Early start.... The thought was that we'd get ahead of tourist traffic and get a spot in the queue in Battery Park to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. While Janie went to her conference, the kids and I grabbed the Green Line downtown to Bowling Green. We hopped into a line already started at the dock and waited about 1/2 an hour before getting aboard. First stop was Liberty Island where we did a lap around the Island and relaxed in the shade of the monument and surrounding trees. We all agreed she's a very impressive lady! Signage that describes the composition and how the statue was pieced together caught our attention. Not just a big hunk of copper at the mouth of the harbour.

Once again we boarded one of the many tour vessels for Part B of the trip to Ellis Island. On our arrival we opted for the introductory theatre film for some background and site history. It was a tad dated, but a good information piece. We then toured the museum complex which was very well done. Monica really liked the huge portraits of immigrants, which were hung everywhere. The faces seemed to tell the story. I liked the upstairs staging area, a huge room that would have been used, I guess, for sorting and granting access to America. Peter loved the "fish & chips", ate in the cafe with replica furniture and dishes to those used by immigrants. We liked Ellis Island... Likening it to Pier 21 in Halifax and the gateway to Canada through this port. When we'd had enough we caught the boat back to Battery Park and a relaxing ride across the harbor.

Next stop was the Smithsonian Institute branch of the Museum of the American Indian. Gorgeous building architecturally, once the customs house which makes sense with it's waterfront location. We trekked through several exhibits, including a retrospective of dolls and a prudent look at the relationship the American Indian had/has with the horse (appearing as dog in many aboriginal dialects). Free to those that enter. The ceiling in the second floor "Great Hall" was definitely worth the look. It carries the nautical theme from the customs era.

After that we kicked back and relaxed for a bit... Sucking on the AC at our room. New York city in the 90's is tough but the kids slugged it out! Janie arrived back at 4:30 ish from the conference and we set out again to use up some City Pass tickets. At about 5:15 we hit the Top of the Rock ride to the observatory at Rockefeller Centre. We scooped the line with our tickets and were on the 67th floor without too much fussin. Actually, everything went much more smoothly than at the ESB. Spectacular views at the top made available through the glass walls and easily accessible outdoor areas. I moved about pretty easily, regardless of the usual aversion to heights. Great trip in and out with minimal line-up... Perfectly located near a quick sandwich supper and the Radio City Music Hall where we were headed for an 8:00 pm Cirque du Soliel show, Zarkana.

We picked up Zarkana tickets prior to our departure from NS. Thought it would be fun for all... and we weren't wrong. Curious mix of circus, rock opera and Broadway, all wrapped in one of the world's most renowned rooms. Jugglers, tight rope walkers, trapeze flyers, clowns, tumblers, and all manner of gymnast bounced about the stage, often leaving the viewer not sure what to focus on. The 2 1/2 hour program had something for everyone, with the second part outweighing the initial. With some intermission snacks all hands made it through to the finale and curtain call. A show with something for all ages. After a short walk, we caught the #6 Subway home to 33rd St. Station and all hands were down being rightfully played out!!!