trip to NYC Jan 16-18 2011 day 1 bus to Grand Central Station, walked to my hotel from there, about 30 minutes, coming upon Time Square - WOW. Checked in, then out again and walked for hours, had dinner at 2am[!], went back anxious to start another day. Day 2 had several hours before having to be at the Letterman taping, so found a 3 hour bus tour - and so lucky - there were only 3 of us on it, so we got the full story on so many things - why is NYC called the 'big apple'? From racetrack years ago the jockey got the trophy, the owner the money, and in New York, the horse was given a big shiny red apple! The largest Catholic church was on the tour, beautiful inside and out, and then Soho, Chelsea, and on to the Miracle Church. Called the little miracle, it stood between the two towers of 911. Though all buildings around were fallen or badly damaged, this little church remained unharmed, not a crystal in the chandelier shaken! It is a memorial now, also used for lectures. The graveyard overlooks ground zero, it is heartwarming in its way to see the rebuilding, the replacement being taller still than the destroyed twin towers. People really did come together in a time of great crisis. On to the police and fire department store where all proceeds go to the families. Empire State Building, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, home of the original immigration building. Many other stops, and a return to Time Square. Off to the Letterman show. where I got busted for making a movie while they told us so many times not to - but I did get some shots of the set, though not included here. Wasn't the highlight at all but it was okay. Last walk was to Central Park, it was so cold, I don't know what this 'dry cold' means. It is colder than I have ever been! But it was great to go into the park, I saw just a little of it, watched people skating, riding in their hansom cabs [horse and buggy], and went by Donald's place [Trump] where he lives in several floors, facing Central Park on one side, Time Square on the other. I can't even imagine the view! He is directly across from Central Park, his building called Trump Parc. Though short, it was an incredible journey, came at just the right time for me, I needed it so much! I am grateful for the mini holiday, it cost a small fortune [for me] but I would not have missed it for anything. If you have a chance, go to New York. If you have never been, you are missing out, truly.

• published: 21 Jan 2011
• views: 115