Monday, November 9, 2009

New York Experience

New York was amazing! Going in the late fall was a smart idea. It was cool, breezy, and smelled of roasted nuts. I'm not kidding, that is the smell I associate with NYC. It was as busy and hectic as I thought, but I didn't expect lines longer than Disney's, the stair experience, dusk at 3:30, the over 100 blocks walked daily, and the possiblity of running into someone I know. While walking along the Brooklyn Bridge, I ran into the Hupes from Tampa. It was hilarious. And why, oh, why did the Yankees win while we were in town. We got trapped in the parade on Friday. We stayed on the red line, so we were a ride away from most places, but usually chose to walk so we could experience the city.

We visited all the tourist sites, such as walking the Brooklyn Bridge both ways, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Castle Clinton, Central Park several times, NY Public Library, Empire State Building, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center. We walked to see the Guggenheim Museum, Grand Central Station, Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, South Street Seaport, Financial District, Wall Street, New York Stock Exchange, Trinity Church, St. Patrick Cathedral, Macy's, Chrysler Building and 5th Avenue. Two highly recommended food places are Serendipity and Grimald's Pizzeria. Both were worth the hikes to enjoy them.

Best moments: Hubby hiking to the Empire State Building at night so I could see it lit up. Hubby listening to my lecture at Ellis Island. The tour of the WTC site made me cry. It was so heart rending and emotional. Seeing the Lion King on Broadway. It was phenomenal! Yes, I sang along. My favorite moment was my first ice skating experience and it was at Rockefeller Center. No, I didn't fall and yes, I did let go of the handrail. Loved it!

7 comments:

Michelle said...

Only you would run into someone you know who is on vacation in the same town you are, especially in a town as big and crowded as NYC. I am so glad you had a good time and I can't wait to see more pics, esp. the ice skating ones! BTW, I love your coat - SuperCute!!!

Delia said...

Power vacationer!!

Janssen said...

Sounds amazing! I can't wait to go in a few weeks!

SidneyKay said...

Sounds like you had a great time. You know we have ice here.

Sarai said...

Sounds like you had a great time! I'm glad you got to see so many sights. I knwo I drive Mom nuts when we've gone on vacation to a different city because I want to cram in as many sites as possible. Who knows when you'll get to go again! Might as well do it all, if you can! :)

Abby C. said...

Melissa~

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge was always elating to me, to see the city in all it's majesty and glory. My parents lived right and the very end of the Brooklyn Bridge, on the Brooklyn side, in Brooklyn Heights. They had a view of the bridge. I had hoped to inherit the apartment when they died, but I was not a NYS resident so we couldn't. As you know New York is where my heart is. Sounds like you did it all, and had a great time. I'm so happy.

Colette said...

Sounds like a ton of fun! Any time, just call and I'll watch the Bartle boy and Cleo girl for ya!