We visited the United Nations Building, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station, Times Square, and Penn Station (Madison Square Garden).

I can honestly say that the most exciting part of the day was just being there: absorbing the city, the people, and the surroundings, from the hot dog vendors to the taxi cab drivers. I just enjoyed being there in the hustle and bustle, and nowhere was this better displayed than in Times Square. Just the sheer number of people was amazing. I took a spot and just watched. That is what just takes a breath away, especially from a Midwest guy.

And the people are friendly and so helpful. You of course hear the stereotypes, but they couldn't be further from the truth. People were friendly and helpful whenever a stranger needed some insight. It's a great place, PERIOD.

Now, I know one day is not enough to see all of NYC, but as this was my first trip, it was truly an amazing day of sightseeing, to grasp the magnitude of a large city. I will certain be back as soon as I can.

Quick Tips:

* Get some sort of pass for the subway. We did not and had to dig for change and money. Passes would make it so much easier.
* Earlier in the day, it seems that the "tourist attractions" are less crowded, and as the day goes on, that of course changes.

Best Way To Get Around:

With walking, you are able to take in everything around you much better than in a cab or under the city in a subway. So if you can walk it, you must.

The server anything from cabbage rolls to corned beef sandwiches, but these are no ordinary sandwiches. Our friends got the corned beef, and I dare say that it was 1.5 feet high and just that wide around. And with that came a bowlful of huge new potatoes. Check it out.

So for a quite out-of-the-way place, try Harold's, and don't forget the pickle bar.

Memorials were still visible, especially on the west end of it, where there were badges from all those who helped and fell in the line of duty.

It is a sight you never wanted to but had to see. My wife had seen the Twin Towers and ventured up in them before 9/11, so it was an even more amazing trip to see what was left.

The funny thing about it was that I never realized I was right on top of the Empire State Building until our friends pointed it out.

The mural in the front lobby was very neat.

The inside of the station is just gorgeous, with all the intricate detail, from the marble steps to the huge windows overlooking all the commuters.

If you have only a couple of minutes, this is certainly a place to check out while in NYC.

The ferry ride was nice and peaceful and allowed for some great skyline pictures of New York City. The view on the New Jersey side is amazing, even on a drizzly Sunday morning.

We took the first stop to Ellis Island. This museum contained so much history about those who passed through here into the United States. The museum and exhibits are both interesting and enjoyable, and you might just learn a thing or two. Within the museum were exhibits about how immigration breaks out by country, time period, men vs. women, etc., as well as what those immigrants had with them or how they dressed.

Also within the complex is a library where you can search for relatives who may have passed through Ellis Island. For a minimal fee, you can use their computer system to find out any information. My wife was lucky enough to find her great grandfather, the boat he travelled, his actual signature in the manifest, and information about him. It was amazing to see that this histroy was right here, and it was so personal for her.

we also took a quick trip by the Statue of Liberty (we did not stop, as the kids were getting a little restless). The ferry boat moves around the statue before docking to allow for some great pictures of Ms. Liberty.

We entered Times Square around 4pm, so the place was starting to buzz. The sidewalks were jam-packed with people (tourists and native New Yorkers alike).

The best thing I can say is to find a spot on the island and just snap away. When you get back home, you will see how cool the area really is. It is lined with small stores, souvenir shops, eateries, and the like. Check out the M and M store just on the outskirts of the Times Square area.

One again, New York is a walking town, and this is certainly one of the places you must stroll through.