Next on the agenda was Socrates Park, a sculpture garden on the Hudson with amazing views of Manhattan.
While currently changing exhibits they did have a few stationery sculptures.
And always interesting to see the inner working of these operations.
Then some of the bonuses, like a place to sit in the grass or a picnic area,
A final laugh – look what we found on the street outside. A parking lot for ice cream trucks, only in New York!
And for tonight, the drive in..
Wow! Another hip NYC place I’ve missed, but make sure you don’t! Food was delicious as was the sights and sounds. Tried to get in to this famous spot for dinner without success.
Lesson learned: Call for reservations.
Of course it didn’t help that it was Greek Easter weekend and Greeks own and run the majority of the restaurants in town…
So #1 daughter and I continued to stroll looking for a restaurant and finding dogs snoozing along the way as their owners socialized.
Caught a variety of restaurant shelters each with their own personality. What creativity..
Then decided on a restaurant, what a good choice!
Even grand dog Mo liked the place.
And what a feast for a ridiculously low price..
Last find was a great bakery for dessert later..
What a fun afternoon and another must see and do in NYC…
Next: Socrates Park
Queen’s Museum overlooks World’s Fair Park. The Museum initially hosted the UN General Assembly from 1946-1950.
The Borough of Queens fascinates with over 80 languages spoken here. And it’s Museum is a delight.
Here’s a sampling…
NYC Panorama – watch this Panorama go from Day to Night…
Outside the Panorama .. World’s Fair Memorabilia
I remember these license plates – gosh I am old..
Exhibit: Food Bank Operations
My personal favorite – The Tiffany Lamps.. Watch the films and check out the lamps
And last but not least pictures of those who make up NYC … from their “home” lands,
Another must see..
After scoping out the Drive In jaunted over to World’s Fair Park. The walk included passing the Ashe Stadium where many tennis events are held.
Close up of Statutes in front of Stadium
And for those who don’t know Arthur Ashe, shame on you, so let me enlighten. Arthur was an American tennis player. As a black man he won several firsts, here are a few:
Sadly, we lost this man too young at 50, however his impact remains worldwide.
World’s Fair Park
After passing the “globe” numerous times on my trips to the airport, finally received a close up. It’s been over 50 years since my visit to the World’s Fair. She’s held up good and all of NYC was enjoying her Park on my visit. What a fun place.
On your visit stop by the vendor selling spicy hot dogs. What a taste treat.. And don’t forget the gelato, it is sublime.
Next Stop: Queens Museum
#1 and only daughter and future son in law, (FSIL), work in the event industry. They met in Sundance, thank you Robert Redford, and yes I did send him a letter of thanks, true story, but no response.
Upon their return to Austin, Texas, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, respectively, they conducted a midwest, north-south, phone romance for a month before the Pandemic was disclosed. Upon Pandemic strike, Gouda, (my pet name for FSIL), was invited to quarantine in Austin. Arriving 15 hours after invite he has never left.
Since all job potential had ceased for the two, and one received unemployment, they took off on a cross country journey visiting all national parks. Living out of a tent attached to a Subaru for close to 3 months they made the best of a bad situation, saw much of the country, and, quite frankly, I am envious. Yes, I am getting to the end of this saga..
While in Idaho a friend called about work in NYC Drive Ins. Who knew NYC had drive ins? And for those who don’t know it’s a big screen where movies are shown and people sit in cars to watch. Another friend offered a room with no window at a reasonable price and they were employed.
Here’s the Queens Drive In adjacent to the Queens Museum. They charge by the car load and wish I had the specifics. At some shows directors and actors have appeared so it is an interesting and fun event.
Saw Ground Hog Day with Bill Murray and Andie McDowell while visiting. There were no appearances of Bill or Andie, however, it was a memorable event and if you’ve never been to a Drive In put it on the Bucket List.
La Guardia Airport is named for Mayor Fiorello Henry La Guardia, who served as Mayor from 1934 to 1945. Short in stature but powerful in abilities, this 99th Mayor of New York City did much to bring the City into the 20th century, and is honored as a name sake in many places in town.
He began his tenure running against corrupt Tammy Hall. Upset over the treatment of immigrants he began his social justice fight and won the mayoral race.
One of his crowning gestures was the La Guardia Airport. Seeing the need for a New York City airport he fought for this cause. To gain public support he refused to deplane in Newark stating his TWA ticket stated his destination was New York. From this public ground swell began and airport land was acquired from the former Steinway Family Amusement Park.
In 2016, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Vice President Joe Biden jointly announced an upgrade to the LaGuardia Airport. This is the first complete rebuild of and US Airport in 20 years.
