New York, New York

New York City! Everyone we've ever met from another country either wants to go or has been to NYC. I always wondered why they saw NYC as an example of life in the USA. Now I understand. NYC is a little like every large city in the world. Whether you're from Europe, South America, or Asia, you can find something here that reminds you of home and makes you feel comfortable.... unless of course, you're from Alabama. :}

It is extremely multicultural. So much so, that at any time day or night, you can look around and not know what country you're actually in. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. Its just not the typical USA, there's simply nothing in this country that comes close to comparing to it.

We typically look for ways to avoid crowds. Here, one block from Times Square, the crowds are unending. Everyone has been very friendly.

We started today by buying a 2-day, Hop-on, Hop-off, Gray Line Tour. It's a good way to see a lot in a short time and decide places you want to return to and spend more time. We took the Staten Island Ferry to see the harbor, Statue of Liberty, etc. Took the next ferry back across and walked around from Battery Park to Chinatown, Little Italy where we hopped on again and continued the tour down 5th Avenue, to the Trump Tower, Wall Street, United Nations, and Central Park. The weather was great (80 degrees), especially after leaving 100 degree weather behind in Alabama.

After stopping for a late lunch, we took a break before heading back out to see "Wicked" tonight. Now we know the real Wizard of Oz story! It was absolutely fantastic, as was the Gershwin Theatre. More tomorrow...