Tag Archives: New York

A Different Kind of Travel Adventure

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Nearly two years ago (March 5, 2024 to be exact) our older son and daughter-in-law had to leave their home due to a fire. We are all thankful no one in the co-op, including Brandon and Lia’s cats, were injured, but it was much worse than we knew at first. There is a video (that even shows our son at the start) about the fire. (They live on the 6th floor, and the fire start in the place right below them.)

I flew to New York to visit shortly after the fire happened. I was pretty horrified!

WHAT a mess, right?

They are still not back in their home.

Even getting start on the repair work took, if I’m remembering correctly, over a year. Or at least close to that.

While the whole family was here in January (celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary!), I mentioned to Brandon that I’d be willing to help paint when things were ready. And, lo and behold, we flew there on the 11th to get going on that.

The flight was uneventful and we were greeting at EWR by colder weather and a bit of snow. Then we took a car to our hotel. Our hotel with a tiny room and no place to hang anything up. But hey, it was less expensive than others, and after a 15 minute walk would be a direct train to Brandon and Lia’s.


Before starting our painting adventure we were able to celebrate my “Brooklyn brother’s” birthday (to differentiate between him and my “Germany brother”). We met up first a jazz club, much to his surprise. (It was fun to see his face when he saw us there!).

We then dined at a lovely restaurant. With Timothy and Margaret. FUN FUN FUN!

The next morning we (somewhat leisurely) headed over to Brandon and Lia’s to see what we were in for. First it was cleaning up and prep day. I neglected to take any photos I guess (Funny that I thought I had!) and Dan got only a few. But we vacuumed. Dan did a ton of masking. Brandon and Lia worked on getting the floors (which are beautiful!) covered, along with more and more cleaning. Sorry you only get these three pictures, though.

From there we headed to our hotel, catching a bite at the noisiest restaurant ever. We even texted each other at one point!

The following day Brandon and Lia both had work so we decided to enjoy a lunch at Red Rooster, being fans of Marcus Samuelsson. We had a delicious meal. Dan spent some Dick Tracy time talking to his watch. And yes, yours truly even took a photo of the floor in the bathroom. Because. Of course when I saw Bernstein I had to take a photo!

From there we wandered, with our final destination being the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

We had learned that Jameson and Meghan were going to be at the Cathedral that evening to hear the Gesualdo Six sing. The concert, however, was sold out. BUT … we get to the Cathedral and hear singing. How ‘bout that? They were rehearsing. So we got to enjoy them as we wandered the building.

Toward the back there was a quilt exhibit. You can read about it as well.

More wandering …

And more quilts …

… and wandering …

From there we took a train down to meet up with Brandon and, when she was done working, Lia.

We had some drinks and dinner and then headed back to get some sleep.

On Saturday morning it was work time! I only took a few photos … I guess I was too busy edging and rolling and all that …

For the evening the four of us went to celebrate our hard work and Valentine’s day at an Albanian restaurant in the Bronx called Çka ka Qëllu.

VERY yummy and such a nice way to relax after a day of work.

Our Harlem hotel room looks out here:

Back to work … and look at that beautiful tile in the bathroom!

The above is the kitchen. That’s right, no cabinets, no appliances … nothing. Yet. But soon ….

For dinner we (finally!) got to meet up with Jameson and Meghan as well. Fun times!

Our breakfasts are enjoyed downstairs at our hotel. For me it’s just coffee. (I had a pastry the first morning and was reminded that eating before doing a physical activity gives me the shakes!).

Back to the subway we went for yet another ride up to Pelham Parkway North!

This was our final day of painting. We managed to get a lot done.

The kitchen floor is lovely. (So is Lia!)

The happy painters … and Brandon being Brandon. 😉

Sadly, we had to head back home on Tuesday. But so it goes. We had the first row of Premium Economy … HUGE leg room! Gotta love that.

And hello Bay Area!

So here we are. Back in what is now a rainy San Jose.

Do you wonder what we’ll do next? It won’t involve painting, just so you know. (Although I’d go back and help more in a heartbeat if we had the time and money to do so.

The Rest Of The Story

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After packing was complete, Dan went to buy a couple of croissants. We both wanted almond croissants, but quality control must have been missing this time: one looked lovely, with powdered sugar on top and one was browner than it should have been, which no powdered sugar at all. Strange. I ate the latter one, but actually couldn’t finish. Not because it wasn’t any good, but these things are just so huge! We finished up breakfast, spent some time on the 27th floor since we had a lot of time, and eventually wound up back in our room where I checked out of the hotel.

