I just needed to get this post in for Veterans Day. Today I went to Pier 88 to see the USS New York. It was really something to see. All the servicemen were friendly and helpful, answering questions and showing you the equipment. I couldn't help but smile and say thank you. It really gave me a sense of pride. I am so proud of these men and women who so bravely give themselves to serve our country. I am very proud to be an American!!!

Empire State Building

My first post for this blog is about the Empire State Building but I am bringing it up again so I can post some pics from the top.

I took my two youngest children there July 8, 2009. We went up around sunset. It was packed. We waited over an hour to get to the 86th floor. When we hit the 80th floor you had the option to walk the stairs to the observation deck. I said what the hell let's give it a try. Big mistake. I didn't think it would be a big deal. I was wrong. By the time I reached the observation deck I thought I was going to die. My heart was pounding in my chest, my ears and my throat. I am now convinced I am out of shape. My mother wanted to walk the stairs but they wouldn't let her. She said I have cancer, I am not crippled. I think she would have done better than me. After I caught my breath I took a few pictures not knowing how to adjust it for night pictures. Then my son took it for me and adjusted it. Kids are so smart these days.

After viewing NYC from the Observation deck we then took the elevator to the 102nd floor. Was it worth an extra $15 per person? Not really, same view. But, I can at least say I was there! You are not outside at this level. It is enclosed.

Gramercy Bagels

This is my favorite bagel place in NYC. The service is friendly and fast. The place is a popular morning stop for the cadets going to the police academy located near by. It is always full of people. The bagels are warm and yummy! I usually have a toasted onion or everything bagel. Sometimes with cream cheese. They really load it up so if you don't want a ton you have to let them know. They do deliveries. Mom loves it! Phone: (212) 388-0080

Grand Central Station

I absolutely love Grand Central Station. It is beautiful. I can only imagine the history in this place. Non stop! The architecture is amazing, the ceilings are beautiful the chandeliers are glorious, and all the marble... takes your breath away. I guess I sound silly but things like this thrill me. I love the beauty of it all.

Did you know? (Click for more exciting facts)

• Although the original Grand Central Depot was built in the same place as today's terminal, the location was not yet "central" to much of anything. The building was constructed to the north of the actual city.

• The original Grand Central Depot had a separate waiting room for immigrants so that other travelers could avoid associating with them.

• Although many people, including most New Yorkers, refer to the modern building as Grand Central Station, the correct name is Grand Central Terminal. A station is a stopping place along a route, while a terminal refers to either end of a railroad line.

• Each of the five chandeliers in Grand Central Terminal is gold and nickel-plated and has 144 light bulbs.

• The floor of Grand Central's Main Concourse consists of an entire half-acre of Tennessee marble.

• The southwest corner of the terminal was once the duplex apartment home of wealthy New York financier John W. Campbell.

• A decision of the Supreme Court in 1978 was needed to preserve Grand Central Terminal's landmark status and prevent developers from demolishing the building and replacing it with a six-million-square-foot office tower.

You could spend days in this glorious place finding something new each time. It is constantly moving.

I love sitting and watching people. I love to hear the shouts of glee as some one comes running from one end to other with their arms stretched out just waiting to embrace their friend, family or love. It gives me a chill. Some faces are sad, others deep in thought. Business men, tourists, everyday people just moving from one end of town to the other. The fun (for me) comes when I try to imagine what they are thinking and make up a story in my head about it.

For example, I witnessed a woman scream with delight and take off running across the crowded terminal, so I watched her. Her path took her to a man standing near one of the marble staircases carrying nothing but a small back pack, looking ragged. A smile hit his face and he dropped his back pack and she jumped into his arms. That was cool, so I then start to imagine this romantic encounter. Thinking about what it took for them to finally be together and a silly "happily ever after" scenario. I am obviously a hopeless romantic.

It is hard for me to explore all the fascinating aspects of this building on the trips I take. My Mother and my children don't seem to share my enthusiasm for such things. They look and say, "Oh, nice!" and then move on. LOL! I try to force feed history down their throats and it is an agonizing effort. Maybe when they are older they will see what I see.

