NYC: Places We Go

Again, and Again, and Again

We have our go-to spots when we hit NYC, for various reasons.  Here's a few.

1. Washington Square Park

It was one of the areas we used to hang when we lived in the Bronx. We'd take the subway down, jump off, walk up the park, and then further up to MacDougal to Panchitos (which had the nerve to be closed at lunch this go round!). The park has been in the midst of a complete overhaul for the last year and it's really looking good. We love taking a stroll through.

This band was great. Swinging it old school with 'don't get around much anymore'.  I thought I was videotaping them on my phone, but I don't see it now. It either didn't work, or I taped with Gar's phone. Fingers crossed on that one.

There are always entertainers in every corner of the park. The trio was playing ragtime-esque songs. And yes, if you look close, the trumpet player laid his usual instrument down and played a tea kettle. Oh yeah, you read that right - a tea kettle. I know, first time I've seen or heard that one too.

It was a beautiful day, and this pooch pulled his owner to the fountain so he could have a lie-down. I don't think he knows he's a rule breaker. He can't read.

Nobody cared either. He was too darned happy.


2. Little Italy

My Grampy was born on Mulberry Street, but even before I knew that we'd take a walk through Little Italy. The people, the smell of the food cooking.........the cannoli.

The picture of us was taken by our waiter Sal. He was a show unto himself. I asked if there was a charge for the entertainment.

My cousin was on Mulberry Street at the same time as us, eating at a different restaurant. If we had only known.



3. South Street Seaport

We love it in the Seaport. Our friend's pub and restaurant is two blocks up on Fulton so we always have a place of refuge should we need a break.  Beyond that, it's a beautiful spot right on the water, steeped in history.  Walk straight up Fulton to the other side of the Island (10 minute walk) and you're at Ground Zero and Freedom Tower.  You've got a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge from the Seaport and there is your choice of boat rides. Also, the above the water park we discovered this trip. I'm not sure if we just missed it before or if it's new. Sadly, the wood carvers shop that used to be on the pier was gone. I'll assume it was a victim of Sandy. How sad. This guy has been there for years....carving ship mastheads and the like.  A lot was affected by the storm and there are restaurants and shops that are still closed, and a lot of temporary set ups. It will take time.

 

Have you been to NYC? If you have, what are your favorite places there? If not, book your tickets and hotel today. This time of year is beautiful in New York.


Freeform Friday

I was hoping to share the music from Washington Square Park, but that's not going to happen for aforementioned reasons. So, a little ditty you all know well and can sing along to. G's new go-to karaoke song. You did a good job at TJ Byrne's karaoke night, babe. You got everyone singing. It was classic. Click here if you're reading via email. 



By the way, I just love Ringo.

Hope you enjoy your Friday and have a great weekend.

Ciao for now,

NYC: Details Part 1

Look Closer

I love taking it slow and looking a little closer. If you don't, you miss some incredible things.


St. Paul's Chapel Pulpit

St. Paul's Chapel Chandelier

Angel on headstone in St. Paul's Churchyard

Concrete alcoves on side of building near ground zero

Winged god on front of building near ground zero

 

Carved arch with pheasants and cherubs

 

Amazing brass entryway on art deco building next to Freedom Tower

 

Bird carving on the facade of the same building

There is so much to take note of, and when you do, it forces you to slow down....and this is a good thing.


I went to the 9/11 services in my hometown of Hampton last night. Each year our Legion carves the names of fallen soldiers from our state who have died in the War On Terror on a memorial it established.  Last year there were no new names. What a blessing. Unfortunately, last night, five new names were unveiled. The families of the fallen are present, the Governor speaks, the anthem is sung, a wreath is laid at the memorial, the Governor talks with the families.......it's an emotional event.  I hope and pray next year, that there are no fallen from our state (or any other) and that no new names are added.

We watched a program on The History Channel last night. I've seen it before, but it's worth watching every 9/11. It is a compilation of video footage shot from mostly amateurs, people who just happened to be in the midst of the tragedy. Very powerful and heartbreaking, but better to remember than forget.

