We're back...Part 2!
Feb 10th, 2008, 09:42 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We're back...Part 2!
Hi all! Well, "We're back...!" (part 1) was entered on the United States board and not under New York as it should have been. So if our cab/hotel experience(s) would interest you, please find it over there.
Now on to shows, meals and our Mahattan tour...
We arrived in NY on 2/6 and returned home yesterday...the 9th. After we checked in the afternoon of the 6th, we ate that evening at John's Pizza (mentioned on this board!) and had a good time. We had wine, salad and pizza...all good! That evening we saw Legally Blonde.
That old saying, 'you get what you pay for' applies here. I bought the cheapest seats and if you've ever been to the Palace Theatre you'll understand our dilemma when we got to our seats in the front row on the top balcony! I thought I was going to have a 'fear of heights' attack!! My daughter said "maybe we can exchange these" and we headed down stairs". The lady at the ticket window was very nice and for just $42 (total) more we got 5th row center orchestra seats! They were WONDERFUL!!!! I've read some disparaging comments about this show but, you know what?, we thoroughly enjoyed it. And since all seats downstairs were full, we were so lucky to end up where we did! (More about seat selection later...)
The next day we rented a car and drove up to my old 'turf' in the Bronx. We had a great, if somewhat sad memory wise, time doing this. And I drove just like a New Yorker...where to hesitate is to get run over!!
That evening we ate at the Olive Garden! What can I say! It was on the way to our (second) show and our OG was blown away by Katrins so we enjoyed it! We saw Wicked that night. More nose bleed seats. But the balcony at the Gershwin Theatre was not as steep as the one at the Palace, plus we had lots of company up there for Wicked! (And there was no changing of tickets which we tried since it worked so well for Legally Blonde!) I will say this, seats make all the difference in the world which I now realize. Being close enough to see faces and the little thing made the first show - though maybe not as good - certainly more enjoyable. And I must confess, I dozed off during Wicked which, yes, based on the story and the music was a wonderful show!
Where are we...Friday!! We took the 10am, 5 1/2 hour "see it all" tour with New York Party Shuttle Tours. It was wonderful. There was no other way we could have seen as much. Our guide, Luke Miller, was great at what he does and the personal storiea and historical facts that he through in with the descriptions of what we were seeing made it, well, just great!! That night we ate at restaurant that he suggested (we asked) and, though, it was good it was definately over our budget. It was the Trattoria Dopo Teatro. I should say though that given the fact that we had a bottle of wine, a *shared salad", an entree each, dessert (yummy) and coffee and spent $100 should not have surprised us! This IS NY after all!
More later...
Now on to shows, meals and our Mahattan tour...
We arrived in NY on 2/6 and returned home yesterday...the 9th. After we checked in the afternoon of the 6th, we ate that evening at John's Pizza (mentioned on this board!) and had a good time. We had wine, salad and pizza...all good! That evening we saw Legally Blonde.
That old saying, 'you get what you pay for' applies here. I bought the cheapest seats and if you've ever been to the Palace Theatre you'll understand our dilemma when we got to our seats in the front row on the top balcony! I thought I was going to have a 'fear of heights' attack!! My daughter said "maybe we can exchange these" and we headed down stairs". The lady at the ticket window was very nice and for just $42 (total) more we got 5th row center orchestra seats! They were WONDERFUL!!!! I've read some disparaging comments about this show but, you know what?, we thoroughly enjoyed it. And since all seats downstairs were full, we were so lucky to end up where we did! (More about seat selection later...)
The next day we rented a car and drove up to my old 'turf' in the Bronx. We had a great, if somewhat sad memory wise, time doing this. And I drove just like a New Yorker...where to hesitate is to get run over!!
That evening we ate at the Olive Garden! What can I say! It was on the way to our (second) show and our OG was blown away by Katrins so we enjoyed it! We saw Wicked that night. More nose bleed seats. But the balcony at the Gershwin Theatre was not as steep as the one at the Palace, plus we had lots of company up there for Wicked! (And there was no changing of tickets which we tried since it worked so well for Legally Blonde!) I will say this, seats make all the difference in the world which I now realize. Being close enough to see faces and the little thing made the first show - though maybe not as good - certainly more enjoyable. And I must confess, I dozed off during Wicked which, yes, based on the story and the music was a wonderful show!
Where are we...Friday!! We took the 10am, 5 1/2 hour "see it all" tour with New York Party Shuttle Tours. It was wonderful. There was no other way we could have seen as much. Our guide, Luke Miller, was great at what he does and the personal storiea and historical facts that he through in with the descriptions of what we were seeing made it, well, just great!! That night we ate at restaurant that he suggested (we asked) and, though, it was good it was definately over our budget. It was the Trattoria Dopo Teatro. I should say though that given the fact that we had a bottle of wine, a *shared salad", an entree each, dessert (yummy) and coffee and spent $100 should not have surprised us! This IS NY after all!
More later...
Feb 10th, 2008, 10:35 AM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, I know. But, when I was wanting to read comments about NY, it's where I went...and where I meant to post my message.
