Day 3 Part 3 . The bit before is just HERE

Goodness a 3 part day – its like a Hobbit Saga, I hope you are keeping up

I didn’t realise what a busy day this was , it didn’t feel too bad at the time

But we were on our knees by the time it was over

That might have been the 8 flights of stairs at the ESB though

We left part 2 with us returning to the hotel mid afternoon for a couple of hours rest before setting off for the baseball

My “rest” was to start packing – getting one case sorted with clothes we wouldn’t be needing for the next couple of days.

It had got hot again and the subway was heaving – it was 5.30 and peak commuting time

Ho hum

This isn’t my picture – it’s been taken from google ( you can see they have hats and coats on, no way is it July ) but it kinda shows what we were met with …



The one time we prayed for the express , not one in sight

So we caught the 7 local train to Willets

40 minutes of being way more up close and personal to some Noo Yawkers than we really needed to be

Of course as the commuters got off they were just replaced with Mets Fans

It was a proper squish

We arrived at the stadium ( now there was great signposting at this station) and a short walk across from the subway we are here





Through the security check where Billy Bitcoin gets singled out again and at the ticket turnstiles but all very painless for the rest of us







Our seats are somewhere in the rafters

We pass through the lower levels


I think this may be photo of the holiday – what in jeffs name was I trying to take a picture of !



We picked up a Coke and a Beer - extortionate $17 !

Here we are , seated just about one level below the international space station







We had not factored in the sun in our seat selection ( I know, planning lesson 101 )

It was right overhead

It was scorchio

Heads were burning

Backs were sweaty

Ewwww

Fortunately it wasn’t a sell out so we were able to move around a bit to find shade



This really is a Big Apple



Onto the game then

Yesterday the Mets had won in an 8-6 thriller

They obviously were having a rest day today

It was not very exciting

The boys, for whom we booked this instead of a Broadway show, spent the majority of time with noses pressed to iphones

It was a great atmosphere

But a deadly dull game

This was by far the most exciting part of the match



Connor dug deep into his wallet and shelled out just short of $20 for a Philly Cheesesteak



Well there was lots more of this



But we decided to leave at the 8th to avoid a rush on the trains

Of course, they went on to score in the 9th and 10th but overall it was a Mets loss that night so we didn’t feel so bad.

It had been fun - not as good as when we saw the Rays though

Our plan was to pick up some hot dogs on the way back .

The train arrived within 5 minutes and was nice and empty

I decided I wanted to stop and see the ESB while they carried on back to the Hotel

But no, they would all come

Even though they didnt really , really want to

I was quite happy to go on my own

I appreciated the thought – but really –

It took about 40 minutes to get to 42nd street and we swopped over to get an R train exiting at 34th

There was a queue

It was not a small one

I should have cut my losses

We shuffled along and after about 30 minutes Andy realised we were in the wrong queue as we already had tickets – so we ducked across knocking about 40 minutes off the queue time

Except every corner you turned – was another queue

And not a huge amount to look at


Worst Queue EVER

Even more boring than that Soarin’ one !

It was probably around 10pm now and in the queue were lots of tired little people protesting loudly

And some grumbling bigger people too

Towards the end ( of the hour wait ) we were given the choice of waiting another 25 minutes for the lift or walking up 8 flights of stairs

Yes, that’s right people, she said, you can use your legs

Off we trot – should be a doddle after 6 flights at SoL

OMG

Not only did my knees, calves and feet hurt and my lungs think they were about to explode but I swear even my hair was tingling with feeling the burn !


Oh but it was worth it







Connor stayed with me and pointed out that the V shape was caused by the flatiron



It was a stunning view











Very pleased but now absolutely cream crackered we make our way out

OMG there are queues to get out as well

Its endless

Finally we are out - quite possibly after some inadvertent queue jumping in the “ exit” vs “ cashier” lines – yes , we got in the wrong one, sorry folks

Gotta exit via the shop , right

We walked or more accurately hobbled back, stopping to pick up snacks and drinks at a late night store – having missed dinner, Doritos and chocolate pretzels will just have to do

Very tired peeps now

I lay down on the bed and man my legs and feet were singing the hallelujah chorus to me

I wasn’t sure if I would even be able to get up tomorrow ...

But we did, and its HERE

Fantastic photos from the ESB, Amanda. Loving your trip report.

I'm impressed at your stamina today, you fit so much in. The view from the ESB is amazing, shame about all the queuing though! Glad you thought it was worth it . Really enjoying your report, thanks for sharing x

What a day! Phew tired reading it

What a marathon day, no wondered you were knackered. Stunning pictures from ESB.

You'd another busy day. I'm sure when you lay down you thought you'd never be able to get up ever again. ESB pics are lovely just a shame about the queue you'd think they have a better system in place. Its on my list when we visit hopefully but I suffer from vertigo so will have to take extra meds and a sick bag - just in case

Wow, you certainly got a lot done today.
Nobody can explain that view to you, it is amazing, the lights just seem to unfold infront of you and it all just becomes a mass of lights.
We went to the Flat Iron early on, we were tired, I was paranoid about safety, I didn't like the feel of the area, it was all in my head. At Christmas we are going to try again as I really want to explore the area. We went into a little park there, but we did not even walk past the building, we just took a photo, got spooked and then headed back. That was the only unsafe feeling of the holiday for us.
I love the way the Flat Iron appeared in your photos, beautiful.

The views from ESB are amazing! Well done for going after such a hectic day!

The baseball sounded a bit dull, but still an experience to be there HOW much for a sandwich though?!

Great read xx

I'm absolutely loving your TR, especially as we were in NY in December and this is bringing back many happy memories.
Hilarious reading, as ever.