Between our work and school schedules, Nate and I had one week during the entire summer where we could both take a vacation. After thinking of all the places we'd like to go, we bought plane tickets to New York City. We had a great time seeing the sights, going to plays, visiting with Nate's cousin, and eating yummy food. While we were there, I became very grateful for three things:
1. A traveling companion - especially when our train to the airport wasn't running the day we left.
2. Google maps and the iPhone - otherwise we'd still be wandering around Greenwich Village looking for Bleecker Street
3. Signs - on the streets, on the subways, on buildings - they are definitely one of the greatest inventions ever
Here are some highlights of our trip:
Seeing Mary Poppins on Broadway. We really enjoyed the show. It is different from the movie, but still so much fun to watch. There was a little boy behind us who could not figure out how on earth Mary Poppins flew. "Mom!! How does she do that??"
Taking a food tour in Greenwich Village. We ate such yummy food and learned a lot about the history and architecture in the Village. Our favorite stops: pizza store and cheese shop. Mmmmm!!
Visiting Nate's cousin Jamie. It was so fun to see her in her element! Usually we only see her when she comes out to Utah for vacation. We were able to see her several times during our visit. She was a great hostess. Thanks Jamie!
Seeing Wicked. Nate won the lottery for the tickets. Our words of advice - go planning to win the lottery and you will. It is all about attitude! There were at least 100 people vying for the lottery tickets but somehow Nate's name was drawn. We enjoyed the play and had 2nd row seats.
Being evacuated from Times Square. Our trip to NYC about 2 weeks after the failed bombing attempt in Times Square. Sure enough, while we were there visiting the M&M store (yes, a whole store, 3 stories, dedicated to my favorite candy!) when the police shut down Times Square. Police tape and everything. Rather exciting!
Me in M&M Heaven
The crowd being funneled away from Times Square
Riding the Staten Island Ferry...and being turned back to Staten Island by the Coast Guard. This was on our last night. We thought we may never make it home, being stranded on the Island. Lucky for us, it was just a communication problem with the Coast Guard relating to an earlier power failure on the boat ride over...and we made it back to the City in time to meet Jamie for ice cream and get back to our hotel.
We actually also rode the ferry the first day we arrived while we were waiting to check into our hotel. The pictures are from that ride.
Nate on the Ferry in front of the Statue of Liberty, which can be seen on the right. I couldn't get my camera to cooperate.
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge, eating pizza at Grimaldi's, and getting lost in Brooklyn. The one time Google Maps failed me. But great pizza!
Walking through Central Park. It was so pretty and it is so amazing that this huge park exists in such a busy city. We enjoyed walking through and pointing out places we recognized from movies. We also enjoyed seeing turtles in the different ponds throughout the park.
We had a great time in New York City. It was fun to see the sights and to go on an adventure together. But we were also happy to come home. As Ernest Hemingway said about New York, "It's a town you come to for a short time."
