The drive to New York takes about ten hours from here. We got an early start, and took a few short breaks for lunch and gas. The drive through Pennsylvania was really pretty. There were so many trees, and I'm sad we didn't get to see them in their fall colors. Maybe next time....
In New Jersey we stopped to refill the gas one last time. Jake got out to pump, and the attendant came over to talk to him. I asked Jake what that was about when he got back in the car. Apparently they still have full service gas stations in NJ because the attendant wanted to pump our gas. Jake was already doing it though, so that was awkward.
Unfortunately, we unintentionally timed our arrival to coincide with rush hour. So traffic was INSANE! We took the Holland Tunnel across the Hudson River. In the length of one city block they merge ten lanes down to two with no lines showing how you are supposed to merge. It was a free for all full of crazy taxi drivers, fearless buses, profane language, and plenty of near misses. Once in the city, we noticed that pedestrians just start leaning out into the street until their herd reaches critical mass, at which point they all just pour across the road whether it is their turn or not. This was only the beginning of our culture shock, but we were relieved to arrive at Allie and Steve's place in one piece after a long day on the road.
Day 1: Fun Stores and Rockefeller Center
The next day, Jake and I ventured out on our own. Allie wrote down all of the directions we would need until we met up with her later in the day. We didn't get lost at all, but we did ride the subway one stop in the wrong direction. Oops.
As soon as we came upstairs from the subway station, we spotted the LDS temple. Our vantage point was not great for photos, but this is what we saw. You can spot Moroni if you look at the top in front of that building with all the windows.
Next, Jake and I walked through a small piece of Central Park. I wanted to see more, but we weren't sure what areas were worth walking to, knowing we would have to walk all the way back to where we started. So we went on to FAO Schwarz, a huge toy store. Then, we met up with Allie and headed down to the Lego store, which is at Rockefeller Center.
That stuffed dog is gigantic! Patrick the Pup is a smothering hazard.
This is a fun little view of interesting buildings and a cool guy in a hat.
In case you couldn't tell, I'm the new, stern Batman.
Atlas Statue at Rockefeller Center
Atlas Statue by Lego
Yes, the dragon (is that what that is?) is made of Legos.
Next, we headed to Grand Central Station to eat dinner and meet up with Steve. In the picture below you can see Grand Central Station bottom left and the top of the Chrysler Building.
Next, we made our way back to Rockefeller Center. We heard the view is good from the top of the Rock, and neither Allie nor Steve had been up there yet, so it was a fun new adventure for all. The pictures below show our view of the city from there.
That big green rectangle is Central Park.
The building shooting up above the skyline is the Empire State Building.
Day 2: Times Square, Madison Square Park, and Fabric Stores
We started our second day by heading to Times Square with Allie. We hear that it's more exciting at night, but it was kind of crazy there. We could see so many advertisements, and there were people everywhere on the street trying to sell bike or bus tours of the city. There were also a few people dressed in creepy cartoon costumes for no apparent reason.
After we saw Times Square, we went to a few fabric stores I wanted to look in. I was hoping to find a great piece of fabric that I just had to have, but I actually didn't. So Jake and Allie schlepped around to several stores with me for nothing - sorry, guys! It was a fun experience?
Next we headed to Madison Square Park for lunch at (dramatic pause) Shake Shack. There was a really long line, but the food was oh so good! I had a portobello burger (rather than a beef patty, it has a big fried mushroom and filled with cheese), and I loved it! Jake and Allie were kind enough to stand in line while I saved a table and tried to get my dogs to stop barking.
The Flatiron Building
Day 3: 9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge
On our last day, we were all planning to go to the 9/11 Memorial. However, a kid in Steve and Allie's ward had gone missing, so they went out to help look for him. (Don't worry, he was just hiding out at a friend's place.) Anyway, Jake and I went to the memorial by ourselves. I really enjoyed this activity, and I would recommend it if you're visiting NYC. It's free - you just reserve a time slot ahead of time online. The memorial is beautiful, and it was a powerful experience to be in the place where so many lives were impacted that day.
This is one of the new towers.
I think this was some sort of city building. It's been too long.
Next we walked the Brooklyn Bridge, ate pizza, and went to bed. We got up early to drive out of the city in less intense traffic - it was much nicer that way.
We had so much fun! Thanks, Allie and Steve, for a fun time! You'll have to visit the exotic land of Michigan next so we can return the favor.
I'll try to get caught up the rest of the way soon!
