Getting off Silver Whisper was as upsetting as usual but it did not happen until a leisurely served breakfast had been consumed. Living on a cruise ship is a bit like being royal (well, at least, it must be. TSH and Diva have no direct experience). Life is ordained by others and there is a regular calm immutable schedule. But within constraints, you can do what ever you like and people will feed you, pour you drinks, pick up wet towels and do the laundry.
Check-in at the Casablanca hotel (at the end of the first day, a good choice). Then the subway to Brooklyn Bridge, to obtain a good view of many of the city highlights. The walk was made more interesting by the presence of many many many school children walking across the bridge to take part in a demonstration outside City Hall. Something to do with education and what kind of schools children should attend and who should make the decision.
The next walk was to Ground Zero, via a deli where panninis were enjoyed. The new memorial is only partly completed but the water features are stunning. Two pools, each occupying the space of one of the twin towers. Both made of granite edged with the names of the victims and both containing a two tier waterfall starting at ground level and finishing out of sight far beneath the surface. A new museum is complete structurally but still being fitted out.
Another subway ride to the Hi-line, a walk constructed along the track of an overhead railway which used to serve the industrial premises in the meat-packing district close to the Hudson river. This gave an interesting view of buildings which are not well-known but represent the way in which NY's original wealth was created.
A walk back to the hotel via a restaurant and then a short visit to the Casablanca's complimentary bar completed the enjoyable day, which was enhanced by warm, clear sunny weather.
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