Day 4: New York City

Our last day in NYC so going to make the most of our time before heading to New Jersey.  The kiddo has a real problem getting up early . . . seriously he could sleep half the day if I allowed it.  I went back and forth on visiting the 9/11 Museum.  I wondered if Colin would be okay with the subject or would it bring up memories of Sean and the war.  I really do worry about his emotional well being but decided it was something we should experience.  Maybe deep down I am really worried about me, and how I will react and if I can keep my emotions in check?  Either way we were going to visit and if I thought it was too much; we would just exit.  To this day I remember exactly where I was when I first heard of the planes hitting the towers.  I was living in Germany and was at the CMR (community mail room) picking up my mail after work . . . one of my fellow teachers, Paige, was there and said, "hey did you hear that a plane crashed into the Twin Towers?"  I had not and sort of brushed it off as a terrible accident but headed home to turn on AFN (military TV channels . . . all 4 of them).  Sean was away somewhere playing Army, and Colin wasn't born yet so I sat at home all alone in pure disbelief.  I sat in front of the television for hours . . . watching family members pleading for information about their missing loved ones . . . I cried for hours!  I also knew that at that point our lives would never, ever be the same.  I knew that there would probably be some sort on invasion and that Sean would have to go there.  While I was teaching at a DOD school on the military base, I was living in a small German community in the middle of local Germans.  I never ever felt unsafe or worried . . . I loved our small village and neighbors too.  As a precaution our threat level went to the highest level and our school was closed for the rest of the week.  It was just awful and so much uncertainty.  I did have to go into school to take care of an issue with our Paris field trip that was scheduled in the spring . . . it took a very long time with security measures to actually enter Rose Barracks but life went on as normal as possible.  While it was so many years ago it all seems so fresh in my mind.  So the visit to the memorial and museum were a bit emotional for me.  Before we went to the museum, we stopped at the 9/11 Memorial.

I saw a lady carrying around a camera and a bucket of white roses.  She would gently place the rose and snap a photo.  I finally stopped and asked her about the white rose.  She was very kind and told me that it was that person's birthday.  How sweet and sad too . . .

Our scheduled time slot was upon us so we got in line and entered.  I wasn't sure it was right to take photos but did snap a couple . . .

. . . and then we entered the main part of the museum where no photos were allowed . . . and that is where it all got real.  I watched Colin and he was very in to all the video clips.  It was very crowded but so quiet too.  We stopped at the area about flight 93 that went down in Stanksville, Pennsylvania.  It was a video and audio of the actual recordings between the plane and air traffic controller and also had audio of the passengers that called their loved ones and left just heartbreaking messages.  It got me and tears just flowed.  I can not imagine.  Those recordings the families received just had to be the most bittersweet messages . . . I know that to this day I still long to have something written or recorded from Sean in case of a what if.  At the end was an exhibit about the Global War on Terrorism.  I had planned to zip right past it, but Colin insisted we stop.  We watched all the video clips and he read some of the exhibits.  I so wanted to ask him what he thought or if he had any questions but decided some things were probably best left private for him.  I know in due time he will ask me, and hopefully I am able to step up and provide him answers.  We exited and needed to clear our heads.  It was a great museum but really heavy too.  Just a heavy heart and a jumbled mind too.  I am glad we went but think once is enough for me.  It was really hot outside, and I had planned to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge . . . total poor planning but we grabbed a couple bottles of water and headed out!

About the closest we got to the Statue of Liberty this trip . . .

So we made it a lot faster across the bridge than expected.  I thought it would take a lot longer maybe because we walked so fast due to the heat.  However, I missed the pedestrian exit, and we had to walk a lot farther than we really needed to get to the subway stop.  Just so happens the subway stop did go right past a previous favorite earlier in the week and since I messed up and had poor Colin walk a lot farther than need; we stopped.  Oh yes we did . . .

