New York, New York

On Wednesday, November 21^st, Brendan, James and I set out on a trip to New York City. My intention was to write about it as soon as we got home, but then I got hit with pneumonia and did next to nothing for two weeks. When I was back to myself again, Christmas prep was in full swing. So I’m a bit behind with the blog, but hope to catch up this week.

On Wednesday the 21^st, I dropped Liam off for an extended stay at the Cogan Ranch, picked Brendan up from work, and we were off: our first road trip since James’ birth! We drove to Albany that night and took the train into New York the next morning. We arrived in the big city on Thanksgiving Thursday, just in time for the Macy’s parade, which happened to be passing right by our hotel. Our room was not available yet, so we stashed our bags in the designated luggage closet and were about to leave when we noticed someone watching the parade through a hallway window. Two of her friends had climbed out of the window onto a balcony, where the view was even better. There was room for more, so we joined them and B snapped a few good pictures. 

Then we found out that what we were doing was against fire code and were kindly asked to get down (it was actually a fire escape we were standing on, not a balcony!).  By that time we had gotten our fill of parade watching anyway, so we happily complied and set out to explore the area a bit. We walked down Fifth Avenue that morning and popped into St. Patrick’s before going back to the hotel to meet up with Owen and Bill, whom we knew would be arriving around that time. When the troops were gathered, we had lunch together at an Irish pub and continued our walk. Sixth Avenue was still closed to traffic because of the parade, so our first taste of NYC was rather unique: people milling about everywhere, including the middle of the street! We walked up to Times Square and to the edge of Central Park. Owen took us into the Plaza Hotel to show us the Eloise shop (his daughter’s name is Eloise), but unfortunately it was closed for the holiday. We walked past the Rockefeller center and saw the skating rink and the tree (which was to be unveiled a few days later). We also ventured into the giant toy store, FAO Schwartz, mostly just to get this picture:

After all, we had taken this one two years earlier at Hamleys in London, so it was fitting to get a sequel shot of James!

The trip had been planned for that particular weekend because Bill got tickets to a Jets vs Patriots game on Thanksgiving. After a brief rest at the hotel we made our way to the MetLife Stadium in NJ. I had never been to a football game and definitely never set foot in such a giant stadium. The energy was electric. As Pats fans, we were definitely in the minority (I speak for the guys here, of course. I’m pretty much clueless when it comes to football teams), but the Marshall men seemed eager to make up for their lesser numbers with the volume of their cheering and taunting. As it happens, their team won by a landslide, so they were pleased with their allegiances!

The next day was Black Friday, so we shopped (naturally). We walked away with some good deals too: boots, leather jackets for Owen, Bill and me (buy one, get 2 free!), work clothes and a winter coat for Brendan, and a set of sheets. Not bad for one morning! That afternoon we explored Lower Manhattan and took the Staten Island ferry. The highlight of that day was stopping by the little church that survived September 11^th. It serves as a museum now, exhibiting photos and mementoes from the days and months following the attack. It was a poignant exhibit and a powerful reminder of what a dramatic impact that event had on the history of the United States.

The Statue of Liberty, seen from the ferry

Lower Manhattan, seen from the ferry

Friday night we went to Greenwich Village to meet up with a friend of Owen’s. The plan was to go to a comedy show and then check out the Blue Note jazz club, but we didn’t make it in time for the early show, so we had to alter our trajectory. We got tickets to an 11:30 show and walked around a bit looking for something to do in the interim. It was nice to see another part of the city. Greenwich Village has a very different feel than Midtown and Lower Manhattan. Less flashy, more artsy – I liked it. We soon came across another comedy club that was offering a free show, so we stepped in there. The show was mediocre – I guess that’s to be expected with free entry. James and I were the butt of many jokes (of the “who takes a baby to a club?” variety). I didn’t mind the jokes, but I did get a little antsy when James started fussing, so Brendan and I left early. We decided not to wait around for the late show, given that James didn’t seem to be a fan of stand-up. Instead we took the subway back to Times Square and marveled at the hoards of people still milling about at 10pm. Stores were open, lights were flashing everywhere. It was like the middle of the afternoon! No wonder they call it the city that never sleeps! Walking back to the hotel we stopped by Bryant Park, a lovely green space surrounded by craft shops. Christmas music was playing and people were skating on a rink in the middle of the park. We enjoyed a pre-Christmas festive moment there before continuing on to the hotel.

Times Square at night

On Saturday morning we went back to Times Square to line up for Broadway tickets. Brendan and I chose Jersey Boys, and Owen and Bill decided on Chaplin (they had already seen Jersey Boys). We met up with Leah and Chris at the TKTS booth, and all went out for lunch after purchasing our tickets. We were going to a matinee, so there was just enough time to have lunch, grab a coffee, and then make our way to our respective theatres. Leah and Chris took James to the American Museum of Natural History while we were at the show. He liked the dinosaurs.

After the show we went out for dinner at an Italian restaurant in Soho, said goodbye to Owen and Bill who were leaving that night, and headed to Leah and Chris’ apartment in Brooklyn. We stayed up way too late, but it was one of those nights when the conversation is more important than the time.

Sunday morning found us wandering around a neighborhood in Brooklyn called Park Slope in search of a good breakfast. We didn’t find a breakfast spot, but we did snag some delicious scones and very fine sandwiches. We went to Mass around midday and then crashed for a couple of hours – we were all in need of a nap! That evening we had pizza at Grimaldi’s, which had come highly recommended. It did not disappoint! Despite the cold windy weather, we then ventured onto the Brooklyn Bridge and walked just far enough to enjoy the spectacular nighttime view of Manhattan’s skyline.

Lower Manhattan

Midtown

We left Brooklyn early Monday morning, took the train to Albany and drove home from there. Liam was thrilled to see us when we walked through the door at my parents’ place. We were pretty glad to see him too.

It’s impossible to get to know a city in just a few days, but I enjoyed my first taste of New York. Although I don’t think I could ever live there, it was fun to pretend that I belonged on those streets. I hope to walk them again.