For years, my sister and I have been planning a trip. Every time, something would come up, or the timing didn't work. So when she called me to say she had a place to stay in NYC, I jumped at the chance. She left the itinerary up to me, so I found some fun alternatives to the regular touristy things. Jess took the train while I flew in. Daniel drove me up to the airport. Google had us go a different way than we usually go, and we went through construction, which delayed me a bit. I made it with enough time to get through security and run onto the plane. Luckily, the flight was not full, and I was given a whole row to myself!
I found out how to use the free bus system from LaGuardia into Manhattan; you take the Q70. It stops at 2 transfer stations, where you can catch a bus, tube, or other form of transportation. It was really convenient. I had an hour and a bit before Jessica arrived, and we couldn't check in until 4, so I familiarized myself with the Metro app and got my MetroCard loaded so I could use the subway and buses. New York, like most big cities, has a wonderful public transit system, but it can be a bit confusing to a tourist such as I. I decided to check out the area and found St. Bartholomew's Church, so I had to visit. On my way, I found these giant rats protesting!
Manhattan has hundreds of churches sprinkled between skyscrapers. They are fascinating and beautiful. A lovely reminder of faith being the cornerstone holding up the apartments and centering the businesses.
They were having an event in the main chapel, but there was a smaller chapel that I was allowed to use. I love that churches are open to the public during the day; libraries and churches; they are my jam! This one was beautiful.
They had a coloring page that told the story of St. Bartholomew that I took to bring home for the kids. As I was recharging my phone and myself, I got a message that Jessica was heading in soon. I got the directions to where her train let out and plotted my course. A short walk took me to the subway, which spat me out kitty corner to the train station. There was a sign that said it had moved across the street, so I planted myself outside the station. There was a group doing Tai Chi on the steps along with several pigeons. Unfortunately, I was on the wrong side of the station. It lets out into Madison Square Park, and it is quite busy. I guess that is true everywhere in New York City. We were able to figure it out pretty quickly and soon met up. Our next thought was to get some lunch. We consulted Google and found an indian place a short distance away, but along the way we spied Molly Wee, an Irish pub, and changed our minds.
Molly Wee was just like stepping into a real Irish pub, complete with a few regular drinkers bellied up to the bar and the delightfully accented, nononsense staff. We decided to split the soup of the day, broccoli cheddar, and the open-faced Reuben sandwich. The day was quite chilly, and this really hit the spot! They were both fantastic!
I appreciated that it was still decorated for St, Patty's. After lunch, we decided to visit the Public Library. This building is iconic and, unless you are a student, not really helpful to the average patron. Most of the books were behind locked doors. They did have a coat check that took our bags, so that was nice. We took the walking tour and learned that the real public library, the one with books, was across the street. It was a beautiful building, though, and we enjoyed learning about it. Jessica even signed up for a library card.
Those lions are iconic! We strolled towards our hotel, taking in the many sights, sounds, and smells of New York. Seriously, I have been blessed living in Washington and Missouri, where they don't allow smoking outside buildings, but here the air was thick with the smoke of both tobacco and marijuana.
We found this cute market with so many delightful things! From flowers to food, it had so many options. We got some bread and pastries to try.
We passed this bakery on our way too and applauded his efforts. He took it well. I wonder how often they get passersby engaging with them through the glass.
Our hotel was conveniently situated right downtown. It was a 15-minute walk to the theater district, which was amazing! Upon entering the hotel, Jessica got the spiel from our rather enthusiastic concierge about an upsell meeting she would have to attend. Timeshares are always trying to upsell you. The good thing was that she didn't have to stay for the whole 30 minutes, and she got a dinner credit for attending. She signed up to attend the following morning. We received our room keys, which were wooden, and also a bracelet room key. I had never seen that before. The elevators were interesting as well. You enter your room number, and the screen would direct you to the correct elevator. It took forever to come, so I doubt it is more efficient, but it worked, I guess. We settled in and then walked to dinner. I had a dinner reservation at The Glasshouse Tavern. It is located in the heart of the theater district and is steps away from our first show. Dinner was amazing. Jessica had the branzino (our enthusiastic concierge had recommended it), and I had the shrimp alfredo. They were delicious!
After dinner, we walked past a huge line of theater goers to get to our theater to witness SIX! Jessica commented on how it seemed ridiculous to cue up early for assigned seats. I had to agree. Then I related my skipping the line debacle when Daniel and I went to the book signing of Matt Dinniman. We found our seats and set about taking the customary photos.
On our way back, we passed this unique fashion display.
Our view from the lounge.
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