Last day - Empire State building

Last day today - it was going to be a relaxed shopping day and Richie ad Judi were coming into the city to see us but couldn't make it at the last minute ( we were looking forward to telling them what we had been doing in their fair city - but never mind). However ..... there was one thing we had not done and it was only 2 blocks away1 The Empire State building!
We got there about 10am and it was very busy. You paid $50 to have the privilege of visiting 3 observation decks - one outside. It was a performance even getting up there - lots of lining up, security, lining up, lifts, lining up, onto the first deck etc. Actually it wasn't as bad as I thought - the day was sunny so a nice view. The outside deck really made me feel sick looking down - felt like King Kong up high!
the top deck was on floor 102 - higher that the freedom tower - and the view was great but at least it was inside. Inside the skinny bit so you battled with thick steel beams from when it had been built (again about 1930 ish). All very art deco - built in a year with steel girders ( there were photos of the men balancing way up high on steel girders with no safety anything! scary - however only 5 worker deaths!)

Very pleased to get down to the bottom I can tell you. By the way there were plenty of people operating and directing tourists in and out of the lifts - and one lady way at the top asked me if I was ok (I think I looked a little pale from the height) and she called me the little Scottish lady! that is twice we have been taken for Scottish!

then it was shopping - Macy's is just by the hotel - big department store, with lots of sales. Unfortunately it was mainly winter stuff but I managed to get 2 pairs of shoes, a top and christmas decoration from their Christmas floor - much to Dave's disgust. He got a NY Yankees (baseball team) shirt cause Richie loves the NY Yankees. We will need to send a photo to him!