My wife Wendi’s blog has built a reputation on three things (in my humble opinion): Packing a lot of fun things to do in a short amount of time (Wendi’s Weekend Trips); writing about neat places to eat (&); whatever captures her fancy (Whatnot). While the blog has only been around for a year, the concept dates back a number of years. Even before we lived on the outskirts of the Amish Heartland, we took weekend trips there. When we would visit my family in Boston, we would take one and two-day excursions. My mother, Carmen, was always fascinated with how much fun stuff Wendi could schedule in such a short amount of time.
Friday, July 15
Now that the foundation of this blog has been established, let me walk you through our first 24 hours since arriving at the Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan on July 15, 2016. What follows is merely a timeline illustrated with photos. You can bet Wendi will have full blog posts about our adventures made in Manhattan:
2:37-5:03 p.m.: Waldorf-Astoria
Arrive at the hotel, check-in, adore the beautiful lobby, find our room, unpack and get a little rest.
5:03-5:37 p.m.: Night Out Begins
We begin making our way toward the Theater District, where we will be seeing “An American in Paris.” On the way, we discover we are in Rockefeller Center. The Lego store catches our eye because our great-nephews like to watch “The Lego Movie” (everything is awesome!).
5:37-5:51 p.m.: Did Somebody say “Chocolate”
Chocolate is one of Wendi’s four basic food groups (I think one of the other three is mint chocolate). When we came across Godiva Chocolates, our mouths were drooling as we watched Ana hand-dip strawberries in chocolate. Because it was so hot, we ended up getting frozen Trufflelata drinks. Great choice.
5:51-6:36 p.m.: Plan for Pizza Fails
I love New York-style pizza. It’s what I grew up on in Boston. So, here I am in New York, and I am going to get at least two things: Pizza and real bagels. I check Google Maps and Harry’s Italian Pizza Bar is real close. However, we couldn’t find it. Wendi asked a cashier in Godiva Chocolates, and she explains it is downstairs of the Rockefeller Plaza. When we get there, I see it appears to be Sicilian-style pizza. I wanted New York-style, which is based on the original Margherita pizza from Naples, Italy. So, we walked out, I was a little saddened to do it, and settled on the Tri-Tip Grill next door. Great choice.
6:36-6:46 p.m.: Pleasant Surprises
Keep in mind, I have been through New York, but never really visited and spent any time in the city. We were delightfully surprised to walk by NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall and the theater where The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon is recorded. Little did I know we would end up in Times Square, too.
6:46-7:30 p.m.: Times Square
It was fascinating to be in Times Square in person. Having seen it on TV over the years, this was a pleasure.
7:23-10:33 p.m.: Broadway
Wendi and I saw our first Broadway show, “An American in Paris,” in the Palace Theater. Who could ask for anything more.
10:33-10:59 p.m.: Homeward Bound
Just before 11 p.m. we end up back at the Waldorf, and when we get settled into our room, Wendi takes some time to write down thoughts from the day, so she won’t miss anything.
Saturday, July 16
8:58-9:34 a.m.
We head out to find Ess-a Bagels. However, on the way there, I spot the New York Luncheonette. I thought Wendi would need a more substantial breakfast than bagels, so I convinced her we should eat there. We have a long day ahead of us, and I felt she needed protein more than carbohydrates.
9:34-10:39 a.m., The Ride to Ground Zero
After breakfast, we found the subway, rode it down to Ground Zero. There we met one of the first Salvation Army volunteers to arrive at the scene, Jose Welch. We made our way to One World Observatory and purchased a ticket to the top.
10:39 a.m.-12:22 p.m., The Ascent and Descent
With tickets in hand, we rode the elevator to the 102nd floor, and then we walked around the building, looking at the breath-taking skyline from above the other skyscrapers. We walked by the memory pools marking where the north and south towers stood. We walked by Engine Co. 10, the closest FDNY station to the Twin Towers.
12:22-12:42 p.m., Pronto Pizza
Finally! About 22 hours after arriving at the hotel, I finally get New York-style pizza. It was pretty good. The crust was not charred, the way I prefer it to be, but the pizza was good.
12:42-1:38 p.m., To the Ferry
After leaving the pizza shop, we went to another subway and road it to Whitehall Station, where we made our way to the Staten Island Ferry, secured our place in line and then our place on the upper deck.
1:38-2:37 p.m., Back to Manhattan
By 1:38 p.m., the ferry set out into the New York Harbor, getting a nice view of the Statue of Liberty. We rode the ferry to the island and then right back to Manhattan. We boarded the ferry “home” at 2:28 p.m., and we were a little ways into the New York Harbor at the 24-hour mark after arriving in our hotel.
If your head is spinning, imagine how we felt. We still did plenty more before we laid our heads on our pillows. I might tell you more about that — or maybe Wendi will. But right now I have to hit the sack. We have another day left here and I have no idea what adventures lie before me. Hard telling with Wendi at the helm.
