July 2-9, 2009 - Neilsons visit

Daughter Katy, son-in-law Chris and grand kids Justin and Noelle arrived at JFK airport on July 2. We had learned the ropes to get to JFK the summer before. You take the A train to Far Rockaway....note, do NOT take the A train to Lefferts!!!!. You get off the A train at Howard Beach and take the air train to the correct terminal. To get back to Grand Fromage from JFK, you take the air train to Howard Beach, take the A train to Chambers St. You walk six or seven blocks down either Chambers or Warren to Battery Park to the Ferry Terminal. You take the Liberty Landing Ferry to the state park. The last ferry to Liberty Landing leaves at 8:45 on weekdays and 7:45 on weekends.

With this information at the ready, when do you want us to pick you up at JFK?????

Katy, Chris, Justin and Noelle on the A train. They spent much of the ride chatting with the woman next to Katy and discover in the process that most New Yorkers are extremely friendly and helpful. On July 3rd, we had a full day of sightseeing, starting with the mind boggling scene at Times Square. The human brain can not imagine so many people going so fast in so many directions at each corner. This phenomena, combined with all the taxis, makes for a impact welcome to Manhattan. Keeping the group together is a real challenge, but imperative. I will mention at the very onset, just to get the matter over with, that we did NOT see the naked cowboy on this day or any other day of the Neilson visit. I realize this is cause for regret, dispair and lifelong disappointment, but sometimes we must face the unfairness in life.

It is a relief to find the leafy repose of Bryant Park at 42nd and 6th. This park, right behind the library is a true wonder. Beautifully landscaped, it is festooned with hundreds of bistro tables and chairs. A large segment is a reading "room" with the latest newspapers, magazines and books for anyone to enjoy.

Noelle finds a fun book to read.
Robert and Katy enjoy a father/daughter chat.

The Neilsons relax in Bryant Park.
After our pleasant rest in Bryant Park, it was off for more manic sightseeing. Next up was the Rockefeller Center, including a trip up to the Top of the Rock. We enjoyed lunch at the Rockefeller Plaza, followed by that must have Ben and Jerrys. Walking back to 42nd, we took in Grand Central Station, the Chyrsler Building and the library. Interestingly, on display at the library was the original Declaration of Independence with hardly any line to view it.

The Neilsons quickly discovered that in Manhattan, you walk, walk some more, climb steps, ride the subway, walk, climb, ride the ferry, walk.

Waiting for the subway.
On the Liberty Landing Ferry

The third day of the visit was July 4. The staff at Libert Landing warned us that the state park was a favored site from which to view the fireworks and the anticipated crowds might force officials to restrict entrants over a certain number of people. What this meant to us in real life was that if we left the park, we might have issues getting back in.

We had plan B. In the Liberty State Park was a New Jersey childrens' science center. One of the featured displays of the science center is a huge exhibit on skyscrapers...how they are constructed, design elements, where the largest skyscrapers are located. There are interactive displays, including wind factors. You can walk a girder, move objects with a crane, scrape some dirt with a backhoe. I come to a place like this and turn 8 years old again. I'm surprised our arrival did not cause a loud speaker announcement, "Attention all children, Grandma Glee has just entered the building and she wants to play."

Noelle fine tunes her backhoe skill set.
Robert hones up for the crane operators license.
I show off my skyscraper building magnificence. You must surely be quite impressed with my creative architectural design skills and of course my ability to overcome all negative factors facing the modern skyscraper.
Whoopsie daisy, looks like I have a little more to learn about the fine art of skyscraper design and construction. I'd better participate in a few more interactive displays.

The Neilsons entranced by one of the displays.

After a tasty barbeque on board, we enjoyed some impressive fireworks from the bridge of Grand Fromage.

On Sunday we headed out for a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, the best bargain in NYC....free.

Katie and Noelle enjoy a view of the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry.

We surprised the Neilsons with a trip to the Blue Man Group which was enjoyed by all. After the show, we took the subway down to Wall Street.

Katy, Chris, Justin and Noelle eagerly awaiting their bailout on Wall Street.

Monday we took the ferry to Ellis Island and Liberty Island. Robert and I were dragging from all of the sightseeing. The Neilsons assured us they were now practically locals and could manage the subway on their own. They had a lovely walk in Central Park, including a row boat ride on a little lake. Tuesday they again ventured on their own to the natural history museum.

Wednesday we all headed back to Broadway to see the matinee of The Lion King....a very upbeat, creative and fun show. We had a wonderful visit with the Neilson family. Justin and Noelle were extremely well behaved and helpful. I know Katy tried to behave herself so she will received credit. We shared some very fun adventures and a lot of laughs. Before heading out for JFK.....see above for detailed instructions....Robert, Chris, Katy, Justin and Noelle posed by Grand Fromage.