I forgot about being dropped off at Macys 34th St after our tour. Too big for me but I found a place to 'park it' while 'daughter' shopped for her two kids and found some cute, reasonable things. Then we hopped on the uptown bus and had dinner before calling it a day. Well, I called it a day. She put on her sneakers and walked up 5th Ave to the Apple store that we'd passed on our tour. (She definately has more stamina than I do!!)
Yesterday am, our last day in NY, we walked around Times Square and did some last minute shopping before checking out and heading for the airport.
All in all, it was a wonderful time. I hate to say 'never' but I doubt I'll make it back. No family left there and over the 40+ years since we've left I've lost touch with friends. It was fun though and there is definately no place in the world like it!
I forgot about being dropped off at Macys 34th St after our tour. Too big for me but I found a place to 'park it' while 'daughter' shopped for her two kids and found some cute, reasonable things. Then we hopped on the uptown bus and had dinner before calling it a day. Well, I called it a day. She put on her sneakers and walked up 5th Ave to the Apple store that we'd passed on our tour. (She definately has more stamina than I do!!)
Yesterday am, our last day in NY, we walked around Times Square and did some last minute shopping before checking out and heading for the airport.
All in all, it was a wonderful time. I hate to say 'never' but I doubt I'll make it back. No family left there and over the 40+ years since we've left I've lost touch with friends. It was fun though and there is definately no place in the world like it!
Feb 10th, 2008, 10:52 AM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have to mention - of all things - the flight attendant on the last leg of our trip back to Gulfport MS. A very small plane w/one older, male 'steward' who made our day and had the whole plane laughing with his comments. He began by telling us about the champagne and caviar he'd be serving during our flight but, "oh wait, there was a mistake in the delivery and we'd be having_________". He then made comparisons between our plane and the new 850 passenger airbus and, somehow, we came out on top!!
HIs last annoucement of the short flight was:
"and remember to be careful opening the overhead bins because 'shift happens'.
His good humor was the icing on the cake!
HIs last annoucement of the short flight was:
"and remember to be careful opening the overhead bins because 'shift happens'.
His good humor was the icing on the cake!
Feb 10th, 2008, 11:56 AM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, we rented tbe car in midtown and I had printed out mapquest directions from Dollar to the Bronx. We had no problem getting to the Bronx but getting back to Manhattan was another story. But as for the Bronx, I showed my daughter where I and her dad lived for the first few years we were married...on Evergreen Avenue. Where the 2 family house I grew up in used to stand on Metcalf Ave...now it's a high-rise. All my schools, my first job (while in HS)at the White Castle at Bruckner and
Soundview (not the same building..the one back then LOOKED more like a csstle!), where different friends lived and the church we went to for many years, Bethlehem Lutheran on Bolton Ave in Clauson Point. It looked exactly the same and where I had to get out my crying towel. Then it was off to the Parkchester and Castle Hill areas.
But did I ever get lost going back to Manhattan! I missed a turn and there I was. paying the toll to Queens. The nice toll booth lady gave me a free pass and 15 minutes to go over the bridge, turn around and come back over. Problem solved, right? Wrong! I hate to admit this, but coming back I was in the wrong lane - again - and heading back into the Bronx! This time the nice toll booth 'man' took my free pass and told me how to avoid paying another toll....get off on Willis Ave and follow the signs to the Third Ave bridge and then to FDR. We made it but I think I left some shaking heads in my wake!! (I wonder now if I could have just taken the Third Ave bridge going-and-coming and saved $9!!) Then we drove around the village, parked and had lunch. We had to eat near the 'meter' since we only had an hour and the meter maids were in the area and very busy!
After our 'wild' cab ride into the city the day before, I decided to get 'full' insurance coverage on the rental car...something we ususally don't do. I will say this, it allowed me to drive with complete abandonment and just like a native. And for the record, my one parallel parking attempt was perfect the first time!
I guess that's it. Thanks to all the help I received on these boards prior to our trip and if I can help anyone, just ask.
Soundview (not the same building..the one back then LOOKED more like a csstle!), where different friends lived and the church we went to for many years, Bethlehem Lutheran on Bolton Ave in Clauson Point. It looked exactly the same and where I had to get out my crying towel. Then it was off to the Parkchester and Castle Hill areas.
But did I ever get lost going back to Manhattan! I missed a turn and there I was. paying the toll to Queens. The nice toll booth lady gave me a free pass and 15 minutes to go over the bridge, turn around and come back over. Problem solved, right? Wrong! I hate to admit this, but coming back I was in the wrong lane - again - and heading back into the Bronx! This time the nice toll booth 'man' took my free pass and told me how to avoid paying another toll....get off on Willis Ave and follow the signs to the Third Ave bridge and then to FDR. We made it but I think I left some shaking heads in my wake!! (I wonder now if I could have just taken the Third Ave bridge going-and-coming and saved $9!!) Then we drove around the village, parked and had lunch. We had to eat near the 'meter' since we only had an hour and the meter maids were in the area and very busy!
