Empire State Building

In an attempt to beat the crowds, we headed straight to the Empire State Building this morning for a trip to the 86th floor observation deck. Even so, it was still around a 60 minute wait to get to the top! The Empire State Building is a 102 story skyscraper and stood as the world's tallest building for more than 40 years, from it's completion in 1931 until the construction of the World Trade Centre North Tower in 1972; and is now once again the tallest building in New York after the September 11 World Trade Centre collapse. The building has 85 stories of commercial and office space and an indoor and outdoor observation deck on the 86th floor. The remaining 16 stories represent the spire, which is capped by a 102nd floor observatory. The Empire State Building was the first building to have more than 100 floors. When we finally reached the observation deck, we were rewarded with a very clear and sunny day.

The views of the city are 360 degree and really put into perspective just how big this city is.

We stopped off for a cold drink at Starbucks and then Dad headed to 12th Avenue to take in a cruise of the Hudson River. Mum and I spent the afternoon exploring Macy's. We met Dad back at the hotel, and then took the subway down to Little Italy for Mum & Dad to experience Lombardi's Pizza. For the second time in just over a week Lombardi's delivered fast, fresh, traditional Italian pizza. A great end to our day out.

Tomorrow morning is my last morning in New York before heading to JFK for the long flight home. I heard from a fairly reliable source this week that the Saks summer sale starts tomorrow, so maybe a few last minute purchases to fit in!