It's going to seem like I am posting EVERY photo I took, when in fact these are only a select few of the over 800 pictures that were actually taken... And because I'm a picture person, narrowing it down is VERY DIFFICULT! That being said, I'll start from the beginning. After dropping Hunter off with Andrew's parents in Russellville, (and shedding a few tears - I couldn't believe how hard it was to leave him! Oh my goodness I love that little guy so much!) we headed back home to do some last minute shopping and late night packing (I finally bought new athletic shoes after searching for like 3 years - lol, I'm such a horrible decision maker). Then it was up and away at the crack of dawn, finally arriving to the hustle and bustle of NYC. Immediately I was introduced to this fast-paced way of life during my first taxi ride, and then again with our very quick stop by the hotel before we were off to our first scheduled tour. No time to rest - too much to see and do!!
Our 'lovely' and very typical view from our room. HA!
We spent very little time in this charming room, literally leaving early in the am and crashing into bed in the very late pm.
Our first 'Free on Foot' walking tour was through Midtown Manhattan. Times Square was pretty much what I had envisioned, minus the fact that all of the people there are really just tourists not actually NYC residents. This area was actually one of my least favorites of the whole city. I have never felt anxiety from large crowds before, or maybe this is crowds to the extreme, but wow I really felt overwhelmed here. Luckily as the week went by, this feeling became less intense but never enough to feel truly comfortable.
Gotta love those street vendors...
Bryant Park was a little more my speed. Although completely surrounded by ginormous buildings, it's trees were absolutely gorgeous and it was nice to see people relaxing, though quite odd to see them doing so publicly what most of us do in private ( sun tanning in swim attire or underwear, etc. ) And it had the sweetest little outdoor library where you could check out books or games, and even had a section for kids - of course everywhere we went we were pointing out things Hunter would/wouldn't enjoy!! Our tour guide was full of interesting stories and facts which really made sight-seeing exciting.
We also saw many beautiful buildings (this is where I had to really cut back on posting photos). Too bad none of them can ever reveal their true beauty.
We had a glimpse of an upcoming movie set . . . rumored to be 'I Am Legend 2'. Never spotted Will Smith, so I guess we'll have to check out the movie and see!
Grand Central Station More beautiful than words or these pictures can describe. Never could I have dreamed a train or subway station could be so glamorous! It is such a piece of history . . . HUGE and just gorgeous!!
Flash Mob - Random. But a funny NYC experience.
The echo wall :)
Seeing the sights around Midtown!! Park Avene was definately ritzy, from the ornate buildings that lined its streets to its beautiful granite sidewalks.
The Waldorf Astoria (they put the flags up of prominent people who are currently staying in the hotel)
Interesting fact: The entire street and much of the area is actually a "bridge." With the massive subway system under the streets of New York, in some places such as Park Ave, there are as many as 5 levels of trains running underneath your feet.
We didn't take the tour bus even though our tired and aching feet would have appreciated it, I just snapped a picture of it traveling through the steam because it seemed so "New York-ish" from the movies... what I didn't realize is that the steam is true steam!! It's produced to heat & cool most of the buildings in New York, much cheaper than using gas or electricity, but sometimes it leaks through pipes and comes up out of manholes or grates in the sidewalks and streets - interesting but still, very hot and often stinky.
Of course we visited the M&M factory... the line was soooo long we decided they probably didn't taste any better than the ones back in Arkansas :)
The "New Year's Ball" - Happy 2011
People watching on the 'Red Stairs'
Golden Arches on every corner...
This picture just makes me laugh...
A cloudy, but still beautiful view from the 'Top of the Rock' (top of Rockafeller Center). We were advised by many that this view was better than the Empire State Building because it's observatory deck was near the same height, with better views of Central Park and of course you could actually view the ESB. We timed it right to catch the last of daylight and stayed long enough to see the city's lights turn on! Ahh . . .
