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Taking a Bite Out of the Big Apple


It's almost time for my annual visit to New York City!  Only this year Adam is going too because he has research to do for his next book.  So it's more like I'm tagging along with him as I get to stay in his hotel. 

The past few years, basically since my Grandma Ruth was moved to a home, I haven't been seeing the sights at all, just mostly walking to and from her home.  This time, I've decided to try and sneak in some activities.  I have already purchased tickets for a tour at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum.  Adam and I did a tour a long time ago, but they have several, so I'm going to do another.  I loved it, it was so incredibly interesting.  It is also perfect timing because I just finished Edward Rutherfurd's novel, New York, which weaves fictional characters into the real history of the city from back in the 1600s to 2008.  I love, love, loved this book, and if you enjoy historical fiction, you will too!  I learned a lot of the city's history that I didn't know before, like the story behind some of the famous landmarks including the Chrysler and Empire State buildings.

I am also considering renting a bicycle because of how awesome it was to explore Washington, D.C. that way.  That being said, I'm a bit nervous as I've never ridden in NYC before and I suspect it's not as bicycle-friendly as D.C.  Toronto isn't particularly bicycle-friendly, however, I've been riding here for many years.

I was also hoping to get in a visit to the Ellis Island Immigrant museum, however, it's currently closed due to the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. If I have time, I am going to check out the High Line Park, something I've been wanting to do for a while.  It sounds so cool!

Adam will be working all day but at least we will have the evenings together and can maybe sneak out for a nice dinner or two. 

To me there is really no other place that compares to New York, at least that I've visited to date.  But it's not just the energy of the city, the history absolutely fascinates me, which I suppose is because it is part of my ancestral heritage.  My great grandparents arrived from Eastern Europe to give their families a better life. They started with very little and worked their way up.  Of course the beautiful brownstones, amazing Central Park, and fabulous restaurants are pretty awesome too!

Although I used to fantasize about one day living in Manhattan, I've accepted it will probably never happen.  That's okay, I suspect reality would not actually live up to the fantasy.  For now, I'm thrilled I get to go on a regular basis to visit.

Do you have a favorite city?
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