 True to form we ended the night with more food...

 At Planet Hollywood! 

 Where the cocktails are huge and dessert is plentiful!

 Lucky we can catch the N home from Times Square, because we were almost too full to walk!

 Hoping for a snow storm to hit us at about 6am and bringing with it 7.4 inches (last we heard) fingers crossed!!

B + N

Oh and here's a picture (though its not the greatest) of our Christmas Tree to date...just for you Mum <3