Wednesday, April 22, 2009

New York: Part 1


Indeed, I did promise pictures. And I guess that tomorrow came and went and I did not deliver.  So, I apologize.  I think I was in a state of mourning that prevented me from sharing.  Still sort of sad, actually.

It was a very early morning.  Woke up around 4 and out the door by 4:45 am.  Uh huh, AM.  It was all leading up to this moment.  That shot was one of the first views we had of New York City.  It is incredible.
   

The experience of flying was not something Kyra was looking forward to, but she was great.  When we landed we gathered our things and set off to grab the first of many cabs.

We stayed at the Hilton Times Square.  The inclusion of "Times Square" in any title is enough to make me just giddy.  It was spectacular.  Here is a little glimpse of our view out the windows on the 44th floor of our hotel.

I know that not everyone has the same love for such a sight, but for me...wonderland. So many people, so much energy, so many things to see and do.  The smell is exquisite...not like the clean smell of the ocean, or the fresh smell of a walk in a park, but something that I can't even explain.  You can smell hot dog vendors (had to have Gray's Papaya hot dog.  Amazing.), roasted almonds on every street corner (I don't know why), the subway, the everything.  I told you I can't describe it.  It is a smell that filled me up with so much joy that I felt like I could do anything.  You know that song?  If I can make it there...I'll make it anywhere.  I never, ever would have thought I could "make it there", but I think I was wrong.  I could have made it there.  I could see myself there.  Another time, of course, but I could see it.  Moving on.



There was no shortage of crazies in costumes.  Elmo.  Sponge Bob.  The Statue of Liberty herself.  Everywhere!  It was quite funny.

Once we got checked into the room, Kyra and I set out for our first walk.  We didn't get far though, as we were ready for lunch and there was a fab little place right out behind the hotel.  It's called Schnippers.  Yummy.  As great as it is, and it really is, there was so much more food to come.  I didn't even TRY to count calories.  We had Corned Beef Sandwiches and Cheesecake at Carnegie Deli, the most amazing breakfast I have ever had at the Norma's at Le Parker Meridian, more amazing breakfast at Russ and Daughters where we had the best bagel and lox EVER!  The fine gentlemen that made it called it the Rolls Royce of Bagels and Lox.  There were cupcakes.  First we went to Magnolia Bakery and then on Sunday we stopped in at Crumb's on Madison Avenue.  Take a look.

     

I didn't love the New York pizza last year, but this year...oh wow.  Kyra LOVED it.  She asked for it every day.  I think we ate the pizza three times when we were there.  For all of the walking we did...we were hungry.  We ate at this little hole in the wall Italian place where the adorable Italian server called me Mama and called Kyra Baby.  From a cute Italian waiter it sounds good, anyone else would sound cheesy.  

What I am trying to say is that we ate a lot of really delicious food.  

There is certainly more to cover, such as the trip to visit Lady Liberty as well as Mary Poppins.  A little bit of trivia that I don't know that many of you will know about:  The very first experience I remember having with any kind of theater was with "Mary Poppins".  I don't remember how old I was, but I couldn't have been any older than Kyra, but I remember Mom playing Mary in a little "road show" at church and I was one of the kids and we sang "Let's Go Fly a Kite".  That is my first memory of loving this whole theater thing.  I could have taken Kyra to see "The Little Mermaid" or "The Lion King" or any number of other shows but this one was the one that meant the most to me.  I don't know if Mom even remembers this, but it stands out for me.  There was also a lot of site seeing, including Central Park, a highlight!  Toys R Us, a 9 story original version of Macy's and so many other things.  More later.  Too much to share in one night.  

9 comments:

  1. O K...I have soooooo many problems....you took a cab from the airport????where was Larbear??? you and Kyra walked the streets...where was Larbear????? you stayed at the top of the world....what if there was a fire?????you ate cupcakes...where are mine?????of course I remember Mary Poppins..that actually was my BIG MOMENT....one of the older guys came up to Dad after it and said'Teresa was better than the lady who did the movie'...we all have to have one great moment,even if it is a roadshow at church....glad you had such a great time ...more glad that you are back...

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  2. Take me with you next time... I LOVE NY! The cabs, the crazy people, the stores. I'm with you, I love it all. But no, I COULDN'T make it there!

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  3. Envy. Just pure envy. How is it that I've never been??! What a fun experience for Kyra! Oh the envy.

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  4. I like you a lot less right now. Oh well, one day Ill go. So glad Kyra got to experience that--that seems like so much fun for a youngster!

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  5. Funny, I actually remember the road show too! In fact, I was laughing with my Mia Maids who had no idea what a road show was..man I am getting old:) Glad you had such a great time, and that you all made it back safely. I hope Larry does not have you deep into too many projects now that he is home too!!

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  6. oh- New York!! What fun!! I have been but was stupid enough to take our own car with good ole' Elliot!! Not a good idea- always take a cab (and don't go w/ an idiot!!!) Someday we should all go- girls only of course:)

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  7. hmmmmm......me thinks either me didn't know about the trip with Elliott or me am blocking it out...mom

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  8. you must be blocking it out- don't worry- it was a family trip with parents and all!!! It was good though b/c it was one of the deciding factors of why not to marry him!!! He thought I was in love with his brother-yeaa right!!

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  9. Hey woman! It was fun catching up with the Gansons and enjoying your captivating words. I feel the exact same way about NYC...only I think I may love Chicago even more...same big city vibe only cleaner and pretter. So glad you could enjoy it with Kyra, I'll bet she never forgets it. I'm not a big Orca fan but I'll have to watch if you ever make it on, oh, and call me this time!

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