After our 'wild' cab ride into the city the day before, I decided to get 'full' insurance coverage on the rental car...something we ususally don't do. I will say this, it allowed me to drive with complete abandonment and just like a native. And for the record, my one parallel parking attempt was perfect the first time!
I guess that's it. Thanks to all the help I received on these boards prior to our trip and if I can help anyone, just ask.
Feb 10th, 2008, 12:08 PM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Vivi, I see we both had the same theatre 'experiences'. Isn't that a hoot!? That Wicked upper balcony was just the perfect atmosphere for a nap!
And mclaurie, thanks for inquiring about the Bronx.
And mclaurie, thanks for inquiring about the Bronx.
Feb 10th, 2008, 01:02 PM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,715
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
They say "you can't go home again" so I'm always curious how it goes. The few times I've taken people to see where I grew up, it was more interesting to me than to them. What did your daughter have to say?
As to the driving, I can totally relate. Yes, you can save the toll by taking the 3rd ave./Willis Ave. bridge, but you can also get lost and have a "Bonfire of the Vanities" experience (or fear of one). It can be very very confusing getting into Manhattan. The signage stinks.
As to the driving, I can totally relate. Yes, you can save the toll by taking the 3rd ave./Willis Ave. bridge, but you can also get lost and have a "Bonfire of the Vanities" experience (or fear of one). It can be very very confusing getting into Manhattan. The signage stinks.
Feb 10th, 2008, 02:01 PM
#10
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
esd:
It was very refreshing to read your trip report. It sounds like you and your daughter had a lovely time.
Well done - very brave of you to drive and do so with complete abandonment.
Was this the first time you have been back to visit where you grew up in the Bronx since leaving?
Sandy
It was very refreshing to read your trip report. It sounds like you and your daughter had a lovely time.
Well done - very brave of you to drive and do so with complete abandonment.
Was this the first time you have been back to visit where you grew up in the Bronx since leaving?
Sandy
Feb 10th, 2008, 02:21 PM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To be honest, I'm not sure what my daughter thought of the Bronx. I know that she was interested and took photos of everything I pointed out to her. She was sort of "speehless"!
There is a house on Fteley Ave(still standing....amazing!) around the corner from where I grew up on Metcalf that I explained to her was where we were invited to to watch Saturday night TV untill we eventually got a set of our own. And I remember THAT day like it was yesterday. I came home from school - the 6th grade - and my mother told me to go look in the living room. There it was..this beautiful, 19 inch, b&W, console TV!! This scenario is just almost incomprehensible to her generation that grew up with a TV in every room!
I think she'll probably go to work tomorrow telling people that "it's a great place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there".
There is a house on Fteley Ave(still standing....amazing!) around the corner from where I grew up on Metcalf that I explained to her was where we were invited to to watch Saturday night TV untill we eventually got a set of our own. And I remember THAT day like it was yesterday. I came home from school - the 6th grade - and my mother told me to go look in the living room. There it was..this beautiful, 19 inch, b&W, console TV!! This scenario is just almost incomprehensible to her generation that grew up with a TV in every room!
I think she'll probably go to work tomorrow telling people that "it's a great place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there".
Feb 10th, 2008, 02:33 PM
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
esd, it sounds like a great trip. How old is your daughter? We took ours to see our home towns (my husband grew up in Mt. Vernon and I in Valley Stream) when they were too young to appreciate it ("when's lunch?"), but then took a quick drive through last year and I think they liked the opportunity to see how we grew up (we live in California) - we showed them my house, and my elementary, jr. high and high school, and where the diner used to be, and where we skated on the lake at the state park, etc. etc. Great fun.
Feb 12th, 2008, 07:43 AM
#14
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,585
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Glad you did the Party Shuttle. A few people make snide remarks about "tours" on here, and no I'm not an organized tour person at all, but the shuttle is perfect for first timers, especially kids. It's not dumbed down in any way and you'll learn 100 times more about the city by doing it. Also, there are so many chances to ask your own questions! However, I cannot believe you ate at Olive Garden!! EWWWW!!!
Feb 12th, 2008, 01:56 PM
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know...I should be ashamed. At least it wasn't McDonalds!!
Usually I'm not much for organized tours either but, with so little time there, it worked out well. I'm just glad we got someone like Luke Miller because SOMEWHERE on these boards someone mentions having a guide who seemer to know nothing and said very little...THAT would have been a bummer! There were 22 people on our tour which was a good number for a group.
Usually I'm not much for organized tours either but, with so little time there, it worked out well. I'm just glad we got someone like Luke Miller because SOMEWHERE on these boards someone mentions having a guide who seemer to know nothing and said very little...THAT would have been a bummer! There were 22 people on our tour which was a good number for a group.
Feb 12th, 2008, 02:30 PM
#16
esd: you have three threads going going w/ your trip report. Takes a lot of back and forth to read all the bits. It's usually better to just add new posts to the existing thread, instead of splitting up the report into parts.
