Round two to Italy for me within 7 months of each other. This time, I am attending a destination wedding of a lovely couple Emo and Jennifer. I have been excited about going to Positano in the Amalfi Coast. It looks to be a beautiful place!!!
I decided that this time going to Italy, I was going to have company. My brother and sister are accompanying me. It has been an interesting project because as adults we never traveled alone before. Plus we do not always have the chance to hang out and really know each other.
All the preplanning came off without much of a hitch, I planned the itinerary, got the lodging, transportation (despite once being on hold for TWO hours on the phone with RAIL EUROPE -another story entirely) and other details. Before embarking on the trip, I made sure to make copies and type up an itinerary for all of us to be on the same page regarding the details of the trip.
Tuesday, May 16 we departed from Boston (LOGAN) to London (HEATHROW) on the 7pm flight which was on time. YIPEEE we were escaping the rain we had for the last two weeks (cold temps too) but the allergies were put at bay as a result. I was suffering bad allergies while in NYC with my parents a bit of time ago.
The night before is always stressful. I had not fully packed, finished watching the movies I rent from EHIT ( a source of my Asian movie and Kdrama addiction--www.ehit.com if you decide to go with it ---use this email to tell 'em I sent you their way-- asiafan16@hotmail.com). Then we met up with my sis and her boyfriend for a late night IHOP run. By the time we were done it was 2am and I had to crash at 3am.
But by the time we hit the terminal at American Airlines (sped through 20 minutes) to get to the agent (considering the line was really long) we were ok. We had time to relax and nosh on the food from Trader Joe's (my siblings were able to buy to avoid the lack of choices at Logan).
The flight over was not bad. I did not sleep at all (though having only 7 hours of sleep within the last 48 hours you would think I would have slept). Instead, I watched "Casanova" with Heath Ledger and Sienna Miller. I admit I watched it for Venice. Then proceeded to read the magazines and write in my journal all the last minute details that needed attending.
I must admit, I am glad we have technology and email! I cannot imagine back to the days without on line booking, email, cell phones as these components enable me to achieve all my travel planning etc.
During the flight we have some beef stew, salad, oatmeal raisin cookie bites and a choice of coffee, tea, sodas and some juices. For an early breakfast , we get small warm croissant, OJ with choice of butter and jam for the croissant. Plus we did have beverage service a few times to keep us hydrated.
We arrived into Heathrow on time and needed to get to passport control ASAP to reach the Central Bus station to hit the National Express bus to Stansted Airport for our Ryan Air flight at 11:30am. I know the timing is very tight but we were confident we could make it. (It was the only part of the trip I was worried as I know if you miss your flight, you eat the cost of the trip).
We got through with no problems and decide to hit Mark & Spencer take away foods store. I love it! I enjoyed it when I was in London last late fall too. There was a plethora of choices we went a bit crazy. From Roast Beef and Spring Onion chips, smoked salmon, cheddar cheese chunk, chocolate overload dessert (chocolate mousse, chocolate and white chocolate chip bits, chocolate brownie and whipped cream), yogurt and granola as a few examples we decided to buy.
We eat the early morning mix of interesting food. We do like the plastic disposable utensils. Much more durable and cute (reminded us of IKEA for some weird reason) due to its shape and size. We figured we will be in time for the 8am bus to Stansted. At 7:40 I find out that we are not at VICTORIA bus station (which is a good one hour away) but luckily we can exchange the ticket value to what we need as long as we reimburse the difference). PHEW! But the next bus is at 8:45 am to Stansted with estimated arrival of 10:30am (a close call to miss our flight I must say).
We drive around and find we are caught up here and there with traffic. But our bus driver is doing her best. Just as we decide to get into the Motor bus car park , a car decides to enter (they are not allowed) and waits there for a few moments. We honk and then he continues to drive confused in front of us blocking our way to our spot. After honking a few times (2 more times) the guy came out and gave the whole bus the finger. Time was 10:30am so I told my sis to book it to Ryan Air check in. My brother and I had to wait for our luggage because the driver told us we could not help her take it out. We got onto the bus early so we were one of the last bags out of the bus. I tell my brother to run ahead of me to save time.
