Arriving in Miami and looking back on the whole trip - Sunday, July 26, 2009
Alex woke up around 6:45 a.m. and I woke up around 7:30. We had breakfast, showered and were packed and in the car by 8:15 a.m. We had 668 miles ahead of us from Florence, SC to Miami. We should be arriving around 7:45 p.m.
I drove so Alex could work. Jake was texting back and forth with Mike P. They made arrangements to meet as soon as we arrive in Miami. We had a nice and pleasant drive. We got a few areas of bad weather, but all in all very enjoyable. We talked to Fab, and we'll see her this week as they will be in Miami. We finally arrived in Miami at about 9:00 p.m.
As I stated before, this is bittersweet. We loved this family alone time. We loved all the places we stopped in with some planned and unplanned. Most especially, we got the opportunity to see alot of our friends along the way to make the trip memorable. This is the gift we wanted for the kids and for them to get "it." That "it" is far more than material things the experiences you have in life especially as one travels are the most important things. To make it even more impactful, one should learn from those experiences. I think we will plan a similar trip in the coming years as the kids get older. We want to make sure they still want to travel with Mom and Dad until they are old and gray with their own families. We can't wait to plan bigger family trips! Much love to all and safe travels!
On the road again leaving NYC and stopping in Florence, South Carolina - Saturday, July 25, 2009
On the road again leaving NYC and stopping in Florence, South Carolina - Saturday, July 25, 2009
I woke up around 8:00 a.m. because Al went to the bathroom and woke me up. I got up and started getting everything ready. I cleaned a little and picked up the remaining things and Al went to get the car. We were in the car ready to leave by 10:30 a.m. I wanted to eat a cannoli so we went on a search for cannolis without chocolate chips then Al wanted glasses from Chinatown, so we went to get them. I turned onto Spring Street and got stuck in major traffic. Then, Jake wanted to see Al's office building so we drove by and then we drove into Brooklyn to see the bridge and sights by day. Toasty took us out of NYC through Staten Island so we went on the Verrazano Bridge. I don't think I'd ever been on it, but have seen it many times.
Again, we got stuck in horrible traffic in New Jersey (it also happened when we came three years ago). Finally, I think we got on the road around 1 p.m. We stopped a few times for potty and meal breaks. We drove until about 1:30 a.m. Although we weren't tired, we were afraid to get tired and not have anywhere to stop. We slept at a Marriott Springhill Suites in Florence, SC. We all love the Springhill Suites because they are roomy, clean, relatively new and they provide full breakfast in the morning. On the drive, we talked to a lot of people on the phone and communicated via text.
We were sleeping by 2:00 a.m. At the start of the drive this morning, we had to travel 1,309 miles and it would take approximately 20 hours 39 minutes to do. When we arrived in Florence, we had traveled 632 miles in about 12 hours (including all the stops and traffic jam in NJ). The bittersweetness is coming over us again. It's sad to say bye to the experience, but I think we are ready to get home.
I woke up around 8:00 a.m. because Al went to the bathroom and woke me up. I got up and started getting everything ready. I cleaned a little and picked up the remaining things and Al went to get the car. We were in the car ready to leave by 10:30 a.m. I wanted to eat a cannoli so we went on a search for cannolis without chocolate chips then Al wanted glasses from Chinatown, so we went to get them. I turned onto Spring Street and got stuck in major traffic. Then, Jake wanted to see Al's office building so we drove by and then we drove into Brooklyn to see the bridge and sights by day. Toasty took us out of NYC through Staten Island so we went on the Verrazano Bridge. I don't think I'd ever been on it, but have seen it many times.
Again, we got stuck in horrible traffic in New Jersey (it also happened when we came three years ago). Finally, I think we got on the road around 1 p.m. We stopped a few times for potty and meal breaks. We drove until about 1:30 a.m. Although we weren't tired, we were afraid to get tired and not have anywhere to stop. We slept at a Marriott Springhill Suites in Florence, SC. We all love the Springhill Suites because they are roomy, clean, relatively new and they provide full breakfast in the morning. On the drive, we talked to a lot of people on the phone and communicated via text.
We were sleeping by 2:00 a.m. At the start of the drive this morning, we had to travel 1,309 miles and it would take approximately 20 hours 39 minutes to do. When we arrived in Florence, we had traveled 632 miles in about 12 hours (including all the stops and traffic jam in NJ). The bittersweetness is coming over us again. It's sad to say bye to the experience, but I think we are ready to get home.