Downstairs we simply hand in our keys and that’s that. This hotel seems to prefer no hands on: you can check in on a kiosk (although I couldn’t figure that out when we arrived) and you check out online. No personal touches there if they can avoid it!

Dan called a car and we waited outside for its arrival.

It is not inexpensive to get a car to Newark, but we simply didn’t want to deal with the train this time. It did take a while to get to the airport, but checking our luggage was as speedy as can be, as was security. So to the lounge we went. We both had second breakfast (I was sort of craving eggs). And then a lot of hanging out since we had over two hours before we would board the plane.

OH … and when we were walking through the airport we could see if was absolutely pouring outside. I don’t know what it’s like in New York now, but we did notice it got terrifically dark in New Jersey.

And speaking of NJ: as we drove to the airport the billboards were nearly all about personal injury attorneys, and there were lots of “injured in New Jersey?” mentions. Hm. I guess people are likely to get injured in New Jersey? One wonders.

Okay … we are now home … nothing much of importance happened on the plane aside from horrible food and service from United. They need to up their game or we need to switch airlines. We shall see.

When we picked up our backpacks mine had been opened and they sent along an explanation. TSA selected my bag for inspection. Fine. They didn’t take the chocolate so I won’t complain!

Now, my cold is in full swing and I’m thinking it is more than a cold so I’m going to bed to recover. At least it waited until the end of the trip.

I’ll try and write more tomorrow if I find the energy. Thanks to all who followed along!

So This Is It

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Yes, our last day in NYC, and our last full day of this trip. It flew by. It seems like we’ve been on it forever. Funny how that goes!

I didn’t wake up until 7:00! (Well, okay, I was up three other times, but that is sort of the norm for me.) We lazed around a bit (since Dan has a cold he’s taking it easy for sure, and I’m happy to be lazy as we wind things down), and eventually I went down to pick up some croissants for breakfast. Angelina Bakery has been our go-to for those. It was cloudy outside, and some people were holding umbrellas although I felt no drops. Some of the taller buildings were hidden by clouds, though. I dropped our yummy croissants off at our room and went up to floor 27 here at the hotel to get our coffees: decaf espresso for Dan, caffeinated cappuccino for me. Yes, you really do need to know these things: when we get home I just might write up a quiz called, “What did D&P do on their trip?” Please have your number 2 pencils ready.

We have a table in our room so we just ate there.

Then, while Dan did what Dan does (computer, shower, whatever) I started to search for a place to eat dinner. It’s a challenge when there may be six of us and some choices were out of the question. Contacting Brandon he suggested maybe we should try something different than the bar food we’ve been having so I found a Japanese restaurant. I suspect that will be quite refreshing after eating so many fries!

It was drizzling out (according to our often incorrect watches anyway) — we were in no rush to get outside. In addition, the last day of our trips tend to be rather slow. It’s as if we allow ourselves to finally let go of the required energy needed for travel, knowing the trip is nearly over. But eventually out we went.

For food. Because … well … it’s the last day to be indulgent!

And it was bagels.

Since the restaurant I’d reserved was very close to the bagel stop we walked by. Ummmm … wellllll … no ambience and I can’t figure out how they’d even seat the six of us! I guess we’d have three tables for two, the restaurant was so small and narrow. So we decided to walk back to the hotel and redo our evening plans. On the way I had to stop for a couple of photos because this blog entry is looking to be extremely boring unless I do that. No one needs to hear me (okay, read me) rattle on and on. You need New York photos! Right?

Back at the hotel I texted with Brandon and Jameson, and another restaurant was chosen (thanks for the suggestion, Brandon), and a reservation was made. While at the room a man came by to make sure all was well here — he wasn’t the housekeeping person so I’m not sure why he came. But it was handy because I could tell him all was fine except we needed more of the Nespresso coffee pods. Later on another man came by with a bag FULL of them. Maybe they will come in handy at another hotel sometime. We shall see.

We continued our lazing around for quite a while, but eventually we opted to go out for a casual walk, having no real agenda in mind. Dan did suggest, though, that we head toward Central Park. While heading across 45th we walked past the restaurant we chose for tonight after canceling the other. It’s a whopping seven minute walk.

And now I’ll just post the photos I took, as well as one video:

On our way back we picked up a couple of cannoli. Big yum, but I actually couldn’t finish mine so Dan kindly helped me out. As you can see, there was only health food in the case.

Eventually we met up with Jameson, since he was in the area earlier than our dinner reservation. We walked to a spot where he could get iced coffee … we sat and yakked and then it was time to get to the restaurant.

