Friday morning, another sleeping in day. Pam actually woke up before I did. We walked down to 34th and Broadway where we shopped at THE Macy's store. Pam bought a Tignanello leather purse. The store was massive, and almost too much to take in. It was very crowded with people from all over the world.
After Macy's, we made our way to the NY Public Library, the one with the giant lions guarding the entrance. The building, we discovered, was celebrating its centennial, and it was beautiful. The murals and fresco paintings reminded us of something you'd find at The Met.
After having fun at the library, we found a corner food stand and ate at Bryant Park. Pam had a Philly cheese steak and I had lamb gyro. The park itself was extremely crowded, appearing to be filled with school kids and office workers taking their lunch breaks. There were several different areas for free public games to be played, including a diverse group playing ping pong. Good lunch in a great atmosphere.
Pam and I then went back to the hotel to pack while we watched some of the Djokavich- Federer match, which Federer eventually won. We said good bye to the hotel, took a cab to La Guardia, and then said good bye to New York, at least for now.
This was an awesome trip and an excellent way to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. This won't be our last such trip, but it will be one of the most fun and special trips we've taken.
Here's to you, New York, New York!!!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Day Four: From Central Park to Paris Opera House and a Phantom
This morning, Pam and I slept in and enjoyed it immensely. After a relaxing morning, we made our way to the subway and went to the south of Central Park. We did a little shopping near Carnegie Hall and then caught a pedicab for an hour tour of the entire park.
Our driver was a 25-year-old from Turkey named Umat Sevil--he said to call him Matt. He's going to hunter college studying computer science. He made the tour very fun and informative. We saw everything from Poet's Park to the San Remo, where Steven Spielberg owns the top floor. We stopped a couple times along the way to enjoy the very cool weather and the terrific surroundings. One of the stops was in Strawberry Fields, outside the Dakota where John Lennon was gunned down. The pedicab was definitely a great idea. We saw the entire park and did little walking.
After the park, we found the Brooklyn Diner, a trendy little place on 7th and 57th where we had mozzarella balls and a corned beef sandwich--let's just say the corned beef is not at all like the corned beef I've had from the supermarket. At the diner, we were surrounded by the flavor of New York. We felt like we were on an episode of Seinfeld or something. Very cool.
Pam and I decided to walk back to Times Square, which turned out to be a great idea. It really was only about 10 blocks, and the cool weather made it very comfortable. Along the way, we stopped at a jewelers called Martinique, where Pam purchased some Pandora beads and I splurged for an Ingersoll watch, which will be for Father's Day and my birthday--well worth it, though! We were walking by a catholic church and were able to sit in for part of an organ recital before evensong. Really cool. We then went back to the hotel and rested. I later went down to the center of Times Square and smoked a cigar and enjoyed being in the midst of the many cultures of people.
For the evening, Pam and I purchased tickets to The Phantom of The Opera, playing now for 24 years at The Majestic Theatre. We ate at a place where we split a seafood special, which contained clams and oysters on the half-shell, lobster tail, and shrimp. The french press coffee was excellent.
The play was outstanding and lived up to our expectations. The Majestic is like attending a play in a museum, and we felt a part of all the many thousands of people who have ever attended any play there. After the play, we went to Juniors and splurged on dessert and espresso. Pam had a huge hot fudge sundae and I had a chocolate mousse cheese cake. Neither of us could finish, though we tried! After dessert, we went back to the hotel and watched a most improbable Mavericks comeback over the Heat, coming from 15 points back with about 5 minutes to go.
Our driver was a 25-year-old from Turkey named Umat Sevil--he said to call him Matt. He's going to hunter college studying computer science. He made the tour very fun and informative. We saw everything from Poet's Park to the San Remo, where Steven Spielberg owns the top floor. We stopped a couple times along the way to enjoy the very cool weather and the terrific surroundings. One of the stops was in Strawberry Fields, outside the Dakota where John Lennon was gunned down. The pedicab was definitely a great idea. We saw the entire park and did little walking.
After the park, we found the Brooklyn Diner, a trendy little place on 7th and 57th where we had mozzarella balls and a corned beef sandwich--let's just say the corned beef is not at all like the corned beef I've had from the supermarket. At the diner, we were surrounded by the flavor of New York. We felt like we were on an episode of Seinfeld or something. Very cool.
