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Starrs' (somewhat) solo trip of NYC
Last fall, a friend and I planned a Broadway week in May to celebrate the selling of his B&B. Unfortunately, the B&B didn't sell and I was more than a wee bit disappointed. When I read that NeoPatrick was going to be in NYC for a month I decided to head up, especially because I thought at the time that goddesstogo was going to be there too. Hey, a ready-made-GTG and a Broadway week too!
So, I checked rates and booked a flight on AirTran for $212. I had hotel points so booked 3 free nights at the LaQuinta on W. 32nd. The next three nights were booked at the boutique hotel I've been wanting to try in Times Square. I followed Fodorites' recommendations on the shows and the process and booked shows via Broadwaybox.com discounts as well as regularly priced tickets using the links from playbill.com website. Betterbidding.com and priceline.com - The night before my departure I decided I should at least just check Priceline. So, I checked out betterbidding.com but the bids seemed high - almost what I was paying for my boutique hotel. So, I took a deep breath and placed a bid for the price I wanted to bid for a 4* MTW hotel - with plans to add 2 more areas and go up slightly on the price. My first bid was accepted - and once again I got the Hilton at 6th and 54th (near Radio City Music Hall). This time, I got it for $120! That was an immediate savings of $520 - which almost covers everything else I had booked for the week. So, this was also becoming Starr's Savings Solo trip of NYC. Airfare plus 6 nights in NYC = $548.75. Not bad :-D Zerve.com - Because this was going to be a "solo"� trip I planned to keep myself busy with lots of tours too. Those I booked on zerve.com. The trip turned out to be so much less solo than I expected when I booked it, but I decided that I'd have Fodorites along with me - in spirit at least. :-) So, here goes! Tuesday arrival - Tuesday arrival and Monday departure to take advantage of lower plane fares. For the second time in my life, I missed my flight. I was there. The lines were just too long and my bags didn't get on the plane in time. Argghhh! (Actually, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Monday was a record heat day in NYC and folks said the temps got into the 100's. I'd "done" NYC on a 100+ day before, so I knew what I had missed. It made me feel better about the delay.) So, with time to spare, I left the airport, drove to a nearby Chik-Fil-A for breakfast, took advantage of their free wifi, browsed Barnes and Noble and picked up a new book for the trip and stopped by Wolf Camera to buy a thingamajiggy so I could upload the Atlanta GTG pictures. Back to the airport, much more relaxed to get there VERY early to snag one of the three available stand-by seats for the flight and started the photo upload process. Travel time for any big airport - Get there in time! We all know that. I blew it. Travel time for Atlanta Hartsfield - If you get in the general area with TOO much time to spare, check out the stores and restaurants at the intersection of 285 and Camp Creek Parkway. http://campcreekmktplace.com/ |
At my departure airport, I called to book up my transportation arrangements. I didn't want to mess with the shuttle from Newark this trip and decided not to risk long taxi lines. So, a car from Carmel picked me up a few minutes after my bags arrived - and I was safely delivered into the city with NO hassle AND cheaper than my friend would pay for a taxi on a Saturday morning.
http://www.carmellimo.com/ LaQuinta @ 17 W 32nd street - My stay was free on points, but I checked AAA rates and they were offering room for my stay period for less than $200. This is a nice, moderate hotel. Nicely decorated rooms, rooftop bar, free breakfast that includes FABULOUS bagels :-), hardboiled eggs, cereal, fruit and juice. There were several other moderate hotels in the area as well. My hotel was in the midst of Korean restaurants, Madison Square Garden was steps away and the Empire State Building was a block away. Not fancy, by any stretch of the imagination, but lots of low-cost places to choose from to eat. Oh, and Macy's at Herald's Square just a stroll away! The subway station was at the corner. If you are comfortable using the subway, it's a great (as in economical) area of the city to book your hotel. Since I spent most of the day getting there, I decided not to venture far that night. At the rooftop bar I browsed their delivery menus and found a couple of places that sounded interesting. I ended up here - http://www.fatanniestruckstop.com/ because their Blue Plate Special for the day was "Beef Stroganoff over Parsley Egg Noodles". I was trying not to admit to myself but I was in the process of getting sick. My throat was feeling scratchy and a bit sore. GREAT! A week in NYC and I'm coming down with something. Neither the drink at the rooftop bar or the one ordered at the restaurant tasted "right". Yep. Getting sick. Well, at least I'd be saving money on drinks this trip! :-) The egg noodles were comforting to my throat and I ate the mushr |
Hello starrs -
Sounds like the beginning of a fun trip. Sorry you missed your first flight, but all's well . . . |
Sounds like the 'mushr' made her pass out while typing.
