Cherry Blossom Tour - Day 10

What a busy day in New York City! Leaving the hotel with a step-on guide this morning, we drove along the Hudson River to Battery Park at the very end of Lower Manhattan. At the ferry terminal, the security check required some to almost get undressed, but eventually we pulled ourselves together and got on board. The weather was chilly but nice enough to enjoy the good views from the top deck. Our first stop was at Liberty Island where we could walk around the Statue of Liberty and pick up souvenirs. Our second stop was Ellis Island with its many exhibits and stories of immigration. Back on Manhattan, we stopped for a close-up look at Ground Zero. Then we left the bus again and rode the subway up to Midtown and Grand Central Station. This was a first-time experience for many, so the security of all being in the same car and having our guide near by was comforting. We didn't lose one person in Grand Central Station as we did a tour through the multi-level train terminal. Our next walk was through the Waldorf Astoria where the rooms started at $529 and where the window of the jewelry shop had a diamond necklace with a price tag of "around a million." Our last sightseeing was from the bus as we drove to the East River and past the United Nations buildings.

Tonight some are hoping to take in a Broadway show (at least 15 went last night), and others are just hoping that their Ibuprofin works well enough for them to be ready for another day in the city tomorrow! - Laurel Johnson- Tour Director