Big mistake, I get in and get checked in but my brother got a bit lost. He did not bother to check on the TV Screens all around the airport we were a bit frantic. After I checked in, we only had 15 minutes to find him as the cut off was 10:50am or forfeit our ticket. Luckily we ended up checking in and having no problems. I noticed that the security measures are different there. My sister had her bag thoroughly inspected and checked (camera and cell were put on) etc. From there we trekked to Gate 41. We noticed that alot of stores were around the terminal (too many) to the fact we thought we were at a mall. (No joke!)
Once we were at the gates, my brother bypassed our gate (he managed to walk ahead of us). Later we find out, he thought he heard me say gate 48. But we reminded him to next time check the screen (as he has the notes on flight etc in the itinerary I gave him). My sister was a good sport though tired out from chasing down my brother and yelling his name down the terminal . We board and are told it is open seating. I try to sleep on the plane, I did get some.
After two hours later, we land in Treviso (outside of Venice). It is a small airport but the bathroom facilities are immaculate and one return luggage carrel. After getting our stuff, we get to the main entrance (the tiniest I have seen in my travels thus far). We discover instead of cabbing it to the train station in Treviso we can take the #6 bus to the Treviso Train Station for 1 euro a person.
Timing couldn't have been more perfect, we waited only 10 minutes in the warm blazing sun. It was a far cry from Boston weather and temps. The bus ride was short. We made sure to validate our tickets once on the bus. The fines if discovered your tickets is not validated are more expensive than the ticket.
From there we meander a little bit in Treviso but find that it is very hard to enjoy walking around encumbered with all our stuff on our person. We do get to call our lovely hostess Karen to tell her our arrival to Pordenone via the train later on. Finding a phone that took coins a pain as most took only credit card and phone cards. I do not recommend using credit cards as you can get cheated with exorbitant rates as they are not listed on the phone.
We decide to get some much needed gelato. It is the first time for my bro and sis. They loved it! My sis thinks the tiny shovels we use in place of spoons to be very cute. A much needed pickup on such a hot and warm day.
We had tons of time to kills and waited for our train. Once we got our Trieste Station bound train we get to Pordenone about 10 minutes later than scheduled. It is great to see Karen! We decide to head back to her lovely and beautiful home. Dropped off our stuff and walked to the restaurant for dinner called Casablanca. We started out with some good bread dipped in olive oil. The white wine we drank was refreshing. I enjoyed the dish I ordered (A fave of Karen's) the Siciliana which is penne pasta with cheese, chunks of eggplant and tomato which was to die for while my sister enjoyed her seafood pasta dish over penne pasta. My brother had the blanco pizza (sans sauce) and gobbled it up. To top off our meal, we have another round of gelato but for some reason all the usual suspects are closed.
The third and final place is open Desiree for gelati. The gelati hit the spot as we headed back to sleep and relax. I got the chance to do some research and figure out what to do for our day in VENICE and try to rsvp for a ticket to see the Borghese Gallery.
Slumber is beckoning and I hit the sack at 11:30pm.... (to be continued--do not know when).
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Early NYC Mother's day weekend with folks 2006
Recently on a weekend (first weekend in May), I went to New York with my parents. It has been a good four years since we went together. Last time it was everyone with the exception of my brother who lives in Washington to visit my sister's godfather in Staten Island. But whenever my family visited New York in the past, it was basically kept to walking around Chinatown and not much else.
It all started out I wanted to take my mother to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens when I went over Easter Weekend. I know how she adores flowers. Plus spring is a lovely time with all the flowers in bloom. I invited her and it turned out my dad had some time off from work. Since I cannot take too much time off during the week, we decided to just do two days and one night. Well getting an inexpensive room for three people in the CITY is near to impossible unless you want to do the hostel beds (not an option with the parents). Even staying at a Comfort Inn cost $250+ a night in midtown very ridiculous if you ask me.
I met up with my parents when they took the bus in from Barnstable at 8:15am on Saturday. We just missed the 8am Chinatown shuttle. We decide to go to the nearby Mei Dong bakery to get some congee, buns and water as snacks for our ride down. We take FUNG WAH and at $15 a person one way, you can't beat the price to get to NYC (granted you are dropped off in NY Chinatown). My parents remarked how many people who were not Chinese taking the bus. I told her, it is no longer a hidden secret as it once was.
