In New York City: Empire State Building Tour

One thing I had never done on any of my trips to New York City was go to the top of the Empire State Building. I was lucky enough this summer to go to the top of Rockefeller Center, where I could SEE the Empire State Building, but this time I wanted to go to the place where the affair was remembered, where you could see the top of the shiny Chrysler building, and where Annie and Sam figured out they could make it even though they lived on separate coasts.  

My NYC-based friend agreed to go on this tourist lark with us, and off we went. We booked tickets online, and were excited when we got there and saw no line (this summer, when I walked by, the line seemingly snaked out of the building). This was very misleading, as once we got in, there was a line. A line that moved at a snail's pace. And, while in this line, we were bombarded with weird messaging about electricity. Eventually we almost got to the elevators, and they tried to force us into taking a picture that made it look like we were in front of the building. (I immediately became curious about how many people bought these pics. My friend A predicted 60% of people. If that was the case, they are raking in a lot of dough!). 

After probably an hour, we got to the elevators and headed up to the 80th floor...where we were greeted with ANOTHER line to get to the 86th floor. A worker let us know that we were welcome to walk up those six flights -- which we did. Finally being on the 86th floor made the wait (almost) worth it. We got to see a beautiful view of New York City -- from bridge to bridge, Central Park to Brooklyn. It was pretty awesome to see how vast this City is. We also were very lucky that it was a really clear night. Chilly, yes, but the sky was without a cloud and we could see for miles.

We had also paid to go to the 102nd floor -- so up we went. This was cool, though I don't think worth the extra money. You are in a tight space, can't go outside, and I know personally I was affected by the altitude (and saw another woman with her head between her knees so am assuming she was having a worse reaction). It was cool to be up there, but I think the view from the 86th, and being able to go outside, was the better bet.

I am very grateful my friend A indulged me in this activity and didn't even roll his eyes when I asked if we could go, even though I know it probably isn't so cool for people who live there to do these things. It was something I had always wanted to do, and I can now cross it off my list!

We Remember

It is hard to believe -- 12 years have passed. 12 years since the relative ease of the world I lived in changed. The day that made it impossible to look in the sky at planes flying over my city and not to wait to hear if it crashed into a building, to wait for the boom.

I've already talked about my experience on 11 September 2001 -- 9/11. The feeling small, the feeling lost in it all. And, above it all, the kindness of people.

I recently came across these pictures again, and was again kind of tripped out by them. One of my first trips to New York was apparently in September 1999, and I went a day or so early to check things out -- that day being 11 September 1999. A few coworkers and I went to Ellis Island, and were treated to this spectacular view of the NYC skyline. I was (and continue to be) amazed by how tall the buildings were -- I had never seen them so tall! And, standing above the rest, were the Twin Towers.

Later that week, we actually went to the top -- there was a bar and a viewing area. I stepped out to look but almost got sick when I realized how high up we were, so I quickly stepped back. Who knew that, just two years later, this view would no longer be available? That I should take advantage of it right then?

I'll never forget that experience, of seeing the one of the greatest cities in the world from that perspective. Just as none of us will ever forget the experience of watching that view topple down, a massive crunch of steel and concrete collapsing upon itself.

And we will always remember the innocent people who were taken from this world that day -- the mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, grandparents, sisters and brothers, best friends, husbands and wives. Some taken just by the circumstance of where they work, or happen to be, and some because they went to help, or took down a plane to save others.

We remember. #911

Let's Catch a Game

Representing the green & gold!

One day, I received an email from my friend P regarding our upcoming trip to New York... would I mind maybe going to a baseball game instead of seeing Mamma Mia? Maybe this Yankees team or something?

Would I?

One of my "bucket list" items is to visit all the MLB ballparks. I am not sure this will ever happen, but I am certainly not going to stop trying.

I'd missed previous opportunities to go to the old Yankees Stadium, so I was really excited to go to the new one. We checked out the seating maps and chose what seemed to be great seats (I always find it hard with these newer ball parks... there is often some sort of obstruction risk).

When game day arrived, we decided to drive into the City early from New Jersey, park near the stadium and then go sightsee. This ended up working perfectly...there is a lot directly across from the stadium that cost around 30$ and had very easy access in & out. The subway is also conveniently located directly across the street from the entrance, which made the sightseeing/head back combo super easy.

Once we got to the stadium, a little asking around confirmed that if it is your first visit to the stadium, you can get a special certificate. The office to do this is located behind center field; they are very friendly and print the certificate while you wait! It's a great free souvenir.

The thing that amazed me most was being in a tank top throughout the entire game, with no need for a sweater. This is crazy to me, where, in the middle of summer, we're often found in several layers of clothing!

I was a little worried that people would get irritated with me explaining baseball to the Swedes, but that wasn't the case at all!  Out in right field, the fans were great, and we even made a few new friends. Hot dog and beer in hand, life was pretty good. (and the Yankees lost...yippee!)

New York! New York!

It had been at least six long years since I had last visited New York City, and much longer than that since I got to visit purely for fun. So when my friend P notified me that her family would be there for a month, and I should come visit -- I jumped right on it.

The trip was a whirlwind -- I flew in on a red-eye to arrive Friday morning and then left late afternoon (which actually turned into late night thanks to Newark Airport's TERRIBLE delay issues).

Among our adventures were a walk through Central Park and, of course, a stop for a drink or two at the boathouse, a Yankees game, a trip up a very high skyscraper (as a Californian, I don't think I will ever get used to how high the buildings are!), a night out on the town, and then a drizzly view from NJ over the river.

I cannot wait to go back.