Day thirteen: NEW. YORK. CITY. YESSSSSSS!

After leaving West Point I spent some time in the Bear Mountain State Park and on road 9W, trying to find a few spots to take good pics of the river.

I did find a few.




Jones Point


I crossed the George Washington Bridge, went through Manhattan and emerged on the other side then took another bridge, the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge if I'm not mistaken, then after a while and a relatively stressful drive in heavy traffic, I finally arrived in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, where I established my HQ for the week-end.

I left quickly after that to return the car at LaGuardia airport. I would so much like to keep that car, it's been fantastic. Reliable, comfy, I mean, I spent more time in that car in the last two weeks than in any other places, I had absolutely no issues with anything, and mileage was beyond expectations. Flawless.
The guy at the rental place, I think he thought I was joking when I said I had driven all the way from San Francisco. He had to check the plates to see I was serious... That was funny.

I then went to Manhattan. Oh, look, Manhattan


New York City has the "busy" vibe I kind of expected back in San Fran. It feels more stressed, more busy, less laid back. Somewhat unsettling after spending two weeks "out there". It does have a few calmer places though



Fifth Ave


St Patricks Cathedral


Atlas, I guess


Buildings are TALL here


Aha, looks familiar


that too


NY Library


Remember folks, that's where you go if you want to survive a global ice age ;)

Walking down the 5th ave, I went to the Empire State Building and, to be honest, I didn't really like it there. Felt like cattle, hordes of tourists literally walking on each other and lead every five meters by a guard/guide/official person of some kind... I mean, don't get me wrong, the view is good, but there's NO WAY it can be romantic anymore to go up there ala Deborah Kerr/Meg Ryan/whatever. It's just a big commercial thing now, and it's a bit of a shame.

Plus having your bags and stuff X-rayed isn't my idea of an ideal date.

Whatever. You don't have to go through that, just enjoy the view:



South side










Wohoo, that's high


My fave


And North side






I left the ESB to meet RBJ at the Blue Smoke, a BBQ restaurant that proved excellentissimo. Since I didn't have to drive anymore I had a caipirinha while I waited for him to arrive, and then a pint of the house's beer to go with the ribs.
God those were good. This joint is in good place in my "come back" list now.

Unfortunately RBJ couldn't stay longer so we split up pretty much right after that. But, not without the obligatory meet photo of course :)




I'm so tired I'll just go sleep now. Final count is 4331 miles.

I DID IT FOLKS!