3rd Day New York

On the third day, after another relaxing night at Hilton Times Square, we had a 2.5-hour boat tour with Circle Lines through New York. Since we didn't manage to pick up the tickets the day before, we had to get up early. The pier was just under 1 kilometer from the hotel, so we walked there. When we arrived at the pier, we got in line at the ticket counter. Originally, we planned to have breakfast after picking up the tickets. Unfortunately, boarding for the ship started right after ticket collection. We were also required to dispose of any food and drinks we brought in a trash can. The unfriendly security woman meticulously searched every backpack. Even the chips for a family's children in front of us were not allowed on board. Why? There was catering and a bar on board. I'm willing to consume something - after all, people have to make a living somehow. For breakfast, we had a dry bagel (not even toasted) and 2 cups of cream cheese ($4), along with a bottle of water (0.5L for $4). Sabrina bought a small cup of yogurt for $5, and as usual, Lang had a delicious soda for $4. Wonderful. Of course, when you're under the blazing sun and it's 30 degrees, you get thirsty again. So I had to buy more drinks for $8. All in all, a bit annoying, but well. The view from the ship made up for the hassle with food and drinks.

After the tour, we picked up three bicycles directly at the pier and headed towards One World. Riding along the Hudson in bright sunshine on a 'bicycle highway', we reached the Highline Park after a few minutes. A park that winds like a path through the city. A bit of green for the eyes amidst all the concrete. We continue along the Hudson towards the new World Trade Center, 'One World', or as the New Yorkers call it, 'Freedom Tower'.

After biking 8 km, we were hungry. We needed something to eat. Sabrina and I went to Chipotle - a Mexican fast food restaurant. Each of us had a delicious burrito. Since Sabrina's brother doesn't eat vegetables or anything healthy, he had to go on his own. He found his happiness at the hot counter of Whole Foods Market - guess what? Fried chicken! :D

After the meal, we went to the 9/11 Memorial. An underground museum at the old location of the Twin Towers. Here, you can relive the history surrounding September 11th. A great museum with genuine goosebump moments.

It's amazing how time flies. Suddenly it was already 5 p.m. We had to return the bicycles by 6 p.m. It takes about one hour for 8 km. That should be doable. Mister Crab had to go to the supermarket to buy drinks. Sabrina helped him carry them. We made our way back to the pier where we rented the bicycles at a comfortable pace. We were able to return the bikes punctually at 5:40 p.m. I was concerned that the staff would properly credit the charged deposit back to my credit card. But that also went smoothly.

Next, we wanted to go to Rockefeller Center. Great! The bus stop was right next to the bicycle rental. The bus also came relatively on time. Unfortunately, the bus driver refused to let us on without a MetroCard. He asked us to quickly buy one across the street. In hindsight, it turned out that we could have also paid in cash. Unfortunately, the good man didn't tell us that! Lovely... Well, we made our way to the nearest subway station. Unfortunately, due to wearing the wrong shoes the day before, I had developed a blister after walking 20 km. Therefore, I wasn't too good at walking... but well, what needs to be done needs to be done.

Back to the hotel, almost all the way from the pier. There was a large subway station. We quickly bought 3 Metro cards from the vending machine and immediately got out to catch the next bus to Rockefeller Center. When we arrived there, we were kindly directed past the line to a separate ticket counter for New York passes. Unfortunately, everything was fully booked for that day, and we couldn't go up. All that running around for nothing. I could have gone crazy. To console myself, I treated myself to a nice iced tea from Starbucks.

Since the evening was still young, we decided to go to Madame Tussaud's. It was practically right next to our hotel. By this time, every step was hell for me. So I didn't have as much fun as the other two. Overall, it must be said that it is always fascinating to see the wax figures up close. Touching them was allowed and even encouraged.

After our walk through Madame Tussaud's, I had to go to the hotel and soothe my damaged feet. Marcel and Sabrina got something to eat. Due to the heat on this particular day, we weren't very hungry.