Come back starrs! Oh dear. |
Starrs, what happened to you? I was so enjoying your report and suddenly you are "poof" gone. I hope you and your laptop are all right.
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LOL! I'm not sure what happened!
I'm fine. Rushed out this morning to join ellenem at church and just got back in for a brief break. About to head out for a 3pm tour, but I'll continue later. I'm staying in to watch the Tonys - which are just a few blocks away. Do they do the "red carpet thing" for the Tonys? All is well and having a blast. Will finish the mushroom paragraph later today :-) |
Well thank goodness..I was worried.
Have fun dear one! And don't forget to get to the airport with time to spare tomorrow, ya hear! |
I trust you weren't caught in those rainstorms yesterday.
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Feel better Starrs. Hope you have a nice tour today. The storm just passed us so I think you should be Ok.
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starrs, I was in Manhattan during the Tony Awards a couple of years ago and if you mosey over to RCMH, you can see a lot of the broadway stars.
I saw Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Richard Dryfuss, Chris Noth, and Bette Midler just the few minutes I was walking by. |
Starrs, sounds good! The Hilton was a deal. Isn't Airtran great! Hope you are feeling better.
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The egg noodles were comforting to my throat and I ate the mushr...rooms but left most of the beef.
I enjoyed the vintage atmosphere of the place and watching the twenty-somethings hanging out in the bar. Maybe this is a place I can return to with my niece :-? After dinner, what to do? Okay, follow in the footsteps of LowCountryIslander. Hey, that's a plan! I'll pick some of the same places she and MomIslander went to, because they probably planned their trip better than I have. So, off to Macy's this "non-shopper" goes. I've boycotted Macy's since they absorbed Rich's at home - and then dropped the name - but hey, I'm in NYC. So, in I go. And, I do enjoy being here. My favorite part? The escalator. I LOVED the clankety-clank of the wooden escalator (metal treads hitting against wooden walls). LOVED it. The sound reminded me of a wooden roller coaster. I'm just riding and smiling. Short spans. Rode all the way up. Took the elevator back down - and enjoyed watching a "local" woman "fuss" at the slow-moving family trying to get on. (I know, I know, CPG, I'm not SURE she was local :-) ). Since I'm not a shopper, I took GoT along with me when I tried on clothes. cat was with me when I stumbled on the Philosophy counter and was just as delighted with the travel pack of Amazing Grace I bought. kwwl could NOT believe that did not carry headbands nor ANY hair accessories. WELL!!! I left to duck into a Duane Reed to buy something to pull my hair off my neck (today WAS a record breaker) and the wind was wicked. Things flying in the air. The line was long - and everyone was buying something to eat or drink. Here's the place to buy water or soda or snacks or ice cream or beer. Good to know. Bought pony-tail holders and then stepped out into... Rain. Not just rain. A lightning storm that folks would be talking about for days. And then... the sky opened up and it was a downpour. Head tucked down, I turned into the wrong street. Backtracking took extra time and assured that I was totally soaked to the skin when I reached my hotel. Soggy, but happy, I turned in for the night. |
Wed - My first full day in NYC - my WICKED day!
