27-30 July 2007: A trip to the Big Apple, the last major excursion for the Summer of 2007. This trip is Aimee's.
The heavens declare the glory of God, even on a summer cloudy day when viewed from 9,000 feet.
We are here. Everyone else is here also.
First Stop is Toys-R-Us, reported to be the largest store of its type in the US. Here is a 60 foot Ferris wheel built into the store.
Other attractions include the Statue of Liberty made of 12,200 LEGOS.
Aboard the tour bus, getting the camera ready.
Aric is ready.
The Tour Guide is ready and knowledgeable.
Some things seen in New York are not seen in Argyle, such as this video news square.
The tour takes us by the UN, Central Park, various broadcast buildings, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building
and Ground Zero, being rebuilt as Liberty Plaza, seen here in the background.
Lady Liberty as seen from the Ferry.
Lady Liberty as seen from Ellis Island. Takes my breath away.
The four of us as seen from the island.
Back on the mainland, Kathy reflects upon the age of the Cutty Sark class of vessels
The M&M Store offers candies you won't find anywhere else (for $9 per pound), except maybe on The M&M website
Caricatures of Aric and Aimee.
Build-A-Bear NYC is a sight to behold, complete with a collection of bears that seem to be calling "Pick Me!"
Then of course there is Macy's, the world's largest department store. Occupying nearly a full city block, Macy's boasts 220,000 square feet and 11 or 12 floors, two of which are devoted to women's shoes. There are several wooden escalators in this store.
Aric, his new Build-a-Dino from Build-a-Bear named "Dino" and I wait at the Starbucks at Macy's, while Kathy and Aimee roam the store.
It has been a busy couple of days. The miles we walked about the city are not captured by these photos. Few people drive in NYC, most walk, take a taxi or a bus. You do not see gas stations in the city. And you do not see many fast food chain restaurants; just Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin Robbins, and the occasional McDonalds. But what you do see are small bistros and specialty establishments,
which we found to be generally both quaint and great. The close proximity of everything to everything else, coupled with shops serving sandwiches, soups and light prepared foods put the thought into my head that, in general, most active people from New York City probably eat healthier foods than most Texans. Aric's observation is that there are not as many overweight people in New York as in Texas.
Back to JFK Airport late Sunday morning by means of J&M Transportation (917-701-7403). Our driver, Julio, was a delight to talk to. When asked if he drove any celebrities around, he commented that tomorrow he would be with Billy Crystal. He frequently transports Joe Torrey and other personalities. When we arrived at the airport, fours hours before the departure time, we soon discovered that the flight had been cancelled. Our stay in NYC would be extended by one day, and since the cancellation was reported to be weather related, no compensation for our hotel room would be offered.