Day 129 (Sep 22) – The Big Apple

Yes, we took our kids to NYC.  The train ride in was fine.  Ben and Deidre dropped us off in Dover, NJ at 8:30 for the 9:03 train to Penn Station.  We bought our tickets and had about 15 minutes to wait.  My stomach was a ball of nerves.  I always feel completely responsible for figuring out plans, directions, subway, etc.  (Always as in this time and last time – 11 years ago).  The ride took about 90 min and we were there.

We walked the 2 ½ blocks to our hotel and checked our bags (2 backpacks and a shoulder bag) until check-in time.  Then we walked another two blocks to a sub station with a train that went straight to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Easy!  Except that this station only went downtown and we needed uptown.  We started walking that way looking for another station, but were losing time so we grabbed a cab.  It costs $2.50 per person per subway ride ($10 one way for our fam) and the no-hassle 30 block taxi ride cost $11!

We arrived at the Met about 12:00 and grabbed the girls a hot dog from a street vendor.  We discovered that the museum had changed their free entrance to a suggested entrance fee of $25 per adult, but you can pay less.  Interesting.  We paid just a little bit less and split up to start our tour.  The girls and I headed to Impressionism (because I missed it in Cleveland) and Brad headed to Medieval, because that is what he loves.  We also peeked at the Modern section, which was fun because some of the pieces are just so odd.  In a completely artful way.  We met back up with Brad and hit the highlights of Medieval and Egypt.  Then we went up to the roof garden to see a sculpture (Cloud City) and get a view of the city.  It’s not a super high building, but it was nice to look over the trees of Central Park to the surrounding buildings.  After that, I toured the American Wing while Brad and the girls went to the Museum Store.  It is amazing to see so many beautiful and famous pieces in one place. 

As we came out we grabbed a couple of pretzels and then went walking in Central Park.  It is a piece of artwork itself.  We learned in Acadia that it was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the premier landscape architect of his time and maybe all time.  We saw the fountain and the lake and some funny, but slightly vulgar acrobats.  It really is a beautiful park. 

Then we headed to our hotel (by taxi) to check in and rest up.  The hotel was a nice break from our little camper.  The room was very spacious for a NY hotel, the location was excellent, everything was clean and the service was great.  Thank you Expedia and Radisson Martinique (on 32^nd and Broadway – next to Greely Square).

We cleaned up and walked 4 blocks to a little theater (Joria Dance Studios) on 34^th and 8^th.  On the way we picked up Carmen a happy meal and the rest of us had smoothies.  At the performance, we got to see our friend Julie Crothers dance.  The whole show was really moving – talented performers presenting a message of human resiliency (“Resilient Soul”).  Julie was excellent.  I am very proud of her.  It was such a treat!  I’ve never been to anything like it.  It was so memorable.  PLUS, Julie’s parents were there.  Her mother is my friend and a childrens’ minister at our church.  We all went out to dinner after.  It was so much fun to see friends.  I’m glad the timing worked out.

Then it poured on us as we walked back to our hotel, but we dried out quickly and collapsed, exhausted into our beds.   
NYC Day 1 Pics