This morning began slowly, since we had all agreed we’d not get together in the morning: I know what it’s like to hang with parents, and I know breaks were needed!

I headed upstairs to get my cappuccino, posted photos on to the yesterday’s blog entry, and played my puzzles (got ‘em all but the easy level of “colorfle”).

Then I figured I’d walk to Russian Samovar to see how walkable the route was since it’s where we are having dinner tonight. As it turned out, there was a half marathon taking place and I couldn’t get to where I wanted to go!

Instead I kind of followed the marathon route, figuring I’d then go to Central Park. Well, they had most of that blocked off from the east side so I had quite a walk to find a way in.

I only went through a short bit of it, and then headed back out. I then thought I’d head back to Russian Samovar. I got there in a rather circuitous way: Manhattan and I don’t see to agree on North, South, East, and West. But I did find it.

From there I reset my watch so I could check the distance to the hotel. Only trouble is that after a bit of a walk I saw the Hudson. Um … that’s not on the east side! I had walked the opposite direction of what I should have done. I still have no clue how I got completely off like that! So back I went, and finally, after nearly 7.5 miles of walking, I was back at the hotel.

I put my feet up for a short time, but it was after 1:00 and I did think I should probably get a bit to eat so I went close by and ordered a burrito. “Mission style” is what it said, whatever that means. But it was tasty so no complaints here, other than I could only eat half of it. (And there is no fridge on my room.)

Then it was relaxation time again, and then Brandon wrote to say he was on his way here. I decided we could meet up at our destination before the restaurant since there is nothing special about this hotel, so I put on my dress (!) and out I went.

We met up for a drink before Samovar at the Monkey Bar … I wish I’d taken a quick photo. Rats! There were drawings (paintings?) of monkeys all over the walls.

Landing at Samovar Jameson, Meghan, and Timothy met up with us. (I missed Lia, but with so much stress and all she took a much needed break.) The food and drinks were tasty, and the live music fun. I’m so glad I finally got there, since Dan had been talking about it after his solo visit here.

Did we have fun? Maybe …

Brandon kindly walked me back to my hotel (passing through Grand Central Station) and now here I am, hoping for some sleep. I rarely sleep well on the first few nights of a trip. I’m guessing this short one means I will never get a great night’s sleep, but I don’t really fret over it — I’ll sleep when I get home!

Oh … and it looks like I walked 12 miles today. It’ll do!