Okay. I have a problem. I'm not only a Fodors addict. I am a Wicked addict too. I have been known to mock Trekkies, etc. but I do have an obsession with Wicked. I wake up very happy today because I get to see Wicked today. I also have a problem with working on vacation - and since my "commute" each morning is to my laptop. Oh, well. You figure it out. I did make it down before the breakfast room closed. There really IS a difference in NY bagels. Juice. A hard boiled egg. A banana and a container of yogurt for later. My heart almost broke when I saw almost a dozen of bagels tossed in the trash as I was leaving the room. Once again, I am very pleased with this hotel. Nice room. Free wifi. Good breakfast. Free makes it even better :-) I cab it up to Midtown and just enjoy being there. I have tix for the matinee. The show was WONDERFUL! Wonderful. The stage seemed more intimate than the other stages - which I realized is a very strange opinion given the theatre (huge). I had a twinge of disappointment when I saw the standby was in for the matinee. I was wrong. Julie Reiber was a wonderful Elphaba. I think David Burnham is my favorite Fiyero ever. His sinuous dancing was...nice. I really liked this Nessarose too (Christy Candler). It was a fabulous show - and I was a very happy fan. Out of one show - in to another. Made my way to the new (to me) location of the TKTS booth - at the Marriott Marquis - which works very nicely because the line forms under cover. What to see? Well, the Islanders raved about Boeing, Boeing so... why not!? So, where to now? Where did the Islanders go? Oh! The Divine Bar. Mapquest on my phone to get the address and I made my way there. I wish I could say the Islanders were there to sit at the bar with me, but they weren't. But, I followed their lead with my ordering. Yep, the crostini and the toasted ravioli. Today's ravioli was a twist on a Caprese salad - stuffed with tomato/ goat cheese, served with chunks of mozzarella cheese and topped with pesto. Coke to drink - because alcohol just doesn't taste right. The meal was very good. I don't particularly like to eat solo, but I've done it so much for business I'm used to it. But, "somehow" a conversation was stuck up with my neighbor and we had a great time talking about NYC, how much Atlanta has changed, possible places for her to move to, how much Alpharetta has changed and... then her friend arrived. I'm just about finished. I offer them the remaining half of the crostini. My neighbor declines but her friend accepts and we laugh and I'm on my way. Now, I have time to kill (or so I think). So, I just walk and bask in being in NYC. I decide to find Blockheads - and it is indeed just steps away from where my friend moved when she came to NYC. Then...what to do? Okay, take a deep breath and "practice" the subway before tomorrow. Robes went along with me, of course slightly mocking me as we entered the subway, bought a Metrocard, rode down one stop and then back up. Okay, ready to drag my other niece around the city. I've used up most of my "time to kill" so head to the theatre - and really enjoy Boeing, Boeing. I'm up in the mezzanine but the tix were 1/2 price, and I'm happy. The show is fun. I enjoy it and make my way back downtown. Back to the room. Back to the computer. Oh, CRAP (she says to herself, not to anyone else so there's no need for anyone to be offended). I missed a phone interview scheduled during that "time to kill" period. Crap. I email the recruiter and wonder if there will be a rescheduling. |
Okay. This is my not-very-good-day. I feel bad. Really bad. But, this is my Central Park movie location bike tour day.
Okay, here are some not-so-good variables. Hot day. Feeling sick. Skipping breakfast (except for a banana). Not riding a bike for ... well, a really long time before this. Extra weight doesn't help. Messanger bag loaded down with stuff so I don't have to go "home" during the day doesn't help either. I really enjoy the tour. Really. A lot. John, the guide was VERY good (and I don't compliment tour guides often). I'm glad I took the tour. I just wish I was younger, thinner, in better shape and wearing cooler clothes - like the two other twenty-somethings on the tour. I got overheated. I stopped on a hill. Should I admit this? I'm not sure.... Okay. Watch this clip at about the 8:14 mark. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqhq53JGOPM |
That was me. But, at a stop - while dismounting. Two things I learned. 1) Wearing jeans was a good choice since I got up close and personal with the pavement. 2) People are really nice - everywhere. Including NYC and Central Park. A nice biker stopped to check on me. A nice lady walking with her daughter carrying an orange umbrella stopped to hold my bike. John saw me at the crest of the hill and doublebacked with worry on his face. It took me a few minutes to want to try to stand back up. I was doing an inventory to see if anything was broken. My legs were like jelly. I felt like I was going to pass out. The two men helped me back up. Okay. Everything feels okay. I don't think anything is broken. Whew! What a relief!
John monitors me closely to see what will happen next. We stop at the reservoir and have a long rest. I ask John to carry the heavy messenger bag. The lithe young things are in shorts with credit cards tucked in the pockets. I've packed for an expedition. We rest again at the Swiss Chalet / Shakespeare garden. Okay. I'm feeling almost normal again. It's funny, but as I sit on the bench looking at the Swiss Chalet and talking to John about roles he's played, I realize this is where my ex and I hiked from the UWS to Midtown during another very hot day in NYC. It was 104 that day. The girlies return from checking out Belvedere Castle (I've seen it more than once). Time to move on. I'm proud to say that I completed the ride. Made the remaining two hills. NYers don't laugh - I realize they aren't very big hills. But, one got to me and I made it through the rest. I even biked across CPS and made it all the way back to the bike shop. I tipped John very nicely for taking good care of me and bringing me back safely :-) |
As my grandson loves to say when things aren't right: UH - OH!
