After my wonderful snow filled Christmas in Germany, I flew back over the Atlantic Ocean to New York City to meet up with Claus, Michelle and Ben to spend New Years with my cousin, Jason. I didn't escape the snow though. Two days before arriving, two feet of snow dumped on the city. That didn't stop us from getting out and exploring the city though!
Our first night, we went out for Indian food and it was delicious! Well worth the effort of getting there even though I practically passed out from the sheer exhaustion of traveling right after we had our samosas!
The next morning, went into the city and started our tour at the New York City Public Library.....does it look familiar from Ghostbusters?
There really is some beautiful architecture in the city.
This is the Chrysler Building. Less famous than the Empire State building, but I think it's a prettier building (if my vote counts)!
We stopped by Grand Central Station for lunch and now I understand the meaning of the phrase...it was crowded!
We stopped at the Raw Bar for lunch and some Bloody Mary's.
And of course cheesecake for dessert at Junior's. Yum!
Next stop...Rockefeller Center. I have to admit that I was a little disappointed in the size of the Christmas tree. I guess it's always looked bigger on TV. But the lights and ice skating and other decorations were beautiful.
We passed by St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Ave. Apparently my bad luck with construction continues. There was scaffolding around the front of the cathedral....
And we saw Atlas...you would think he would just put the world down and get on with his life....
Radio City Music Hall
Jason got us tickets to the Top of the Rock which lets you go through the museum telling the story of the building and then puts you out on the top where we got an excellent view of the city!
This view shows Central Park.
Claus and Michelle pose with the Empire State building.
We were really lucky that the sun was out that day, but it was still pretty cold!
While on the top, I had to stop and take a little break from all the excitement! Thanks for the photo, Michelle!
After visiting 30 Rock, we had to stop and take a little break to rest our feet....walking around in boots all day is not fun....just ask Michelle!
We did get to do a little shopping along Fifth Ave and gawk at the lines of people waiting to get into stores like Hollister and Abercrombie. Jason and I toured FAO Schwarz and saw the famous piano from Big. Afterwards it was time to head back to Brooklyn to re-energize with sushi and TV before going out for drinks and pizza!
The next day, we started out at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
I really enjoyed the Egyptian exhibit.
They actually have part of an Egyptian temple from Dandur surrounded by other artifacts and a reflecting pool. It was here that Ben and I took our second photo together....considering how photo happy I normally am, I'm not really sure why it's been so long without any photos!
Inside the lobby at the Met...Ben is waiting for all of us to get our acts together so we can go eat!
On our way to the deli, we strolled through Central Park.
And took pause for a little snowball fight. I thought this photo was really cool....until they actually threw the snowballs at me. Actually, only Claus and Ben threw them at me, so I guess I know who my real friends are!
Cleopatra's Needle is a 71 foot, 244 ton Obelisk originally erected in Egypt around 1500 BC. In 1879, it was shipped to the United States as either a gift of the Khedive of Egypt, who offered it to the U. S. as a token of good faith to help stimulate economic relations between the two countries or it was swiped by William H. Vanderbilt against the wishes of the Egyptians. It depends on who you ask.
Belvedere Castle
There were lots of little snowmen throughout the park. This little one was made on a fence post!
Talk about a fat squirrel! He's definitely prepared for the winter!
On New Year's day, we journeyed to Chinatown for dim sum at the Golden Unicorn. Then Jason took us on a tour of downtown.
Thought this was funny, but in my case it should be "Unlucky Buns".
We walked by the former site of the twin towers.
And by the church that George Washington attended immediately after being inaugurated as president.
And, of course, the New York City Stock Exchange.
From looking at the outside, you would never guess the craziness that ensues on the inside!
We ended our tour with a walk through Battery Park with a view of the Statue of Liberty.....
....and a snowball fight between Ben....
...and Claus. Ben had to get revenge after Claus pegged him with a great shot in Central Park!
I had a wonderful time in New York and much thanks goes to Jason and Mike for being such gracious hosts and allowing us to invade their home for New Years!
