I Love New York

Working our way back home after five weeks on the road, and Terry feeling more like himself, was an excuse to spend two nights at our favorite hotel in NYC - The Roosevelt. I love the ambiance of this jewel which dates back almost 90 years. It also brings back memories of my parents who brought my sister and me there when Guy Lombardo and his orchestra played at the Roosevelt Grill. How grown up we felt sitting at an elegant table. Of course, when my sister learned that they did not offer peanut butter, she ordered a hamburger - on the menu as chopped sirloin!

We took advantage of the Madison Lounge just off the lobby. Lovely cocktails and nice menu of small bites. After a day out, we sat in our cozy chairs and I ordered a chocolate martini. Our waiter's response was, "Oh, really"? What? Am I under-age? That was the only lapse of decorum at the Roosevelt!

A stay in the city also gave us the chance to catch up with two of our favorite New Yorkers, Mike and Jess. We had lunch at the restaurant at Tommy Bahamas. Yes, they actually do have a dining room there. On the recommendation of Jessica, who certainly knows her way around NYC eating establishments,  I had some great fish tacos. Nice meal and even nicer company. Love my son and daughter-in-law. 

Now what would a weekend in the city be without a parade? And since this was October 12th, the city accommodated with the annual Columbus Parade which was lining up right near our hotel. We chose to view the pre-parade and got a look at many of the marchers as they assembled - sort of an inside peek. Crowds were big  and streets were blocked off - just a typical weekend in NYC.

One of my favorite morning traditions is the Today Show. Terry and I went down in the morning, a little later than the die-hard fans, but close enough to get a pretty good spot. Cee Lo Green was the guest. Matt and Al weren't there and we weren't standing at a good vantage point for photos, but I got some that were at least passable. 

Not far from The Roosevelt is a small oasis. Located behind the New York Public Library, Bryant Park hosts a conglomeration of people walking, reading, sunning, sleeping, juggling, eating - all in a space much smaller than Central Park. There's something charming and familiar about Bryant Park. Young and old, the well-to-do and the financially challenged share this green space on a beautiful fall afternoon. This is quintessential New York and I still feel at home here. I don't think I could live full-time in the city again, but I do love to visit and "hang out". So fortunate to have my children there as a good excuse to make the trip.


Another landmark close by is the magnificent Grand Central Station which happens to be celebrating its centennial this year. What is fascinating about this rail hub is that it is so much more than just a train station. You find shops, restaurants, the annex of the Transit Museum and, of course, the fabulous ceiling in its Main Concourse. Little known fact: that the world's largest Tiffany clock is housed there as well. It is interesting to people-watch - the seasoned New York commuter, the awe-struck tourist, the nonchalant browser and those who appear to be there as part of their habitat - all provide a fascinating study. Right across the street is the famous Pershing Square restaurant where we dined on some exquisite pancakes - long lines, but worth the wait.

Could not leave the city without taking in a Broadway show, so we got tickets (over-priced) through the concierge to see Newsies. Although our seats were not what we expected - a little higher and tighter - this was a really good, energetic musical based on the plight of the news boys back in 1899. Dancing was great. Fun night.

Three days and two nights in the Big Apple at the end of our long road trip was a nice way to end the adventure. One more stop on the west side before we head home.