A Day in New York

Last year, this time, I was all set for a trip to New York City.  Due to some unforeseen animal problems, I was unable to go.  The trip was put off until this year, same time, which was this past weekend.  We had a wonderful time.  It was only two days, but we filled it with as much free and fun stuff as we could, along with the paid for must see places.  Day one was spent with just my family.  Day two was spent with a friend and fellow writer, Denise, who graciously and happily accepted my plea to come and spend the day with me, so that I was not alone on my first trek through the big apple.  

Here are a few of things we did and saw.

I find it fascinating that even in the land of concrete, life can find a way to not only grow but will thrive.

As with any tourist, we had to make a jaunt to see the Statute of Liberty and Ellis Island.  Was it as wonderful as I thought it would be...eh.  Not so much.  Oh the history of the place is awe inspiring and somewhat interesting, but considering what it offered, the time it took to see it (all flipping day!) and the cost to see it, it wasn't fantastic.  You get to ride a ferry, you get to see the statue, and you get to see the immigration area, complete with photos, but all in all, it was just eh.  I can say I have now seen with my own two eyes, the statute, so that is enough for me.

This is the bird that attacked Seren.  No really.  It came after the poor girl and tried to steal her fries.  That blood curdling scream you heard on Friday afternoon, yeah, that was her.  

A nice family photo of the girls and me with a back drop of the NY skyline.  Aren't we cute...

Apparently I didn't get many photos of Denise and I.  Only this one.  How sad is that?  Here we are at the start of day two in front of the NY Library.  We made our way through this awesome place.  Couldn't find any books...but it was still a great stop.  The children's section at least is filled and over flowing, just don't sit down to rest at the computers in this area as you will be scolded that those computers are for the CHILDREN!  Yikes all mighty.  

 

These are photos to prove that I am a SUCKER.  These little guys came running up to my girls and I of course being the mama that I am, quickly snapped several photos.  It was then that a bag labeled TIPS was thrust under my nose from not just one but all the critters that I had taken a photo of.  I ended up paying a total of $3 ($1 each) for the opportunity to have these photos.  So you must enjoy them.  At least $3 worth please so that I can get my moneys worth.  Thanks!

We stopped at St. Patrick's Cathedral.  It was HUGE.  Now I am not Catholic, so I don't understand a lot of the Catholic doings, but what is the point of all the pomp?  This is a serious question by the way, I am not being insulting at all.  I really don't get it.  Also, I was always raised to believe that God wants our prays and that prayers are free. Not so in this Cathedral.  If you wanted to pray and light a candle...well that would be $2 please.  Yes, really.  So even though the place was lovely to see, I was left with a bad taste in my mouth and the lingering questions of why?  

 What trip to New York would be complete without a stop over at the Empire State Building? This is another one of those must see places to mark off your list but after marking it off, wondering if it was worth the $25 a head to do it.  The place is HUGE and the architecture grand.  I admit it.  The building itself was cool.  The line wasn't too bad (no thanks to the rude skyride people that accosted us outside) only about 45 minutes to an hour total.  That includes all lines.  The line to get tickets, the line to wait for the elevator, the line to have your photo taken (everyone was herded into the photo line), and the line to get outside.  The ride up was ear popping and crowded but we were all excited.  

The view outside was breathtaking and beautiful.  This is as close to central park as I got though.  Maybe next trip.  I could have stayed up there in the warm sunshine for a long time, but our time to play in the city was dwindling.  We needed to head out after taking time to oooh and aaaah over each side.  It was a worth it event btw, even at $25.  Surprised?  So was I.  

All in all we had a lovely trip.  It was good to come home though.  Yes there is always laundry to do and clean up to complete, but the trip was worth it. I am sorry it was so short but we will go back.  Not till next year but, we will go back.  

It was wonderful to see and spend time with my friend Denise.  Thank you Denise for coming out with us. I don't think I would have made it out of the bus terminal without you.  Okay I dont think, I KNOW.  I was daunted by the idea and the size of the city.  Having another adult and one that had been there before was a Godsend. 

Have a great week everyone!  

ctny