The Hub had to travel to New York City on Business this past October and since I'd never been, the Monkey and I decided to tag along. We took the MegaBus, which, in theory was a fun idea, but having lived through it, I definitely don't recommend doing it with a toddler, but that's a whole different adventure.
We were there for 2 and a half days and stayed at the Holiday Inn Express on 29th street a block and a half from 7th Ave. If, like me, you aren't "in the know" about Manhattan, 7th Ave is also Fashion Ave, The home of FIT. and Broadway, which is the home of "Time Square" between 42nd and 47th St., and the Theatre District between 40th and 54th st. It's also home to Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, and Penn Station and is also a direct route to Central Park on 59st. Oh and our hotel was only a couple of blocks from the big MACY's store. So it really was a PERFECT location for sight seeing and exploration.
The day we arrived I'd arranged for us to pick up tickets and see the National September 11th Memorial & Museum, but unfortunately, due to the above mentioned MegaBus, we had to forego this part of the trip. We talked about going on the last day after the Hub was done with his meetings, but when the time came, it was pouring so we agreed that we'll have to go back because it's something we both really want to see.
The Hub stayed pretty busy for both days, which left lots of time for the Monkey and I to explore.
On Day 1, the whether was perfect, so after breakfast, the Monkey and I set out for our adventures. I have heard that this city is unlike any other. Having stood at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in Paris I thought I understood and was prepared for how to feel, but let me tell you, I had no idea. The moment you step off the curb into your first New York City intersection there's a sort of magical energy that surrounds you, and as the crowds from both sides of the street grow closer and closer until they meet and merge in a dance of sorts and somehow you've made it to the other side, you realize that there's no other place like this on Earth. The energy is AMAZING!
The Monkey in Time Square
El Found her Favorite Letter!!!
A BIG thank you to our good friend Stephanie Sabbe for giving us a few New York City "must sees"!
Storytime at FAO Schwarz
That is a BIG book for such a little lady!
And a BIG chair for such a little lady too!
And it wouldn't be right for our little Monkey to leave such a famous toy store without a little...
dancing...
and sliding...
On this OH SO FAMOUS keyboard!!!
Lunch at "Pop Burger!
Another Sabbe suggestion.
I'm pretty sure the iPhone 4s came out pretty close to the time we were there and THAT was the line to get in the Apple Store!
A stroll past the plaza Hotel.
I just LOVE how everywhere you look there is this mixture of old and new.
A stop at Central Park
I know I shouldn't be, but I was amazed by the number of taxies on any given block.
More of Time Square on our walk back to the hotel
That night the Hub joined us for dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
There's always time for dancing while we wait for a table
The view from our table
She was asleep within 5 min of getting back to our room.
It rained the entire second day so we stayed in and roamed the hotel in the morning.
And El bonded with her reflection.
And here's the video because you really can't grasp how funny it was without seeing her in action.
(sorry it's so dark)
We also made a trip to Macy's when the Hub finished up before heading out to catch the bus home. All in all it was a great trip and we're hoping to go back after "Little Sticks" arrives and is big enough to travel (which by the way, could be ANY DAY NOW!!!!). On our list of must sees are the National September 11th Memorial & Museum, and of course the American Girl Doll store, but please let me know in the comments what else we should do, where we should go, what we should see.
Till next time,
Bon Voyage!
