June 23, 2008

We had a late morning as the only thing that we knew that we had to do was to be ready for the shuttle at 1.15pm. We had breakfast at the Park Café on 55th & 7th after running into Graham Henderson on the street. We then walked to Times Square to get a few things off of Aidan’s to-do list. We then decided to visit the NY Public Library. It was so beautiful inside and hard to believe that it was only 100 years old. We came out to pouring rain and it rained off and on for most of our morning walk. We took out our umbrellas and just walked along 5th Avenue to about 38th St and turned around and walked along Park Avenue to 56th. It was closing in on lunchtime so we chose a Japanese Restaurant next to the Shoreham Hotel. We both had noodle bowls that were excellent.The shuttle adventure began about 1.30 and ended around 3pm. This time we did not visit Laguardia but we did see a number of Manhattan hotels. We ended up being the last to be dropped off so it was a very long ride (I doubt we’ll be shuttling it in the future). Anyhow, we then did the self check-in which was a breeze but I was selected to be searched at the security area which was a pain. On the up side, we got through security much faster that way! We then had two hours to kill before the flight was scheduled to leave. We had a snack and then relaxed at the gate until boarding. Aidan picked up some dinner to carry on to the plane – which was great since the plane took off an hour late. It was an uneventful flight through and we landed only 30 minutes behind schedule.

June 22, 2008

With the expectation of thunderstorms, we didn't plan to do much on Sunday. We took the opportunity to sleep in and then we walked down 5th avenue because we knew it would be less crowded. We went back to Joe's Pizzeria for lunch since it was so good when we were there on Saturday. We then walked around Times Square until it was time to go to see 'In The Heights'. The show was both innovative and engaging. You really got to know the characters and care about them. For me, some parts reminded me of summers in Brooklyn. It was a memorable show.After the show we walked down towards 34th since the weather was still good (it had only been raining off and on). I needed shoes for the night's dinner and we wanted to get a few things for Veronica's shower. By the time we did that, the skies opened with a vengence. Needless to say, we caught a cab back to the hotel.The highpoint of the day was dinner. We dressed up and walked through Central Park to the Tavern on the Green. It was ecletically decorated and the service was excellent. We sat near a group who were celebrating a lady's 101st - they were a fun group. Our meal started with soup. I had crab bisque and Aidan had onion. The main was beef, potatoes and asparagus for Aidan and salmon with pureed cauliflower for me - complemented beautifully with an Argentinean red wine.I got the best surprise after dinner. We had a horse and carriage ride through Central Park and back to 55th Street. It was great to see NY at a slower pace as the sun went down. It allowed us to observe people jogging, walking, rollerskating and walking dogs. We got to also see Cargenie Hall and could see the lights at Times Square as we travelled down 7th Avenue.

June 21, 2008

We had a great breakfast of pancakes, omlette, toast etc. We headed out after breakfast and walked to a post office to send gifts to Alegna and Aliyah. Across the road was an art store, so we went to find some paper for my Mom. Next was Syms for some bargain discounts. After dropping off the stuff at the hotel, we walked to 47th to the diamond district to have a look around. We met Carrie and Peter for lunch at John's Pizzeria. It was very enjoyable. We skipped two doors down for Xanadu. It was a fun show a real feel good production. After this we split up for a while so that I could do some secret shopping. Next it was off to Central Park, which looked very different from how it did in December. We went to dinner at Benihana, and were again not disappointed (although having a Japanese chef called Brian was different). A quick dash down to 45th and we were off to see another show, this time Curtains, a musical murder mystery. Another good choice. We stopped off at the Virgin megastore at Times Square on the way back to the hotel.

June 20, 2008

We have arrived safely in New York. US customs was a pain in Bermuda since I do not have a Bermuda passport - Aidan was through in seconds on his. I guess I have to get another passport when we get back. The flight was calm. I managed to get through the newspapers, a magazine and a comic while Aidan did the MENSA puzzles in the American Airlines magazine. Terminal 8 is large and modern looking but we had a long walk to baggage claim and then a longer wait for the shuttle into the City. Still, the weather is great for late June and we can't wait to go to Central Park.

The shuttle from JFK into the City was a horrible experience. After waiting for 30 minutes for it to show up, we then picked up passengers from JFK and Laguardia! With Friday traffic we didn't arrive at the Shoreham until 12noon. Talk about painful. We were both hungry and irritated. Seeing the hotel began to turn the day around. The lobby looks like a modern ard museum. Actually, with the employees in smart black outfits, it was like an art museum meets a fashion show. Aidan checked us in but the room wasn't available until 3pm).The hotel is on 55th between 5th and 6th so we began our visit by walking down to 45th to see if we could pick up the theatre tickets. The tickets hadn't been delivered yet so we decided to do a little shopping. First we ate at the McDonalds near Times Square - which was amazing. 3 levels, concert clips and broadway show previews while you ate. We then headed to 34th and went to the Manhattan Mall, etc. We ended. Up not shopping much but we saw a lot of different places vs. the regular Macys, etc.We headed back to the hotet to check in. The room is fabulous. It is larger than the one we had at the Tudor - very sleek yet functional. We rested for the rest of the afternoon and then headed out to Beacon for dinner. We had a voucher for the theatre menu and it was one block over on 56th street. Talk about excellent food! I started with oysters roasted on the half shell in a wood burning oven and Aidan ate a large salad (and he ate the whole thing). We then both had the sirloin with fresh mushrooms and creamed spinach. This was enhanced with a lovely red wine from Spain. Dessert was a trio of homemade ice creams for Aidan and a chocolate chocolate chip souffle for me.We then walked to 44th for the show. And what a show it was. The opening announcement had us nervous at first - Patty Lupone had hurt her foot.... so she was going to do the show in her isotoner slippers. Talk about a collective sigh of relief. Gypsy was amazing. The three main characters (who all won Tonys last week) were phenomenal but the rest of the cast was excellent as well. Patty Lupone was Rose! Her acting was her strength as both of us are not that in love with her regular singing voice (she runs words into each other). However when she sing/acts or blasts a song she was unmatched. I walked out stunned at the power behind the final number!We walked back to the hotel through the crowds. I still can't belive how crowded NYC is at night - I never seem to get used to it.