So if you ever visit the city be sure to stop in and check it out. You won't be disappointed.

Times Square

One blog post will in no way cover Times Square. It is definitely the place to go for people watching. I love sitting in the center watching the people go by. Interesting pretty much covers it. My mother loves this place. She has to go there every time we stay over. I am pretty much ready to move on LOL! She also loves the Olive Garden there. We did eat at Bubba Gumps which wasn't that impressive, to commercial (like Olive Garden) in my opinion.

Every time we go to eat my Mother insists on a window seat, nothing like waiting an extra hour to eat.

WANTED: Recommendations for NYC

Anyone who reads this please feel free to give me some places to check out. It would be a great help to find those little places that not everyone knows about. I did receive a few recommendations last night and will definitely check them out. I walked by a few but it was to early to enjoy them.

I know there are quite a few guides that live in the NYC area or have lived here. Thanks in advance.

One of my favorite things to do in NYC is take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. It is fun for the kids and they can see the Statue of Liberty. The best part... it's free.

Check out the "Ferry Facts."

I will post a few better pictures of the ferry as soon as I can.

The Church of the Most Precious Blood Update

The Church of the Most Precious Blood was closed when I found it. So I couldn't go in and take a look around. I guess I will have to wait for the 82nd Annual Feast of San Gennaro to enjoy its beauty and history.

This festival looks like so much fun. I have heard from a few other ChaCha'ers that it is awesome.

Piccolo

I love Piccolo. The food was awesome, the service was very good and the atmosphere, quaint... Will go back!


We just finished a long day of traveling and a meeting with Dr. Bruckner. We were hungry and never in the city before. Lovely lady from clinic suggested Piccolo. It was close to clinic on next corner. Looking at the place I probably would have walked passed it without even going in. I learned very quickly that these little restaurants are fabulous and worth venturing into.

I had Chicken Piccolo. It was delicious! Presentation was also very appealing to the eye. Prices were moderate and worth it. I did take a picture of what I had to eat but deleted it some how. It was pretty!

Another point I love about the restaurants, they all post their menu outside before you go in so you can get an idea of what they offer and the price range.

Getting ready for another NYC adventure! Might go visit Little Italy this time and The Church of the Most Precious Blood

I was reading up on San Gennaro and it is very interesting. I love the story about his blood.

First Picture

This picture, The Empire State Building, was the very first picture that I took in NYC. I just came out of the tunnel, turned down Dryer Ave to 34th Street. I was in awe of all the people and activity. I kept driving as I was fumbling with my bag looking for my camera. I finally pulled it out and took this picture through the windshield. I was totally looking like a tourist. It is by far my favorite picture. Every time I drive into the city This is the first building I see in the distance. It makes me smile knowing I am almost there. My mother also loves this building and loves driving down 34th Street.

A little history:

Dryer Ave

Dyer Avenue is named after General George Rathborne Dyer, who was the chairman of the board of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and died while the Lincoln Tunnel was under construction.

Empire State Building

Construction of the Empire State Building began in March of 1930 on the site of the old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel at 350 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street. It was completed 14 months later in May, 1931. Designed by the architectural firm of Shreve, Lamb, & Harmon Associates, the Empire State Building, at 102 stories, was the tallest building in the world until the completion of the first tower of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan in 1972.

I <3 NYC

I absolutely love NYC. I love it so much that I have decided to blog about my weekly adventures there. I am amazed at how many awesome things there are to do. Just wandering down a street you stumble upon many awesome restaurants, cozy hotels, historical sites and so much more. It is impossible to be bored with NYC.

I always dreamed of going to see "The Big Apple." Unfortunately that dream was realized when my mother was diagnosed with cancer. It is because of her condition that I ventured into this wonderful place.

I am now in love with it. I love everything about it. I love the architecture, the people, the history, the food carts on the corner. So, with all that said, I have decided to share my adventures. Share the hotels and restaurants that I get to experience. I think this will be loads of fun.

I hope someone finds this entertaining, fun and maybe even useful. Enjoy!