We see the sun come in and out throughout the morning (to stay strong for the afternoon) as we are driving down. My dad complains of wanting to have a rest stop. I told him there is always one stop but I never know where in Connecticut. The thing with my dad, though I love him to death, he has a tendency to complain and nag alot. He means nothing by it, but it can test the patience of a saint and I sometimes equate my mom as one to deal with my dad on a daily basis. He sure drove me bonkers when we were in Vegas together last Fall.
The pollen is killing me and I am sneezing, eyes are watery, with a runny nose all day Saturday. It is hell and my dad jokes he is immune. Mr self proclaimed superman even starts sneezing and my mom who doesn't normally have allergies does too. It is worsened when we are walking around Brooklyn Botanical Gardens later in the afternoon.
First off, we alight from the bus, then head to a dim sum place. It is a big one off on MOTT STREET and the name eludes me. It is a big place on a second floor with escalators taking you there. We are seated at a table with five other people to "share" it. One dad with two kids and two older ladies have their dim sum. We are famished and proceed to order all the dim sum we can as we see it pass us by. My dad cannot resist making comparisons and talking about the dim sum. Through the years, I have learned a place is good if the chefs can make the basic stuff well same as for any other chefs. The siu mai (open faced dumpling with pork and shrimp), har gow (shrimp dumpling wrapped in translucent wrapper) or chang fun (rice noodles stuffed with either beef, shrimp, pork or fried cruller topped with soy sauce) are important. Then we get the other stuff. Overall my parents thought the meal a bit pricey and quality not up to par as Canada. (Canada does have the TOP dim sum I have ever tasted in my life especially in Toronto and Vancouver -Richmond).
We get wrapped in a discussion with the two older ladies seated next to us. Turns out they are both almost 80 both being 77. But from the looks of them, they do not look older than their late 60's. My dad has to ask how they do it. Daily walks and eating healthy and keeping a your mind active. I must say it is cute to hear their conversations swapping stories on their lives. My parents have been in the States for over 40 years whereas the older ladies have been in the US only for 30 years. We are stuffed and bid these two kind ladies a fond farewell and embark on walking the streets of Chinatown towards the subway.
My dad and mom are marveling on the quality, quantity and variety of fruit and veggies and we even get some mini egg cakes (20 for $1) before hitting the Canal Street Metro station. I tell my folks we should get the $7 one day Metro Pass. One thing I must complain since we used a machine, if you want to buy more than one, you have to do it individually. A pain and waste of time you ask me! My parents feared using their credit card so I was stuck feeding bills and as a result we got cheated out of $1 when we put in a $10 bill. When we asked for a reimbursement, we were told to get the machine number and write the transportation authorities. Not worth the effort we decide. From there, we take the "A" and switch over to the "2" to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens (the Brooklyn Museum Stop).
The entrance fee is only $5 each and we spend 2 hours taking photos and walking around the gardens. The sun is out and hot. I am sweltering as I am carrying my stuff, wearing layers (which I am thankful to have later on at night when the temps drop to the 40's with a strong gusty wind). My mother is oohing and awwwing about the flowers. I am hoping the Cherry Blossoms are still about (as the Cherry Blossom Festival was the prior weekend) Unfortunately they are gone and the tulips too. But we hit upon a beautify PEONY garden of vibrant pinks, white, purple and burgundy and reds. According to my mom, the Peony is the Emperor of all flowers in China and the National Flower of China. It is her FAVORITE flower and she had me shoot numerous photos of her and the blooms. I am glad I got to put a smile on her face.
We walk around and take breaks when needed when my mom is feeling tired. She had a rough time last year with cancer and other health problems needing other operation. Her progress has been amazing over the last year I am very proud of her. Plus this trip was an early Mother's Day present. I find time is a precious gift you cannot always give to be with our loved ones.
My parents love getting to the Conservatory area with the funky blooms and cacti that we see from Lion ear flowers (very cool) to other bamboo or banana leaves and orchids spread out in the other indoor gardens.