Central Park Zoo, Boathouse, and Times Square - Friday, July 24, 2009
Central Park Zoo, Boathouse, and Times Square - Friday, July 24, 2009
We woke up early and tried to get out by 9:30 a.m., but really didn't leave until 10:15 a.m. We took the bus super easily from Bleeker and LaFayette to Madison Ave & 58 ST. We walked to Central park and went to the zoo. Central Park Zoo is one of our favorite places to visit in New York City. It is a small manageable zoo with animals that are exciting to watch. We always go there every time we go to NYC. They have penguins, polar bears, sea lions, reptiles, a large aviary with many birds, a red panda and a snow leopard. We had a delightful morning just the kids and I. We also went to the Tisch Children's Zoo and had lunch there as usual. They have a nice petting zoo and things for the children to climb and explore.
We walked through the park a bit. The kids climbed the rocks and we got balloons in the shape of swords. We walked to the Apple Store on 5th Ave and then went to FAO Schwartz. The kids were diasppointed with the selection of toys there. There were no electronics, mostly nice and educational toys, which they don't appreciate. They have a "make your own muppet" area. They wanted to make one, but I refused as it was $130.00 for each muppet.
We walked more on 5th Avenue and went to the Disney store and the NBA store. The kids bought some team school supplies there, the girl that helped us was named "Toasty." That's one of our catch phrases for the trip. We even named our GPS woman Toasty, because she's toasted, and makes many mistakes. Another catchword is "Chaser" because Chaser had to chase us and save us while we were rowing on the Mystic River. "Satellite" is another. The kids were quoting Ti, because he calls ditsy people "satellites." They get a kick out of that one and its variations. They use it interchangeably with "remote," "Direct TV," and "Comcast."
Anyways, I digress. From the NBA store, we went on the bus back to the house to meet Daddy. The bus took us to Bleeker and Broadway and then Dad was waiting for us at the NYU sports center. We went to the house and the kids showed Al what they bought and we got ready. Alex spoke to Hugo and we decided to meet at Central Park at the Loeb Boat House, which is a nice restaurant. We took forever to get there because we went to the wrong subway entrance. Then, we had to walk to the park and then to the restaurant. In retrospect, we should have just taken the car.
The restaurant was gorgeous. It's amazing that I had never seen nor heard of this place. We've been to the lake where they race the remote controlled boats a million times and this is just steps away from there. They have used this restaurant in many films such as "When Harry Met Sally." Hugo was there already. We had drinks and hung out a bit. Then, we walked through the park awhile and then to 5th Ave. We took a cab to dinner at a nice Italian restaurant called John's Pizza in the theater district one block from Times Square. Later, we walked through Times Square and had ice cream cones from a Mr. Softee truck.
Suddenly, we witnessed a bust of illegal purse vendors. These guys were carrying the handbags in huge bundles behind their backs and they all looked like Santa Claus. All of a sudden, some of them yelled something and all of them took off running with their bags on their backs. Their were about 50 of them. It was an impressive sight to see them all running and scampering about like rats. The police officers ran after them, but they didn't get caught. One undercover officer came back to the area with one sack he was able to get, but no guys. I'm glad the kids saw that, because after doing the wrong thing and going with them to the secret rooms of Chinatown, they were able to see that it's dangerous to do illegal things and that the police are always after criminals.
We walked more on Times Square and went to the M & M store. We shopped there for awhile and then called it a night. We took a cab home and arrived around 12:30 a.m. I stayed awake packing until 3:30 a.m. We are heading back home first thing in the morning. It was a bittersweet feeling as we knew the trip was coming to an end, but we had the best along, family time anyone could ask for.
We woke up early and tried to get out by 9:30 a.m., but really didn't leave until 10:15 a.m. We took the bus super easily from Bleeker and LaFayette to Madison Ave & 58 ST. We walked to Central park and went to the zoo. Central Park Zoo is one of our favorite places to visit in New York City. It is a small manageable zoo with animals that are exciting to watch. We always go there every time we go to NYC. They have penguins, polar bears, sea lions, reptiles, a large aviary with many birds, a red panda and a snow leopard. We had a delightful morning just the kids and I. We also went to the Tisch Children's Zoo and had lunch there as usual. They have a nice petting zoo and things for the children to climb and explore.
We walked through the park a bit. The kids climbed the rocks and we got balloons in the shape of swords. We walked to the Apple Store on 5th Ave and then went to FAO Schwartz. The kids were diasppointed with the selection of toys there. There were no electronics, mostly nice and educational toys, which they don't appreciate. They have a "make your own muppet" area. They wanted to make one, but I refused as it was $130.00 for each muppet.