Hope it all works out for you, starrs! Will be waiting for the 'rest of the story'. |
So, here I am all hot and sweaty and walking gingerly to make sure everything still works, and the recruiter calls. There's still a chance of rescheduling the phone interview but she suggests waiting until vacation is over. I agree that is a very good idea.
Steps away is http://www.lepainquotidien.com/">htt...quotidien.com/ and I enjoy a wonderful curried chicken tartine and lemonade. I THINK the Islanders recommended this restaurant too, but my head is too muddled to be sure. I opt out from the communal table and enjoy a solo lunch at the window watching the parade that is New York. The lemonade is wonderful. I'm feeling much better with food but I head back "home" to take inventory - and to soak in the tub. I'm texting one of my nieces during the afternoon. It's her first day "on the job" with her internship and she's not sure when she's going to get away. I spend some time on Fodors (big surprise) and try to ignore Kal's comments while I watch to see what the left ankle and knee are going to do. A couple of hours later I test things out and all seems to be well. I take a shower, get ready, and wait and wait and wait. Finally, I head down to three possible meeting points...and I don't think I've ever seen "packed" before. OMG! There's no chance at a meal here before I have to head back up. Finally, niece is home. As it turns out, I am around the corner from her apartment, she comes down, we meet at Lush, grab a cookie at Mrs. Fields, and I head uptown for Gypsy. It's been a full day and I'm glad I'm still mobile |
uh oh is right! you poor baby! I'm proud of you for finishing the ride but do take care of special care of yourself for the next couple of days. Sometimes these things have a delayed reaction.
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Thanks gtg. It really shook me up a bit. I wasn't sure so I just rested the afternoon away. I would have been really irritated with myself if I'd bummed myself up so early on this trip.
Gypsy. What to say? Everything "they" have said about Patti LuPone's performance is right. She is/was incredible. IMO it was if the role had been written for her. Everyone was good (and two Tonys so far tonight attest to that) but Patti LuPone was a force of nature. I am so glad I caught her performance. I think it's the stuff of legends. Subway back "home". Hey, Robes! I'm an old pro now/ again! :-) |
Starrs,
You did a fantastic job seeing NYC on your own. |
Thanks, Andrew. But today is the day to spend with "real" people. :-)
Friday - Today my free stay at LQ ends and I head up to my "Priceline home away from home" - the Hilton at 6th and 54th. I'm no fool so I take a taxi and try to check in early. My room isn't ready, so I check my bags. My niece (another one) drives down to spend the day with me. She HATES the city. I can't comprehend that. She has to come in to the city for business and hates it. She's 45 minutes away. I'd be there every weekend. She hates it. Her DH wants to bring her down for a Broadway weekend. She hates it. Auntie gives her a scolding for that one! :-) I have RAVED about the foodsofny.com Greenwich Village walking and tasting tour. I took it on the coldest day of the year several years ago (4 degrees F). I LOVED the tour. We all did. This time I booked the Central Village/ Soho tour. I didn't love it. I'll be kind. I really didn't enjoy it 1/2 as much as the other tour. The guide was "okay". Niece wasn't blown away. It was a real disappointment, to tell the truth. I wish I could put my finger on what was "wrong" - but it wasn't in the same category as the other tour. I didn't tip the guide (very unusual for me). We had taken a cab down but took the subway back. Enjoyed walking around the Rock Center area until it was our time for the Top of the Rock. Enjoyed the airconditioned shops :-) Bought batteries for the camera. Niece wanted Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Then, it was our turn to go up. When we get there, niece flinches and moves toward the interior wall. WHAT?!?! I had no idea she was scared of heights! How could I NOT know this? Why didn't she tell me? Why did I buy a ticket for something she would not enjoy?!?! What a day! :-( I did get some nice shots and we enjoyed time just sitting on a bench and talking. Two disappointments during her day in NYC with me - but we still had a good day. Back to the Hilton to get her keys out of my checked bags. I quickly check into the room, put on GREEN CROCS "just for fun" and head over the GTG already in progress. |
The GTG - there have been a couple of threads about it so I won't say too much. The location choice was fabulous - kudos to those who picked it. Thanks to bellastar (who I missed) for snagging the table. The orange balloons were a great idea! I'm so glad Doug came - although I missed the goodies. I don't need an orange bag but I LOVED the subway map. I could actually SEE the darn thing. Ellenem was nice and gave me hers.
