Susan

oops - sorry everyone for the "double post" <BR><BR>Judy, have you checked out Playbill.com to get an idea of "ticket deals" for shows? Although it's too far in advance for specials for April events, check it out and get a feel about what Playbill.com has to offer.<BR><BR>Also, are you arriving by plane? I know you said your Dad would strongly oppose a wheelchair, but the airport can be a bit daunting to navigate. There are chairs available, and he could save some of his energy for sight seeing, etc.

xxx

I haven't found the streets of Manhattan to be wheelchair friendly. Let's not try and force dad in a wheelchair. I'm sure it is a dignity issue and let's certainly not shame him into it (Dad is holding everyone up).

Jen

One place that might interest everyone is the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side. Wonderful reconstruction of the immigrant lifestyle of 80-100 years ago, with multimedia suport (storytelling etc.) that will give the younger ones plenty of insight into just what it is that grandpa is remembering. Contact themin advance about your group to ensure that you're accommodated.<BR><BR>http://www.tenement.org/

Ellen

The most important question is, when are you coming to NY? Weather could play a huge factor in your father's ability to maneuver around the city. My best suggestion, with this limited info, is that you plan on getting a really early start every day before things get too crowded (sidewalks, lines, attractions). The next thing I would say is to plan your shows for the matinees - Wed and Sat. Some of the shows run late and it may be too long of a day for him. Also, sitting in the afternoon may be a good idea. Then, if he wants to, he can retire after dinner and you are free to run around with the kids at night to the Empire State Building, Times Square, Seaport, etc.

ny

Judy:<BR>Any chance of a wheelchair rental for Mom and Dad? NYC is pretty wheelchair accesible. The city buses all have lifts and some subway stations have elavators.<BR>Museums etc, are all accessible.<BR>Godo luck!

xxx

Museums generally have free wheelchairs available. The larger museums like the Met and the Museum of Modern Art usually have a bunch available first-come-first-served, while at other musuems you may have to make arrangements in advance. Their websites will have this information. Although some older people who don't absolutely need wheelchairs may be reluctant to use them, they really are an excellent idea in museums, allowing the users to conserve their "walking energy" instead of using it up on those long corridors.

Judy

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful considerations and very helpful info. I will have to think about all your different suggestions. I know they won't use a wheelchair. My father is very stubborn about that sort of thing.<BR><BR>We won't be doing museums - I don't think there is interest for that. Definitely theatre, Ellis Island, the village, jewish delis,cheesecake, etc. I know he wants to see all the different neighborhoods which is why the on/off Grey Line sounds perfect. I will keep you posted as I research it all. Thanks.

citysue

..hope I can finish this post ..or at least in regards to wheelchairs..last year I visited NYC in a wheelchair during the madness of Thanksgiving week. Taxi's were impossible. but the streets were easily navigated. For my first day it was only my 12 old neice and myself,of course I was nervous but we had I fine time seeing FAO, the Guggenheim and Mme.Toussand's Wax Museum.As it turned out, I needn't have worried about the streets. More later I better stop before this keyboard gets a life of it's own again!

annie

Judy:<BR>Welcome to you and your Family. My Mother who is pretty close to your parent's age travels extesively by bus and subway. I asked her what she thought:<BR>She finds it pretty easy to travel by public transportation. She takes her time with the stairs, (another train will be along VERY soon) seeks out the escalator or elevator in some stations, asks the bus drivers to "kneel the Bus"<BR>making the stairs of the bus curb level. Do not travel during rush hour if possible (7AM-10AM and 4PM-7PM) very very crowded. Don't plan on a seat, very rarely will someone get up for an elderly person (very sad, really)<BR>Use MetroCards or exact change. 75 cents for seniors and don't forget to ask for a transfer. (The transfer is automatically placed on the MetroCard) When using the subway go to the booth, pay the 75 cents and ask for a round trip ticket. When getting on the subway for the return trip, given it to the token booth clerk and they will buzz you through a special gate.<BR>My mother bristled when I mentioned the Wheelchair, too. (PRIDE!!)<BR>But she also stated that she sees wheelchair access is very prevalent and that most people in wheelchairs can be accomodated quickly.<BR>She enjoys sitting and people watching when she tires out. So don't be afraid to do that and come back for your folks.<BR>She told me to let you know not to miss the Staten Island Ferry. Free ride, sit for an hour or so and enjoy the sites. Don't get off the boat in Staten Island just stay on for the return trip. Again try not to ride during rush hour. We'll give you more information after we return from our trip together to London.<BR><BR>PS. I travel with my Mom at least once a year. She has slowed down so I just adjusted my pace to hers. We have a great time and she is game for any thing. Enjoy yourself. Get many memories.

