<p>I wanted to follow up on my post, since all of you were so generous with your advice, and it was appreciated. I also hope that those of you in the path of Irene got through with minimal damage.</p>
<p>We, of course, had a fantastic time in NYC. I was beginning to panic at the cost of this trip, so got into my old backpacker mode and booked 4 nights at the Westside YMCA, at 63rd right across from Central Park. The location was fantastic, the accommodations not so much. We stayed in a tiny bunkbed room on the 13th floor looking out on Central Park, and that was ok. I realized, though, that I might be getting a little old for the major budget travel compared to my 20’s. But, we were one block away from Lincoln Center, steps to Central Park, 2 blocks from Columbus Circle, walking distance to Times Square and the Midtown shopping. </p>
<p>We did so much in the few days we were there, but have so much more to do. DS got some money from his aunt for shopping, so we did most of that on Fifth Avenue, and the SoHo/Greenwich Village area. Spent some time hanging out in Washington Park and Union Square. Tons of stuff happening at both parks.</p>
<p>We used Hifive and got $5 tickets to the National Comedy Theater, and I got a $2.50 ticket to MoMa (students 16 and under are free). MoMa was beyond fantastic, and the comedy theater was fun. We walked to a Summerfest concert in Central Park, and also got $27 tickets to see “Rock of Ages” on Broadway through Studentrush.org. For any former 80’s rockers, that show can’t be missed; we had a blast. I had no idea that the Broadway shows were so small; I could swear that Stacee Jaxx winked at me a few times! Thanks so much for these suggestions, we couldn’t have done as much as we did without these significant discounts.</p>
<p>We also went up to Top of the Rock, which has fantastic views. Its nice to have the Empire State Building to look at as part of the skyline. We ate Turkish, Ethiopian, Soul food, Vietnamese, can’t remember what else. One thing we were wondering, what’s with all of the exact same Halal carts all over? We had chicken and rice once, which was very good, but were hoping for more of a variety with the food carts. </p>
<p>DS fell in love with both NYC and Columbia; he loved the area around Columbia, somewhat more residential the more you go up North. We walked to Harlem, had some good food there, and visited the Malcom X Shabazz mosque, as I had read “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” a few years ago, and was inspired at how he had completely changed his views on race and inclusion shortly before he was assassinated. </p>
<p>We did go to the Statue of Libery/Ellis Island on our way to New York, stopping at the New Jersey Liberty Park. I don’t really need to say that they were a must see, plus I found my grandfather’s records at Ellis Island, which was pretty cool. I have to say I was very uncomfortable going through the Holland Tunnel. I felt if I ever was in a traffic jam in there I might just have a panic attack. </p>
<p>I do have to put in a plug for New Yorkers. People were so helpful and friendly all over Manhattan. So many people would stop and help us in the subway, and in the city. We would be stopped with our map and people would just come and ask us where we were going, and send up on our way. We had great conversations with waitresses, store clerks, people in the parks. I think the only rude people we encountered were other tourists. </p>
<p>Thanks again for the advice, and we can’t wait to go back!</p>
The Helen Hayes is the smallest Broadway theatre, by a long shot. There are less than 600 seats there and most Broadway theatres are more than two or three times that size. It’s a good introduction, though, when you go to a small theatre. Rock of Ages moved from the larger Brooks Atkinson theatre earlier this year.</p>