We decide to go to FLUSHING to get dinner and relax. It is 5pm and it will take us a more than an hour to get there. We make it to 42nd switch over to the "7" to Flushing Main Street. My parents have never really taking the subway this much ever. So this is an experience for them.
We walk up the stairs to Flushing Main Street. I declare I am desperately need to get some allergy medicine. I am not having a good of time as I should due to the fact I am sniffling constantly, sneezing and with red, watery eyes are not helping at all. We go to Duane Reade and then walk a few blocks around the Metro station. We decide to hit the Flushing Mall there and eat at the food court. We are full from dim sum and do not know where to eat or what to eat. We get a bunch of stuff and the prices are good. Thank goodness I studied Mandarin in College. I get to use it here as Cantonese is not used.
My eyes grow big as I spot in Chinese a few of my fave Taiwanese faves (thanks to my good friend Tina for introducing them to me). I got a "gwa bao" ($1.45) a white bun burger with fatty pork, sugar, peanut and pickled veggie or "Pi gu fan" fried pork chop with tea egg, pickled veggie, boiled napa and rice with pork sauce (only $3.95) and Oyster Pancake($3.50) oyster in egg batter mix deep fried with sweet red sauce on top. My dad gets some "dao jang" warm soy bean milk --he declared to be delicious and seafood tofu chigae and some dumplings. This is a hodge podge dinner but we are happy and I am content. My dad was needling my food choices saying I should get some more exciting stuff. Then later changes his tune saying it is ok. There is never any winning with my dad, he always has to have the last word. It is his way or the high way. (UGGGH in frustration).
After having our meal, we walk more in Flushing (the most I ever did prior). I just kept going to one Taiwanese place before and that was it. So it was good to explore. The competition is fierce and prices are great. We got 2 apple pears for $1.00 and walk down more stores to see the same pears for 3 for $1. In Boston Chinatown, the same pears are $1 each. They are juicy, sweet and delicious having the both good qualities of pear and apples. YUM!
Satisfied, we hit the train to head back. I am a bit discombobulated and get off at 42nd and Grand Central Station. So to make the most of it, I take them up to see the renovated station. Granted, my mom and dad never stepped foot before into it. We took the "S" to Times Square.
My dad was excited to walk around Times Square. He was reminiscing when he was poor and young he and his cronies to avoid spending hotel money, they went to the "xxx" 24 hour movie theater and grabbed some zzz's and called it a night. Now after Giuliani and Disney coming in, he was impressed and loving it. My parents were surprised to see Beijing welcomes you sign for the upcoming Olympics there in 2008.
We walk around as it is 10pm and they are marveling all the young people and families still walking around Times Square. Not that long ago, people and families did not walk as freely and you did not feel as safe either.
Now it is 11 and we decide to get to our rest place. After realizing all the "1" trains go straight to 145 street we walk from 96 ST up Broadway to 103st to our Hotel. We bunk there for the night and arrive just before midnight.
Day two and final day of our NYC early mother's day present (May 7th) and it is a lovely Sunday. It is not as hot as Saturday but cool and sunny. Wake up and grab a good bagel in the neighborhood (very efficient set up) been around for a few years. Love it! Then cross over to Central Park (being on 105th street already) we decide to embark on a walk to Chinatown. We start at 9:15am and make frequent stops for my mother and dad.
I am impressed how my mom survives the walking. Last year at this time, she was in a weakened state due to the operations and constant visits to the hospital that her health was shot. Flash forward a year later, she is walking over five hours (throughout Manhattan). They comment how many walkers and runners abound within Central Park. This is only the second time I get to walk around. We do hit the Jackie O Reservoir amongst one of the places and walk by the infamous "Tavern on the Green".
I do decide to stop by Columbus Circle (end of Central Park around 60th and 59th street) to see the Time Warner mall. There is a Bouchon bakery (closed) , Samsung store, huge Whole Foods and other great stores from pricey to J Crew. My parents thought the mall was very nice. Then again , they both admitted that it has been a LONG time since either of them have trekked through NYC. My mom since the 60's and my dad since he visited with his cronies in the early 70's.