10Below Ice Cream is so awesome!  Colin was happy and so was I!  Actually we had extra money on our MetroCard so figured why not make the stop?  I swear this is my new favorite ice cream!  Apparently, I got turned around and went the wrong way . . . thankfully I can read a map!  The other unexpected was we walked right in front of  Economy Candy so had to stop.  I did a map check, got reoriented, and hopped right back on the subway to go grab our bags at the hotel.  I decided we should eat before leaving NYC so headed to Tony's Di Napoli.  I thought they would have pizza for Colin and pasta for me.  No pizza served here so Colin had to settle for steak.  Nothing but steak!  A matter of fact now when he orders a steak he ask that the sides be put on another plate and his steak on a separate plate . . .

. . . not wasting any stomach space on sides!  I had a really yummy pasta ala vodka with mushrooms . . .

Now this is where the real fun started.  We needed to get to Newark airport today.  It was Friday at 4:30pm . . . I know not the best timing.  I was too cheap to pay the over $100 taxi or car service so instead we took the Newark Airport Express Bus.  It left from Bryant Park which was just a block from our hotel so it was perfect.  Colin wasn't so sure but the thought of free wifi on the bus sealed the deal.  The cost of only $28 for both of us sealed the deal for me.  So I finally find the pick up point and the bus arrives . . . they could only take five people and we were sixth.  So the next bus we should be able to get on.  Thank goodness it comes every 15 minutes.  The next bus comes and it was empty so we had our pick of seats.  The bus was clean and very cool!  We had to make one more stop before heading to EWR and the bus was packed!  The drive was super slow but comfortable.  Again, it was fine and the price was amazing!  Once we arrived at the airport we then had to transfer to the hotel shuttle pick up area which was easy . . . thankfully we only have one bag each so easy to maneuver.  It took us exactly 1 hour 39 minutes 46 seconds from our Times Square hotel to our Newark airport hotel which is only 13.4 miles.  We made it and tomorrow bring another fun adventure!

Day 3: New York City

Today we are just 'winging it'!  We have absolutely no plans but one reservation that is flexible anytime before 8:00pm.  Sort of going with the flow the best that I know how.  Colin did not wake up until 10:30am so sort of hard to beat the crowds.  I was up early so just studied the map of where we were probably going to go.  Oddly enough the subway map that I had did not have where we wanted to go so this might be interesting.  Our first stop took us to Queens to the Museum of Moving Image . . . probably not on many must visit list while in NYC but the main reason we are going is they have a special exhibit called Arcade Classics.  I wanted to show Colin how we played video games and knew he would enjoy this type of museum.  Oh my goodness they had so many of the games I remember from growing up:  Q*bert, Donkey Kong, Frogger, Space Invaders, Asteroids, Ms Pac-Man to name a few . . .

I loved playing Space Invaders as a kid on my Atari!  Oh how I wish I would have kept it now!

Colin loved Frogger . . . he played it a lot!  We spent a lot of time playing and just having fun!  The tokens were 4 for $1 so bought $5 worth and we each received 5 with our paid admission.  There were a lot of summer camp kid groups too, but they did not stay long in the game room.  One of the adults even gave us some of their left over tokens.  We did check out the rest of the museum, and I happened to find my brother . . .

Just kidding!  I grew up an only child and would often get poked fun at my name as a kid.  I can't tell you how many times people would ask if I had a brother named Howdy; my maiden name is Duty.  I know the puppet above is Howdy Doody and absolutely no relation.  Anyway, at a certain point I just played along and would say yes.  Looking back it was funny and when I went to college at Texas A&M the joke continued but you know what . . . people really would remember my name!  In fact over the years, I have collected some Howdy Doody memorabilia too.  It was fun to see my brother and share the story with Colin too!  We headed back to the subway for our next activity which was renting bikes in Central Park . . . oh how I just love Central Park!  Renting bikes can get expensive so I booked them last night for a steal!  I booked 2 bikes for 2 hours for $28.  As we showed our voucher I noticed 1 bike for 2 hours cost $20.  So plan ahead or at least book it online before you show up at the store.  I expected some crazy fee when we checked in but only paid an extra $1 for a basket to hold all our stuff.  It was easy and just a block from Central Park.  When we were here last year, Colin really, really, really wanted to do the remote control boats, but we were on a tour so it did not work out.  So today we did it.  He was so excited and proclaimed he could mark it off his bucket list!  I turned him loose and stayed with the bikes since I forgot to get a lock when we picked them up . . . oh well it was fun to watch him across the water!