It was such a pleasure meeting CentralParkGirl. I enjoyed our conversation very much. Steelygirl and Andrew8 are a precious couple. When I read Andrew's posts sometimes I just want to pinch his cheeks. IMO he is such a sweet man and I loved watching them as a couple. He's an awfully big man for me to go around pinching his cheek though :-) I'm so glad y'all enjoyed the Cloister last week. I'm also glad you went before the weather got really hot. Travelbuff is a hoot and I wish I could have had more time with her and could make a BBQ in her backyard. It was nice meeting Rhea and M/M owlwoman and Lee and Patrick - and just watching cherrybomb talk! What a great group of people. I wish we had more time together and could have talked more. Ellenem was very nice to walk with me down 8th to try to find the Jacobs Theatre. She shared her Fodors subway map with me and we made plans to meet on Sunday morning for church. A great GTG! |
The Country Girl - I bought tix before it opened, because of the cast.
Morgan Freeman, Frances McDormand and Peter Gallagher. The reviews have not been great and I agree. But, I enjoyed the cast very much. I had great seats and enjoyed visiting with my seatmates - a grandmother and two grandsons from Myrtle Beach, SC. The 14 yo next to me was so excited to see Morgan Freeman. It was his first Broadway play - and the only one they were seeing. Grandpa stayed behind at the hotel. At the end of the first act, they were very happy with their choice and I was very glad for them. During the intermission stretch at the back of the theatre I talked with the other seatmates, a nice couple from Nova Scotia. We "talked travel" for a while and then returned to our seats. My legs were really bothering me so I changed seats to the end of the row so I could stretch out. Again, the show wasn't "great" but I am glad I saw all three of those actors on stage. Walked back to the hotel and stopped by SNY's windows to watch the sportsanchors kill time between clips - all dressed up from the waist up and wearing shorts and casual shoes from the waist down. Today is the day that Tim Russert died and I watche |
The Country Girl - I bought tix before it opened, because of the cast.
Morgan Freeman, Frances McDormand and Peter Gallagher. The reviews have not been great and I agree. But, I enjoyed the cast very much. I had great seats and enjoyed visiting with my seatmates - a grandmother and two grandsons from Myrtle Beach, SC. The 14 yo next to me was so excited to see Morgan Freeman. It was his first Broadway play - and the only one they were seeing. Grandpa stayed behind at the hotel. At the end of the first act, they were very happy with their choice and I was very glad for them. During the intermission stretch at the back of the theatre I talked with the other seatmates, a nice couple from Nova Scotia. We "talked travel" for a while and then returned to our seats. My legs were really bothering me so I changed seats to the end of the row so I could stretch out. Again, the show wasn't "great" but I am glad I saw all three of those actors on stage. Walked back to the hotel and stopped by SNY's windows to watch the sportsanchors kill time between clips - all dressed up from the waist up and wearing shorts and casual shoes from the waist down. Today is the day that Tim Russert died and I watched hours of coverage. I adored the man and from what I've seen in the last few days he was even more decent, more giving, more caring and a better person than I imagined him to be. He lived a life well-lived. I can't imagine the rest of this presidential election season without him. I learned so much from that man and respected him so much. What a sad day. |
sorry for the double post -
and no mushrooms were involved this time :-) |
Saturday - another day with "real" people :-)
Here she goes again. Back to Wicked. Actually, back to the theatre for "Behind the Emerald Curtain". http://www.emeraldcurtain.com/ Loved it. LOVED it! Original stage manager and a cast member (now in Mary Poppins) gives the backstory of the musical and the production. Very well done and I enjoyed it very much. I learned a lot and enjoyed every second of it. (I'm getting tired and won't say a lot more about it - aren't you glad? :-D ) Near the end of the tour, my phone rang and it was my friend D who had just arrived from home. D and his daughter E were in for a "NYC day" before an extended family cruise to Bermuda. We made plans to meet for lunch and I made my way over to their hotel room. They were staying the Renaissance and I'm really glad to be staying a few blocks off Broadway. It IS nicer to be a little further away from the craziness. The hotel was lovely though and 8 yo E excitedly showed me the features of the room. She especially liked the TV speaker in the bathroom. We wandered over to the closest deli - The Roxy - because we all were very hungry. E was very tired. She curled up next to dad in the banquette and almost fell asleep. We called home to talk to another friend - as big as a Wicked fan as I - and then enjoyed our lunch. Back to their hotel to drop off leftovers and on to... The American Girl store. I very much wanted to see this place but really wasn't excited about going to it by my adult self. How wonderful to "borrow" an 8 yo to experience it with! We had a great time - but the place had to be overwhelming for most kids. We "shopped" from first floor to top floor and E still wanted the first thing she saw. Dad tried to talk her out of it, but at the end it was what she still wanted. (It would have been my choice too). I said my goodbyes to head back to the hotel for a bit before heading off to see old friends. The 8yo clearly needed a nap - and I think I needed one as much as she did. So, off I went back "home" walking pretty much in a fog. All of a sudden I realized I smelled incense. Looked up. There was St. Patrick's. Yep, LowCountry was right. Lots of scaffolding. I almost missed it. I went inside to be still, be quiet, to pray. How nice to be back in that gorgeous cathedral. Back to the room. Set the alarm. Time for a nap. Slept through the alarm. Housekeeping woke me up at the door. Thank goodness! It was time to be at my friends' house. I'm going to be really late - but I really needed that nap. I called to let them know my status. Next, a NY family - |
starrs--Glad the subway map has been so helpful to you!