Pam and I decided to walk back to Times Square, which turned out to be a great idea. It really was only about 10 blocks, and the cool weather made it very comfortable. Along the way, we stopped at a jewelers called Martinique, where Pam purchased some Pandora beads and I splurged for an Ingersoll watch, which will be for Father's Day and my birthday--well worth it, though! We were walking by a catholic church and were able to sit in for part of an organ recital before evensong. Really cool. We then went back to the hotel and rested. I later went down to the center of Times Square and smoked a cigar and enjoyed being in the midst of the many cultures of people.
For the evening, Pam and I purchased tickets to The Phantom of The Opera, playing now for 24 years at The Majestic Theatre. We ate at a place where we split a seafood special, which contained clams and oysters on the half-shell, lobster tail, and shrimp. The french press coffee was excellent.
The play was outstanding and lived up to our expectations. The Majestic is like attending a play in a museum, and we felt a part of all the many thousands of people who have ever attended any play there. After the play, we went to Juniors and splurged on dessert and espresso. Pam had a huge hot fudge sundae and I had a chocolate mousse cheese cake. Neither of us could finish, though we tried! After dessert, we went back to the hotel and watched a most improbable Mavericks comeback over the Heat, coming from 15 points back with about 5 minutes to go.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Wednesday: W stands for Walking!!
Today, we made our way from Times Square past Bryant Park and the NYC Public Library to Grand Central Station. We now have a new appreciation for that term: Grand Central. Lots of different way to go the wrong way. My trusty iPhone app, however, told us to take the 4 train uptown on Lex and get off at 86th. From there, we still had about a 6 block walk to our final destination--The Met!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was an incredible experience, even though we walked, and walked, and did I mention, WE WALKED! We probably walked about 8 miles today. Pam says 20. She may be right!
Too many works of art to even trey to see in one day, much less mention, but here is a list of some of the artwork we saw: Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Rembrandt, Renoir, Pollack, Warhol, Goya, Picasso, and many, many others we enjoyed. This doesn't even include some of the other artwork we saw, from architecture, to furniture, to Greek and Egyptian pieces of all kinds. There was even a section on musical instruments, which currently featured Ringo Starr's gold-plated snare drum that Ludwig Co. gave him. Pam enjoyed "Blue on a Canvas," which she thinks she could do herself! :)
At a lunch break, we had "dawgs" from a Sabrett stand in front of the museum. Pam also had a very salty pretzel and I had a knish, which was like a fried mashed potato sandwich. During lunch, we were entertained by an African woman who was evidently hot, or perhaps dirty, and she took a bath in a fountain next to us in her clothes while we and several others watched. Interesting.
We enjoyed watching lots and lots of kids at the museum either in groups with a teacher or tour guide as well as on their own having to find certain sculpture and created drawings and take down information. They are in school until June 23rd.
We had to take a bus back to the hotel because of an "investigation" on the exact train we needed, so it took about 45 minutes to get back, but we got to see most of Lexington Avenue shops, residences, etc. After we were dropped off at 42nd and Lex, we walked past a tobaccaria, where we had a nice visit with the manager there whose son is a children's librarian at a public library across the George Washington bridge. He was extremely cordial and kept us entertained while we waited for some renewed strength in our legs--more walking, yes!
After a nap back at the Marquis, we decided to go out for dinner and happened upon Robin Williams in a play, so we took a chance and saw The Bengal of Baghdad, an existential play that was comedic and serious at the same time. Pam and I aren't sure we appreciated the message of the play, if there were one. We sat by an Italian director named Luigi and an actor named Antonio, who wanted us to help translate. Not sure if we could, since the language was not G Rated, which we should have guessed.
After the show about 10, we finally found a place to eat called Brasserie Athenee, a nice French restaurant. Brasserie was just interpreted to mean "bar" by some French girls sitting by us out here in Times Square.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was an incredible experience, even though we walked, and walked, and did I mention, WE WALKED! We probably walked about 8 miles today. Pam says 20. She may be right!