We rode bikes for 1 hour 45 minutes and it was H-O-T!  Like super hot and we did not eat breakfast, and I was starving!  The funny thing is we had so much fun we did not take one single photo!  We returned the bikes.  I wanted pasta and Colin pizza so we asked where the closest place would be and quickly headed to Bella Vita Pizzeria where I stuffed myself!

I forgot to mention to Colin we would be walking all the way back to the hotel and he was not too happy!  It was only about a mile so no big deal except we had just been on bikes for two hours and eaten a lot of food quickly!  I might have stopped for a bribed ice cream along the way!  We headed back to the hotel to relax and take a nap.  Hey there is nothing better than a nap on vacation!  There was no way I was sitting in the room the rest of the night so we headed out to Times Square.  I can say it is nice that they have seemed to establish a small area for all the crazy characters to stay which is nice.  I think we were traumatized last year when they would basically all run up to you and want a photo and of course money too!  We made a quick stop to the M&M Store which was fun but packed!  I find great joy in just walking around while the kiddo only likes to have a destination in mind!  We sort of don't have the same outlook at times, but he does humor me often.  Of course in my head I knew exactly where we are going but usually keep that to myself.  So it was dinner time and for years I had read all the hype about Shake Shack so I wanted to check it out . . .

First, the line is long but moves quickly.  Note to people:  look at the menu while standing in that line so you know what you want when you get to the register to order.  It amazes me people get to the register and then look at the menu.  Ugh!  I can say it was really good even Colin liked the burger!  The bun and meat were fresh and the vegetables crisp . . . oh and the brewed ice tea was so good too!  The price of the meal is cheap for NYC too.  Of course I also knew just a block or so away was that yummy gelato place, Amorino.  Oh yes we did . . .

Colin stuck with the lemon while I had hazlenut (center), chocolate, coconut (outside).  Oh my the combination was to die for!  When I lived in Germany I always would get hazelnut and chocolate but the chocolate went with the coconut so well too!  Thank goodness we are walking back to the hotel . . . no complaints from me or Colin!  I spent some time packing our bags because tomorrow we change locations for part two of our trip!

Day 2: New York City

Up and ready to go . . . my first test is to see if we get on the correct subway!  BINGO I did it and we ended up in the Lower East Side just as planned.  No other way to kick off our first full day than heading to the Tenement Museum.  Colin is thrilled but this is the city that is known for its melting pot of immigrants and this museum will explore that exact topic.  I had purchased tickets for the Hard Times tour which would let us explore the 2nd floor of a typical building and its living conditions that immigrants experienced when they arrived in NYC.  Before our tour we watched a great video about the Tenement building and families too.  We had a fabulous tour guide that was one of the most energetic I have ever had . . . she really did bring the stories of the residents to life!  Sadly there are no photos allowed so you will have to visit with your own eyes.  You won't be disappointed.   One interesting fact was rent on a small second floor room was $12 a month and a families monthly income was about $25 per month!  A view of 97 Orchard Street . . .

So off to our next stop . . . Ice Cream!  Again, I had searched for top ice cream in NYC and this one was high on the list.  I wasn't sure what to expect when we entered 10Below Ice Cream but were we in for a treat!  This is a Thai inspired ice cream rolls place; I had never heard of this so had no clue just how awesome this place would be!  The menu is limited but we decided on s'mores.  So first they gather your ingredients to prepare . . .

. . . then add ingredients . . .

. . . and pour this cream liquid on this crepe like pan that is very cold; hence the name 10Below . . .

. . . give it a good mix . . .

. . . paper thin . . .

. . . roll, roll, roll . . .

. . . and there are your ice cream rolls!

By this point Colin had absolutely no memory of a museum visit!  And I must admit it was pretty cool and good too!  Wonder how long before he ask me to go back?  Back to the subway to head to our next stop, The Empire State Building.  This was one of those credit card reward vouchers that I bought with points for free.  Since it wasn't costing me any money, I upgraded for the VIP ticket which meant we jumped to the front of the lines . . . nope did not feel guilty at all!