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starrsy....
I <i>know</i> that you <i>know</i> that I <i>know</i> you luuuuuv me. >:D< :-X Apologies for ragging on you after your accident tho. :)>- Sounds like a very good trip all things considered. The excitement of your behind the scenes tour of Wicked sounds like the same excitement we got on our Tour of Yankee Stadium a few years ago. "recruiter"???? Did B'man talk you into enlisting??? =-O |
Were you wearing your green Crocs when you fell of your bike?!!!! See? Evil shoes.
Seriously, glad you were OK and you sure were a trooper. I probably would have sat there bawling something like "ow, ow, it hurts, make it stop...I don't want to do this anymore" BWAH!!!!!!! :D |
"NYers don't laugh - I realize they aren't very big hills"
Are you kidding? When I was younger, I had to walk my bike up one of them! Hey, we do the best we can. I'm just glad that you didn't sustain bad injuries - any fall on pavement can do plenty of damage. Can't wait to hear the rest about the NY family and I sure do hope you made your flight (I think it was today). |
I am SO glad LuPone was wearing isotoners and not crocs on stage this past week.
Glad you had a wonderful trip. |
Starrs...what is the name of the company that did the bike tour? My family will be in NYC from Wed~Sun this week and a bike tour sound like fun!
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Gosh Starrs, I'm away from the computer for a day, and all kinds of things are happening to you in NyC!!
Glad the fall didn't result in anything more serious- two Fodorites with scary stories happening in NYC!Must be some kind of record. I'm enjoying the experiences vicariously- would love to see "Behind the Emerald Curtain", since I loved Wicked the book, and Wicked the Musical! And, in November, my daughter and I are taking her two chidren, age 9 and 12 to NYC for the first time. Of course, American Girl is on the agenda,so it was fun to read your take. keep it coming- getting all sorts of good ideas for that trip! Pattie |
I'm enjoying your trip report. I've never been to New York, so it's fun to live vicariously through you. Thanks for sharing. :)
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Oh, CentralParkGirl, you make me feel so much better about the hill. I was sure folks were going to be laughing at how pitiful I was. I almost didn't post about the fall - but it WAS a part of the trip so should be in the trip report :-)
I feel very lucky that I didn't hurt something. My BFF feel off a scooter in a similar way and shattered her elbow and damaged her shoulder. I ended up with only a sore knee, one bad bruise and an ankle I've been "babying" for the rest of the trip. Dukey, you are right! I forgot to post about that! At the beginning of the play the announcer shared that Ms. LuPone had injured her foot and would perform the play in Isotoners. "So far, the injury hasn't affected her voice." It made for a good laugh. She should perform in Isotoners for the rest of her life if THAT has anything to do with her performance. No green Crocs on the bike, crefloors! LOL! I wore them to the GTG (no one noticed) and one day on the trip and in the hotel room. I have them on now in the airport. I am a firm believer that one should pack THREE pairs of walking shoes on a walking trip. I don't know how I would have survived without rotating between them. (Mephisto sandals, lightweight tennis shoes and Crocs). ellenem, the map was a godsend. I can read it! And, it has the section that I need. Thanks for sharing your "Fodors goodie" with me! :-) |
nolefan, here are my tours - in order of preference. I booked all but the bike tour on zerve.com.
