![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Saturday, we got our usual late start, and walked over to the train station.
The first place we went was the Empire State Building. I'll post about that later. After that, we got back on the train and rode a couple of stops up to Grand Central Terminal.
It's a beautiful building, inside and out (though we didn't really see the outside until later). The main ballroom is enormous.
While many people were traveling through it, many were tourists like us, merely enjoying the place. This guy walked halfway across the floor with his arms in the air, clearly thrilled to be in such a famous place.
The subway riders were an eclectic bunch. I got a kick out of this guy - not the one fingering his nose, but the one with the aviator sunglasses and the toy piano.
After the train station, we were hungry and had lunch at a nearby Irish pub. We had intended to walk up to the Museum of Modern Art, but between the Empire State Building and lunch, we had run out of time. I had my heart set on seeing the Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibition, but it was not to be. Mike was waiting there for us, so we called him and decided to meet in between, at the Rockefeller Center.
It is made up of several tall buildings surrounding a plaza.
You know the one. The big golden sculpture behind the skating rink. In the summer, there's no ice, but a sea of umbrellas at the Rink Bar.
Here's what I like about the place:
The art deco style, and the humanist message. "Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times." They did throw in some mythology and astrology, but it was still cool.
Here's what I didn't like about the place:
Nuff said.
Nudes help, though. ;-)
Stay back! The water is dangerous!
So then we went to meet![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
penpusher. We always figured that if we made it to new York City, we'd look him up. Unfortunately, we didn't really plan ahead for this. Unfortunately, we didn't try to get hold of him until late thursday night, through facebook. Fortunately, he was able to return the call. Unfortunately, it was when we were in the very middle of the Brooklyn Bridge, and there was some confusion, since I had a lot of trouble hearing him. Fortunately, he was available, and we made plans to meet at Times Square.
Holy living hell, what a place!
Just above the marquee on the left, is where they film Good Morning America.
We took a look in the Toys R Us. They have a full sized ferris wheel in there. Probably bigger than the average ferris wheel, actually. Then we walked up Broadway. Dean was a good guide, and pointed out lots of interesting things. I'm sure Cindy can tell you what they were - I was busy with my camera at this point. We saw the Ed Sullivan Theater, home of Letterman's Late Show.
The M&M's look a little worried.
Then we passed this guy.
Does something look a little odd? He's not real. I didn't realize that until tonight.
We walked all the way up Broadway to Columbus Circle and the entrance to Central Park. The park is a nice retreat from the hustle of the city. It's still quite busy, for a park, but it's a nice green oasis nonetheless. We walked quite a bit.
Dean showed us the disco skate area. He was a skater back in the day, and helped set up the area, and make it a fixture.
Poor kid has no wheels on his skateboard.
Halfway up the park, on the west side, is Strawberry Fields.
There were a lot of baby boomers there at John Lennon's memorial, as well as girls posing with peace signs.
Across the street was The Dakota, where Lennon lived, and was killed. Many other famous people have lived there, but Lennon's the only one that matters. ;-)
Very exclusive.
Even their subway entrance is ritzy. Velvet ropes at the turnstiles, and all that.
Back in the park, we saw Belvedere Castle. A three-story stone building perched on a cliff overlooking a pond and a big lawn.
I wonder where they buy their uniforms.
And then down to the Alice In Wonderland sculptures. And the nearby Hans Christian Andersen sculpture.
Conservatory Water, with its remote-control sailboats.
From there we walked past the Central Park Zoo, and onward to FAO Schwartz. Then down 5th Avenue, all the way to the library.
We passed St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Rockefeller Center, where I got Cyn to do the ol' holding up Atlas holding up the world pose.
She said it was embarrassing. I said, "who's going to see the picture? It's not like I'm going to post it on the internet or anything."
We passed the Chrysler Building. Beautiful.
There are a lot of movies that have been filmed in Manhattan, but the sights were were most interested in seeing were the ones from Ghostbusters. Dean pointed out the apartment building through some trees, but we didn't have time to walk over to see it up close. We saw the library, but not only was it closed, but the outside was covered up for renovation. All we got to see were the lions. We did get to see some Con-Ed workers around a manhole, which reminded us of a scene in the sequel.
So after a break on the steps, we walked back up a couple of blocks to Grand Central.
From Grand Central, we rode the train down to the East Village.
We mentioned we like Indian food, and Dean knew just the place.
It was different. It was a small place. A dozen tables? And, as you can see, the ceiling was hung with strands of lights and foil decorations, to about (my) shoulder height (all the waiters were short). We had trouble fitting all the dishes on the table, but the food was very good.
Then we walked to the other side of the island, to a nice bar, Mr. Dennehy's, for some drinks. After that, Dean walked us through some more interesting neighborhoods. He pointed out some pre-Revolutionary War buildings, a gourmet ice cream truck, and a cool little bowling alley, among other places.
