Final thoughts at the end of the journey...

I can’t believe its over - during the journey I have taken in some wondrous sites, beautiful views, iconic buildings, amazing wildlife and thought provoking religious sites all supported by warm and welcoming people of many nations, ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs.
Although the journey has been challenging at times, I believe that the adventure has allowed me to grow as a person, learning lessons about life, belief, family, friendship and the natural environment. Mankind now has the power to shape our world to achieve great things or cause tremendous harm, and this for me is the dilemma… What challenges does the future hold? Well, I for one am optimistic… As E. Boserup once wrote “Necessity is the mother of invention” and I have seen first hand what people can do when faced with extreme adversity and it fills me with hope regarding a brighter future.

Carpe Diem

Images of NYC from the tour bus

My last day in NYC

My last night of the trip is in the New York YHI (hostelling International) hostel found in the lower West side on Amsterdam Av and 104th street [Harlem]. At $45 a night it is very cheap for New York - after all you have a dorm bed, shower, TV lounge and kitchen area while the supermarket is within walking distance… However, bare in mind that it is a little way off from the major attractions [3 blocks from central park and a bus ride from other sites] while the local area is, for me, a little off-putting with litter in the streets and loitering groups of youths [suffice to say I did not venture out after dark!!]... However, it seemed perfectly safe during the day ;)

Well, my final day is LAUNDRY day ;) and of course also means packing for my final flight with British Airways… My 30th Flight of the trip!!

The final leg of the journey is as the guest of British airways on a 747 Jumbo Jet. :) Heathrow Bound…

Images from my visit to Liberty Island