http://www.asliceofbrooklyn.com/pizza.html http://www.zerve.com/OnLocation/SATC http://www.centralparkbiketour.com/manhattan.htm http://www.foodsofny.com/village-soho.php (I loved their original tour. This one was a disappointment). |
Time with friends on the UWS - or
Starrs' fix for puppy kisses for the week :-) When I wake up, it's in the midst of a horrible storm (again). Sigh. I get ready and head downstairs - to a taxi line that is "forever" long. I wait for what seems to be an eternity. I am just so glad I am waiting undercover in front of a large hotel. I can't imagine trying to catch one on the streets. When I finally get in I relax a bit to just enjoy the ride. Then, the driver starts to make a right on 9th and barely misses a pedicab. Ummmm... helloooo!!! I see it before he does, but thank goodness traffic is stopped at a light upstreet. This fool turned the wrong way on a one way street! He quickly makes a U and heads on to 10th. No relaxing for me now! I see folks standing on Amsterdam trying to flag down a cab and one more woman has walked out to the curb several feet ahead of the ones huddled under cover and is totally drenched. There is no telling how long she'll stand there before an empty cab heads that way. I do arrive safely at my friends' apartment - and a wonderful surprise awaits me. Not only have they replace the pup who died last year, but they have a brand new addition to the family - a precious, precious puppy. Starrs is in "puppy kisses heaven". Big pup had gone for a walk and kids in the building heard about the new pup. So, the babysitter and three delightful kids came in (along with their pup) to play and pose with the new puppy. What could be better? Lots of kids and lots of pups! :-) It's so good to be here. I haven't seen the little one since he was a 3 year old, walking around patting the top of his head as a sign that his wanted to watch Thomas the Tank (that was his sign for Sir Topham Hatt). He's now a big boy of 8 and just a delightful kid. What a day! An 8 yo girl for the American Girl store and now a boy to hang out with in the evening. I was pretty sure that take-out would be the evening's plans. This was where I first experienced Thai food (YEARS ago) - and quickly fell in love with it. But, instead we had wave after wave of appetizers and shrimp and Italian ices - and hours of talking and catching up. Stories of school and vacations and golf (and Tiger doing amazing things on the telly as background) - and it was a wonderful evening in Manhattan. The doorman tried his best to wave a taxi down - with no luck, so I walked in light rain to Broadway and was lucky almost immediately. I love the hustle and bustle of Times Square and Midtown, but I understand what NYers mean when they talk about the neighborhoods in the city. I'm so glad I got to experience both. |
Sunday morning -
I had posted about possibly going to St. Patricks and ellenem invited me to her church. I took her up on the offer and headed down to the East Village. I was late - I waited (what seemed to be forever) for the train, but had a nice time chatting with an Aussie gentleman. He was headed back downtown to pick up his "moBILE" that he had left in a restaurant, and although it was hot waiting for the subway train, it was a pleasant wait. I found the church easily, and was about to slip in a pew when ellenem rushed up and directed me to a seat she had saved for me. I LOVED this church! It is the equivalent of my church in Midtown Atlanta (and I'm going to tell all of my friends to visit when they are in the city). Loved it! Amazingly friendly people - passing the peace took about 10 minutes (no, I'm not exaggerating). Incredible organ. Beautiful sanctuary. Wonderful, welcoming congregation. I had hoped ellenem could join me for lunch but she had to "count the money", so I headed out. Again, a slight rain. I had passed several places between the subway and the church and was about to head for Thai, but Candela caught my attention. I liked the looks of it, particularly the lace curtains (isn't it funny what draws up in?). My head had been tucked down on the walk to the church but I had noticed basil planted in window boxes and after I was seated I realized it was Candela's window boxes. My brunch was great. $11.95 bought me eggs served with roasted potatoes and greens, my choice of a mimosa, bellini or bloody mary, and a cup of delicious coffee. What a deal - and everything was delicious. The music was lovely. The decor was very appealing to me. I thought it looked French, but learned that it is a Cuban restaurant. Here's their website - http://www.candelacandela.com/ I had picked up a free newspaper in case I felt "alone" but really enjoyed sitting there and watching the parade go by. Lots of pups, kids and people of all shapes, sized and ethnicities. Most of the folks looked liked "normal" folks wearing "normal" clothes. I saw only one "beautiful couple", gorgeous and gorgeously