Ah…New York! We both love it here. Having spent so long here last time, we were able to just enjoy being in the city, walking endlessly, without feeling the need to do any ‘touristy’ things (cause we’ve done them before!)
We saw some wonderful shows – Mary Poppins, Curtains, A Moon For the Misbegotten and Grey Gardens (3 musicals and 1 drama). All very different styles and all highly enjoyable. Kevin Spacey and Eve Best in Misbegotten were, for me, the highlight of the theatre-going part of the trip – what truly exceptional performances. It doesn’t get any better than that!
We had two lovely days weather-wise which gave us the perfect opportunity to soak up the atmosphere in the little pockets of neighbourhoods downtown. We went to Chinatown for dim sum (at a place called ‘The Golden Unicorn’) and then wandered through Little Italy up Mulberry Street with all the café tables on the sidewalks and the wonderful smell of freshly baked breads and garlic. We, of course, had to visit Bleeker Street in the Village – for John to step into Matt Umanov’s guitars (where he bought his Collings) and for me to buy cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery.
We also got to visit FAO Schwarz, the amazing toy store used in the film Big (where Tom Hanks jumps on the gigantic keyboard) – it was closed for renovations last time we were here. So many toys…. The ultimate present for your average little princess was the Elizabethan ‘dress-up’ costume – $7500!! There were also some very impressive “toys” under lock and key linked to Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Superman etc. Lots of ‘oohing’ and ‘aahhing’ by men in their 30’s (as well as us!)
We took the subway uptown to The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine. It is absolutely HUGE! Unfortunately there was a fire there in 2001 and a lot of it is still closed for restoration. A little bonus for us was listening to the beautiful voices of a visiting high school choir – North Forsyth High from Cumming, GA. Great acoustics!
We walked to The Plaza one night for drinks only to find it closed for refurbishment – closed for THREE YEARS! Only The Plaza could afford to close for 3 years for that – other hotels would do one floor at a time! A doorman sent us to “Mickey Mantle’s” – a bar on Central Park South. It was fine, very Brooklyn and very touristy. I did have a glass of the ‘Francis Ford Coppola Gold Label Chardonnay’ from their celebrity wine list. Quite nice.
What a wonderful time, talk about coincidence, we watched a movie last night,with Morgan Freeman,>An Unfinished Life, he was carring a bit more weight in the movie than in your photo.>Allan B
Mr. Baltaks>>I didn’t know you played… “John to step into Matt Umanov’s guitars (where he bought his Collings)…”>Your full of surprises Sir…>>Anonymous PCS Student
Well, that entry successfully pushed my envy button. Seems like just the perfect time of the year to be there.>>Your photos are lovely John. Don’t feel it is inappropriate to post more of food (or you!).
Dad, I really wish I was trekking around with you… sounds like you are having an awesome time…>The photos are fantastic… keep posting them!! I always wanted to figure out how you naturally had the talent to produce such creative and wonderful moments in time…>Love always,>Naomi
Arth and Jane in Germany.>We’re glad we started reading this early ‘cos there’s a lot to read and see and it’s all very interesting. We like the McDonald’s>picture. We have a good one of a sign in the south of France to show you what one french person thought of the place. Looking forward to seeing you in June.
Well I have finally connected with you!>Wonderful reading and yes the photos are always good….John we have similar photo taste.>Loved the food descriptions (and my mouth melted with mention of Godiva chocolates at Union Station)I have been taken back to my travels of the USA. Soooo glad Washington didn’t disappoint..I loved the place.>Continue to enjoy your adventures.>Hugs>Henri>xxxx