I wasn't paying to ride the subway a few blocks so we hit the pavement . . . man was it hot outside, and we were hungry.  Colin spotted a Chick-fil-a.  I said okay and off we went.  It was very efficient and tasted just like Chick-fil-a.  Do you know how awesome that sweet tea tasted on this hot day?  Fabulous I tell you!  We found a table upstairs near a trash can.  This wan't any trash can but an automated trash can that also compacts.

 We were not the only customers that were fascinated by this machine!  We were back at the hotel in a few minutes which was nice due to the heat from the pavement.  We were able to relax a bit before heading out later this evening.  I really, really wanted to go see a Broadway Show . . . like really bad . . . but the prices were insane and paying for two tickets was outrageous!  Colin could have cared less so found an off Broadway show called Liberty:  A Monumental New Musical.  Tickets were buy a $74 premium ticket and get a child ticket for free.  Sign us up!  I thought it went with the theme and order of our trip.  It was pick your own seat so we went from front and center.  I really did like the small theater setting . . .

I also did enjoy the show too even if it did have a tad of a political undertone a time or two.  Well worth the cost and the performers were great!  It was a quick, easy walk back to the hotel, but we stopped for a sweet treat at Carlo's . . .

It is a good thing we are walking because we are eating a lot!

Day 1: New York City

Seems like the last trip just ended and here we are again on a trip.  This is a split stay trip . . . the second half of our trip departs from New Jersey so decided to come a few days early and enjoy New York City!  This is only my second time in NYC so a lot of places and museums that I still want to visit.  Of course, I won't be sharing with Colin just yet about the museums.  Our flight was early and we headed outside to meet our pre-arranged car service pick up.  I have a credit card that has rewards and recently discovered you can redeem the points for travel related things like car service and tickets to attractions.  So I thought why not give it a try; it is pretty much free!  So I followed the directions and just as promised our driver picked us up and headed out for the city.  It was a very comfortable, clean car and friendly driver that was not chatty . . . which I wanted at this point.  It was a bit crazy with the traffic but he safely delivered us to the front door of our hotel.  Our room was ready and we quickly dropped our bags in what is probably the smallest room we have ever stayed . . .

. . . but it is all about location and price; I know it is NYC after all!  We quickly left and headed out for some food.  We were both so hungry since American Airlines did not have any snacks or food for purchase on our flight; NOTHING!  What's up with that?  Anyway, we decided on pizza and headed to John's of Times Square.  The food came quickly which was our top priority at this point and was yummy too.  The building was unique in that it used to be an old Gospel Tabernacle Church.  Nice to see they have preserved the stained glass windows and other touches that show it was once a church.  Colin wanted ice cream so thanks to google headed to Amorino.  I had no idea what to expect but turned out to be a gelato place so now I need some too.  What I wasn't expecting was a work of art . . .

. . . and it tasted good too!  Colin had lemon while I had chocolate, hazelnut, and salted caramel.  Amazing and since it is close to our hotel I am sure we will be back.  We headed back to our hotel passing through Times Square . . . this is what I don't like about NYC . . . the crowds of endless people but knew it would be this way!  I crawled into bed with my maps to study tomorrows plans and making sure I understand what subway to take and which direction . . . wish me luck!