Live each day to the fullest.

Ciao for now,

9/11 & Moving Forward

Rememberance & Revival

The spirit of this week in history was palpable as I stepped into St. Paul's Chapel last Friday- 9/6/2013. I was teary eyed as soon as I walked through the door and saw the memorials lining the perimeter of the historic church which became a refuge for rescue workers following the attacks of 9/11. Each and every one was moving. While I made my way around the chapel, I stopped and listened to one of the first responders recount that day to tourists from another country.  They listened with mouths agape as he told of the horrors. Tears streamed down my face for the hatred man can hold for his fellow man, for the lives lost, for the horrific memories that those affected first hand must live with each and every day.

Yet there was hope all around us in the city last weekend.  

All around:

The thoughtful, hard work that the men and women building freedom tower put in every day to create something strong, resilient, hopeful and entrenched with significance to honor the lives lost and mark the events of that sad day.

The birth of a new skyline not to replace the old, but rather to honor it.

The juxtoposition of the new against the old that remains.

Standing guard over our city and country, holding a light for peace.

Take a moment today to remember all who were affected and those lost on 9/11. Take a moment to  imagine a world at peace. 



ps- in case you missed this in the photo, it's worth mentioning that the third picture of the memorial altar has a note in the front and a picture of Rafael and his best friend Alicia Titus who was lost on 9/11. The picture was taken that morning at 6 a.m. Heartbreaking..........

NYC: Old & New

Downtown

When we lived in the Bronx, we were regulars in the Village. When we visited after moving back to NH, we often stayed in midtown. Then we stayed in downtown once our friend opened his Irish Restaurant and Pub TJ Byrne's on Fulton Street, and found that we really, really liked the Seaport and the Financial District. It's away from some of the hustle and bustle and it where we usually stay now. 

We booked into Gild Hall this time, and we not disappointed in the least. The staff was attentive and friendly (especially Max, who commutes each day from Riverdale where I went to school and at the other end of the tracks).   They even upgraded our room  at no charge since we were celebrating our 25th anniversary (finally!). Nice. Top floor? Why yes.

The decor was reminiscent of a Gentleman's Club........leather, wood, brick, brass and just the right mix of vintage and modern.  We would highly recommend Gild Hall and we will certainly stay there  again.

Friday we took off on foot, and headed straight over to Ground Zero. Of course, it's always busy, but especially so the weekend before 9/11.  Across from Ground Zero and Freedom Tower is St. Paul's where they ministered and gave refuge to the rescue workers in the days following the attacks.  I don't know how many times we've walked past St. Paul's, but we've never gone in before. We walked around it the November following 9/11 and many of the posters, pictures and mementos where still hanging on the wrought iron fence. It was heartbreaking. They moved much of it inside the chapel and have created a beautiful memorial around the perimeter of the chapel and I'll share more of that with you tomorrow.

The churchyard beckons, simply by the shear age of headstones and monuments (including the burial site of the highest ranking French officer buried in the United States).

And then, the Chapel...........simply beautiful. Stately, without being overstated. Elegant and peaceful somehow, even with a lot of people in it. A perfect place for spiritual contemplation (as well as offering heartrending connection to what happened that day and the people lost). 

The last picture is a replica of George Washington's pew. He prayed at St. Paul's, even right after his inauguration. Did you know President Washington was inaugurated in NYC? Well, if you didn't...you do now.

If you visit New York City, make St. Paul's a stop on your list. I don't think you'll be disappointed. It was quite moving.

Enjoy the day and I'll do the same, despite the rain that's coming down at the moment.

Ciao for now,





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And They're Off

The City That Never Sleeps

You won't see me until Monday. We're outta this joint in the a.m. Heading to one of our homes away from home. NYC.

