December 9, 2007

Our final day started a bit cooler. We watched a bit of CBS Sunday Morning beforeb heading up 42nd Street to have breakfast. Most cafes were crowded so we happened upon a deli that had a few combos. We both had eggs, french toast and freshly squeezed OJ.After breakfast we added to our suitcase collection and did a bit of window shopping. We had a 12 noon check out so we finished packing, checked out and left our bags with the bellman. We spent the afternoon between Times Square and Fifth Avenue. The temperature was dropping but it didn't stop the crowds. Even the Naked Cowboy was out playing his guitar and taking pictures with people.We split up to do some shopping and met at Ray's Pizza at 49th and 7th for late lunch. The slices were huge. We then returned to the Tudor Hotel to get our bags and a taxi. The trip to JFK was accented with snow. At the terminal, we were sent to use the self check-in. It was such a waste of time. We ended up having to go to the resolution desk to get our boarding passes and check our bags. Getting to the gate and to the plane was uneventful. Taking off proved the problem. We got onto the runway and then turned around and went back to the gate due to an electrical problem. I magaged to read through 4 magazines before we left. I was sob irritated with AA - no earphones, 3 dollars for snacks and no pillows or blankets...

December 8, 2007

We began by having a light breakfast at Starbucks on the way to Lenscrafters to pick up Marisa's glasses. Following this, we went to Bryant's Park and went ice skating. Marisa did very well and in a few minutes was skating around like a pro. It took me a bit longer to become comfortable, but I still looked like Bambi. After this we walked to Macy's and split up for undisclosed locations. We met up again at about 1:30 and after a few crowded minutes in Macy's took a taxi back to the hotel. It took far too long and we ended up 15 minutes late for our walking tour. The tour began at the New Victory Theater and we walked to Times Square. The photographer had us stand in the middle of the street for one of the pictures. We then took the subway to Central Park and wandered around a bit. Neither of us had ever been in the park and even in winter it was very calming. We then took an express train to the Brooklyn Bridge and walked to the centre to take in the New York skyline. From here we had our pictures taken in front of the Rockerfeller Center christmas tree. After this great tour, we walked back to the hotel and then set out to Broadway for a Chorus Line. After a very nice dinner at Charley-Os we walked to the theatre. We had great seats, six rows back. We thoroughly enjoyed the show.We began by having a light breakfast at Starbucks on the way to Lenscrafters to pick up Marisa's glasses. Following this, we went to Bryant's Park and went ice skating. Marisa did very well and in a few minutes was skating around like a pro. It took me a bit longer to become comfortable, but I still looked like Bambi. After this we walked to Macy's and split up for undisclosed locations. We met up again at about 1:30 and after a few crowded minutes in Macy's took a taxi back to the hotel. It took far too long and we ended up 15 minutes late for our walking tour. The tour began at the New Victory Theater and we walked to Times Square. The photographer had us stand in the middle of the street for one of the pictures. We then took the subway to Central Park and wandered around a bit. Neither of us had ever been in the park and even in winter it was very calming. We then took an express train to the Brooklyn Bridge and walked to the centre to take in the New York skyline. From here we had our pictures taken in front of the Rockerfeller Center christmas tree. After this great tour, we walked back to the hotel and then set out to Broadway for a Chorus Line. After a very nice dinner at Charley-Os we walked to the theatre. We had great seats, six rows back. We thoroughly enjoyed the show.

December 7, 2007

We had a slow start to the day because we could - breakfast in bed while watching NBC's morning show. No, we had no plans to stand outside to be seen on tv - it was way too cold (29F). We first went to the UN to see the flags. Then we headed out around 10.30am and only made it up a block and a half because I found the Ann Taylor Loft store. We took the purchases back to the hotel and then caught a taxi to go to Radio City Music Hall.We ate hot dogs from a street vendor while we waited in line. The inside of the building was fantastic and two organists were playing while we waited for the show to start. All we can say about the Christmas Spectacular was WOW!!! The orchestra was great, the effects were phenomenal (we even had 3D glasses) and the numbers were amazing. I don't think we had a favorite part. The toy soldiers were impressive and I was entranced by the kicklines (I could have been a Rockette!!!). The Nativity scene at the end even had live sheep and camels! We left dazzled!We then went to Rockefeller Center and as we looked at the tree it began to snow. We walked down 5th Ave looking at the windows. We stopped in Saks 5th Ave, Cartier and Tiffanys. It was getting tough walking through the crowds so we then went to 6th Ave and began walking to 34th. We visited a few stores in Herald Square and ended at Macys. I got to take a few pictures of the New Year's Eve ball that was displayed on the ground floor. Itbis amazing to see it up close in person!We headed back to the hotel and Aidan got a dinner recommendation from the concierge. The doorman grabbed a taxi for us and we went to DIP, a fondue restaurant. It was trendy with people having coctails and conversation on a Friday nbight. We had a White Cheddar fondue with french bread, broccoli, apple slicesn carrots, raisin bread and cherry tomatoes. It was great fun!We walked back stopping at the pet store and the bookstore. I had to get a heat wrap from the pharmacy - all the walking had my lower back so tight. I actually did yoga before bed to work it out.

December 6, 2007

We left home at about 6:30 to go to the airport. Checked in, through Customs etc and boarded the plane. The flight was quite uneventful and we arrived at JFK on time at 9:55. Our bags were just about the last off. We took a taxi to the Tudor hotel. It was quite cold, about 28F outside. We were unable to check in, so we dropped off our bags and went off to find a Lenscrafters. Marisa had her eyes looked at and discovered that her previous prescription had been too strong. Then we walked around to find a pizza for lunch, although the guy selling Philly cheese steaks on the street looked really good. (Not the guy, the steaks you must understand). After lunch we went to Macy's, who have a spectacular Christmas display and windows. It reminded me of the windows of Hamley's in London. We stopped at various other places on the way back to the hotel where we checked in. The room is cosy, but well appointed. Later we walked to 8th Ave to take our city lights tour. I was glad I brought extra clothes as the best views were from the top (open) deck of the bus. I managed to stay upstairs for the whole ride, but was frozen by the end. We saw the Christmas trees at Bloomberg, Rockerfeller Center and windows of Saks, Macys and others. We also witnessed a Menorah lighting and dance from the bus. Suffering a bit from the beginnings of hypothermia, we had dinner at the Olive Garden on Times Square and walked back to the hotel.