We met Lia at Sozai, and Brandon showed up shortly after. I have decided Lia is the Queen of Ordering and she magically remembered all the things we wanted. (Thanks, Lia!) The food was absolutely wonderful. I was sorry Meghan couldn’t be there with us, but she had so much work she said it just wasn’t possible. (Sorry Meghan … we missed you!) I took a few (bad) photos. It was really the best I could do as the light was low and some things weren’t easy to photograph. So it goes. Just trust me: everything was delicious!

We said goodbye to Lia and Brandon, and Jameson walked with us back to our place since his bus would be a bit further down the street. Then a quick hug to him, and back up to our room we went. I’m nearly packed (just need to get pjs and toiletries in the pack tomorrow morning), and odds are we’ll grab coffee upstairs and then get a car to Newark. (We’ve been informed that saying “EWR” is not the norm here so I am going to have to change my ways. Hah!) After the pain of taking New Jersey Transit in to Manhattan we’ve decided we’d prefer a Lyft back. Besides, we have money in our Lyft account so why not?

But now? Time to attempt to sleep. I’m better it will be a restless night what with tomorrow being a travel day, but I can dream, right? Or maybe I can’t dream since I might not sleep. Time will tell.

Ciao for now!

I Like The Isle Of Manhattan

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Needless to say, I’m sure, we woke very early. It’s to be expected as we adjust to the time change, but at least the difference isn’t as great as it would have been had we flown straight home.

We could spend the morning in a leisurely fashion: nothing was on the agenda and we assume the rest of the family will want the morning to themselves. After showers we went to the top floor for coffee. It’s a huge area (I had been there before, when I did my solo trip) and I’m surprised they don’t try to get us to purchase breakfasts there, but I guess that must be too much trouble. But free coffee or tea? Sure, we’ll take that! The views from the 27th floor are not bad either.



We’ve been to New York enough to not worry much about missing something. I suspect we will do our typical wandering about. And eating.

Side Note: Foolish me made my annual medical appointment shortly after we return. I highly suspect I’ll be told my cholesterol level is too high. Oops!

When we were ready to go out, we first went a short distance to get a bite. No photos. Just a croissant for Dan and a cream cheese pastry for me. Then it was time to get catch a train.

We landed close to the Met and we made our way there. There were some sprinkles so the umbrellas came out. There was a line to get into the Met so we were trying to buy tickets online as we stood in said line, but didn’t manage to get things to work properly. After going through security (where I was stopped and had to open my daypack and camera bag while Dan walked straight through) we purchased our tickets. (The Met isn’t cheap.) Then inside we went.

Dan was interested in a American photography exhibit showing at the moment, and I always enjoy seeing some art there. This time we wound up in an area with Chinese art which isn’t something we have spent a lot of time viewing. I do find it amazing to read how old some of the objects are. And hey, they make me feel pretty darn young! (So I guess I don’t qualify for the museum. Yet.)

Eventually Jameson arrived, and we went to grab lunch there (gotta love those museum prices). Hey … I ate too much. Such a familiar tune, right? We saw a few things both on the way into the cafeteria and out of it.

Then we viewed the photography. It was all very early American photography and I confess it wasn’t of great interest to me. I could see that others were fascinated, though.

Brandon had written to say he was nearing the museum so we agreed to meet. He suggested we meet outside.

And then it started to pour. I mean really pour. The kind of downpour that means a ton of people started flowing into the museum. But Brandon had found a spot with scaffolding right across the street so we finally decided to meet up there. The rain had started to dwindle enough that we opted to walk to Orsay for drinks and a snack.

Lia arrived a bit later, and Meghan shortly after that.

While it was rather early for dinner, we decided that we’d go find dinner nearby rather than do anything that was too far away: we are, after all, still adjusting to the time change. So off we went, and a nearby place, JG Melon, could take us all so in we went. Again, no photos of food, or even of people. Somehow when I’m with family I forget to take photos I guess.

Then we said goodbye to Meghan and Jameson, and Lia and Brandon walked with us down to our hotel. As we walked we looked to the right and Brandon said something about rain coming. Sure enough, shortly after, it again began to rain. We had gotten our umbrellas ready, so our heads stayed dry, but this rain was coming at an angle that mean the back of our pants did get wet. No harm done. Just damp pants.

Finally we got back to our room. It was (and is) on the early side, but it’s fairly clear that we are winding down both in terms of time on the road and energy. I’m hopeful we will be adjusted to New York time by tomorrow. I know it will help us adjust to California time when we leave for home.

I can’t go to sleep yet — it’s only 19:47 or 7:47 PM. You choose! — so I have to work hard on staying up later. We’ll see what I can manage.

Goodnight!