Then we crossed over to walk down FIFTH AVENUE. I noticed alot of new editions and renovated spaces, we stopped by Trump Tower, eyed stuff outside of Cartier, Tiffany, Saks, H & M, Henri Bendel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton to name a few. We liked that there were benches every few blocks (never saw them before) that allowed my folks to rest a bit. We even sampled the inexpensive Papaya Hot Dog (can't beat the $1 for one hot dog price!).
Then we merge onto Broadway and head over to Union Square. The annual Asian Heritage Celebration was held there and we meandered amongst the crowd checking out the various tables of different Asian Organizations from AIDS awareness, Dragon boating, Media groups, Theater, Television to live performances on the main stage and areas to grab a bit to eat. A festive crowd and great place to get some information about organizations in the city.
From there, we hit SOHO a little bit but decide to get lunch in Chinatown at BIG WONGS. My dad got a tip from his friend the HK style BBQ stuff is not bad. We enjoyed their long noodle with shrimp and beef (chang fun). My dad loves the beef tendon with noodels, my mom got the won ton noodles with roast pork (char siu) and I got a preserved egg , pork congee (rice soup) as I felt I needed something not too heavy. Add in a plate of bitter melon stir fried with pork in black bean sauce ---yum--over rice. Now that I am older, I like the bitter melon. My mom tells me it is great aid in digestion!!
We try to get onto the 3:00pm bus but the line is way too long. We end up on the 4pm and start lining up at 3:30 because it is so busy.
We get back into Boston at 8:15PM. Good timing and head back to my place after getting some take out to eat for dinner. A good ending of a short weekend trip with the parents. This marked the second trip I did alone with my folks. The other time was to Vegas back in the Fall as a treat for both of them.
I am trying to cherish the time I have to spend with them as much as I can. I am lucky to have both of them. I try to remind myself these thoughts when they are both driving me nuts (at times).
It all started out I wanted to take my mother to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens when I went over Easter Weekend. I know how she adores flowers. Plus spring is a lovely time with all the flowers in bloom. I invited her and it turned out my dad had some time off from work. Since I cannot take too much time off during the week, we decided to just do two days and one night. Well getting an inexpensive room for three people in the CITY is near to impossible unless you want to do the hostel beds (not an option with the parents). Even staying at a Comfort Inn cost $250+ a night in midtown very ridiculous if you ask me.
I met up with my parents when they took the bus in from Barnstable at 8:15am on Saturday. We just missed the 8am Chinatown shuttle. We decide to go to the nearby Mei Dong bakery to get some congee, buns and water as snacks for our ride down. We take FUNG WAH and at $15 a person one way, you can't beat the price to get to NYC (granted you are dropped off in NY Chinatown). My parents remarked how many people who were not Chinese taking the bus. I told her, it is no longer a hidden secret as it once was.
We see the sun come in and out throughout the morning (to stay strong for the afternoon) as we are driving down. My dad complains of wanting to have a rest stop. I told him there is always one stop but I never know where in Connecticut. The thing with my dad, though I love him to death, he has a tendency to complain and nag alot. He means nothing by it, but it can test the patience of a saint and I sometimes equate my mom as one to deal with my dad on a daily basis. He sure drove me bonkers when we were in Vegas together last Fall.
The pollen is killing me and I am sneezing, eyes are watery, with a runny nose all day Saturday. It is hell and my dad jokes he is immune. Mr self proclaimed superman even starts sneezing and my mom who doesn't normally have allergies does too. It is worsened when we are walking around Brooklyn Botanical Gardens later in the afternoon.
First off, we alight from the bus, then head to a dim sum place. It is a big one off on MOTT STREET and the name eludes me. It is a big place on a second floor with escalators taking you there. We are seated at a table with five other people to "share" it. One dad with two kids and two older ladies have their dim sum. We are famished and proceed to order all the dim sum we can as we see it pass us by. My dad cannot resist making comparisons and talking about the dim sum. Through the years, I have learned a place is good if the chefs can make the basic stuff well same as for any other chefs. The siu mai (open faced dumpling with pork and shrimp), har gow (shrimp dumpling wrapped in translucent wrapper) or chang fun (rice noodles stuffed with either beef, shrimp, pork or fried cruller topped with soy sauce) are important. Then we get the other stuff. Overall my parents thought the meal a bit pricey and quality not up to par as Canada. (Canada does have the TOP dim sum I have ever tasted in my life especially in Toronto and Vancouver -Richmond).
