New York City

Had a good early start this morning to take the cars back by 9.30am. We left in plenty of time knowing that the traffic would be horrendous and we weren't disappointed! John got to plant his hand on the car horn but not enough for Helens liking so did have the opportunity to do it a few more times, and just about got up to Helens standard! Perhaps he thinks he's a New Yorker now?? Have to say though, everyone honks their horns, it's common practice even if it doesn't change the situation, it's just a feel good thing I'm thinking!
Anyway we got our car back just after 9 am, John was the driver and Daryl navigator, but a no show of the other vehicle - Mick driver and Paul navigator. Well, not really going to go into it in much detail but the others did see more of the New York boroughs that we have so far. We all sat across the road from the car drop off and had great coffee and breakfast waiting, waiting, waiting. The others rolled in about 10.30 luckily all unscathed and then off we went.
We had plans to do a boat cruise at 2pm but when we went to get our tickets, that cruise no longer goes then,  so we booked for tomorrow. We then went to the USS Intrepid, walked and walked in awe of the whole place, ended up in Times Square which is incredible. So many people! Went through some of the theatre district and Restaurant Street, which is very funky. Of course we were thirsty by this stage, beautiful hot day, so found the Australia Bar, where we met the owner Matt, and agreed to be there for the 5.40am kick off on Saturday morning for the Sharks and Cowboys semi-final game! Great place, this bar is! Matt put the BMW golf on for us on one screen and a replay of the Broncos and Cowboys game on the other tele, served us beer and wine etc and John thought he'd died and gone to heaven! We stayed there for a couple of hours needless to say - had a ball!
We then headed back out into the masses, shopped a bit then caught a bus back to near the hotel. When I say near, man oh man, it was just over a couple of roads, but getting there was unbelievable! Pretty scarey winding through the walkway which was partly blocked and having to get onto the road in between cars and trucks and then get back onto the walkway! We all aged a couple of years for sure!
Safely back at the hotel, we've now sorted out better transport for the morning to get to our boat cruise so all should be fine. Big day, lots of walking,

The Empire State Building behind Broadway

and 32nd Sts

The Empire State Building in the distance

Our 5 guys doing a selfie!

In the theatre district

Heading into Restaurant St

More Empire State - a bit awesome!

Our now favourite Australian Bat

Paul's own restaurant

Sandra and Anne with some new friends

Mick and John with their new friend

Johnny and Anne a little close to the Police District

Anne very close to the police!

The crowds in Times Square!

Our back room in the great Australian Bar

More of Times Square

And more!

Of course, the Statue of Liberty -

the liver version

Times Square again

Times Square 

 so night ya'll.