Holiday Inn Midtown, NYC:  Started out walking this morning.  Had a late breakfast at the Flame Diner on 58^th and 9^th and then walked down to 5^th Avenue and up to Rockefeller Plaza.  Purchased tickets for “Top of the Rock” and then waited in line for the elevator up to the top.  Great views from up there.  It was hot, but a refreshing breeze blowing.  Back down to the Plaza and had some refreshing drinks in the shade.  Headed back to our hotel and some R&R.  After a two-hour R&R we decided to have something to eat here in the hotel and then catch a cab down to the 911 Memorial.  I didn’t think I could walk one more step in this heat.  But, the restaurant was closed and wouldn’t open until 5:00, so we headed out walking and stopped at another of the little cafes near our hotel.  Had a light dinner and then started walking to the Columbus Circle subway station.  Turned out it was the absolute best way to go.  Fast and cool.  Got down there in about 10 minutes and then walked a couple of blocks to the 911 Memorial entrance.  The new complex will be beautiful when it is finished, and the Memorial is very sobering.  Took the subway back uptown and then stopped at the Trump International Hotel and Tower for a couple of drinks.  Back to our hotel—the sweat running off us.  All in all, a great day.

The Plaza at Rockefeller Center

Empire State Building from Top of the Rock

Central Park in the haze

Ta Da!!!

30 Rock

The Plaza at Rockefeller Center

Freedom Tower rising--it will be 1776 feet tall when finished.

The nearly 3000 names of the victims of the 9/11 and 1993 attacks are inscribed in bronze around the perimeters of the two pools.

South Tower Reflecting Pool and Fountain--in the footprint of the South Tower

North Tower Reflecting Pool and Fountain--in the footprint of the North Tower

The pear tree that survived and was replanted at the site--known as the Survivor Tree.