In case you missed it, my parents grew up just outside of the city limits in Yonkers. I went to school in the Bronx, met Gar in the Bronx and adore NYC.  It holds a great big piece of our heats. We are pshyched to say the least. It's a quick trip, but we'll take it.

Heading down for my Aunt Joan and Uncle Bobby's 50th! (Hi Aunt Joan......see you soon......no, it isn't a surprise).

Stopping to see my Godmother in Yonkers on the way down and have a chat at one of my favorite kitchen tables.

Then onto the city. A quick fix.  We'll see our friend Tommy at his place- TJ Byrne's in the Seaport. We love downtown.  We'll do our best to hit our regular go-to spots.....a walk up Mulberry Street in Little Italy where my Grandfather was born, Washington Square Park, Panchintos for a frozen margarita, Pier 17, Grand Central. Who knows what we'll fit in, but we'll be happy just to be there.

Will do our best to take a boat ride out to see this beautiful lady.

I love her. She makes me all teary eyed. 

We will surely take a walk over to see how they're progressing with Freedom Tower, make sure they put the spire on just so.

As the weekend before the 11th, our minds will certainly be on the events of that day. That too will bring a tear to my eye. 

Most of all though, it will be good to be in a place that feels like a home seeing people we love. We'll be back to Yonkers on Saturday for the anniversary party where we'll get have a blast with the gang.

That's what it's all about in the end, isn't it?

One of the best things about getting away is that we will be able to really enjoy it, knowing the hound and house are well taken care of...........we have the best friends.

So looking forward to it.  I may post some pics along the way to our facebook page. Otherwise, I'll see you all on the flip side of the weekend.

Freeform Friday

A little early, but rather appropriate.  This one's for my parents who celebrate their 60th (you read right) Wedding Anniversary tomorrow.  Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad. Seems like your 50th was just yesterday (honestly, it does........no joke!).  Just for you two New Yorkers..........Love these two singing this together. Click here if you're reading via email.  

Enjoy the day.

Ciao for now,

An Island Afterall

Surrounded By Water

One of our favorite things to do when we get to NYC is to get out on the water. Slow boat, fast boat, it doesn't matter to us. It's just a great way to see the city from an entirely different perspective. It's also a great way to cool off on a hot day.

This time around, we went with the fast boat. The Shark. It's a giant speed boat. It had to be the emptiest we'd ever seen it, maybe because we took the last ride of the day. Everytime we take a ride on this thing, you get off with sore ribs from laughing so hard. It's a hoot and a half.

Leaving the pier, our niece Ali knows what she's in for because she's taken a ride before, but her boyfriend Jay doesn't.

The boat screams around the tip of Manhattan from the Seaport, through the harbor and up the other side. See the Lady Liberty behind us? Don't worry, we'll get closer.  Can't you tell we're all having a terrible time? All you want, is for the captain to go even faster.

Always lots of beautiful boats in the harbor.

Now up the Hudson just a bit to get a good view of downtown. The boat was moving and grooving, twisting and turning up spray the entire time. (The first time Gar and I took this ride we sat in the 'wet' seats. We were drenched. This time we sat up front where you get a good bit of spray but still walk off with dry pants.)

Then a little closer to Freedom Tower. I'm sure there is lots of progress from last year, but not a ton from the outside.

Now a u-turn and past Ellis Island to the Statue of Liberty for a photo op.

She really is something to see.

Back around the tip and by the Staten Island Ferry.



The East River is calling and so is the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge in the background.

And before you know it, you're pulling back into the Pier. We didn't want it to end. It was a perfect day for a boat ride.

I simply love this part of the city. Just beyond the boats is Wall Street and the Financial District.

What a day!

Today, back in NH, the sun is shining. Not sure for how long though. There is supposed to be rain coming in.  I'll have to get some shots of the rose bush by the front door before it does rain because it is full bloom (a week or two early, like everything this year). The neighborhoodlums were marveling at it yesterday evening. It couldn't be more covered in roses.

Take time to smell the flowers today and make it a great one.

Ciao for now,