We have been looking forward to going to NY for years now! We once had plans to go and had to cancel them because the hurricane was coming through NC. Then Covid hit and it moved to the back burner again.
Finally! When Lyena was visiting, we figured it would be the best opportunity for all of us to head to NYC and experience the city before Christmas! We didn’t have too much time but we used every minute of what we had.
We flew to NY in the evening of Dec 19th. The city met us with gusty winds and incredibly cold temperatures. And because we had five people in our party, we had to either get two official taxis for almost $100, or go wait for an Uber...which we opted to do. A pretty short drive to our hotel that was right in the city and close to all the main attractions. We had to find a room that fit five of us to save on the cost of the hotel... It wasn’t most comfortable to have two queen beds and a pull out sofa for all of us, but we managed for three nights.
First thing in the morning as we walked up, we went to the bakery where we picked up delicious baked creations for breakfast. It was bitterly cold, so we literally had to wear whatever clothes we had for Finland:).
We then walked to the Grand Central Station.
The beginning of all beginnings for so many journeys.
It’s a pretty impressive iconic building, the one I had read so much about it many books and seen in so many movies.
Weekday rush.
We then took the metro towards the MET.
On the way, we stopped by the Ukrainian Institute of America that is super close to the museum.
We got there just as the museum was opening, got our tickets and proceeded to follow the comprehensive guide of the most prominent things to see.
This is The Seated Couple, from around Mali region made in the 18th century. It’s quite famous at the museum because it’s considered very complex.
Next up is Bowl with Human Feet. This one is Robert’s favorite--made from Nile clay and dates back to 3700-3450 BC. Can you believe it?
We proceeded then to the Egyptian section. Mark was not impressed when we tried to match him to the sarcophagus’ shape.
A nice British family took this group picture of us.
Lyena does this best, especially matching the large eyes stare.
Robert is simply too happy.
I tried...but oh well-haha.
Beautiful hall of statues.
I think Lyena is trying to make a friend, but Mark is still thinking he is too mature for all of these pretend games.
We tried to match the poses, Mark, again, is not cooperating. 😆
A beautiful creation by Emanuel Leutze “Washington Crossing the Delaware”, dated 1851. Truly magnificent!
Bridge over a Pond of Water Lillies is another famous one by Claude Monet.
Van Gaugh’s self portrait.
One of my favorites--the Cliff. That was painted at Etretat on the French coast where we visited once.
This was probably one of my favorite spaces at the MET--the peaceful reprieve from the hustle and crowds--this is called the Damascus Room. Absolutely gorgeous, it was an actual residential room that was gifted by an influential family.
We survived the MET! I would love to go back and to look at all the many-many other masterpieces we missed.
And thus began our stroll through Central Park in this frigid weather...
Walked over to Strawberry Fields, a famous stop for the Beatles fans.
Enjoying the skyline of the city from the north.
Lyena and I by Robert Burns, the poet that we both studied in our World Literature class led by Tatiana Yevhenivna.
Look at this beautiful view! We have never seen tall buildings like this anywhere else in the world.
One benefit of visiting off season is having a clear view of the city through the trees.
Missing Katya. We’ll have to bring her here for sure!
By lunchtime, we made it to an Eastern European sort of cafe run by a few Ukrainians. It wasn’t Ukrainian food, but it was yummy! Then we marched through the busy streets towards Times Square.
Everything was exactly how I imagined it to be! Probably THE busiest part of the city.
We stopped at Times Square and watched a performer for a bit, took a few pictures and headed towards the park where we were hoping to go ice skating...
Alas...everything was sold out and we learned that we definitely should have booked ahead, although we just didn’t know what time we’d be there exactly. So we gave up on the idea and went to warm up at the National Library for a moment (and use their restroom too).
Had to get a picture with the 5th Avenue sign!
We needed some warmth so we stopped by Pret A Manger for some sugary hot cocoa!
And then ventured outside again towards Rockefeller Plaza.
Getting pretty good at selfies!
Beautiful family picture!
Radio City!
Finally, the famous ice skating rink!
It was so crowded around it! And it looked pretty small. We did enjoy the beautiful view of the Christmas tree! It was simply stunning, so atmospheric to be there, in the cold, days before Christmas.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral!
Glad she could come along!
We walked by the Rockefeller Center with a long line of those desiring to go up to the Top of the Rock observation platform.
I forgot to mention that we also stopped by the M&M’s store...of course. Where Mark gets only Skittle.s
And then...as we were walking towards our hotel, we ran into the Trump Tower...
The building was pretty neat (and had bathrooms).
Mark and his modest present-Rubik’s Cube.
We walked almost all the way to our hotel and found a delicious Asian restaurant nearby. It was so amazing to have a warm meal of noodles on such a cold night. We were exhausted but felt like we truly saw and experienced a lot already! Lyena’s face says it all:)
To Be Continued...
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