We walked more on 5th Avenue and went to the Disney store and the NBA store. The kids bought some team school supplies there, the girl that helped us was named "Toasty." That's one of our catch phrases for the trip. We even named our GPS woman Toasty, because she's toasted, and makes many mistakes. Another catchword is "Chaser" because Chaser had to chase us and save us while we were rowing on the Mystic River. "Satellite" is another. The kids were quoting Ti, because he calls ditsy people "satellites." They get a kick out of that one and its variations. They use it interchangeably with "remote," "Direct TV," and "Comcast."
Anyways, I digress. From the NBA store, we went on the bus back to the house to meet Daddy. The bus took us to Bleeker and Broadway and then Dad was waiting for us at the NYU sports center. We went to the house and the kids showed Al what they bought and we got ready. Alex spoke to Hugo and we decided to meet at Central Park at the Loeb Boat House, which is a nice restaurant. We took forever to get there because we went to the wrong subway entrance. Then, we had to walk to the park and then to the restaurant. In retrospect, we should have just taken the car.
The restaurant was gorgeous. It's amazing that I had never seen nor heard of this place. We've been to the lake where they race the remote controlled boats a million times and this is just steps away from there. They have used this restaurant in many films such as "When Harry Met Sally." Hugo was there already. We had drinks and hung out a bit. Then, we walked through the park awhile and then to 5th Ave. We took a cab to dinner at a nice Italian restaurant called John's Pizza in the theater district one block from Times Square. Later, we walked through Times Square and had ice cream cones from a Mr. Softee truck.
Suddenly, we witnessed a bust of illegal purse vendors. These guys were carrying the handbags in huge bundles behind their backs and they all looked like Santa Claus. All of a sudden, some of them yelled something and all of them took off running with their bags on their backs. Their were about 50 of them. It was an impressive sight to see them all running and scampering about like rats. The police officers ran after them, but they didn't get caught. One undercover officer came back to the area with one sack he was able to get, but no guys. I'm glad the kids saw that, because after doing the wrong thing and going with them to the secret rooms of Chinatown, they were able to see that it's dangerous to do illegal things and that the police are always after criminals.
We walked more on Times Square and went to the M & M store. We shopped there for awhile and then called it a night. We took a cab home and arrived around 12:30 a.m. I stayed awake packing until 3:30 a.m. We are heading back home first thing in the morning. It was a bittersweet feeling as we knew the trip was coming to an end, but we had the best along, family time anyone could ask for.
Museum of Natural History and Macy's - Thursday, July 23, 2009
Museum of Natural History and Macy's - Thursday, July 23, 2009
Dad went to work and I took the kids to the Museum of Natural History. We took a cab there and it cost me $22.00. It was worth every penny because I didn't have to worry about anything. We spent the day at the Museum. We were going to leave, but the kids wanted to see a new film in the Planetarium named Journey to the Stars, so I bought tickets for the 4:30 p.m. showing and we hung out and waited for it to start. We took a guided tour that was really informative and worthwhile. I wish we would have started it earlier, but nevertheless, it was good and I will take advantage of it again in the future.
We made our way down to the line for the show. They took us by elevator in small groups to a waiting area, before letting us into the Planetarium. While in this area, a verbal fight broke out between two guys and a guy and his wife. It got loud and ugly. They exchanged pretty disgusting words in front of everyone. The husband told the two guys, who were holding umbrellas, that he was going to shove the umbrellas up their butts. It got uglier, then someone said they were going to call the police and the husband started yelling, "You want to call the police, here he is, I'm the police!" He took out his badge and flashed it to everyone. Meanwhile, the only people there trying to take control of the situation were the teenage employees. Finally, after about five to 10 minutes, about eight security guards came and then more came later. It would have made sense for them to take the four away and let everyone enjoy the show, however, they didn't do that. Instead, they chose to let the four into the show and then had security guards sitting all over inside the planetarium. I was very uncomfortable. The room was dark and I was afraid they were going to take advantage in the dark and retaliate or something. Basically, I didn't even hear what was happening in the movie. All I know is that I was dying to get out of there. When it was over, we ran through to look at the giant whale and the ocean exhibit. Then we went to the gift shop and hung out a bit. By the time we finished it was closing time.