Too many works of art to even trey to see in one day, much less mention, but here is a list of some of the artwork we saw: Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Rembrandt, Renoir, Pollack, Warhol, Goya, Picasso, and many, many others we enjoyed. This doesn't even include some of the other artwork we saw, from architecture, to furniture, to Greek and Egyptian pieces of all kinds. There was even a section on musical instruments, which currently featured Ringo Starr's gold-plated snare drum that Ludwig Co. gave him. Pam enjoyed "Blue on a Canvas," which she thinks she could do herself! :)
At a lunch break, we had "dawgs" from a Sabrett stand in front of the museum. Pam also had a very salty pretzel and I had a knish, which was like a fried mashed potato sandwich. During lunch, we were entertained by an African woman who was evidently hot, or perhaps dirty, and she took a bath in a fountain next to us in her clothes while we and several others watched. Interesting.
We enjoyed watching lots and lots of kids at the museum either in groups with a teacher or tour guide as well as on their own having to find certain sculpture and created drawings and take down information. They are in school until June 23rd.
We had to take a bus back to the hotel because of an "investigation" on the exact train we needed, so it took about 45 minutes to get back, but we got to see most of Lexington Avenue shops, residences, etc. After we were dropped off at 42nd and Lex, we walked past a tobaccaria, where we had a nice visit with the manager there whose son is a children's librarian at a public library across the George Washington bridge. He was extremely cordial and kept us entertained while we waited for some renewed strength in our legs--more walking, yes!
After a nap back at the Marquis, we decided to go out for dinner and happened upon Robin Williams in a play, so we took a chance and saw The Bengal of Baghdad, an existential play that was comedic and serious at the same time. Pam and I aren't sure we appreciated the message of the play, if there were one. We sat by an Italian director named Luigi and an actor named Antonio, who wanted us to help translate. Not sure if we could, since the language was not G Rated, which we should have guessed.
After the show about 10, we finally found a place to eat called Brasserie Athenee, a nice French restaurant. Brasserie was just interpreted to mean "bar" by some French girls sitting by us out here in Times Square.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday: Happy Anniversary Day!
Today was Pam and my 25th Anniversary! We celebrated here in New York with a fantastic day of sightseeing, eating, and Broadway show seeing. We started by taking the 1 Train from 42nd to South Ferry, and then taking the Staten Island Ferry to get some great shots of the Statue of Liberty.
After about an hour's boat ride across and back, we found our way to Canal street on the subway and had a great time in Chinatown, including eating at a local restaurant. Pam had roast pork and rice and I had roast duck and rice. We were among the only native English speakers there, of course. We bartered for some cologne and hats, and then suddenly found ourselves crossing one street into an entirely different world in Little Italy. It's amazing how the cultures are that separated and yet that close together. It was like traveling to a different country in only a few steps.
We walked to another station and figured out our way back to Times Square and rested and then got ready for tonight.
We had reservations at Bond 45, an outstanding Italian restaurant in a former clothing retail store from the 40's. The service was the best we've ever had. It had pretty high end clientele, present company excepted. Six women seated at the next table made me think we were at a taping of New York Housewives! Loved their accents and lively chirping back and forth. "Love ya new summa baag."
We started with chianti, even Pam!, and then ate a great shrimp cocktail. Pam had a flat lasagna and I had seafood risotto. I finished with an espresso that was superb. Needless to say, it was the most expensive meal we've ever had with just the two of us!! :)
After dinner, we made our way to The Lion King, and I can't even begin to describe how awesome the entire production was. The music, the costumes, the staging, the voices--all at the top of Broadway's game. Pam and I were so inspired by the performance. We had incredible balcony seats where we could see the entire thing and we were close enough to touch the performers. In fact, it began with a performer almost in Pam's lap!
Right now, we are sitting in Times Square blogging in the midst of all these people. The music of the different voices and sounds is way cool, and temperature is perfect. How can we top this day!!
After about an hour's boat ride across and back, we found our way to Canal street on the subway and had a great time in Chinatown, including eating at a local restaurant. Pam had roast pork and rice and I had roast duck and rice. We were among the only native English speakers there, of course. We bartered for some cologne and hats, and then suddenly found ourselves crossing one street into an entirely different world in Little Italy. It's amazing how the cultures are that separated and yet that close together. It was like traveling to a different country in only a few steps.
We walked to another station and figured out our way back to Times Square and rested and then got ready for tonight.
