Day 69 New York, Monday

The 911 Museum was our first stop today. We spent 4 hours in this memorial to those who lost their lives, the survivors, rescuers and those that worked to clear the area. It is a very emotional place and it has been really well presented. It is amazing that everyone talks in hushed tones. It is the only place on our entire trip where you did not hear conversations of those around you who speak in loud voices. This is a very popular place and the day we were there was no exception. Again, one could spend weeks there if you wished to read every document, article or plaque as well as watch every film.

You descend via large ramps into what was the basement of the building. Here they have on display one of the wrecked fire engines, the last column (this was the last column taken from the crater under an honour guard in May of 2002), remains of the original footings to the building to name just a few things. When you enter the museum you are under the North Tower's memorial pool.

Leaving the 911 Museum, we headed up through Chinatown to what Lauren had told us was the Lowline. Unfortunately, at this stage, it is only the Lowline lab which is developing a sample garden that will be constructed in the area of a disused subway line. The opposite to the highline. Lack of securing finance is holding up the venture. Based on what we saw in the lab, it will look quite nice. However, I suspect that it will be a number of years before it is built.

Continuing our walk, we went through Little Italy and on into Soho (stands for South of Houston Street). This area is known for its early 1900's architecture but also for its shopping. Lots of high end shops in this area. However, it is a contrast of high end shopping in quite narrow streets that need considerable maintenance. Needless to say there were the pretentious people done up strutting the sidewalk.

Walking on we went through Greenwich Village. You find lots of small restaurants/street cafes. Here you can find the apartment building that was used for the external shots of the Friends apartment block from the TV series. Photos enclosed.

Arriving at the lower end of the Highline we walked back up to the 14th St exit and then back home for a cuppa and an early finish to the day. No late night outing tonight.