My first full day in NYC

New York City wasn't all play for both of us. Skyler was actually there to attend a work conference. So my first day I was on my own. Luckily Skyler gave me a tutorial of the subways and I downloaded an app on my phone. I headed out and was on my way to tourist land.

I rode the subway down to the Staten Island ferry. I didn't actually go there, but I saw it. I was headed for bigger places.

I walked through Battery Park to get my first real-life view of the Statue of Liberty. That's where I was going.

Before I got there, I stumbled upon a World War II memorial. Completely different from the one Skyler and I visited in Florence.

Quite a humbling sight next to so many high-rises.

I had no idea New York would be so hot! It was hot and humid. I later heard that the high for the day was 106. If I had extra clothes, I would have been in this fountain too.

I bought my ticket for the ferry and waited for about an hour in the scorching sun.

And there she is!

Is it wrong to say I thought she'd be taller? I guess Hollywood can make anyone seem taller. Despite that misconception, she was beautiful!

The ferry also stopped at Ellis Island.

I found out, through texting with my mom, that some of my relatives came through Ellis Island. Made the place seem a little more special.

My ferry excursion took a few hours. I was worried that I would get nauseous on the ferry, but the only time I felt uneasy was when we were docked. The boat rocked a lot.

I headed back to the subway and passed this snack bar. Boy did I ever want a fatty snack. I was still waiting for my first real NYC meal.

After a visit to my first cupcake shop, I met Skyler back at the hotel. My feet were exhausted from all the walking I had done that day, but the day wasn't over. We headed over to the Chinatown and Little Italy area. We wanted Chinese for dinner. We ended up at a Vietnamese/Chinese restaurant. I loved my Pho.

After dinner we headed over to Greenwich Village to walk around. By this time we were hungry again, so we got Grom gelato and pizza. The pizza was one of the best pieces I've ever eaten. We first experienced Grom in Florence two years ago. I guess they expanded to New York. Brought back great memories of Italy.