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New York City, Part 3

Powerful Day 3. We awoke to dark skies and rain. Admittedly, it was a little tough to wake up, but we rejected the urge to sleep in and waste the morning. We started the day off by checking out Red Rocket Tattoo, where Sammie had ideas of getting her first tattoo. We had both been entertaining the idea for a while, but  she was determined to get her design done while on this trip.

Everyone at Red Rocket Tattoo was extremely kind. And even though Sammie hadn’t booked any appointment ahead of time, she was able to get it right there and then. It didn’t take too long–the whole process took maximum 1 hour–before we paid up and were on our way.

We then headed down to the financial district of Manhattan. We started by getting off the subway at Canal Street, thinking that shopping of some kind would be good there. Perhaps our expectations were higher than they should have been, but that I wouldn’t go back.

Next we headed down to City Hall, the Brooklyn Bridge and then finally the World Trade Center Memorial. All three were stunning in their own ways. We didn’t see much of City Hall, but the park there was lush and green. Although it was raining it still felt nice to be outside.

The Brooklyn Bridge was really cool. We walked half way across, but stopped there because we were going to be doing a day of Brooklyn the following day.

We finally made our way to the World Trade Center Memorial. First of all, just to get into it you have to go through airport security–we had to remove belts, shoes, jackets–which was unexpected, perhaps foolishly. Secondly, talk about powerful. To try and explain the feeling would be wrong, but what I will write is that I think it’s an important place to see and check out should you be in the NYC area.

The Memorial is both beautiful and saddening simultaneously. It truly amazed me to be standing there, looking at the individual names of those who had tragically died. Next to the Memorial now stands the construction of the new tower, so tall that it disappeared into the foggy sky.

After being so seriously humbled we made our way back to the subway where we headed for the hotel. Our feet we hurting and soaked and we needed to shower before a big dinner. We had reservations at Bar Americain set for 8:15.

New York City, Part 2

Despite the constant noise in the city, sleeping in New York is easy. After a day full of walking and with burning legs, the last thing you focus on are the honking horns, sirens and general buzzing.

After a busy first day, Sammie and I awoke–excited to see more of the city we had only caught a glimpse of the day before. We started our day as authentically as possible by waiting in a long line for a couple of Starbucks coffees. We then continued on up Fifth Avenue toward The Rockefeller Center and surrounding areas. We passed the beautiful stores and boutiques that would be even more exciting if we had fat wallets and were looking to spend.

All of the walking early in the day without eating anything substantial for breakfast meant that a big lunch was going to be necessary. We decided to randomly wander into a place near Rockefeller called Bill’s Bar & Burgers. And while the waitress was a little dopey, the food was certainly delicious. Below is Sammie’s Mozzarella Chicken Sandwich with Roasted Red Pepper.

We then ventured on up to the south end of Central Park when we explored a little on our before getting a cliche ride through the lower part of the park on a horse and carriage. We had a beautiful horse, Rudy, pull us through the serene and magical world within the bustling metropolis.

We wanted to go to the Top of the Rock and overlook the city from serious heights but the overcast skies put a hold on that plan. Luckily they wouldn’t even sell us tickets, suggesting we come back when things cleared up. Unfortunately that never happened.

We instead finished our evening with a yummy meal and drinks at the Heartland Brewery, which is located under the Empire State Building and across from our cozy hotel. We couldn’t have planned to finish it off in a nicer or better way. Afterward it was time to go back to our room to rest our tired legs and prepare to explore a whole new area the next morning.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Every so often I get nostalgic for the past. I was thinking about family today when I remembered these pictures I had taken of older photos from the family archives. Below are a few of  the better ones that show some of the people in my family who came before me.

I hope you enjoyed these. Do you ever feel nostalgic about anything? Are there any particular pictures that you hold closer to your heart than others? I’d love to read about them if you care to share the stories.

Smudge – On the Prowl

Stained Glass

MAHARAJA