We had reservations at Bond 45, an outstanding Italian restaurant in a former clothing retail store from the 40's. The service was the best we've ever had. It had pretty high end clientele, present company excepted. Six women seated at the next table made me think we were at a taping of New York Housewives! Loved their accents and lively chirping back and forth. "Love ya new summa baag."
We started with chianti, even Pam!, and then ate a great shrimp cocktail. Pam had a flat lasagna and I had seafood risotto. I finished with an espresso that was superb. Needless to say, it was the most expensive meal we've ever had with just the two of us!! :)
After dinner, we made our way to The Lion King, and I can't even begin to describe how awesome the entire production was. The music, the costumes, the staging, the voices--all at the top of Broadway's game. Pam and I were so inspired by the performance. We had incredible balcony seats where we could see the entire thing and we were close enough to touch the performers. In fact, it began with a performer almost in Pam's lap!
Right now, we are sitting in Times Square blogging in the midst of all these people. The music of the different voices and sounds is way cool, and temperature is perfect. How can we top this day!!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Monday: Travel and then Fun!
Today started early, up before 5:00 a.m., Pam up at 5:30. Peggy took us to the airport and everything went great. No problems with any flights, bags arrived with us, and we made it to the Marriott Marquis about 4:00 p.m. We took an overpriced limo ride in a Town Car from a Pakistani National who has been in NYC for 27 Years. On the plane ride from DFW, we sat by a 20-year-old young Olympic hopeful from Long Island, Suffolk County. He had been gone from home for 2 months training for the 121 lb class Greko with Brandon Slay and others. His name is Brandon Escobar. He will hopefully make the olympics in London next year.
After check in, we went exploring, up Broadway to 50th and then over past the Avenue of Americas to Rockefeller Center. Shopped at SAK. Yeah, right!! Too rich for our blood. We are more American Eagle and Aeropostle, which we shopped for the boys. We did shop in the NBC store and a few other places. We looked at a lot of places, like Swatches, Oakley, Hershey and M and M shops.
Our first taste of New York was at a pizzeria called Famiglia. We each had a slice of pizza, and it WAS fantastic. Wow! Later, we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe on Times Square. We split a 1400 calorie burger and fries. Finally, we went to Juniors Bakery across the street from the hotel. Pam got a carrot cheescake and I got something called a black and white cookie, both of which are fabulous. Right now, I'm finishing the evening standing in a Starbucks on Times Square watching a lot of late night action. Reminds me of Vegas, with the pseudo daytime coming from all the lights and giant TV monitors.
Tomorrw, we plan to take the 1 train to Battery Park from 42nd street and catch the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. Then, we'll go to China Town and Little Italy. We'll get back in time for dinner at 5:00 at Bond 45 and then Lion King at 7:00 pm. for our 25th Anniversary.
After check in, we went exploring, up Broadway to 50th and then over past the Avenue of Americas to Rockefeller Center. Shopped at SAK. Yeah, right!! Too rich for our blood. We are more American Eagle and Aeropostle, which we shopped for the boys. We did shop in the NBC store and a few other places. We looked at a lot of places, like Swatches, Oakley, Hershey and M and M shops.
Our first taste of New York was at a pizzeria called Famiglia. We each had a slice of pizza, and it WAS fantastic. Wow! Later, we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe on Times Square. We split a 1400 calorie burger and fries. Finally, we went to Juniors Bakery across the street from the hotel. Pam got a carrot cheescake and I got something called a black and white cookie, both of which are fabulous. Right now, I'm finishing the evening standing in a Starbucks on Times Square watching a lot of late night action. Reminds me of Vegas, with the pseudo daytime coming from all the lights and giant TV monitors.
Tomorrw, we plan to take the 1 train to Battery Park from 42nd street and catch the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. Then, we'll go to China Town and Little Italy. We'll get back in time for dinner at 5:00 at Bond 45 and then Lion King at 7:00 pm. for our 25th Anniversary.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Prelude
You can follow Pam and me in New York May 30-June 3, 2011 by clicking to the right of this box where it says "Follow by email" and submitting your email. You will get notified when there is a new post.
I plan to add photos and text at the end of each day. Please give us your feedback by clicking the "Comments" button, typing your comments, and then posting the comments.
Enjoy!
I plan to add photos and text at the end of each day. Please give us your feedback by clicking the "Comments" button, typing your comments, and then posting the comments.
Enjoy!
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