Soon, we were on our way to the United Nations. One of the few tourist attractions I haven't visited, I looked forward to the opportunity to see something new.
With the exception of an airport-style security screening and the lobby, this expedition was not to be. Lengthy lines and an inability to determine just how long we would have to wait for the tour, but with the notion it could've been all day, we skipped the tour and spent a short time walking around the lobby and gift shop.
Who knew the UN lobby would be filled with art, including this stained glass window by Marc Chagall:
After the UN, we headed across town to meet Elaine. "We're taking the bus?" Chris said with a hint of skepticism. While most out-of-towners seem to relish the opportunity to ride the subway, the bus doesn't hold the same allure. Maybe it's because nearly every city of reasonable size has a bus system, usually ridden by those without cars and purposely avoided by those who do. Or maybe it's school bus PTSD. Who knows. Not me. I love the bus. In fact, I'll be taking my first ride on a Minneapolis city bus tonight, which I may or may not write about, depending on how interesting it is. But I digress...It was nearing lunch time and our date with my favorite sandwich in the world: #7 at Crystal Cafe, 57th & Broadway. Avocado, sprouts, cucumber, provolone, red wine vinaigrette plus mayo and mustard in lieu of red onions. All of this on a Portuguese roll, to which they have added some whole grains since my last visit. Typically, I like to "health up" (a Chris-ism) my food, but sometimes it's best not to mess with perfection.
Oh, and we saw Elaine, too. We worked together across the street from said fave-sandwich from 2000 to 2002, but I never got her to try it until about a year and a half ago. Initially she was skeptical, but now she's hooked. You can't see it in the photo, but Elaine's sporting a "baby bump" and will welcome her third son in August (personally, I'm sure he wants to be born on the 13th).
After searching Daffy's in vain for some warmer clothes (it had to be in the low 50s and NY's signature wind tunnel in full effect), we took the subway downtown to see Sandra. She's still walking with a cane nearly a year and a half after knee surgery, but thinks she will be free from it soon. One key advantage, is that she's eligible for disability transit via a bus that takes her from door-to-door for less than the cost of a subway or bus ride. While it may be unfair to associate disability with any type of advantage, a door-to-door ride for $2 is unheard of!
It was great to see Sandra, but after a coffee she had to go back to work. Chris and I then made our way to the WTC site, which is just a couple of blocks from Sandra's office. This was after another fruitless search for a sweater, sweatshirt, anything at Century 21. Actually, I did pick up the scarf I'm wearing in the photo above earlier at Daffy's. But as Chris pointed out, it's purpose was one of style rather than warmth.Access to the WTC site is mostly obscured, as it is now an active construction site. I hadn't been there since March 2002 (with Marilyn!) and the area has changed. There's a skyway between buildings from which one can get a clear view of the construction. It's not much to see yet, but this will surely be New York's top tourist attraction upon completion, albeit for morbid reasons. I have no strong desire to visit, actually, but probably will because I'm both macabre and masochistic. Not to mention alliterative...sorry, it's Friday...moving on...
With a late flight on Monday, we were poised for a full day. The last stop was supposed to be the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We arrived at 3:40, well in advance of what I thought was the last ferry at 5:00 only to discover that the last ferry leaves at 3:30. I've been to Liberty Island at least 10 times and Ellis almost that many, but they're always worth a return trip. It was also a disappointment because Chris was really looking forward to it. You can tell from the look on his face that the teeny-tiny statue didn't quite live up to expectations. Next time, Chris, next time.
The National Museum of the American Indian was not much of a consolation prize. I'm not sure if we missed a whole wing or if this is Smithsonian budget cuts under the Bush Administration or if relegating our native cultures to one exhibit is meant to be metaphorical. In any case, it was a disappointment!
Soon, we were on our way back to JFK, driven by the chattiest cabby I've ever had. I think it's Chris, although he never says much so I don't know why this guy was compelled to tell us everything we ever wanted to know (and quite a bit we didn't) about taxi driving, gas prices and the economy.
Despite a lengthy delay, we were back home shortly past midnight. Great trip. When can we go again?
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