Goodbye New York, Goodbye Vacation

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We had a ton of time to get our breakfast downstairs and come back and pack. Nothing exciting there. Then we decided to opt for a car rather than deal with our luggage, get to the Penn Station, and get a train to the airport. Maybe it was wimping out, but at the end of a trip I’m just not up for any stress and lugging these wheeled cases around is a nuisance. I look forward to using our packs next time if at all possible!

The start of security was a breeze: no ID necessary, but simply a scan of our faces. Then it was time to put our luggage, bags, and coats in the trays. But there was all of one line for that, so all lines (1K, Premier, TSA Pre, and the rest of the travelers who have none of those) merged into one. It’s just not a busy enough day, I guess, for them to bother to have more of the conveyer belts running. Since we were so early for our 4:30 flight it wasn’t a problem. I was just surprised by that one line.

As usual, we had a lot (too much?) time for the lounge. I’m absolutely fine with that, though, since I stress out if I’m not early. (Will I ever learn to relax about getting to airports? I doubt it!) I had the vegetarian chili for lunch, and I have to say it was actually very good. (Some people suggest skipping food on the plane entirely and just filling up on lounge food, due to the questionable quality of some plane food. I can understand why, but eating on the plane makes things go faster so I still go for it.)

The lounge was fairly quiet, unlike any other time I’ve been here. Finding seats was no problem at all, and it was nice and quiet.

It is now 30 minutes to boarding so I will close this out and post it. (The lounge has since filled up, and it’s not as quiet any longer. People are walking all around to find a seat. I guess I can be glad we got here when we did.)

When we get back home I’ll write (most likely something very short) about the rest of the journey and then I’ll also be blogging about things I want to do differently (probably tomorrow). In truth I think this all went very well, but there is always the “Why did I bring that?!” and the “Next time remember to bring this!” stuff.

So bye for now!

Final Full Day

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This morning it was the typical Hotel Belleclaire morning: wake, dress, go down and get coffees and the pastry of our choice (and going wild by adding orange juice to the mix). Then back upstairs for showers and sitting around until nearly noon. We just didn’t have the energy to do much at all.

Nearing noon we got ready to take the train up to Brandon and Lia’s. But first lunch at LPQ (do others call it that, or is that just Dan?), and a stop at the wine store to pick up some bubbly.

Our train ride was longer than expected. We sat for a while at a couple of stations and then quite a while longer at another. Thankfully our time was flexible. I don’t know how those who deal with the subway daily deal with delays like this if they have set schedules, but I am assuming they have to allow for incidents and leave earlier than is usually (?) necessary.

Finally we arrived at Brandon and Lia’s place. And the elevator wasn’t working. So up from L to floor 6 we went. (Even so my watch isn’t happy with what little I did today!)

We first dropped by the place where they are living, but then went to their own space and opened the champagne. I just really wanted to toast to new beginnings and all. There is so much to be done still, but if anyone had seen what it was like after the fire they’d notice a huge change for the better. Still, it’s going to take time.

This is the entrance and lobby … undamaged.

This is their place:

Eventually we went to an appliance store. Unfortunately we couldn’t go to the one that would have had more appliances and, even more importantly, more affordable and smaller appliances. But still, it was good to see things and for Lia and Brandon to get clearer ideas about what they want.

Back to their place we did more research on appliances. (Anyone know what a “speed oven” is?) Planning a kitchen in a small space can be fun but also a challenge.

Next up was a getting a car and going to a restaurant Brandon had read about. We arrived and as we started to go in Meghan and Jameson arrived as well. It was an Albanian restaurant, and the food was really great.

As I write this I’m thinking I might need to get new clothes … or start walking faster and for a longer time. I’m sure I’ve gained a lot of weight on this trip.

After dinner Dan and I said our goodbyes to all and headed back to the hotel. Tomorrow we pack, hang for a while, and then go to EWR and head home. I’m sorry the trip has come to a close, but it’s time to go home. I guess. Maybe.

Christmas Day

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After we stood in quite the long line for our coffees and bread of choice (I think Dan had a croissant. I know I had a brioche.) we sat and enjoyed our treats. We get vouchers for each day we are here, but so does everyone else in the hotel. I’m not sure Mille Fuelle was prepared for the crowd that showed up nearly all at once.

After going back up to our room and dressing warmly we went out and the flexible goal was to get to Bryant Park, because I had read its Christmas market was open today, and it appeared all the others weren’t. So off we went, on a little over two mile walk.

And Lisa HIrsch, this one’s for you!:

At the same time, Brandon was on his way down from his place, and shortly after we arrived at the Christmas market he did as well.