When we got outside it was pouring. We went out in the rain to try to get a cab, but it was impossible. There were hundreds of people scrambling to get cabs. After running around and getting soaked, Jake finally yelled to go into the subway. We ran in and then I tried to figure out how to get out. Alex was staying for dinner with his customer and colleagues. Nicki had to work and Hugo told us he would clean his apartment so we could go over. I had promised the kids I'd take them to Macy's to see the largest store in the world and also to see the wooden escalators. I figured out how to get there on the subway map and then got on the train. I had to keep verify that we were going in the right direction, because there was a fork in the line and I wasn't sure which way it would go. Thankfully, it went the right way and we went straight to 34th St. Herald Square. It was raining, but we were able to get across the street alright. We went up the escalators to the children's dept. When we arrived, the kids noticed a McDonalds right on the floor in the middle of the department. They were thrilled! The shrieks of happiness could be heard for miles. I let them order dinner and we sat and had dinner there.
Then, we shopped. We bought sports t-shirts, shorts, shirts, and shoes. I went through all the floors and really didn't find anything I liked for me. Hugo called to see if we were going, but we didn't go because it was getting too late. We stayed a few minutes more at Macy's and then took a cab to Tita's house. Nicki got back a few minutes later and then Alex shortly after.
I was able to watch Betty La Fea for the first time since Lake Mary on June 24th, one day shy of exactly one month. I started packing and getting things ready for the trip back to Miami. The kids worked on puzzles with Nicki. We went to bed relatively early.
Dad went to work and I took the kids to the Museum of Natural History. We took a cab there and it cost me $22.00. It was worth every penny because I didn't have to worry about anything. We spent the day at the Museum. We were going to leave, but the kids wanted to see a new film in the Planetarium named Journey to the Stars, so I bought tickets for the 4:30 p.m. showing and we hung out and waited for it to start. We took a guided tour that was really informative and worthwhile. I wish we would have started it earlier, but nevertheless, it was good and I will take advantage of it again in the future.
We made our way down to the line for the show. They took us by elevator in small groups to a waiting area, before letting us into the Planetarium. While in this area, a verbal fight broke out between two guys and a guy and his wife. It got loud and ugly. They exchanged pretty disgusting words in front of everyone. The husband told the two guys, who were holding umbrellas, that he was going to shove the umbrellas up their butts. It got uglier, then someone said they were going to call the police and the husband started yelling, "You want to call the police, here he is, I'm the police!" He took out his badge and flashed it to everyone. Meanwhile, the only people there trying to take control of the situation were the teenage employees. Finally, after about five to 10 minutes, about eight security guards came and then more came later. It would have made sense for them to take the four away and let everyone enjoy the show, however, they didn't do that. Instead, they chose to let the four into the show and then had security guards sitting all over inside the planetarium. I was very uncomfortable. The room was dark and I was afraid they were going to take advantage in the dark and retaliate or something. Basically, I didn't even hear what was happening in the movie. All I know is that I was dying to get out of there. When it was over, we ran through to look at the giant whale and the ocean exhibit. Then we went to the gift shop and hung out a bit. By the time we finished it was closing time.
When we got outside it was pouring. We went out in the rain to try to get a cab, but it was impossible. There were hundreds of people scrambling to get cabs. After running around and getting soaked, Jake finally yelled to go into the subway. We ran in and then I tried to figure out how to get out. Alex was staying for dinner with his customer and colleagues. Nicki had to work and Hugo told us he would clean his apartment so we could go over. I had promised the kids I'd take them to Macy's to see the largest store in the world and also to see the wooden escalators. I figured out how to get there on the subway map and then got on the train. I had to keep verify that we were going in the right direction, because there was a fork in the line and I wasn't sure which way it would go. Thankfully, it went the right way and we went straight to 34th St. Herald Square. It was raining, but we were able to get across the street alright. We went up the escalators to the children's dept. When we arrived, the kids noticed a McDonalds right on the floor in the middle of the department. They were thrilled! The shrieks of happiness could be heard for miles. I let them order dinner and we sat and had dinner there.
Then, we shopped. We bought sports t-shirts, shorts, shirts, and shoes. I went through all the floors and really didn't find anything I liked for me. Hugo called to see if we were going, but we didn't go because it was getting too late. We stayed a few minutes more at Macy's and then took a cab to Tita's house. Nicki got back a few minutes later and then Alex shortly after.
I was able to watch Betty La Fea for the first time since Lake Mary on June 24th, one day shy of exactly one month. I started packing and getting things ready for the trip back to Miami. The kids worked on puzzles with Nicki. We went to bed relatively early.
