Mid Town East Manhattan & Independence Day fireworks

Independence Day fireworks from Brooklyn Promenade
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More overcast today but still hot and sweaty! After hitting our new favourite convenience store (Gristede's) for the usual breakfast of bagels we took the subway to Grand Central Station. Everywhere was much busier today as it was Independence Day. Grand Central Station is floor to ceiling of marble and ornate lights, basically it is very grand and not much like a station at all. We then went to look at the Chrysler Building up close and then ventured to New York Library, but due to the holiday it was shut! At the rear of the library is Bryant Park which is a lovely little wooded and grassed area with an old fashioned carousel with a water fountain and a large lawned area. A guy was playing piano as we sat and rested our weary feet. Once back up we walked to the Rockerfella Centre (another marbled skyscraper) and ate our packed lunch in the food court. WE continued up 5th Avenue and found the NYC Disney store, much to Meg's delight! After what felt like hours in the Disney store we went in Trump Tower (even more marble!) which from the outside looks strange as one elevation of teh building is stepped with live trees planted half way up. Shame there wasn't much to do inside though. We walked back down Park Avenue to Grand Central Station, this area is very posh and I stood dreaming whilst starring at the Maybach Benz and Ferrari car showrooms. Further down this road was the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel (of Pretty Woman fame) so we took a picture and waited for a Julia Roberts hooker to arrive but no such luck! Stocked up the fat stores at the Station with a doughnut and cookie before heading back to the hostel. In the evening we got yet another Wendy's junk dinner before cathing the subway all the way to Brooklyn Promenade. The place was absolutely packed, and from here we stood and watched the amazing Independence Day firework display with the iconic Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge as a backdrop. I have never and don't think I will see again, such a brilliant amount of fireworks - it really was jaw droping stuff. If you ever come to New York it has to be during Independence Day.