Mark's Travel Blog: New York

The new Freedom Tower on the old WTC site. Not sure what this fan like structure is in the foreground.

The spectacular view of Central Park South taken from the Time Warner Bld, Columbus Circle.

New York is not renowned for 'classic' alley-ways for film makers to use for 'let's dump the body' shots. The Cortlandt Alley off Canal and Broadway, Soho, is the usual place chosen.

Historic Fraunces Tavern, Financial District (1762). This is where George Washington dined and farewelled his Generals at the end of the Revolutionary Wars.

George Washington's tooth, Fraunces Tavern. Can we clone another leader of similar quality?

A monopoly board made of 18-karat solid gold encrusted with gemstones. Playing pieces and deed cards made of gold also. Each house and hotel has gems inlaid on top and the pips on the dice are made of diamonds - Bank of New York, Wall St - priceless.

The cheese counter at Zabar's, upper West Side.

Should I buy this coffee maker for the kitchen area?

The latest range in men's shoes from Cole Hann; purchased, packaged and shipped to Juraj.

The Soho supplier of my stainless steel picture frames has extended his range. Oh for more wall space. The 4th image shows a novel idea - overlapping art at three levels; Excellent option for condos with limited hanging room.

Police in force - Times Square.

I remember 42nd St on my first trip to New York in the early 80's; lined with sex shops and porn cinemas. Now unrecognisable and playing The Lion King - yeeks!

Grand Central Station, main concorse. The east balcony has been taken over as an Apple store. The stations new motto - another 100 yrs serving New Yorkers.

The new Baccarat flagship store, Madison Av. All crystal and glass.

Novel design with foundation columns placed in centre rather than the 4 corners. The 59 level Citigroup Bld on Lexington Av seems to 'float'. HOWEVER, it's flawed. The welded steel joins should have been bolted to prevent instability in strong cross or 'quartering' winds. Despite some retro-fitting, the safety of the structure has been compromised - gulp!