Day 5 - 250th St Pat's in New York

St Pat's fan

St Pat's parade

St Pat's parade - America's music!

Renn look alike

Empire State Building

Inside NY State Library

What an amazing spectacle.  I arrived in Manhattan at 11am to watch the St Pat's parade.  I had grabbed a coffee and a bagel on the way (note: not point thinking a bagel without being toasted and butter is ok...not so, it is boring!!  I ordered an Asiago bagel - guy couldn't understand me when I called it an Asia-go bagel, it is an Asi-ah-go bagel!)

Anyway, 1 person back from the front watching the parade, and I took just so many photos.  It started off with loads of police, service men and women, senior people at the council, and then the Irish.  Loads of people were dressed up for the event, so there was a lot of green.  I heard that there was 200,000 participating in the parade and 2 mill watching!!! It was incredible..hope to learn to attach some photos to this to give you and idea.  I did at times feel that I was at schoolies, with some elderly people and families also present...the kids were kicking up their heels and in a loud and generally obnoxious way but it was entertaining.  I lasted watching the parade for 1.5 hours then went off shopping as I was cold and my legs hurt (temp was about 15c).

I found a shop my SIL (sis-in-law) requested products from, then bought a hot soup from Hale and Hearty (about 20 different types of soup and can have crackers or bread with it).  I walking past more people partying St Pat's style before I made my way to Bryant Park...the sun was out and the park was a gorgeous place to sit...though not quiet.  Loads of people out of offices for lunch and loud St Pat's revellers.  I spoke to a couple of kids (about 15 years of age) who said that Catholic and Private schools got St Pat's day off as a holiday and so they decided to take it off too.  1 out of the 3 of them had an Irish heritage.  They indicated that St Pat's is really important to the majority of NY'rs.

Next stop was New York Public Library, and this was a brilliant building...again, hope to show photos. Thanks for recommending Phil, this place was definitely a highlight as the architecture is amazing, with huge big rooms, murals on the ceiling, and it is a fully operational library.

I made my way home, after doing a bit of shopping, via the Grand Central Station...another incredible building.  I think this is something that has surprised me, the outstanding architecture.  I really am overawed by it all.

I made my way back to Kitty's place, carrying a number of bags of goodies, but still finding strength to purchase a 6 pack of Corona's.  I know I have said it before but I was EXHAUSTED, and needed to rest my legs.  

I LOVE NEW YORK!!! (can you tell??)

PS Saw a huge rat on the subway lines...uggggggg.