At the Rock and then South

In New York there are 4 observation sites in buildings:  the Edge,the Rock, Empire State and Vanderbilt. We have chose number 2, the Rock. It only takes two subways and has an excellent view of Central Park and the Empire State Building.

In addition it is in the Rockefeller Centre……a collection of 14 Art Deco buildings.

We arrived early…as it opened at 9.00am. Were you impressed how we beat the queue, ….just! Into the lift and 3 news collages later, you are whisked to the 67th floor. If you go up two floors, there is no glass between you and the view.

John D Rockefeller Jr and his wife wanted to create an area where people could experience educational opportunities. Originally this was to be Opera but it then changed to radio and television as a method of educating and inspiring people to be better. A very lofty and and forward thinking ideal. It was in the  1920’s so Art Deco was fashionable. Its classic and Egyptian influences in black and gold are timeless. As the light did not penetrate between buildings at the time, all the new buildings of the Centre have a setback. This solves the problem and has become common in modern building construction.

All the art in or on the buildings has a message suggesting enlightenment through technology.Can you recognise it in these artworks?

Your trivia for the day! When the buildings were constructed, you had the English on one side and French on the other. Gardens running  between them are now called the Channel Gardens.

Now this artwork caused a little controversy. Naked Greek and Roman gods were not popular with churches in the 1900’s.It is opposite St Patrick’s Cathedral and needed some fast talking to make the bishop happy.

He was told the back of the statue represents the crucifix.

St Patrick’s was built in the 1800’s. It looks Gothic with spires and vaulted ceilings. The doors are beautiful.

Back on the subways . You are getting good at this.
We are going to see the Brooklyn Bridge. I think it is too hot to walk it today…..we have already walked 8 km. South street is the historical port.  There are two historical ships and a small museum.

A light ship is usually at the start of a channel to the port.

It is only one room, I promise.
Letterset was used to print menus on the ships.

South street area is an historical port area. Masts from visiting sailing ships would have lined the wharf and the town would be teeming with sailors and passengers. Before Ellis Island, immigrants would have passed through here. The rich would be processed on the ship. The poor from steerage would be processed on land.When Ellis Island was established,they were loaded onto barges and taken to there. Delousing and a medical examination followed. Processing would follow this but could take days. Sick were sent to the hospital and the remaining allocated beds until their turn came.

As you know we have heard about ‘traditional’ New York food favourites, the remaining two are ticked off.    Pizza by the slice. Mushroom and white ’ ( ricotta and mozzarella with herbs and garlic) Yum!

New York sandwich

Meat(sorry I skipped the pastrami) but it is on Rye. Definitely can recommend both these foods.