“Great Expectations: Trip Report, Last Day ”
Apr 08, 2009,
I first read about the Big Apple Greeter program on Tripadvisor, and I wondered if it would be worthwhile for someone like me, who's visited so many times over the years. The answer is a resounding YES! When NYCgirl, Terry, learned that I had requested a BAG, she graciously offered to go with Sheena and me. I told her to pick, so she chose Brooklyn since she was born and raised there. Everything I knew about Brooklyn could have been placed on the head of a pin, but now that I've spent a day there, I truly appreciate what it has to offer.




Terry and Betty (aka Bettina) are pals, and Betty and I had gone to dinner and a show last year after much chatting through Tripadvisor, so what serendipity that we could all tackle a Brooklyn day together. (Sheena, too!) The laughter and companionship made the sites of Brooklyn the icing on the cake.




It was a truly blustery day, but we set off. Prospect Park, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, the neighborhood where "Moonstruck" was filmed...all those names and images are swirling in my mind. The brownstones were so beautiful in their detail; it was like taking a walk in the past in some of those neighborhoods. You could imagine the clippity clop of horses pulling carriages down the streets...




So many things...


We stopped at Brooklyn's version of a flea market, which was tucked away in an unassuming building. Occasionally, we saw where a show or movie was filming. We bought some goodies at Jacques Torres Chocolate, but my girls won't see theirs until Easter morning. The shop is tinier than I had originally thought, but it is packed with the most exquisite chocolate work. I took photos because it's really hard to describe: large farm animals made of chocolate come to mind. Who needs a bunny when you can get a pig?! For the chocolate lover, it is a bit of heaven on earth...




We eventually ended up at the Brooklyn Bridge, and it is an awesome sight to see. Of course, we walked it! Super wind but super fun as well. I am so glad that I finally experienced it.




We worked our way to Greenwich Village because I was seeing Our Town on my own that afternoon. (Sheena shopped.) After lunch at Five Guys, yummy burgers and fries, it was time for hugs and goodbyes again since it was time to cross the street to the Barrow Theater. What a wonderful day and what wonderful people to share their time. Terry and Betty, thank you so much.




Our Town: I had read and taught this moving play many times, so I was thrilled at the opportunity to see it professionally done. I don't want to spoil the ending, but I will share that in all my many readings, I would never have thought of presenting the close in that way. Creative genius! (I said that to the director as well after the play.) It is an emotional punch to the gut. With Thornton Wilder's words and effective acting, reading or seeing this play should change your view of life. What a beautiful play.




Back to midtown to grab some dinner and then head to our last show: "The Phantom of the Opera." I had seen it many years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, but this was Sheena's first time. The production was spectacular. Howard McGillan was perfect and broke my heart into little pieces. I was weeping at the end even though I knew what would happen! Romantics, this is the show for you...




Well, that's it: Three glorious days in New York. I had great expectations, and they were certainly met, so as Betty said, "Time to start planning your next visit."


I'm on it!

What a charming and fun trip report clanwilson..all three threads. You remind me of our Fodorite, NeoPatrick, who also spends a lot of his time in NYC and also in London seeing plays!

You sound like a great travel companion with a fantastic spirit and also a wonderful mother. I imagine your daughters were thrilled with the purchases you brought home and won't Easter be chocolate eating time! Thanks for sharing.

Great report.

We are making our second trip to New York in October and I hope we will be able to get a Big Apple Greeter-I think Brooklyn would be a great area to explore.

Thanks for the report.

Great trip report. Please tell me you had hot chocolate at Jacques Torres? If not, you have to go back!

Thanks, everyone, for the kind responses.

LoveItaly: My girls loved their chocolate Easter eggs from Jacques Torres. They really were too pretty to eat...but we did anyway!

nig: I loved Brooklyn, and you will, too. I'll hit it again in just a few days...leaving tomorrow for my first solo trip.(I'm seeing Brief Encounter at St. Ann's Warehouse.)

sf7307: No hot chocolate at Jacques' but never fear, I had some other goodies to see me through.

clanwilson, the first time I went to Jacques Torres, I sipped my hot chocolate while constructing boxes of chocolates to take home to give as Xmas gifts. Love that place!