As to the Christmas market: it just doesn’t have the magical feel that, for instance, the Nürnberg one did. Plus, as Dan pointed out, it’s so different when you can’t buy gluhwein and walk around with that.

But since Brandon connected with us we left that spot and aimed toward Grand Central Station, just to have a look-see. (Yes, we’ve been there before, but it’s still fun to see it.)

More walking as we were deciding where to get a bite.

We had a bit of food and drinks at PJ Clarks.

Then it was time to get back to the hotel to gather up some things before going to the Bronx. Our walk back included a bit of Central Park.

Brandon suggested getting a car to get to Jameson and Meghan’s and I was quite fine with that. Yes, it costs more, but sometime it’s just the easiest thing to do.

Jameson and Meghan had food set out when we arrived, and we sat for a good amount of time eating and drinking. Oh … and watching (sort of) White Christmas.

Eventually Trivial Pursuit came out. I’m really not great at that game — especially anything in sports or geography. And I didn’t win. Hats off to Lia!

Then it was another car home. The roads are fairly empty and the drive both ways was so much faster than it frequently is. So now we are back in our room, and we plan on a very slow and easy morning because later on we have much to do. It will be the final full day for this trip. Sad, but true.

And now … goodnight!

The Rest of the Story

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Sooo … now that I’m awake it’s time to write about last night before I forget!

We took the subway (the 1 and the Q in case you are curious — and even if you aren’t) to get to Timothy and Margaret’s. Really about the easiest bit of train use ever as the timing was pretty good. A wee bit of confusion at one point, but only because there were signs in different places for the Q. But we arrived at their lovely house in Brooklyn safe and as sound as we are capable of being.

What a spread those two put out! We ate so very well. We met two new friends as well: Aron (Aaron?) is from Turkey and studying here and I’m absolutely amazed (and humbled) by his English, as he didn’t speak English when he arrived. We also met a friend of Brandon and Lia’s, Mathilda. (I could be misspelling her name as well.) I think, if I heard correctly, she is from Italy. So the table was full. So was my heart. It had been a while since I’d seen my brother and sister-in-law.

Oh the food! They made salmon in what I would describe as a loaf, but I don’t know if that’s really how it’s described. Soooo yummy!

After dinner we sat in the living room (or do they call it a parlor?) and exchanged gifts. That, too, was great fun.

And just like that it was after midnight. Meghan, Jameson, Dan, and I shared a Lyft. We were dropped off first, and then they headed up to the Bronx.

Today Dan and I will do some wandering before we go up to Meghan and Jameson’s to meet with them, Lia and Brandon.

December 24 in NYC

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We managed to stay in bed until 7:00, although Dan didn’t sleep well. I think I’m adjusting to the time quicker than he is.

I was happy to see white stuff falling from the sky when we went downstairs to get our croissants and coffee. What a nice day before Christmas treat to see snow!

While there we also picked up little boxes of macarons for tonight, along with some lovely looking bread.

After breakfast we made a quick trip to the wine store (you can’t buy wine at grocery stores in New York) to get bottles for both tonight and tomorrow. And yes, we chose California wines.

Then it was back to the hotel to drop those off, and prepare for a walk to Central Park.

By the time we were out and about the snow had stopped. There was a lot of slush and spots with ice so we did have to be more cautious. No way do I want to take a spill!

Pictured below: snow covered Christmas blow up decorations and plants. Just because SNOW!

The park was lovely. Trees dusted with now. Water looking icy. And lots of people out and about enjoying it. Dogs, too. The dog I’ll post below had little booties on, and I saw one other who did that, while others were “barefoot”. Maybe dogs don’t care about cold feet?

We wandered quite a bit, and Dan did a good amount of photography. I, as always, used my iPhone.

After the park we walked south past stores beyond our budget. And again, just did a lot of walking.

I was so hoping to find a sweater at a less costly store somewhere that would work for tonight and tomorrow — I didn’t think so much about dressing for Christmas. But, well, it just never happened. (I do have a red turtleneck, but I have to wear more layers so it’s barely seen. Oh well.)

Lunch was at a diner-type place, was too much food, and overpriced. But hey, it’s New York!

Walking back to the hotel we saw crowds, but never like we saw in Madrid (or even Munich and Nürnberg). And we saw one big tree and Kennedy LINCOLN (thanks, Lisa, although Dan says, “You could say they were both the right presidents. The upcoming one is the wrong president”!) Center, both from a distance.

Then it was shower time for me and nap time for Dan.

**It is now 1:23 AM. We are just home from Timothy and Margaret’s. What a wonderful time! But I am so tired I dare not try to write about the evening. I will write again tomorrow morning.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!