Another Yankee game and Brooklyn - Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Another Yankee game and Brooklyn - Wednesday, July 22, 2009
We tried to wake up early and go to the Bronx Zoo before the Yankees game, but it didn't happen. We would not have much time at the zoo, so we decided to skip it and go straight to the game. The passes Hugo got us were for the Yankees Legends Suite Club. This means we had 9th row tickets behind first base. When we arrived, they explained everything to us. We could have anything we'd like to eat from the buffet in the restaurant in the higher floor, unlimited snacks, sodas and water from the snack bars below and you could request anything you wanted from the menu to be delivered to your seat outside. We could not believe it. We ate like pigs. My daughter said, "this is great and this is the best day of my life." My son added, "I don't want this day to end. This is awesome." We enjoyed the game and the experience thoroughly. The only problem was the heat. It was sooooooo hot. We kept going inside to the lounge to cool off. It was a truly unique and wonderful experience. Thank you Hugo and Hugo's former company!
After the game, we were going to go to the Brooklyn Bridge to walk across, but Hugo called and said he would go with us. So we went to shower and get ready. Hugo met us and we just drove over. By the time we got there it was dusk, so there wasn't much light. The bridge is beautiful and the views from the bridge and from the Promenade in Brooklyn are also the best views. This is the view you see alot in Woody Allen films. We drove around the Brooklyn Heights area and then walked on the Promenade, took pictures and walked around the neighborhood. The homes are gorgeous. It's a beautiful area. As stated before, it's amazing that as many times as I've been to NYC, I still see new things and am still surprised by the awesome sights and places. I'm also surprised that I had never know about this.
We had dinner at Height's Cafe. We sat at a table outside. Alex kept returning the wine bottles until we settled on one. The dinner was fiasco-like as the service was terrible and food not so good. We talked about going to Hugo's building's roof or to Elva's roof, but Al was tired and since he had to go to work tomorrow, we dropped off Hugo and went home.
We tried to wake up early and go to the Bronx Zoo before the Yankees game, but it didn't happen. We would not have much time at the zoo, so we decided to skip it and go straight to the game. The passes Hugo got us were for the Yankees Legends Suite Club. This means we had 9th row tickets behind first base. When we arrived, they explained everything to us. We could have anything we'd like to eat from the buffet in the restaurant in the higher floor, unlimited snacks, sodas and water from the snack bars below and you could request anything you wanted from the menu to be delivered to your seat outside. We could not believe it. We ate like pigs. My daughter said, "this is great and this is the best day of my life." My son added, "I don't want this day to end. This is awesome." We enjoyed the game and the experience thoroughly. The only problem was the heat. It was sooooooo hot. We kept going inside to the lounge to cool off. It was a truly unique and wonderful experience. Thank you Hugo and Hugo's former company!
After the game, we were going to go to the Brooklyn Bridge to walk across, but Hugo called and said he would go with us. So we went to shower and get ready. Hugo met us and we just drove over. By the time we got there it was dusk, so there wasn't much light. The bridge is beautiful and the views from the bridge and from the Promenade in Brooklyn are also the best views. This is the view you see alot in Woody Allen films. We drove around the Brooklyn Heights area and then walked on the Promenade, took pictures and walked around the neighborhood. The homes are gorgeous. It's a beautiful area. As stated before, it's amazing that as many times as I've been to NYC, I still see new things and am still surprised by the awesome sights and places. I'm also surprised that I had never know about this.
We had dinner at Height's Cafe. We sat at a table outside. Alex kept returning the wine bottles until we settled on one. The dinner was fiasco-like as the service was terrible and food not so good. We talked about going to Hugo's building's roof or to Elva's roof, but Al was tired and since he had to go to work tomorrow, we dropped off Hugo and went home.
Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, and Mary Poppins on Broadway - Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, and Mary Poppins on Broadway - Tuesday, July 21, 2009
We tried to wake up earlier, but got out of the house around 11:00 a.m. We hung out with Nicki at the house a bit and then went to the TKTS booth by South Street Seaport to get the tickets for the Mary Poppins musical. We drove around the area a bit and bought gyros and steak sandwiches from a street vendor that were awesome. We parked near Battery Park and took the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
We weren't able to go into the Statue of Liberty, because you have to buy tickets in advance. All the tickets were sold out for today. It was raining a lot and it was a little miserable to be out in the rain. We walked around the statue, took pictures and just hung out. Later, we took another ferry to Ellis Island and went through the museum.
We went back to the apartment, took showers and got ready to go to Times Square. The kids were dying to go to Toys R' Us and ride the ferris wheel. We finally did it. Hugo also called to meet us to give us tickets for tomorrow's Yankees game. He gets free tickets through work and he got us four tickets. He couldn't come with us because he had to work.