We get wrapped in a discussion with the two older ladies seated next to us. Turns out they are both almost 80 both being 77. But from the looks of them, they do not look older than their late 60's. My dad has to ask how they do it. Daily walks and eating healthy and keeping a your mind active. I must say it is cute to hear their conversations swapping stories on their lives. My parents have been in the States for over 40 years whereas the older ladies have been in the US only for 30 years. We are stuffed and bid these two kind ladies a fond farewell and embark on walking the streets of Chinatown towards the subway.
My dad and mom are marveling on the quality, quantity and variety of fruit and veggies and we even get some mini egg cakes (20 for $1) before hitting the Canal Street Metro station. I tell my folks we should get the $7 one day Metro Pass. One thing I must complain since we used a machine, if you want to buy more than one, you have to do it individually. A pain and waste of time you ask me! My parents feared using their credit card so I was stuck feeding bills and as a result we got cheated out of $1 when we put in a $10 bill. When we asked for a reimbursement, we were told to get the machine number and write the transportation authorities. Not worth the effort we decide. From there, we take the "A" and switch over to the "2" to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens (the Brooklyn Museum Stop).
The entrance fee is only $5 each and we spend 2 hours taking photos and walking around the gardens. The sun is out and hot. I am sweltering as I am carrying my stuff, wearing layers (which I am thankful to have later on at night when the temps drop to the 40's with a strong gusty wind). My mother is oohing and awwwing about the flowers. I am hoping the Cherry Blossoms are still about (as the Cherry Blossom Festival was the prior weekend) Unfortunately they are gone and the tulips too. But we hit upon a beautify PEONY garden of vibrant pinks, white, purple and burgundy and reds. According to my mom, the Peony is the Emperor of all flowers in China and the National Flower of China. It is her FAVORITE flower and she had me shoot numerous photos of her and the blooms. I am glad I got to put a smile on her face.
We walk around and take breaks when needed when my mom is feeling tired. She had a rough time last year with cancer and other health problems needing other operation. Her progress has been amazing over the last year I am very proud of her. Plus this trip was an early Mother's Day present. I find time is a precious gift you cannot always give to be with our loved ones.
My parents love getting to the Conservatory area with the funky blooms and cacti that we see from Lion ear flowers (very cool) to other bamboo or banana leaves and orchids spread out in the other indoor gardens.
We decide to go to FLUSHING to get dinner and relax. It is 5pm and it will take us a more than an hour to get there. We make it to 42nd switch over to the "7" to Flushing Main Street. My parents have never really taking the subway this much ever. So this is an experience for them.
We walk up the stairs to Flushing Main Street. I declare I am desperately need to get some allergy medicine. I am not having a good of time as I should due to the fact I am sniffling constantly, sneezing and with red, watery eyes are not helping at all. We go to Duane Reade and then walk a few blocks around the Metro station. We decide to hit the Flushing Mall there and eat at the food court. We are full from dim sum and do not know where to eat or what to eat. We get a bunch of stuff and the prices are good. Thank goodness I studied Mandarin in College. I get to use it here as Cantonese is not used.
My eyes grow big as I spot in Chinese a few of my fave Taiwanese faves (thanks to my good friend Tina for introducing them to me). I got a "gwa bao" ($1.45) a white bun burger with fatty pork, sugar, peanut and pickled veggie or "Pi gu fan" fried pork chop with tea egg, pickled veggie, boiled napa and rice with pork sauce (only $3.95) and Oyster Pancake($3.50) oyster in egg batter mix deep fried with sweet red sauce on top. My dad gets some "dao jang" warm soy bean milk --he declared to be delicious and seafood tofu chigae and some dumplings. This is a hodge podge dinner but we are happy and I am content. My dad was needling my food choices saying I should get some more exciting stuff. Then later changes his tune saying it is ok. There is never any winning with my dad, he always has to have the last word. It is his way or the high way. (UGGGH in frustration).
After having our meal, we walk more in Flushing (the most I ever did prior). I just kept going to one Taiwanese place before and that was it. So it was good to explore. The competition is fierce and prices are great. We got 2 apple pears for $1.00 and walk down more stores to see the same pears for 3 for $1. In Boston Chinatown, the same pears are $1 each. They are juicy, sweet and delicious having the both good qualities of pear and apples. YUM!
