Update on NY

At the Top
Originally uploaded by GailJ.

Well, I did a quick post from Times Square the other day. There was a line and HOT lights blazing on me, so I did a quick post. After that post, we did a lot more of NY.

OK, so as I said before, our trip started with a nice carriage ride in Central Park. It was a nice time, but I have to say, I am rather disappointed in Central Park. There were things about it that were really pretty, but it is kind of a dump, for such a would famous park. They should take better care of it. We headed to Times Square after that, just one of many stops there. So much to see and do.
Our adventure continued with a trip to the Theodore Roosevelt Home. Yes, part of the National Parks. I wasn't overly interested until we got the tour and boy, what a nice and interesting place it was. Did you know that his gun handles and his belt buckle when he was in the Rough Riders were made by Tiffany??? Ahhh, the rich! His Rough Rider uniform was also made by some designer, but I can't remember his name. Oh well. From there, we headed to the Madame Tussauds, Wax Museum. It was really interesting and I got my picture taken with the President.
We also went to a special Rock & Rock Hall of Fame exhibit in SoHo. It was really interesting to see. I got a senior discount, because the rest of my group got one! I have a few years left before I really qualify! Jesper and Erin would be jealous of the SoHo neighborhood. THAT was the place to do some shopping. I of course, did not! Just remember, SoHo for shopping !!!
We also managed to find the Grimaldi's pizza in Brooklyn. It was pouring rain out, but we got there, and no line. If you go, don't go at regular meal times, instant seating at off hours. Meal times, there is a line. Super good pizza by the way. A couple days later, we also managed to find the Carnegie Deli for yummy cheesecake. That is a must.
Up until Saturday afternoon, and on my previous trips to New York, I felt that the people of New York were so friendly and helpful. Everyone was so eager to help us find our way, give directions and we so nice. THEN, we went to the Metropolitan Museum! I have never before met such rude, unfriendly, impolite people in my life. Students are even that rude. The art was great, the people who work there and are there to help you find your way around and ask questions, are not!

I ditched Teri & Toni, since they wanted to go to Tiffany's and do some window shopping, followed by mass. Since I wasn't interested in either, I went back to the condo and left them to find their way home. Since we had been in NY for 4 days, and to the condo countless times, you would think this would be easy, but no, Teri is directionally challenged! After mass, it took over 2 hours and a phone call to find their way back!!! I guess I can't leave them alone unless they have a GPS!
Sunday, the day I had waited for. We got up early, since we had Crown tour tickets for the Statue of Liberty. I guess they are selling out about 1 year in advance, so it was a good thing, I reserved them, the 1st day they went on sale! We took the ferry out to the Statue and got in line. 20 minutes and 354 steps later, we were at the top! We made it. I thought that the 1st 154 steps to the top of the pedestal were the hard part, the last 201 steps were nothing. How weird is that!
Ah, my trip was complete, but not for Teri. From there, a quick visit, again, to Ellis Island. We went back to Manhattan, found the African Burial grounds where we met the nicest Park Ranger. He recognized our Midwest accent right away, since his mother was from Iowa and we sound just like her. Even though the visitors center wasn't open, he got us our stamp and he also gave us goodies that will be on sale, next year, when the gift store opens. So nice. He also gave us directions to Chinatown, so Teri & Toni could eat Dim Sum for lunch. Not me! Yuk!
Our final adventure was to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It is about 1 mile, maybe more, but it was cold, windy and raw, so it wasn't a pleasant walk, but it wasn't raining, well, not really. It is a beautiful bridge, but the area around isn't.

Exhausted, we headed back to the Nilsson's ( Mimmi's family) condo. It has the best view and it was really nice of them to let us use the condo. We had a wonderful time there. I think, if they let us go another time, we will be happy to stay there again! Thank you Karin & Jonas!
Before we left to come home on Monday, the only good weather day, we finally made it to Tiffany's for some window shopping. They have some really pretty stuff there, but well out of my price range! We had fun looking and dreaming though.
Our last stop, before heading to the airport was to find the place my Grandma lived in NY, when she 1st arrived to America. We had the address and new the street, so we went looking. It however was not to be. Seem that those high rises weren't there in 1918 or something like that, so the place that Grandma lived, no longer exists. Sad really, but it was fun to look.
It is now back to quiet, quiet Minneapolis, where there are no honking horns at all hours, nor sirens all night. I don't even hear the traffic outside my office window. It is so quiet here compared to New York. It was fun and I can't wait to go back, but I do enjoy the quiet! (except for all those who are coughing, but fail to cover their cough!)

New York

It has been a busy few days in New York, running around, seeing the sites. Teri is waiting in line right now for tickets for a play. This time, she gets to wait, and not me!
Anyway, we have finally made it to Central Park, had our carriage ride. We have seen most of the sites before, so we are looking for new things to see. Yesterday, we went to the Wax Museum, and the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Yes, I know, it is in Cleveland, but there is a special exhibit in NY. It was really a good time. Go if you can!

We have worn Toni out with all the walking we have done, so we usually get home to the Condo, very nice by the way, and relax in the evening.

Tomorrow, is the Statue of Liberty Day. We will climb the steps for the 1st time. I should have no problem. 354 here I come.

If I get a chance, I will update again. There is free internet in Times Square.