Then we had to say our goodbyes to Mike. Unfortunately, Dean and I were ahead, and had forgotten that Mike wasn't riding the train with us. We'd already gone through the turnstiles, so had to shake hands through the fence. :-( Then Cyn and I said goodbye to Dean. It was great to meet him after all these years. He was a great guide, and we certainly owe him the favor in return, if he ever makes it to Wisconsin. Maybe he can bring Lillian out, and we can all go to Circus World. :-)
That was pretty much it for our trip. The next morning after breakfast, we packed up and sat around waiting for our car. Then we sat around at LaGuardia. Then we sat on the plane. Then we drove home. My legs and feet were stiff for a couple of days afterwards.
The first place we went was the Empire State Building. I'll post about that later. After that, we got back on the train and rode a couple of stops up to Grand Central Terminal.
It's a beautiful building, inside and out (though we didn't really see the outside until later). The main ballroom is enormous.
While many people were traveling through it, many were tourists like us, merely enjoying the place. This guy walked halfway across the floor with his arms in the air, clearly thrilled to be in such a famous place.
The subway riders were an eclectic bunch. I got a kick out of this guy - not the one fingering his nose, but the one with the aviator sunglasses and the toy piano.
After the train station, we were hungry and had lunch at a nearby Irish pub. We had intended to walk up to the Museum of Modern Art, but between the Empire State Building and lunch, we had run out of time. I had my heart set on seeing the Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibition, but it was not to be. Mike was waiting there for us, so we called him and decided to meet in between, at the Rockefeller Center.
It is made up of several tall buildings surrounding a plaza.
You know the one. The big golden sculpture behind the skating rink. In the summer, there's no ice, but a sea of umbrellas at the Rink Bar.
Here's what I like about the place:
The art deco style, and the humanist message. "Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times." They did throw in some mythology and astrology, but it was still cool.
Here's what I didn't like about the place:
Nuff said.
Nudes help, though. ;-)
Stay back! The water is dangerous!
So then we went to meet
penpusher. We always figured that if we made it to new York City, we'd look him up. Unfortunately, we didn't really plan ahead for this. Unfortunately, we didn't try to get hold of him until late thursday night, through facebook. Fortunately, he was able to return the call. Unfortunately, it was when we were in the very middle of the Brooklyn Bridge, and there was some confusion, since I had a lot of trouble hearing him. Fortunately, he was available, and we made plans to meet at Times Square.Holy living hell, what a place!
Just above the marquee on the left, is where they film Good Morning America.
We took a look in the Toys R Us. They have a full sized ferris wheel in there. Probably bigger than the average ferris wheel, actually. Then we walked up Broadway. Dean was a good guide, and pointed out lots of interesting things. I'm sure Cindy can tell you what they were - I was busy with my camera at this point. We saw the Ed Sullivan Theater, home of Letterman's Late Show.
The M&M's look a little worried.
Then we passed this guy.
Does something look a little odd? He's not real. I didn't realize that until tonight.
We walked all the way up Broadway to Columbus Circle and the entrance to Central Park. The park is a nice retreat from the hustle of the city. It's still quite busy, for a park, but it's a nice green oasis nonetheless. We walked quite a bit.
Dean showed us the disco skate area. He was a skater back in the day, and helped set up the area, and make it a fixture.
Poor kid has no wheels on his skateboard.
Halfway up the park, on the west side, is Strawberry Fields.
There were a lot of baby boomers there at John Lennon's memorial, as well as girls posing with peace signs.
Across the street was The Dakota, where Lennon lived, and was killed. Many other famous people have lived there, but Lennon's the only one that matters. ;-)
Very exclusive.
Even their subway entrance is ritzy. Velvet ropes at the turnstiles, and all that.
Back in the park, we saw Belvedere Castle. A three-story stone building perched on a cliff overlooking a pond and a big lawn.
I wonder where they buy their uniforms.
And then down to the Alice In Wonderland sculptures. And the nearby Hans Christian Andersen sculpture.
Conservatory Water, with its remote-control sailboats.
From there we walked past the Central Park Zoo, and onward to FAO Schwartz. Then down 5th Avenue, all the way to the library.
We passed St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Rockefeller Center, where I got Cyn to do the ol' holding up Atlas holding up the world pose.
She said it was embarrassing. I said, "who's going to see the picture? It's not like I'm going to post it on the internet or anything."
We passed the Chrysler Building. Beautiful.
There are a lot of movies that have been filmed in Manhattan, but the sights were were most interested in seeing were the ones from Ghostbusters. Dean pointed out the apartment building through some trees, but we didn't have time to walk over to see it up close. We saw the library, but not only was it closed, but the outside was covered up for renovation. All we got to see were the lions. We did get to see some Con-Ed workers around a manhole, which reminded us of a scene in the sequel.
So after a break on the steps, we walked back up a couple of blocks to Grand Central.
From Grand Central, we rode the train down to the East Village.
We mentioned we like Indian food, and Dean knew just the place.
It was different. It was a small place. A dozen tables? And, as you can see, the ceiling was hung with strands of lights and foil decorations, to about (my) shoulder height (all the waiters were short). We had trouble fitting all the dishes on the table, but the food was very good.