Day 4: Road Trip begins

Our stay in NYC has come to an end and time to move on to the next phase of the trip.  We are taking Amtrak from NYC to Boston.  We took a taxi from our hotel to Penn Station.  It was a short drive from the hotel but hectic when we arrived at Penn Station.  For some reason I decided to pay with credit card instead of cash.  I only carry three things in my purse; wallet, coin purse with cash, and small camera.  Apparently, I pulled out my camera to get to my wallet and paid.  I think my camera must have been in my lap but not sure.  We grabbed our bags and were on our way.  We made it to the waiting area for Amtrak.  I made a comment to my mom that my purse sure did feel light . . . I looked inside and my camera was missing.  Gone.  Just like that.  My heart sank and I was so upset.  Yes, the camera I had used the last three days to take a lot of photos.  Thankfully, I travel with two cameras and had been using both but so many were on my small camera since it is easy to throw in my purse.  I quickly jumped up and back tracked where I had been.  I knew there was no chance that I would find my camera.  I knew it was forever gone but at least made the effort.  All I could think about were all the photos I had taken the last few days; it was killing me.  Since I paid with a credit card, I had some helpful information . . . well at least that is what they make you believe.  I got on the phone calling 311 which is the number you call to report any issues with taxis in NYC.  I gave the medallion number of the driver.  I was transferred no less than six times.  No one could locate which cab company the driver belonged to or really any helpful information.  I was so frustrated but continued to try.  Again, I knew there was no chance to get my camera but also had to try every possible avenue to truly be content.  I also knew that I could not let this spoil the next 10 days of our trip either.  I just needed time to accept my mistake and move on.  As we waited for our train to arrive, no one said a word to me . . . they knew I was so upset with myself.  Colin was nice and said maybe it will turn out good like the time I left my camera in London.  A few years ago we went to visit friends in London the week of Thanksgiving.  We went to Bath for the day and for some reason he insisted on using the men's restroom instead of going with me to the women's.  He went into a stall and for some reason took his camera from around his neck and hung it on the back of the door.  I did not notice until the train was pulling out of Bath headed back to London.  I let him have it the entire ride back to London.  Looking back, I was sort of mean but I tell you it has instilled ownership and responsibility.  When we arrived back to our friends' flat, she called the museum and someone had turned it in.  The camera was picked up by a friend of our friends and she mailed it to us.  It was truly a feel good moment that there are honest people in our world . . . maybe not in America but in the world.  Anyway, the camera is gone and that's okay.  I just wish an honest person would send me the memory card!  Oddly enough, last year I attached an address label on all our electronics just in case we ever forget them while traveling.  I know it is on the camera but as of now it is still missing.  I even had a friend laugh at me for putting the labels on my items but hopefully some day someone will notice it and return the item.  I know I sure would.  Now you know why I haven't posted so many photos.  At least my parents both had cameras and have used some of their photos the last few days blog post.  So moving on . . . our train arrived and we claimed our seats for the four hour ride to Boston.  I had read about a service called Red Caps . . . you can tip a Red Cap person that is located inside the Amtrak waiting lounge and they will take you and your luggage to the train before the arrival track is announced to the general public.  It was worth every penny.  We had the nicest and strongest lady . . .

That is her waving as our train arrived.  She got us on the correct train and loaded all our luggage in the train car.  She was a delight!  Plus we were settled on the train before the masses arrived on the train.  The train ride was good . . . Colin ate the entire time . . .

Amtrak 172 arrived in Boston where our New England road trip would begin!  We walked to the parking garage to pick up the rental car and hit the road.  The bad part was our train was about 45 minutes late so we were right in the thick of afternoon traffic.  It was painfully awful and stressful to say the least.  I was still dealing with the lost camera issue and only had typed directions from the rental car place!  Have I mentioned how much I really hate traffic?  We are only driving 45 miles to Plymouth, Massachusetts but it took over 2 hours.  We did try to find humor along the way.  At one point I was driving and cars were passing me on the right hand shoulder.  I was floored at what was going on and then we noticed signs saying you could drive in the breakdown lane (the right shoulder) between 4pm-7pm.  I was amazed and honestly it wasn't that safe.  It was even more interesting when we came to a bridge or an entrance ramp for cars to merge on the highway.  I have never seen this before.  I mean I guess it is there way of having some sort of HOV lane for traffic.  By the time we arrived at the hotel, I was DONE!  We tried a local restaurant but it was closed on Monday so gave in to Colin's request to eat at the hibachi grill next to the hotel.  It was not exactly what I had in mind but sometimes you just have to do what is easy.  I was glad the hotel had a hot whirlpool and quickly changed for a bit of relaxation.  Tomorrow the fun begins!

Day 3: New York City

Today is the only day I had a confirmed tour.  In fact I booked the tour exactly six months ago!  I purchased our tickets for the Statue of Liberty Crown.  While I wasn't sure we would want to hike to the top, I bought them just in case.  We woke up early to eat a quick breakfast and then grabbed a cab to Battery Park.  It was super easy to pick up our tickets.  The tickets had to be picked up by the people who were climbing to the crown and were non-transferable.  We did have our photo identification and tickets checked a couple times.  We arrived super early to pick up the tickets and had over an hour to spend before we could catch the ferry.  It was early on a Sunday morning and just explored the area.  Since I am a fan of the National Parks Service Junior Ranger program, Colin was tasked to some educational learning which I am sure he was thrilled.  At the ferry dock is a placed called Castle Clinton National Monument.

I had never heard of this place but we got the Junior Ranger book and worked on it together.  It has a very small museum so we visited that and sat in there working on the book . . . plus it had an air conditioner and was cool inside.  Castle Clinton has served many purposes over the years . . . a fort to keep the British out with 28 cannons, was the official immigrant processing center before Ellis Island, and even NYC Aquarium at one time. Today it is where you pick up your tickets to ride the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  We were unable to see a lot of the interior due to renovations but it was worth the time to walk around.  The time had finally arrived for us to board the ferry to Liberty Island.  I was excited . . . I think we were all excited . . . I'm not going to lie the thought of those 338 steps to the top were on my mind.  I tell you when you first see a glimpse up close it is pretty cool . . .

I might not look enthused, but I was thrilled . . . sometimes you must rely on others to take your photo and well it isn't what you wanted or the best . . .

We arrived just in time to get a locker to store our stuff . . . only camera, water, and medicine allowed to go to the pedestal and crown.  We quickly snapped a few photos of the torch on display . . .

And our journey up began . . .

The first 176 steps to the top of the pedestal were pretty easy . . . think stairwell concrete steps . . . the only bad part was it was super hot in the stairwell.  It is NOT air conditioned and can be about 20 degrees hotter than the outside temperature; it felt every bit hotter.  We stopped at the top of the pedestal and walked around.  My mom excused herself while we headed to the crown . . .

Now 162 steps doesn't sound that bad and honestly it wasn't that bad but man was it HOT!  At one point there was an air vent blowing somewhat cool air so that was nice.  I was sweating terribly but thankfully had water with me.  The other good part was we did not have anyone behind us rushing us up the steps.  I was between Colin and my dad so we were able to go at a slow pace.  The staircase changed drastically to a very narrow spiral staircase and very dark . . .

. . . but so glad we did this.  We made it . . .

. . .  a view out of the crown windows . . .

It was difficult to take photos of the actual Statue of Liberty but you could see parts of her.

And back down we go . . .

Did I mention how hot it was inside?  Going down was harder than going up . . . I had sweat dripping off the end of my nose . . . thanks to Colin for these not so flattering photos . . .

. . . and for some reason he seems to always take good photos . . .

The sun was so bright . . .

I asked the Park Ranger at the top how many people were allowed in the crown a day and he said less than 500 while there are about 20,000 visitors a day to Liberty Island.  It was worth the trip to the top even if it was hot.

We boarded the ferry to visit Ellis Island . . .

I will be honest here; I was disappointed with Ellis Island.  Most of the exhibits had been removed when Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast back in 2012.  I was surprised that so many exhibits, displays, and photos had not been returned but instead a sign saying they were in storage.  We did not spend that much time here but glad we did visit.  I can't imagine the feelings and emotions of those immigrants who arrived in America hoping for a better life.  It must have been a great feeling but also so many fears and unknowns.  We boarded the ferry to return to the city . . .

As you can tell the day started gloomy and then turned rather bright and sunny!  We walked a few blocks to the 9-11 Memorial . . .

Very nice and peaceful.  I did not buy tickets for the 9-11 Museum (they are timed entry) because I wasn't sure how long it would take on Liberty Island and Ellis Island.  There is always next time . . . so much to see and do in NYC.  We grabbed a cab back to the hotel . . . man he was a very aggressive driver, but we arrived safe.  The street in front of the hotel was blocked off and full of vendors selling food and junk.  It smelled so good . . . Colin had fresh watermelon and grilled chicken tacos . . . thankfully he shared a little with us.  It was a busy day and we were all super tired so we called it a day.  We went to the executive lounge in the hotel and had some snacks.  Our poor feet were so glad to be back for the night.