The anticipation of something great seems to last forever. The "something great" is usually over in a flash!
That
is true of my recent trip to New York City. For a number of years,
going to NYC at Christmas was on my bucket list. The thought of
marveling at the intricate window displays, wandering Central Park with a
light dusting of snow and just enjoying the magic that happens at
Christmas in a city that has plenty of its own magic... well, the
thought of those things was just so captivating! I wanted to experience
it.
Last
week...it happened! There was no light dusting of snow - but I think,
in the end, that was for the best. It was just as magical as I had
hoped. We quickly learned to use the subway system, the difference
between downtown and uptown and how friendly New Yorkers are! Everywhere
we went, people were offering to help us find our way.
Seeing
the window displays and Santa Claus at Macy's was a highlight for me.
Miracle on 34th Street is, after all, my favourite Christmas movie! I
also really enjoyed the Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular
with the Rockettes. It just seemed like the quintessential New York at
Christmas thing to do. I loved it!
We
crisscrossed Manhattan - on foot, subway, bus, boat, and double-decker
bus! We managed to cram in a lot of sights. Some of my favourites
included:
- the 911 Tribute Centre
- an evening cruise of the Hudson/East River
- seeing Monica & Rachel/Chandler & Joey's apartment building
- the Guggenheim
- seeing Matt Lauer & the rest of the Today Show gang
- a behind the scenes peek at Radio City Music Hall
- experiencing the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Centre
Another
favourite moment was one of the guides on our hop on/hop off bus. He
was quite a character! He saw my reaction when he pointed out things of
interest to me: the hotel the Beatles stayed at during their first trip
to NYC, the building Tony Bennett lives in, etc. When he found out I
love Paul Simon, he stopped the tour and got out his iPod. He wanted to
play a song and see if I knew it. Clearly, he didn't think I was much of
a fan because immediately I recognized the notes of the 59th Street
Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy). I excitedly told him we were staying near
that bridge and I had my photo taken with it. I think he thought he was
going to share some new information with me, but I had it covered. Ha ha.
When it was time for us to get off the bus, he was disappointed. He
wanted me to stay on his tour.
There
were so many other moments to remember, but I can't share them all
here! Already looking forward to my next trip back to this great city!
1 comment:
Once in a life time for me.......
Loved it.
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