Then we walked to the other side of the island, to a nice bar, Mr. Dennehy's, for some drinks. After that, Dean walked us through some more interesting neighborhoods. He pointed out some pre-Revolutionary War buildings, a gourmet ice cream truck, and a cool little bowling alley, among other places.
Then we had to say our goodbyes to Mike. Unfortunately, Dean and I were ahead, and had forgotten that Mike wasn't riding the train with us. We'd already gone through the turnstiles, so had to shake hands through the fence. :-( Then Cyn and I said goodbye to Dean. It was great to meet him after all these years. He was a great guide, and we certainly owe him the favor in return, if he ever makes it to Wisconsin. Maybe he can bring Lillian out, and we can all go to Circus World. :-)
That was pretty much it for our trip. The next morning after breakfast, we packed up and sat around waiting for our car. Then we sat around at LaGuardia. Then we sat on the plane. Then we drove home. My legs and feet were stiff for a couple of days afterwards.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2010-06-04 11:09 am (UTC)From:Your comments are as good as the pictures, Kevin.
:D
Cyn holding up Atlas holding up the world reminded me of Cyn wearing the bull horns in Ronda. I'm glad she's a good sport.
:D
The kid with no wheels on his skateboard isn't real either.
:P
no subject
Date: 2010-06-04 01:15 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2010-06-04 02:32 pm (UTC)From:Wow.
Must be a new form of skateboarding.
:)
no subject
Date: 2010-06-04 05:52 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2010-06-04 11:17 am (UTC)From:Grand central really is beautiful, but all over too many people in one place.
no subject
Date: 2010-06-04 11:26 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2010-06-04 11:50 am (UTC)From:I loved Grand Central Station when I was there but I could do without all the people!
no subject
Date: 2010-06-04 12:45 pm (UTC)From:Though Panna II (that's what the Indian Restaurant looked like...) is more show than flavor, I've always thought - still good though.
A bit of trivia - the lion you photographed is named Patience. The other one is named Fortitude. I love them lions.
I'm so glad you enjoyed NYC!
no subject
Date: 2010-06-04 01:14 pm (UTC)From:I just discovered that last night, about the names of the lions.
Mike was our guide on friday, and Dean (penpusher) was our guide for saturday.
You'll have to give us some recommendations for next time. :-)
no subject
Date: 2010-06-04 01:27 pm (UTC)From:You really did hit all my favorite spots ... from the skyscrapers to my favorite parts of the park, from the subways to Grand Central.
Of course, the museums (Metropolitan, MOMA, Natural History) are musts when you have more time - and there are SO many minor ones that are special too. Last time I went back, we went to the Tenement Museum - very touching.
To me, the magic of NYC are those parts that are most relevant to your interests - not mine. There are so many shops and museums that would appeal to a photography geek. And so many performances that would appeal to your musical tastes. Cyn might enjoy a ferry trip to the ultimate Mandolin store (Mandolin Brothers) or you might not want to spend your time that way. Finding the hidden parts of NYC most relevant to your interests is so much fun. Last time back I took Maus to Maxilla & Mandible. Of course, we both share a love of good deli, and there are a number of good ones to hit...
no subject
Date: 2010-06-07 05:16 pm (UTC)From:Yes, the museums are on the list for the next time.
no subject
Date: 2010-06-04 02:14 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2010-06-04 04:00 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2010-06-05 05:01 am (UTC)From:When I walked into Grand Central Station I thought "Crossroad of a million lives". Just like the Saturday am program I listened to as a kid.
no subject
Date: 2010-06-07 02:32 pm (UTC)From:The man in the manhole wasn't real?
Please tell me that you looked up at the ceiling in Grand Central? That was my favorite part.
Did you go into St. Patrick's? It's gorgeous inside.
I never got to see a lot of those parts of Central Park. Seeing them makes me happy.
The man with his arms in the air... I picture a special friend meeting him, but still unseen.
no subject
Date: 2010-06-07 05:14 pm (UTC)From:Yeah. I didn't get any good pictures of the ceiling, though. :-)
No, we didn't go inside. In fact, we crossed to the other side of the street to get a good photograph. Didn't turn out, though. The sky was dramatic, but the sun was too low, and the building was in shadow.
The guy with his arms in the air walked at least halfway across the room, and just looked around (and up). :-)
no subject
Date: 2010-06-07 06:31 pm (UTC)From:If that man in the manhole is a sculpture I wonder if he was created by Duane Hanson...
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/artpages/duane_hanson_tourists_2.htm
no subject
Date: 2010-06-08 01:41 am (UTC)From:We have one of his at our museum.
http://collection.mam.org/details.php?id=6973
no subject
Date: 2010-06-08 06:37 am (UTC)From:I actually got to see Duane Hanson talk at one of my art conferences. He was a lot of fun talking about all the things that happened involving those uber realistic sculptures. My favorite was when a museum accidentally brought in paramedics to aide his tired Businessman who slumped in a chair.
no subject
Date: 2010-06-08 05:50 pm (UTC)From: