Coveted Day in Central Park

           

I might’ve woke two or three times briefly but didn’t get up and out of bed until 10am. I wasn’t too surprised given the fact that we stayed up so late. Sleeping late was helped along by the darkened room, thanks to the drawn window shade.

I quickly slipped into my running clothes all the while Mindy remained asleep. I very was anxious to do my first outdoor run in Manhattan. I snatched up Mindy’s door card then started out of the room. Mindy shared that she’d appreciate some coffee. I agreed to get her some coffee before heading off on my run.

I picked up two cups of coffee from the lobby café then returned briefly to the room. I knew from being in the lobby that the sun was shining. That only furthered my eagerness for an outdoor run 

I gave Mindy a hug and headed out the door. It just so happens that I encountered Dave & Natalee heading out for their Hudson River lunch cruise. I passed them on

42^nd St.

I turned north on Madison Avenue. It was immediately obvious that there was a street fair going on up Madison Avenue for about the next ten blocks. Foot traffic was moderate, and I was very fortunate at the cross walks. As you might guess, I had to dance through a few mobs of humanity here and there, but that was expected. After all, I was running in Midtown Manhattan.

Finally, Central Park was in my sights. I was psyched. I crossed Central Park Avenue South and into the park. I was immediately impressed with the beauty and the masses of people, runners, bikers, and walkers. I wound my way around the paved foot trails enjoying the up and down terrain. Just gorgeous! I stopped briefly to check out a softball game at one of the many well-groomed ball parks. On ward.

I probably ran about two miles within the park then headed back to the hotel. As I headed south on Madison Avenue I ran down the middle of the street fair making a game out of dodging the throngs of people. All totaled, I was gone for about 55 minutes.

Mindy was just getting out of the shower when I got back. It was 11am. We briefly discussed the day’s plan, which was to tour Central Park. I took a shower next. Was ready to go by 1130am.

We rode down the elevator with a couple from Sidney Australia. We struck up a brief conversation. They flew into L.A. for a few days then flew here (NYC) and have been here for two weeks.

Mindy and I took the same route I did on my run, choosing to walk/shop the street fair. After about 20 minutes we’d made it only four blocks. At that pace I joked that we wouldn’t get there until evening. We sped it up a little. Each block of the fair was similar to the next.

We made one pit stop into Tiffany’s. Lot’s of people touring the store. I wasn’t impressed. Neither of us had eaten anything. We talked about eating at the street carts. Mindy opted for a hot dog, pretzel, and iced tea. I opted for nothing, but did have a few bites of Mindy’s pretzel. I was eager to tour the park while at leisure.

Finally there, we followed the same foot path I started my run on.  We both were surprised with the massive granite boulders protruding from the earth. I guessed them beaten down by the ice age. My hunch was confirmed by a local Pedicab driver and then again today via Google. In fact, when I returned from my run I told Mindy parts of the park reminded me of Old Man’s Cave. She seemed surprised by the comparison but agreed once she, too, saw it.

We were especially moved by the musicians scattered amongst the park. We encountered two sax players, a violinist playing a Bach Concerto. She was nothing short of amazing. We tipped her well.

We were equally impressed with the bronze sculptures of Beethoven, Columbus, and Shakespeare. About midway through the park we came upon a family choir singing beautifully. Mindy gave them $10 in trade for a CD. Amongst them was an 11-12 year-old male soprano. His voice was angelic.

Two other notable sculptures was the Alice in Wonderland and then The Angels of the Waters resting in the center of a pond. Awesome! We toured the Belvedere Castle, too, which over looks Turtle pond and a newer looking amphitheater.

We could’ve gone on even further, but we had already walked for 3.5 hours. With limited time, we decided to exit the park and find the nearest subway entrance and then head down to the WTC area. We walked along

5^th avenue

to

68^th St

then over to

Lexington Avenue

to the

66^th St

terminal. There we caught the #6 train to 58^th St and then jumped on the #4 express to WTC. Mindy was eager to see ground zero.

Just as I was the first day, Mindy was in awe once we stepped out of the

Fulton St

terminal and Freedom Tower (WTC1) came into view. It’ll give you goose bumps. I took her along

Vessey Ave

, which runs right along the ground zero site. We crossed over

West St

and into the Financial Towers along the waterfront. We headed out to the patio and docks where we gazed out at the Statue of Liberty.

Both of us were hungry, so we opted to dine right there at PJ Clarke’s on the patio along the river. At the outset, it was sunny overhead but clouds were moving in fast. Even saw a few lightning bolts. Watched two cruise ships scoot by and out to sea.

After about 20 minutes, Lady Liberty became completely obscured by clouds/rain. We knew it was only a matter of time before we’d get that same rain. Sure enough, it arrived about five minutes later. Wise to the weather, we moved under the restaurant’s extended overhang a couple minutes ahead of the rain’s arrival.

The rain was hard but also brief. By the way, I enjoyed a delicious cheese burger while Mindy enjoyed a crab cake and salad. She ordered coffee and dessert too. I picked up the check.

We started back to the Fulton St terminal set on going back to the hotel for a brief rest,  but then heading back out to visit Macy’s and the Empire State building. What we hadn’t planned for was a 30 minute stop at the 9/11 pre-museum (the formal museum opens on my birthday, in about three weeks.). It was a touching experience.

Mindy was moved by St Paul’s, an 18^th century Episcopal church that borders ground zero just to the east. Very gothic and unscathed during the 9/11 tragedy. Now closing in on 6pm, we headed back to the hotel taking the 4 train north.

Back at the hotel after a brief delay on the subway. We rested for a while and then talked with the kids. Off to Macy’s, or so we thought. As we hit the revolving doors out to

42^nd St.

we saw that it was raining at a good clip. Neither of us wanted to walk in the rain, especially after all the walking we’d already done. Instead, we ditched into Grand Central Terminal where I gave Mindy the quick $.50 tour.

Mindy cited being hungry again. To be honest, I really thought she was kidding, and gave her a look. After all, I was still full from our late lunch. Most of the food offerings in GCT were closed or closing. I offered the lobby café as an option. Mindy stood staring at the food case for about 10 minutes apparently unable to make a decision. I offered to run after some NYC pizza in the rain. She liked the sound of that. I grabbed my umbrella and headed out to Bravo pizza about two blocks down. Mindy opted for a shower.

Having made that walk at least three other times, it went pretty fast. The rain slowed to sprinkle. I picked up two slices of pepperoni, Sicilian style. I was back in ten minutes. Mindy was already out of the shower, prepping her stuff for a very early AM departure for home.

While Mindy ate and packed, I tuned the TV to the Discovery Channel where we watched Curiosity, this week’s episode about sex.

We were both lying in bed before 9pm hoping to get a restful night of sleep, Mindy before a morning of travel and then her first official school day, and me my last full day of work in NYC. Mindy hoped to be up at 4am. Me, I planned on getting up at 430am.

Unfortunately, we both struggled to find sleep. Not really sure why.
Earlier, I could barely keep my eyes open and was dosing while watching TV. Perhaps it was due to the room temp being too warm. Not really sure. Good night Mindy!