Mark

Message: My wife and I are trying to figure out where to go forour 6th anniversary vacation. We will be traveling in June. The heat doesn't bother us as long as we have a pool. We like Mexico because of the food and prices but another Latin American destinatin woulld be great. Dislike heavy traffic and crowded areas. All we need is some quiet beach, decent hotel and access to good places to eat, drink, and be merry. Location suggestions along with anything else you care to offer will help. <BR>Thanks, <BR>Mark

JoAnn

Costa Rica! Try the West coast area-beautiful beaches, great sunsets, wonderful people in Costa Rica. <BR>http://community-2.webtv.net/N0336/CostaRicaTravel/ <BR>is a great site to check things out. Fly into San Jose and fly out to one of the many areas on the west coast.

Mark

JoAnn thanks but we have a trip to Costa Fica planned for next year with some friends. Any other ideas?

Marek

Venezuela - Morrocoy or Henri Pittier. <BR>I think this is the best choice. These two regions are different from each other.

Rodrigo

Mark: <BR> <BR>If you want something quite different and unique in the world, try with San Pedro de Atacama at Chile, at the desert. June is a good season for to go there because is not crowded and at the 29 th they celebrate the San Pedro festivity(very typical and unknown for chileans also). There are no beaches of course but the peace and misticism of landscapes are really amazing. For that reason many tourists of the world have decided to rest and remake her lives there. <BR>You can enjoy hotsprings, Tatio geisers, the Moon Valley, Toconao village and more. <BR>It is only a suggestion. For specific information do not hesitate to contact me.

Gabe

Isla Mujeres! Quiet, beautiful beaches, great food, good shopping. We love it!

elliott norris

where is the islas de mujeres of which you are writing? aren't sveral?

d motl

Isla Mujeres is a small Island 7 miles north of cancun. we spend 1 month a year there . We are well traveled and can say that this place is our favorite. it is especially great if your budget is limited. we e-mail a complete travel document to anyone that is interested <BR>

Sandcrab

Try Ambergris Caye an island 35 miles off the shore of mainland Belize in the Caribbean. There is a great spot there with a super beach, beautiful pool in a Spanish style courtyard festooned with tropical plants. They are condo suites so you get one bedroom and a living room with a full modern kitchen, cable tv, and they are within walking distance of several very good restaurants and dining establishments. You can see it at www.bananabeach.com We enjoyed it and look forward to returning there on our next holiday. <BR>

mike & beth

mark...we have recently returned from a <BR>vacation to Bocas Del Toro in Panama.. <BR>we have been to Mexico numerous times.. <BR>Roatan twice .. Belize twice..Turks & <BR>Caicos..Canary Islands .. & the list goes on & on .. what we found was a laid <BR>back chain of islands that we did not <BR>want to leave.. The first day in Bocas <BR>seemed like we knew everyone..it didn't <BR>matter if they were locals or gringos.. <BR>Everyone said HI..HELLO..BUENO..We were <BR>extremely lucky to be able to stay a few <BR>nights at a B&B called the Cocomo..then <BR>the rest of our trip Dos Palmas..inexpen <BR>sive but clean..or you can opt for top <BR>of the line at Swan Cay..All types of food are plentiful, especially seafood.. <BR>& the beer is frio..The local hangout for just about everyone in town is called the Buena Vista..a real great place to visit .. live music..the town <BR>is small but it grows on you..a nice <BR>day trip is to rent a bike and head towards Playa Bluff..the waves are huge <BR>if you like snorkeling Hospital Point is <BR>beautiful .. all types of coral & fish <BR>A 15 minute boat ride or so and you can <BR>spend hours at Coral Cay waist deep water .. crystal clear for snorkling & <BR>a beer..the amount and colors of fish <BR>under the decks have to be seen otherwise you will not believe it !!! <BR>Then you can have a fresh lobster meal <BR>right from one of their holding pens.. <BR>Other points of interest are Zapatilla <BR>Cays, Bastimentos, Careneros, Swan Cay, <BR>Isla Solarte plus other islands just a <BR>few minutes away by boat..Bocas Del Toro <BR>would certainly fit your requirements for your 6th anniversary vacation..the <BR>temp during the days is usually mid 80's <BR>and at night low 70's..and there always <BR>seems to be a breeze..one of the biggest <BR>pluses that we really appreciated was the fact that the bugs were virtually <BR>non-existent ! We were planning to only <BR>stay in the Bocas region for a few days <BR>and then head over to the mainland but <BR>those plans went up in smoke after about <BR>two days on Bocas..Hopefully this info <BR>may help you decide if this area may be <BR>what your looking for...Have a happy #6th anniversary regardless where you end up... Good Luck...

Norma

Try Quito Ecuador spring weather all year through, visit the Equator Monument, several indian markets, the andean highway will take you to several ancient farms decorated to spend lovely week ends, shopping leather and wood crafts, enjoy dinner at de luxe restaurants, enjoy casino, beachs at Casablanca club in Esmeraldas, everything at no more than US $ 60 daily all inclusive. <BR>Get in touch with us for more information. <BR>