Let’s close with another LaGuardia quote.
I wish to recognize the stained glass windows and signs at Terminal 2 from which I borrowed this information and quotes.
What an amazing visit….Stay tuned.
Started the day at the Old St. Patrick’s Church in lower Manhattan. This church’s history starts with Irish immigrants, then Italian, and Chinese. Built over 200 years ago this church was the precursor to the massive St. Patrick’s of 5th Avenue.
The church cemetery was once the burial site of the venerated Pierre Toussant, a candidate for sainthood. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s former orphanage is adjacent to the church. Other highlights include Martin Scorsese as a former altar boy, the Godfather being filmed at the church, and Alec Baldwin’s wedding in 2012. But, the main reason for the tour was to view the church catacombs.
These are the only New York City catacombs open to the public. There are also catacombs in Greenwood Cemetery, however closed to the public.
While a bit eerie this was interesting to see. During this time the crypts were sealed as embalming was not done. And, if one can prove title to the church crypts they could potentially be entombed here. Any takers??
On to the show…
Walking back to the hotel Lincoln Center loomed large. While a Monday night in New York tends to be quiet Lincoln Center was alive with the Paul Taylor dancers performing. Securing a ticket I quickly took my seat.
Paul Taylor was one of the great progressive, modern dance choreographers of the 20th century. He founded his dance company in 1954 and created over 150 works. He left us in 2018, however his legacy and vision lives on.
The four dances conducted on this evening were an innovative and interesting frolic in the modern dance style. Pictures are not allowed but the memory of the evening lingers on.
And with that closure to my New York City adventure. See you tomorrow and keep dancing.
Look what I had the good fortune of seeing at the Wednesday matinee.
Great music and dancing with the play told from Otis’ perspective. He began the group and was the surviving member of the original cast which began in the 70’s. New folk are still dancing and singing the songs! If you get the chance take in the play as it’s entertainment value is 5 stars.
Currently am at JFK and boarding soon for the flight to Germany to embark on the Rhine River Cruise. Will keep you posted. Maybe I can do a daily blog as the WP AP seems to be user friendly. 😊. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
Since I had lost 2 precious NYC hours I flew off the bus and located a Chinese restaurant. In Chinatown restaurants are always serving food whatever hour so I quickly found a spot. In this area of Chinatown, near the Manhattan Bridge, I found good food for less money than restaurants farther up Canal Street.
From there I located a massage place as after 11 hours on a bus I became a pretzel. Chinatown massages are wonderful and cost $45 to $50 an hour, plus tip makes it $60 to $65, a true bargain. With massages therapists techniques vary but I’ve never had a bad massage. I have even had one gal actually walk on my back, and I thought this was only in the movies.
After lunch and massage it was time for the afternoon performance of Linda Vista, a new play about a recently divorced male in his 50’s. The play was in previews which means they are working out the kinks and I doubt these kinks will ever be worked out. It was a bomb but you never know so have to give it a try. When the actors went fully nude and were sc—ing like rabbits I knew it was time to call it a day and get out of there.
Leaving the theater I found a perfect day so I walked. This and people watching are two of my favorite things to do while visiting New York. Ending up at Macy’s I decided to check out the shoe department as Amazon had failed in my 3 attempts to find a shoe that fit. Alas, Macy’s was no better but to watch the women go crazy over designer summer shoes for $25. was a hoot.
The 99 cent pizza store was my next stop. Coming prepared with Reynolds Wrap I purchased 5 slices and stashed them in my bag for home. In my eyes this is the best pizza in NYC and there are locations throughout Manhattan. Give them a try.
Back to Chinatown for garlic eggplant with pork at a small restaurant. Friendly and quick service is always a given in Chinatown. Next stop the Chinese bakery for almond cookies, sweet rolls, and other delicacies for home consumption.
And in adjoining Little Italy was the St. Gennaro Festival. This is an eleven day feast in honor of the Patron Saint of Naples, however with all the food you’d think he was the Patron Saint of Pizza.
Church of St. Gennaro
Saint Gennaro was an Italian Bishop who was persecuted for his faith. Though he experienced terrible tortures they had no effect Even when he was thrown in a fire he came out unscathed. When lions were to mall him they stopped in their tracks and would not do him harm. His life was finally ended when he was beheaded.
Money is placed by the statute in the hopes that requests will be granted. Statutes of the Saint along with Saint Anthony are carried through the streets in honor of the feast day.
Keep the September dates open and visit. Be prepared for crowds and much fun and food.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 