garyandpearl

Saturday August 20

We arrived just in time for a great downpour, so we were a bit soaked by the time we reached our 4 story Brownstone just off of east 58th street in Manhattan. We enjoyed 5 bedrooms on the top two floors on the right hand side.

We found some lunch, and then took time to shower, nap, do laundry, and relax.

We enjoyed supper at Ellen’s Stardust Diner where the serving staff sang while they worked. It was great entertainment and the food was scrumptious as well.

Sunday August 21
Today is Gary’s birthday, and what better way to start the day than with Donuts and Coffee from Dunkin Donuts?

Most of us headed to the Brooklyn Tabernacle for the 11:00 worship service. Willie was feeling a bit under the weather, so he joined up with us later. We grabbed a quick lunch and walked across the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan. We celebrated Gary’s birthday by going to a Broadway Musical: School of Rock. It was very well done, and it showcased so many talented children. We snacked at TGI Fridays before calling it a night.

Monday August 22

Allan left us early this morning as he headed back home. Central Park was our destination this morning. This 843 acre park is a refreshing a oasis in the midst of the concrete jungle. Willie and Denise decided to rent bikes and ride through it, Ron and Rhonda had a guided tour in a Pedi cab, and the rest of us wandered on foot.

After a bit of shopping, some of us took the subway to Harlem to have fried chicken at Sylvia’s Diner: southern comfort food at its best! More shopping and walking followed, and a trip to Macy’s included a visit to the Lindt shop.

Willie and Denise had tickets to “Beautiful”, the Carol King musical, and Gary and I chose Phantom of the Opera. Both were fantastic! The others chose a trip to the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller center) for an incredible view of the city.

Empire State Building

Tuesday August 23

After a morning walk to the East river, we strolled by the United Nations Plaza and found the Canadian flag as one of 193 flags displayed.

The Statue of Liberty was our next destination, so we took the subway downtown and got on the Staten Island Ferry which gave us a great view.

Snacks were consumed as we waited to return to Manhattan on the next ferry, and we scouted out the massive Bull in the Financial district and the New York Stock Exchange. We enjoyed lunch in Trinity Square from the various food vendors (falafel anyone??) and then made our way to the 9-11 Memorial. As we took in the scene, we wondered what it must have been like to be in Manhattan that morning..to see the devastation. The city has done a beautiful job of clearing the wreckage and remembering all those who perished.

We had a bit of free time, so we headed to New Jersey by train to visit the Cake Boss’s bakery in Hoboken. We enjoyed chocolate mousse, cannoli, napoleons, and other assorted goodies.

The weather was gorgeous, and we enjoyed a walk to the pier where we enjoyed the impressive Manhattan skyline.

Tonight was our last night, so we ventured on the overcrowded subways back to our home for four days and packed up our belongings. We enjoyed some delicious wood fired takeout pizza on the patio as our final NYC supper.

Wednesday August 24

We were up at 4:15 to be on the street by 4:45 to hail a yellow taxi. After a crazy fast cab ride to Newark, New Jersey, we got checked in for our 0755 flight to Calgary. We skirted a few thunder storms along the way, but we arrived in Calgary and made it back to the Hat before 3.

Thanks for following our adventures!

We thank God for safety and for the awesome experiences!

Here sit my faithful companions, awaiting another adventure.