Arrived safely in San Francisco. Went for a big walk to the Ferry Building, had Mexican for lunch, then ventured down to Chinatown & had coffee & cake. On our travels we went down Broadway & came across the "girlie" bars & sex shops - trust us !!! Weather is much colder than New York, very windy & as it was starting to get cold we ventured back to the hotel we are staying at on Market Street. The buildings are not as tall as New Yo...

At 5pm today we all headed out to see the Empire State Building & go to the top - 86 floors above ground level. As it is holiday time here, there were lots of people so it took about an hour to get thru the cues and up to the top. The view is spectacular & worth the wait but I didn't like it very much - far too high up. I don't like heights so whipped around and took lots of photos, then we went back down which didn't take long at all.

Today is our last day in New York, so while we have a couple hours to spare will try & update what we have been up to over the last couple days. This morning we were up early to go on a City Bus Tour of New York. Karen has a friend who is a tour guide & we were to meet him at 9am at Central Park. As Karen had to go to work, Rick & I were given maps & instructions on how to get there. We were very proud of ourselves & arrived via the subway &a...

Today we visited Coney Island & Brighton Beach. Karen's friend, Harold, drove us all via the Brooklyn Bridge. (Now we have walked it, driven across it & gone under the Hudson River in a tunnel. Please view the slideshow to see all the photos. Not as nice as the beaches we are used to in Australia & a bit run down & dirty but is has been around for a very long time. There is talk Coney Island will be closing down soon to make way for more housin...

After the museum, we ventured to Canal Road. This is where you can buy fake brand name bags, watches, perfume, wallets. Just about anything - except Guess (I asked). We didn't buy anything but headed to have a Chinese massage on our backs & feet. Just wonderful !! This was followed by a Chinese meal - 4 choices for $4.50. Then is was on another train to "The Frying Pan". A floating Bar/Restaurant on the Hudson River near 24th Street. The bar...