Satisfied, we hit the train to head back. I am a bit discombobulated and get off at 42nd and Grand Central Station. So to make the most of it, I take them up to see the renovated station. Granted, my mom and dad never stepped foot before into it. We took the "S" to Times Square.
My dad was excited to walk around Times Square. He was reminiscing when he was poor and young he and his cronies to avoid spending hotel money, they went to the "xxx" 24 hour movie theater and grabbed some zzz's and called it a night. Now after Giuliani and Disney coming in, he was impressed and loving it. My parents were surprised to see Beijing welcomes you sign for the upcoming Olympics there in 2008.
We walk around as it is 10pm and they are marveling all the young people and families still walking around Times Square. Not that long ago, people and families did not walk as freely and you did not feel as safe either.
Now it is 11 and we decide to get to our rest place. After realizing all the "1" trains go straight to 145 street we walk from 96 ST up Broadway to 103st to our Hotel. We bunk there for the night and arrive just before midnight.
Day two and final day of our NYC early mother's day present (May 7th) and it is a lovely Sunday. It is not as hot as Saturday but cool and sunny. Wake up and grab a good bagel in the neighborhood (very efficient set up) been around for a few years. Love it! Then cross over to Central Park (being on 105th street already) we decide to embark on a walk to Chinatown. We start at 9:15am and make frequent stops for my mother and dad.
I am impressed how my mom survives the walking. Last year at this time, she was in a weakened state due to the operations and constant visits to the hospital that her health was shot. Flash forward a year later, she is walking over five hours (throughout Manhattan). They comment how many walkers and runners abound within Central Park. This is only the second time I get to walk around. We do hit the Jackie O Reservoir amongst one of the places and walk by the infamous "Tavern on the Green".
I do decide to stop by Columbus Circle (end of Central Park around 60th and 59th street) to see the Time Warner mall. There is a Bouchon bakery (closed) , Samsung store, huge Whole Foods and other great stores from pricey to J Crew. My parents thought the mall was very nice. Then again , they both admitted that it has been a LONG time since either of them have trekked through NYC. My mom since the 60's and my dad since he visited with his cronies in the early 70's.
Then we crossed over to walk down FIFTH AVENUE. I noticed alot of new editions and renovated spaces, we stopped by Trump Tower, eyed stuff outside of Cartier, Tiffany, Saks, H & M, Henri Bendel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton to name a few. We liked that there were benches every few blocks (never saw them before) that allowed my folks to rest a bit. We even sampled the inexpensive Papaya Hot Dog (can't beat the $1 for one hot dog price!).
Then we merge onto Broadway and head over to Union Square. The annual Asian Heritage Celebration was held there and we meandered amongst the crowd checking out the various tables of different Asian Organizations from AIDS awareness, Dragon boating, Media groups, Theater, Television to live performances on the main stage and areas to grab a bit to eat. A festive crowd and great place to get some information about organizations in the city.
From there, we hit SOHO a little bit but decide to get lunch in Chinatown at BIG WONGS. My dad got a tip from his friend the HK style BBQ stuff is not bad. We enjoyed their long noodle with shrimp and beef (chang fun). My dad loves the beef tendon with noodels, my mom got the won ton noodles with roast pork (char siu) and I got a preserved egg , pork congee (rice soup) as I felt I needed something not too heavy. Add in a plate of bitter melon stir fried with pork in black bean sauce ---yum--over rice. Now that I am older, I like the bitter melon. My mom tells me it is great aid in digestion!!
We try to get onto the 3:00pm bus but the line is way too long. We end up on the 4pm and start lining up at 3:30 because it is so busy.
We get back into Boston at 8:15PM. Good timing and head back to my place after getting some take out to eat for dinner. A good ending of a short weekend trip with the parents. This marked the second trip I did alone with my folks. The other time was to Vegas back in the Fall as a treat for both of them.
I am trying to cherish the time I have to spend with them as much as I can. I am lucky to have both of them. I try to remind myself these thoughts when they are both driving me nuts (at times).
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