One of Neil Diamond’s memorable songs, well at least for some, is ‘Coming to America’. It is a celebration of all those immigrants arriving on it’s shores seeking a better life. Allthego recalls the Annie Moore statue we saw earlier in this trip at Cobh in Ireland. Annie was the first immigrant to pass through the Ellis Island Immigration Centre when it opened on 1 January 1892.

We passed by Ellis Island on our way through NY harbour to the pier on the Hudson River in Midtown Manhattan. We are not here as immigrants but as tourists and have arrived in totally different personal circumstances compared to Annie Moore. I wonder what she would think of the place today compared to 1892?

In true American style the system requires everyone, including the crew, to get off the ship and pass through immigration before they will let anyone get back on. The exodus starts around 7.30-8 am and will not be finished till 2 pm. So unless one is prepared and organised to head off straight away it is a long sit in the terminal! Maybe one should just hang around on the ship and be the last to get off and first to get back on!

We were organised though. Having visited the Big Apple before and been around most of the iconic sights we had decided to be low key. So before leaving home tickets had been booked for the Neil Diamond Musical ‘Beautiful Noise’ matinee at 2 pm.

Before the show we took the subway down to Lower Manhattan and then cabbed it east across town to Katz Deli, on the Lower East Side. This Deli is where the famous scene in the ‘Harry met Sally’ movie was shot. Didn’t see any modern day Sallys in action. Allthego though did have one of the pastrami sandwiches, excellent. Homealone’s corn beef one was disappointing, it was a bit tough. Had to taxi back up town to get to the Broadhurst Theatre, just near Times Square, on time for the show.

‘Beautiful Noise’ is a musical recap of Neil Diamond’s life in the context of visits to his therapist, after his dementia diagnosis. There is a ‘Neil -Then’ (does most of the singing ) and a ‘Neil-Now’ (who talks to the therapist). Interesting way of doing it and highlighted that many of his songs were markers of ‘highs’ or ‘lows’ in his life. Anyway the sell out audience of Diamond tragics lapped it all up and the ‘Sweet Caroline’ finale had everyone on their feet waving their arms and shouting out ‘too good, too good’. It was!

After the show we had an hour to kill people watching around Times Square. There are some strange characters around these parts. Gorillas, Spider Man, Mickey and Minnie Mouse as well as a few young ladies in minimalist attire. All looking for their photos to be taken, for a fee of course.

We had dinner with the Berrys at Tony’s Di Napoli, Italian family restaurant. Been there before with the Imlays. A great feed was had, only two dishes and they were enough to feed six. Full of people enjoying the food and noise! Walked back to the ship and was met by a great sunset over the Hudson River.

Next day our plans were a bit loose and centred around walking the length of the High Line. The High Line is a contemporary urban park built on a relic of industry.

Originally opened in 1934 the rail line ran up the lower west side of Manhattan delivering millions of tons of meat, dairy and produce to the local market as well as the wharves for export. The line was later lifted above street level to ease congestion in the city. In the early 1980s the line fell into disuse and became overgrown with vegetation. It was threatened with demolition but was ‘saved’ in the early 2000s with plans to rehabilitate it as parkland and open space. The first stage opened in 2009 and the last is due to be completed in 2024.

At various points there are elevators and stairs to get up to it from street level. We went down it from north to south. The rail lines were left in place with pathways and gardens constructed around them. There are a number of art installations and murals along the way.

At the end it drops down to the Chelsea Markets, full of eateries and stores in a big old warehouse complex. Looked a great spot for a feed but was very crowded so we enjoyed some pizza slices at Artichoke Basil Pizza before catching a cab back to the ship. It was a great walk and a good use of the old line, it is owned by a not for profit organisation and funded by donations. Some very deep pockets kicked it off and keep it going. Government not involved it seems.

We sailed away out of the harbour at around 5pm with some great views, but more of that next time.