Day 2: Quite possibly our favorite day
God blessed us with a gorgeous day with sunny skies and fall-ish temperatures!! First we went on a refreshing 3 hour, 11 mile, bike tour up part of New York's 'Greenway' and then through Central Park . I LOVED LOVED LOVED it!! We could never have seen or enjoyed as much of it's 843 acres without the help of the bicyles & the fun tour guide. Central Park is definitely the best part of New York in my opinion - absolutely magnificent.
Supposedly this is the exact center of Manhattan Island in Central Park.
Every detail in the park is completely hand crafted and unique, nothing is repeated... truly amazing.
The Boathouse in the background... Beautiful brides everywhere...
One 10 minute break . . . we'll take what we can get!! I liked that it was pretty much what I envisioned with its antique park benches, gigantic shady Elms, talented performers & music, and a joyous atmosphere. ( I also loved seeing actual New York families enjoying their holiday together, which of course made me miss my Hunter-man even more )
'Shakespeare's Garden' was a hidden gem within the park. It had a whimsical feel to it and I enjoyed reading Shakespeare's quotes coinciding with various types of plants around the area. (yes, another bride!) The path lead to a beautiful view from Belvedere's Castle.
'Strawberry Fields' an area of the park that serves as a living memorial to John Lennon. His former home and place where he was killed sits directly across the street. It's an incredibly peaceful spot, as it is restricted as a quiet zone, and is lined with dedication benches and beautitul American Elms.
This was the WORST idea of the entire trip . . . oh my goodness the limb seriously gave way when Andrew grabbed hold of it and came whoosing down to the ground!! I about had heart failure, and luckily it sprung back up, but everyone there turned and looked at us like we were hoodlums!
After a fabulous morning and a quick bite to eat, we decided to take-on the subway! Unlike hanging from the limb, getting the unlimited week long pass was one of our BEST decisions. Before this we had literally been hauling our tails everywhere trying to make it from one place to the next. Not that we didn't still walk our legs off - but we couldn't have held our pace for 6 days straight. Our first destination - Coney Island, Brooklyn. We were a tad bit hesitant at first (or I was) because the area is known to be somewhat sketchy ( I embarrassed my husband by asking a police officer what time we should head back), but once we got there we were so glad we went! Being that it was Labor Day, the crowds showed up! And even though it was a completely different demographic than the Manhattanites we'd been around, it was nice to see so many families enjoying the day together and we really ended up having alot of fun. The crisp fall air made it a little too cool to enjoy the beach but it was perfect for a stroll down the boardwalk and pier. The live karaoke performances were a highlight for Andrew. It was such a nice way to continue our relaxing afternoon - the famous Coney Island attractions the Wonder Wheel, the Cyclone, and Nathen's Famous hotdogs were all there for our enjoyment!
Brooklyn's views weren't near as aww striking as Manhattan's... except for this one. The train crossed this enormous cemetary that spread about as far as I could see in two directions. It was quite pretty.
Before crossing the Brooklyn Bridge we stopped for supper at the famous 'Grimaldi's Pizzeria' which had a line about as long as I could see . :) Fortunately we met up with two really sweet local girls, originally from Georgia, who blessed us with great conversation that really helped to kill the time. After about a 2 hour wait we joined them for a delicious, made from scratch, New York style, brick oven pizza. We devoured almost every bite of our very large dinner. And even though we love our "just us" vacations, we agreed that it was really nice to share a meal with friends.
After stuffing ourselves with pizza we thought it would be nice to walk it off while enjoying the glowing lights of the city. But first we had to splurge a bit more with another stop at a famous & yummy place - Brooklyn's Ice Cream Factory. It was of course delicious but the views across the water were even better... The walk back to lower Manhattan was awesome. The bridge itself is a true masterpiece. It's one of the oldest and longest suspension bridges (meaning it does sway) in the world. It's design is breathtaking and incredibly massive - now carrying 6 lanes of traffic, and at one time 2 trains & street cars, all while running underneath a large pedestrian walk/bike path. Interesting fact; it was a woman who maintained the determination and dedication to see this bridge to its completion in 1883, after her father-in-law and husband were both tragically injured early on in its 13 years of construction.
You are the God who performs miracles, you display your power among the peoples.
Psalm 77:14
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