Learned a lesson about breakfast at the hotel - if you go between 9 and 10 be prepared to wait in a very long line! Plan to get our butts down to breakfast earlier so we can get access to the toaster. Decided to be tourists today, so spent the morning on the Hop On Hop Off bus. Horrible tour guide....couldn't understand a word he said! It was good to drive around the city and get an idea of the different areas to figure out where we want to spend more time.

Went to the 911 memorial site on the tour today. The reflection pools are a beautiful tribute for such a horrific event. It was very quiet and sombre - as one would expect. Many people crying quietly in all areas around the memorial. I would describe it as a peaceful but sombre site, where you can feel the sadness of others. We all bought books from an awesome young fellow that explained current state of construction and spent time explaining the new towers and what buildings are under construction.

We spent time in Battery Park and got our first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. We will see her up close tomorrow when we go on the boat tour.

Had lunch at an Irish pub, therefore we have a new favourite beer - Bluepoint toast!

Shopping status......drove by Macy's - it is an entire city block! Can't wait to go there! Spent some time in Century 21 (not the realtor), a huge retail outlet department store. We all managed to buy a few things (shocker), so the retail therapy is underway.

Hopped back on the bus, headed back to our hotel for a breather then off for supper and a comedy show at LOL. Kinda ripped off...tickets were $15, but there was a 2 drink minimum @ 10 each...so if you are math whiz, it was $40 bucks for the show once you add the mandatory gratuity. We are suckers! The show was pretty good though, so I guess $40 isn't that bad.