New York City-Jun 2017 (Days 4-5)

On Sunday, we took the new passenger service only ferry from lower Manhattan to Rockaway. On Monday, our last day, we were on our own and did a water taxi/walk from mid-town to lower Manhattan and back.

An appartment complex near the water taxi landing. Supposedly there is a swimming pool on top of the walkway between the two towers.

On the ride out to Rockaway, we passed by Coney Island. The temperature hit 90 that day, and people were out enjoying the weather.

It takes about an hour by boat to Rockaway, and then you see a big long beach. We think these grasses were planted after Hurricane Sandy to protect the beach and buildings behind. It was a fun and scenic boat ride, but there isn't much to do once you get there.

Monday we were on our own. We love that water taxi from midtown to lower Manhattan. We stopped at the Brooklyn Bridge on the Brooklyn side and then walked across the bridge into Manhattan. Even on a Monday, the bridge was crowded with walkers, bicycle riders, and of course, cars. It was a beautiful day, but got hot by early afternoon.

The famous little girl standing up to the bull of Wall Street. Actually, those two statues are on Broadway, and we wandered around for a while before we found them. Everyone was trying to take a picture, and we were barely able to take one.

We started walking up Broadway, catching this picture of the new World Trade Center Building. We'd already visited the memorial, so skipped it on this trip. If you haven't seen it, make sure you do if you are ever in New York.

It was hot. This little girl was selling lemonade on the street, so Vera bought some. It was a great trip, and Mark and Sandra were wonderful hosts.

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New York City-Jun 2017 (Day 3)

It was Saturday, so we had Mark and Sandra to show us around. They recommend the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. Our subway took us right by Yankee Stadium, although there was no game going on. Quite impressive!

There happens to be a Dale Chihuly exhibit going on all summer, so that was an added treat. His glass art blends in wonderfully with the landscaping. The Garden is over 250 acres of groomed and natural areas, and is the perfect place to get away from the noise of the city.

This isn't Chihuly, but Vera was able to capture the reflection in the pool.

The Chihuly canoe full of glass globes may have come from his exhibit at the Seattle Center.

Mark checks out the koi in one off the many pools.

Much of the garden is beautifully landscaped scenery like this. Half is a dense forested area.

The Chihuly glass art does blend in with the plants. This picture was taken in the huge arboretum.

The day was ended with this sushi feast; another outstanding meal in the city

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New York City Jun 2017-Day 2

Today was a Friday, so while Mark and Sandra worked, we walked up 5th Avenue and through a tiny corner of Central Park on our way to the Frick museum. Sorry, no pictures allowed, but it is one of my favorite museums in New York. 

One artist watching another. Hint: One is a life size statue.

There is a gem shop on 5th Avenue that is more like a museum: rocks, fossils, meteorites, gems, etc, etc.

An example of things on display. That is a bat in the upper right hand corner.

New York is the place to go for fashion. We saw some pretty wild stuff.

New York City tax dollars at work. Trump Tower is protected by the police and massive concrete barriers, but you can still walk in.

That evening, we met back up with Mark and Sandra and took the water taxi over to Queens to check out a microbrewery. This picture was taken from the ferry (water taxi) landing, and the noise was deafening. Following a fatal crash, helicopters can no longer land on buildings in Manhattan. I feel sorry for these rich guys who now have to make their way to the waterfront just to catch a ride. Hey, it's rush hour on a Friday evening; gotta get back to the Hamptons. We took the water taxi, and had a great rime. By the way, the hospital where Mark and Sandra work, along with their appartment, is in the background of the above picture.

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New York City Jun 2017-Day 1

We just returned from a great trip to New York City to visit Mark and Sandra. It was quick and busy; so busy in fact that we had no time to visit our other New York friends, or even time to publish a daily blog update. Belatedly, you are receiving the post. Better late than never.

We wasted no time, and immediately made our way towards Broadway. This is Manhattan's version of summer camp.

Mood Fabric was on Vera's list of places to visit. Pictures cannot describe this place. That's Vera walking down one of many, many isles stacked with fabric.

Yes, that is Zebra hide, flanked by snake skin on the right, and some dyed fur on the left.

Or maybe you'd like some fox. Truly unbelievable.

Mark and Sandra treated us to a wonderful meal that evening. This was a special Portugese dinner put on by a guest chef from Chicago. One of the best dinners we have ever attended.

Vera and Sandra enjoying one of many wines served. It had been a long day, starting with a red eye flight from Seattle (neither of us sleep well on planes). Vera logged 20,000 steps on her Fibit. I managed a few blisters.

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