dressed with a little tot in the orange carriage (What IS that orange baby carriage?) I saw a very large man with a long scraggly beard walking down the streets in overalls. (If you were in Atlanta, you'd think he's come straight from Stereotype Central Casting answering a call for "Bubba". He was walking with his petite African American woman and their gorgeous son riding on his shoulders. I was in People Watching Heaven. While I dined, the rain stopped - perfect timing - so I headed on to the subway. If it were hot before, it was stifling now. Sweat was POURING down my face. POURING. I ask a question of a gentleman and both he and his accent were absolutely gorgeous. Tall, dark and handsome. Make that Tall, Dark and Handsome Prince from Central Casting. As he warmed off, he slid off his suit jacket and tossed it over his shoulder. Gorgeous blue shirt. Not a drop of sweat on his brow. He had to be an illusion. :-) We chatted. I commented on his accent. He is Mexican, studied in England, has lived in the East Village for 7 years - and was just delightful. Did I mention he was gorgeous. I finally asked a question about the subway stop - and he smiles and tell me... I'm on the wrong platform! Good grief! I rush up and over and down and by the time I get to the other side the Tall, Dark and Handsome Prince has ridden off in his...subway car :-D. I have a bit of time so I head back to the hotel. THIS is the reason to stay in the city. You can go back to the hotel for a variety of reasons. Take a nap. Cool off. Go to the bathroom. Take another bath. Just relax. I can't imagine commuting into the city. SPLURGE FOLKS AND STAY IN THE CITY (yeah, I know, I know. My "splurge" was $120, but still....) Oh, I forgot something. This morning, I was amazed to step out of the hotel and find a street fair in front of the hotel. 6th Avenue was closed for a huge street fair. Someone told me later it was an International Food Fair. I don't know if that was right or not, but it was fun to stroll down the middle of 6th and smell the onions frying and watching the vendors show their wares. So, in early afternoon, I head out again and make my way to the Pulitzer fountain next to the Plaza (formerly Hotel and now condos) to meet up for my next tour - The Sex and the City tour. |
<b><i>Footwear of New York
</i></b> When the pics are ready, now's the time to show the footwear montage. On my first day I was AMAZED to see all the flip flops and completely flat sandals. Amazed because of: 1) feet that close to the ground in the streets of NYC 2) and (young) feet in shoes with absolutely no support The first three days I would say the majority of feet were in completely heel-less sandals. As the rain started, I saw more tennies and other footwear, but I decided to photograph the styles at the right time and place. Waiting in line for the next event was the perfect time and place. The photos will be a record of what was worn at Central Park South on a warm June afternoon. :-) |
Okay. Time for pure silliness.
http://www.screentours.com/tour.php/satc/ The Sex and the City tour I planned to do this long ago and the new movie just spurred me on. I love "different" tours and love seeing different parts of the city. This tour was perfect. Fun. Froth. I'll stop there with the F words. 50 (?) women load up in a bus and are driven around while an animated guide dishes and tells tales and conducts trivia quizzes and shows clips of the show while we drive past locations used in the show. Pure fun. Completely light-hearted fun. We stop three times. About 15 minutes to shop in the Village and Magnolias cupcakes await us as we regroup. http://www.magnoliacupcakes.com/ Cosmos at the location used for the Scout bar And, yes, a sex toy shop featuring Charlotte's rabbits. Amazing things inside - and lots of giggling too. As we waiting outside the shop, I watched men crouching and hiding behind cars holding cameras with giant lenses. I started shooting the paparazzi. The subject was the guy who played Stifler in American Pie. He and a lady friend - and a precious yellow lab puppy - were eating outside of a restaurant. More paps ride up on bikes. I'm snapping THEM while they snap the actor. One of them asks ME who the guy is. I share what someone else had told me. He nods and takes more pics. I ask him "What a minute! You're going to make money on this? What do I get?" He smiles, leans over and plants a wet one on my cheek. :-) Having fun in NYC! Back on the bus, but they drop us off at a different location. I'm beat, so walk to the nearest busy street and hail a cab. It's $5 back to the hotel. I make a slight detour and go to "my" little deli/ grocery on 53rd next to the Hilton. I love this place. I pick up dinner and breakfast for $12 and head back up to my room to tuck in and watch the Tonys and play predictions with Andrew. A perfect Sunday night in NYC for a tired tourist :-) |
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