Before Mary Poppins, we ate pizza and calzones at a deli in Times Square right below MTV. It was spectacular!!!!!! My daughter was thrilled the whole time and she didn't want it to end. She was really into it the entire show. Both of them loved it and Jake's favorite part was when Bert walks on the walls and on the ceiling. They did many amazing stunts and it was impressive. My son admitted he really liked it. After the show, we took a cab home and went to sleep.
We tried to wake up earlier, but got out of the house around 11:00 a.m. We hung out with Nicki at the house a bit and then went to the TKTS booth by South Street Seaport to get the tickets for the Mary Poppins musical. We drove around the area a bit and bought gyros and steak sandwiches from a street vendor that were awesome. We parked near Battery Park and took the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
We weren't able to go into the Statue of Liberty, because you have to buy tickets in advance. All the tickets were sold out for today. It was raining a lot and it was a little miserable to be out in the rain. We walked around the statue, took pictures and just hung out. Later, we took another ferry to Ellis Island and went through the museum.
We went back to the apartment, took showers and got ready to go to Times Square. The kids were dying to go to Toys R' Us and ride the ferris wheel. We finally did it. Hugo also called to meet us to give us tickets for tomorrow's Yankees game. He gets free tickets through work and he got us four tickets. He couldn't come with us because he had to work.
Before Mary Poppins, we ate pizza and calzones at a deli in Times Square right below MTV. It was spectacular!!!!!! My daughter was thrilled the whole time and she didn't want it to end. She was really into it the entire show. Both of them loved it and Jake's favorite part was when Bert walks on the walls and on the ceiling. They did many amazing stunts and it was impressive. My son admitted he really liked it. After the show, we took a cab home and went to sleep.
Chinatown and Yankee game - Monday, July 20, 2009
Chinatown and Yankee game - Monday, July 20, 2009
We slept in until late, we relaxed and took the morning off. We did nothing all morning! We left to Chinatown and shopped for purses in the "secret rooms." The shops have gotten more elaborate as now they hide rooms behind what you think is a very small space or they have several employees strategically placed down a block where they wave you down. You follow each one until you get to a building, go up elevator, and go into these "secret rooms." As we were doing this, I didn't think it was a good idea for the kids as it is almost covert-like. However, the kids enjoyed the excitement of the "secret rooms." I bought about $100 worth of fake stuff.
We walked all the way from Tita's house to Canal St & LaFayette. On the way back, the kids were whining and complaining and they didn't want to walk back. We finally made it back to the house, took showers and got ready for the Yankees game. We saw Nicki for a little while as we got ready. The kids had fun playing with her. Our friend Hugo, came to the house and we left from there to the game by car. It was easy to get there and we were excited as this season is the inaugural year of the new stadium.
The stadium is wonderful. It is beautiful and impressive. We had a nice time at the game. Jake loved it. He had front row seats on the top level. After the game, Hugo took us on a driving tour of the city. He pointed out different places of interest and also gave us ideas of new things to do while we are there. He introduced us to Brooklyn and the Promenade. After so many years, we had no idea it was worth visiting. We got home around midnight.
We slept in until late, we relaxed and took the morning off. We did nothing all morning! We left to Chinatown and shopped for purses in the "secret rooms." The shops have gotten more elaborate as now they hide rooms behind what you think is a very small space or they have several employees strategically placed down a block where they wave you down. You follow each one until you get to a building, go up elevator, and go into these "secret rooms." As we were doing this, I didn't think it was a good idea for the kids as it is almost covert-like. However, the kids enjoyed the excitement of the "secret rooms." I bought about $100 worth of fake stuff.
We walked all the way from Tita's house to Canal St & LaFayette. On the way back, the kids were whining and complaining and they didn't want to walk back. We finally made it back to the house, took showers and got ready for the Yankees game. We saw Nicki for a little while as we got ready. The kids had fun playing with her. Our friend Hugo, came to the house and we left from there to the game by car. It was easy to get there and we were excited as this season is the inaugural year of the new stadium.
The stadium is wonderful. It is beautiful and impressive. We had a nice time at the game. Jake loved it. He had front row seats on the top level. After the game, Hugo took us on a driving tour of the city. He pointed out different places of interest and also gave us ideas of new things to do while we are there. He introduced us to Brooklyn and the Promenade. After so many years, we had no idea it was worth visiting. We got home around midnight.
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