Trip Report New York City

[viking]

Ok, ok, ok. So we didn't hop on a plane to some far off destination but it was really good to have few members meet in the Big Apple for a day of sightseeing and food. And one of us did drive some 7 hours for the opportunity to get together in person.

So after 30-40 changes in plans, Turbo, SOC, and Viking meet on the New Jersey side of the George Washington bridge and proceed to the city. The weather is sunny and decently warm. We drive to the end of Manhattan, do a little exercusion inot the financial district before settling into a parking lot right between Little Italy and Chinatown. Off we go. Within a few blocks we are stopped be a couple of real nice beautiful blondes from Australia. They are lost. Fortunately, Viking being the ex-boy scout, whips out his handy dandy map of the city and proceeds to give directions. Unfortunately, one of thier 6 foot tall boyfriends shows up (nice guy) who understand the directions and off they go. A block later do we realize that this was a Kodak moment but too late.


We proceed to walk literally all over the place until we decide the we need some lunch. We find a nice small Italian resturant. Even the finicky SOC was able to find something on the menu.After some pasta and salads we start off again. After working our way through about one thousand street vendors and stores with almost every imaginable piece of clothing and things that are suppposed to be clothing, we head south towards Ground Zero.


We pass some truly outstanding talent on the streets with remarks from the three of us to the effect that these women would do a great justice walking down the street of any town in the FSU. Since Viking was the only truly unattached of the 3 of us, only his neck was hurting.

We get to Ground Zero. There were some fences and walkways put up that allowed for us to see into the area of the WTC 'pit' and try to visualize the enormity of what was once there. A somber moment for sure.

Its starting to get a bit late so we head back uptown and look for Ferrari's, the creme de la creme of Italian bakeries. After scoffing down about 10,000 calories of assorted cakes, napoleons and chocolate creme sometings, we head back for the car. We take a nice ride through the center of the city making sure we get a good look at Times Square which was lit up like nothing else in the world.

Then back across the bridge and on to our separate ways.

It was a great day to enjoy each others company and lots of good conversation. Perhaps we might all think about about doing something like this in our respective geographic area. There are lots of us in the Greater NY area and maybe a night out with our respective wives, partners, or dates for a weekend even would be a wonderful idea.

[Michelangelo]

Thanks for sharing.

Reading your TR reminded me of ground zero and Vik's arrival in America.

We spent two weeks in New York, including one night in the Hilton Millennium, which is across the street from ground zero.

It's a big, black solemn looking hotel.

The room was great-- 12 stories up with a flat screen TV.

But the window overlooked ground zero.

Vik had nightmares all night.  She saw it as a big grave yard and "felt" the souls of all the dead.

I had nightmares!  I was in front of a tower with a ground to missile on my shoulder, watching for planes!  It was horrible.

We moved on the next day :-)

Sorry to interrupt your TR-- but just had to share that one experience.

[Patrick]

Wow nice, very nice. I am happy that ya'll had a good time. Clyde actually ate something that was not  Indian or Chinese buffet, I am impressed.

[Jet]

So close, and you guys never made the subway trip to Brighton Beach? 

We always enjoy meeting other board members at those times when our paths cross, good to see that others enjoy it as well 
Thanks for posting!

[Turboguy]

Patrick,

We had him outvoted.  It probably would have been hard to find a Thai restaurant in little Italy anyway.

Jet,

Brighton Beach would have been cool.  Unfortunately there were not enough hours in the day.  I have not been there but would like to see it sometime.   I probalby won't be back for a while.  Hopefully next time VWRW may be with me and I am sure we both would like Brighton Beach.

[viking]

Jet

Brighton in cold weather is pretty quiet. Summer is the time to go. Let me know when you are up here. I did find a few good clubs for the evening hours if that is something that would be on your and yours agenda., should you make the trip.

[Son of Clyde]

I am hoping Bruce can meet with us next time. I asked Viking if he could contact Bruce but he did not have the number with him. Actually, there are probably quite a few RWD members in NYC.
This was a great time I love New York and good company. I even ate chicken cacciatori at the Italian restaurant which is a first.

[Jet]

This was a great time I love New York and good company.

Lil LOVES New York City, and we usually make it up there about once a year. My Brother and his wife live in lower Manhatten so it's a good excuse to get up there, as they seem to always know the coolest little out-of-the-way spots that the average tourista would never find in a million years.

[Bruce]

If the timing is right I would always be happy to meet up.  Between my work schedule, my wife taking classes, our one year old.............its tough.  We wanted to have another child after our daughter was one, but we agreed that we have to slow down.  Maybe next year we'll think about another little one.  Do not get me wrong, kids are great, but they are a lot of work at first...........and from what you experienced guys tell me it will only get worse.  Thats why we need to get our ducks firmly in a row before we try for a second.  MIL and FIL will be comming soon.  If people come up over anytime just PM me and at least I'll show up.  If you end up in Brighton we are close enough so you could see our child in motion.  Actually, the playground is really cool.  There are all these little Russian and Ukrainian babies running around with either their grandmother, grandfather, mom or dad close by.  It is a hoot to hear them all speaking baby Russian.  You can tell the Russian and Ukrainain children immediately just by how they are dressed.  No matter how poor the family their kid has a cool hat, clean clothes and the cutest white faces.

Groove is around somewhere deep in the heart of Manhattan.  Too bad you could not have met up with him as well.

[Son of Clyde]

Next time there will be a meeting in NYC I will post something to the board so anyone who is available can contact us.

[groovlstk]

I hope you guys were able to see the Macy's Christmas display, it's pretty extraordinary. I'm planning to take my fiancee to see it the day after she arrives.

Bruce, are you anywhere near Coney Island? I've been reading a lot about the $1.5 billion they're investing to clean the joint up, it should change the area dramatically. (Right now the Coney Island beach is jokingly called "the world's biggest ashtray.")

[Bruce]

Three miles away.  Brighton Beach borders Coney Island Beach.   

[Son of Clyde]

I could see Coney Island from the Belt Parkway driving to JFK airport. Glad I didn't stop.

[Turboguy]

Darn SOC, you know how to put a guy in pain.  Not only have to have an avatar of a camel but have to mention JFK. 

I am supposed to be at JFK now boarding a flight to Cairo to meet up with VWRW.  Of course with the winds I am back home and VWRW is on the way to Cairo where I won't be, at least for a day. 

My son was also flying today for Lugansk and should be over the Atlantic.  He is also home.

I will be looking forward to the next time we get together.

[Son of Clyde]

Turbo,
We will definitely get together in January.
I am looking forward to it.

[Turboguy]

Sounds great SOC.   I will be looking forward to it also.

[viking]

T/G

It's Saurday. Beautiful day. The planes are flying overhead. Hope you are on one of them. Good luck on your trip.

[Turboguy]

Thanks Viking,   I woun't be flying over your head today but hopefully will be flying.  I am re-booked through Atlanta this time.  All the flights to JFK were full.   I will be leaving for the airport in an hour.